Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major milestone today with the maiden launch of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), Army Version from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the Coast of Odisha around 1600 hrs. The missile completely destroyed a high speed unmanned aerial target which was mimicking an aircraft with a direct hit.
Army version of MRSAM is a surface to Air Missile developed jointly by DRDO, India and IAI, Israel for use of the Indian Army. MRSAM Army weapon system comprises of Command post, Multi-Function Radar and Mobile Launcher system. The complete Fire Unit has been used during the launch in the deliverable configuration. The team from the users i.e. Indian Army also witnessed the launch. Number of range instruments such as Radar, Telemetry and Electro-Optical Tracking System were deployed and captured the complete mission data, validating the weapon system performance including the destruction of the target.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of DRDO and associated team members involved in the mission and said that India has attained a high level of capability in the indigenous design and development of advanced weapon systems.
Secretary Dept. of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the DRDO community for successfully demonstrating the performance of the MRSAM Army weapon system registering direct target hit in its maiden launch. He also lauded the efforts of the entire team in realizing the system within record time and meeting the committed schedule.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) proves to be a Boon for fishermen across the country
44,935 Kisan credit Cards issued to fishers and fish farmers Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) is expected to generate employment opportunities to around 9.40 lakh persons in fishing and allied activities Posted On: 23 DEC 2020 3:31PM by PIB Delhi
The fisheries sector has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary industries and is a source of cheap and nutritious food, at the same time it is an instrument of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population of the country. Fishery sector occupies an important place in the socio-economic development of the country. "Fisheries is a fast-growing sector in India, which provides nutrition and food security to a large population of the country besides providing income and employment to more than 28 million people.
India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA.Fisheries and aquaculture continue to be an important source of food, nutrition, income and livelihood to millions of people. Export earnings from the Fisheries sector has been Rs.46,662.85 crores during 2019-20. The sector provides livelihood support to about 280 lakh people at the primary level and almost twice the number along the value chain and the annual average growth rate in the Fisheries sector has been 7% over the last few years. Fish being an affordable and rich source of animal protein, is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and nutrient deficiency. The sector has immense potential to double the fish farmers’ income by 2022, as envisioned by the Government of India. Hence it is essential that sustained and focused attention is given to the fisheries sector through policy and financial support to accelerate its development in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner. The details of achievement made during 2020-21 are as below:
Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana (PMMSY) (till 07.12.20) INLAND FISHERIES 4,171 hectares of pond area approved under inland aquaculture. 757 Biofloc units and 1242 Nos of Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) have been sanctioned (which has already surpassed the total RAS units sanctioned during CSS: Blue Revolution, 522 Nos). 3,763 Nos of cages and 72.7 hectares pens in reservoirs and other water-bodies approved.
109 Nos of fish/prawn hatcheries approved. 373 hectares of pond area approved under Saline-alkaline culture. 6 Nos Brood-bank facilities approved.
MARINE FISHERIES 122 deep sea fishing vessel. 217 up gradation of existing fishing vessels. 2,755, Bio-toilets constructed in mechanized fishing vessels. 656 nos of sea cage for fish culture.
2, Small Marine finfish hatcheries.) 471 hectares of pond area brought under brackishwater aquaculture, 6 nos of brackishwater hatcheries.
FISHERMEN WELFARE 1820 Nos replacement boats and nets for fishermen. (Table A-III a) Livelihood and nutritional support for 1,22,551, fishers’ families for conservation of fisheries resources during fishing ban/lean period. 20 nos Extension and support services.
FISHERIES INFRASTRUCTURE 70 Nos. ice plant/cold storages sanctioned. 127 Nos fish feed mill/plants. 6,288 units of fish transportation facilities viz., refrigerated (58) and insulated trucks (187), auto rickshaws (986), motor cycles (3036) and bicycles with ice box (1831) have been sanctioned. (50% of CSS: BR) 606 units of fish retail markets (43) and fish kiosks including ornamental kiosks (563). 41 value added enterprise units have been sanctioned so far.
AQUATIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT 8, Disease diagnostic centre and quality testing labs approved. 17 Mobile centres and testing labs approved. 2, Aquatic referral labs have been approved.
ORNAMENTAL FISHERIES 203 Nos of Ornamental fish rearing units have been sanctioned. 14 Nos of Integrated Ornamental fish units (breeding and rearing) have been sanctioned.
