- AGRICULTURE
FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS AUTHORITY IF INDIA
- Regulation and Standards: FSSAI is responsible for setting standards for food products to ensure they are safe for consumption. This includes defining the quality and purity standards for ghee and other ingredients used in food preparation.
- The standards are outlined in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011.
- Licensing and Compliance:
- Food businesses, including dairies supplying ghee, must obtain a license from FSSAI and comply with its regulations.
- Regular inspections and audits are conducted to ensure compliance with these standards.
- Testing and Certification: FSSAI mandates that food products undergo testing in accredited laboratories to verify their quality and safety.
- In the case of the Tirupati laddu, the ghee supplied by A.R. Dairy would have been tested for compliance with FSSAI standards.
- Enforcement and Penalties: FSSAI has the authority to take enforcement actions against food businesses that violate its regulations. This includes imposing fines, suspending licenses, and initiating legal proceedings.
- In the current controversy, if the allegations of adulteration are proven, FSSAI can take stringent actions against the suppliers.
2. ART AND CULTURE
KALARIPAYATTU
- Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial art forms in the world, originating from Kerala, India. It is known for its unique combination of physical training, combat techniques, and spiritual practices.
- Historical Background: Kalaripayattu dates back over 3,000 years and is believed to have been developed by the warrior clans of Kerala.
- It is said to have influenced other martial arts forms, including some in East Asia.
- Training and Techniques: Training in Kalaripayattu involves rigorous physical exercises, flexibility training, and mastering various combat techniques.
- Practitioners use a variety of weapons, including swords, shields, spears, and daggers, as well as unarmed combat techniques.
- Kalari: The training ground for Kalaripayattu is called a “Kalari,” which is a specially designed arena.
- The Kalari is considered a sacred space, and training often begins with rituals and prayers.
- Health and Wellness: Kalaripayattu also incorporates elements of Ayurveda and traditional healing practices.
- It emphasizes the balance of body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall health and wellness.
3. NATIONAL
NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SURVEY TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER
- National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024
- Objective: To assess the learning achievements of school students across India.
- Scope: Large-scale assessment to gather data on student performance.
- Key Details of Survey
- Date: December 4, 2024.
- Participants: Nearly five million students.
- Classes Covered: Classes 3, 6, and 9.
- Geographical Coverage: 792 districts across 36 States and Union Territories. Comparison with Previous Survey (2021)
- 2021 Survey: Classes Covered: Classes 3, 5, 8, and 10.
- Participants: 3.7 million students.
- Districts Covered: 720 districts. Types of Schools: State government-run, government-aided, private unaided, and Central government schools.
- 2024 Survey: Expanded Scope: Increased to nearly five million students.
- Districts Covered: Expanded to 792 districts.
- Classes Covered: Changed to Classes 3, 6, and 9. Significance
- Data Collection: Provides valuable insights into the educational achievements and learning levels of students.
- Policy Making: Helps in formulating educational policies and interventions to improve learning outcomes.
- Educational Improvement: Aims to identify gaps and areas needing attention in the education system
4. NATIONAL
BLOCKCHAIN, SMART MATERAILS AMONG INNOVATIVE PROJECTS MOOTED IN PM SOLAR SCHEME
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
- Launch Date: February 29, 2024
- Objective: To increase the share of solar rooftop capacity and enable residential households to generate their own electricity
- Total Outlay: ₹75,021 crore
- Implementation Period: Till FY 2026-27 Innovative Projects Sub-Component ○ Budget: ₹500 crore
- Purpose: To fund novel ideas related to rooftop solar installations.
- Eligibility: Companies and individuals can submit proposals.
- Review Process: Proposals will be evaluated by a committee. Examples of Innovative Projects
- Blockchain-based peer-to-peer rooftop solar (RTS)
- Digital solutions for RTS
- Smart building materials
- RTS integrated with electric vehicles (EVs)
- Grid-responsive RTS with battery storage solutions
- Distribution Company (DISCOM) systems for RTS management
- Scheme Benefits
- Subsidised RTS Installation: Up to ₹78,000 per household
- Application Process: Interested individuals can apply to vendors of their choice online. § Subsidised loans from banks are available for installation.
5. AGRICULTURE
RUBBER BOARD TO UNVEIL NATURAL RUBBER EXPORT PORTAL
- Rubber Board Initiative: The Rubber Board is set to launch a portal within a week.
- Purpose: To register exporters of natural rubber and products made from natural rubber.
- Regulatory Compliance: European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) will be effective from January 1, 2025.
- Exporters to the EU must submit a due diligence certificate.
- Collaboration: The Rubber Board has partnered with TRST01, a climate technology firm.
- Objective: To develop the portal and support exporters in compliance.
- Export Data: Total natural rubber exports in the last fiscal year: 3,500 tonnes.
- Implications: For Exporters:
- Need to register on the new portal.
- Must ensure compliance with EUDR by obtaining due diligence certificates.
- For the Rubber Board:
- Enhances regulatory compliance.
- Supports exporters in meeting international standards
ONE LINER
- Agreement between India and U.S signed to set up semiconductor manufacturing plant for military purpose in Kolkata.
- Indian government will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) from February 5 to 9, 2025
