The Standing Committee on Information Technology (Chairperson: Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur) submitted its report on “Progress of Implementation of BharatNet” on August 7, 2018. The Committee examined the BharatNet project, which was launched in 2011 to provide connectivity to 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) through optical fibre. Key observations and recommendations made by the Committee include:
Implementation of Phase I: Under Phase-I of BharatNet, a target of connecting one lakh GPs through optical fibre cable was set. However, the Committee noted that inadequate planning and design coupled with lack of preparedness affected the project from 2011 to 2014. Because of deficiencies in various aspects such as planning, design, procurement, and non-participation of states, the implementation could start only after 2014. The Committee observed that the target of completing one lakh GPs had been achieved on December 28, 2017.
Last-mile connectivity: The Committee observed that last-mile connectivity (connectivity to households) was not in the scope of BharatNet till July 2017. Since 1,09,099 GPs were service ready by May 1, 2017, the Committee stated that focus should be on provision of last-mile connectivity in these GPs. Further, the Committee emphasised the need to set up Wi-Fi hotspots under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, It recommended that while setting up Wi-Fi hotspots, emphasis should be given to participation of village level entrepreneurs, so as to generate employment.
Implementation of Phase-II: Under Phase-II of BharatNet, a target of covering the remaining 1,50,000 GPs by March 2019 has been set. The Committee recommended that effort should be made for timely completion of targets for Phase-II. Further, it recommended that in Phase-II emphasis should be given to employment generation, particularly in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and North-eastern states.
Participation of states: The Committee noted that non-involvement of states in Phase-I has resulted in slow progress and non-utilization of infrastructure. To address this issue, a modified strategy was adopted where GPs in eight states were provided connectivity through state-led model. Under this model, states undertake the responsibility of laying of optical fibre cable and radio. The Committee stated that a mechanism should be put in place whereby best practices adopted in one state can be shared with all other states.
Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs): The Committee noted that Phase-I of the project had been allotted to three CPSUs (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, RailTel, and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited). Despite having expertise in optical fibre technology, performance of these CPSUs has not been satisfactory. This included delays in achieving targets under Phase-I. The Committee recommended in this regard that stringent measures, such as penalties for failure to achieve the targets, should be imposed on the CPSUs.
Private sector participation: The Committee noted that there is high private sector is participation in implementation of Phase-II. Two projects will be implemented under private sector-led model in Bihar and Punjab. The Committee recommended that there should not be any scope for laxity by private participants in timely execution of projects. Further, penalty clauses should be included in agreements with them.
Right of way (RoW) issues: The Committee noted that Indian Telegraph Right of Way Rules, 2016 have been framed to ensure grant of RoW permissions in underground and over ground infrastructure. However, as of May 1, 2018, 296 RoW cases are pending with different agencies, which affect 1,241 GPs. In this regard, the Committee recommended that there should be a single window clearance system to ensure smooth implementation.
BharatNet Phase-III: Phase-III of the BharatNet involves upgrading the network to meet future requirements. However, the Committee observed that Phase-III has not been approved by the Union Cabinet. Given the size of Phase-III, the Committee recommended that all necessary planning and implementation strategy should be worked out in advance. Further, it recommended that Department of Telecommunications should take necessary steps for getting approval of the competent authority at the earliest.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India submitted its report on ‘National Rural Drinking Water Programme’ on August 7, 2018. National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) was launched in 2009. It aims to provide safe and adequate water for drinking, cooking and other domestic needs to every rural person on a sustainable basis. The audit was conducted for the period 2012-17. Key findings and recommendations of the CAG include:
Underperformance of the scheme: By 2017, NRDWP aimed to achieve certain objectives. However, by December 2017, these objectives were not completely attained. It aimed to provide all rural habitations, government schools, and anganwadis access to safe drinking water. Of this, only 44% of rural households and 85% of government schools and anganwadis were provided access. It also aimed to provide 50% of rural population potable drinking water (55 litres per capita per day) by piped water supply. Of this, only 18% of rural population was provided potable drinking water. It also sought to give household connections to 35% of rural households. Of this, only 17% of rural households were given household connections.
