Blog
PIB
Daily PIB
Daily PIB/ 17 Feb
General Studies- II
Topic- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Chrome Ias
Share
Trending
Latest Courses
Soil Health Card scheme
Context:
Soil Health Card Scheme have been implemented in 32 States and UTs.
Soil Health Card scheme:
The Soil health card Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on December 5, 2015.
- Under the scheme, village level Soil Testing Labs will be setting up by youth having education in agriculture, Women Self Help Groups, FPOs etc.
- SHC scheme also focus on enabling employment generation after appropriate skill development.
What is the Soil Health Card (SHC)?
- SHC is a printed report that a farmer will be handed over for each of his holdings.
- Soil Health Card provides two sets of fertilizer recommendations for six crops including recommendations of organic manures.
It will contain the status of his soil with respect to 12 parameters, namely:
- N,P,K (Macro-nutrients);
- S (Secondary- nutrient);
- Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients); and
- pH, EC, OC (Physical parameters).
Objective of SHC:
- A SHC is meant to give each farmer soil nutrient status of his/her holding.
- Advise him / her on the dosage of fertilizers and also the needed soil amendments that s/he should apply to maintain soil health in the long run.
Soil sample and testing:
- Soil samples will be drawn in a grid of 2.5 ha in irrigated area and 10 ha in rain- fed area with the help of GPS tools and revenue maps.
- Soil Samples are taken generally two times in a year, after harvesting of Rabi and Kharif Crop respectively or when there is no standing crop in the field.
- Soil Samples will be collected by a trained person from a depth of 15-20 cm by cutting the soil in a “V” shape.
- It will then be transferred to soil test laboratory for analysis.
What is a soil test laboratory?
It is a facility for testing the soil sample for 12 parameters. This facility can be static or mobile or it can even be portable to be used in remote areas.
At the laboratories of the Science Colleges/Universities by the students under supervision of a Professor/ Scientist.
Significance of SHC:
The scheme provides for the analysis of soil composition by the State Governments once in every two years so that remedial steps can be taken to improve soil nutrients. While the Soil Health Management Scheme has turned out to be a blessing for the farmers, it is also creating jobs for the agrarian youth.
General Studies- III
Topic- transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
GrapeNet System of APEDA
Context:
In a bid to ensure cyber security protection for its traceability initiative, APEDA has adopted next generation Blockchain and Cloud migration enabled GrapeNet System.
It would ensure a secured, scalable and cost effective interface for all the stakeholders in the exports value chain.
What is the GrapeNet?
The GrapeNet is a web based certification and traceability software system for monitoring fresh grapes exported from India to the European Union.
- APEDA can trace details of the consignment right upto the farm plot level.
- After integration Blockchain, GrapeNet will be more secure.
- On the occasion of APEDA foundation day on 13th February, 2021 the integration into Blockchain and Cloud migration has been announced.
How will Blockchain help in GrapeNet?
The Blockchain will help track all the activities and steps involved in the grapes lifecycle process, right from the allocation of the farms for production of the grapes to the point of grapes being delivered to the customers.
- It will keep a record of all the processes involved which can be traced by the customers at the end of the chain to validate the authenticity of the grapes being provided to them.
- The traceability of the grapes can be done from any level.
What is the Blockchain?
Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network.
- The technology is ideal for delivering that information because it provides immediate, shared, and completely transparent information stored on an immutable ledger that can be accessed only by network members.
- A Blockchain network can track test reports, consignments, production, and much more.
- Since because members share a single view of the truth, they can see all details of a transaction end-to-end, giving those greater confidence, as well as new efficiencies and opportunities.
About APEDA:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985. The came into effect from 13th February, 1986.
- The Authority replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC).
- It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The Authority has its headquarters in New Delhi.
General Studies- III
Topic- Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
India Maps the 21st Century
Context:
The Department of Science and Technology is announcing sweeping changes to India’s mapping policy, specifically for Indian companies.
Highlights:
To realise India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of a 5 trillion-dollar economy, the regulations that apply to geospatial data and maps henceforth stand radically liberalised.
- What is readily available globally does not need to be restricted in India and therefore geospatial data that used to be restricted will now be freely available in India.
- The Indian corporations and innovators are no longer subject to restrictions nor do they require prior approvals before they collect, generate, prepare, disseminate, store, publish, update digital Geospatial Data and Maps within the territory of India.
Background:
Maps and accurate geospatial data are crucial for national infrastructure projects such as linkages of rivers, creation of industrial corridors and deploying smart power systems.
- Emerging vibrant technologies like Digital India, Smart Cities, eCommerce, autonomous drones, delivery, logistics and urban transport require a leap forward in mapping with greater depth, resolution and precision.
- In every economic endeavor, spanning agriculture, finance, construction, mining and local enterprise, India’s farmers, small businesses and corporations alike stand to gain tremendously from the application of innovative technologies based on modern geospatial data technologies and mapping services.
Need for mapping:
The Prime Minister observed however, that the existing regime imposed significant restrictions on the mapping industry – from creation to dissemination of maps, requiring Indian companies to seek licenses, follow a cumbersome system of pre-approvals and permissions.
Compliance with these regulatory restrictions has subjected startups in India to unnecessary red tape, hindering Indian innovation in map technologies for decades.
Significance:
With the next generation of mapping technology just about coming into its own around the world, this policy will enable Indian innovators to create substantial advances in mapping ultimately making our lives easier and empowering small businesses.
We look forward to India emerging as a mapping power, creating next generation indigenous maps of India and taking these new technologies to the rest of the world.
General Studies- II
Topic- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Multi-location claim facility of EPFO
Context
Recently, a multi-location claim settlement facility was launched by EPFO.
Highlights:
- The multi-location claim settlement facility will bring a paradigm shift by allowing EPFO offices to settle online claims from any of its regional offices, across the country.
- All types of online claims i.e. provident fund, pension, partial withdrawal and claims and transfer claims can be processed under this novel initiative.
- The first batch of multi-location claims under this path-breaking project was settled for Gurugram Region on 10th June 2020.
Need for:
EPFO has moved away from the existing system of geographical jurisdiction for claim processing by rolling out multi-location claim settlement facility.
- This will allow offices with lesser workload to share the burden of offices that have accumulated a higher level of pendency, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- It enables fast-tracking of settlement process through most appropriate engagement of EPFO’s workforce in all its regional offices across the country.
Significance
- The launch of multi-location claim settlement facility is a momentous step towards the larger objectives of ushering faceless claims processing.
- Thereby, it will bring greater levels of transparency, efficiency, reduction of member grievances and expeditious settlement of online claims in line with Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- The EPFO is an organization tasked to assist the Central Board of Trustees.
- Employees’ Provident Fund is a statutory body.
- It is formed by the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
- It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.
Chrome facts for prelims
World Radio Day
The World Radio Day is observed on 13 February annually.
- It was proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO, and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International Day.
- World Radio Day 2021 theme: “New World, New Radio”.
- February 13, marks the establishment of United Nations radio in 1946.
- Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, is celebrated on 11 February annualy.
- It is adopted by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December, 2015.
- The day recognizes the critical role women and girls play in science and technology.
- This Day is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.
Chrome Ias
Trending
Latest Courses
For Daily Updates
Sign up for daily emails to get the latest Chrome IAS news.
