modern history 65th mahaparinirvan diwas

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Time: 45 min Date: 07-12-2021

Modern History 65th Mahaparinirvan Diwas Syllabus: GS 1/Personalities

In News ● Recently, the Prime Minister of India has paid tributes to Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao

Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas ● The term ‘parinirvan’ has a deep meaning in Buddhist traditions and refers to

someone who has attained nirvana in his lifetime and after death.

● It implies a release from the world, karma and rebirth as well as the dissolution of the skandhas.

● The death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on 6 December is celebrated as Mahaparinirvana Divas to commemorate his unfathomable contribution to society and achievements.

About BR Ambedkar ● Birth: In a Dalit (Hindu Mahar) family on 14th April 1891 in a small town at Mhow

Cantt in erstwhile Central Provinces (now Madhya Pradesh).

● He was regarded as a Buddhist guru because of his great influence in India to eradicate the social scourge of untouchability.

● He was an educationist, economist, jurist, politician, journalist, sociologist and social reformer and worked in the fields of culture, religion and spirituality.

○ He is often termed as the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution.

● He considered the Right to Constitutional Remedy (Article 32) as the soul of the constitution.

● Major Contributions: ○ 1918: His essay titled ‘Small Holdings in India and their Remedies’ (1918)

proposed industrialisation as the answer to India’s agricultural problem and is still relevant to contemporary debates.

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○ 1920: Started a fortnightly newspaper, the ‘Mooknayak’ (Dumb Hero), with the support of Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur.

○ 1924: Founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha also known as Outcastes Welfare Association, with an aim to spread education and awareness among the Dalits.

○ 1927: Led the Mahad Satyagraha in Maharashtra to challenge the regressive customs of the Hindu.

○ 1929: Decided to cooperate with the British Simon Commission, which drew sharp criticism from Congress.

○ 1930: Started Kalaram Satyagraha in Nashik, which was a temple entry movement for the untouchables.

○ 1932: He, on behalf of the untouchables, signed the Poona Pact with Mahatma Gandhi, who was representing Congress.

■ The pact provided the provisions for reserved seats for the depressed class instead of a separate electorate in the regional legislative assemblies and Central Council of States.

■ He participated in all the three Round Table Conferences in 1930, 1931 and 1932, voicing for untouchables and the depressed class.

○ 1936: Formed the Independent Labor Party, which was later transformed into the Scheduled Castes Federation.

○ 1937: Contested for the Central Legislative Assembly from Bombay.

■ During the Bombay Assembly’s Poona session in 1937, he introduced a bill to abolish the Khoti system of land tenure in Konkan.

■ As a member of the Bombay Assembly, he opposed the introduction of the Industrial Disputes Bill, 1937, as it removed workers’ right to strike.

○ 1939: During the Second World War, he called upon Indians to join the Army in large numbers to defeat Nazism, which in his opinion, was another form of Fascism.

○ 1942-46: Worked as Minister of Labour in the Viceroy’s Executive Council. ○ 1947: Worked as the first Law Minister of India in Jawahar Lal Nehru’s

cabinet and was also made the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of Constitution.

○ 1955: Founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha.

○ 1956: Embraced Buddhism along with many of his followers in a public ceremony in Nagpur.



● Literary Works: ○ The Untouchables: Who Were they and why they Became Untouchables? ○ Who were the Shudra? ○ Mr Gandhi and the Emancipation of the Untouchables ○ Annihilation of Caste ○ Pakistan or the Partition of India ○ The Buddha and His Dhamma ○ What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables

● Death: In New Delhi on 6th December 1956. ● Ideology:

○ He always advocated for providing equal rights to women. ○ Lord Buddha’s message of compassion and harmony was the basis of his

life and politics. Government Initiatives to honour him

● In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna (highest civilian honour of India).

● The development of Panchtirth is a step towards ensuring an appropriate legacy for Ambedkar, the nationalist reformer.

○ Janam Bhumi (Mhow), ○ Shiksha Bhumi (London), ○ Chaitya Bhumi (Mumbai), ○ Diksha Bhumi (Nagpur), ○ Mahaparinirvan Bhumi (Delhi)

Source: PIB

Polity & Governance Sedition Law: Section 124A of the IPC Syllabus: GS2/ Polity & Governance

In Context ● Recently, a Journalist was charged with Sedition by the Assam Police for allegedly

promoting animosity between the Assamese and Bengali-speaking people of Assam.


https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1778332


Sedition Law ● Background:

○ Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with sedition, was drafted by Thomas Babington Macaulay and included in the IPC in 1870.

