Daily PIB Analysis For UPSC/IAS | 20th May 19

Table of Contents

Ministry of Defence

Brief on SIMBEX-19
On successful completion of IMDEX 19, IN ships Kolkata and Shakti are continuing their stay at Singapore to participate in the annual Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise SIMBEX-2019 scheduled from 16 May to 22 May 19.
Since its inception in 1993, SIMBEX has grown in tactical and operational complexity. the annual bilateral exercise saw its progression from traditional anti-submarine exercises to more complex maritime exercises such as advanced air defence operations, anti air/ surface practice firings, tactical exercises, etc. Over the years SIMBEX has stood the test of time in demonstrating the nation’s commitment to enhance maritime cooperation between the two navies and bolster bonds of friendship between the two countries. For SIMBEX 19, the IN has deployed its finest assets for with an aim to strengthen mutual trust, enhance interoperability, and build greater synergy to address common maritime concerns among both navies.
The harbour phase of SIMBEX-19 conducted from 16 may to 18 may included various planning conferences, simulator based warfare training/ wargaming, courtesy calls to dignitaries of RSN navy, sporting events and deck reception onboard Kolkata. The sea phase of SIMBEX 19 scheduled to be conducted in the South China Sea from 19 may to 22 may 19 will include various maritime combat exercises such as firing on aerial/ surface targets, advanced aerial tracking, coordinated targeting exercises and tactical exercises on surface/ air scenarios.
In addition to IN ships Kolkata and Shakti, long range maritime patrol aircraft Poseidon-8I (P8I) will also participate in simbex-19. The Singapore side will be represented by RSN ships Steadfast and Valiant, maritime patrol aircraft Fokker-50 (F-50) and F-16 fighter aircraft.
SIMBEX 19 would also conclude the two month long deployment of IN ships Kolkata and Shakti to South and East China Seas which is aimed at extending the bridges of friendship through enhanced cultural, economic and maritime interactions with countries of east and south-east asia. IN ships’ participation in International Fleet Review (IFR) at Qingdao, China as part of PLA (Navy) 70th anniversary celebrations and ADMM-plus MS FTX also reflects the government of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and the Indian Navy’s efforts to “unite nations through the oceans”.

MCQ 1

NATIONAL ADAPTATION FUND FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (NAFCC)

This scheme has been taken as Central Sector Scheme with the RBI as National Implementing Entity (NIE).
The aim of the fund is to support concrete adaptation activities which are not covered under ongoing schemes of State and National Government

Choose correct

(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

“The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is a Central Sector Scheme which was set up in the year 2015-16. The overall aim of NAFCC is to support concrete adaptation activities which mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. The activities under this scheme are implemented in a project mode. The projects related to adaptation in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, water, forestry, tourism etc. are eligible for funding under NAFCC. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the National Implementing Entity (NIE). The details on financial support sanctioned, period of support, implementation and executing agencies, State-wise, project-wise and year-wise since 2015-16 are enclosed as Annexure I.
The States/UTs are required to prepare the project proposal in consultation with NIE i.e. NABARD. The project proposals are required to be approved by the State Steering Committee on Climate Change to be eligible for consideration under NAFCC. It is the discretion of the State Government to engage any organization to assist in project preparation, as per their requirement”

MCQ 2

The interlinking of rivers (ILR) programme has been taken up on high priority. The Government is pursuing the ILR program in a consultative manner. Under it

The National Perspective Plan (NPP) was prepared by the then Ministry of environment
National Water Development Agency (NWDA) which is a statutory body has identified 30 links

