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(The Gist of Kurukshetra) RURAL EDUCATION  [AUGUST-2019]

(The Gist of Kurukshetra)  RURAL EDUCATION
 [AUGUST-2019]

RURAL EDUCATION

  •  The Committee for Draft National Education Policy submitted its report to the Ministry of Human Resource Development on May 31, 2019. The proposals in the newly released Draft Education Policy 2019 aim to overhaul of the entire education system.
  •  The report seeks to address the challenges of: (i) access, (ii) equity, (iii) quality, (iv) affordability, and (v) accountability. The proposals in National Education Policy specifically target to strengthen and upscale the skills of both teachers and learners to meet global levels.
  •  The policy proposes major changes in both school and higher education, improved governance and focus on research and innovation.
  •  It aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. The initiatives proposed in the new education policy will go a long way in empowering and uplifting the overall status of rural India.
  •  The Union Budget re-emphasises and realizes the importance of all these essential components in revitalizing the education system, especially in rural India.
  •  Budget 2019 is a positive step in the right direction to focus on the education sector. This budget is guided by the mission to strengthen the Education Sector.
  •  Support to IITs, Rashtriya Uchhatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Scheme for transformational and advanced research in the Sciences (STARS), Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) and Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT), are among the schemes which have got considerable allocations in the budget.

Education- Budget 2019 highlights

  •  National education Policy to propose major changes higher education.
  •  Study in India.
  •  Setting up of National Research Foundation to fund and promote research.
  •  New age skills.

Draft National Education Policy

  •  The Policy proposes major changes in higher education in the country to improve outcome drastically. The allocation for education for 2019-20 would be more than three times the revised estimates.
  •  India's school will be made future-ready with a deeper focus on research and new age skills. The Budget allocates provide Rs 400 crore for world-class institutions. It proposes the creation of several new bodies to overlook different facets of education. Also, National Higher Education Regulatory Authority or Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog (RSA) should be the only regulator for all higher education including professional education.
  •  Of the total Rs. 94,853.64 crore allocated to education in Budget 2019-20, Rs.56,536.63 crore have been pegged for the school sector and Rs. 38,317.01 crore has been allocated to the higher education. In the school sector, Rs. 36,322 crore will be allotted to Samagra Shikha Abhiyan.
  •  The mid-day meal programme has been allocated Rs. 1,000 crore. The budget allocates the teachers training and adult education only Rs. 125 crore.
  •  There has been an increase of over 13% in outlay for education sector as compared to 2018-19.

Study in India

  •  The aim of this Campaign would be to brand India as a prime study destination for international students. It has been set up with the objectives to:
  •  Boost the number of inbound International students in India;
  •  Increase India's market share of global education exports;
  •  Improve the overall quality of higher education;
  •  Increase in global ranking of India as educational destination; and
  •  Enhance India's global market share of International students.
  •  The Campaign aims to launch India onto the international student scene to promote the country as a higher education destination.

National Research Foundation (NRF)

  •  Youth and employment are at the core of the Union Budget. It proposes setting up National Research Foundation for youth.
  •  The draft Education Policy recommends establishing a National Research Foundation, an autonomous body, for funding, mentoring and building the capacity for quality research in India. The NRF will fund, coordinate and promote research in the country.
  •  The Foundation will consist of four major divisions: science, technology, social sciences, and arts and humanities, with the provision to add additional divisions.
  •  The Government will make renewed efforts to promote research in the country.
  •  The proposed NRF will give a boost to research critical to building indigenous products
  •  and solutions.

To improve the overall quality of higher education, it gives the following suggestions:

  •  Regulatory structure and accreditation.
  •  Establishing new higher education institutions.
  •  Strengthening the existing higher education institutions.
  •  Setting up of National Research Foundation.
  •  Professional Development of faculty.
  •  Optimal learning environment.
  •  Starting programmes on Liberal Arts.

Role of Technology

  •  The Policy recommends that a National Education Technology Forum be setup. Ministry
  •  of Human Resource Development is already administering a programme 

Conclusion

  •  Thus, the Union Budget also emphasizes upon sports for holistic development of young
  •  learners. A National Sports Education Board will be set up under the Khelo India scheme, a programme to increase awareness on sports in India. Khelo India programme is focused on nurturing talent and connecting rural India to global games.
  •  It's components include community sports, coaching for excellence, talent identification, competition structure as well as the sports economy. The vision of the Khelo India is to infuse sports culture and achieve sporting excellence in the country. The mission is
  •  to encourage sports for all.
  •  The other important items covered in the budget include:
  •  Development of a "Gandhi-pedia" to sensitize youth about Mahatma Gandhi's ideas;
  •  Establishing a dedicated Television Channel for Start-ups. This will have an indirect impact on institutions offering higher education.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) Union Budget Announcements 2019-20 to Promote Skilling and Entrepreneurship  [AUGUST-2019]

(The Gist of Kurukshetra)  Union Budget Announcements 2019-20 to Promote Skilling and Entrepreneurship

 [AUGUST-2019]

Union Budget Announcements 2019-20 to Promote Skilling and Entrepreneurship

To intensify skill development and enhance the employability of rural youth, the Union Budget 2019-20 has announced the following measures:

  •  In the Budget, a massive push has been given to all forms of physical connectivity viz; the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Industrial Corridors, Dedicated Freight Corridor. Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects, railway station modernization, JalMarg Vikas and UDAN Schemes. To take forward these schemes requires skilled workforce in the building, construction, real estate, construction material & building hardware sectors.
  •  Under the Make in India initiative, the development of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) in the aviation sector is to be promoted in India. This calls for promoting skilled workforce in the MRO segment of aviation sector.
  •  Ujwala Yojana and Saubhagya Yojana have transformed the lives of every rural family, dramatically improving their ease of living. Electricity and clean cooking gas facilities to be provided to all willing rural families by 2022. These initiatives promise job opportunities for the rural youth and relevant skill trainings need to be provided to meet the skill demands arising from the sector.
  •  To promote overseas employment of the youth, there will be increased focus on skill sets needed for going abroad as well as new age skills such as language training, Artificial Intelligence (Al), Internet of Things, Big Data, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Robotics. The new age-skills are in great demand both within and outside the country, and offer much higher
    remuneration.

The youth also needs to be skilled and up skilled to avail of the new job opportunities that are likely to arise from the following budget announcements:

  •  Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G) aims to achieve "Housing for All" by 2022 and eligible beneficiaries to be provided 1.95 crore houses with amenities like toilets, electricity and LPG connections during its second phase spanning from
    2019 2022.
  •  To address the traditional village industries, the Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and Regeneration of Traditional Industries' (SFURTI) aims to set up more Common Facility Centres (CFCs) to facilitate cluster based development for making traditional industries more productive, profitable and capable for generating sustained employment opportunities.100 new clusters to be set up during 2019-20 with special focus on Bamboo, Honey and Khadi, enabling 50,000 artisans to join the economic value chain.
  •  To improve the technology of such industries, the Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE) has been consolidated to set up 80 Livelihood
    Business Incubators (LBIs) and 20 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) during 2019-20. 75,000 entrepreneurs to be skilled in agro-rural industry sectors. Private entrepreneurships to be supported in driving value-addition to farmers produce from the field and for those from allied activities.
  •  Dairying through cooperatives to be encouraged by creating infrastructure for cattle feed manufacturing, milk procurement, processing and marketing.
  •  10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations to be formed, to ensure economies of scale for farmers.
  •  Swachh Bharat Mission to be expanded to undertake sustainable solid waste management in every village.
  •  Under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan over two crore rural Indians have been made digitally literate.Through BharatNet, internet connectivity is being provided to the local bodies in every Panchayat.
  •  Under UJALA Yojana, approx. 35.54 crore LED bulbs was distributed to the households leading to cost savings of Rs.18,464 crores annually and 3.73 crore tons reduction in CO. emissions. A similar mission mode approach would be adopted to promote solar stoves and battery chargers.
  •  This would not only reduce carbon emissions but also has the added benefit of promoting indigenous manufacturing of solar stoves and battery chargers leading to creation of new job opportunities.
  •  To encourage women enterprise, women SHG interest subvention programme to be expanded to all districts. Every verified woman SHG member having a Jan Dhan bank account to be allowed overdraft of Rs. 5,000. One woman per SHG to be eligible for loan up to Rs.1lakh under the MUDRA Scheme.
  •  Mission to integrate traditional artisans with global markets proposed, with necessary patents and geographical indicators.
  •  17 iconic tourism sites to be developed into model world class tourist destinations. This would increase the footfall of tourists to these sites.
  •  Mega Investment in Sunrise and Advanced Technology Areas Scheme to invite global companies to set up mega-manufacturing plants in areas such as Semi-conductor Fabrication (FAB), Solar PhotoVoltaic cells, Lithium storage batteries, Computer Servers, Laptops, etc.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

