04 Jan 2024: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Indian Toy industry
2. PRERANA Program
3. Nominations from India for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)
4. Prelims Facts

1. Indian Toy industry

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Mains: Toy industry in India

Context:

Indian toy industry’s performance in FY 2022-23.

Details:

• The Indian Toy industry witnessed remarkable growth in FY 2022-23 in comparison to FY 2014-15.
• Imports declined by 52% and exports rose by 239%.
• The overall quality of toys available in the domestic market has also improved.
• These were pointed out in a case study, “Success Story of Made in India Toys” conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow at the behest of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• According to the report, there is a more conducive environment for toy manufacturing in India now.
• The number of manufacturing units has doubled, dependence on imported inputs has reduced from 33% to 12%, gross sales value has increased by a CAGR of 10% and overall labour productivity has shot up, in a span of six years.
• The report analyzed that India is also emerging as a top exporting nation due to the country’s integration into the global toy value chain, along with zero-duty market access for domestically manufactured toys in countries including UAE and Australia. 
• In order to compete with the toy hubs of the world China and Vietnam, the report suggested that consistent collaborative efforts of the toy industry and the Government are essential for advancements in technology, embracing e-commerce, encouraging partnerships and exports, investing in brand-building, engaging with educators and parents to communicate with children, valuing cultural diversity and collaborating with regional artisans, etc.
• Some of the steps taken by the government to aid the industry are:
  • Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on toys was increased from 20% to 60% in February 2020, and subsequently to 70% in March 2023.
  • The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has mandated sample testing of each import consignment to curb the import of sub-standard toys.
  • A Quality Control Order (QCO) for Toys was issued with effect from 2021.
  • Provision of licences to manufacture toys domestically has been expedited.
  • Cluster-based approach adopted to support domestic toy industry. 
  • Steps to promote indigenous toys.

2. PRERANA Program

Syllabus: GS-2, Education

Prelims: PRERANA Program

Context:

The Ministry of Education launched the PRERANA program.

PRERANA Program:

• The Department of School Education & Literacy under the Education Ministry has launched ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning program’, aiming to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to all participants, thereby empowering them with leadership qualities.
• Prerana is a week-long residential program for selected students of classes IX to XII. 
  • It is an experiential and inspirational learning program for students with the best-in-class technology where heritage meets innovation. 
  • A batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) will attend the program, every week from various parts of the country.
• The Prerana program will run from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in Vadnagar, district Mehsana, Gujarat. 
• The curriculum of Prerana School prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar is rooted in nine value-based themes: Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya. 
• The participants will be guided by mentors from prestigious institutions.   
• The day-wise program schedule will feature yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, followed by experiential learning, thematic sessions, and hands-on interesting learning activities. 
• Evening activities will include visits to ancient and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities, talent shows, etc. ensuring a holistic learning approach.
• Students can register through the portal prerana.education.gov.in. after which they will go through a selection process.

3. Nominations from India for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)

Syllabus: GS-3, Environment & Ecology

Prelims: Ramsar Convention, Sites in India, Wetlands & their Significance

Context:

The Environment Ministry has submitted three nominations from India for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 

What are the three sites submitted?

1. Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
2. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) 
3. Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Details:

• These are the first three Indian cities for which nominations have been submitted for WCA based on the proposals received from respective State Wetlands Authorities in collaboration with the Municipal Corporations. 
• The wetlands situated in and around these cities provide a plethora of benefits to its citizens in terms of flood regulation, livelihood opportunities, and recreational and cultural values. 
• Sirpur Wetland (Ramsar site in Indore), Yashwant Sagar (Ramsar site closer to Indore), Bhoj Wetland (Ramsar Site in Bhopal), and several Wetlands (Lakes) in and around Udaipur are lifelines to these cities.

Also read: List of Ramsar Sites in India

4. Prelims Facts

‘Ballam’- the President’s Bodyguard Lance

• The Secretary to the President presented ‘Ballam’- the President’s Bodyguard Lance – to the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
• A lance is a long spear used by a mounted warrior or cavalry soldier.
• The Government of Egypt has requested the lances of PBG which are commonly used in their country too. Over 50 PBG Lances were handed over to the Ambassador of Egypt on behalf of the President of India.
• The nine feet nine inches long Ballams adorn a red and white pennon which symbolizes blood over surrender – the ethos of PBG. The riders of PBG make Ballam with their own hands – as a tradition in the Regiment.
• The President’s Bodyguard is the oldest regiment in the Indian Army, having been raised as the Governor-General’s Bodyguard (later the Viceroy’s Bodyguard) in 1773. The regiment was renamed to its current name in 1950.

Read previous PIB articles here.