● Definition: ○ It defines Sedition as every speech or expression that “brings or attempts to

bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the government established by law in India".

● Punishments: ○ Either Life Imprisonment to which fine may be added or Imprisonment up

to 3 years, to which fine may be added. ○ Sedition is a cognizable and non-bailable criminal offence punishable with

a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. ○ Cognizable: The investigation process (including the powers to arrest) can

be triggered merely by filing an FIR, without a judicial authority having to take cognizance.

○ Non-bailable: The accused cannot get bail as a matter of right, but is subject to the discretion of the session’s judge.

Arguments in favour of Sedition Law ● Helps combat anti-national, secessionist and terrorist elements like Maoists, etc. ● Protects the elected government from coups giving it stability. ● Kedar Nath Vs State of Bihar (1962): The Court upheld the law to maintain

territorial integrity but mandated acts (not just intent) of violence for its application.

● Onus on the judiciary to protect Articles 19 and Article 21 of the Constitution and it will ensure that the law is not misused.

● Sovereign countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, & other democracies, have such provisions in their penal code.

● NCRB: Few cases actually result in a conviction.

Arguments against Sedition Law ● Mahatma Gandhi called Section 124A “the prince among the political sections of

the IPC designed to suppress the liberty of the citizen”. ● Jawaharlal Nehru said that the provision was “obnoxious” and “highly

objectionable”, and “the sooner we get rid of it the better”. ● Constraint on the legitimate exercise of Freedom of speech and expression (Art

19).



● The British, who introduced sedition law, have themselves abolished it in their country.

● Misused as a tool to persecute political dissent.

Famous sedition trials during the freedom movement

● JC Bose in 1891: Wrote an article criticizing the Age of Consent Bill for posing a threat to the religion.

● Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi & Shankerlal Banker: Proprietor of Young India.

Way Forward ● Law Commission: An expression of frustration or positive criticism over the

state of affairs cannot be treated as sedition". ● To protect national integrity, Section 124A should stay but the judiciary and

police must ensure that section should not be misused as a tool to curb free speech.

Source: TH



International Relations 21st India-Russia Summit Syllabus: GS 2/Indo-Russia relations In News

● The PM of India and the Russian President held the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit to discuss the entire gamut of relations, including regional and global issues.

Highlights of the India-Russia Summit ● 2+2 ministerial dialogue: India and Russia held the inaugural 2+2 ministerial

dialogue. ○ India now has a 2+2 format dialogue mechanism on strategic and security

issues with four of its key strategic partners, Russia being the latest. The three others are Australia, the US and Japan which are also ‘Quad’ partners.

● Military-technical cooperation pact: The two countries also extended their military-technical cooperation pact by another 10 years.

● Reciprocal Exchange of Logistical Support’ (RELOS): India and Russia have also reached the final phase of negotiation for a logistics support agreement but could not conclude it.

○ The pact would have allowed militaries of the two countries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides facilitating scaling up of overall defence cooperation.

● On the issue of Afghanistan: they discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, especially the security situation and its implications in the region, the current political situation, issues related to terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking etc.

○ Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist groups including ISIS, Al Qaeda, LeT etc

● S-400 deal: this deal does not only have symbolic meaning but is a very important practical, meaningful addition to Indian defence capability.

● Indo-Pacific strategy: The two sides also discussed the Indo-Pacific strategy and India conveyed its security concerns in the region.

● AUKUS: On the issue of AUKUS the Russian and Indian sides called these new formats non-inclusive and violative of international norms.

● Terrorism: The joint statement mentioned India’s concerns of terror networks like Pak-based terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) finding space in Afghanistan.

