21 Jul 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. New Initiatives under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
2. Intellectual Property Rights Policy Management Framework
3. Global Food Regulators Summit 2023

1. New Initiatives under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Syllabus: GS-2, Govt schemes

Prelims: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana; YES-TECH Manual; WINDS Portal; AIDE App

Context:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched several new technological initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to empower farmers and streamline the operations. 

Details of the new initiatives:

• YES-TECH Manual: It is a comprehensive guide facilitating the implementation of YES-TECH, a technology-driven yield estimation system, offering methodologies, best practices, and integration insights for accurate yield assessments at the Gram Panchayat level.
• WINDS Portal: It is a centralized platform that hosts, manages, and processes hyper-local weather data collected by Automatic Weather Stations and Rain Gauges at Taluk/Block and Gram Panchayat levels. 
  • The portal enhances risk assessment and decision-making in crop insurance, agriculture advisories, and disaster mitigation, supporting the agricultural sector and rural economy.
  • WINDS is an acronym for Weather Information Network Data Systems.
• AIDE Mobile App: It is a mobile application specifically developed to streamline the enrollment process for farmers in crop insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS). 
• It serves as a user-friendly tool that facilitates the seamless enrolment of farmers under these insurance programs.

2. Intellectual Property Rights Policy Management Framework

Syllabus: GS-3, Issues relating to intellectual property rights

Mains: Intellectual Property Rights in India; National IPR Policy

Context:

Union Minister mentioned the Intellectual Property Rights Policy Management framework in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Details:

• There are eight types of intellectual property rights covered under Intellectual Property Rights Policy Management (IPRPM) framework: 
  • Patents
  • Trademarks
  • Industrial Designs
  • Copyrights
  • Geographical Indications
  • Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Layout Designs
  • Trade Secrets
  • Plant Varieties
• The framework was launched in the form of National IPR Policy 2016 encompassing all IPRs into a single vision document setting in place an institutional mechanism for implementation, monitoring and review of IP laws. 
• The policy has seven objectives designed for creating an environment that encourages innovation and creativity by providing stronger protection and incentives for inventors, artists, and creators. 
• There are several measures undertaken to achieve the given objectives. Among measures taken are compliance and timeline reduction in IP filing and disposal, fee rebate for Startups, MSMEs, Educational Institutions and expedited examination for certain categories of applicants. 

Read more about intellectual property rights in the linked article.

3. Global Food Regulators Summit 2023

Syllabus: GS-3, Food security

Prelims: Global Food Regulators Summit 2023

Mains: Issues of food security

Context:

Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 concluded.

Global Food Regulators Summit 2023:

• The summit was hosted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• The summit featured keynote addresses and technical sessions focused on global food safety and regulatory frameworks.
• The summit brought together food regulators from around the world to exchange perspectives and knowledge on crucial issues related to food safety systems. 
• Various initiatives including Food-o-Copoeia, a collection of food category-wise monographs and a single point reference for all applicable standards for a specific product; ‘SaNGRAH’ – Safe food for Nations: Global food Regulatory Authorities Handbook and a Common Digital Dashboard were launched during the inauguration ceremony.

Read the previous PIB articles here.

July 21st, 2023, PIB:- Download PDF Here