(GIST OF YOJANA) Welfare and Empowerment of Marginalised Through Budgetary Interventions [AUGUST-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA) Welfare and Empowerment of Marginalised Through Budgetary Interventions
[AUGUST-2019]

Welfare and Empowerment of Marginalised Through Budgetary Interventions

  •  The theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is prime focus of the Government to achieve inclusive growth with agenda of ‘no one left behind’ in the area of development.
  •  The current Government has clearly visualised the development with following visions to make it real:
  •  Building physical and social infrastructure;
  •  DigitalIndia reaching every sector of the economy;
  •  Pollution free India with green Mother Earth and Blue Skies;
  •  Make in India with particular emphasis on MSMEs, Startups, defence manufacturing, automobiles, electronics, Fabs and batteries, and medical devices;
  •  Water, water management, clean rivers;
  •  Blue Economy;
  •  Space programmes, Gaganyan, Chandrayan and Satellite programmes;
  •  Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables;
  •  Healthy society Ayushman Bharat, wellnourished women and children. Safety of citizens;
  •  Team India with Jan Bhagidari, Minimum Government Maximum Governance.
  •  The Union Government and States have an obligation to earmark funds and ensure the welfare and development opportunities for SCs, STs, Women and Children through Gender Budgeting, Budgeting for Children and budgetary allocations for SCs and STs.
  •  The Union Government in its Full Budget 2019-20 has allocated Rs. 81340.74 crore for Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan, Rs. 52884.82 crore for Tribal Sub-Plan, Rs. 136934.10 crore for Women empowerment and Rs, 91644.29 crore for welfare of Children.

UPSC Pre General Studies Study Material

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(GIST OF YOJANA) GAON, GAREEB AUR KISAN [AUGUST-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA) GAON, GAREEB AUR KISAN
[AUGUST-2019]

GAON, GAREEB AUR KISAN

Key highlights:

  •  Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to establish robust fisheries management framework to address critical gaps in value chain.
  •  Dairying through Co-operatives to be encouraged by creating infrastructure for milk procurement, processing and marketing.
  •  Creation of 10000 new farmer Producer Organizations to ensure economies of scale for farmers over the next 5 years.
  •  Innovative pilots of Zero Budget farming’ to be replicated across the country for doubling farmers income.

UPSC Pre General Studies Study Material

Complete Study Material For UPSC, IAS Exams

Uttar Pradesh State GK Questions (Set-11) for UPPSC Exam

Uttar Pradesh State GK Questions (Set-11) for UPPSC Exam

1. Where is the 'Rakar' soil in Uttar Pradesh found?'

(a) Mirzapur
(b) In slopes of hilly areas
(c) Baghelkhand
(d) Along the bank of rivers

2. What is percentage of male literacy according to 2011 census in Uttar pradesh?

(a) 38,16
(b) 49.06
(c) 65.06
(d) 79.24

3. Which of the following is a correct pair of more than 10 Lakh population in Uttar Pradesh?

(a) Agra-Allahabad
(b) Allahabad-Lucknow
(c) Lucknow-Kanpur
(d) Kanpur-Gorakhpur

4. In which of the following cities in C.A.D. (Computer Assistance Design) Project situated in the state?

(a) Lucknow
(b) Kanpur
(c) Agra
(d) Allahabad

5. Which of the following is the 75th district of Uttar Pradesh?

(a) Aligarh
(b) Etah
(c) Bhim Nagar
(d) Firozabad

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Budget 2019-20: Some Reflections [AUGUST-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA)  Budget 2019-20: Some Reflections
[AUGUST-2019]

Budget 2019-20: Some Reflections

  •  Before the presentation of Budget for the year 2019-20. the Economic Survey for the year was presented in the Parliament. The Economic Survey throws up certain significant figures which one has to keep in mind while attempting to understand and analyse the Budget.

A few of these basic facts are summarised below:

  •  The rate of growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the year 2018-19 has been 6.8 per cent against 7.5 per cent in 2017-18. The Budget aims at 7 per cent GDP growth rate. The average growth rate during the last five years has been 7.5 per cent.
  •  There is a declaration of an intent to become a 5 trillion economy by 2024. This will necessitate 8 percent rate of growth of GDP in next 5 years.
  •  The Survey also informs that the macro economic conditions are expected to be stable during 2019-20. Thanks to the structural reforms affected during the last five years.
  •  The fiscal deficit has been at the rate of 3.4 percent of GDP. However, if the Central Government and State Government’s fiscal deficit is combined, it would go up to 5.8 per cent. This is actually a decline from the previous year; when it had been 6.4 per cent.
  •  Current Account deficit has increased from1.9 per cent in 2017-18 to 2.6 per cent in the period April to December, 2018. This has been because of higher trade deficit which rose from 162.1 billion dollars in 2017-18 to 184 billion dollars in 2018-19.

Budget: Main Points

  •  Excise and road cess on petroleum and diesel has been hiked by Rs. 1 per litre. This has caused an increase in the price of petrol and diesel.
  •  Customs duties on gold and precious metals have been increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent. This would make gold costlier. Despite being costlier, gold has been a significant expenditure item because of traditional preference for it. To an extent, it is price inelastic. Therefore, one can argue that the gold would, in any case, get purchased in certain quantity even if it is costlier.
  •  An additional Rs. 1.5 lakh would be deductible from income tax for the spend on affordable housing(up to Rs. 45 lakhs). This is expected to give a flip to the sluggish housing sector. Budget also seeks to bring housing finance companies under the regulation of Reserve Bank of India (from National Housing Board at present).

