The cold chain is must for the economy growth of every nation in present day world. It’s role is paramount in the agriculture and Horticulture sector as it ensures that perishable products are safe and of high quality at the point of consumption. Failing to keep product at the correct temperatures can result in textural degradation, discoloring, bruising, and microbial growth.
India has come a long way in ensuring that cold chain grows at rampant pace and make it world class.
As per a study on “All India Cold Chain Infrastructure Capacity (Assessment of Status & Gap)” conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd. (NABCONS) that was commissioned by the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD) under Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the requirement of cold storage in the country is 35 million MT, while capacity of such storage is around 32 million MT.
Though the Government is not establishing such facilities on its own, it is implementing various demand driven schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojna (PMKSY) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for extending financial support for setting up of such facilities by individuals/ entities who come forward with eligible proposals as per respective scheme guidelines.
This information was given by Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha few time back.
The hope on ground zero is that the cold chain would continue to grow throughout the country so that our agricultural and Horticulture produce always gets optimum value . In Jammu and Kashmir the role of cold chain becomes all the more important when it comes to all important apple sector .
Modernizing Food Grain Infrastructure
Food is the basic necessity of all human beings. Food Security is key to nation progress and for it we need to modernize the Food Grain Infrastructure.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has received overwhelming response towards the technical bids of Design, Build, Fund, Own & Operate (DBFOT) tender under Hub and Spoke Model. Taking into consideration modernization of foodgrain storage infrastructure in the country, a new model for development of grain Silos across the country i.e. Hub & Spoke Model in Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode has been proposed.
Total of 38 bids have been received against 4 bundles comprising of 14 locations in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh. Total 15 prospective parties have shown their interest and submitted their bids. Technical Evaluation is expected to be completed in 3-4 weeks.
Hub and Spoke Model is a transportation system which consolidates the transportation assets from standalone locations referred to as “Spoke” to a central location named as “Hub” for long distance transportation. Hubs have a dedicated railway siding and container depot facility while the transportation from Spoke to Hub is undertaken through road and from Hub to Hub vai rail. This model by harnessing the efficiency of railway siding, promotes cost efficiency through bulk storage & movement, reduces cost and time of handling and transportation and simplifies operational complexities in addition to economic development, infrastructure development & employment generation in the country. Besides, Silo are declared as sub Mandi yard which brings ease of procurement for farmers and leads to reduction in logistics cost.
The need of the hour is that we maintain the tempo in ensuring Food Grain modernisation of the country.
Digital inclusion vision of Government
Today is the age of digital governance throughout the world including in our country .
Digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of ‘antyodaya’ vision of the Government. Last year Government approved a project for providing 4G mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages in 44 aspirational districts across 5 states.
In his Independence Day address in 2021, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave a call for saturation of government schemes. The Union Cabinet few days back approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country at a total cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr.
The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas. The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new-settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.
The project will be executed by BSNL using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through Universal Service Obligation Fund. The project cost of Rs. 26,316 Cr includes capex and 5 year opex.
BSNL is already in process of deployment of Atmanirbhar 4G technology stack, which will be deployed in this project as well.
One hopes we as a country make tremendous progress in Digital governance .
It also needs to be kept in mind that The project is a significant step towards the vision of the Government to provide mobile connectivity in rural areas. This project will promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine, tele-education etc. through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.
Banning Single Use Plastic
Banning Single Use Plastic
We all known that plastic is a hydra headed monster damaging our environment and agriculture, it’s damaging impacts on our soil are well established. Overall the plastic is an hazardous item for our planet.
Now in a welcome development and in
line with the clarion call given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to phase out single use plastic items by 2022, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on 12 August 2021. Carrying forward the spirit of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava’, a defining step to curb pollution caused by littered and unmanaged plastic waste is being taken by the country. India will ban manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of identified single use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential, all across the country from July 1, 2022.
The adverse impacts of littered single use plastic items plastic on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including in marine environment are globally recognized. Addressing pollution due to single use plastic items has become an important environmental challenge confronting all countries.
