05 Dec 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Biofortification of Rice
2. Survey Vessel Sandhayak
3. President’s Standard
4. Border Security Force (BSF)

1. Biofortification of Rice

Related to Agriculture, GS III

Context:

• Give impetus to set up Fortified Rice manufacturing plants in Gondia, Bhandara, Chandrapur in Maharashtra: Secretary Food.

Details:

• Rice fortification is the enrichment of the cereal with micronutrients commonly iron, Vitamin B12 and folic acid.
  • It aims to provide a nutritional boost to undernourished and vulnerable populations on a mega-scale across geographies.
• The Secretary also focused on promoting solvent extraction plants for manufacturing Rice Bran Oil in the procuring Districts. 
• He suggested crop diversification, especially the production of Millets.
  • The year 2023 is being declared as the International Year of Millets by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 
• He further emphasized putting up grain-based distilleries for the production of ethanol and thereby promoting Maize cultivation.
• He advised the state to work on the infrastructure of the procurement centres and encouraged the farmers to avail the benefits of various schemes of the Centre.

Key Points:

• The Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution suggested an overall approach including infrastructural improvements, awareness towards the farmer-oriented schemes and highlighted the importance of fortification of Rice in order to tackle the nutritional deficiencies in the country. 

Know more about bio-fortification in the link.

2. Survey Vessel Sandhayak

Related to Security, GS III

Context:

• The first of the four Survey Vessels projects, “Sandhayak”, was launched by the Raksha Rajya Mantri in Kolkata.

Highlights:

• The Survey Vessels have been designed and developed by Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited. 
• These survey ships are capable of full-scale coastal & deep-water hydrographic survey of Ports & Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels & routes. 
• The ships are also capable of undertaking surveys of maritime limits and collection of Oceanographic & Geographical data for Defence applications. 
• The ships are propelled by two Marine Diesel Engines combined with Fixed Pitch Propellers and fitted with Bow & Stern Thrusters for manoeuvring at low speeds during surveys. 
• The ships would be capable of performing roles such as Search & Rescue and Disaster Relief, besides serving as Hospital ships with limited facilities during emergencies.

Indigenous Shipbuilding:

• India has great scope to become an indigenous ship-building hub with the help from the various policies introduced by the centre to help the domestic industry become world-class.
• The launch of the ship reinforces the Government’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding as part of the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’.
• The survey vessels are being built utilising the concepts of ‘Integrated Construction’ and in compliance with applicable provisions and regulations of the Classification Society.
• There is over 80 per cent indigenous content by cost in the production which will also ensure that large-scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units.
• Shipbuilding within the country is expected to generate employment and expertise in the country. 

Blue Economy &  Bilateral Ties:

• The blue economy is one of the core dimensions of growth as per the Government’s vision of New India by 2030 and the vessel will be a major contributor towards meeting the initiatives and vision for sustainable development in the maritime domain.
• Also, Sandhayak will ensure safe navigation of not just Indian ships, but of friendly foreign nations in the Indian Ocean Region, strengthening the bilateral ties of India.

Significance:

• The survey ships are equipped with new generation hydrographic equipment and are testimony to the maturity of the country’s indigenous construction capability towards achieving self-reliance.
• The survey ships will contribute to the development of the maritime economy and maritime ties.

3. President’s Standard

Related to Security, GS III

Context:

• The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, also known as the Killer Squadron, will be awarded the President’s Standard.

What is the President’s Standard?

• The President’s Standard is the highest honour bestowed by the Supreme Commander to a military unit in recognition of the service rendered to the nation.
• It is the same honour as the President’s Colours, awarded to a relatively smaller military unit.
• To mark this occasion, a Special Day Cover along with a commemorative stamp will also be released by the Postal Department.

History of  22nd Missile Vessel Squadron:

• The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established at Mumbai in October 1991 with ten Veer Class and three Prabal Class missile boats.
• The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron is fitted with state of the art weapons and sensors, manned by the youngest and most motivated crew.
• It is the testimony of the Indian Navy and its assurance to the nation against any misadventure by our adversaries.
• It has participated in Op Vijay, Op Parakram and most recently, during the heightened security state following the Pulwama attack deployed within striking distance of the Pakistan coast. 
• The squadron prides itself with distinguished battle honours including one Maha Vir Chakra, seven Vir Chakras and eight Nausena Medals which are testimony to the gallant spirit of the Killers. 
• The missile vessel squadron has served the country over decades with many heroic achievements.
• The year 2021 marks fifty years since the inception of the Killers who over the past five decades have maintained the capability of delivering a credible offensive punch from the sea.
• The year 2021 is also the 50th anniversary of the victory in the 1971 war and is being celebrated across the country as Swarnim Vijay Varsh.

Also read: Navy Day

4. Border Security Force (BSF)

Context:

57th Raising Day celebrations of the Border Security Force.

Know more about the BSF in This Day in History dated Dec 1.

Read previous PIB here.

December 5th, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here