UPSC Pre General Studies Study Material

Income tax too is going to see significant changes:

  •  Income tax liability on annual income between Rs. 2 to 5 crore has been hiked by 3 per cent and income above Rs.5 crores has been taxed by additional 7 per cent.\
  •  Companies with turnover up to Rs. 400 crore shall pay lower tax at the rate of 25 per cent.
  •  In order to increase the ease of interaction with Income Tax Department, an element of automated tax assessment has been introduced to make it a faceless interaction. Besides, there would be pre filled tax return forms also.
  •  There is a new element of tax deduction at source by 2 per cent for the cash withdrawals of over a crore in a year. This is aimed at discouraging the cash transactions and at promoting cashless transactions. In an ideal situation, lesser currency in circulation and more cashless transactions would increase the velocity of money, and in turn the GDP.
  •  Government is willing to consider less than 51 per cent stakes in certain PSUs. It will be decided on a case to case basis. This would mean that while taking a decision to
    this effect, the peculiar facts and circumstances of the company and its business would he kept in consideration. The budget envisages 1.06 lakh crores as contribution from dividends and surplus from RBI and financial institutions including disinvestment.
  •  Public sector banks will get a capital infusion of Rs. 70.000 crores. Banks have been under stress because of nonperforming assets and stranded assets. This capital infusion is expected to ease the stress.
  •  Budget seeks to encourage the corporates of up to 400 crore by lowering the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent. For investors too. There are some incentives. The entire lump sum withdrawal from New Pension Scheme (NPS) which is otherwise limited to 60 per cent of the accumulated amount, shall be exempted from tax.
  •  Long term capital gains from the sale of housing property has been exempted from tax if capital gains are invested in a startup. To facilitate this, the Sunset Clause has been extended till 3L March, 2021.
  •  There is an interesting incentive for electrical vehicles which will entitle to a concession of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on its purchase.
  •  NBFCs have now been brought under RBI’s pooled assets of NBFCs regulation. Further, a relief on defaults on loans in form of partial government guarantee has also been provided.
  •  There are some interesting steps on the consumption side. For example, those with foreign trips and massive power bills will also get into the tax net. This means that this aims at expanding the tax base.

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(GIST OF YOJANA) Moving Towards Better, Equitable and Affordable Health Services [AUGUST-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA) Moving Towards Better, Equitable and Affordable Health Services
[AUGUST-2019]

 Moving Towards Better, Equitable and Affordable Health Services

Ayushman Bharat PMJAY:

  •  A Bold New Approach to Healthcare Delivery in the Subcontinent To address these gaps, last year Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat which is a two pronged approach towards universal health care.
  •  The first is Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) which will provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care, covering maternal and child health services, screening for noncommunicable diseases, free essential drugs and follow-up of hospitalisation cases. 150.000 HWCs will be set up by 2022 and will be able to handle more than 70 per cent of all outpatient care including non-communicable diseases and mental illnesses. The centre will also conduct yoga sessions to promote wellness and have a  much wider range of free drugs and diagnostics, including many that need to be prescribed but can be made available locally by the health workers.
  •  The second is Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogva Yojana (PMJAY). the world’s largest fully government funded health insurance scheme, which provides a health protection cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year to 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (or 50 crore people) for hospitalisation expenses towards the treatment of serious illnesses.
  •  Through PMJAY. Government of India aims to offer financial risk protection to the beneficiary families through a system of demand-led healthcare initiative that meets their immediate hospitalization needs in a cashless manner. The objectives of PMJAY are to reduce catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure, improve access to quality healthcare and meet the unmet needs of the population for hospitalization care. The scheme was launched on 23rd September last year by the Prime Minister in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
  •  Thus, Ayushman Bharat represents a significant transition from a sectoral, segmented approach to comprehensive, holistic approach bringing together preventive, promotive, curative,     rehabilitative aspects of care along a continuum of care. Ayushman Bharat marks a paradigm shift in how health is looked at in India. It is the advent of new thinking about health where health is no longer looked at as a challenge to be solved through a silo-approach but a reality to be reckoned with and approached through a continuum of care offering an entire gamut of healthcare services from primary to secondary to tertiary and followup care.
  •  Who is Covered Under PMJAY PMJAY has been rolled out for the bottom 40 percent of poor and vulnerable population. In absolute numbers, this is close to 10.74 crore (100.74 million) households. The inclusion of households is based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC) for rural and urban areas,
    respectively. This number also includes families that were covered in the RSBY but were not present in the SECC database. The SECC involves ranking of households based on their socio economic status. It uses exclusion and inclusion criteria and accordingly decides on the automatically included and automatically excluded households.
  •  Rural households which are included (not excluded) are then ranked based on their status of seven deprivation criteria (D1 to D7). Urban households are categorised based on occupation categories. In line with the approach of the Government to use the SECC database for social welfare schemes. PMJAY also identifies targeted beneficiary families through this data.

Rural Beneficiaries

  •  Out of the total seven deprivation criteria for rural areas. PMJAY covered all such families who fall into at least one of the following six deprivation criteria (D1 to D5 and D7) and automatic inclusion 6 criteria:
  •  D1-Only one room with kuchu walls and kucha roof
  •  D2- No adult member between ages 16 to 59
  •  D3-Households with no adult male member between ages 16 to 59
  •  D4-Disabled member and no able bodied adult member
  •  D5- SC/ST households
  •  D7- Landless households deriving a major part of their income from manual casual labour
  •  Urban Beneficiaries- For urban areas, the following 11 occupational categories of  workers are eligible for the scheme:
  •  Ragpicker
  •  Beggar
  •  Domestic worker
  •  Street vendor/ Cobbler/hawker other service provider working on streets
  •  Construction worker/ Plumber/Mason/ Labour/ Painter/ Welder/Security guard/ Coolie and other head-load worker.
  •  Sweeper/ Sanitation worker/Mali
  •  Home-based worker/Artisan/Handicrafts worker/ Tailor
  •  Transport worker/ Driver/Conductor/ Helper to drivers and conductors/ Cart puller/ Rickshaw puller
  •  Shop worker/Assistant Peon in small establishment/Helper/Delivery assistant/Attendant/ Waiter.
  •  Electrician/ Mechanic/Assembler Repair worker/Washerman/Chowkidar.
  •  Even though PMJAY uses the SECC as the basis of eligibility of households, many States are already implementing their own health insurance schemes with a set of beneficiaries already identified.
  •  Thus, States have been provided the flexibility to use their own database for PMJAY. However, they will need to ensure that all the families eligible based on the SECC database are also covered.

Key Features of PMJAY

  •  PMJAY provides cashless cover of up to FNR 5,00.000 to each eligible family per annum for listed secondary and tertiary care conditions. The cover under the scheme includes all the expenses incurred from diagnostic and laboratory investigations, full treatment, non-intensive and intensive care services, medicine and medical consumables and posthospitalization follow up care up to 15 days.
  •  There is no cap on family size and age of members. The benefits of INR 5, 00,000 are on a family floater basis which means that it can be used by one or all members of the family.
  •  All pre-existing diseases are covered from the very first day. This means that any eligible person suffering from any medical condition before being covered by PMJAY will now be able to get treatment for those medical conditions under the scheme. This is a major advantage over regular private insurance schemes that often do not cover illnesses being suffered by the policyholder.
  •  Benefits covered under PMJAY are portable across the country and any eligible beneficiary can visit any empanelled hospital across the country and receive cashless treatment.
  •  1393 secondary and tertiary treatment packages covering 23 specialties are offered. PMJAY has also made provision for unspecified surgical package to cover treatment for ailments that are not in the list of surgical packages. However, mandatory pre-authorisation approval is required to book a patient under this package.

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Implementation Model: A Bulwark of Cooperative e Federalism

  •  Insurance Mode-The State Government appoints an insurer at a defined premium rate for taking over the financial risk of the beneficiaries. Nine States have chosen the Insurance
  •  mode.
  •  Trust Mode- The State Government creates an agency (State Health Agency) which will pay the claims of the hospitals as per actual utilisation. The risk of health protection lies with
  •  the State. 17 States are implementing the scheme in the trust mode.
  •  Mixed Mode - The State uses a combination of Insurance and Trust modes generally where low' cost common procedures (secondary care) is managed by the insurer and high cost
  •  specialised procedures managed by the State trust. Six States have chosen the Mixed mode.