Planning and delivery mechanism: The CAG noted deviations from the programme guidelines in the planning and delivery framework established at the centre and states. 21 states had not framed water security plans. Deficiencies were found in the preparation and scrutiny of annual action plans such as: (i) lack of stakeholder and community participation, (ii) non-inclusion of minimum service level of water in schemes, and (iii) absence of approval of State Level Scheme Sanctioning Committee for schemes included in the plans. The apex level National Drinking Water and Sanitation Council set up to co-ordinate and ensure convergence remained largely non-functional. State level agencies important for planning and execution of the programme, such as the State Water and Sanitation Mission, State Technical Agency, and Block Resources Centres were either not set up or were under-performing.
The CAG recommended that the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation should review the feasibility and practicality of the planning and delivery mechanisms to ensure that they serve the intended purposes. It also suggested that the water security plans and annual action plans must be prepared with community participation. This will ensure that schemes are aligned to community requirements and utilise water resources in an optimum and sustainable manner.
Fund management: Between 2012-17, total allocation of Rs 89,956 crore (central share of 43,691 crore and state share of Rs 46,265 crore) was provided for the programme. Of this, Rs 81,168 crore (90%) was spent during this period. The availability of funds declined during 2013-14 and 2016-17 due to reduced central allocation and inability of states to increase their own financial commitment. The CAG noted delays of over 15 months in release of central share to nodal/implementing agencies in states. It recommended that allocation of resources should be dynamic and based on a clear assessment of requirements and achievements under each component of the scheme.
Programme implementation:NRDWP failed to achieve its targets due to deficiencies in implementation, such as: (i) incomplete, abandoned and non-operational works, (ii) unproductive expenditure on equipment, (iii) non-functional sustainability structures, and (iv) gaps in contractual management, with a total financial implication of Rs 2,212 crore.
There was inadequate focus on surface water based schemes and 98% of the schemes, including piped water schemes continued to be based on ground water resources. The CAG also noted that operation and maintenance plans were either not prepared in most states or they had deficiencies in them. This led to schemes becoming non-functional. The CAG recommended that focus should be placed on effective works and contract management to ensure that works are completed in time as per the contractual terms. Delays attributable to contractors should be penalised and accountability should be enforced.
The Law Commission of India (Chair: Justice B.S. Chauhan) submitted its report on ‘Wrongful Prosecution (Miscarriage of Justice): Legal Remedies’ on August 30, 2018. The report follows a Delhi High Court directive in 2016 where the Commission was asked to examine the remedies for wrongful detention. The Commission noted that currently there is no legislative framework to provide relief to those who are wrongfully prosecuted. Key recommendations of the Commission include:
Legal framework: The Commission recommended amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC), to give compensation in cases of miscarriage of justice resulting in wrongful prosecution of persons. Miscarriage of justice refers to wrongful or malicious prosecution, regardless of whether it leads to conviction or detention.
Cause of action: The cause of action (reason) for the claimant to file a compensation claim would be that he was wrongfully prosecuted in a case which ended in his acquittal. Wrongful prosecution would include: (i) malicious prosecution, i.e. where one files a case against the claimant without belief in his guilt for the crime, and (ii) prosecution without good faith, i.e. where one files a case against the claimant negligently without due care and attention.
Who can apply: A claim for compensation may be sought for harm caused to body, mind, reputation, or property because of the wrongful prosecution. Such a claim can be filed by the accused person, or his authorised agent, or his heirs or legal representatives (upon his death).
Special Courts: The Commission observed that claims in relation to wrongful compensation should be settled speedily, keeping in mind the interest of the claimant. Therefore, it recommended setting up of special courts in each district for deciding compensation claims.
Nature of proceedings: The proceedings in the special court will follow summary procedures for speedier disposal of the case. Further, the accused will be required to prove misconduct which lead to his wrongful prosecution. The claim will be decided by weighing the “balance of probabilities”, i.e., the claim will be decided in favour of the party whose claims appear more likely to be true.
Compensation: The Commission observed that it may not be possible at present to lay down a fixed amount of monetary compensation to be paid. It recommended amendments to the CrPC to include guiding principles to be followed by the court while deciding the amount of compensation. These include seriousness of the offence, severity of punishment, length of detention, damage to health, harm to reputation, and loss of opportunities.
Further, the Commission recommended that compensation under the law should include both pecuniary (monetary) assistance and non-pecuniary assistance (such, as counselling services and vocational skill development). It further emphasised that non-pecuniary assistance should include provisions to remove disqualifications attached to wrongful prosecution. These include disqualifications which affect the person’s chances of finding employment and getting admission in educational institutions.
