Tackling an unprecedented crisis of the nature and combating the challenges thrown by the Covid-19 Pandemic require different and innovative approaches. One segment that has been severely impacted during the ongoing crisis has been the tribal population. In such a scenario, the Van Dhan Start-ups, established under the scheme initiated by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has emerged as a source of employment generation for tribal gatherers and forest dwellers and also the home-bound labour and artisans.

A media briefing through Webinar was organised by TRIFED today to familiarise them with this innovative approach and the progress made by the Van Dhan start-ups so that they can further spread awareness among people. The webinar titled “Van Dhan: Tribal Start-ups Bloom in India” was chaired by Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED and was attended by over 40 participants. Ms. Nanu Bhasin, ADG, PIB and Shri Abhishek Singh, CEO, MyGov were among those who attended the webinar. The TRIFED team was represented by all the heads of departments and senior officials.

Shri Pravir Krishna began his welcome address with a quick introduction of the Van Dhan Yojana and provided a snapshot of what it intends to achieve and how the scheme has been faring in these current times. He informed that 1205 Tribal Enterprises have been established to provide employment opportunities to 3.6 lakh tribal gatherers and 18000 Self-help groups in 22 States. The slogan “Go Vocal for Local”, a Mantra in these troubled times, has been adapted to include ‘Go Vocal for Local Go Tribal – Mera Van Mera Dhan Mera Udyam’.The aim of the Start-ups scheme is to treble the coverage to 10 lakh tribal gatherers through the Covid-19 relief plan of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under article 275(I).A State wise snapshot was also presented to show how the states are faring. Started in 2019, the Start-ups spread rather quickly to all the 22 states, almost became a competition once the states realised the value added by this initiative.

Post this snapshot, Shri Krishna presented some real-life examples from states like Nagaland and Rajasthan to underline the critical significance of this programme for tribal livelihoods, which ensures that the proceeds from the sales of these value-added products go to the tribals directly. The value-added products benefit largely from the packaging and marketing that these tribal enterprises provide. Testimonials from different parts of the country, along with contact details of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras and the products that are being sold were showcased. He mentioned that 2000 products have been identified throughout the country. A bird’s eye view was provided to the participants and samples such as wild honey, broomsticks, donna pattal, Samidha sticks, coffee, bay leaf, bel pulp were displayed. The tribal affairs offers a ray of hope for home-bound tribal labour and artisans through van dhan start-ups.

He reiterated that the uniqueness of the whole exercise is that it has managed to create market linkages and to transform tribal gatherers into entrepreneurs. Many of these tribal enterprises are connected to markets and have received many orders already. As an example, the efforts of the start-ups in Manipur which have turned out to be a model enterprise for the rest of the country, in terms of the packaging, innovations, and training. He recounted the entire success story in Manipur and hailed it as a Champion State and as an example of how this tribal enterprise scheme can benefit the tribals extensively, with the right push and support!

In Manipur, 77 Van Dhan Kendras have been established in the State for value addition and processing of forest produces. The Van Dhan Kendras have reported sales of MFP products worth Rs. 49.1 lakhs since September 2019! What stood out in the case of Manipur is the exemplary food safety and hygiene standards adopted by these 77 centres that have been established, the superb attractive packaging of the processed products such as Amla juice, tamarind amla candy and plum jams, and the innovative branding and marketing of these products. A mobile van service has also been started in one of the districts to ensure the selling of these products! .

After showcasing the successes and noteworthy examples, he spoke briefly about the immediate next steps regarding the Van Dhan Start-up programme. The first next step is to expand the current coverage of 18,000 SHGs to 50,000 Van Dhan SHGs and to treble the coverage to 10 lakh tribal gatherers through the Covid19 relief plan of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs under article 275(I). The ultimate aim is to transform the tribal ecosystem across the country by establishing Van Dhan Yojana as the next “Amul revolution” in terms of MFPs. Convergences and partnerships are being planned with other ministries and departments and key institutions to take this cause ahead.

A webinar was organized on 13th June 2020 to discuss ways and means to connect agroforestry farmers to industry and sensitise implementing States to assist farmers in making the correct choice of species. Shri Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary Department of AgricultureCooperation and Farmers Welfarewhile inauguratingthe webinar dwelt on the various reforms brought in the agriculture sector to ensure optimum remuneration to farmers to ensure their welfare, including Rs 1.63 lakh crore outlay and theFarming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance 2020 to establish a truly national market and give farmers the option to choose the market where they want to sell their produce by removing inter-state trade barriers and providing e-trading of agriculture produce.He highlighted the multiple uses of agroforestry ranging from additional income to farmers, nurseries as a means of livelihoods especially for women SHGs, green fodder, reduction in requirement of fertilsers by planting leguminous species, carbon sequestration for combating climate change, etc.