Choose correct

(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

Press Information Bureau Government of India Ministry of Water Resources

Interlinking of Rivers Programme Being Taken Up on High Priority

The interlinking of rivers (ILR) programme has been taken up on high priority. The Government is pursuing the ILR program in a consultative manner.
The National Perspective Plan (NPP) was prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation, now Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR, RD & GR) in August 1980 for water resources development through inter basin transfer of water, for transferring water from water surplus basins to water-deficit basins. Under the NPP, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component & 14 under Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs). The Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of the all 30 links have been prepared and circulated to the concerned State Governments by the NWDA. After survey and investigations, Feasibility Reports of 14 links under Peninsular Component and Feasibility Reports of 2 links and draft Feasibility Reports of 7 links (Indian portion) under Himalayan Component have been completed. Present status, States concerned with Inter Basin Water Transfer Links are given in Annexure.
Under NPP four priority links have been identified for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) under the Peninsular Rivers Component viz; Ken-Betwa link project (KBLP) Phase –I & II, Damanganga-Pinjal link project, Par-Tapi-Narmada link project and Mahanadi-Godavari link project. The preparation of DPR of a project is taken up only after consent of concerned State Governments.
Based on the concurrence of the concerned States, DPRs of KBLP Phase-I & Phase-II, Damanganga-Pinjal link project and Par-TapiNarmada link project have been completed. The techno-economic clearance and various statutory clearances of the KBLP Phase-I have been accorded except clearance from Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court. Based on the request of Government of Madhya Pradesh, Lower Orr dam, Bina complex and Kotha barrage projects have been included in KBLP Phase-II. The DPR of these projects have been completed by NWDA/ Government of Madhya Pradesh. The draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for implementation of Ken-Betwa Link Project has been sent to Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for concurrence.

MCQ 3

BPPI works under ministry of health
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.it is implemented by BPPI

Choose correct

(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) none

The branded (Generic) medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, though are identical in the therapeutic value. Given the widespread poverty across the country, making available reasonably priced quality generic medicines in the market would benefit everyone.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses. PMBJP stores have been set up to provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive branded drugs. It was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in November 2008 under the name Jan Aushadi Campaign.
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency for PMBJP.
BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-coordinating procurement, supply and marketing of generic drugs through the Jan Aushadhi Stores.
The quality, safety and efficacy of medicines are ensured by getting each batch of medicines procured from CPSUs as well as private suppliers tested from NABL approved laboratories and conforming to the required standards before the same are supplied to Supers stockists /Jan Aushadhi Stores from the Warehouse of BPPI.

MCQ 4

SOLAR ENERGY CORPORATION OF INDIA (SECI) was established after launching of ISA
It is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) dedicated to the solar energy sector.

Choose correct

(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

MCQ 5

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been implementing various schemes in the country, to promote solar energy. Which of these schemes are correct

Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and the Government of India organisations with Viability Gap Funding(VGF)
Scheme for setting up 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence Establishments and Para Military Forces withVGF.
Installation of Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Power Plants.

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 & 3
(C) 3 only
(D) All

The names of the schemes are as under:
Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar PowerProjects.
Scheme for setting up 1000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and the Government of India organisations with Viability Gap Funding(VGF).
Scheme for setting up 300 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects by Defence Establishments and Para Military Forces withVGF.
Pilot-cum-demonstration projects for development of grid connected solar PV power plants on canal banks and canal tops.
Bundling Scheme – 15000 MW grid-connected solar PV power plants through NTPC Ltd./NVVN.
VGF Scheme for setting up of 2000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects through Solar Energy Corporation of India(SECI).
VGF Scheme for setting up of 5000 MW of Grid Connected Solar PV Power Projects through SECI.
Installation of Grid Connected Solar Rooftop PowerPlants.
Off-Grid Solar PVScheme.

MCQ 6

Global RE-Invest is related to

Econonmic cooperation among developing countries
New FDI rules in india
Renewable energy investment
International Freight corridors

PM inaugurates first assembly of the International Solar Alliance
The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, inaugurated the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan on October 2, 2018. The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo). The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, was present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that in the last 150 to 200 years, mankind has depended on fossil fuels for energy needs. He said nature is now indicating that options such as solar, wind and water, offer more sustainable energy solutions. In this context, he expressed confidence that in future, when people talk of organisations for the welfare of mankind established in the 21st century, the International Solar Alliance will be at the top of the list. He said this is a great forum to work towards ensuring climate justice. He said the International Solar Alliance could replace OPEC as the key global energy supplier in the future.
The Prime Minister said that the effect of increased use of renewable energy is now visible in India. He added that India is working towards the goals of the Paris Agreement through an action plan. He said that the target is to generate 40 percent of India’s total energy requirements in 2030, by non fossil fuel based sources. He said India is developing with a new self-confidence of “Poverty to Power.”
The Business and Technical Sessions of ISA Assembly, IORA Meet and RE-INVEST 2018 Expo held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh from October 3-5, 2018.

