Vishwakarma Yojana and Lakhpati Didi Scheme

Source: TH

Why in News?

In the recent Independence Day address, the Prime Minister unveiled two significant initiatives aimed at empowering artisans and women's self-help groups (SHGs) across India.

• The two initiatives are: the Vishwakarma Yojana and the provision of drones for women SHGs under Lakpati Didi Scheme.

What is Vishwakarma Yojana?

• About:
  • The Vishwakarma Yojana is a pioneering scheme designed to uplift individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community.
  • This scheme, named after the divine architect and craftsman Vishwakarma, seeks to preserve and enhance the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-pupil tradition) of passing down skills within families engaged in various artisanal trades.
• Features:
  • Recognition and Support: Artisans and craftspeople enrolled in the scheme will receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an identity card.
    • They will also be eligible for collateral-free credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5%.
  • Skill Development and Empowerment: The Vishwakarma Yojana has been allocated a budget ranging from ₹13,000 crore to ₹15,000 crore for five financial years from 2023-2024 to 2027-2028.
    • The scheme offers a stipend of ₹500 for skill training and ₹1,500 for the purchase of modern tools.
  • Scope and Coverage: The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades across both rural and urban areas. These trades encompass carpenters, boat-makers, blacksmiths, potters, sculptors, cobblers, tailors, and more.
  • Registration and Implementation: Registration for the Vishwakarma Yojana can be completed at common services centers in villages.
    • While the central government will provide funding for the scheme, state governments' support will also be sought.
  • Integration with Value Chains: A notable objective of the scheme is to ensure that artisans are seamlessly integrated into both domestic and global value chains, thus enhancing their market access and opportunities.

What is the Lakhpati Didi Scheme?

• About: The government's goal is to create two crore "lakhpati didis" (prosperous sisters) in villages. This scheme aligns with the broader mission of poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
  • Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
• Features:
  • Drones will be provided to women SHGs for agricultural activities.
    • This initiative aims to leverage technology to transform the agricultural landscape while empowering women in rural communities.
    • Around 15,000 women's SHGs will be given training in operating and repairing drones.
      • This training will not only create new avenues for income generation but also equip women with cutting-edge skills.
    • Drones have the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest control.
  • Under the scheme, women will be trained in skills like LED bulb making, plumbing, among others.

Red Fort: Venue for the India’s Independence Day Celebration

Source: IE

Why in News?

As India proudly celebrated its 77^th Independence Day, the spotlight once again fell upon the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. 

What are the Series of Events Associated with Red Fort?

• Historical Significance of Red Fort:
  • Under the Delhi Sultanate: Delhi emerged as a pivotal capital during the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1506).
    • Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, termed Delhi the 'capital of all Hindustan' in the 16th century.
    • Despite brief relocations (Akbar shifted his capital to Agra) the Mughals, under Shah Jahan, reestablished Delhi as their capital with Shahjahanabad in 1648, known today as Old Delhi.
      • Shah Jahan laid the foundation of his citadel, Lal-Qila or Red Fort.
  • Symbolic Significance of the Mughal Emperor: By the 18^th century, the Mughal Empire had lost most of its territories and power.
    • They were still regarded as symbolic rulers of India by some sections of society, especially by those who opposed British colonialism.
      • The 1857 Rebellion epitomized this connection, when people marched towards Red fort and declared the aged Bahadur Shah Zafar as their leader.
• British Imperial Rule and Transformation of the Red Fort:
  • British Capture of Delhi: After subduing the 1857 Rebellion, the British intended to erase the Mughal legacy by demolishing Shahjahanabad.
    • While sparing the Red Fort, they stripped it of its grandeur, looted artworks, and replaced inner structures with British buildings.
    • This transformation left an indelible mark of British imperial authority on the Red Fort.
  • Utilizing Symbolic Authority: Britishers recognized Delhi's symbolic power.
    • The Delhi Durbar ceremonies reinforced British dominance and proclaimed the monarch as the Emperor of India.
    • In 1911, the British moved their capital to Delhi, constructing a new city that embodied the Indian ethos and centralized authority.

How Red Fort Became Venue for India's Independence Day Celebration ?