Financing of the Scheme

  •  PMJAY. being a centrally sponsored scheme is fully funded from the Consolidated Fund of India and the budget allocated is received from Government of India as recurring grant-in aid. Under the Union Budget the allocation for PMJAY for 2019-20 is Rs. 6400 crore.
  •  The expenditure under PMJAY is shared between Central Government and State Governments/Union Territories as per the sharing instructions issued by the Ministry of Finance in vogue.

The existing sharing ratio is as under;

  •  For North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States: 90 (Centre): 10 (States).
  •  For Union Territories with Legislation and Other States: 60 (Centre): 40 (States).
  •  For Union Territories without Legislation: 100 (Centre).

Payment of Central Share

  •  Insurance model- A flat premium per family, irrespective of the number of members under PMJAY in that family, is paid to the State Government which in turn pays this to the insurer based on the number of eligible families.
  •  Assurance model -Central share of the contribution is paid based on the actual cost of claims or the ceiling whichever is lower. If the State is using an Implementation Support Agency, then cost of ISA, determined through tender, is also shared between Centre and State.
  •  Reflections on the 2019-20 Budget
  •  Ayushman Bharat represents the priority accorded to health by the Government of India flowing from the highest level and the will to mainstream health of the citizens and link it to their economic growth and development of the country'.
  •  This is reflected in the 2019-20 budget with a Rs. 6,400 crore allocation for PMJAY, up from Rs. 2,400 crore in 2018-2019, the year of its launch.
  •  The outlay for overall health sector at Rs. 62.659 crore, the highest in the last two financial years, marked an increase of around 19 per cent over the 2018-19 fiscal when the health allocation was Rs. 52.800 crore.

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Uttar Pradesh State GK Questions (Set-10) for UPPSC Exam

Uttar Pradesh State GK Questions (Set-10) for UPPSC Exam

1. What is the ratio of women per 1000 men in Uttar Pradesh?

(a) 635
(b) 965
(c) 908
(d) 922

2. What is the percentage of Urban population as per 2011 census?

(a) 19.87
(b) 17.98
(c) 21.98
(d) 22.28

3. In which city of the State Birbal Sahani Institute of Paleao Botany is situated?

(a) Saharanpur
(b) Kanpur
(c) Lucknow
(d) Jhansi

4. Which of the following districts is not covered by Bhabar land in Uttar Pradesh?

(a) Saharanpur
(b) Gonda
(c) Bijnor
(d) Pilibhit

5. At which place does river gomti meet with river Ganga?

(a) Kannauj
(b) Prayag
(c) Gazipur
(d) None of these

उत्तर प्रदेश PSC (Preliminary) Exam (GS Paper-1) स्टडी किट

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE  [AUGUST-2019]

(The Gist of Kurukshetra)  CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE

 [AUGUST-2019]

CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE

  •  India is the world's largest producer of pulses and spices and the second largest producer of wheat and rice following China.
  •  The current private corporate investment in agriculture as a percentage of the total annual investment in agriculture is about 2%. Agriculture is highly reliant on the Government.
  •  The State provides minimum support prices, irrigation facilities, subsidies, loan waivers,
  •  storage, and transport services.
  •  However, further improvement and triumph of this sector are unimaginable without the vital corporate private investments. Greater investments from companies which buy farmers' produce in some states, can contribute significantly towards uplifting farmers' incomes at a steady pace.

Significance of Private Sector in Agricultural R and D

  •  The private corporate sector is investing not only in infrastructure and facilities, but also in R and D in the food, feed, energy and health sectors. Like other expenditures, expected payoffs from innovations largely influence private spending in agricultural R and D; these expected payoffs have Market size and the cost of servicing the market are other important dimensions that are attracting entry of private firms.
  •  The agricultural sector comprises 18 per cent of India’s GDP. Most of the research carried out by the private sector enterprises focuses on the provision of input technologies such as machinery, chemicals, seeds and food processing.
  •  In recent years, despite the continuously growing investments in R and D by the private sector, documentation of agricultural R and D expenditure data is very cumbersome and remain inadequate.
  •  Recently, agri-biotechnology has been the fastest growing sector attracting huge resources for R and D through small and medium enterprises

Government Efforts to Encourage Corporate Investment

  •  The Government has introduced policy reforms which may have helped in elevating corporate sector investments in India. The reforms are as follows:
  •  There have been efforts since 2012 to encourage Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) which are a hybrid between cooperative societies and private limited companies registered under the Company's Act. Farmer producer companies may be given priority for cultivation on pooled land and for allied infrastructure development to harvest the desired economies of scale in operations.
  •  In order to promote the production of oil palm in the country, the Government implemented
  •  the National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) from 2014-15. Government has recently relaxed the land ceiling limit for oil palm cultivation under NMOOP to attract corporate bodies to oil palm production and derive maximum benefit of 100 percent FDI.
  •  The Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017 provides the opportunity for the private sector to set up private markets, alternate marketing channels, online market platforms, etc. in both agriculture and livestock marketing.
  •  The Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services Act (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2018 enables private sector investments by way of capital, technology, and extension all along the value system.
  •  Exemption to FPC under the Income Tax Act has offered an IT exemption to all FPCs with a turnover of up to Rs 100 crore per annum, by considering their incomes as
    agricultural income. This will incentivise corporate sector to partner with farmers as FPCs.
  •  There is 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in food retail - this will encourage foreign investments in establishing appropriate post-production
    infrastructure to strengthen the food supply chains.
  •  In 2017, the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers Welfare, in collaboration with Start-Up India, launched the Agriculture Grand Challenge. The Ministry selected
    start-ups which received mentorship and guidance from them and an opportunity to get incubated and gain market access.
  •  There is a budget proposal (2019) by the Government to form 10,000 farmer producer
  •  organisations (FPOs) in the next five years. This is believed to assist small and marginal cultivators to team up to get lower rates for inputs and sell produce at higher rates. The Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, has said that FPOs will ensure economies of scale.

The Road Ahead

  •  Agricultural growth is dependent on investments from the private sector, but first large investments in public goods — roads, power, education, research, irrigation, extension, finance, warehouses, etc. is essential to attract private investments.
  •  The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has estimated that to double farmer
  •  incomes, private investment in agriculture must increase by two times. Private investments refer to investments made by farmers themselves, therefore there is a dire need for the sector to be backed by corporate investments.

Conclusion

  •  The corporate investment had become a huge cause of concern in the farming sector. The
  •  main reason for this has been excessive controls and regulations in the agriculture sector. On a few occasions, the Government of India has addressed the growing need of corporate investment for food processing, warehouses, and cold storage.
  •  Currently, only corporate houses/private industrial ventures drive India's farm mechanical sector, the seed sector and also invest heavily in horticulture and food processing sector. As per the Government,  there is a need for relaxing rules for companies investing in contract farming, transport, marketing, warehouses and food processing.
  •  To address this growing need of corporate investment in agriculture, the Government needs to encourage the corporate sector by adopting policies that incentivize them to participate in agriculture.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UNION BUDGET 2019-20  [AUGUST-2019]

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UNION BUDGET 2019-20

 [AUGUST-2019]

RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN UNION BUDGET 2019-20

  •  The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2019-20 before the Parliament. The key highlights Rural Development from the Union Budget 2019-20 are as follows:
  •  Ujjwala Yojana and Saubhagya Yojana have transformed the lives of every rural family, dramatically improving ease of their living.
  •  Electricity and clean cooking facility to all willing rural families by 2022.
  •  Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) aims to achieve "Housing for All" by 2022.
  •  Eligible beneficiaries to be provided 1.95 crore houses with amenities like toilets, electricity and LPG connections during its second phase (2019-20 to 2021-22).