Prime Minister’s call for Vocal for our Local is of great relevance to agroforestry too. Agroforestry could contribute to stepping up supply of raw material to industry to reduce import dependency in some crucial commodities. The earlier notion of agroforestry meaning only timber species needs to have a relook from farmers and industry point of view. Timber trees have long maturity period and hence delaysreturns to the farmers. Whereas there are number of rising sectors which would ensure quick returns to farmers as well as fulfill industry requirements, including medicinal and aromatic plants, silk, lac, paper and pulp, tree borne oil seeds for production of bio-fuels, etc.

In the first of a series planned, this webinar had four prominent speakers, namelyDr J.L.N.Sastry, Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plant Board, Shri Rohit Pandit, Secretary General, Indian Papers Manufacturers Association,Dr H.K. Kulkarni, Former Vice President, ITC Limited and Shri Rajit Ranjan Okhandiar, Chief Executive Officer and Member Secretary Central Silk Board.Promotion of medicinal plants is a major component of AtmaNirbhar Bharat and there is tremendous scope for convergence for tree based and organic medicinal produce.

Issues relating to constraints in supply of raw material to paper industry, which is being made up by imports, were discussed. Quality planting material is the basis for improving productivity and hence returns to farmers. The presentation flagged the importance of clonal planting material of the correct varieties which would also comply with industry requirement. Central Silk Board assured to assist farmers who plant the range of silk host species, which on an average would start giving returns in 3-4 years and hence were ideal for agroforestry systems.

In conclusion States were advised to encourage contract farming on similar lines as crops right from pre planting, planting and harvest. Industry, both existing and potential, should be taken as the hub and activities planned around that. Multipurpose species should be encouraged so that returns start flowing at the earliest. This would enable fulfillment of the vision of an ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’.

India became the first country in the world to formulate a National Agroforestry Policy in 2014. As a follow up, the Sub Mission for Agroforestry was launched in 2015 to assist the States in encouraging farmers to adopt tree planting along with crops. Agro climatic zone wise agroforestry models have been developed by research institutions, including ICAR and ICFRE. The scheme is currently being implemented in 21 States of the country.

India’s overall exports (Merchandise and Services combined) in April-May2020-21* are estimated to be USD 61.57billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 33.66 per cent over the same period last year. Overall imports in April-May 2020-21* are estimated to be USD 57.19 billion, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 48.31per cent over the same period last year.

*Note: i) The latest data for services sector released by RBI is for April 2020. The data for May 2020 is an estimation, which will be revised based on RBI’s subsequent release ii) the figures in bracket are growth rates vis-à-vis corresponding period of last year.

MERCHANDISE TRADE EXPORTS (including re-exports) Exports inMay2020 were USD19.05billion, as compared to USD29.99billion in May 2019, exhibiting a negative growth of (-)36.47per cent. In Rupee terms, exports were Rs. 1,44,166.01crore in May2020, as compared to Rs. 2,09,280.62crore in May2019, registering a negative growth of (-) 31.11per cent. Except for Iron ore, Drugs & pharmaceuticals, Spices and Rice which registered a growth of 103.04%, 17.32%,10.55% and 7.64% respectively, all other commodity/commodity groups have registered negative growth in May 2020 vis-a-vis May 2019.

Major commodity groups which have recorded negative growth during May 2020 vis-à-vis May 2019 are Leather & leather products (-75.07%), Handicrafts excl. hand made carpet(-72.77%), Gems & jewellery (-68.83%), Petroleum products (-68.46%), RMG of all Textiles (-66.19%), Jute mfg. including floor covering (-65.7%), Man-made yarn/fabs./made-ups etc. (-58.63%), Meat, dairy & poultry products (-56.38%), Other cereals (-49.53%), Cotton yarn/fabs./made-ups, handloom products etc. (-47.47%), Carpet (-46.18%), Electronic goods (-45.35%), Mica, Coal & other ores, minerals including processed minerals (-35.57%), Ceramic products & glassware (-33.48%), Cashew (-32.86%), Tea (-26.94%), Engineering goods (-24.25%), Oil Meals (-22.76%), Oil seeds (-18.41%), Marine products (-18.14%), Cereal preparations & miscellaneous processed items (-17.44%), Tobacco (-13.75%), Organic & inorganic chemicals (-12.71%), Plastic & Linoleum (-6.55%), Coffee (-5.71%) and Fruits & vegetables (-1.31%).

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-May 2020-21 was USD29.41 billion (Rs.2,23,117.42crore) as against USD56.07billion (Rs.3,90,301.96crore) during the period April-May 2019-20, registering a negative growth of (-)47.54per cent in Dollar terms (negative growth of (-)42.83per cent in Rupee terms).

Non-petroleum and Non-Gems and Jewellery exports in May 2020 were USD16.36billion, as compared to USD21.42billion in May2019, exhibiting a negative growth of (-) 23.61per cent. Non-petroleum and Non-Gems and Jewellery exports in April-May 2020-21 were USD25.44billion, as compared to USD40.96billion for the corresponding period in 2019-20, a decrease of (-) 37.89 per cent.