● Other deals: are expected to be signed following the talks which will be in the fields of space, culture, science and tech, defence, etc.


https://theprint.in/diplomacy/quad-a-force-for-peace-say-leaders-in-veiled-dig-at-china-call-pakistan-instigator/740016/

https://www.nextias.com/current-affairs/25-08-2021/s400-air-defence-deal

https://www.nextias.com/current-affairs/17-09-2021/aukus-alliance


AK-203 rifles ● More lethal: They have a 7.62 x 39 mm calibre which is more lethal compared to

INSAS. ● Higher effective range: They have an effective range of 300 m and are

lightweight, robust and easy-to-use modern assault rifles. Need for the New Rifle

● Replacing the standard INSAS ● Indian rifles have tendencies to jam ● More reliance on imported rifles ● Indian rifles are Less lethal

India-Russia Relations ● Political Relations: The Annual Summit meeting between the Prime Minister of

India and the President of the Russian Federation is the highest institutionalized dialogue mechanism in the strategic partnership between India and Russia. So far 20 Annual Summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia.

● Intergovernmental Commissions: There is regular high-level interaction between the two countries. Two Inter-Governmental Commissions - one on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC), co-chaired by EAM and the Russian DPM, and another on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC- MTC) co-chaired by Russian and Indian Defence Ministers, meet annually.

● Trade and Economic Relations: Both sides revised targets of increasing bilateral investment to US $ 50 billion and bilateral trade to US $ 30 billion by 2025.

● Bilateral investment: Russian investment in India in 2017 has reached 18bn USD and India’s total investment in Russia so far is 13 bn USD. The investment target of 30 bn USD by 2025 has been achieved.

● Nuclear Energy: Russia recognizes India as a country with advanced nuclear technology with an impeccable non-proliferation record. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is being built in India with Russian cooperation.

● Space Cooperation: Both sides cooperate in the peaceful uses of outer space, including satellite launches, GLONASS navigation system, remote sensing and other societal applications of outer space.

● Science & Technology: The Working Group on Science and Technology functioning under IRIGC-TEC, the Integrated Long Term Programme (ILTP) and the Basic Science Cooperation Programme are the three main institutional mechanisms for bilateral Science and Technology cooperation.

● Cultural Cooperation: There is a strong tradition of Indian studies in Russia. JNCC maintains close cooperation with leading Russian institutions. There is


https://www.nextias.com/current-affairs/31-08-2021/india-russia-to-expand-cooperation-in-central-asia


strong interest among Russian people in Indian dance, music, yoga and Ayurveda. ● Defence and Security Cooperation

○ India has longstanding and wide-ranging cooperation with Russia in the field of defence.

○ BrahMos Missile System as well as the licensed production in India of SU-30 aircraft and T-90 tanks are examples of such flagship cooperation.

○ Both sides concluded agreements on the supply of S-400 air defence systems, construction of frigates under Project 1135.6 and shareholders agreement on the formation of a joint venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopters in India.

○ The two countries also hold exchanges and training exercises between their armed forces annually termed INDRA.

Significance ● Big boost to self-reliance in defence: In an endeavour to provide a big boost to

self-reliance in defence manufacturing in India, the government has approved the plan for the production of over five lakh AK-203 assault rifles at Korwa, Amethi in U.P.

● Enhance the operational effectiveness: They will enhance the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army in counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations.

● Make in India: This deal comes at a time when India is aggressively emphasising 'Make in India', especially in the defence manufacturing sector.

● Business opportunities to various MSMEs: This project will likely provide business opportunities to various MSMEs and other defence industries for the supply of raw materials and components.

● Geo-political equations: A lot of geopolitical equations have emerged. But India-Russia friendship has been a constant among all these variables.

Way Ahead ● Revitalize the bilateral India-Russia agenda: In this regard, an action like the

quiet diplomatic effort by Russia last year to get India and China to the table during their border clashes is critical for building confidence and much more effective than a public airing of differences.

● Revive the Economic Agenda: A forward-looking economic agenda should include cooperation in the hi-tech sector, biotechnology, nanotechnology, AI, space, start-up and innovation, pharmaceuticals, healthcare etc. to harness the strengths of the two countries.

● Free & Frank Discussions: Neither India-China ties nor US-Russia ties are expected to improve in the short term. Thus, it might be prudent to intensify “free and frank” discussions on all issues to maintain neutrality on issues of core



concern for each other while taking steps to strengthen the bilateral relationship. ● Cooperation in the Far East and the Arctic: Furthering cooperation in the Russian

Far East and the Arctic, both in bilateral and multilateral formats, would be beneficial for India.

● Talks on Afghanistan Peace: It may be useful to discuss reviving the cooperation between India, Iran and Russia on Afghanistan.

