PUNJAB
Release rural development fund at 3% of MSP not 1%: Punjab to Centre
Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Sunday wrote to Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution Piyush Goyal seeking release of rural development fund (RDF) at 3% of the minimum support price (MSP) amounting to Rs 54.64 per quintal for 2020-21 kharif marketing season instead of 1% according to the revised provisional cost sheet issued by the ministry.
The chief minister termed the unilateral reduction in rate of RDF as violative of the federal structure as well as the statutory provisions as per Section 5 of Punjab Rural Development Act, 1987. The state government had on March 17 submitted details of RDF receipt and expenditure during 2018-19 to 2020-21 as per information sought by the department of food and public distribution (DFPD). The 2020-21 kharif marketing season started from October 1, 2020, and would end on September 30.
As the Punjab government has been attacking the central government for withholding its 2% RDF amounting to Rs 800 crore, the Centre had apprised Lok Sabha on March 16 that the RDF has been withheld because the state government was using it for the purposes not fully in line with the revised principles on February 24 last year.
INTERNATIONAL
World Autism Awareness Day is on 2nd April
Every year, UN member states commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Measures will be taken that day to raise people’s awareness of autism spectrum disorder. Highlights:
There are a total of 7 health-specific United Nations Days. World Autism Awareness Day is one of seven. It has been under observation since 2008.
Autism is a developmental disorder. People with autism will have difficulties in social interaction and communication. Attention should be paid to relevant signs in the first three years after the birth of the child.
Autism is caused by genetic factors and also by environmental factors. It also includes risk factors during pregnancy. They are alcohol, pesticides, fetal growth restriction, air pollution and autoimmune diseases.
According to United Nations statistics, only half of autistic patients are employed, and about one-third of autistic graduates are unemployed. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of autism and help people with autism lead a normal life.
Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World is the theme of the year.
NATIONAL
MoU between Spices Board and UNDP
Spices Board India and UNDP India Accelerator Laboratory signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a blockchain-based traceability interface for Indian spices. Highlights:
The MOU aims to establish a blockchain-based traceability interface for Indian spices to improve the transparency of supply chains and trade.
Blockchain is a decentralized process used to record transactions on an open and shared electronic ledger.
This makes easy and transparent in data management across complex networks (including farmers, brokers, distributors, processors, retailers, regulators, and consumers), thus simplifying the supply chain.
It will allow farmers to access information like all other members of the supply chain, thereby further making the entire supply chain more efficient and fairer.
The Spices Board of India and the United Nations Development Programme are working to integrate the blockchain traceability interface with the e-Spice Bazaar portal developed by the Spices Board of India to connect spice growers to the market.
Indian And United States Training Exercises – VAJRA PRAHAR
Indian and United States special forces ended their joint training exercises. About Vajra Prahar 2021: The 11th edition of the “Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise-VAJRA PRAHAR 2021” was held at the Special Forces Training School in Baklo, Himachal Pradesh. The special forces of the two countries alternately conduct joint exercises between India and the United States to exchange best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and combat strategy, as well as to improve the interoperability between the special forces of the two countries.
Investment Opportunities in Indias Healthcare Sector Report
Investment Opportunities in India’s Healthcare Sector Report was released by NITI Ayog. Highlights:
The report outlines investment opportunities in various areas of healthcare in India, including hospitals, medical equipment, health insurance, telemedicine, home healthcare, and medical value travel.
Since 2016, India’s healthcare industry has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 22%.
At this rate, it is expected to reach US$372 billion by 2022.
In the hospital field, private companies expand to secondary and tertiary locations outside of large cities, providing attractive investment opportunities.
Winners of Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (2021) Announced
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival is a unique platform designed to recognize and encourage the most creative artists, creators, filmmakers, and inject life into their careers. DPIFF held the “Most Prestigious Awards Ceremony” to recognize and appreciate the entertainment and film industry, and to commemorate the well-deserved storytellers, creative writers, passionate filmmakers and maverick artists who are the best of Indian film industry. Winners: ♦ Best Actor (Female)- Deepika Padukone, Chhapaak ♦ Best Actor (Male)- Akshay Kumar, Laxmii.
Chenab Bridge Indian Railways
The Indian Railways completed the closure of the arches of the iconic Chenab Bridge. Highlights:
Chenab Bridge is a steel and concrete arch bridge of the Indian Railways.
The Chenab Bridge between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi districts of Jammu & Kashmir is under construction.
The Chenab Bridge is being built on the Chenab River.
The Chenab Bridge is 1315 m long and 359 m high above the river bed level.
The bridge is part of the 272km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Connection Project (USBRL). The northern railway is constructing it. Features:
The steel arch is an important part of the Chenab Bridge. It consists of a steel box. It will be filled with concrete to improve stability.
The bridge will be able to withstand earthquakes of magnitude eight and high-intensity explosions.
The bridge can withstand high wind speeds of 266 kilometers per hour.
Significance: Once completed, this bridge will become the highest railway bridge in the world.
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