IMPORTS Imports in May2020 were USD22.20billion (Rs.1,67,977.68crore), which was 51.05per cent lower in Dollar terms and 46.92per cent lower in Rupee terms over imports of USD45.35billion (Rs3,16,448.93 crore) in May2019. Cumulative value of imports for the period April-May 2020-21 was USD39.32 billion (Rs.2,98,502.76crore), as against USD86.75billion (Rs.6,03,881.86crore) during the period April-May 2019-20, registering a negative growth of (-)54.67per cent in Dollar terms (negative growth of (-)50.57per cent in Rupee terms). Major commodity groups of import showing negative growth in May2020 over the corresponding month of last year are:

CRUDE OIL AND NON-OIL IMPORTS: Oil imports inMay2020 were USD3.49 billion (Rs. 26,380.50crore), which was 71.98percentlower in Dollar terms (69.62percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD12.44billion (Rs. 86,822.36crore) in May2019. Oil imports in April-May 2020-21 were USD8.15 billion (Rs. 61,917.72crore) which was 65.79per cent lower in Dollar terms (62.66percent lower in Rupee terms) compared to USD23.82billion (Rs. 1,65,811.82crore), over the same period last year.

In this connection it is mentioned that the global Brent price ($/bbl) has decreased by 56.02% in May2020 vis-à-vis May2019 as per data available from World Bank.

Non-oil imports inMay2020 were estimated at USD18.71 billion (Rs. 1,41,597.18crore) which was 43.13per cent lower in Dollar terms (38.34percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD32.91billion (Rs. 2,29,626.57crore) in May2019. Non-oil imports in April-May 2020-21 were USD31.17billion (Rs. 2,36,585.04crore) which was 50.46per cent lower in Dollar terms (45.99percent lower in Rupee terms), compared to USD62.93billion (Rs. 4,38,070.04crore) in April-May2019-20.

Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports wereUSD64billion in May2020, recording a negative growth of (-)33.74per cent, as compared to Non-Oil and Non-Gold importsof USD 28.13billion in May2019. Non-Oil and Non-Gold imports wereUSD31.10billion in April-May 2020-21, recording a negative growth of (-)42.61per cent, as compared to Non-Oil and Non-Gold importsUSD 54.18billion in April-May 2019-20.

TRADE IN SERVICES EXPORTS (Receipts) As per the latest press release by RBI dated 15thJune 2020, exports in April2020 were USD 16.45 billion (Rs. 125,409.04 crore) registering a negative growth of (-) 8.92 per cent in dollar terms, vis-à-vis April2019. The estimated value of services export for May2020* is USD 15.70 billion.

IMPORTS (Payments) As per the latest press release by RBI dated 15th June 2020, imports in April 2020 were USD 9.30 billion (Rs. 70,907.57crore) registering a negative growth of (-)18.43 per cent in dollar terms, vis-à-vis April2019. The estimated value of service import for May2020* is USD 8.57 billion.

III.TRADE BALANCE MERCHANDISE: The trade deficit for May2020 was estimated at USD3.15billion as against the deficit of USD15.36billion inMay2019. SERVICES: As per RBI’s Press Release dated 15th June 2020, the trade balance in Services (i.e. Net Services export) for April 2020 is estimated at USD7.15 billion.

OVERALL TRADE BALANCE: Taking merchandise and services together, overall trade surplus for April-May 2020-21* is estimated at USD4.37 billion as compared to the deficit of USD17.84 billion in April-May 2019-20.

The Office of the Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is releasing index numbers of wholesale price in India for the month of May, 2020 (Provisional) and for the month of March 2020 (Final) in this press release. Provisional figures of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) are released on 14th of every month (or next working day) with a time lag of two weeks of the reference month and compiled with data received from institutional sources and selected manufacturing units across the country.

After 10 weeks,the index is finalized and final figures are released and then frozen thereafter. Due to limited information available for the month of April 2020, the provisional figures of May-2020 are compared with final figures of March, 2020.

The official Wholesale Price Index for 'All Commodities' (Base: 2011-12=100) for the month of May, 2020 declined by (-2.24%) to 117.7 (provisional) from 120.4 (Final) for the month of March, 2020.

INFLATION The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at (-3.21%) (provisional) for the month of May, 2020 (over May, 2019) as compared to 2.79% during the corresponding month of the previous year.

The movement of the index for the various commodity group is summarized below:- PRIMARY ARTICLES (Weight 22.62%) The index for this major group declined by (-0.87%) to 136.2 (provisional) in May 2020 from 137.4 (final) for the month of March, 2020. Prices of Food Articles (0.73%) increased whereas prices of Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas (-23.18%) and Non Food Articles (-1.44%) declined as compared to March 2020.

