17 Jun 2022: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Desertification and Drought Day
2. Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project
3. UNMESHA
4. National Conference of Chief Secretaries

1. Desertification and Drought Day

Syllabus: GS III, Environment; Conservation

Prelims: Desertification and Drought Day

Context

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) organized Desertification and Drought Day.

Desertification and Drought Day

• World Desertification and Drought Day is a United Nations observance that is celebrated on the 17th of June every year. 
• This day was proclaimed by a United Nations General Assembly resolution in 1995.
• The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. 
• This event encourages individuals and groups to take initiatives that can keep the land healthy and productive. 

Read more about – Desertification and Drought Day

2. Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project

Syllabus: GS III, Economy; Infrastructure: Roads

Prelims: Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project

Context

The Prime Minister is to dedicate to the nation the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project.

Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor project

• The project has been built at a cost of more than Rs. 920 crores and is funded entirely by the Central Government.
• Aim: To provide hassle-free and smooth access to the new world-class exhibition and convention centre being developed at Pragati Maidan (New Delhi), thereby facilitating easy participation of exhibitors and visitors in the programmes being held at Pragati Maidan.
• The project is in line with the vision of the government to ensure ease of living for people through transforming urban infrastructure.
• The project would include a main tunnel and five underpasses. 
• A unique component of the Tunnel is that two cross tunnels below the main tunnel road have been constructed to facilitate the movement of the traffic from either side of the parking lot. 
• The tunnel is equipped with the latest technologies such as smart fire management, modern ventilation and automated drainage, digitally controlled CCTV and a Public Announcement system which would facilitate smooth movement of traffic.

3. UNMESHA

Syllabus: GS I, Indian culture; Salient aspects of Art Forms and literature

Prelims: About the UNMESHA festival

Context

An International Literature Festival named UNMESHA is being organised in Shimla in June 2022.

UNMESHA Festival:

• The Ministry of Culture and the Sahitya Akademi are organizing the Unmesha Festival as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, with the support of the Department of Art and Culture and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
• UNMESHA Festival is the largest literature festival in the country.
• This Literary Festival represents and reflects the culture of the country.
• Over 425 writers, poets, translators, critics and distinguished personalities from various walks of life from 15 countries including India, representing over 60 languages are taking part in the festival.
• The festival features various discussions, presentations and performances on topics like cinema and literature, tribal writings, and Bhakti literature.

4. National Conference of Chief Secretaries

Syllabus: GS II, Polity; Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive – formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

Mains: Important takeaways from the National Conference of Chief Secretaries

Context

The National Conference of Chief Secretaries, chaired by the Prime Minister, concluded recently.

Key takeaways from the National Conference of Chief Secretaries

• Aspects such as improving access to and quality of higher education and enhancing urban governance through urban planning and municipal finance were discussed. 
• Discussions were also held on the need for increased Centre-state coordination on the implementation of government schemes and capacity building of civil servants through Mission Karmayogi.
• Reiterating the significance of minimum government and maximum governance, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to ensure greater ease of living in India.
• The PM also talked about taking up decriminalization of minor offences in mission mode. 
• The PM urged the states to use the GeM portal for purchases made by them which helps in saving time and cost.
• The PM also talked about the usage of drones in the delivery of essential drugs and horticultural products, especially to hilly areas.
• The PM recommended the implementation of new technologies and innovative methods for increasing the efficiency of tax collection.
  • He stressed the need for using technology in all Government schemes & programmes. 
• The PM emphasised the effective implementation of the PM-Gati Shakti scheme to attract investment in the country.

Read previous PIB here.

June 17th, 2022, PIB:- Download PDF Here