27 Nov 2022: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Saras Aajeevika Mela, 2022
2. Austra -Hind 22
3. Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

1. Saras Aajeevika Mela, 2022

Syllabus – GS2, Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors 

Prelims – Saras Aajeevika Mela, 2022.

Context – Saras Aajeevika Mela concludes with a huge turn over of more than Rs 6 cr. at the 41st India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Details –

• The finest handicraft and handloom products from the remote areas of Rural India were displayed at the SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2022, organised by the Ministry of Rural Development and National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) at the 41st India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• The Saras Aajeevika Mela focussed on the theme of ‘tradition, art, craft and culture.
• Around 300 women from self help groups from 26 states displayed handicraft, handloom and natural food products from different rural regions of the country.
• The SARAS Aajeevika Mela helped in spreading the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local, Local to Global’ 

About Saras Mela –

• Saras Mela is an initiative by DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), GoI.
• The objective is to bring the rural women Self Help Groups (SHG) under one platform so that they can showcase their skills, sell their products and help them build linkages with bulk buyers.
• This initiative acts as an integrated approach towards women empowerment and is well aligned  with the government vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

About IITF (India International Trade Fair)-

• The IITF ever since its inception in 1980, has evolved as a major event for the business community.
• The event is organised by ITPO (IndiaTrade promotion Organisation).
• IITF offers a platform to showcase Indian products under the “Vocal for Local” campaign and infuse renewed confidence and vigour in the Indian economy.

2. Austra -Hind 22

Syllabus – GS3, Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Prelims – First “Austra-Hind 22” Joint Exercise.

Context – The bilateral training exercise is scheduled to take place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan).

Details –

• This is the first exercise in the series of Austra – Hind. This exercise will be held annually and alternatively between India and Australia.
• The Indian Army is represented by troops from the Dogra Regiment and the Australian Army comprises soldiers from 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division. 
• The objective of the bilateral exercise is to develop positive military relations, imbibe each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi domain operations in semi-desert terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate.
• This exercise will help the armies of two countries to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conducting tactical operations at Company and Platoon level for neutralising hostile threats.
• Besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two countries, this exercise will also help strengthen the ties between the two nations.

Related link –List of Exercises of the Indian Army.

3. Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

Syllabus – GS3, Science and Technology- developments and their applications.

Prelims – Small Modular Reactors (SMR).

Context – GoI is taking steps for developing SMR with a capacity of about 300 MW to fulfil its commitment to clean energy transition.

Details – 

• A workshop on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) was organised by NITI Aayog and Department of Atomic Energy. The Union Minister of State (Independent charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the participation of private sector and start ups to explore the critical technology of developing SMR within India.
• The minister at the workshop said that the exploration of new clean energy options is in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadmap for clean energy transition through bold climate commitments which are reflected in the country’s updated ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ (NDCs) – climate action targets – under the Paris Agreement.
• SMR with a capacity of 300 MW are flexible in design and require a small footprint. Being mobile and agile technology, SMR can be factory built unlike the conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site. Besides offering significant savings in cost and construction time, small modular reactors are simpler and safer as compared to large nuclear plants, as per the Department of Atomic Energy.
•  SMR is a promising technology in industrial de-carbonization especially where there is a requirement of reliable and continuous supply of power.
• Today India is at number 4 in the Renewable Energy installed capacity across the world, after China, Europe and the United States. 

Read more about SMR in the link – Small Modular Reactors.
Read the previous PIB articles here.

November 27th, 2022, PIB:- Download PDF Here