FUEL & POWER (Weight 13.15%) The index for this major group declined by (-15.88%) to 83.7 (provisional) in May 2020 from 99.5 (final) for the month of March, 2020. Prices of mineral oils group (-30.10%) declined compared to month of March, 2020. Prices of Coal and Electricity remain unchanged.

MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS (Weight 64.23%) The index for this major group declined by (-0.42%) to 118.1 (provisional) in May 2020 from 118.6 (final) for the month of March, 2020. Out of the 22 NIC two-digit groups for Manufactured products, 10 groups that have witnessed increase in prices are manufacture of beverages; tobacco products; wearing apparel; leather and related products; wood and of products of wood and cork; paper and paper products; pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemical and botanical products; other non-metallic mineral products; motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers and other transport equipment.

Whereas the groups that witnessed decrease in prices were manufacture of food products; textiles; printing and reproduction of recorded media; chemicals and chemical products; rubber and plastics products; manufacture of basic metals; fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment; computer, electronic and optical products; electrical equipment; machinery and equipment as compared to March, 2020.

The WPI for May, 2020 have been compiled at a response rate of 75 per cent, the final figure for March, 2020 at a response rate of 85 per cent. These provisional figures of WPI will undergo revision as per the final revision policy of WPI.

WPI FOOD INDEX (Weight 24.38%) The Food Index consisting of ‘Food Articles’ from Primary Articles group and ‘Food Product’ from Manufactured Products group have provisionally increased from 145.7 in March, 2020 to 146.1 in May, 2020. The annual rate of inflation based on WPI Food Index decreased from 5.20% in March, 2020 to 2.31% in May, 2020.

FINAL INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2020 (BASE YEAR:2011-12=100) For the month of March, 2020 the final Wholesale Price Index and inflation rate for 'All Commodities' (Base: 2011-12=100) stood at 120.4 as compared to provisional figure121.1 and WPI based rate of inflation stood at 0.42% as compared to its provisional levels of 1.00% reported on 14.04.2020. Indices for the month of March 2020 are finalized in the light of updated price data received from the selected sources.

CLARIFICATION ON RELEASE OF APRIL 2020 WPI This department has advised the field offices to collect price data through electronic means of the communication during the lockdown. The response rate for April 2020 has improved substantially. Final index for the month of April 2020 will be released in next month press note in the light of the updated data received from the selected sources.

Note: Price Data are collected from selected institutional sources and industrial establishments spread across the country online through web based portal maintained by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

India today joined the league of leading economies including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore to launch the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI or Gee-Pay). GPAI is an international and multi-stakeholder initiative to guide the responsible development and use of AI, grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth.

This is also a first initiative of its type for evolving better understanding of the challenges and opportunities around AI using the experience and diversity of participating countries. In order to achieve this goal, the initiative will look to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.

In collaboration with partners and international organizations, GPAI will bring together leading experts from industry, civil society, governments, and academia to collaborate to promote responsible evolution of AI and will also evolve methodologies to show how AI can be leveraged to better respond to the present global crisis around COVID-19.

It is pertinent to note that India has recently launched National AI Strategy and National AI Portal and have also started leveraging AI across various sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, e-commerce, finance, telecommunications, etc. with inclusion and empowerment of human being approach by supplementing growth and development. By joining GPAI as a founding member, India will actively participate in the global development of Artificial Intelligence, leveraging upon its experience around use of digital technologies for inclusive growth.

GPAI will be supported by a Secretariat, to be hosted by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, as well as by two Centers of Expertise- one each in Montreal and Paris.

Shri M. Ajit Kumar, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) launched the e-Office application in over 500 CGST and Customs offices across India here today. The e-Office application was launched remotely in the presence of over 800 senior officers of CBIC. Dr Neeta Verma, DG, National Informatics Centre, (NIC) was also present.

Over 50,000 officers and staff will use this application making CBIC one of the largest Government departments to automate its internal office procedures.

The launch of e-Office marks a fundamental change in internal office procedures which is so far based on manual handling of files and paper movement. The CBIC expects e-Office would complement its many other IT led reforms which are directly aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business for the trade and industry.

The launch of e-Office is one more measure taken by the CBIC in leveraging technology for providing a ‘Faceless, Contactless and Paperless’ indirect Tax administration.

The e-Office application is developed by the NIC and is supported by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). E-Office aims to improve governance by automating the internal processes of handling files and taking decisions within Government. The e-Office application’s main module, eFile, enables on-line file related work, starting from receiving and marking dak, operating a file, preparing a draft letter, its approval/signature and dispatch of the signed letter.

The use of e-Office by the rank and file of the CGST and Customs officers in their day to day work would lead to speedier decision making, transparency, accountability, and positive impact on the environment by cutting down the use of paper and printing.

