Prelim Bits 27-07-2019

Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY)

It focuses on integrated development of handicrafts clusters with participation of craftpersons.
The selected artisans in these clusters are supported for sustainable development through NGO partners.
The package of support under AHVY can be clubbed under,

Under this scheme 90 clusters across the country are identified.
It also cover aspirational districts, women clusters, weaker section and export potential clusters.
The objective is to transform these clusters by ensuring self-sustainment of the Self Help Groups/artisans of these clusters.
‘Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs’ was organized all over the country for providing Aadhaar linked Pahchan card, marketing facilities, to artisans through Mudra loan.

Improving Milking Capacity of Cows

Dairy activities form an essential part of the rural Indian economy, serving as an important source of employment and income.
India also has the largest bovine population in the world.
However, the milk production per animal is significantly low as compared to the other major dairy producers.
So, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has been implementing following schemes to improve the Milking capacity,

Rashtriya Gokul Mission - for conservation of bovine population thereby enhancing their productivity.
National Dairy Plan-I - implemented in 18 major dairy states for enhancing milk production and productivity.
Breed Improvement Institutes – It provide breeding inputs in the form of High Genetic merit bulls for Artificial Insemination and semen doses of bulls with high genetic potential.

Unproductive animals with intact reproductive efficiency can be used as surrogate mothers under Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) and IVF.
In Uttar Pradesh projects for establishment of two ETT labs with IVF facility have been sanctioned.
These initiatives are a part of doubling dairy farmers’ income.

Cambodia - China secret agreement

It gives the Chinese military exclusive rights to use part of a Ream naval base of Cambodia, in the Gulf of Thailand.
This would include posting military personnel, storing weapons and berthing warships.
But both China and Cambodia have denied for such a base are in work.
The Gulf of Thailand also known as the Gulf of Siam, is a shallow inletin the western part of the South China Sea.
It is bordered by Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The northern tip of the Gulf of Thailand is referred to as the Bay of Bangkok.
The Gulf of Thailand is becoming popular for whale watching and known for its coral reefs.
The Thai Canal also known as Kra Canal or Kra Isthmus Canal is a proposed canal that would connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.
China could fund the proposed ‘Kra Canal’ project.
It is envisaged that the canal would improve transportation in the region.

Himalayan knotweed

Himalayan knotweed (Persicaria wallichii) is a plant species in the knotweed family.
It is a native to the Himalayas and it was originally introduced as an ornamental garden plant.
It grows on stream sides, hedge banks, woodland edges, roadsides, railway banks and waste ground.
Once established this plant grows into extremely dense stands that out-compete all native vegetation.
It can grow to about 6 feet in height, alter natural ecosystems and are difficult to eradicate.
It is among 27 different species of invasive flora identified by Keystone Foundation.
It became the latest threat to ‘Nilgiris ecosystem’ and the rate at which they spreads becomes a serious cause for concern.
It threatens the biodiversity along streams and rivers and the wetlands in the Nilgiris.

Source: PIB, The Indian Express