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

  •  A robust fisheries management framework through PMMSY to be established by the Department of Fisheries.
  •  To address critical gaps in the value chain including infrastructure, modernization, traceability, production, productivity, postharvest management, and quality control. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
  •  Target of connecting the eligible and feasible habitations advanced from 2022 to 2019 with 97% of such habitations already being provided with all weather connectivity.
  •  30,000 kilometers of PMGSY roads have been built using Green Technology, Waste Plastic and Cold Mix Technology, thereby reducing carbon footprint.
  •  1,25,000 kilometers of road length to be upgraded over the next five years under PMGSY III with an estimated cost of Rs. 80,250 crore.

Scheme of Fund for Upgradation and Regeneration of Traditional Industries' (SFURTI)

  •  Common Facility Centres (CFCs) to be setup to facilitate cluster-based development for making
  •  traditional industries more productive, profitable and capable for generating sustained employment opportunities.
  •  100 new clusters to be setup during 2019-20 with special focus on Bamboo, Honey and Khadi, enabling 50,000 artisans to join the economic value chain.
  •  Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE) consolidated.
  •  80 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) and 20Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) to be setup in 2019-20.
  •  75 000 entrepreneurs to be skilled in agrorural industry sectors.
  •  Private entrepreneurships to be supported in driving value-addition to farmers' produce from the field and for those from allied activities.
  •  Dairying through cooperatives to be encouraged by creating infrastructure for cattle feed manufacturing, milk procurement, processing & marketing.
  •  10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations to be formed to ensure economies of scale for
  •  farmers.
  •  Government to work with State Governments to allow farmers to benefit from e-NAM.
  •  Zero Budget Farming in which few states' farmers are already being trained to be replicated in other states.

India's Water Security:

  •  New Jal Shakti Mantralaya to look at the management of our water resources and water supply in an integrated and holistic manner. Jal Jeevan Mission to achieve Har Ghar Jal (piped water supply) to all rural households by 2024.
  •  To focus on integrated demand and supply side management of water at the local level. Convergence with other Central and State Government Schemes to achieve its objectives.
  •  1592 critical and over exploited Blocks spread across 256 District being identified for the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
  •  Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) fund can be used for this purpose. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
  •  9.6 crore toilets constructed since Oct 2, 2014.
  •  More than 5.6 lakh villages have become Open Defecation Free (ODF).
  •  Swachh Bharat Mission to be expanded to undertake sustainable solid waste management in every village. Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan:
  •  Over two crore rural Indians made digitally literate. Internet connectivity in local bodies in every Panchayat under BharatNet to bridge rural-urban divide.
  •  Universal Obligation Fund under a PPP arrangement to be utilized for speeding up Bharat-Net.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) BUDGET 2019-20: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL PROSPERITY  [AUGUST-2019]

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) BUDGET 2019-20: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL PROSPERITY

 [AUGUST-2019]

BUDGET 2019-20: AGRICULTURE AND RURAL PROSPERITY

  •  The Union Budget 2019-20 was announced amidst wide expectations on removal of distress in rural areas and to step up Government's focus on agriculture and rural economic reform measures.
  •  The annual average growth rate registered at 2.88 per cent during 2014-2018 in agriculture and allied sectors and was well below the prescribed target of 4 per cent per annum. The Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and allied sector during 2018-19 was recorded at 2.9 percent against 6.3 per cent in 2016-17.

Importance of Agriculture budget

  •  Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Indian economy despite its shrinking share in the
  •  country's Gross Domestic Product [55.4 per cent in 1950-51 to 17.4 per cent in 2018-19].
  •  Similarly, rural non-farm sector coupled with farm sector have tremendous potential in ushering an overall positive economic scenario in the country.
  •  The Budget intends to re-orient government policy interventions in rural and agriculture sector and aims at reestablishing an enabling atmosphere for not only to achieve the objective of doubling farmers' income by 2022, but also to expedite poverty reduction, job creation, skill up-gradation drives and to guarantee a long-term double-digit economic growth with social justice.

Allocation to Centrally Sponsored Schemes

  •  As per the recommendations of the SubGroup on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), the number of CSSs was restricted to 30 for ensuring optimum utilization of resources with better project outcomes through location-specific interventions.
  •  Such CSSs were categorised as 'Core Schemes', 'Core of the Core Schemes' and 'Others'. While the focus under core schemes was to jointly implement schemes of national development by the Union Government and the State, the core of the core schemes are dedicated towards social protection and social inclusion.
  •  A glance at the Budget 2019-20 allocation on CSSs indicates that out of a total budget allocation of Rs. 3,31,609 crore for all schemes, Rs.2,49,508 crore and Rs. 81,862 crore have been allocated to Core Schemes and Core of the Core schemes, respectively.
  •  While Core Schemes witnessed an increase of 9.5 per cent in 2019-20 (BE) than that of 2018-19, Core of the Core Schemes registered 5.37 per cent hike in their allocation. 2019-20 Budget allocation reduced for National Social Assistance Programme, Green Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and remained constant for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Allocation for National Rural Drinking Water Mission.
  •  National Livelihood Mission - Aajeevika and Jobs and Skill Development initiatives witnessed 42.85 per cent, 61.28 per cent and 43.16 per cent enhancements in the BE 2019-20 vis a-vis 18-19. MGNREGA has been allocated Rs. 60,000 crore in this year's budget, which is 9 per cent more than that of 2018-19.

Rural Wage Employment

  •  The Budget continued to underscore the importance of MGNREGA in building quality and productive community assets considering its effective workability in a rural set up riddled with high incidence of poverty, low work participation, increased casualization of labour and heavy dependence on agriculture and non-farm sectors.
  •  The Budget allocation for the scheme has been pegged at Rs. 60,000 crore for 2019-20 against BE of Rs. 55,000 crore in 2018-19. The positive impacts of MGNREGA have prompted the government to remain committed to supporting this right-based rural wage employment programme with a view to broaden occupational choices and to assure generation of employmen opportunities in the rural areas along with creation of productive quality community assets. Transparency and accountability provisions are in-built into the rights based MGNREGA.
  •  The real challenge is to effectively utilize the funds under MGNREGA by integrating activities of other Ministries/Departments like Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Rural Development right at the worksite in consultation with the State Governments.

Rural Roads

  •  The Budget reposed its faith in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) which had managed to successfully deliver onroad connectivity to underdeveloped and unconnected habitations. Rs.19,000 crore has been allocated to PMGSY which would allow the States to lay roads and improve existing roads in villages and hamlets.
  •  The target of connecting all eligible and feasible habitations has been advanced from 2022 to 2019 under PMGSY. The next phase of PMGSY would focus on construction and up-gradation of 1,25,000 kms of road length over the next five years with an estimated cost of Rs. 80,250 crore.
  •  The rural connectivity would ensure ease in travel of rural farmers who would find it easy to market their produce at a better price in more affluent markets than the existing local area markets and would bring in overall socio-economic gain in rural areas.

Zero Budget Farming

  •  Budget 2019-20 has tried to lay intense focus on the factors impinging on the overall GDP growth with special emphasis on rural and agriculture sector. This was a challenging task given the likely persistence of global slowdown and probable sluggish growth rate in the agriexports.
  •  Each year, the Government focuses on productivity and yield growth in Indian Agriculture. The Union Budget 2019-20 emphasized on promotion of zero-budget farming. The intention is to promote this form of farming as a low-cost, natural alternative to the existing practices of heavy and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
  •  Though zero budget farming is believed to enable arrest of further degradation of the soil, a scientific study by the Government is the need of the hour to understand its exact  impact on soil health, food production, livelihoods and sustainable agriculture before the same is replicated throughout the country.

