UPSC 2017-18: PIB Summary and Analysis Nov 22

Cabinet approves agreement between India and Philippines on co-operation and mutual assistance in customs matters 

• The Agreement will help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of Customs offences.
• The Agreement is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between the countries. 

Significance

• It would help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

Manipur Sangai Festival

• Named after Manipur’s state animal, the brow-antlered Sangai deer, the Sangai Festival 2017 got underway on November 21
• Dubbed as the grandest festival of Manipur, the Sangai Festival showcases the tourism potential of the state in the field of arts & culture, handloom, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisine, music and adventure sports etc.

How is it different from previous editions?

• Unlike the previous editions of the festival, the 2017 edition of the Manipur Sangai Festival will be organized at different locations in Imphal and Bishnupur District.
• For the first time, Keibul Lamjao, a unique ‘floating’ reserve situated in Manipur in India’s Northeast, which is home to the brow-antlered deer, will also play host to the festival.
• Another first-time feature that this year’s Sangai fest will introduce will be separate toilets for transgenders.
• Tourism gets a big boost in this edition of the festival with the launch of the Manipur Sangai Festival mobile application. The Android mobile app which is available in Google Play Store for download is aimed to ease visits to the festival providing easy access to information about the festival.
  • The application will also feature exclusive news about the festival, updated on a daily basis.
  • It will act as a personalised guide for visitors at the multiple venues where the festival will be conducted this year.
  • It will also help the locals and other inbound tourists who are new to the city in deciding places to visit while selecting the events they wish to attend.

National Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (NFCSR)

• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in partnership with various chambers, members of corporate, and Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs has established the National Foundation for Corporate Social Responsibility (NFCSR).

Mission

• The National Foundation for CSR would help build an enabling environment for the corporate sector to work in partnership with the Government, Non-Government and Civil Society Organizations, as well as local community organizations for effective contribution to sustainable growth and development.

Swachh Iconic Places

• The Swachh Iconic Places is an initiative under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• It is a special clean-up initiative focused on select iconic heritage, spiritual and cultural places in the country.
• The initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in association with the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and the concerned State governments.
• It is Initiated as a project to implement Prime Minister’s vision to take iconic places and their surroundings to higher standards of Swachhata, so that all visitors benefit and also take away home the message of cleanliness

Iconic sites

• Phase I iconic places are: 1. Ajmer Sharif Dargah 2. CST Mumbai Golden Temple, 4. Kamakhya Temple, 5. Maikarnika Ghat, 6. Meenakshi Temple, 7. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, 8. Shree Jagannath Temple, 9. The Taj Mahal and 10. Tirupati Temple.
• Phase II are: Gangotri, 2. Yamunotri, 3. Mahakaleshwar Temple, 4. Charminar, 5. Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assissi, 6. Kalady, 7. Gomateshwar, 8. Baijnath Dham, 9. Gaya Tirth and 10. Somnath temple.

Titbit

Cabinet approves signing of India – Russia Agreement on cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime