30 Dec 2022: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Prajjwala Challenge
2. Coal Sector constructs 8 Eco-parks
3. Indian Coast Guard Concludes Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones

1. Prajjwala Challenge

Syllabus: GS 2, Polity and Governance.

Mains: Government Policies and interventions.

Prelims: Prajjwala Challenge.

Context: Ministry of Rural Development launches Prajjwala Challenge.

Details:

• The Ministry of Rural Development has launched Prajjwala Challenge under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• The aim of the initiative is to invite ideas, solutions, and actions that have the potential to transform the rural economy.
• It will provide a platform where ideas can be invited from individuals, the Private Sector, Social Enterprises, Startups, Civil Society, Community Based Organizations, Academic Institutions, etc.
• The Mission intends to look for ideas and solutions revolving around Innovative Technology, Sustainability, Inclusive Growth, place-based employment, Value Chain Interventions, etc.
• The broad contours can be categorized into:
  • Focus on Women and the Marginalized section of the community
  • Localized Models
  • Sustainability
  • Cost Effective solutions
  • Multi-sectoral ideas and solutions
• Mentorship support from an expert panel and incubation support to scale up the proposal will be provided to shortlisted ideas. The top five ideas will be awarded Rs. 2 Lakh each.
• The challenge would also be shared in the Manthan portal by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor and in the BIMTECH – Atal Innovation Mission Portal.

2. Coal Sector constructs 8 Eco-parks

Syllabus: GS 3, Indian Economy.

Mains: Coal Sector.

Prelims: Eco-parks.

Details:

• The Coal Ministry has constructed eight eco-parks in different parts of the country. Two more parks would be completed by 2023. 
• The Ministry is developing Eco-Parks on reclaimed land and aiming to promote mine tourism.
• The Jhurey/Bal Gangadhar Tilak Eco-Park of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) was inaugurated on October 2022.
• Moreover, on the lines of greening initiatives, Coal/Lignite PSUs have planted approximately 47 lakh saplings on 2300 Ha of land from January to November 2022. This would promote sustainable development.

Other Agreements/Memorandum:

• NLC India Limited has signed an MOU with Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to develop eco-tourism at Mine-I and Mine-II and display sustainable mining activities.
• Another pact was agreed upon between NCL and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to foster Singrauli Eco-Tourism Circuit.

Also read: RSTV – The Big Picture: Commercial Mining of Coal

3. Indian Coast Guard Concludes Contract for 10 Multicopter (VTOL) Drones

Syllabus: GS 3, Internal Security.

Mains: Various security forces and agencies.

Prelims: Indian Coast Guard and Drone Technology.

Context: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) concludes the maiden contract for 10 Multicopter Drones. 

Details:

• On the lines of India’s policy of embracing Drone Technology, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has concluded a maiden contract for 10 multicopter (VTOL) drones.
• It will enhance marine surveillance and interdiction capabilities.
• These drones can be launched from both Ships and Shore Stations. Moreover, it can assist in Search and Rescue (SAR), both by day as well as night. 
• The ICG intends to induct nearly 100 drones by 2025 in order to meet the expanding challenges in India’s Maritime Zones and Search & Rescue Region.

Also read: Draft Drone Rules, 2021
Read the previous PIB articles here.

December 30th, 2022, PIB:- Download PDF Here