Promotion of FPOs

  •  The Budget has a 5-year long-term target to form 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to ensure economies of scale for farmers. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are collectivization of producers, especially small and marginal farmers, to collectively address challenges of agriculture viz. improved access to investment, technology, inputs and markets.
  •  Peasant member driven Pos FPO are legal entities formed by primary producers, viz. farmers, milk producers, fishermen, weavers, rural artisans, craftsmen etc. An FPO, registered under the special provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, may take an institutional shape of a producer company, a cooperative society or any other legal formal form which could provide for sharing of profits/benefits among the members. Around 3,100 FPOs are currently promoted in the country through schemes of Govt of India, State Government and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Challenges faced by FPOs

  •  The FPOs already in the country are facing a lot of challenges which, inter alia, include access to finance by FPOs at the initial stage, provision of basic facilities like water and power, lack of sufficient storage place, lack of knowledge about the use of modern technology and practices and capacity building for managing a company.
  •  In order to promote quality collective action in the agriculture sector, Small Farmers' Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) and NABARD should promote Indian farmers and primary producers to undergo a process of social and economic mobilization for up scaling their capacity to collectively leverage farm productivity and strengthen agri-marketing for quick and appropriate price realization for their products.

Investment in Irrigation

  •  Considering irrigation coverage of only 46% of net cultivated area of 141 million hectares in the country and significance of irrigation in enhancing agriculture production and ensuring food security, the Budget continued its stress on strengthening Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) which targeted to irrigate the field of every farmer and to improve water use efficiency. PMKSY envisages providing end-to-end solutions in irrigation supply chain, viz. water sources, distribution network and farm level application.

Rural Drinking Water Security

  •  The Budget has indicated Government's priority for ensuring country's water security and
  •  providing access to safe and adequate drinking water to all citizens.
  •  e-NAM & Agri-marketing
  •  Access to both domestic and international markets for realizing appropriate income level is critical for our farmers. The positive and improved agriculture terms of trade which was a major reason of cheer for the exporting farmers started deteriorating since 2010-11 and continued up till now.Keeping in view the criticality of the easy spread of transparent and effective agrimarkets, the Government has supported in 2016-17 the rolling out of a unified agricultural marketing electronic platform [e-NAM] under which selected 585 regulated wholesale market points got integrated.
  •  Though e-NAM was a great innovative move made by the Government, the intervention could not produce desired results in the selected Mandis of various states due to implementation logjams. Budget 2019-20 too has reposed its faith in e-NAM and vows to actively work with the State Governments, to allow the farmers to actualise the real price discovery benefits from e-NAM in a transparent manner.

Value Chain Finance

  •  The Government has understood that appropriate agri-business culture in the country can give rise to an all-inclusive economic growth.
  •  To boost agri-business, the government has been attempting to ensure robust modern infrastructure in the food processing sector along the entire value/supply chain of food processing through its scheme Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
  •  Budget 2019-20 expressed its will to invest widely in agri-infrastructure by supporting private entrepreneurships in driving valueaddition to farmers' produce from the field and for those in the allied activities as well.
  •  Dairying through cooperatives are proposed to be encouraged by creating infrastructure for cattle feed manufacturing, milk processing, procurement and marketing. The real challenge is to expand credit flow for meeting the agri-value chain credit demand-supply gap.
  •  Credit needs to flow to all sub-sectors of agriculture and value-chain infrastructure to realise the dream of doubling farmers' income by 2022.

Conclusion

  •  The Budget exemplifies a statement of positive economic intent and growth oriented policy
  •  directions. This is evident from the budget allocation to agriculture and irrigation and rural development and drinking water.
  •  The 2019-20 Budget announcements have attempted to match the need of the occasion for restoring the rural growth engine. Undoubtedly, the Budget has diagnosed the problem areas on the country's development sphere and the utilization of public resources on such development intervention.
  •  The Budget though has laid down the broad contours of rural and agricultural economic policies and prepared a roadmap for a journey towards a positive and sustained farm and non-farm sector growth, a lot of coordination is required between the States and the Centre.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

(The Gist of Kurukshetra) AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE: AN OVERVIEW  [AUGUST-2019]

(The Gist of Kurukshetra)  AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE: AN OVERVIEW

 [AUGUST-2019]

AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS' WELFARE: AN OVERVIEW

  •  Agriculture which formed 3.5 per cent of the budget in financial years 2018-19 comprised 5.4 percent of budgeted expenditure in Financial Year 2019-20, an increase of 1.9 percentage points (the biggest rise).
  •  In terms of allocation, agriculture and allied activities were collectively allocated Rs. 1,42,299 crore in 2019-20 Union Budget, an increase of 80 per cent over 2018—19.
  •  However, a huge chunk of this allocation was towards the 'assured income support' scheme i.e. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme (Rs.75,000 crore) and also Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana (Rs. 900 crore).
  •  Therefore, the Union Budget was presented taking into consideration the gaon, garib aur kisan (village, poor and farmer) for 2019-20 financial years.
  •  Indian economy was at approximately US $1.85 trillion in 2014 and within 5 years it has reached USS 2.7 trillion. Hence, it is well within our capacity to reach the US $5 trillion in the next few years as per the
    Union Budget.

Ten major theme points to target them through their Budget

  •  Building physical and social infrastructure;
  •  Digital India reaching every sector of the economy;
  •  Pollution free India with Green Mother Earth and Blue Skies;
  •  Make in India with particular emphasis on MSMEs, Start-ups, defence manufacturing, automobiles, electronics, fabs and batteries, and medical devices;
  •  Water, water management, clean Rivers;
  •  Blue Economy;
  •  Space programmes, Gagarryan, Chandrayan and Satellite programmes;
  •  Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables,
  •  Healthy society - Ayushman Bharat, wellnourished women & children. Safety of citizens;
  •  Team India with Jan Bhagidari. Minimum Government Maximum Governance.

Gross Value Added in Agriculture

  •  Agriculture sector in India typically goes through cyclical movement in terms of its growth.
  •  While the crops, livestock and forestry sector showed fluctuating growth rates over the period from 2014-15 to 2017-18, the fisheries sector has shown a rapid growth from 4.9 per cent in 2012-13 to 11.9 per cent in 2017-18.
  •  Average annual growth rate in real terms in agricultural and allied sectors has remained at around 2.88 per cent during 2014-15 to 2018-19. However, the volatility of output growth as measured by the coefficient of variation has declined from 2.7 in the period of 1961-1988 to 1.6 during 1989-2004 and further to 0.8 during 2005 to 2018.

Gross Capital Formation in Agriculture and Allied Sector

  •  The GCF in agriculture and allied sectors in absolute terms increased from Rs. 2,51,094 crore
  •  in 2012-13 to Rs. 2,73,755 crore in 2017-18 at 2011-12 prices.

Increasing Irrigation Water Productivity (IWP) in Agriculture

  •  The cropping pattern in India is highly skewed towards crops that are water intensive. The
  •  incentive structures like MSP, heavily subsidized electricity, water and fertilizers have played a significant role in the misalignment of crop patterns in the country.
  •  The water guzzlers, paddy and sugarcane, consume more than 60 percent of irrigation water available in the country, thereby reducing water availability for other crops.

Increasing Sustainability in Agriculture -Turning to Organic and Natural Farming

  •  The Government has been promoting organic farming in the country through the schemes
  •  such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
  •  In the revised guidelines of PKVY scheme during the year 2018, various organic farming models like Natural Farming, Vedic Farming, Cow Farming, Homa Farming, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) etc.