SEAWEED CULTIVATION 15,000 nos rafts approved for seaweed cultivation. 1,331 nosmonolinetubenet approved or seaweed culture.
COLDWATER FISHERIES 50.6 hectares area of new pond has been sanctioned. 4 Trout hatcheries and construction of 958 new raceway units have been sanctioned. 16nos of RAS units sanctioned for coldwater fisheries.
DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH EAST REGIONS Total Project cost of Rs. 203.38 crore approved with a central share of Rs. 101.03 crore. Hatcheries : 25 Nos Fish Seed Rearing Unit : 182.2 ha Integrated Fish Farming : 563.4 ha Installation of cages in reservoir : 250 nos Re-circulatory Aquaculture System(RAS) : 22 units Ornamental Fisheries units : 47 Nos Biofloc units- 62 Nos Construction of new ponds- 673 ha Feed mills- 19 no’s
IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES Brood banks (including seaweed banks) : 6 Nos approved SagarMitras : 1997 Nos approved. Integrated Development of Reservoirs: 12 Reservoirs approved. Fish Farmers Producers Organizations(FFPOs): State/UT-wise targets for 720 FFPOs has been issued advising the States/UTs to submit the proposals. MatsyaSevaKendra: 20 units approved. State/UT-wise targets prepared. Concept on establishment and operation of the MSK is being finalized. Integrated Coastal Villages: Action Plan prepared and is being finalized. Integrated Aqua Parks: Action plan prepared. Salient feature of the action plan is being forwarded to the States/UTs requesting them to submit the proposals accordingly.
KCC to Animal Husbandry farmers and Fisheries As on date, a total of 44,935 KCCs have been issued to fishers and fish farmers. In addition, about 3.80 lakh applications from fishers and fish farmers are with the Banks at various stages for issuance of KCCs
3. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund The Union Government in its Budget 2018 has set aside Rs. 7,550crore for setting up of a dedicated Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The fund has the potential to benefit over 4 million marine and inland fishers especially women, SHGs, weaker sections, due to availability of modern infrastructure and added value of produce. FIDF will provide concessional finance to the State Governments/Union Territories, State entities, cooperatives, individual entrepreneurs, etc. for development of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in marine and inland fisheries sector.
The infrastructure facilities to be funded under the FIDF will broadly cover development of fishing harbours/ fish landing centres, fish seed farms, fish feed mills/plants, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture activities, introduction of deep sea fishing vessels, setting up of disease diagnostic and aquatic quarantine facilities, creation of cold chain infrastructure facilities such as ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, fish processing units, fish markets etc.
The fund would (i) fill the large infrastructure gaps in fisheries sector, (ii) create employment opportunity to the rural population in fishing and allied activities, (iii) contributes towards enhancement of fish production and productivity, (iv) offers manifold benefits and (v) fulfill the requirements of tapping the full fisheries potential and achieving the vision given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for doubling farmers’ income.
The Fund would be created in collaboration with NABARD, NCDC and Specified commercial banks. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will be the Nodal Implementing Agency for overall coordination of the FIDF activities. FIDF is expected to generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities to around 9.40 lakh persons in fishing and allied activities.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will launch Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY SEHAT to extend coverage to all the residents of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 26th December 2020 at 12 noon via video conferencing. The scheme will ensure Universal Health Coverage and focus on providing financial risk protection and ensuring quality and affordable essential health services to all individuals and communities. Union Home Minister and Lieutenant Governor of J&K will also be present on the occasion.
The Scheme provides free of cost insurance cover to all the residents of the UT of J&K. It provides financial cover upto Rs 5 lakh per family on a floater basis to all residents of the UT of J&K. It provides for operational extension of PM-JAY to 15 lakh (approx) additional families. The scheme will operate on insurance mode in convergence with PM-JAY. The benefits of the scheme will be portable across the country. The hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY scheme shall provide services under this scheme as well.
Achieving Universal Health Coverage Universal Health Coverage (UHC) includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care and enables everyone to access the services, protecting people from the financial consequences of paying for health services out of their own pockets and reducing the risk that people will be pushed to poverty. The Ayushman Bharat program, with its two pillars – Health and Wellness Centres and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna – is envisaged to achieve UHC.
