#Jharkhand State Food Security Scheme

[townpostin]

East Singhbhum to Cancel 12,000 Inactive Ration Cards

Move targets urban areas; cardholders can apply for reconsideration East Singhbhum district plans to cancel 12,000 ration cards unused for six months or more, affecting urban areas like Jamshedpur NAC and Mango. JAMSHEDPUR – East Singhbhum district in Jharkhand is set to cancel approximately 12,000 inactive ration cards to streamline its public distribution system. The decision impacts green…

[republic-world]

Prime Minister to Embark on Nationwide Outreach Campaign

Mumbai, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-month nationwide outreach campaign, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, beginning on November 15, 2023. The yatra will focus on showcasing the achievements of the Central Government and creating awareness about various welfare schemes.

The yatra will commence on Birsa Munda Jayanti, celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, in Jharkhand's Khunti district. Prime Minister Modi will flag off IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) vans during the event. Over 2,500 such vans will cover 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and 3,700 urban local bodies across the country.

The primary objective of the yatra is to engage with people directly, particularly in tribal areas, and provide them with information about various government initiatives, including sanitation, financial services, electricity connections, LPG access, housing, food security, nutrition, healthcare, and clean drinking water.

The government also plans to enroll potential beneficiaries through details ascertained during the yatra.

Yatra Postponed in Poll-Bound States

The yatra was initially planned to cover all states, but it has been postponed in five poll-bound states – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Mizoram – until after the elections. The decision was taken to avoid any potential misuse of the yatra for political purposes.

Positive Impact Expected

The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Indians. By creating awareness about government schemes and initiatives, the yatra can help empower people and improve their access to essential services.

The yatra is also an opportunity for the government to connect with people at the grassroots level and understand their needs and concerns. This feedback can be used to further improve government programs and policies.

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[infantisimo]

On 26 May, the farmers at the Delhi borders will complete six months of their protest against the three contentious farm bills. The farmers have decided to observe it as a ‘black day’, and have demanded that the central government resume talks with them. The last round of talks between the two parties was held on 22 January which ended in a stalemate. In their eleven rounds of talks, the farmers have remained adamant about the repeal of the three laws and a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).

The government had offered to stay the implementation of the three laws for one or one-and-a-half years — a demand subsequently rejected by the farmers’ groups. On MSP, the prime minister, finance ministers and the agriculture minister have said, multiple times, that the MSP procurement system will remain as it is.

Modi Govt’s Push for Cash Transfer for Food Subsidy — And Its Implications

While there is little evidence to suggest that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government will give in to the farmer’s demands and withdraw the three laws and make MSP a legal right, if by some stroke of luck it were to happen, farmers might still face the same threats that arose from the three farm laws in the first place.

The Modi government’s push for cash transfer for food subsidy instead of giving subsidised food grains – something the discourse around farm bills has missed — endangers the MSP-supported food procurement system, apart from also threatening food security (which is beyond the scope of this piece) in the country.

Procurement under the MSP system is inextricably linked to the allotment of subsidised food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Modi-led central government, however, is out to quietly dismantle this PDS system. On 7 February 2020, the Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao, told the Rajya Sabha that states are now free to implement the scheme for the cash transfer of food subsidies (subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions regarding the preparedness for its implementation — which mostly concerns the seeding of bank accounts of recipients with their Aadhar).

The central government had first proposed replacing food subsidy with cash in a letter to states dated 10 February 2015, based on a recommendation made by a committee on the Food Corporation of India (FCI), which was chaired by former Food Minister Shanta Kumar.

While the states did not show much interest in the proposal at the time, the BJP government went ahead with notifying the Cash Transfer of Food Subsidy Rules on 21 August 2015 without due accountability.

The scheme, which can also be viewed as Direct Benefits Transfer for food grains, was then implemented in Chandigarh, Puducherry and urban areas of Dadra and Nagar Haveli after a quiet rollout by the central government in 2015. In 2017, the government had also launched a cash transfer scheme for food subsidies in Nagari block of Jharkhand on a pilot basis for ten months.

How the DBT Food Programme Works

Under the Aadhar-enabled DBT food programme, beneficiary households who are entitled to get subsidised food grains as part of the PDS, usually priced between Rs 1-3 per kg, from ration shops, instead get the subsidy amount in their bank accounts with which they can buy the grains at non-subsidised rates from the market. If implemented at a larger scale, these changes in the PDS are bound to erode the MSP procurement system slowly, and hence merits a closer look.

The subsidised food grains, such as rice and wheat, that are otherwise distributed by ration shops in most states and union territories under the PDS, is the produce that is bought by the government from farmers at Minimum Support Price.

If the government slowly stops distributing food grains in all ration shops, following the Chandigarh-Puducherry model, and gives cash to beneficiaries instead, the government will also invariably stop buying food grains from farmers at MSP — which is the most important instrument for the protection of farmers’ incomes so far. Buying grains from farmers at MSP will become unfeasible for the government if these grains cannot be offloaded and distributed to targeted households under PDS.

Issue of Govt Buying Food Grains at MSP to Export

If the government does not distribute food grains under PDS, but wants to keep procuring grains from farmers at MSP, the only options it will have is to either export the grains or store them infinitely — both solutions considered impractical by experts. “It will simply be immoral for the government to store food grains in a country such as India where thousands of people sleep empty-stomach every day,” said Dipa Sinha, Assistant Professor (Economics), Ambedkar University, Delhi, who is also associated with the Right to Food campaign.

The government buying food grains at MSP to export is seen as a ‘trade distorting’ exercise and is not allowed as per the regulations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Complaints have been raised on multiple occasions against India in WTO by other countries, for crossing the subsidy ceiling in procurement of grains at MSP.

“DBT in food subsidy and procurement of grains at MSP cannot go hand in hand. If the government pushes for cash transfers for food subsidy, it will not be able to procure grains at MSP and even if it does, what will it do with it? On the other hand, WTO rules only allow India to buy food grains for distribution under PDS for food security under its green box measure. Procuring food grains otherwise is seen as an exercise to tamper with international prices,” Reetika Khera, Professor of Economics, IIT Delhi, had told this writer in an interview in 2018.

If the DBT food programme makes its way to more states, which is a real possibility given the BJP’s penchant for cash transfers, the MSP regime will not be safe with or without the repeal of the new farm laws.