Importance of ZBNF

  •  The main aim of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is the elimination of chemical pesticides and promotion of good agronomic practices.
  •  ZBNF also aims to sustain agriculture production with eco friendly processes in tune with nature to produce agricultural produce free of chemicals.
  •  Soil fertility and soil organic matter is restored by pursuing ZBNF.
  •  Less water is required under ZBNF and it is a climate friendly agriculture system.

Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries

  •  Livestock farming in India is part of a composite farming system characterized by crop-livestock interactions.
  •  The by-products from several of the crops (crop residues, hay and straw) are used as input
  •  for dairy production, in addition to other inputs for which they have to directly incur costs (cattle feed,veterinary medicines and artificial insemination).
  •  Animal dung and urine are used as inputs (bio-fertilizers and bio pesticides) by farmers to improve soil fertility.

Schemes/Initiatives to Improve Productivity of Livestock and Dairy Sector

  •  From past years various new initiatives were taken to improve productivity of livestock and dairy sector like Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), E-Pashu Haat Portal, National Livestock Mission, Livestock Health and Disease Control Scheme and Dairy Development schemes viz. National Programme for Dairy Development, National Dairy Plan (Phase-1), Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme, Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) etc.
  •  However, in the recent Union Budget 2019-20 the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog has been proposed to set up to upscale sustainable genetic up-gradation of cow resources and to enhance production and productivity of cows.
  •  The committee would also look into implementing policies and schemes for the welfare of cows. It aims to enhance the production and productivity of cows.

Fisheries Sector

  •  India is the second largest fish producer in the world with a total production of 13.7 million metric tonnes in 2018-19 of which 65 percent was from inland sector. Almost 50 per cent of inland fish production is from culture fisheries, which constitutes 6.5 per cent of global fish production.
  •  The sector has been showing a steady growth in the total gross value added and accounts for 5.23 per cent share of agricultural GDP.
  •  Fish and fish product exports emerged as the largest group in agricultural exports and in value terms accounted for Rs. 47,620 crore in 2018-19.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

  •  Fishing and fishermen communities are closely aligned with farming and are crucial to rural India.
  •  Through a focused Scheme - the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)- the Department of Fisheries will establish a robust fisheries management framework.
  •  This will address critical
  •  gaps in the value chain, including infrastructure, modernization, traceability, production, productivity, post-harvest management and quality control. Improving Infrastructure and Access to Markets
  •  If farmers' access to markets are improved through better connectivity to nearby mandis, it will help farmers fetch better prices for their agricultural produce.
  •  A combination of enhancing rural infrastructure to improve connectivity and Information, Communication Technology (ICT) to provide timely information about prices, aggregation and storage facilities can help small and marginal farmers in overcoming the marketing bottlenecks.

Agricultural Credit

  •  The access to timely credit or finance is a critical determinant of profitability of agriculture. If credit is not available to purchase seeds at the time of sowing, or if lack of credit delays the administering of fertilizers, it can severely impact agricultural productivity.
  •  The small and marginal holdings constitute the majority (more than 85 per cent) of total operational holdings in the eastern region, north-eastern region and central region, which warrants greater distribution of agricultural credit disbursement to this region.

Doubling the Income of Farmers by 2022

  •  The Government has set a target of doubling of farmers' income by the year 2022. The Government had constituted an InterMinisterial Committee to examine issues relating to Doubling of Farmers' Income (DFI) and recommend strategies.
  •  The Committee has identified seven sources of income growth viz. improvement
  •  in crop productivity; improvement in livestock productivity; resource use efficiency or savings in the cost of production; increase in the cropping intensity; diversification towards highvalue crops; improvement in real prices received by farmers and shift from farm to non-farm occupations.

Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains

(GIST OF YOJANA) In the Finance Act, 2019 (Interim Budget) [AUGUST-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA)  In the Finance Act, 2019 (Interim Budget)
[AUGUST-2019]

In the Finance Act, 2019 (Interim Budget)

  •  Rebate of income-tax for taxable income up to Rs. 5 lakh: It is provided in the tax proposal that a resident individual having total taxable income up to Rs. 5 lakh shall
  •  not be required to pay any income tax.
  •  Further, with the deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh available under Section 80C of the Act, an individual with income up to Rs. 6.5 lakh will not be required to pay any income-tax.
  •  Deduction of up to Rs. 3.5 lakh (instead of Rs. 2 lakh earlier) on loan interest on purchasing an affordable house: An individual who has purchased a house after taking a loan also gets a deduction on interest payment on such loan up to Rs. 2 lakh. If an individual has purchased an affordable house after taking a loan, he will get a deduction of up to Rs. 3.5 lakh (instead of Rs. 2 lakh earlier) on interest payment on such loan.
  •  Deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on loan interest on an electric vehicle: If an individual has purchased an electric vehicle after taking a loan, he will get a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh on interest payment on such loan.
  •  Therefore, an individual with income up to Rs. 11.5 lakh, who is paying interest on housing loan taken to purchase an affordable house, on loan taken to purchase an electric vehicle and has made investments eligible for deduction under Section 80C will be not be required to pay any income-tax.
  •  Increase in Standard Deduction for salaried taxpayers: The amount of standard deduction was increased from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50.000.
  •  Exemption for the Second Self Occupied House: Exemption from levy of tax on notional rent of the second self occupied house provided.
  •  Capital Gains Exemption for Second House: Exemption to capital sains up to Rs. 2 crore was provided for purchase/construction of two houses (instead of one house earlier).
  •  Increase in Threshold Limits for Tax Deduction at Source (TDS): The threshold limits for TDS are increased as below:
  •  Threshold limit for TDS on bank interest, etc. increased from Rs.10.000 to Rs. 40.000.
  •  Threshold limit for TDS on rental income increased from Rs. 1.8 lakh to Rs. 2.4 lakh.

In the Finance (No. 2) Bill. 2019 (Main Budget)

  •  Incentives for Purchase of Affordable House: Interest deduction on loan taken for purchase of an affordable house is proposed to be increased from the existing Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 3.5 lakh.
  •  Incentives for Purchase of Electric Vehicle: Interest deduction of Rs.1.5 lakh is proposed to be given on loan taken for purchase of an electric vehicle.
  •  Interchangeability of PAN and Aadhaar: In order to enable an individual who does not have PAN to file return and carry out other transactions which require quoting of PAN. it is proposed that such individual can use Aadhaar in place of PAN.

UPSC Pre General Studies Study Material

Incentives for NPS:

  •  Various incentives proposed to be provided are (i) full exemption to the amount which can be withdrawn from NPS on closure of NPS account; (ii) enhanced deduction of 14 per cent on Central Government contribution to NPS; (iii) deduction under Section 80C on contribution made by Central Government employees to their Tier-11 NPS accounts.
  •  TDS on Income Element only of Insurance Policy Payout: TDS on payout of taxable life insurance policies proposed to be on income element only, instead of on the gross amount.

Pre-filing of Income Tax Return:

  •  It is proposed to widen the scope of thirdparty reporting for enabling prefilling of income-tax returns for ease of compliance to the taxpayer.
  •  With India's vision of speedy growth and to serve people with higher human development index ratings. We do need a healthy tax policy which has moderate tax structure with maximised tax base, ease to comply, administrative transparency. nonadversarial tax regime, lowest tax litigation, online simple services and procedures, credible adjudication system and tax abuse prevention mechanism.
  •  Also, the integrity and efficiency of the tax system should be highly credible in the eyes of taxpayers so that our tax administration motivates every resident to be a proud self-compliant contributor to the development of the country by being an honest taxpayer. The tax administration is gearing up to alter its taxation approach from enforcement to self-motivated voluntary compliance through technological means and tax incentives.

