TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. BIMSTEC TTF
2. AGNIPATH scheme
3. Bharat Gaurav Trains

BIMSTEC TTF

Syllabus: GS 2, Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India

Prelims: BIMSTEC TTF

Mains: Objectives and the expected outcome of the BIMSTEC TTF

Context

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved a Memorandum of Association (MoA) by India for the establishment of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Technology Transfer Facility (TTF)

BIMSTEC TTF

Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Technology Transfer Facility (TTF) was signed by the BIMSTEC member countries at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 30th March 2022.

Main objectives of the BIMSTEC TTF

Coordinate, facilitate and strengthen cooperation in technology transfer among the BIMSTEC Member States by promoting the transfer of technologies, sharing of experiences and capacity building.
The TTF shall facilitate the transfer of technologies in the following priority areas Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Information and Communication Technology, Space technology applications, Agricultural technology, Food processing technology, Pharmaceutical technology automation, New and renewable energy technology automation, New and Renewable energy technology, Oceanography, Nuclear Technology Applications, E-waste and solid waste management technology, Health Technologies, Technologies pertinent to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.

Governing Board of BIMSTEC TTF

The TTF shall have a Governing Board and the overall control of activities of the TTF shall be vested in the Governing Board.
The Governing Board shall consist of one nominee from each Member State.

Expected outcomes of the BIMSTEC TTF:

Databank of technologies available in BIMSTEC Countries
Repository of information on good practices in the areas of technology transfer management, standards, accreditation, metrology, testing and calibration facilities.
Capacity building, sharing of experiences and good practices in the development
Transfer and use of technologies among BIMSTEC countries.

AGNIPATH scheme

Syllabus: GS2 Government policies and interventions

Prelims: Agnipath Scheme

Mains: Significance of AGNIPATH scheme

Context

The Union Cabinet today approved the AGNIPATH scheme for the recruitment of Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces.

AGNIPATH scheme

The AGNIPATH Scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. The scheme allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
Youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers
Under the AGNIPATH scheme, the Agniveers will be enrolled in the Forces under respective Service Acts for a period of four years. They would form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks.
Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time to time, Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Armed Forces

Advantages of the AGNIPATH scheme

A transformative reform of the recruitment policy of the Armed Forces.
A unique opportunity for the youth to serve the country and contribute to Nation Building.
Armed Forces profile to be youthful and dynamic.
The attractive financial package for the Agniveers.
Opportunity for Agniveers to train in the best institutions and enhance their skills & qualifications.
Availability of well-disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
Adequate re-employment opportunities for those returning to society and who could emerge as role models for the youth.

Benefits to the Agniveers

Agniveers will be given a customised monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services.
On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest.
Agniveers will be provided a non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakhs for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.