The Commission also recommended that a provision for payment of interim compensation be included in the law, for cases where the claimant may require immediate assistance.
The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare (Chair: Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav) submitted its report on ‘Functioning of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’ on August 7, 2018. FSSAI is responsible for formulating science based food standards and regulating the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of food to ensure consumer safety. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
Regulatory framework: The Committee noted that even after more than a decade of the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is yet to frame regulations governing various procedures relating to accreditation of food testing laboratories, food labelling standards, and genetically engineered food, among others. Further, the FSSAI has been unable to identify areas for which standards are yet to be formulated or amended. It was observed that most states do not have a separate food safety department to efficiently implement food safety and standards. This has resulted in: (i) lack of quality checks, (ii) food adulteration, (iii) misleading labelling, and (iv) sale of defective food products.
The Committee recommended that the FSSAI must frame and notify regulations on all areas that have been specified in the Act within a period of one year. Further, it recommends the establishment of a separate food safety department in all states for enforcing a robust food safety mechanism.
Licensing and registration: Under the Act, no person can commence or carry on any food business without obtaining a license. The Committee noted that several food businesses were operating either without a license or with expired licenses. Further, licenses were being issued on the basis of incomplete documents by central and state licensing authorities. It also noted that that the rejection rate of licenses for renewal is very low. The Committee recommended that FSSAI ensure all licenses issued under the earlier system of product approvals are reviewed, and licenses are cancelled and reissued as required under the present procedure of product approvals.
Food safety surveys: The Committee observed that FSSAI has left the task of undertaking surveys to states, but states are not equipped to undertake surveys. However, no survey has been conducted for the enforcement of the Act. FSSAI also does not have any database on food businesses. Therefore, it recommended that FSSAI and state food authorities must conduct surveys of food businesses in their jurisdiction.
Food recall plans: The Committee recommended that FSSAI ensure that every food business has a food recall plan, in case of ban on any food items. Further, it recommended that FSSAI provide recall reports on a fortnightly basis to make consumers aware of adulterated and misbranded products.
Food testing laboratories: The Committee noted that there is a shortage of laboratories, manpower and functional food testing equipment in most food laboratories (used for testing food samples by FSSAI and state food safety authorities), resulting in deficient testing of food samples. It noted that there are 266 laboratories in the country, many of which lack facilities to test essential parameters like heavy metal, pesticide and bacterial contamination. The Committee recommended a uniform procedure of testing across the country to obtain accurate results. In addition, it recommended each state to frame its recruitment regulations and conduct regular exams to fill up vacancies in laboratories.
The Committee also observed that only 13 out of the 62 functional state food laboratories possess National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation. In this context, the Committee recommended making accreditation of all laboratories mandatory for efficient food quality management.
Amendments to the Act: The Committee recommended several amendments to the existing Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to establish a uniform food safety regulatory regime in the country. These recommendations relate to: (i) regulating use of food dye, (ii) regulating primary production i.e., the use of pesticides by farmers and fishermen, and (iii) modifying the process of selection of the Chairman and CEO of FSSAI to include experts and scientists in the food sector.
Shortage of manpower: The Committee observed that there is acute shortage of staff at FSSAI and state safety authorities which affects food safety measures across the states. It recommended that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare draw an action plan in coordination with states for overcoming the shortage of manpower.
History: Earlier, it was called National woman’s day and was acknowledged by the U.S. on February 28, 1909. This was done because of the labour movement which was started in 1908 where 15000 female employees went on strike in New York City to protest against poor working conditions.
National Women’s Day was recognised as International Women’s Day only in 1910 after German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin suggested at an International Conference.
Themes: This year the themes for International Women’s Day are #BalanceforBetter, which is described as a “call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world” and “More Powerful Together”. The themes stress upon the need for more men to get involved in the fight against gender equality and feminism.
Why March 8? It was on this day that women in Soviet Russia gained the right the vote in 1917, hence March 8 was declared a national holiday for them. The United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace in 1977.
The aim is to nurture and recall the brave deeds of the heroes of our freedom struggle.
Key facts: The project for compilation of “Dictionary of Martyrs” of India’s Freedom Struggle was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, to the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) to commemorate the 150th anniversary of uprising of 1857.