If MSP were to become a legal right, the guarantee it will offer will have no value if the government stops procuring grains altogether. It is, hence, imperative that, along with the repeal of the farm laws and making MSP a legal right, farmers also demand that the central government roll back the cash transfers scheme for food subsidies completely.

[renubresearchanalysis]

India Cashew Market Share, Size , Forecast by 2027

India was the primary country to enter the worldwide cashew trade. Cashew is a vital cash crop and a highly valued nutrient in Indian agriculture. Cashew provides an essential source of income and food security for small holder producers and low-income groups. However, the Indian cashew industry has a vast untapped potential to support the subsistence of cashew farmers, and provide various employment opportunities and improve returns through global trade. As per this research report, India Cashew Market Size was US$ 807.41 Million in 2020.

In recent years, the cashew market has witnessed a rapid shift in the consumption pattern across India, primarily due to flavored assorted cashew products occupying an increased share in the retail market space. With rising health-consciousness, consumers prefer healthy snacks, due to which the demand for flavored cashews is growing in India. Moreover, the high content of copper in cashews helps RBC formation and strengthens the bones, muscles, tissues, and nerves to improve overall health. The cashew market in India is expected to grow by the forecast period. India Cashew Market is estimated to reach US$ 1,136.31 Million by 2027.

Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI)

In the country, CEPCI has urged the Union government to allocate sufficient funds and put forward several schemes to boost the production of cashews. This initiative is required to drive the cashew market. CEPCI Issue or renew RCM (Registration Cum Membership Certificates) to its members. The certificate helps for export-related works and availing duty benefits under foreign trade policy in 2021.

India is the major cashew consuming country in the Asia-Pacific, positioned as the largest producer of raw cashew nut (RCN) globally. The major cashew producing Indian states are Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Maharashtra is the largest cashew producing state. It is well-drained lateritic and sandy soils along the coastal belt with undulating topography and climatic conditions like modest temperature, high humidity, and high rainfall in the Konkan region Maharashtra is recognised as the most beneficial for cashew plantation. India Cashew Industry will grow with a CAGR of 5.00% during 2020-2027.

Cashew is one of India's primary foreign exchange-earners and the second-biggest dollar earner. India imports and exports cashew products in the international market, such as the UAE, Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Germany, and the United States. In addition to domestic production, India also imports raw cashew from other countries like Vietnam, Tanzania, Netherlands, Kuwait, Kenya etc., besides many other small countries.

india cashew market share

In the COVID-19 pandemic, cashew consumption and supply has taken a massive hit, the future of the cashew industry hangs in the balance. Export volume of cashew has hit an all-time low, and domestic sales have fallen due to the absence of pilgrims, large-scale festivals and events in India. Major Key players covered in Indian cashew markets are Wonderland Foods, Kalbavi Cashews, Britannia Industries Limited and Haldirams. In 2021, Haldirams and Future life bring a nutritional product range to India.

Renub Research Latest Report “India Cashew Market by production (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Others), Export (UAE, Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Germany, United States, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore), Import (Vietnam, Tanzania, Netherlands, Kuwait, Kenya, Japan, Spain, Indonesia, EI Salvador), Company (Wonderland Foods, Kalbavi Cashews, Britannia Industries Limited, Haldirams)” studies the India Cashew Industry. The report also comprises qualitative factors such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

Request a Free Sample Copy of the Report: https://www.renub.com/request-sample-page.php?gturl=india-cashew-market-p.php

States - India Cashew Production has been covered from 10 viewpoints

1.    Maharashtra 2.    Andhra Pradesh 3.    Orissa 4.    Karnataka 5.    Kerala 6.    Tamil Nadu 7.    Goa 8.    West Bengal 9.    Jharkhand 10.    Others

Countries - India Cashew Export Market have been covered from 10 viewpoints

1.    UAE 2.    Netherland 3.    Japan 4.    Saudi Arabia 5.    Spain 6.    Germany 7.    United States 8.    Kuwait 9.    Qatar 10.    Singapore

India cashew market share

Countries - India Cashew Import Market have been covered from 9 viewpoints

1.    Vietnam 2.    Tanzania 3.    Netherlands 4.    Kuwait 5.    Kenya 6.    Japan 7.    Spain 8.    Indonesia 9.    EI Salvador

Company Insights:

•    Overview •    Recent Development •    Revenue Analysis

Company Analysis:

1.    Wonderland Foods 2.    KalbaviCashews 3.    Britannia Industries Limited 4.    Haldirams

About the Company:

Renub Research is a Market Research and Consulting Company. We have more than 10 years of experience especially in international Business-to-Business Researches, Surveys and Consulting. We provide a wide range of business research solutions that helps companies in making better business decisions. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses. Our wide clientele comprises major players in Healthcare, Travel and Tourism, Food & Beverages, Power & Energy, Information Technology, Telecom & Internet, Chemical, Logistics & Automotive, Consumer Goods & Retail, Building and Construction, & Agriculture. Our clients rely on our market analysis and data to make informed knowledgeable decisions. We are regarded as one of the best providers of knowledge. Our pertinent analysis helps consultants, bankers and executives to make informed and correct decisions.

Our core team is comprised of experienced people holding graduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees in Finance, Marketing, Human Resource, Bio-Technology, Medicine, Information Technology, Environmental Science and many more. Our research helps to make business decisions: on strategy, organization, operations, technology, mergers & acquisitions etc. We support many blue chip companies by providing them with findings and perspectives across a wide range of markets. Our research reports offer a blend of information insight, analysis and forecasting that is essential in today's ultra-competitive markets.