• The Indian National Army's trials at the Red Fort in the 1940s elevated its symbolism. These trials sparked sympathy for the INA and intensified nationalist sentiments against British rule, reinforcing the Red Fort's role as a symbol of defiance.
• As India approached independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, decided to hoist the national flag at the Red Fort.
  • On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the National flag “Tiranaga” at Princess Park, followed by his historic "Tryst with Destiny" speech at the Red Fort on August 16, 1947.
  • This was a symbolic gesture of reclaiming the fort from British colonial rule and asserting India’s sovereignty and identity. It also marked the culmination of India’s long and arduous struggle for freedom.
• Since then, every year on 15th August, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag and addresses the nation from the Red Fort.
  • This tradition has become an integral part of India’s Independence Day celebrations and reflects its pride and patriotism.

New Scheme to Complement PMAY-U

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, Prime Minister in his address on 77th Independence Day, unveiled a new scheme aimed at alleviating the housing crisis faced by the urban poor.

• The new scheme complements the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U), a flagship government initiative launched in 2015.

What is Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban?

• About:
  • The PMAY-U, executed under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), aims to tackle the acute shortage of urban housing among economically disadvantaged segments.
  • The mission's overarching goal is to provide "pucca" (durable and permanent) houses to all eligible urban households by 2022.
    • To achieve this, the scheme has been extended until December 2024 to ensure the completion of all sanctioned houses without altering the funding pattern and implementation methodology.
• Beneficiaries:The Mission addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG and MIG categories including the slum dwellers.
  • Economically Weaker Section (EWS) - with a maximum annual family income of Rs. 3,00,00
  • Low Income Group (LIG) - with maximum annual family income of Rs. 6,00,000 and
  • Middle Income Groups (MIG I & II) - with a maximum annual family income of Rs. 18,00,000
    • A beneficiary family will comprise husband, wife, unmarried sons and/or unmarried daughters
• Components of PMAY-U:
  • In-situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR): The ISSR program offers Central Assistance of Rs. 1 lakh per dwelling for qualified slum residents during redevelopment, utilizing land as a resource in collaboration with private developers.
    • States/Cities have the flexibility to allocate this Central Assistance to other slum redevelopment projects.
  • Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS): The CLSS aids beneficiaries from EWS/LIG, Middle Income Group (MIG)-I, and MIG-II seeking housing loans for buying, constructing, or enhancing homes.
    • These individuals can avail interest subsidies of:
      • 6.5% on loan amount up to Rs. 6 Lakh
      • 4% on loan amount up to Rs. 9 Lakh
      • 3% on loan amount up to Rs. 12 Lakh
    • Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), National Housing Bank (NHB), and State Bank of India (SBI) are the designated Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) responsible for channeling the subsidy through lending institutions and monitoring progress.
  • Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP):
    • AHP provides Central Assistance of Rs. 1.5 Lakh for each Economically Weaker Section (EWS) dwelling by the Government of India.
    • Affordable housing projects can include various categories, but they qualify for Central Assistance if at least 35% of the homes target the EWS category.
    • States/UTs set an upper ceiling on the sale price of EWS homes to ensure affordability.
  • Beneficiary-led Individual House Construction/ Enhancement (BLC-N/ BLC-E):
    • Qualified Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families receive up to Rs. 1.5 lakh as Central Assistance for constructing or enhancing individual houses.
    • Urban Local Bodies verify the beneficiary's submitted information and building plan to confirm land ownership, economic status, and eligibility.

• Progress:
  • As of the most recent update, a total of 118.9 lakh houses have been completed under the PMAY-U initiative, out of which 76.25 lakh are occupied.
• Related Initiatives:
  • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs): MoHUA has initiated ARHCs, a sub-scheme under PMAY-U.
    • This will provide ease of living to urban migrants/ poor in the Industrial Sector as well as in the non-formal urban economy to get access to dignified affordable rental housing close to their workplace.
  • ANGIKAAR Campaign: It focuses on adopting best practices such as water & energy conservation, waste management, health, sanitation and hygiene for PMAY(U) beneficiaries through community mobilization and IEC activities.
    • The campaign was formally launched on 2nd October, 2019, commemorating 150th Gandhi Jayanti.
  • GHTC India: MoHUA has initiated the Global Housing Technology Challenge - India (GHTC India) which aims to identify and mainstream a basket of innovative construction technologies from across the globe for the housing construction sector that are sustainable, eco-friendly and disaster-resilient.