Definition: In this dictionary a martyr has been defined as a person who died or who was killed in action or in detention, or was awarded capital punishment while participating in the national movement for emancipation of India.
It includes ex-INA or ex-military personnel who died fighting the British. It includes the martyrs of 1857 Uprising, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919), Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), Quit India Movement (1942-44), Revolutionary Movements (1915-34), Kissan Movements, Tribal Movements, Agitation for Responsible Government in the Princely States (Prajamandal), Indian National Army (INA, 1943-45), Royal Indian Navy Upsurge (RIN, 1946), etc. Information of about 13,500 martyrs has been recorded in these volumes.
Significance: A nation that does not honour and remember those who created, or are an important part, of its history, often does not have a secure future. In that sense, this effort is not just a way to cherish the past, but is also a way to secure the future. This was the first attempt at compiling the names of martyrs on this scale. This shall have a positive influence on the future generations, and inspires them to think of “India First.”
These measures include: Large Hydropower Projects to be declared as Renewable Energy source (as per existing practice, only hydropower projects less than 25MW are categorized as Renewable Energy).
Hydropower Projects (HPO) as a separate entity within non-solar Renewable Purchase Obligation to cover LHPs commissioned after notification of these measures (SHPs are already covered under Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation).
The trajectory of annual HPO targets will be notified by Ministry of Power based on the projected capacity addition plans in hydropower sector. Necessary amendments will be introduced in the Tariff Policy and Tariff Regulations to operationalize HPO.
Tariff rationalization measures including providing flexibility to the developers to determine tariff by back loading of tariff after increasing project life to 40 years, increasing debt repayment period to 18 years and introducing escalating tariff of 2%; Budgetary support for funding flood moderation component of hydropower projects on case to case basis.
Budgetary support for funding cost of enabling infrastructure i.e. roads and bridges on case to case basis as per actual, limited to Rs. 1.5 crore per MW for upto 200 MW projects and Rs. 1.0 crore per MW for above 200 MW projects.
Major Impact including employment generation potential: As most of the hydro power potential is located in the higher reaches of Himalayas and North- East Region, it will result in overall socio-economic development of the region by providing direct employment in the power sector.
Provide indirect employment/ entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of transportation, tourism and other small scale businesses. It provides a stable grid considering 160 GW capacity addition by 2022 from infirm sources of power like solar and wind.
India’s hydropower potential: India is blessed with immense amount of hydro-electric potential and ranks 5th in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on global scenario. India is endowed with large hydropower potential of 1,45,320 MW of which only about 45,400 MW has been utilized so far. Only about 10,000 MW of hydropower has been added in the last 10 years.
The hydropower sector is currently going through a challenging phase and the share of hydropower in the total capacity has declined from 50.36% in the 1960s to around 13% in 2018-19.
Why hydropower? Besides being environment friendly, hydropower has several other unique features like ability for quick ramping, black start, reactive absorption etc. which make it ideal for peaking power, spinning reserve and grid balancing/ stability. Further, hydropower also provides water security, irrigation and flood moderation benefits, apart from socio-economic development of the entire region by providing employment opportunities and boosting tourism etc.
The importance of hydropower is increasing even more as the country has targeted to add 160 GW of intermittent Solar and Wind power by 2022 and 40% of the total capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 to honour its Nationally Determined Contribution for Climate Change.
Challenges ahead: DISCOMS are reluctant sign Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) Hydro Power due to higher tariff, particularly, in the initial years. One of the reasons for high tariff of hydropower is the loading of cost of flood moderation and enabling infrastructure in the project cost.
Due to inherent risks associated with the sector, such as geological surprises, natural calamities, environmental & forest issues, and rehabilitation and resettlement issues apart from commercial risks and change of river basin during operation, many developers are averse to enter into the sector. The major commercial deterrents for the private developers are high capital cost and long payback period due to high gestation period which may also create issues in financing.
The other issue related to Hydropower projects is financing and evacuation. Hydro Power projects are capital-intensive and financing them for long such as 20 years is really a challenge. Further, a number of hydropower projects are located in remote sites in states which do not have enough demand for electricity that presents geographical constraints in developing requisite transmission infrastructure for evacuation.