Contact Us: Renub Research Phone No: +1 678–302–0700 (USA) | +91–120–421–9822 (IND) Email: info@renub.com Web: https://www.renub.com Follow on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/renub-research

[net4news]

NHRC sends notice to Centre, state on food survey findings | Ranchi News - Net4News

Ranchi: Taking note of media reports highlighting deprivation of the eligible beneficiaries under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) from supplementary nutrition during the lockdown period, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Centre and state government. The survey was conducted by Right to Food campaign, Jharkhand, in 159 blocks of the state covering 8,818 beneficiaries (children from 6 months to 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers) in 2,037 Anganwadi centres. The objective of the survey, conducted in the last week of June, was to find the status of distribution of supplementary nutrition under ICDS, particularly during the Covid-19 induced lockdown period. The report was released on July 5 in Ranchi before a panel that also attended a public hearing. The hearing confirmed findings of the report that as many as 45% beneficiaries in the age group of 3 to 6 years (entitled for hot cooked meal) and 68% of beneficiaries comprising children of 6 months to 3 years, pregnant and lactating women (entitled for take home ration THR) were deprived of their legal entitlement. The commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the Right to Food, which is one of the basic human rights, which the state is duty bound to protect. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the chief secretary, Jharkhand government and the secretary, Union ministry of women and child development, calling for a detailed report in the matter within six weeks. The commission in a press statement issued on Tuesday also pointed that reportedly in Jharkhand, every second child is stunted or underweight and every third child is affected by stunting, and around 70% children are anaemic according to the data of the National Family Health Survey. Convener RTF, Jharkhand, Asharfi Nand Prasad, said the governments are expected to take the issue seriously after NHRC taking cognizance of the matter. “We have approached the government also with the findings and flagged the issue as violation of National Food Security Act,” he said. Prasad added that since the matter of ICDS is included in sections 4 and 5 of the NFSA, the Centre is equally responsible as the state government. “The Centre and state are authorised to release the funds and jointly monitor, implement the NFSA. So in case of violation, both should be held accountable, which the NHRC has take note of,” he said. Source link Read the full article

[bbcbreakingnews]

20% of informal workers remain unemployed post-lockdown: Survey

NEW DELHI: A new study tracking around 2,800 informal workers during the pandemic found more than two thirds of those employed in February 2020 had lost work during the lockdown and six months later nearly 20% remained unemployed — indicating that while jobs were regained, employment is below pre-Covid levels. The 20% workers had not found even one day of work in the month preceding the survey. The findings are based on a second round of survey as part of a study titled “How robust is the recovery? Tracking informal workers through the pandemic” carried out by Azim Premji University in collaboration with six civil society organisations. The first round was carried out in April-May. The findings of the second round between October to December across 12 states show that in terms of relief measures while the food grains under the Public Distribution System reached a significantly high 9 of 10 households holding a ration card, half of the households that received grains have not yet attained pre-lockdown food consumption levels. Also three-fourths of the BPL households received less grains than their entitled quantity. During the first round of survey in April-May, 9 in 10 households reported cutting back on food consumption during the lockdown. Six months later while things have changed, only one-third reported that consumption was back at pre-lockdown levels. “Urban households are worse off with 28% reporting that food consumption was still at lockdown levels as against 15% of rural households,” said the survey. The findings suggest that a continued expanded allocation for MGNREGA, as well as the introduction of an urban employment scheme in the upcoming budget are crucial for addressing this livelihood crisis. They also highlight the urgent need to expand the scope of the current PDS provisioning alongside an adequate security net for those who have suffered the most during this crisis. The first round of survey had covered 4942 workers, two-third of whom had lost work during lockdown. Earnings of self-employed persons dropped by 86% and urban casual labour by 53%. Eight in 10 people were eating less food than before. In the second round, they re-interviewed 2778 persons mostly working in the unorganised sector who were part of the first round in April – May to make the comparison and analyse recovery trends. The survey was carried out in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (Pune), Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Pune in Maharashtra. The survey covered self – employed women, farmers, NREGA workers, migrants, street vendors and casual wage as well as regular wage workers who were predominantly engaged as domestic help, security guards or working in the services sector.

source https://bbcbreakingnews.com/2021/01/27/20-of-informal-workers-remain-unemployed-post-lockdown-survey/

[garhwaupdate]

राशन कार्ड नहीं है, तो ऐसे कीजिए आवेदन, ये है नयी तारीख

रांची : आपकी आर्थिक स्थिति अच्छी नहीं है और आपके पास राशन कार्ड (Ration Card) भी नहीं है, तो राशन कार्ड बनवाने के लिए अब 15 अक्टूबर 2020 आखिरी तारीख निर्धारित की गयी है. आप ऑफलाइन (Offline) या ऑनलाइन (Online) दोनों माध्यमों से आवेदन कर सकते हैं.

खाद्य, सार्वजनिक वितरण एवं उपभोक्ता मामले विभाग द्वारा 15 नवंबर (झारखंड स्थापना दिवस) से झारखंड राज्य खाद्य सुरक्षा योजना (Jharkhand State Food Security Scheme) की शुरुआत की जा रही है. इसके तहत गरीब लोगों को सब्सिडी वाले पांच किलोग्राम खाद्यान्न हर माह एक रुपये प्रति किलोग्राम की दर से दिये जायेंगे. हेमंत सोरेन सरकार की गरीबों को ये सौगात है.

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram @garhwaupdate

झारखंड राज्य खाद्य सुरक्षा योजना के लिए आवेदन ऑफलाइन एवं ऑनलाइन दोनों माध्यम से किए जा सकते हैं. आवेदक जिला, प्रखंड, पंचायत और वार्ड स्तर पर आवेदन कर सकते हैं. विभागीय पोर्टल www.aahar.jharkhand.gov.in पर भी राशन कार्ड के लिए आवेदन किया जा सकता है.

Twitter/Facebook/Instagram @garhwaupdate

[liveindiatimes]

PDS beneficiaries struggle in coronavirus lockdown, many deprive of ration - ranchi

New Post has been published on https://www.liveindiatimes.com/pds-beneficiaries-struggle-in-coronavirus-lockdown-many-deprive-of-ration-ranchi/

PDS beneficiaries struggle in coronavirus lockdown, many deprive of ration - ranchi

Sita Kumari, 26, a PDS beneficiary, is in distress, as she has no ration at home and her husband, who works as a driver, is jobless due to the ongoing lockdown.

“The government has announced distribution of subsidised ration for April and May in view of the hardship in lockdown. But I have not received the ration of even March. My family of six members is surviving anyhow on borrowed ration from neighbours,” said Kumari, a resident of Sukurhuttu village in Ranchi’s Kanke block.

She is not alone but hundreds of beneficiaries are struggling due to alleged improper distribution of subsidised ration, especially in the time of lockdown where majority of poor and underprivileged families is facing job crisis, including in MGNREGA.