In the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly held in 2019, India had piloted a resolution on addressing single-use plastic products pollution, recognizing the urgent need for the global community to focus on this very important issue. The adoption of this resolution at UNEA 4 was a significant step. In the recently concluded 5th session of United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022, India engaged constructively with all member states to develop consensus on the resolution for driving global action on plastic pollution.
One hopes that this ban on single use plastic will prove as an important milestone in protecting the environment.
Draupadi Murmu- Strong Presidential Aspirant
Draupadi Murmu – Strong Presidential Aspirant
Draupadi Murmu (born June 20, 1958) is an experienced politician of India, having an bright career.
She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is the official nominee of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the 2022 presidential election.She previously served as the ninth Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. She is from the state of Odisha. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five year term, and the first person, belonging to a scheduled tribe, to be nominated to the post of President of India.
The expert pulse is The nomination of Droupadi Murmu, an Adivasi leader from Odisha and the former Governor of Jharkhand, as NDA’s candidate for the forthcoming presidential election is seen as a calculated move by BJP to expand its social base, especially among the ST (Scheduled Tribe) communities. It has been argued that BJP is keen to project Murmu as a symbol of party’s
Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikaas
slogan simply to attract Adivasi votes. This line of reasoning is not entirely inappropriate. Senior BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, have recognised the fact that Murmu’s tribal identity and her humble economic background were taken seriously by the party .
She has risen despite her personal tragedies Draupadi Murmu was born in a Santali tribal family on June 20, 1958, in Baidaposi village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, to Biranchi Narayan Tudu.Both her father and grandfather were village heads under the Panchayati Raj system.
Draupadi Murmu married Shyam Charan Murmu. The couple two sons, both of whom died, and a daughter.
Murmu is a devotee of Shiva .
In all possibilities it looks that she would have comfortable win over the opposition Presidential nominee Yashwant Sinha .
In her personality, India would get first tribal President and second women president after Pratibha Patil .
Agnipath Scheme
Agnipath Scheme
An pathbreaking scheme for army recruitment has been launched in India . The Ministry of Defence, GoI has unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme which is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. It is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under this scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”. It provides an opportunity for youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Candidates who are 10th /12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education welcomes this initiative of the Government of India to induct young men and women into the armed forces to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
To support this initiative, the Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass Certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service. This certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country.
On the other side of the spectrum , amid violent protests over the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the government has addressed the concerns of the youth and reassured them that the future of Agniveers is stable.
Telemedicine Growth in India
Telemedicine Growth in India
Telemedicine is a general term that covers all of the ways you and your doctor can use technology to communicate without being in the same room. It includes phone calls, video chats, emails, and text messages. People also call it telehealth, digital medicine, e-health, or m-health (for “mobile”).
India as a country in recent times has seen important developments in the field of Telemedicine.
It is worth mentioning here that
National Health Authority (NHA) announced recently the successful integration of eSanjeevani with its flagship scheme – Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This integration allows the existing users of eSanjeevani, the telemedicine service of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to easily create their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and use it to link and manage their existing health records like prescriptions, lab reports, etc. The users would also be able to share their health records with doctors on eSanjeevani which will help in better clinical decision making and ensuring the continuum of care.
Speaking about the significance of this integration, Dr. R. S. Sharma, CEO, NHA said – “ABDM aims to build digital highways to bridge the gaps in existing digital health solutions and stakeholders in India. The integration of eSanjeevani with ABDM is one such example where the 22 crore ABHA holders can link and store their health records created via eSanjeevani directly in the health lockers of their choice. The users can also share their previously linked health records with the doctors on eSanjeevani making the entire consultation process paper-less.”
eSanjeevani service is available in two variants. The first one is eSanjeevani Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) – the Doctor-to-Doctor telemedicine service through which the beneficiaries visiting a HWC can virtually connect to doctors/ specialists in the Hub that could be at tertiary healthcare facility/hospital/medical college.
One hopes Telemedicine field in the country continues to grow.