Of particular relevance in the present-day challenging situation arising due to COVID-19 is that e-Office would help avoid contact with physical files thereby preventing possible transmission of any virus. Also, e-Office ensures enhanced security as no file or document can be altered or destroyed or backdated. An in-built monitoring mechanism would identify where the files are held up enabling quick disposal and faster decision making.

The e-Office is a Mission Mode Project (MMP) under the National e-Governance of India.

Posted On: 15 JUN 2020 6:54PM by PIB Delhi Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), first nationwide online delivery-based gas trading platform, in an e-ceremony today. IGX will be a delivery-based trading platform for delivery of natural Gas. The trade on the platform commenced in his auspicious presence. Incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the IEX - India’s energy market platform, IGX will enable market participants to trade in standardised gas contracts. The platform is fully automated with web-based interface to provide seamless trading experience to the customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said that the launch of the new electronic trading platform for natural gas today has opened a new chapter in the energy history of India and help the nation move towards free market pricing of natural gas. He said that with this landmark, India is joining the club of progressive economies. As there will be a market driven pricing mechanism, India Gas Exchange (IGX) will play a bigger role towards realizing a free market for gas, he added.

The minister also said that Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is working on rationalization of tariff to make natural gas affordable in every part of the country. The government has no business to be in business and the consumer is the king in a free market, Shri Pradhan added. He also said that through IGX, India's vision on mega investments on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, gas pipelines, CGD infrastructure and permission for market driven price mechanism will be materialized.

Referring to the various initiatives taken to make India a gas-based economy, the Minister said that Indian gas market has multiple price bands for assets including pre-NELP, NELP, High Temperature and High pressure (HTHP) and Deepwater and Ultra Deep Water blocks. He said that the country will soon have 50 MMT LNG terminal capacity.

He said that the country has long-term gas contracts with many countries like Qatar, Australia, Russia and the US, and has made investments abroad in strategic assets in Mozamibque, Russia and other countries. He also mentioned about various ongoing projects to strengthen the gas infrastructure in the country like Urja Ganga, Eastern India grid, Indradhanush project in the North-east, Dhamra-Dahej pipeline, coal gasification and CBM policy. He said that country will have more than 30,000km of pipeline in next few years

According to the minister, the new electronic trading platform for natural gas is the biggest indicator of the centre's progressive policy as it completes the entire energy value chain from gas production from multiple sources and imports of LNG from different parts of globe to having a transparent price mechanism. Talking about the Prime Minister’s vision to provide energy justice to the people of India, he said that they must have universal access to clean, affordable, sustainable and equitable supply of energy.

Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri tarun Kapoor, PNGRB Chairman Shri D.K.Saraf were also present on the occasion.

The 32nd session of the DekhoApnaDesh webinar series of Ministry of Tourism on 13th June 2020 titled “Trekking in the Himalayas- Magical Experiences” highlighted the potential of tourism in the Indian Himalayan mountain range that offers experiences that are unique and magical. In the Indian Himalayas, one can see the pristine nature, snow covered thick pine forests and hidden secrets that can enthral and captivate trekkers from all over the World and across age groups and fitness levels. Exploring the myriad trails, engaging with the friendly local villagers and taking in the wonder of the lakes, rivers, meadows are guaranteed to leave one with experiences of a life time to cherish and plan a trip again. DekhoApnaDesh Webinar Series is an effort of Ministry of Tourism to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme.

The session of the DekhoApnaDesh webinar series on 13th June, 2020 was moderated by RupinderBrar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism. The session was presented by Anupam Singh, Co-Founder& Director, SharedReach and Parag Gupta, Co-founder & Partner, The Bucket list Travel Company. The two presenters virtualised a mesmerising trip to different treks ranging from easy, moderate and difficult ones which are truly magical and breathtaking.

The famous quote by Bill Aitken –“The inescapable logic of desire leaves the mountain traveller no choice but to plan his next expedition to the very peak that may have just rejected vociferously the most singleminded of advances” set the tone of the presentation.

Mr. Anupam Singhshared stories about every rock, peak, pristine natural beauty, amazing spectacular sunset, the colours of fall and the spring. Important treks and tips for trekking were enthusiastically shared by Anupam Singh.

How to go about for Trekking- Understand the season, choosing a trek, Trek operator/guide Preparing for the trek – Fitness, Clothing, gear/equipment Be prepared for the unforeseen. On the trail, leave only footprints behind Survive to tell the tale about flora, fauna, big, small, tiny findings your way, snow Acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness Listen to guides and no need to take shortcuts Family trek is fun and interesting

The presenters shared following famous treks which they called as “Experiences of a lifetime”. (a) Kuari Pass (Uttrakhand) – (3800 m/12500 ft) is classified as an easy- moderate trek. Best time for this trek is from April to mid June and in Spring from mid September to Early November. The trek starts at 6,900 feet at Dhak and reaches a maximum altitude of 12,516 ft above Mean Sea Level on the pass crossing day. On the Kuari Pass trek, you'll be trekking for an average of 4-5 hours every day, except the pass crossing day which will be 8 hours long.