“I have not got any job under MGNREGA this year. Now, all work under the scheme has come to a standstill due to lockdown. I am a widow and only bread earner for my three children. I have no money to even buy subsidised ration,” said Sukhmani Devi, an MGNRGA labourer from Kutte village in Latehar’s Manika block.

She said the government had said the ration would be given free for two months but ₹1 per kg is taken by PDS dealer here.

Similarly, Babita Devi, 25, a resident of Manjholi village in Palamu’s Chhatarpur block, is also struggling for the subsidised ration for last couple of months. “My husband is differently abled. I used to work in a crusher unit, which is shut due to lockdown. I am struggling to eke out two square meals for my two children and husband,” she said.

The PDS dealers blamed the poor-supply system for the delay, while the food, public distribution and consumer affairs department alleged non-cooperation from some PDS dealers in proper distribution of ration.

“The supply chain is affected due to shortage of labourers in godowns. There are 530 PDS shops only in Ranchi. But ration has reached to only 20% shops by now, while we had to begin distribution from April 1,” said Sanjay Kundu, general secretary of Fair Price Dealers Association (FPDA). He said few shops have received ration but only for a month.

“There was an issue of labourer but that has been sorted out. We are receiving reports that some dealers are not distributing ration, despite its availability,” said Sanjay Kumar, food and public distribution director. “We have lifted the ration for April by 98.7% from the godown and it has already reached to dealers, while the lifting for May is 35% by now. The May’s ration will completed be lifted from godown in a week,” Kumar added.

He said the department on Friday asked all the vigilance committees across the state to report against the dealers, who are not distributing ration to beneficiaries or practising unfair means. “The vigilance committee will face action if they fail on it,” he said.

Over free ration distribution, he said consumers would have to pay nominal charge of ₹1 per kg for the ration they will receive in April. “But the two months ration, which will be allotted in May, will be free, as the Centre is providing it free,” he said.

The state government has announced to offer two months’ ration to the beneficiaries enrolled under National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the people who are eligible for subsidised ratio but they do not have the ration cards.

Around 2.64 crore people from 57 lakh households are covered under NFSA in Jharkhand. However, there are many who are still deprived of ration cards. More than 6.97 lakh applications for ration cards are pending with the department.

The food, public and consumer affairs department has also allotted ₹30 lakh to each district to take care of the poor people. Besides, it has also directed the district authorities to provide 10kg rice to needy families, if they are lacking ration cards.

Source link

[townpostin]

Women's Empowerment Drives Jharkhand's Economic Growth

CM Soren’s Initiatives Boost Financial Independence for Rural Women Jharkhand’s government prioritizes women’s economic empowerment, focusing on rural and tribal communities. Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s administration has implemented various schemes to enhance women’s participation in business and improve their financial independence. RANCHI – Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government has…

[bigyack-com]

Jharkhand: Local issues win over BJP’s Hindutva and vikas model - analysis

At a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in the Jamtara constituency for the Jharkhand assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath asked the crowd: “Koi Irfan Ansari jitega toh Ram Mandir kaise banega? (If some Irfan Ansari wins, how will Ram Mandir be constructed?)”. This was just one of the many instances of how BJP leaders used the Ram Mandir, the reading down of Article 370, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to mobilise voters on communal lines in the elections. In Jamtara, Irfan Ansari, the gathbandhan’s candidate, supported by voters of all communities, won by a margin of more than 35,000 votes. Not just in Jamtara, but gathbandhan’s decisive win across Jharkhand shows that voters were not impressed with the BJP’s Hindutva agenda. Rather than gaining, the BJP ended up losing a few seats as compared to 2014. The gathbandhan, comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), won 47 seats (JMM – 30, Congress – 16, RJD – 1), while the BJP secured only 25 (down from 37 in 2014) in the 81-seat assembly. The results have surprised many as the BJP (with All Jharkhand Student Union party) won 12 of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state only six months ago. In the general elections, the BJP was able to sway voters on Hindutva, nationalism and its so-called “vikas” model. But this time, the party paid dearly for the widespread unpopularity of chief minister Raghubar Das and its severing of ties with the All Jharkhand Student Union, which is supported by an OBC base. The striking takeaway is that, unlike the Lok Sabha election, this time, people voted mainly on misgovernance and failures of the BJP-led government. The opposition parties also played their role in mobilising voters on local issues.The BJP’s “vikas” model – roads, toilets, houses and LPG cylinders – may have got the party some votes. But the general neglect of welfare – food security, social security schemes, public health and education – cost the party many more. Disruptions in the Public Distribution System due to its linkage with Aadhaar was a common complaint across the state. The breakdown of food security schemes also led to the death of at least 23 persons because of starvation. Both the state and central BJP leadership often referred to the Das government’s work as “double-engine vikas” i.e. development powered by same party at state and Centre. This was also a key pitch in this election campaign. But it failed to cut ice in the face of rising unemployment, stagnating rural wages and economic insecurities of people. There was increasing disconnect between the government and the needs of the people, exemplified in tribal areas (Scheduled Tribes comprise 26% of the total population). Despite increasing its cultural and political footprint in the 28 Adivasi Vidhan Sabha seats over the years, the BJP could win only two (whereas it got 11 in 2014). In the last five years, the party gained the reputation of being detrimental to tribal interests. A major reason was the attempts by the government to forcefully acquire tribal land for corporates. To this effect, the government repeatedly tried to amend local tenancy laws. It was forced to abort these efforts after they were met with massive protests across the state. The repressive response of the government to several protests against these policies alienated the tribals further. To weaken the protests, the state government tried to divide the adivasis on religious identity. It formulated the anti-conversion act and used it to pit non-Christian adivasis against Christian ones. The blatantly communal agenda of the government was further exposed by the series of mob lynching incidents. Since 2014, Jharkhand has witnessed the highest number of incidents of lynching against Muslims and tribals – mostly triggered by rumours of consumption, smuggling or slaughter of cows. In many cases, local leaders of the BJP or other members of saffron groups were involved or extended tacit support to the perpetrators. To the opposition’s credit, it focused on people’s issues throughout its campaign and effectively exposed the failures of the government. Unlike in the Lok Sabha elections when the opposition failed to get its act together on the ground, the parties, mainly JMM, mobilised people through yatras, rallies and door-to-door campaigning. The opposition could communicate its commitments and messages clearly to the voters. Moving beyond the traditional Adivasi vote base, the JMM was able to make inroads amongst the electorally significant backward caste voters (OBCs comprise about 35% of population). It was also successful in consolidating votes on the question of “Jhakhandi” identity as opposed to BJP’s Hindutva.Despite driving its campaign with a “double engine” fuelled by 20 rallies of Modi and Amit Shah, the BJP, as expected, is trying to distance its national leadership from the loss. But the result is as much a reflection on state government’s failure as a statement against the BJP’s communal and divisive politics. As massive people protests against the CAA and NRC continue across the country, the Jharkhand result comes as an electoral referendum against the two policies. The question is will the national Opposition take a leaf from this result and take a clear stand against BJP’s Hindutva in the days to come.Siraj Dutta works on social policy in JharkhandThe views expressed are personal Read the full article