MCQ 7

According to Constitutional Amendment namely the Constitution (One Hundred Twenty-third Amendment) Bill, 2017

Constitution of a Commission under Article 338B for socially and educationally backward classes by name of National Commission for Backward Classes;
New NCBC act is brought up as there was no earlier act related to BC community

Choose correct

(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both
(D) None

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given (I) Ex-post facto approval for introduction of (i) Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third Amendment) Bill 2017 and (ii) National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament; and (II) Approval for retention of posts/incumbents and office premises held by the existing National Commission for Backward Classes by the proposed new National Commission for Backward Classes

The approval is for the proposal to bring about a Constitutional Amendment namely the Constitution (One Hundred Twenty-third Amendment) Bill, 2017 by:
Constitution of a Commission under Article 338B for socially and educationally backward classes by name of National Commission for Backward Classes; and
insertion of Clause (26C) under Article 366 with modified definition viz. “socially and educationally backward classes” means such backward classes as are so deemed under Article 342A for the purpose, this Constitution and

Introduce a Bill for:

Repeal of the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993 along with Savings Clause for namely the National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017; and
Dissolution of the National Commission for Backward Classes with effect from such date as the Central Government may appoint in this behalf and the National Commission for Backward Classes constituted under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the said Act shall stand dissolved.

MCQ 8

For sensitizing small laboratories to basic doable quality practices, NABL has launched another voluntary scheme called Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) for Basic Composite (BC) Medical Laboratories (Entry Level) in February, 2019. The laboratories performing only basic routine tests like blood glucose, blood counts, rapid tests for common infections, liver & kidney function tests and routine tests of urine will be eligible to apply under this scheme.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is a constituent board of Quality Council of India (QCI)under ministry of

Health & FW
Chemicals & Fertilizers
Commerce & Industry
Consumers affairs & PD

For sensitizing small laboratories to basic doable quality practices, NABL has launched another voluntary scheme called Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) for Basic Composite (BC) Medical Laboratories (Entry Level) in February, 2019.
The laboratories performing only basic routine tests like blood glucose, blood counts, rapid tests for common infections, liver & kidney function tests and routine tests of urine will be eligible to apply under this scheme. To encourage small pathology laboratories, the base criterion of the scheme is based on the requirements enlisted in Gazette notification dated 18th May, 2018 by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) to amend Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012. The scheme requires minimal documentation and a nominal fee has been prescribed for availing the scheme. Components of competence assessment have been added for assuring quality and validity of test results.
The scheme will help to bring quality at the grass root level of India’s health system where laboratories follow the imperatives of quality in all their processes. This will inculcate the habit of quality and facilitate the laboratories to achieve benchmark accreditation of ISO 15189 over a period of time. The laboratories may upgrade to accreditation as per ISO 15189 at any point of time. Successful laboratories will be issued a certificate of compliance to QAS BC scheme by NABL and they will be allowed to use a distinct symbol on the test reports as a mark of endorsement to the basic standard for a defined time frame before which they will have to transition to full accreditation as per ISO 15189.
To familiarize and encourage more and more small labs, even in the remotest part of the country, to avail the scheme, NABL will organize awareness programs in various cities of India. The scheme is expected to bring transformational change in more than 5000 laboratories over the next 5 years and to transform them into labs providing quality service.
Through this scheme, patients availing services of small labs in primary health centers, community health centers, doctor’s clinic, standalone small labs, labs in small nursing homes will also have access to quality lab results.
State Governments are being encouraged to adopt this entry level scheme for registering labs as establishments under Clinical Establishment Act. So far, the Act has been implemented in 11 states and all Union Territories. This will help organize the sector of diagnostics in these states.
This scheme will also give a much needed support to Ayushmaan Bharat Yojana of Government of India. Under this Yojana, Government plans to set up 1,50,000 wellness centers which will cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. This entry level scheme of NABL will, enhance the intent of Ayushmaan Bharat Yojana of universal access to quality healthcare for majority of citizens especially those residing in villages and small towns by providing them access to quality diagnostics.