Delhi to Haridwar by Rail or road.From Haridwar – Joshimath- Gulling top- Tali Forest camp-Kuari pass and back via Khullara top. Tali Forest Camp-Joshimath via GursonBugyal and Auli.Joshimath- Haridwar.

The majestic and magical experience of HathiGhori Parbat, Dronagiri and Nanda devi peaks can be enjoyed. One get to see lovely alpine lake on the way, snow covered mountains, golden meadows and an heavenly experience.

(b) The Brahma Taal (3,855m/12,650 ft) takes one to a frozen alpine lake with a mythology to match, it is an easy to moderate level of trek. The trek requires 6-7 days from Kathgodam to be completed. Best time for this trek is from December to February. The place is easily accessible from Delhi where one has to reach Kathgodam and then a drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung. The climb starts from BekalTaal, a frozen alpine lake and camp on the snow. The trails go through a forest and when you reach Telindi top, behold the enchanting views of the mighty Himalayas. Next day climb to Brahma Taal, the mystical lake where it is believed that Lord Brahma meditated. After a night on the snow, climb to Brahma Taal top, for enjoying the magnificent views. Next day, descend down directly to Lohajung and conclude the trek and depart to Kathgodam.

(c) The HarkiDoon Valley (3,566m/11,700 ft) located at the Valley of Gods, in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is a moderate level of trek and requires about 6 days from Dehradun. Best time for this trek is from April to June and September to December. From Dehradun, drive to Sankri, then onwards to Taluka, via Mussoorie. From Taluka the real trek begins uptoSeema village and then from Seema climb up to HarkiDoon with an overnight stay at HarkiDoon. En-route one will witness the Swargrohini-I (6,525 m/20,512 ft) regarded as the Gateway to Heaven and is associated with the mythological tales of Mahabharata. The next day, one can directly descend to Seema, via the hanging village of Osla. The village has historical temple wherein Duryodhana is being worshipped.

(d) The Fotoksar (4,100 m/16,000 ft) is a picturesque village in Ladakh. It is the part of the Lingshed- Padum trek (also known as The Great Zanskar trek)- not accessible for about 6 months every year due to heavy snows and avalanches. It is a moderate level of trek and requires 9-10 days from Delhi. The best time to visit is from June to October. There are options for homestays which would help in gaining local experience and supporting the local economy. From Delhi one can take flight to fly in at Leh (3,500 m/11,500 ft). It is advisable to acclimatize in Leh to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). From Leh, drive to Lamayuru-Kargil road and reach the Wanla Village. After an overnight stay at the village, next day proceed towards Yapola river and stay at Hanupatta village before climbing upto the SiSir La Pass at 4,890 m/ 16,000. Next day descending to the Fotoksar village, hanging off the edge of the cliff.

(e) The Roopkhund(4,785m/15,700 ft) is another popular trek of Garhwal region, Uttarakhand. The level of difficulty lies from moderate to difficult and requires about 6 days from Kathgodam to Roopkhund trek. Best time to do this trek is from December to February. A drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung. Trekking through Lohajung pass, crossing the Bedniriver and overnight stay at Didana village.

The next day a steep climb to Ali Bugyal (12,500ft), the largest meadow in Asia. With an overnight stay at BedniBugyal, next day proceed to an amazing camp site next to glacier Bhaguwasa (14,100ft). Next day start an early morning trek uptoRoopkund Lake. Visit to the lake side and return to the camp by lunch time. The next day descent to Lohajung. The mystery of skeletons lying in the Roopkund trek is that about these are the skeletons of about 500 people who were crossing Roopkund caught in a lethal hailstorm around the 820 AD. This fact has also been confirmed by the scientists after inspecting the bones and dating the carbon within them.

The festival is being celebrated in Odisha.

Why and when is it celebrated? This is a three-day-long festival dedicated to Mother Earth (Bhuma Devi) and womanhood at large. The festivities begin a day before Mithuna Sankranti and conclude two days after that.

How is it celebrated? The first day of the festival is called Pahili Raja, the second is Mithuna Sankranti and the third Bhu daha or Basi Raja. The preparation begins one day before Pahili Raja, and it is called Sajabaja. Primarily, it is a time for the unmarried girls to prepare for their matrimony.

They follow various customs related to the festival by consuming nutritious food like Podapitha, not walking barefoot, taking a bath on the first day, and merrily swinging on ropes attached to a tree. During the Parba, Odia people do no undertake any construction works or tilling that requires the earth to be dug. And by not doing such activities, they pay ode to the Mother Earth who needs a break from routine work.

The festival concludes with a custom called Vasumati Snana or the bathing of Bhuma Devi. Women worship a stone that symbolises the Mother Earth. They give her a bath with turmeric paste and offer her flowers and smear her with Sindoor.