[tnwenglish]

Jharkhand launching food security scheme for 15 lakh people uncovered under NFSA

Jharkhand launching food security scheme for 15 lakh people uncovered under NFSA

More than 15 lakh people under the poverty line (BPL) deprived of benefits under National Food Security Act (NFSA) would soon get subsidized ration under a proposed state-sponsored scheme, which will be known as Jharkhand State Food Security (JSFS) scheme, officials said on Wednesday.

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has given an in-principle nod to the scheme, which will be tabled in the…

[iasshikshalove]

C.A Dated On 25-06-201

C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 GS-2 NGOs for promotion of road safety Context: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched a scheme for grant of financial assistance to NGOs for administering “Road Safety Advocacy” in the last FY 2017-18. About the Scheme:  Under this Scheme, proposals for road safety advocacy programmes through 203 different Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) / Trusts / Cooperative Societies have been sanctioned in FY 2017-18.  As per the scheme provisions, financial assistance for a road safety programme is Rs.five lakh.  The scheme does not provide for any advance payment and financial assistance is reimbursement only after the successful completion of the programme.  There are adequate safeguard in the scheme to ensure proper utilization of funds, such as:-  No advance payment is released to any agency.  Registration of the NGO on Darpan Portal. Who will run the Scheme?  The scheme is administered through a Project Management Unit (PMU) for scrutiny of proposals and further physical verification of the road safety programme conducted by agencies is also made by PMU. “Healthy States, Progressive India” Report Why in News? C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 NITI Aayog will release the second edition of “Healthy States, Progressive India” in the capital tomorrow on 25.6.2019. Focus of Report:  The Round-II report focuses on measuring and highlighting the overall performance and incremental improvement over a two-year period (2016-17 and 2017-18) in the States and UTs.  It takes a comprehensive look at health in terms of Health Outcomes, Governance and Processes and impact of policy interventions.  The report has been prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and with technical assistance from the World Bank. First round of the Health Index:  In February 2018, the first round of the Health Index (referred to as 2017 Health Index) was released, which measured the annual and incremental performance of the States and UTs over the period of 2014-15 (base year) to 2015-16 (reference year).  Among the Larger States, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu ranked on top in terms of overall performance, while Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh were the top three ranking States in terms of annual incremental performance.  Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh showed the maximum gains in improvement of health outcomes from base to reference year in indicators such as Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR), full immunization coverage, institutional deliveries, and People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).  Among Smaller States, Mizoram ranked first followed by Manipur on overall performance, while Manipur followed by Goa were the top ranked States in terms of annual incremental performance.  Among UTs, Lakshadweep showed both the best overall performance as well as thehighest annual incremental performance.  Lakshadweep showed the highest improvement in indicators such as institutional deliveries, tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate, and transfer of National Health Mission (NHM) funds from State Treasury to implementation agency. Draft National Policy on Domestic Workers Context: C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 A draft National Policy on domestic workers is under consideration of the Central Government. Salient features of the draft policy: i. Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations ii. Domestic workers will have the right to register as workers. Such registration will facilitate their access to rights & benefits accruing to them as workers. iii. Right to form their own associations , trade unions iv. Right to have minimum wages, access to social security, protection from abuse, harassment, violence v. Right to enhance their professional skills vi. Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation vii. Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals, etc. viii. Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of concerned placement agencies Background:  The Central Government has enacted the Unorganized Workers‟ Social Security Act, 2008 for providing social security to all unorganized workers including domestic workers.  The Act provides formulation of social security schemes viz. life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits & old age protection by the central Government.  The state Government are mandated under the Unorganized Workers‟ Social Security Act, 2008 to formulate suitable welfare schemes for unorganized sector workers including domestic workers relating to provident fund, employment injury benefits housing, education schemes for children, skill up gradation of workers, financial assistance & old age homes. Child Labour : Steps Taken by the Govt. Child Labour is an outcome of various social-economic problems such as poverty, economic backwardness and illiteracy. Government is following a holistic and multi-pronged strategy for elimination of child labour completely. C.A Dated On 25-06-2019  The Government has amended the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 and enacted Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 which inter-alia covers: 1. complete prohibition on employment or work of children below 14 years of age in all occupations and processes; 2. linking the age of the prohibition of employment with the age for free and compulsory education under Right to Education Act, 2009; 3. prohibition on employment of adolescents ( 14 to 18 years of age) in hazardous occupations or processes and making stricter punishment for the employers contravening the provisions of the Act.  Subsequent to the amendment in Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, Government has framed Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017.  The Government is also implementing the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for rehabilitation of child labour. About the Scheme:  Under the NCLP Scheme, children in the age group of 9-14 years are rescued/withdrawn from work and enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, mid day meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system. Children in the age group of 5-8 years are directly linked to the formal education system through a close coordination with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). GS-3 Make in India‟ Initiative Context: „Make in India‟ programme is being used by the Government for defence procurements by categorising the capital acquisition proposals under „Buy (Indian-IDDM)‟, „Buy (Indian)‟, „Buy and Make (Indian)‟, „Make‟ and „Strategic Partnership Model‟ categories of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2016. Focus of DPP: C.A Dated On 25-06-2019  DPP -2016 focuses on institutionalising, streamlining and simplifying defence procurement procedure to give a boost to „Make in India‟ initiative of the Government of India. In pursuance of „Make in India‟ initiative of the Government, following measures have been taken to achieve substantive self-reliance in defence production: -  Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has been revised in 2016 wherein specific provisions have been introduced for stimulating growth of the domestic defence industry.  A new category of procurement „Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}‟ has been introduced in DPP-2016 to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment.  Government has notified the „Strategic Partnership (SP)‟ Model which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.  Government has decided to establish two defence industrial corridors to serve as an engine of economic development and growth of defence industrial base in the country.  These are spanning across Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem and Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu and spanning across Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh (UP).  An innovation ecosystem for Defence titled Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched in April 2018.  iDEX is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D which has potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs.  The Ministry has instituted a new framework titled „Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti‟ which aims to provide boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence industry.  FDI Policy has been revised and under the revised policy, FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded. C.A Dated On 25-06-2019  Government has set up the Technology Development Fund (TDF) to encourage participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs, through provision of grants, so as to create an eco–system for enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence applications. National Policy on Bio-Fuel Background:  The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 notified on 8.6.2018, inter-alia, allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human consumption.  The policy also allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.  Use of damaged foodgrains and surplus foodgrains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. Target of the Policy:  The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 approved by the Government envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030.  Under EBP programme, ethanol blending in petrol is being undertaken by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in whole country except island Union Territory (UT) of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep wherein, OMCs blend up to 10 % ethanol in petrol under the EBP Programme.  Further, Government has approved Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to Second Generation bio-ethanol manufacturing projects to increase availability of ethanol for EBP programme. Government has decided to leapfrog directly to BS-VI quality w.e.f. 1st April, 2020 in the entire country. Considering the rise in environmental pollution in National Capital Region, Government has started supply of BS-VI auto fuel in National Capital Territory of Delhi from 1st April, 2018. C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 GST EVASION Why in News? The Government proposes to integrate a FASTag Bank Mechanism with e-way bill and Logistic Data Services to track movement of goods and check GST evasion. How will this be done?  The Government is contemplating integration of E-Way Bill mechanism of GST with FASTag System of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).  The aspect of Logistic Databank integration with FASTag System is being examined.  A Committee of Officers comprising of officers from Central Government, State Governments, GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network), NIC (National Informatics Centre), GST Council, to examine the issue of use of RFID data for strengthening of E-Way Bill mechanism under GST, was formed by GST Council. Further, with regard to integration of FASTag with LDB, a committee comprising of Central Board and Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), NHAI & its associates, NPCI, GSTN, NIC, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) & its associates was formed to examine the feasibility of the same.