PM-eBus Sewa

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Indian Cabinet has approved the "PM-eBus Sewa" scheme, aiming to bolster city bus operations by introducing 10,000 Electric Buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

What is PM-eBus Sewa?

• About:
  • It aims to enhance urban transportation efficiency and promote Environmentally-Friendly Practices.
• Segment A: Augmenting City Bus Services (169 cities):
  • This segment is dedicated to strengthening urban transportation by 10,000 e-buses under the PPP model.
  • The initiative recognizes that efficient operations require the development or upgrading of depot infrastructure, alongside the creation of essential behind-the-meter power infrastructure like substations to accommodate the electric buses.
• Segment B: Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 cities):.
  • This segment includes enhancing bus priority, improving infrastructure, establishing multimodal interchange facilities, implementing NCMC (National Common Mobility Card)-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, and building necessary charging infrastructure.
  • By integrating these sustainable practices, the scheme aims to transform urban mobility landscapes.
• Target Population and Unreached Areas:
  • The scheme will encompass cities with populations of three lakh and above, based on the 2011 census data.
  • This comprehensive approach includes all Capital cities of Union Territories, regions in the North Eastern part of the country, and hilly states.
  • A significant highlight of the scheme is its focus on cities lacking organized bus services, making it an effort to bridge the urban mobility gap.
• Operation and Facilitation:
  • The operational aspect of the scheme places the responsibility on states and cities to manage and sustain the bus services while making payments to the appointed bus operators.
  • The Central Government's role is to facilitate and support these operations by providing subsidies as outlined in the scheme.

What is the Significance of the Scheme?

• Employment Opportunity:
  • The scheme is projected to create a direct employment opportunity surge, with an estimated range of 45,000 to 55,000 jobs.
  • This boost will stem from the deployment of electric buses in city bus operations, contributing to economic growth while addressing pressing urban mobility needs.
• Boosting E-Mobility:
  • It seeks to propel the adoption of E-Mobility, underpinned by comprehensive support for the requisite behind-the-meter power infrastructure.
  • Furthermore cities will receive backing for the development of crucial charging infrastructure as part of the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
  • This holistic approach not only accelerates the adoption of energy-efficient electric buses but also drives innovation within the e-mobility sector.
• Environmental Impact and GHG Reduction:
  • The shift towards electric mobility is projected to have profound environmental benefits.
  • By reducing noise and air pollution and curbing carbon emissions, the scheme aligns with broader sustainability goals.
  • The increased utilization of bus-based public transportation will also lead to a modal shift, further contributing to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.

Way Forward

• The "PM-eBus Sewa" scheme stands as a pivotal initiative in promoting sustainable urban mobility and electric vehicle adoption.
• With its multi-faceted approach spanning direct employment generation, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation, the scheme exemplifies India's commitment to creating resilient and eco-friendly urban transportation systems.
• This forward-thinking strategy is set to have far-reaching implications for both urban development and environmental stewardship.

SC Handbook on Gender Stereotypes

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has released a Handbook, correcting Gender Stereotypes and offering guidance on how to avoid utilising harmful gender stereotypes, in particular those about women, in judicial decision making and writing.

What is the Handbook?

• About:
  • The Handbook on Gender Stereotypes is released by the Supreme Court of India with the intention of assisting judges and legal practitioners in recognizing, understanding, and combating gender stereotypes present in legal language and judgments.
  • It highlights common stereotypical words and phrases that are often used to describe women in legal documents.
  • It points out instances where such language perpetuates antiquated or incorrect notions about women's roles and behavior.
  • It also provides specific examples of language that should be replaced with more neutral and accurate terms.
    • For instance, it suggests using "woman" instead of "career woman," "street sexual harassment" instead of "eve teasing," and "rape" instead of "forcible rape."

• Objective:
  • The handbook aims to promote more equitable and unbiased language usage in judicial discourse.
  • The goal of the handbook is to encourage a shift towards language that reflects a more modern and respectful understanding of gender and promotes equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their gender.

