• 28 Nov 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024

Why in News?

Recently, to promote and propagate the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024, the J&K administration has set up a pavilion at the Film Bazaar of the 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

Key Points

• The Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy-2024 highlights its potential to establish J&K as a leading destination for film production.
• Policy Objectives:
  • The policy seeks to boost both domestic and international film production in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It includes plans for high-impact financial incentives to make J&K an attractive filming destination.
  • The policy focuses on developing film studios, production facilities, and hosting promotional events such as film conclaves.
• Natural and Cultural Diversity:
  • J&K offers diverse filming locations, including scenic valleys, lakes, historic sites, and modern urban landscapes.
  • This unparalleled diversity makes J&K a unique hub for filmmakers.
• Single-Window Clearance System:
  • A single-window clearance system has been developed to streamline the process of obtaining shooting permissions.
  • This system ensures time-bound approvals, simplifying production logistics for filmmakers.
• Financial Incentives:
  • Filmmakers can avail a 10% subsidy on the cost of production.
  • An additional 25% subsidy is provided for movies that win national or international awards.
• Economic Impact:
  • These measures aim to revitalise J&K’s economy by creating employment opportunities, increasing tourism, and promoting J&K as a global hub for film tourism.

International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

• About:
  • Established in 1952, IFFI is one of Asia's most prominent film festivals.
  • The festival is held annually, with its permanent venue in the state of Goa since 2004.
  • It is the only South Asian film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers and Associations (FIAPF) as a Competitive Feature Film Festival.
• Objectives:
  • Provides a platform for global filmmakers to showcase excellence in film art.
  • Promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse film cultures in their social and cultural contexts.
  • Fosters friendship and cooperation among people worldwide.
• Organizing Entities:
  • Jointly organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Government of Goa, and the Indian Film Industry.

Support to TRI Scheme

Why in News?

Recently, the Minister for Tribal Affairs has directed the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) to accelerate development activities under the ambitious “Support to TRI” scheme.

Key Points

• About Support to TRI scheme:
  • The Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) scheme is a Ministry of Tribal Affairs program that provides financial assistance to TRIs in states and union territories.
  • Its goal is to strengthen TRIs as knowledge hubs for tribal development by supporting research, documentation, training, and capacity building.
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides 100% grant-in-aid to TRIs on a need basis.
  • The scheme supports various activities, including:
    • Preserving and promoting tribal languages and dialects
    • Documenting folklore and folktales
    • Collecting oral literature
    • Conducting conferences, seminars, workshops, and poetic symposiums
    • Organizing cultural festivals and exchange programs
    • Maintaining and preserving art and artifacts
    • Setting up tribal museums
• Heritage Preservation:
  • Proposed activities include robust research and documentation to record and preserve the heritage and traditions of tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • TRI was asked to initiate programs safeguarding tribal art, traditions, and languages to ensure their continuity for future generations.
• Capacity Building:
  • TRI was instructed to conduct capacity-building programs to equip tribal communities with skills and resources to adapt to evolving socio-economic challenges.
• Youth Empowerment:
  • Measures aim to close educational gaps and promote career readiness among tribal youth through targeted interventions.
  • Directed activities focus on skill development, livelihood enhancement, and educational support for tribal youth.
  • Special emphasis is on coaching for tribal students, preparing for competitive exams and creating fellowship opportunities for action research proposals.
• Commitment to Holistic Development:
  • The government reaffirmed its commitment to the holistic development of the tribal population, emphasizing TRI’s crucial role in driving this mission.

Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)

• About:
  • TRIs serve as research arms of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the state level, with 27 institutes across India.
• Core Responsibilities:
  • Serve as think tanks for tribal development and preservation of tribal cultural heritage.
  • Provide evidence-based inputs for state planning and formulation of appropriate legislations.
  • Focus on capacity building of tribal communities and stakeholders involved in tribal affairs.
  • Facilitate dissemination of information and create awareness about tribal issues and heritage.

Yuva Sangam

Why in News?

Under the Yuva Sangam initiative, 44 delegates from Bihar embarked on their journey to Karnataka and 50 delegates from Andhra Pradesh set off for Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points

• About Yuva Sangam:
  • Yuva Sangam is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Education in 2023.
  • It aimed at strengthening youth connections across different States and Union Territories.
  • The program promotes unity in diversity by fostering cultural immersion, knowledge sharing, and meaningful interactions.
  • Participants, aged 18 to 30, include students, volunteers, and young professionals from various backgrounds.
  • A total of 4,795 youth have participated in 114 tours
  • across various phases.
• Phase V of Yuva Sangam:
  • For Phase V, twenty eminent institutions across India have been selected to participate.
  • Participants from these institutions will visit their paired states or UTs, led by the nodal Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).
• Key Areas of Exposure:
  • During the Yuva Sangam tours, participants will receive exposure in five broad areas known as the 5 Ps:
    • Paryatan (Tourism)
    • Parampara (Traditions)
    • Pragati (Development)
    • Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect)
    • Prodyogiki (Technology)
  • The tours last for 5-7 days, excluding travel days.
• Collaborative Effort:
  • Yuva Sangam is organized through a ‘Whole of Government’ approach, with support from multiple Ministries, Departments, and State Governments.
    • Key stakeholders include the Ministries of Home Affairs, Culture, Tourism, Youth Affairs & Sports, Information & Broadcasting, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Railways.

‘Green Voice’ Award

Why in News?

Recently, Former superintending engineer Shiv Singh Rawat at Haryana Irrigation Department has been honoured with the ‘Green Voice’ award by the Navjyoti India Foundation, an Non-governmental Organizations (NGO), for his contribution in promoting sustainable environmental practices in the region.

Key Points

• The award was presented at the foundation day of the Navjyoti India Foundation, an organization actively working on water conservation across India.
• Shiv Singh Rawat highlighted his years of involvement in social work, focusing on critical areas such as:
  • Water conservation and environmental protection.
  • Fruit plantation drives.
  • Enhancing education and healthcare facilities.
  • Promoting women empowerment.
• Regional Contributions:
  • His work spans multiple regions, including Palwal, Gurgaon, Mewat, and Faridabad.
• He also served as the coordinator of the ‘Yamuna Bachao Abhiyan’ raising awareness about the preservation and conservation of water in the region.

State-of-the-Art Cruise at Mahakumbh's Grandeur

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing for Mahakumbh 2025, adding a new attraction, the Nishadraj cruise.

Key Points

• Launch of Nishadraj Cruise:
  • The Nishadraj cruise, managed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has begun its journey from Varanasi to Prayagraj.
  • The cruise is equipped with modern amenities, reflecting the state's commitment to innovation and excellence.
  • There is ongoing coordination between the Prayagraj Mela Authority and the Varanasi administration for the cruise's journey.
• Inauguration:
  • The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Mahakumbh on 13^th December 2024.
  • At Shrungverpur Dham, the PM will unveil statues of Lord Ram and Nishadraj before boarding the Nishadraj cruise for a journey from Arail to the Sangam.
  • Upon reaching the Sangam, he will perform a ritual bath and pay homage to the sacred Ganga River.
    • The itinerary includes a Ganga Aarti, visits to the Bade Hanuman Temple and Akshayavat, and interactions with prominent saints and spiritual leaders at the Parade Ground.

Inland Waterways Authority of India

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is a statutory body under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Act, 1985.
• It was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation.
• It is headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and its main function is to build necessary infrastructure in inland waterways, surveying economic feasibility of new projects and also carrying out administration and regulation.
• As per the National Waterways Act, 2016, 111 waterways have been declared as National Waterways.