Source: TH

Science and Technology

Arms Race towards Hypersonic Weapons Syllabus :GS 3/Science & Technology/Nuclear/Developments, Applications & Effects on Everyday Life In Context

● Recent developments have put the spotlight on hypersonic weapons development, especially the advancements made by China and Russia.

About Hypersonic Weapons ● They are manoeuvrable weapons that can fly at speeds in excess of Mach 5, five

times the speed of sound. ● They are capable both of manoeuvring and of flying faster than 5,000 km per

hour, which would enable such missiles to penetrate most missile defences and to further compress the timelines for a response by a nation under attack.

● Most hypersonic vehicles primarily use scramjet technology. ● Types: ● There are two classes of hypersonic weapons

○ Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV) and hypersonic cruise missiles (HCM).

■ HGVs are launched from a rocket before gliding to a target while HCMs are powered by high-speed, air-breathing engines, or scramjets, after acquiring their target.

What are the recent developments? ● China: It tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August 2021 that circled

the globe before speeding towards its target, demonstrating an advanced space capability that caught U.S. intelligence by surprise.

○ However, China has denied that it was nuclear-capable. ● Russia: In early October 2021, Russia had successfully test-launched a Tsirkon


https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/government-nod-to-manufacture-more-than-five-lakh-ak-203-assault-rifles-in-amethi/article37835425.ece


hypersonic cruise missile from a Severodvinsk submarine deployed in the Barents Sea which hit a target 350 km away.

● USA: While the U.S. has active hypersonic development programmes, it was lagging behind China and Russia because “most U.S. hypersonic weapons, in contrast to those in Russia and China, are not being designed for use with a nuclear warhead.

○ The U.S. is now looking to accelerate its own programmes, though it is unlikely to field an operational system before 2023.

● Other countries: Australia, India, France, Germany, and Japan—are also developing hypersonic weapons technology.

● India: It is also working on hypersonic technologies. ○ India operates approximately 12 hypersonic wind tunnels and is capable

of testing speeds of up to Mach 13. ○ India is also developing an indigenous, dual-capable hypersonic cruise

missile as part of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) program and successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in June 2019 and September 2020.

■ This test was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and demonstrated the scramjet engine technology, a major breakthrough.

● In a scramjet engine, air goes inside the engine at supersonic speed and comes out at hypersonic speeds.

Implications for ● The World

○ China’s flight test of a manoeuvrable hypersonic glide vehicle upsets the strategic balance of power, while the proliferation of such technologies through clandestine methods could undermine Russian security.

■ China’s tests are worrying the international community as it has been a free-rider so far, with no responsibility in regional and global orders.

○ Given the rising tensions between the U.S., China and Russia as also the worsening geopolitical situation worldwide, the focus for hypersonic weapons is only set to accelerate more countries to invest significant resources in their design and development.

● India ○ For India, China’s hypersonic glide vehicle demonstration poses multiple

challenges, including the proliferation of such technologies to Pakistan, the opening of two-front war under nuclear threshold”, and the penetration of nascent Indian missile defence systems.



○ Given the ongoing border stand-off and China’s refusal to de-escalate, such tests add fuel to the fire with India.

■ Such capabilities might pose a threat to our space assets along with the surface assets.

Way Forward ● A two-tiered approach to containing the spread of hypersonic systems and

components appears to be the most promising. ● The necessary first step is for the United States, Russia, and China to agree not to

export complete hypersonic missiles or their major subsystems. ○ Beyond that, the control list recommended in this report can be the basis

for international discussions. ● India and the world must be very careful of Chinese Intent as transparency and

accountability are least expected from the communist regime in China. ● China is growing leaps and bounds in cutting edge technology and hence India

too must take inspiration from the same. ● India to have a “proper technology roadmap” on what kind of warfighting

capability the country needed, instead of countering individual threats such as hypersonic weapons or drones.

What is a Ramjet engine ?: ● It is a form of air-breathing jet engine that uses the engine’s forward motion to

compress incoming air without an axial compressor or a centrifugal compressor.

● Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds around Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) and can operate up to speeds of Mach 6.

● Ramjet powered missiles provide greater range and a higher average speed compared to missiles powered by solid propellants.

Scramjet : ● A scramjet (supersonic-combustion ramjet) is a ramjet engine in which the

airflow through the engine remains supersonic, or greater than the speed of sound.