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[sarkarimirror]

10,000 single women from different states write to PM

  10,000 single women from different states write to PM As many as 10,000 single women from West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Punjab have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share their problems on the occasion of the International Widows' Day on Sunday. The National Forum for Single Women's Rights launched in 2009 has coordinated this postcard campaign. Prabhati Devi, who is unable to work any longer, has requested through the letter a minimum social security pension of Rs 2,000 for the vulnerable and an increase in the food grain allotment from 5 kg per person to 15 kg per person under the National Food Security Act. In her letter to Modi, Vasantha, a leader from Telangana said "Government schemes of skilling the youth have overlooked the needs of crores of single women in the country, many of whom join the work force at relatively older ages, and continue to work long into their old age out of necessity." National Convener of the Forum, Nirmal Chandel said the government should pay attention as single women have shown that not only can they change their own lives for the better but can be important agents of social change. Campaign organiser Parul Chaudhary said the act of writing to the Prime Minister will sensitise the government on the issues.(agency) Read the full article

[iasshikshalove]

C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 GS-2 NGOs for promotion of road safety Context: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched a scheme for grant of financial assistance to NGOs for administering “Road Safety Advocacy” in the last FY 2017-18. About the Scheme:  Under this Scheme, proposals for road safety advocacy programmes through 203 different Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) / Trusts / Cooperative Societies have been sanctioned in FY 2017-18.  As per the scheme provisions, financial assistance for a road safety programme is Rs.five lakh.  The scheme does not provide for any advance payment and financial assistance is reimbursement only after the successful completion of the programme.  There are adequate safeguard in the scheme to ensure proper utilization of funds, such as:-  No advance payment is released to any agency.  Registration of the NGO on Darpan Portal. Who will run the Scheme?  The scheme is administered through a Project Management Unit (PMU) for scrutiny of proposals and further physical verification of the road safety programme conducted by agencies is also made by PMU. “Healthy States, Progressive India” Report Why in News? C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 NITI Aayog will release the second edition of “Healthy States, Progressive India” in the capital tomorrow on 25.6.2019. Focus of Report:  The Round-II report focuses on measuring and highlighting the overall performance and incremental improvement over a two-year period (2016-17 and 2017-18) in the States and UTs.  It takes a comprehensive look at health in terms of Health Outcomes, Governance and Processes and impact of policy interventions.  The report has been prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and with technical assistance from the World Bank. First round of the Health Index:  In February 2018, the first round of the Health Index (referred to as 2017 Health Index) was released, which measured the annual and incremental performance of the States and UTs over the period of 2014-15 (base year) to 2015-16 (reference year).  Among the Larger States, Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu ranked on top in terms of overall performance, while Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh were the top three ranking States in terms of annual incremental performance.  Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh showed the maximum gains in improvement of health outcomes from base to reference year in indicators such as Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR), full immunization coverage, institutional deliveries, and People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).  Among Smaller States, Mizoram ranked first followed by Manipur on overall performance, while Manipur followed by Goa were the top ranked States in terms of annual incremental performance.  Among UTs, Lakshadweep showed both the best overall performance as well as thehighest annual incremental performance.  Lakshadweep showed the highest improvement in indicators such as institutional deliveries, tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate, and transfer of National Health Mission (NHM) funds from State Treasury to implementation agency. Draft National Policy on Domestic Workers Context: C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 A draft National Policy on domestic workers is under consideration of the Central Government. Salient features of the draft policy: i. Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations ii. Domestic workers will have the right to register as workers. Such registration will facilitate their access to rights & benefits accruing to them as workers. iii. Right to form their own associations , trade unions iv. Right to have minimum wages, access to social security, protection from abuse, harassment, violence v. Right to enhance their professional skills vi. Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation vii. Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals, etc. viii. Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of concerned placement agencies Background:  The Central Government has enacted the Unorganized Workers‟ Social Security Act, 2008 for providing social security to all unorganized workers including domestic workers.  The Act provides formulation of social security schemes viz. life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits & old age protection by the central Government.  The state Government are mandated under the Unorganized Workers‟ Social Security Act, 2008 to formulate suitable welfare schemes for unorganized sector workers including domestic workers relating to provident fund, employment injury benefits housing, education schemes for children, skill up gradation of workers, financial assistance & old age homes. Child Labour : Steps Taken by the Govt. Child Labour is an outcome of various social-economic problems such as poverty, economic backwardness and illiteracy. Government is following a holistic and multi-pronged strategy for elimination of child labour completely. C.A Dated On 25-06-2019  The Government has amended the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 and enacted Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 which inter-alia covers: 1. complete prohibition on employment or work of children below 14 years of age in all occupations and processes; 2. linking the age of the prohibition of employment with the age for free and compulsory education under Right to Education Act, 2009; 3. prohibition on employment of adolescents ( 14 to 18 years of age) in hazardous occupations or processes and making stricter punishment for the employers contravening the provisions of the Act.  