Association with Agriculture: This festival is also associated with the end of the summer season and the arrival of the monsoon. And therefore, it is also associated with agriculture and cultivation related communities and activities.

A team of researchers from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has developed new drug molecules against the protozoa that causes amoebiasis.

What is Amoebiasis or amoebic dysentery? It is a parasitic infection of the colon with the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. According to WHO, Entamoeba histolytica is the third-leading cause of morbidity and mortality due to parasitic disease in humans.

This protozoan is anaerobic or micro-aerophilic in nature such that it cannot survive high concentrations of oxygen. However, during infection, it faces a high surge of oxygen inside the human body. The organism synthesizes large amounts of cysteine to counter oxidative stress.

Spread of the disease: It spreads through drinking or eating uncooked food, such as fruit, that may have been washed in contaminated local water.

Symptoms: Pain areas: in the abdomen Gastrointestinal: blood in stool, diarrhoea, or flatulence Whole body: fatigue, fever, or loss of appetite Also common: weight loss Treatment: Treatment consists of self care and antiparasitics.

An influential Chinese think-tank- China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR)- has linked the current tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to India’s move last year to abrogate Article 370 and change the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

What has the CICIR said on this? It described the move as a joint challenge to China and Pakistan, saying the move had “posed a challenge to the sovereignty of Pakistan and China” and “made India-Pakistan relations and China-India relations more complex.”

What happened? Last year, India released a new map following the changes in Article 370. China alleges that India opened up new territory on the map, incorporated part of the areas under the local jurisdiction of Xinjiang and Tibet into its Ladakh union territory.

And this forced China into the Kashmir dispute, stimulated China and Pakistan to take counter-actions on the Kashmir issue, and dramatically increased the difficulty in resolving the border issue between China and India.

Background: Recently, there has been an increased tension in the India-China relations, due to the Chinese transgressions into Indian territory, across the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Talks are on at various levels to diffuse the situation.

Context: India is looking to post Navy Liaison Officers at the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar and also at the European maritime surveillance initiative in the Strait of Hormuz for improved Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

About Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC): The RMFIC functions under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) of which India became an Observer in March 2020 along with Japan and the United Nations.

It is based in Madagascar. It is designed to deepen maritime domain awareness by monitoring maritime activities and promoting information sharing and exchange.

About the European maritime surveillance initiative in the Strait of Hormuz: The EMASOH headquarters is composed of Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and French officers and based at the French naval base in Abu Dhabi. The aim is “to monitor maritime activity and guarantee freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.”

It was started by France in February 2020. How this will help India? This will be in the overall realm of improving linkages of the Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram with other IFCs and become the repository for all maritime data in the IOR.

Additional information: About Indian Ocean Commission: Founded in 1982, the IOC is an intergovernmental organisation comprising five small-island states in the Western Indian Ocean: the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion (a French department), and Seychelles.

It was institutionalized in 1984 by the Victoria Agreement in Seychelles. Following a request from New Delhi, the IOC granted observer status to India on March 6 at the Commission’s 34th Council of Ministers.

In 2012, the IOC was one of the four regional organisations to launch the MASE Programme — the European Union-funded programme to promote Maritime Security in Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean.

The Commission has a Secretariat which is located in Mauritius. About the Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): The Navy set up the IFC-IOR in December 2018 within the premises of the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) in Gurugram to track maritime movements in the region.

France became the first country to deploy a Liaison Officer at the IFC-IOR followed by the U.S. and several other countries including Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom have announced their intention to post LOs.

Few states have voiced their concerns against the proposed bill. These include-West Bengal, Punjab, Puducherry, Kerala, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

They called the draft Bill a violation of “the spirit of co-operative federalism” and accused the Centre of failure to consult the States on the Bill since electricity is on the Concurrent List.

Contentious clauses in the Bill: The Bill seeks to end subsidies. All consumers, including farmers, will have to pay the tariff, and the subsidy will be sent to them through direct benefit transfer.

States are worried about this clause because: This would mean people would have to pay a huge sum towards electricity charges, while receiving support through direct benefit transfer later. This would result in defaults leading to penalties and disconnection. The draft also “divests” the States of their power to fix tariff and hands over the task to a Central government-appointed authority.

This is discriminatory, since the tariff can be tweaked according to the whims and fancies of the Central government. Another provision makes it compulsory for the State power companies to buy a minimum percentage of renewable energy fixed by the Centre. This would be detrimental to the cash- strapped power firms. Additional information:

The Electricity Act, 2003 has governed the laws regarding the generation, distribution, transmission, trading and use of electricity so far. But, experts around the country have opined that some of the provisions of the Act have become dated and archaic, needing an update.

In order to address some recurring issues, and to promote further commercial incentive for private players to enter the market, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was introduced in April this year.