Ministry reiterates immunity boosting measures for self-care during COVID 19 crises Formal recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport Posted On: 24 DEC 2020 4:06PM by PIB Delhi
In the year of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health crisis. Not only India, the whole world has been affected by this deadly disease. India is also fighting with Corona virus Pandemic and we have seen how the measures taken by the AYUSH Ministry so far to improve the recovery rate. The role of the Ministry has been very important in fighting the corona virus. Besides this various initiatives were taken by the Ministry to integrate the modern and traditional systems so as to facilitate a meaningful, cross learning and collaboration between two systems.
Ministry of AYUSH initiatives against Covid 19: Ministry of AYUSH has issued an Advisory about self-care guidelines and preventive health measures for immunity. Ministry launched a three-month campaign on “AYUSH for Immunity”. Telemedicine Practice Guideline for AYUSH has also developed by the Ministry.
Research studies in COVID 19 in AYUSH: Total 104 studies comprising prophylactic, add-on, and stand-alone, observational and pre-clinical/experimental studies are undergoing in around 135 centres in the country. Interim trends have shown promising outcomes in mitigation of COVID 19 and the AYUSH interventions have been well tolerated and no Serious Adverse Event or significant Adverse Drug Reaction reported. The Ministry also did an assessment of effectiveness, acceptance and usage of AYUSH advisories & measures in the prevention of COVID-19 through AYUSH Sanjivani Mobile appin 1.47 crores population. 85.1% respondents have reported that they have used some of the AYUSH remedy as prophylaxis / treatment of COVID 19.
New Legislations enacted- National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCIM) Act, 2020 and National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act, 2020: The NCIM Act, 2020 and NCH Act 2020 were enacted on 21stSeptember, 2020, to replace the existing Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 and the Central Council of Indian Medicine established there under and Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and the Central Council of Homoeopathy established there under, respectively. The main objectives of the said Acts inter-alia is to bring in reforms in the AYUSH education sector.
Establishment of Institute of National Importance (INI): The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Act, 2020 enacted on 22nd September, 2020 confers the status of INI to the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) at Jamnagar by conglomerating four institutes at Gujarat Ayurved University, campus Jamnagar.
Status of Deemed to be University on NIA Jaipur: -National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Ministry of AYUSH has been declared as an Institution Deemed to be University under De-novo Category. Prime Minister has dedicated to the Nation through video conferencing the NIA, Jaipur as Deemed to be University (de-novo) on 13th November, 2020.
Setting up of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India: Director General of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus gave a video message on the occasion of celebration of 5th Ayurveda Day on 13th November 2020 and praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to the universal coverage under Ayushman Bharat and evidence-based promotion of traditional medicines to achieve health related objectives. He announced the setting up of the Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in India. The Prime Minister thanked WHO and the DG for choosing India for the Global Centre of Traditional Medicine.
Inclusion of AYUSH practitioners in WHO Doctors population ratio: AYUSH registered medical practitioners have been included in registered medical practitioners data thus improving WHO Doctors Population Ratio.
ICD (International Classification of Diseases) 11: The Ministry of AYUSH is actively engaging with WHO for development of Standardized Terminologies of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of Medicine and also the National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic(NAMASTE) Portal is being maintained successfully and the collection of Morbidity statistics through National Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Morbidity codes are being successfully undertaken through the portal. A Ministerial Level Meeting of Stake Holder Countries for Development of 2ndModule of Traditional Medicine Chapter of ICD-11 was Jointly organized by the Ministry of AYUSH and the WHO during 25- 26 February 2020 at New Delhi. A Donor Agreement was also signed on 11th February 2020 in this regard with WHO.
AYUSH Health &Wellness centres (AHWCs): Since April this year, under Ayushman Bharat scheme, AHWCs are being established with the help of States/UTs Governments 12500 AHWCs are to be operationalized by 2024. This year 4400 AHWCs shall be made functional.
Champion Service Sector Scheme: Ministry of AYUSH has taken initiatives for establishment of AYUSH Health Care Super Specialty Day Care / Hospital, Skill Development in AYUSH Sector and Establishment of AYUSH GRID under Champion Service Sector Scheme with the provision of Rs. 769 Cr. for three years in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Women and Child Development on 20th September, 2020 in NewDelhi for controlling Malnutrition as a part of POSHAN Abhiyaan. The MoU will see some time-tested and scientifically proven Ayush-based solutions being adopted for controlling malnutrition in the country.