Subsequent to the amendment in Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, Government has framed Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2017.  The Government is also implementing the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme for rehabilitation of child labour. About the Scheme:  Under the NCLP Scheme, children in the age group of 9-14 years are rescued/withdrawn from work and enrolled in the NCLP Special Training Centres, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, mid day meal, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system. Children in the age group of 5-8 years are directly linked to the formal education system through a close coordination with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). GS-3 Make in India‟ Initiative Context: „Make in India‟ programme is being used by the Government for defence procurements by categorising the capital acquisition proposals under „Buy (Indian-IDDM)‟, „Buy (Indian)‟, „Buy and Make (Indian)‟, „Make‟ and „Strategic Partnership Model‟ categories of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2016. Focus of DPP: C.A Dated On 25-06-2019  DPP -2016 focuses on institutionalising, streamlining and simplifying defence procurement procedure to give a boost to „Make in India‟ initiative of the Government of India. In pursuance of „Make in India‟ initiative of the Government, following measures have been taken to achieve substantive self-reliance in defence production: -  Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) has been revised in 2016 wherein specific provisions have been introduced for stimulating growth of the domestic defence industry.  A new category of procurement „Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}‟ has been introduced in DPP-2016 to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment.  Government has notified the „Strategic Partnership (SP)‟ Model which envisages establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with Indian entities through a transparent and competitive process, wherein they would tie up with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to seek technology transfers to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains.  Government has decided to establish two defence industrial corridors to serve as an engine of economic development and growth of defence industrial base in the country.  These are spanning across Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem and Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu and spanning across Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh (UP).  An innovation ecosystem for Defence titled Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has been launched in April 2018.  iDEX is aimed at creation of an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries including MSMEs, Start-ups, Individual Innovators, R&D institutes and Academia and provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D which has potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs.  The Ministry has instituted a new framework titled „Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti‟ which aims to provide boost to the IPR culture in indigenous defence industry.  FDI Policy has been revised and under the revised policy, FDI is allowed under automatic route upto 49% and beyond 49% through Government route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded. C.A Dated On 25-06-2019  Government has set up the Technology Development Fund (TDF) to encourage participation of public/private industries especially MSMEs, through provision of grants, so as to create an eco–system for enhancing cutting edge technology capability for defence applications. National Policy on Bio-Fuel Background:  The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 notified on 8.6.2018, inter-alia, allows production of ethanol from damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice etc. which are unfit for human consumption.  The policy also allows conversion of surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee.  Use of damaged foodgrains and surplus foodgrains for production of ethanol will increase its availability for Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. Target of the Policy:  The National Policy on Biofuels-2018 approved by the Government envisages an indicative target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030.  Under EBP programme, ethanol blending in petrol is being undertaken by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in whole country except island Union Territory (UT) of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep wherein, OMCs blend up to 10 % ethanol in petrol under the EBP Programme.  Further, Government has approved Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to Second Generation bio-ethanol manufacturing projects to increase availability of ethanol for EBP programme. Government has decided to leapfrog directly to BS-VI quality w.e.f. 1st April, 2020 in the entire country. Considering the rise in environmental pollution in National Capital Region, Government has started supply of BS-VI auto fuel in National Capital Territory of Delhi from 1st April, 2018. C.A Dated On 25-06-2019 GST EVASION Why in News? The Government proposes to integrate a FASTag Bank Mechanism with e-way bill and Logistic Data Services to track movement of goods and check GST evasion. How will this be done?  The Government is contemplating integration of E-Way Bill mechanism of GST with FASTag System of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).  The aspect of Logistic Databank integration with FASTag System is being examined.  A Committee of Officers comprising of officers from Central Government, State Governments, GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network), NIC (National Informatics Centre), GST Council, to examine the issue of use of RFID data for strengthening of E-Way Bill mechanism under GST, was formed by GST Council. Further, with regard to integration of FASTag with LDB, a committee comprising of Central Board and Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), NHAI & its associates, NPCI, GSTN, NIC, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) & its associates was formed to examine the feasibility of the same.

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Current Affairs dated 9/8/2019