Complete Study Material For UPSC, IAS Exams

(GIST OF YOJANA) 10-point Vision for the decade [AUGUST-2019]

(GIST OF YOJANA) 10-point Vision for the decade

[AUGUST-2019]

10-point Vision for the decade

  •  Building Team India with Jan Bhagidari: Minimum Government Maximum Governance.
  •  Achieving green Mother Earth and Blue Skies through a pollution-free India.
  •  Making Digital India reach every sector of the economy.
  •  Launching Gaganyan. Chandrayan, other Space and Satellite programmes.
  •  Building physical and social infrastructure.
  •  Water, water management, clean rivers.
  •  Blue Economy.
  •  Self-sufficiency and export of food-grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables.
  •  Achieving a healthy society via Ayushman Bharat, well-nourished women & children, safety of citizens.
  •  Emphasis on MSMEs, Start-ups, defence manufacturing, automobiles, electronics, fabs and batteries, and medical devices under Make in India.

Towards a 5 Trillion Dollar Economy

  •  Indian economy to become a 3 trillion dollar economy in the current year.
  •  Government aspires to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy.
  •  Need for investment in:
    ★ Infrastructure.
    ★ Digital economy.
    ★ Job creation in small and medium firms.
  •  Initiatives to be proposed for kick-starting the virtuous cycle of investments.
  •  Common man’s life changed through MUDRA loans for ease of doing business.

Measures related to MSMEs

  •  Pradhan Mantri Karam Yogi Maandhan Scheme.
  •  Pension benefits to about three crore retail traders & small shopkeepers with annual turnover less than Rs. 1.5 crore.
  •  Enrolment to be kept simple, requiring only Aadhaar, bank account and a selfdeclaration.
  •  Rs. 350 crore allocated for FY 2019-20 for 2 per cent interest subvention (on fresh or incremental loans) to all GST-registered MSMEs, under the Interest Subvention Scheme for MSMEs.
  •  Payment platform for MSMEs to be created to enable filing of bills and payment thereof, to eliminate delays in government payments.

Social stock exchange:

  •  Electronic fund raising platform under the regulatory ambit of SEBI.

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Listing social enterprises and voluntary organizations:

  •  To raise capital as equity, debt or as units like a mutual fund. SEB1 to consider raising the threshold for minimum public shareholding in the listed companies from 25 per cent
  •  to 35 per cent.
  •  Know Your Customer (KYC) norms for Foreign Portfolio Investors to be made more investor friendly.
  •  Government to supplement efTorts by RBI to get retail investors to invest in government treasury bills and securities, with further institutional development using stock exchanges.

Measures to make India a more attractive FDI destination:

  •  FDI in sectors like aviation, media (animation, AVGC) and insurance sectors can be opened further after multistakeholder examination.
  •  Insurance Intermediaries to get 100 per cent FDI.
  •  Local sourcing norms to be eased for FDI in Single Brand Retail sector.
  •  Government to organize an annual Global Investors Meet in India, using National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) as an anchor to get all three sets of global players (pension, insurance and sovereign wealth funds).
  •  Statutory limit for FPI investment in a company is proposed to be increased from 24 per cent to sectoral foreign investment limit. Option to be given to the concerned corporate to limit it to a lower threshold.
  •  FPIs to be permitted to subscribe to listed debt securities issued by RelTs and InvITs.
  •  NRI-Portfolio Investment Scheme Route is proposed to be merged with the Foreign Portfolio Investment Route.
  •  Cumulative resources garnered through new financial instruments like Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) as well as models like Toll Operate-Transfer (ToT) exceed Rs. 24,000 crore.
  •  Tax Simplification and Ease of living - making compliance easier by leveraging technology:
  •  Interchangeability of PAN and Aadhaar
  •  Those who don’t have PAN can file tax returns using Aadhaar.
  •  Aadhaar can be used wherever PAN is required.
  •  Pre-filing of Income-tax Returns for faster, more accurate tax returns.
  •  Pre-filled tax returns with details of several incomes and deductions to be made available.
  •  Information to be collected from Banks, Stock exchanges, mutual funds etc.
  •  Faceless e-assessment.
  •  Faceless e-assessment with no human interface to be launched.
  •  To be carried out initially in cases requiring verification of certain specified transactions or discrepancies.

Ease of Living

  •  About 30 lakh workers joined the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme that provides Rs. 3.000 per month as pension on attaining the age of 60 to workers in unorganized and informal sectors.
  •  Approximately 35 crore LED bulbs distributed under UJALA Yojana leading to cost saving of Rs. 1 8.341 Crore annually. Solar stoves and battery chargers to be promoted using the approach of LED bulbs mission.
  •  A massive program of railway station modernization to be launched.

Naari Tu Narayani/Women

  •  Approach shift from women-centric-policy making to women-led initiatives and movements.
  •  A Committee proposed with Government and private stakeholders for moving forward on Gender budgeting.

SHG:

  •  Women SHG interest subvention program proposed to be expanded to all districts.
  •  Overdraft of Rs. 5.000 to be allowed for every verified women SHG member having a Jan Dhan Bank Account.
  •  One woman per SHG to be eligible for a loan up to Rs. 1 lakh under MUDRA Scheme.

India's Soft Power

  •  Proposal to consider issuing Aadhaar Card for NRIs with Indian Passports on their arrival without waiting for 180 days.
  •  Mission to integrate traditional artisans with global markets proposed, with necessary patents and geographical indicators.
  •  18 new Indian diplomatic Missions in Africa approved in March, 2018. out of which 5 already opened. Another 4 new Embassies intended in 2019-20.
  •  Revamp of Indian Development Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) proposed.
  •  17 iconic Tourism Sites being developed into model world class tourist destinations.
  •  Present digital repository aimed at preserving rich tribal cultural heritage, to be strengthened.

Digital Payments

TDS of 2 per cent on cash withdrawal exceeding Rs. 1 crore in a year from a bank account.

  •  Business establishments with annual turnover more than Rs. 50 crore shall offer low cost digital modes of payment to their customers and no charges or Merchant Discount Rate shall be imposed on customers as well as merchants.

Mega Investment in Sunrise and Advanced Technology Areas

  •  Scheme to invite global companies to set up mega-manufacturing plants in areas such as Semi-conductor Fabrication (FAB). Solar Photo Voltaic cells. Lithium storage batteries. Computer Servers. Laptops, etc.
  •  Investment linked income tax exemptions to be provided along with indirect tax benefits.

Complete Study Material For UPSC, IAS Exams

Uttar Pradesh State GK Questions (Set-9) for UPPSC Exam

Uttar Pradesh State GK Questions (Set-9) for UPPSC Exam

1. How many Maha Janpadas were there in Sixth century in preent Uttar Pradesh?

(a) 8
(b) 15
(c) 19
(d) 11

2. Name the rivers which meet at the border of Uttar Pradesh?

(a) Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomati
(b) Yamuna, Gomati, Gandak
(c) Gomati, Gandak, Kosi
(d) Son, Ghaghra, Gandak

3. Which soil is found in the maximum area in Uttar Pradesh?

(a) Sandy clay
(b) Alluvial clay
(c) Red clay
(d) Red and Black mixed

4. What is mixed in making the Biroja and turpentine oil?

(a) Ral of Sal
(b) Ral of Pine
(c) Ral of Shesham
(d) Ral of Khair

5. In which region is gold found in Uttar Pradesh?

(a) From the river Sharda-Ramganga
(b) From the river Gomati-Ghaghra
(c) From the river Gomati-Sharda
(d) From the river Sharda-Ghaghra

उत्तर प्रदेश PSC (Preliminary) Exam (GS Paper-1) स्टडी किट

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