○ Scramjet powered vehicles are envisioned to operate at speeds up to at least Mach 15.

○ In the chamber, the air mixes with the fuel to ignite supersonic combustion but the cruiser’s flight will be at a hypersonic speed of Mach six to seven.

■ So it is called supersonic combustion ramjet or Scramjet.

Source: TH


https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/explained-the-arms-race-towards-hypersonic-weapons/article37874968.ece


Environment & Ecology Highly Invasive Snail Species Reported in Kerala Syllabus: GS3/Biodiversity, Species in News

In News ● A tiny snail with a striking, pellucid golden-yellow shell found in the Edappally

canal in Kochi has been flagged as an invasive species that could play havoc with native ecosystems.

About ● Kerala: This is the first time that this snail has been reported in Kerala. ● Features of the newly discovered species: What makes its discovery worrying is

that it plays host to worms that can cause food-borne diseases and skin itches in humans.

○ Moreover, its rapid growth rate, air-breathing capability, and tolerance to pollution make the Physella acuta a potential competitor to native fauna.

● Using a scoop net: The team recovered 23 live specimens from the Eroor part of the Edappally canal during the biodiversity impact assessment carried out for the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) in Kochi.

○ The specimens were found clinging to Ceratophyllum demersum, an invasive freshwater plant, and other gastropod species such as Indoplanorbis exustus and Racesina luteola.

○ Ceratophyllum demersum is used as a decorative plant in aquariums.

Physella acuta ● Native to North America: First described by J.P.R. Draparnaud in 1805, Physella

acuta is considered native to North America but is now found in all continents except Antarctica.

● The snail was first reported in India in the early 1990s. ○ It is believed to have reached Kerala through the aquarium trade, a major

vector for invasive species. ● Edappally canal: the snail had made its home in a highly polluted reach plagued

by high sedimentation, untreated sewage, commercial effluents, construction wastes and a thick growth of invasive aquatic weeds.

● Characteristics: Small in size, the snail can grow to 16 mm in height and 9 mm in width. The dead, vacant shell is brownish-yellow while that of the live individuals are translucent golden-yellow with a mottled appearance.



What are Invasive species? ● Invasive species or invasive exotics are the non-native or non-indigenous

plants and animals that affect the habitats and bioregions they invade economically, environmentally and ecologically.

Issues ● Threat to global biodiversity: The study also draws attention to the threat posed

by invasive species to global biodiversity; how their ability to quickly dominate new environments endangers native species, even causing serious economic loss.

● Dominating a region: They disrupt by dominating a region and disrupting the natural equilibrium.

● An alteration in the genetic pool: is a major threat by the invasive species.

Common features of invasive exotics include ● The ability to reproduce both asexually and sexually

● Fast growth

● Rapid reproduction

● High dispersal ability

● Tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions

● Ability to live off of a wide range of food types

Source: TH

Internal Security Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act Syllabus: GS3 Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.

In News ● Recently, the Chief Minister of Nagaland has called for scrapping the Armed

Forces (Special Powers) Act after a botched ambush by para commandos in Nagaland.

Background ● The demand for repeal of the 1958 Act is a reiteration of the stand of successive

state governments over the last few decades, with the state having recommended a repeal several times, in view of the ceasefire in place since 1997.

About the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) ● It was enacted by the Parliament and approved by the President in 1958.


https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/highly-invasive-snail-species-reported-in-kerala/article37869236.ece


● It confers certain special powers on members of the Armed Forces (military forces, air forces operating on the ground as land forces and any other armed forces of the Union (CRPF, BSF, ITBP etc)for carrying out proactive operations against the insurgents in a highly hostile environment.

○ They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area.

● The AFSPA is also in force in the entire Nagaland, certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh, and most parts of Manipur barring the Imphal municipal areas.

Significance

● Armed Forces are deployed in counter-insurgency / terrorist operations when all other forces available to the State have failed to bring the situation under control.

● Armed forces operating in such an environment require certain special powers and protection in the form of an enabling law.

● Therefore, AFSPA is absolutely essential to combat insurgency in the country and protect the borders.

Criticism ● It provides absolute powers to the security personnel without being accounted for.

○ This leads to various atrocities and human rights violations by security agencies.

● Critics say the undemocratic act has failed to contain terrorism and restore normalcy in disturbed areas, as the number of armed groups has gone up after the act was established.