C.A Dated On 09-08-2019 GS-1 Quit India movement: Why in news? On this day 77 years ago, Mumbai became the scene of massive public demonstrations against colonial rule. The previous day, August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi had given the clarion call of 'Quit India' at Gowalia Tank (now August Kranti Maidan). The Quit India movement, which subsequently spread to other parts of the country, is among the key moments of India's freedom struggle. What was going on in Mumbai during the Quit India movement? Leaders of the movement  There was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, of course, one of the Congress’s tallest leaders, who attracted massive crowds to his Mumbai rallies.  Among the key local leaders who assisted him were Achyut Patwardhan, B G Kher, Nagindas Master, and S K Patil. Shankarrao Deo and Yusuf Meherally organised support both from the city and neighbouring Pune.  The British government acted swiftly.  Mahatma Gandhi was arrested from Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) soon after he delivered the famous “Do or die” address, as were several regional Congress leaders. Gandhi was confined at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune and the latter at Yerwada Jail, also in that city. Protests that rocked the city  The arrests of major Congress leaders failed to deter agitators' grit. Protests around Dadar reached fever pitch, requiring both the military and police to be deployed.  The situation also remained tense in a large stretch from Matunga to Kalbadevi and Thakurdwar in South Mumbai. C.A Dated On 09-08-2019  The Bombay Stock Exchange had to remain shuttered for a long period, as did the city’s premier industries, including Godrej, Lever Brothers (today’s Hindustan Unilever), General Motors, and Richardson Cruddas.  The city’s mills also remained closed, as did Zaveri Bazaar and the cloth market.  Clashes with colonial authorities worsened when the latter began employing barbaric methods, such as whipping. Protesters consequently blocked public transport, police vehicles, and damaged telegraph cables and BEST bus stops.  The Congress Women’s Wing, also known as the Desh Sevika Sangh, led protests. Quit India’s non-Congress participants, and opponents  Among the city’s Muslim community, while some followed the All-India Muslim League’s call to boycott the movement, others participated enthusiastically, such as the Jamiat-ul-Ulema and the All-India Azad Muslim Conference.  The Rashtriya Girni Kamgar Sangh ensured that the city’s mill workers joined the struggle. It also helped that many communist leaders at the time were also members of the Congress.  Student politics also played a key role. Youth activists from VJTI, Elphinstone, Grant Medical, Khalsa, Ruia, Sydenham, St. Xavier's, and Wilson colleges worked together, taking out processions and paralysing communications.  However, moderate politicians including Sir Jamnadas Mehta and Sir Cowasjee Jehangir opposed joining the movement, expressing concern over its timing, which coincided with imperial Japan’s rapid advance from East Asia towards Indian frontiers. GS-2 Increase in sex ratio at birth Context C.A Dated On 09-08-2019 The highest improvement was in Punjab at 126 points, but its SRB remained among the lowest among the states at 860 in NFHS-4. Details  The sex ratio at birth (SRB) in the country, defined as the number of female births per 1,000 male births, improved from 914 to 919 between the third and fourth National Family Health Surveys (NFHS), carried out in 2005-06 and 2015-16 respectively.  The highest improvement was in Punjab at 126 points, but its SRB remained among the lowest among the states at 860 in NFHS-4.  The sharpest decline was in Sikkim, where the SRB dropped 175 points to reach 809, the lowest among all states in 2015- 16.  Next to Punjab, the highest improvement in SRB was in Kerala, by 122 points from 925 in 2005-06. Its 1,047 in 2015-16 was the highest SRB among all states.  Next to Sikkim, the five states with the highest declines included four more in the Northeast. C.A Dated On 09-08-2019 UNIDO Why in news? UNIDO and National Institute of Solar Energy to initiate a skill development programme for different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy sector. NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international experts to bring the best practices by developing specialized training material. Background:  The agreement is part of the ongoing MNRE-GEF-UNIDO project implemented jointly by UNIDO and to support capacity building and skill development of technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST) which are being used to replace conventional fossil fuels e.g. coal, diesel, furnace oil etc. and save costs and emissions in the industrial process heat applications. C.A Dated On 09-08-2019 About UNIDO:  UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.  It is also a member of UNDP.  As of 1 April 2019, 170 States are Members of UNIDO.  Members regularly discuss and decide UNIDO’s guiding principles and policies in the sessions of the Policymaking Organs.  The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declarationadopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States.  UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. One nation one ration card Why in news? In a bid to implement ‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ across the country by June 1, 2020, the Centre on Friday kick-started inter-state portability of ration cards between Telangana-Andhra Pradesh as well as Maharashtra-Gujarat. About the scheme  One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme, which will allow portability of food security benefits, will be available across the country from July 1, 2020.  This means poor migrant workers will be able to buy subsidised rice and wheat from any ration shop in the country, so long as their ration cards are linked to Aadhaar.  All the States have been given one more year to use point of sale (PoS) machines in the ration shops and implement the scheme, Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan told journalists on Saturday. C.A Dated On 09-08-2019  Already, 77% % of the ration shops across the country have PoS machines and more than 85% of people covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) have their cards linked to Aadhaar. Is aadhar mandatory?  While Aadhaar linkage is not necessary to access NFSA benefits in a beneficiary’s local registered ration shop, located closest to her home address, it will be necessary to access the portability scheme, according to senior Food Ministry officials. Applicability:  Ten States -- Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana and Tripura – already offer this portability, pointed out Mr. Paswan.  Delhi had also begun implementing portability, though it was later stopped for technical reasons. Other States, including Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, could easily implement the scheme, as they had PoS machines in all the ration shops. Eligibility  A senior Ministry official clarified that migrants would only be eligible for the subsidies supported by the Centre, which include rice sold at Rs. 3/kg and wheat at Rs. 2/kg.  Even if a beneficiary moved to a State where grains were given for free, that person would not be able to access those benefits, as they were funded by the State exchequer. Fortified grains  In a bid to reduce nutrition deficiencies among beneficiaries, the Centre would roll out a pilot project in 15 districts to fortify rice grains with iron, folic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. The first fortified grains would be available in ration shops from this November. . C.A Dated On 09-08-2019 . UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements Why in news? The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) resulting from mediation by the Republic of India scheduled to be held at Singapore on 7th August, 2019, or at United Nations Headquarters. Benefit: Signing of the Convention will boost the confidence of the investors and shall provide a positive signal to foreign investors about India's commitment to adhere to international practice on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Initiatives to promote ADR Mechanisms:  In order to encourage international commercial arbitration in India, to evolve a comprehensive ecosystem of arbitration the Government is establishing the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) as a statutory body.  The Commercial Courts Act, 2015, has been further amended and legislative exercise to further amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is currently underway.  These initiatives are being taken with a view to encourage the settlement of commercial disputes, domestic and international, in India through ADR Mechanism of Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediation.  A new Chapter (IIIA) has been inserted in the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, for mandatory preinstitution mediation and settlement in certain category of cases. C.A Dated On 09-08-2019  Therefore, the provisions of the 'Convention' are in line with the domestic laws and the efforts made to strengthen Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. Background:  The United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation ("the Convention") on 20th December 2018.  The General Assembly authorized that the Convention will open for signature at a signing ceremony to be held on 7thAugust 2019 in Singapore and will be known as the "Singapore Convention on Mediation" (the Convention).  The Convention provides a uniform and efficient framework for the enforcement of international settlement agreements resulting from mediation and for allowing parties to invoke such agreements, akin to the framework that the Convention onthe Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York, 1958) (the "New York Convention") provides for arbitral awards.  The Convention defines two additional grounds upon which a court may, on its own motion, refuse to grant relief.  Those grounds relate to the fact that a dispute would not be capable of settlement by mediation or would be contrary to public policy.