How much is the world’s electricity supplied by Hydroelectric Power Plants? 2700 TWH is generated every year. Hydropower supplies at least 50% of electricity production in 66 countries and at least 90% in 24 countries.
What is the classification of Hydro Projects based on Installed Capacity? Micro: upto 100 KW. Mini: 101KW to 2 MW. Small: 2 MW to 25 MW. Mega: Hydro projects with installed capacity >= 500 MW. Thermal Projects with installed capacity >=1500 MW.
About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) including Self-Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) is Government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Its objective is to serve as a platform for promotion of world-class Innovation Hubs, Grand Challenges, Start-up businesses and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology driven areas.
The Atal Innovation Mission shall have two core functions: Entrepreneurship promotion through Self-Employment and Talent Utilization, wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to become successful entrepreneurs. Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated.
Impact: The Mission has undertaken many bold and forward-looking initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and Atal Incubation Centres (AIC), which have received great traction; Many Ministries/Departments of Government of India have initiated innovation related activities with the help and technical support of AIM. Under the ATL program, more than 10,000 schools are expected to establish these labs by 2020.
More than 100 Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) are likely to established around the country, supporting at least 50-60 startups each over the first five years. More than 100 innovators/startups are expected to receive some support for productizing their innovations. Each incubator is expected to foster 50-60 technology driven innovative Startups every four years.
The potential for employment generation from these innovations driven Startups is quite high.
Salient features: The Scheme “FMBAP” has been framed by merging the components of two continuing XII Plan schemes titled “Flood Management Programme (FMP)” and “River Management Activities and Works related to Border Areas (RMBA)”.
The aim of the Scheme is to assist the State Governments to provide reasonable degree of protection against floods in critical areas by adopting optimum combination of structural and non-structural measures and enhancing capabilities of State/ Central Government officials in related fields. The works under the scheme will protect valuable land from erosion and flooding and help in maintaining peace along the border.
The Scheme aims at completion of the on-going projects already approved under FMP. Further, the scheme also caters to Hydro-meteorological observations and Flood Forecasting on common rivers with the neighbouring countries.
The Scheme also includes survey and investigations, preparation of DPR etc. of water resources projects on the common rivers with neighbouring countries like Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, Sapta Kosi-Sun Kosi Projects in Nepal which would benefit both countries.
Benefits: The FMBAP Scheme will be implemented throughout the country for effective flood management, erosion control and anti-sea erosion. The proposal will benefit towns, villages, industrial establishments, communication links, agricultural fields, infrastructure etc. from floods and erosion in the country. The catchment area treatment works will help in reduction of sediment load into rivers.
Funding pattern: The funding pattern for FM Component for works in general category States will continue to be 50% (Centre): 50% (State) and for projects of North Eastern States, Sikkim, J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the funding pattern will continue to be 70% (Centre): 30% (State). RMBA component being specific to activities in border areas with neighbouring countries and in accordance with bilateral mechanisms, the projects / works will continue to be funded as 100% grant-in-aid / central assistance.
About the International Finance Corporation (IFC): The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is an international financial institution that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries.
It is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States. It was established in 1956 as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group to advance economic development by investing in strictly for-profit and commercial projects that purport to reduce poverty and promote development.
The IFC is owned and governed by its member countries, but has its own executive leadership and staff that conduct its normal business operations. It is a corporation whose shareholders are member governments that provide paid-in capital and which have the right to vote on its matters.
Functions: It offers an array of debt and equity financing services and helps companies face their risk exposures, while refraining from participating in a management capacity.
The corporation also offers advice to companies on making decisions, evaluating their impact on the environment and society, and being responsible. It advises governments on building infrastructure and partnerships to further support private sector development.
The CCEA has approved ₹2,790 crore for bank loan interest subvention to mills, and ₹565 crore for loan interest subvention to the molasses-based standalone distilleries.
Impact: Banks will be able to extend soft loans worth ₹15,500 crore to mills and distilleries under the scheme. This is likely to benefit 268 mills and create an additional 300-400 crore litres of ethanol capacity, according to industry estimates.
The decision to encourage ethanol production would have a longer term impact, with the creation of 300-400 crore litres of ethanol capacity in addition to the existing 355 crore litres. This will help the sugar industry reduce surplus production by diverting the surplus sugarcane for ethanol.
