Current Affair 1:

PM Mitra Scheme

 

Introduction of PM Mitra Scheme

• The PM Mitra Scheme was introduced by the Government of India in 2020 to provide support to the MSME sector.
• The scheme aims to establish a network of thousands of professionals who can provide technical support to small businesses.
• The PM Mitra portal has been set up to enable entrepreneurs to connect with these professionals for guidance on various aspects of their businesses.

Coverage of PM Mitra Scheme

• The PM Mitra Scheme covers various sectors such as textiles, leather, food processing, and engineering, among others.
• The scheme is expected to benefit around 25 lakh small businesses in the country.
• The technical support provided through the scheme includes areas like product design, packaging, marketing, and finance.

Impact of PM Mitra Scheme

• The PM Mitra Scheme has helped MSMEs to become more competitive and sustainable by providing them with technical guidance and support.
• The scheme has also led to the creation of more jobs in the MSME sector, which is a key driver of economic growth in India.
• By facilitating the growth of small businesses, the PM Mitra Scheme is expected to contribute to the government's goal of making India a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

Recent Developments in PM Mitra Scheme

• In February 2022, the Ministry of MSMEs launched the PM Mitra Yojana Mobile App to enable entrepreneurs to connect with technical experts on-the-go.
• The app allows users to search for experts by sector, expertise, location, and language, among other filters.
• The PM Mitra Yojana Mobile App has been downloaded over 50,000 times within a few months of its launch, indicating its popularity among entrepreneurs.

Current Affair 2:

National mission on natural farming

 

Introduction of National Mission on Natural Farming

• The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was launched by the Government of India in 2018 to promote chemical-free farming practices.
• The mission aims to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and promote natural methods of farming, such as organic farming, cow-based farming, and zero budget natural farming (ZBNF).
• The NMNF is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in collaboration with state governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

Coverage of National Mission on Natural Farming

• The NMNF covers various aspects of natural farming, including seed treatment, soil health management, pest management, and marketing of natural produce.
• The mission aims to cover around 2.5 lakh villages across the country and reach around 10 million farmers by 2025.
• The NMNF also provides financial support to farmers for the adoption of natural farming practices, including the use of indigenous seeds, composting, and biofertilizers.

Recent Developments in National Mission on Natural Farming

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare launched the "Jal Shakti Abhiyan" under the NMNF to promote water conservation and efficient use of water in agriculture.
• The NMNF has also been actively involved in the promotion of millets, which are known for their nutritional and health benefits.
• The mission has been collaborating with several state governments, such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, to promote natural farming practices and support farmers in the transition from chemical farming to natural farming.
• The NMNF has also been recognized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its contribution to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Current Affair 3:

McMohan Line

 

 

 

Introduction to the McMahon Line

• The McMahon Line is the border line between India and China in the eastern sector, which was drawn up by Sir Henry McMahon, the British colonial administrator in India, in 1914.
• The McMahon Line has been a contentious issue between India and China, with China disputing the legitimacy of the line and claiming parts of the eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as its own.
• The McMahon Line was the basis of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which saw China invading India in the eastern sector and capturing large areas of Indian territory.

Recent Developments in the McMahon Line Issue

• In 2022, China released a new map that depicted Arunachal Pradesh as part of China, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
• India strongly rejected China's claim and stated that the McMahon Line was the internationally recognized border between the two countries.
• The McMahon Line issue has been a major source of disagreement between India and China, with both countries holding multiple rounds of talks to resolve the dispute.

Impact of the McMahon Line Issue

• The McMahon Line issue has had a significant impact on the security and strategic interests of both India and China in the eastern sector.
• The disputed territory is of significant strategic importance due to its proximity to the borders of China, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• The McMahon Line issue has also had an impact on the cultural and social ties between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, which share historical and cultural links.

Efforts to Resolve the McMahon Line Issue

• India and China have engaged in several rounds of talks to resolve the McMahon Line issue, including the Special Representatives' Dialogue and the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.
• In recent years, both countries have sought to improve their bilateral relations and reduce tensions along the border, including the signing of the Border Defense Cooperation Agreement in 2013.
• The McMahon Line issue remains unresolved, however, and continues to be a source of tension between India and China in the eastern sector.

Current Affair 4:

Space tourism by ISRO

 

 

 

Introduction to Space Tourism by ISRO

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been exploring the possibility of space tourism as a potential revenue source and a means of promoting scientific interest and public awareness about space exploration.
• ISRO has stated that it plans to offer suborbital flights for space tourism, which would involve launching a spacecraft into space and returning it to Earth without completing a full orbit.
• ISRO has also signed agreements with several private companies for the development of space tourism infrastructure, including facilities for astronaut training and launch services.

Recent Developments in Space Tourism by ISRO

• In 2021, ISRO announced that it had selected four Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots for astronaut training as part of its space tourism program.
• ISRO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aerospace Industry Development Association of Tamil Nadu (AIDAT) for the development of a space tourism park in the state.
• ISRO has also stated that it plans to launch a dedicated space tourism satellite, which would offer services such as space-based internet and imaging to support space tourism activities.

Impact of Space Tourism by ISRO

• The development of space tourism by ISRO could have significant economic and scientific benefits, including the creation of new jobs and businesses in the space industry.
• Space tourism could also help to increase public interest and awareness about space exploration, which could in turn drive increased funding and support for space research and development.
• However, the environmental impact of space tourism, including the potential for space debris and carbon emissions from rocket launches, remains a concern.

Challenges in Space Tourism by ISRO

• The development of space tourism infrastructure requires significant investment and expertise, which may be a challenge for ISRO, given its limited budget and resources.
• The regulatory framework for space tourism is also still evolving, and there are concerns about safety and liability in the event of accidents or incidents involving space tourists.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the development of space tourism, with restrictions on travel and tourism affecting the demand for and feasibility of space tourism activities.

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