Why is it Important for Judges to Use the Right Words?

• The handbook argues that the language a judge uses reflects not only their interpretation of the law, but their perception of society as well.
• Even when the use of stereotypes does not alter the outcome of a case, stereotypical language may reinforce ideas contrary to our constitutional ethos.
• Language is critical to the life of the law. Words are the vehicle through which the values of the law are communicated.
• Words transmit the ultimate intention of the lawmaker or the judge to the nation.

Have there been Similar Efforts in other Countries?

• There have been projects in other countries, pushed by both academia and practitioners, which hold up a mirror for the court’s practices.
• For example, the Women’s Court of Canada, a collective of female lawyers, academics and activists write “shadow judgements” on equality law.
• In India, the Indian Feminist Judgement Project also ‘rewrites’ judgements with a feminist critique.

Organized Crime and Georgia RICO Act

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, former United States President Donald Trump, along with 18 of his associates, has recently been charged under the Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act.

• The charges encompass a range of alleged criminal activities which mainly include forgery, making false statements, impersonating a public officer, influencing witnesses, and conspiracy.
• RICO Act has similarities with the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999.

What is the Georgia RICO Act?

• The RICO Act originated in the US federal law in 1970.
• Originally designed to combat organized crime, particularly mafia-related activities.
• Within a few years of the federal law taking effect, states began passing their own RICO laws.
• Georgia’s RICO Act, adopted in 1980, makes it a crime to participate in, acquire or maintain control of an “enterprise” through a “pattern of racketeering activity” or to conspire to do so.
• A conviction for racketeering under the RICO Act in Georgia can result in a prison term of up to 20 years.
• The severe penalty underscores the gravity of the Act's application.

What is Organized Crime?

• Organized Crime activities refer to actions carried out jointly or severally by members of a gang or syndicate, with the intent of obtaining pecuniary or other advantages.
• Types of Organized Crime: Organized gang criminality, Racketeering, Syndicate Crime, Smuggling etc.
• They operate covertly, exploiting gaps in law enforcement and regulations.

What is the Legal Position In India on Organized Crime?

• Organized crime has always existed in India in some form or another. It has, however, assumed its virulent form in modern times due to several socio-economic and political factors and advances in science and technology.
  • Even though rural India is not immune from it, it is essentially an urban phenomenon.
• India does not have a specific law to deal with organized crime at the national level. The existing laws, such as the National Security Act,1980, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 are inadequate as they target individuals and not criminal groups or enterprises.
• Some states, such as Gujarat (Gujarat Control of Organised Crime Act, 2015), Karnataka (Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act, 2000), and Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh Control of Organised Crime Act, 2017), have enacted their own laws to combat organized crime.
• India is also a party to several international conventions and treaties that aim to prevent and suppress organized crime at the global level.
  • These include:
    • United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).
    • United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
    • United Nations Office On Drug And Crime (UNODC).
  • Conventions facilitate cooperation, mutual assistance, law enforcement, and information sharing among countries.

What are the Challenges in Combating Organized Crime?

• Inadequate Legal Structure: Lack of a dedicated law targeting organized crime groups and enterprises.
• Difficulty in Obtaining Proof: Hierarchy insulates higher leadership; witnesses fear for their lives.
• Resource and Training Shortage: Insufficient resources, training, and facilities for investigating organized crime.
• Lack of Coordination: Absence of a national agency for coordination and information exchange.
• Criminal, Political & Bureaucratic Nexus: Criminal syndicates maintain connections with politicians, bureaucrats, and media.

Way Forward

• Develop a comprehensive national law inspired by successful international models like the RICO Act.
• Establish specialized training centers for law enforcement, equipping them with advanced anti-organized crime techniques.
  • Increase funding for technology and infrastructure to bolster intelligence gathering, evidence collection, and inter-agency collaboration.
• Create a central agency tasked with coordinating efforts across states and central enforcement bodies to effectively combat organized crime. Foster seamless information exchange, leveraging advanced data analytics and AI for identifying patterns and hotspots.
• Enforce stringent monitoring mechanisms to curb the criminal-political nexus. Encourage active involvement of civil society groups and human rights organizations to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of power.