Benefits of ethanol blending: Increased ethanol blending in petrol has many benefits including reduction in import dependency, support to agricultural sector, more environmental friendly fuel, lesser pollution and additional income to farmers.
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: It was launched by the Government in 2003 on pilot basis which has been subsequently extended to the Notified 21 States and 4 Union Territories to promote the use of alternative and environmental friendly fuels. It aims at blending ethanol with petrol, thereby bringing it under the category of biofuels and saving millions of dollars by cutting fuel imports.
Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme is being implemented by the Ministry or Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). This intervention also seeks to reduce import dependency for energy requirements and give boost to agriculture sector.
Demand: India is the third largest consumer of energy in the world after China and the US. Currently, the country is dependent on imports for about 82.1% of its crude oil requirement and to the extent of about 44.4% in case of natural gas.
India is expected to need 10 billion litres of ethanol annually to meet the 20% blending target in 2030 if petrol consumption continues to grow at the current pace. At present, the capacity stands at 1.55 billion litres a year.
Concerns and challenges: There has been a consistent shortfall in supply of ethanol in the past, mainly on account of the cyclical nature of the sugarcane harvests in the country. There is “lack of an integrated approach in the EBP across its value chain.”
Way ahead: The National Policy on Bio-fuels has set a target of 20% blending of biofuels, both for bio-diesel and bio-ethanol. This will require an integrated approach in the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). The time is ripe for a cogent and consistent policy and administrative framework in the program implementation for the success of EBP.
Background: The AAI has developed 38 unfrequented and less frequented airports since the launch of the scheme in March 2017. As many as 750 routes have been awarded for connecting 77 un-served airports, 21 under-served airports, ten waterdromes and 31 helipads.
About UDAN: UDAN, launched in April 2017, is a flagship scheme of the Union Government to enable air operations on unserved routes, connecting regional areas, to promote balanced regional growth and to make flying affordable for masses. The UDAN Scheme is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) which was launched in June 2016.
Objectives of the scheme: The primary objective of RCS is to facilitate / stimulate regional air connectivity by making it cheap and affordable. Promoting affordability of regional air connectivity is envisioned under RCS by supporting airline operators through: Concessions and Financial (viability gap funding or VGF) support.
Significance: The scheme gives India’s aviation sector a boost by giving a chance to small and first-time operators to be a part of the rapid growth in passenger traffic.
SAT is a statutory body established under the provisions of Section 15K of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
To hear and dispose of appeals against orders passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or by an adjudicating officer under the Act and to exercise jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on the Tribunal by or under this Act or any other law for the time being in force. It covers the whole of India.
In PIB News- Important for Prelims: Khurja Super Thermal Power Project- Uttar Pradesh. Buxar Thermal Power Project- Bihar. Teesta Hydro Power project- Sikkim. Kiru Hydro Electric (HE) Project- Jammu and Kashmir.
In News- Nari Shakti Puraskar: To acknowledge Women’s achievements, the Government of India confers Nari Shakti Puraskars on eminent women and institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of women empowerment. The Nari Shakti Awards were initiated in the year 1999.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development announces these national level awards for eminent women, organisations and institutions. The Nari Shakti Puraskar carries a cash award of Rs.1 Lakh and a certificate for individuals and institutions.
Context: Google has launched a new application called ‘Bolo’ that aims to help children in primary school to read in Hindi and English. The app, which is being launched in India first, uses Google’s speech recognition and text-to-speech technology.
It comes with a built-in fun and helpful reading buddy, an animated character called ‘Diya’. The reading material available on the app will be completely free of cost.
The app aims to help improve the reading ability of children, as the lack of it can significantly impact further education and ultimately children’s ability to realise their full potential.
Context: India has sealed a $3-billion deal with Russia for leasing a nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years.
Under the pact, Russia will have to deliver the Akula class submarine, to be known as Chakra III, to the Indian Navy by 2025. It will be the third Russian submarine to be leased to the Navy. India Navy has taken two more submarines from Russia on lease. The first Russian nuclear-powered submarine — christened INS Chakra — was taken in 1988 under a three year lease. A second INS Chakra was taken on lease in 2012 for a period of 10 years.
Odisha govt launches boat ambulance for remote villages: The Odisha government has launched boat ambulance service for those living in the remote villages near Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district. It is meant to ferry people to hospitals and clinics in case of emergency.