Establishment of Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) as a Subordinate Office by merging three existing organisations viz Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine (PLIM) & Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL) both subordinate offices and Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), for enhancing the standardization outcomes of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs towards their effective regulation and quality control.
Inclusion of Sowa-Rigpa into AYUSH systems: The Government has suitably amended the Allocation of Business Rules and inter-alia included the business of formulation of policy for development and propagation of Sowa-Rigpa under the ambit of Ministry of AYUSH.
Setting up of National Research Institute of Sowa-Rigpa: The National Research Institute of Sowa-Rigpa was upgraded to “National Institute of Sowa Rigpa” in Leh, UT of Ladakh with the approval of Cabinet on 20th November, 2019.
Setting up of Central AYUSH Drugs Control Framework: In order to control quality of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani& Homoeopathy (ASU&H) Drugs, a new initiative has been taken by forming an independent vertical structure in Central Drugs Standard Control Organization with creation of 9 regulatory posts. It will enhance the enforcement mechanism of the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules made there under thus assuring availability of quality drugs to public.
Yogasana as a competitive Sport-Ministry of AYUSH has been taking numerous steps for promoting and getting Yogasana recognized as a sport at the global level. An international symposium on “Promotion of Yogasana as a competitive sport” was organised on 16.11.2019 at Mysure. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has recognised NYSF as a Federation for Yogasana as a Competitive Sport. Efforts are on to bring different foreign federations under the umbrella of IYSF and state federations under NYSF.
Setting up of four Satellite Centres of National Institutes of AYUSH In view of 2017 National Health Policy, Ministry of AYUSH initiated the process to augment AYUSH educational facilities in India. The process to establish the Satellite Centres of existing National Institutes in the field of Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani was initiated in 2017. Further, following the direction received from Ministry of Finance, a proposal after seeking approval of the EFC is under submission to seek approval of the Cabinet. The total estimated cost of the four satellite centre including recurring expenditure of Salary and Grants-in-Aid General is Rs.1782.45 crore.
Pradhan Mantri VRIKSHAYUSH YOJANA Pradhan Mantri VRIKSHAYUSH YOJANA was announced by Hon’ble Finance Minister on 15th May, 2020 for the cultivation and post-harvest management of medicinal plants with the budget of Rs.4000 crore covering 10 lac hectares. This will also cover cultivation of medicinal plants in an area of 800 acres along the banks of river Ganga. The EFC Note was approved by Department of Expenditure in its meeting held on 22nd July, 2020. The Draft Cabinet Note has been forwarded to Cabinet Secretariat and PMO on 28th August, 2020 for approval of the Cabinet.
AYUSH Grid: In pursuance to the National Health Policy 2017 and e-governance initiative of Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH is in process of creating an IT backbone in the form of AYUSH GRID for the entire AYUSH Sector. Digitization of entire AYUSH Sector will lead to transformation of AYUSH Sector in fields of health care delivery at all levels, research, education, various health programmes, drug regulations, etc. Currently, Ministry has developed around 15 pilot IT initiatives and in process of drafting DPR of the AYUSH GRID project. It is envisaged that within 2 years entire AYUSH sector will go digital.
AYUSH- Health Management Information System (A-HMIS): It was launched on 5th Nov 2018 and currently around 90 health facilities of the Autonomous bodies under the Ministry are using A- HMIS for day to day OPD functioning.
Ministry of AYUSH is developing Indian Standards as well as International (ISO) Standards in collaboration with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): For Ayurveda, four Indian standards (IS) have been developed and two standards are accepted in program of work (PoW) of ISO. Work on nearly 25 standards including Yoga accessories and Panchakarma equipment are in pipeline. These standards incorporate all essential tenets of existing standards with inclusion of certain features for international compliance and their global acceptance. Development of such IS/ISO standards is poised to augment the domestic as well as cross-border trade of AYUSH products and services
Insurance coverage: AYUSH treatment has been covered under medical insurance with the efforts of Ministry of AYUSH. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has issued necessary notification in this regard.
NABH Accreditation: Ministry has initiated steps to get all its hospitals accredited as per National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). So far All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi; National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur and ITRA, Jamnagar have been accredited.
ĀYURVEDAGRANTHASAMUCCAYAḤ a web portal for bringing all major classical compendia of Ayurveda on a single software platform has been developed.