Highlights of the Bill: Policy Amendments: Renewable Energy: It delegates the Central Government with the power to prepare and notify a National Renewable Energy Policy “for promotion of generation of electricity from renewable sources”, in consultation with State Governments.

Cross Border Trade: The Central Government has been delegated with the power to prescribe rules and guidelines to allow and facilitate cross border trade of electricity.

Creation of ElectricityContract Enforcement Authority: It has been proposed to be given sole jurisdiction to adjudicate upon matters on performance of obligations under a contract regarding sale, purchase and transmission of electricity, which exclusion of this specialized authority’s jurisdiction on determination of tariff or any other dispute regarding tariff.

Functional Amendments: Payment Security: It proposes a mechanism wherein “no electricity shall be scheduled or despatched under such contract unless adequate security of payment as agreed upon by the parties to the contract, has been provided”.

Constitution of selection committee to recommend members for commissions/ authorities: There is a slew of provisions for the constitution of a Selection Committee for making recommendations of members to the Appellate Tribunal and the Chairperson and Members of Central Commission, Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority, State Commissions and Joint Commissions.

Grant of Subsidy mandated: The benefit of subsidy to be granted directly to the consumer and the licensee shall charge the consumers as per the tariff determined by the Appropriate Commission. The determination of tariffs shall be fixed by the commission without accounting for subsidies. Further, basis the tariff policies, surcharges and cross subsidies shall be progressively reduced.

Inclusion of Distribution Sub-licensee and Franchisee: To ease the burden of distribution licensees and in order to promote some form of demographic specialization, the distribution licensees, can appoint another entity for distribution of electricity on its behalf, within its area of supply.

Enhancement of the powers of the Appellate Tribunal of Electricity: APTEL is proposed to have the powers of a High Court to deal with wilful disobedience of persons and entities under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. Additionally, any person can appeal the decisions of the Authority which is introduced by this Amendment in front of the APTEL. The numbers of members at the APTEL have also been proposed to be increased by the Amendment.

Applicable to the whole of India: It is needless to mention, that in addition to the above mentioned broad themes that the Amendment seeks to cover, the Act shall now be applicable to the territory which was erstwhile exempted from the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Composition and powers of Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority: The Authority will be headed by a retired Judge of the High Court. It is proposed to be set-up with powers of the Civil Court. It will enforce performance of contracts related to purchase or sale or transmission of power between a generating, distribution or transmission companies.

Why in News? It was recently spotted at Pullad, near Kozhencherry.

Key facts: Scientific name: Rhacophorus malabaricus. Features: It is a green frog with slender body, webbed feet, unusual body positions, very well camouflaged and gliding in the air.

It is endemic to the rain forests of Western Ghats. Males are smaller than females.

Threats: Deforestation, climate change, developmental activities, toxic chemicals. IUCN Conservation status: Least Concern.

Monkey Park in Karnataka: The state government is planning to establish a monkey park on the uninhabited islands in the Sharavathi backwaters region. Need for: The idea came up following a spike in the cases of monkeys raiding agricultural and plantation crops in Malnad region in recent times and several protests by farmers.

As a solution to the menace, the State government took a decision to establish the park and in the 2020-21 budget, ₹6.25 crore was allocated for the purpose.

In Himachal Pradesh, there are state-of-the-art monkey sterilisation and rehabilitation centres to address the monkey menace.

Juneteenth is the portmanteau of June and nineteenth and while it is not a federal holiday, it is recognised as a state holiday in over 45 US states.

The day is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the US and is observed on June 19.

It is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of both the Civil War and slavery. Since then, Juneteenth has become a largely symbolic date representing freedom for African Americans.

It is CSIR National Healthcare Supply Chain Portal that aims to provide real-time availability of critical healthcare supplies.

It was launched recently to serve manufacturers, suppliers and customers to effectively deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Railway Protection Force, Pune, under the Central Railways, has launched a Robotic ‘CAPTAIN ARJUN’ to intensify the screening and surveillance.

The robot will screen passengers while they board trains and keep a watch on anti-social elements.

It is equipped with a motion sensor, one PTZ camera and one Dome Camera. The Cameras use Artificial Intelligence algorithms to track suspicious and antisocial activity.

Constituted by RBI. To review guidelines of ownership of private sector banks.

Terms of reference: examine the existing regulation and guidelines on ownership of private sector banks.

suggest appropriate norms to address the issue of concentration of control and ownership of banks. review the eligibility criteria of the individuals to apply for banking license.

Observed every year on June 13 to highlight the rights of those born with albinism and increase awareness of the genetic condition.

Theme this year: ‘Made To Shine’. Albinism — a rare disease, according to the National Institutes of Health — is characterised by a lack of melanin pigment in skin, hair and eyes. Those with albinism are vulnerable to sun exposure, something that increases chances of skin cancer and severe visual impairment.

Albinism is also widespread among animals as well and is caused by the absence of melanin in their bodies.