29 Dec 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. India as Global MICE Destination
2. Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee
3. National Transit Pass System (NTPS)
4. Ayushman Bhav Campaign

1. India as Global MICE Destination

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Context:

Govt. is promoting India as global MICE destination.

Details:

• Union Minister said that the government is promoting India as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination to showcase India’s MSME sector, traditional handicrafts, artisanal offerings, weavers and manufacturing prowess. 
• A slew of events are scheduled in the coming months to showcase India’s position as a global economic powerhouse. 
• The planned line-up of mega events commences with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Utsav’ scheduled from 3rd to 10th January 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 
  • This event aims to exhibit a rich array of offerings, including products from artisans, weavers, khadi, tribal crafts, MSMEs, and cottage industries, offering a direct interface between producers and consumers.
• Following this, the ‘Indus Food’ exhibition will be held at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, from 8th to 10th January 2024. 
  • This exhibition will feature over 1100 exhibitors from nearly 120 countries and is expected to attract 2500 overseas buyers. 
  • The exhibition focuses on promoting value-added agricultural products, thereby aiming to enhance farmers’ income and generate more employment in the food processing sector.
• From 1st to 3rd February 2024, the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024’ will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • This extensive mobility exposition will feature stakeholders across the automobile and mobility sector, showcasing their strengths and innovations. 
  • The expo will highlight areas like next-gen eco-friendly products, construction equipment, and various innovative mobility solutions.
• Subsequently, ‘Bharat Tex’ is scheduled from 26th to 29th February 2024 at both Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
  • This will be amongst the largest textile events in the world, featuring the end-to-end textile value chain – from farm to fashion. 
  • Features 3500+ exhibitors, 3000+ overseas buyers, and participation from over 40 countries.

2. Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance; GS-3, Economy

Prelims: Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee, Bureau of Indian Standards

Context:

The Bureau of Indian Standards pioneers a new standardisation area with the establishment of the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee, ETD 54.

Details:

• In a step towards promoting standardisation in the field of Marine Energy Conversion Systems, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has formed a dedicated technical committee, the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee under ETD 54 (Electro Technical Division).
• Recognizing the need for adherence to standardized norms to ensure the quality of products utilized in these projects, the establishment of this committee marks an important milestone in the development and regulation of marine energy systems in India.
• The primary objective of the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee is to set comprehensive standards and guidelines for various aspects related to marine energy conversion systems. 
• By bringing together expertise from multiple domains, the committee aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in this emerging field.

3. National Transit Pass System (NTPS)

Syllabus: GS-2, Governance, schemes

Prelims: National Transit Pass System (NTPS)

Context:

Union Minister launched the National Transit Pass System (NTPS) – ‘One Nation-One Pass’ to facilitate the seamless transit of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce across the country.

Details:

• Currently, transit permits are issued for the transport of timber and forest produce based on state-specific transit rules. 
• The NTPS is envisioned as a “One Nation-One Pass” regime, which will enable seamless transit across the country. 
• This initiative will streamline the issuance of timber transit permits by providing a unified, online mode for tree growers and farmers involved in agroforestry across the country, contributing to the ease of doing business.
• The previous procedure involved obtaining transit permits from different states along the route which was a time-consuming process, causing hurdles in transporting timber and forest products across the states. 
• NTPS is designed for user convenience, featuring desktop and mobile applications for easy registration and permit applications. 
• Transit permits will be issued for tree species which are regulated, while the users can self-generate No Objection Certificates for exempted species.
• Currently, 25 states and UTs have adopted the unified transit permit system.

4. Ayushman Bhav Campaign

Syllabus: GS-2, Govt schemes, health

Prelims: Ayushman Bhav Campaign

Context:

More than 5 crore ABHA accounts have been created during the ongoing Ayushman Bhava campaign.

Ayushman Bhav Campaign:

• Ayushman Bhav initiative is envisaged to bring together the frontline stakeholders of the departments of Health and Family Welfare, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Tribal Affairs (MoTA), to translate each panchayat as ‘Ayushman Panchayat’ leading to the overall sustainable development of the community.
• It aims to saturate all health care services in every village/town of the country.
• The campaign involves a set of interventions that include ‘Ayushman – Apke Dwar 3.0’, ‘Ayushman Sabhas’, ‘Ayushman Melas- at Health and Wellness level and Medical Camps by Medical Colleges at CHCs’, and eventually ensuring Gram/Nagar Panchayat or Urban Ward to attain the status of ‘Ayushman Panchayat’ or ‘Ayushman Urban Ward’ in a saturation mode.

Read more on Ayushman Bharat in the linked article.

Read previous PIB articles here.