Radio Thermoelectric Generators

Source: BL

Why in News?

Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), has embarked on the joint development of Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs), an innovative approach aimed at surpassing the constraints of conventional chemical engines for interplanetary voyages.

• Chemical engines work well for satellite thrusters, but they are inadequate for deep space travel due to fuel limitations and lack of solar power in distant regions.
• RTGs have been successfully employed by US spacecraft such as the Voyager, Cassini and Curiosity, to power missions with exceptional achievements.

What are the Radio Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs)?

• About:
  • RTGs are innovative power sources designed to address challenges in deep space missions.
  • RTGs utilize radioactive materials, such as Plutonium-238 or Strontium-90, which emit heat as they decay over time.
  • This heat is harnessed and converted into electricity, enabling the propulsion and power of spacecraft.
• Components of RTGs:
  • Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU):
    • The RHU is responsible for generating heat through the decay of radioactive materials.
    • It initiates the process by releasing thermal energy, which serves as the foundation for electricity generation.
  • RTG (Heat-to-Electricity Conversion):
    • The RTG component transforms the heat generated by the RHU into usable electricity.
    • This conversion takes place through a thermocouple, a material that generates voltage when subjected to a temperature gradient.
    • The voltage produced by the thermocouple is utilized to charge batteries onboard the spacecraft.
    • These batteries, in turn, power various systems, including propulsion mechanisms, enabling interplanetary travel.
• Advantages of RTGs for Space Missions:
  • Independence from Solar Proximity:
    • Unlike solar-powered systems, RTGs operate effectively regardless of the spacecraft's distance from the sun.
    • This characteristic eliminates constraints related to launch windows and planetary alignment.
  • Reliability and Consistency:
    • RTGs offer a consistent and reliable source of power, essential for sustaining prolonged deep space missions.
    • The gradual decay of radioactive materials ensures a continuous supply of heat and electricity.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

FloodWatch Real-Time Flood Monitoring App

Recently, the Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, launched the mobile application "FloodWatch" for disseminating flood-related information in real-time.

• Key Features of FloodWatch:
  • Real-time flood monitoring provides up-to-date flood situations across the country.
  • App utilizes near real-time river flow data from various sources to enhance accuracy.
  • Interactive Map feature enables users to check CWC Flood Forecast (24 hours) or Flood Advisory (7 days) by selecting stations directly from the map or using the search box.
  • "FloodWatch" incorporates advanced technologies like satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate flood forecasts.

Read more: Central Water Commission (CWC)

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Curbing Fraud with SIM Card Registration

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has introduced new measures to combat cyber fraud and scam calls related to SIM cards, these include mandatory registration and verification of SIM dealers, with the goal of curbing fraudulent activities and strengthening mobile security.

• Recent efforts have led to the blacklisting of 67,000 SIM dealers and 52 lakh connections, with over 300 First Information Reports (FIR) registered.
• The rollout of the Sanchar Saathi portal(SSP) complements these efforts, solidifying India's commitment to combatting telecommunications-related fraud.
  • The SSP, developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under the DoT, addresses prevalent telecom frauds like identity theft and banking fraud.
    • Over 40 lakh fraudulent connections were identified, and 36 lakhs disconnected using the portal.
  • Protects against identity theft, forged KYC, mobile device theft, and banking fraud.

Read more: World Telecom Day

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Anduri Utsav: Uttarakhand's Whimsical Butter Festival

The Anduri Utsav, popularly known as the Butter Festival, celebrated at Dayara Bugyal of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand culminated recently.

• Dayara Bugyal, situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level, is one of the pristine meadows in the state.
• It is also known as Butter Holi, as people smear each other with butter, milk and buttermilk in a playful manner.
• The festival is a way of expressing gratitude to Lord Krishna, who is believed to have protected the cattle from evil forces while they were grazing in the bugyal.

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Matti Banana

Matti banana, a native variety of Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, was recently granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique features and qualities.

• Matti banana has six types that differ in colour, aroma, taste, and texture, and are suitable for baby food and medicinal use.
• This Banana is commonly known as ‘Baby Banana’.
• It grows best in the specific climate and soil of Kanniyakumari.

Read more: Geographical Indication (GI)