HarGharDastak campaign
HarGharDastak Campaign
The pandemic of Coronavirus that has wrecked havoc in entire world has in India this year shown less cases . Last year the second wave of Covid had wrecked tragedies in country. The massive vaccination drive against Covid has helped to curb the disease in the country
Now in other bright development related to it,
HarGharDastak campaign 2.0” to accelerate the pace and coverage of COVID19 vaccination across States and UTs has commenced across the country. Being implemented in a ‘Mission Mode’, States and UTs have been advised to give an intensive push towards full COVID19 vaccination coverage by vaccinating all eligible beneficiaries. This was communicated to all States and UTs by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary as he reviewed the status of COVID vaccination with Health Secretaries and NHM MDs of States and UTs last week.
Incorporating the experience & learning from “HarGharDastak campaign” launched in Nov 2021, ‘HarGharDastak 2.0’ will be implemented from 1st June 2022 to 31st July 2022. The objective of the ‘Har GharDastak2.0’ Abhiyan is to vaccinate and cover the eligible population groups for first, second and precaution doses through door-to-door campaigns. Major focus will also remain on improving sub-optimal coverage of persons aged ≥ 60years with precaution dose, along with considerably slower speed of coverage in the 12-14 years cohort by focussed campaigns for old age homes, schools/colleges including the out-of-school children (for focussed coverage of children aged 12-18 years population), prisons, brick kilns, etc. States/UTs have been urged to undertake effective monitoring with respective micro-plans based on due-lists of all eligible beneficiaries. They were also urged to review administration of precaution dose to 18-59 years age-group with the private hospitals on a regular basis.
The national COVID-19 vaccination drive has witnessed
Progress of ISRO
Progress of ISRO
Without space programs, we wouldn’t have GPS, accurate weather prediction, solar cells, or the ultraviolet filters in sunglasses and cameras. There’s also medical research happening in space right now that could cure diseases and prolong human lives, and these experiments can’t be done on Earth.The Space Programme of India under ISRO is making right noise.
Over 55 Start-ups have registered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, in just about two years since the Indian Space Department and the ISRO were opened to the private sector, on the personal intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition, 75 Students’ satellites are scheduled for launch this year to coincide with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75th year of India’s Independence.This was informed here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh while chairing the 4th joint meeting of all the Science Ministries and departments.The Minister said, this in itself is a great and a pathbreaking progress considering the fact that for all these years, the Department of Space and the ISRO were working without being accessible to others and over two years back, the announcement to open them to private players was hailed by the media as “Unlocking” of the Indian Space sector. This, he said, could be possible only because PM Modi has the courage and the conviction to take out of the box decisions in the interest of the nation and to break the obsolete taboos of the past.Dr Jitendra Singh further informed that out of 55 proposals, 29 are Satellite related, 10 for Space Applications and Products, 8 related to Launch Vehicle and 8 about Ground Systems and Research. He said, 9 proposals from the Start-ups are expected to be completed by 2022-23.
Painful killing of Rahul Bhat
Painful killing of Rahul Bhat
The killing of young Kashmiri Pandit Employee Rahul Bhat at Chadoora Budgam on May 12, 2022 has saddened entire Kashmir Valley. The departed soul was an employee of the Revenue Department. Series of attacks on non locals and minorities are continuing in Kashmir is causing much pain and sorrow in the Kashmir valley.
Soon after the killing of Rahul Bhat, Kashmiri Pandits staged Candle light Protest against Budgam Killing at Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Qazigund in South Kashmir.As a matter of fact, Migrant Kashmiri Pandits (KPs), majority of them government employees working under Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package, on Thursday 12 May 2022 hit roads at various places across Kashmir to register their protest against the killing of their colleague Rahul Bhat at Chadoora, Budgam.On the otherhand, The LG of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha condemned the attack and said, ”I strongly condemn the barbaric killing of Rahul Bhat by terrorists at Budgam. Those behind this despicable terror attack will not go unpunished. J&K Govt stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief”. The killing of young Rahul Bhat has pained every human heart and dented the reputation of Kashmir . We all need to introspect over these crimes against humanity and think how we can end the ugly cycle of violence in Jammu and Kashmir. One hopes that heinous elements beind this dastardly act are brought to book soon . The killing of Young Rahul Bhat has saddened entire country and questions are being asked . We need a multi pronged approach to come out of this Bleak situation. One can only hope that no more innocent killings take place. Every heart is bruised over killing of Rahul Bhat.