○ Many even hold it responsible for the spiralling violence in areas it is in force.

● The Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee was set up in 2005 to review Afspa and make recommendations.

○ It recommended that Afspa should be repealed and the Unlawful Activities Protection Act strengthened to fight militancy.

● It has been a controversial one, with human rights groups opposing it as being aggressive.

● Terming the AFSPA as a "draconian law", renowned human rights activist Irom Chanu Sharmila of Manipur had fought for 16 long years till mid-2016, demanding its repeal.

Way Ahead ● AFSPA is required to counter insurgencies and lack of development in the

Northeast region is also a major reason for the insurgency therefore the Government should take urgent steps to create new opportunities for growth and development.

● AFSPA should be made more comprehensive, with elaborate rules with respect to the method of investigations of alleged human rights violations to reduce the possibility of misusing it.

● The Army should carry out fresh investigations into all alleged cases of human rights violations.

Source: IE


https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/whats-at-stake-for-nagaland-political-parties-7659870/


Facts In News Polity and Governance

North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) Syllabus: GS 2/Welfare and Scheme In Context

● Till end-October 2021, a total of 391 new industrial units with a proposed total investment of Rs.2,631.19 crore have been granted registration under North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS).

About North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) ● It has come into force with effect from 01.04.2017 for a period of five years. ● It covers eligible industrial units in the manufacturing and service sectors of

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim to promote industrialization and boost employment and income generation.

● Various benefits provided under the scheme include: ○ Central Capital Investment Incentive (30% of the investment in plant &

machinery with an upper limit of Rs. 5 crores). ○ Central Interest Incentive (3% interest on working capital for 5 years) ○ Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (Reimbursement of 100%

insurance premium for 5 years). ○ Income Tax Reimbursement of centre’s share for 5 years ○ GST reimbursement of Central Govt. share of CGST & IGST for 5 years ○ Employment Incentive under which additional 3.67% of the employer’s

contribution to EPF in addition to Govt. bearing 8.33% Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) contribution of the employer in PMRPY

○ Transport incentive on finished goods movement by Railways(20% cost of the transportation), by Inland Waterways Authority (20% of the cost of transportation) & by air (33% of cost transportation of air freight) from the station/port/airport nearest to unit to the station/port/airport nearest to the destination point.

Other related initiatives ● Northeast Desk: Under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal

Trade, a dedicated Northeast Desk has been set up within Invest India, which supports the Northeast States in their outreach activities to the investors as well as in facilitating and handholding select companies.

● In collaboration with the NITI Aayog, the 'NITI Forum for North East' constituted for accelerated, inclusive and sustainable development in the North East Region has identified 5 focus sectors, viz. Tea, Tourism, Bamboo, Dairy and Pisciculture.


https://www.nextias.com/current-affairs/02-11-2021/destination-northeast-india-festival




● Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, sixteen projects with themes of Heritage, Wildlife, Spiritual, Tribal, Eco-adventure etc with the total amount of Rs.1,337.63 crore have been sanctioned.

● Under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme, the development of Kamakhya Devi Temple (Rs.29.99 crore) and Pilgrimage Facilitation at Nagaland (Rs.25.26 crore) and Meghalaya (Rs.29.31 crore) have been sanctioned.

○ Further, Kaziranga National Park (Assam) has been identified under the Iconic Site Development Scheme.

● In addition, various Pan-India Schemes are being implemented in the North Eastern States for their sustainable development, e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.

Source: PIB

Polity and Governance Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana Syllabus: GS 2/Welfare and Scheme/Government Policies & Interventions In Context

● More than 1.2 crores benefited under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana. About The Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana(PMRPY)

● The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. ● It has been designed to incentivise employers for the generation of new

employment. ● Under the scheme, the Government of India is paying the Employer’s

contribution i.e. 12% for a period of three years to the new employees earning wages less than or equal to Rs. 15,000/- through EPFO.

● The beneficiaries registered up to 31st March 2019 will continue to receive the benefit for 3 years from the date of registration under the scheme i.e. up to 31st March 2022.

● Benefits: ○ The employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of

workers in the establishment. ○ A large number of workers will find jobs in such establishments. ○ A direct benefit is that these workers will have access to social security

benefits of the organized sector ○ It brings informal workers to the formal workforce.

Source: PIB




modern history 65th mahaparinirvan diwas

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