Prelim Bits 01-08-2019

PRAGATI

The PM chaired his 30^th interaction through PRAGATI recently.
It is a multi-purpose, multi-modal platform for “Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation” (PRAGATI).
It is a unique integrating and interactive platform aimed at addressing common man’s grievances.
It also monitors and reviews important programmes and projects of both central and state governments.
It is incorporated with three latest technologies-

It is a three-tier system - PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States
PM will hold a monthly interaction with the Government Secretaries and Chief Secretaries through Video-conferencing.
The system has been designed in-house by the PMO with the help of National Informatics Center (NIC).
It is also a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability among the key stakeholders.
In the recent interaction, PM reviews progress of flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, PM AwasYojana (Urban) etc.

Global Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators

Recently Nigeria became the 4^th African country to join the “Global Coalition of the Willing on Pollinators”
This Coalition was formed to follow up on the findings of IPBES assessment on Pollinators and Food Production.
This agreement is a stepping stone to protect pollinators and their habitats.
The coalition now has 28 signatories including,
1. 17 European countries,
2. 5 from Latin America and the Caribbean and
3. 4 from Africa.
Joining the coalition means adopting the following measures-
Taking action to protect pollinators and their habitats.
Sharing experience and lessons learnt in developing and implementing national pollinator strategies.
Reaching out to seek collaboration with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Developing research on pollinator conservation.
Supporting and collaborating with each other and those parties that are willing to join the coalition.
Pollinator-dependent species include several fruits, vegetables, oil crops, which are major sources of nutrients to humans.
The availability of pollinators helps in crop production in terms of both quantity and quality.
Protecting pollinators will be important for addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) –
1. SDG 2 (zero hunger),
2. SDG 15 (life on land),
3. SDG 3 (good health and well-being)

IPBES

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body.
The objective is to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Currently has over 130 member States.
A large number of NGOs, civil society groupings, individual stakeholders, also participate in the meet.
It found that many of the world’s pollinator species are on the decline.

ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU)

Recently Union Cabinet has approved setting up of ITLU at Moscow, Russia.
It will enable effective technical coordination for timely interventions on diversified matters with Russia.
It will support the ongoing bilateral programmes of cooperation in space technology and act on behalf of ISRO.
It will also helps ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme as it requires development of some of the key technologies.
The Department of Space has already instituted technical liaison units like ITLU at Washington and Paris.
The cabinet also approved two pacts between the ISRO and space agencies of Bolivia and Bahrain.

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for Fertilizers

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approves NBS rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
NBS for Fertilizers is a policy under ‘Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers’.
This will ensure the availability of P&K fertilizers to the farmers on affordable price.
Under the scheme, a fixed amount of subsidy decided on an annual basis is provided on each grade of subsidized P&K fertilizers, except for Urea.
The scheme allows the manufacturers, marketers, and importers to fix the MRP of the Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers at reasonable levels.
The MRP will be decided considering the domestic and international prices of P&K fertilizers, inventory level in the country and the exchange rates.
In India, ‘Urea’ is the only controlled fertilizer and is sold at a statutory notified uniform sale price.
So, NBS aims at ensuring balanced use of fertilizers, improving the agricultural productivity.
It will also helps for better returns to the farmers and also promotes the growth of the indigenous fertilizers industry.

Source: PIB, The Indian Express