Daily Current Affairs   Date :17^thFebruary,2022

 (30+ Questions hit in Prelims 2021 from this series)

Covers 4 Most relevant Sources

• The Hindu
• Indian Express
• PIB
• Mint

Index

• Eat Right Campus InitiativeandEat Right India Movement (TH, pg 2)
• Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities (SEED) (TH, pg 8)
• Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure (PIB)
• Capacity Development (CD) Scheme(PIB)
• New India Literacy Programme (NILP) (PIB)
• National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) (TH, pg 8)
• What are Energy Compacts? (PIB)
• What is an IPO? (IE)

 

1. Eat Right Campus InitiativeandEat Right India Movement (TH, pg 2)

• Context: Four police stations of New Delhi district have been certified as ‘Eat Right Campus’ by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Analysis

• As a part of Eat Right India, the Eat Right Campus initiative has been launched for schools, colleges, universities, institutions, workplaces, hospitals, jails and tea estates to support them to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for the people who spend the majority of their time in these campuses.
• While the Eat Right Campus initiative is not mandatory to adopt, it can provide immense benefits to the campus and the individuals in the campus not only in terms of health but also economics.

Evaluation Criteria

• Benchmarks have been created on four different parameters based on which campuses are evaluated and certified as ‘Eat Right Campus’.
• These parameters include food safety measures, steps to ensure provision of healthy and environmentally sustainable food and building awareness among the individuals in the campus to make the right food choices.

Eat Right India Movement

• Eat Right India aims to transform India’s food safety and nutrition environment through a judicious mix of regulatory, capacity building, collaborative and empowerment approaches, thereby protecting and advancing public health and improve the quality of life across all walks of life.
• The tagline ‘SahiBhojan. Behtar Jeevan’– ‘Right diet leads to better quality life.’
• thus forms the foundation of this movement.
• The Eat Right India movement is based on three key themes/pillars – Eat Safe, Eat Healthy, and Eat Sustainable.
• Along with traditional regulatory actvities to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for all, it also focuses on capacity building and social and behaviour change for all stakeholders viz. food businesses as well as consumers.
• As part of the ERI movement, FSSAI has been focussing on initiatives such as Eat Right Challenge, Clean Street Food Hubs, Eat Right Campus, Eat Right Schools and other mass awareness efforts.

Eat Right Challenge

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) implements the Eat Right Challenge, an annual competition for districts and cities across the country.
• The aim of the competition is to encourage them to strengthen the food safety and regulatory environment and awareness among consumers to make better food choices.
• The challenge will be led by designated officers under the guidance of the State Food Safety Commissioners/District Magistrates (DMs).

Key focus areas

• Some of the key focus areas of the challenge will be to come up with measures:

• to broaden the reach of registration/licensing, enforcement and surveillance efforts at the State level,
• creation of Eat Right Food environments, and
• nudge consumers to make better food choices.

Clean Street Food Hubs

• To upgrade existing food street across the country and provide safe and hygienic local eating experience, FSSAI with support of state government bodies has framed benchmarks for basic hygiene and sanitary requirements for upgrading the existing infrastructures of food streets across the country.
• A Clean Street Food Hub (CSFH) may be defined as: “a hub or cluster of 50 or more vendors/shops/stalls selling popular street foods, 80 per cent or more of which represents local and regional cuisines and meets the basic hygiene and sanitary requirements. It excludes fine dining.”
• FSSAI will duly recognize and certify those Food Hubs that comply with these standards and benchmarks, and such certification would help to create consumer trust.

Broad Objectives

• To ensure health, hygiene and safety standard of street food for all consumers,
• To raise the quality of street food vending to the level of food courts and established hotels and restaurants,
• To ensure social and economic upliftment of street vendor community by helping them in improving quality of offerings thereby attracting more customers,
• To enhance the popularity of street food by transforming it into a global brand by itself.

Eat Right School Programme

• Eat Right School programme aims at creating awareness about food safety, nutrition & hygiene among school children, and through them among the community at large.
• FSSAI has developed ‘The Yellow Books’ to inculcate right eating habits. These are age appropriate in two volumes with each of them targeted at children from grade 1-8.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• It has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments.
• It has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food.
• Various Central Acts like Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 etc. are repealed after the commencement of FSS Act, 2006.
• The Act also aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards.
• To this effect, the Act establishes an independent statutory authority – the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and State Food Safety Authorities shall enforce various provisions of the Act.
• FSSAI also contributes to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.

 

2. Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities (SEED) (TH, pg 8)

• Context:The Union Social Justice Ministry launched the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities (SEED), with a total expenditure of ₹200 crore over five years.
• Under the new scheme, students would be given free coaching for entrance tests like civil services, medicine, engineering and MBA and livelihood support.
• Note: You have already prepared this topic in detail from the10 Feb 2022 file.

 

3. Annual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure (PIB)

• Context:The 8^thAnnual Meeting of the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructurewas held.

Analysis

• A publication on “United in Quality and Safety” was released providing information about the quality infrastructure in Germany and the European Union and expressed that publication will be of great help to policymakers and trade partners in India to understand Quality Infrastructure regime in Europe and in Germany.
• Outcome of the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) study conducted by the German side was also shared.

• As per the GQII report, India is ranked at 10^th place in the world for overall quality infrastructure environment in the country.

• A Work Plan for the Year 2022 was signed by both sides which include collaboration in mobility, energy, circular economy, smart farming/ agriculture, medical devices, digitalization (AI, Industry 4.0 and other new technology areas), machinery safety, medical devices and equipment and market surveillance.

 

4. Capacity Development (CD) Scheme(PIB)

• Context:The Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Capacity Development (CD) Scheme till 31.03.2026 or till further review.

Analysis

• The CD Scheme is an Ongoing Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) with an overall objective to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for enabling availability of credible and timely official statistics.
• The Scheme comprises Capacity Development (Main) Scheme and two sub schemes viz. Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) and Economic Census (EC).
• Some of the major statistical products of the Ministry such as Gross Value Added (GVA), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE), Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE), Gross Fixed Capital Formation, Change In Stock (CIS), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR),Formal Sector Employment Statistics, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Indicator Framework etc., form inevitable part of the economic and social indices utilized for monitoring the Indian economy.
• The Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) is an ongoing sub scheme of the CD Scheme, which aims to improve the statistical capacity and operations of State Statistical Systems for collecting, compiling and disseminating reliable official statistics.
• Economic Census sub-scheme conducted periodically gives the complete count of all non-farm economic establishments located within the geographical boundary of India.

• Economic Census provides disaggregated information on various operational and structural variables of all such establishments of the country.
• Its database provides valuable inputs for policy makers to design economic development and employment generation related strategies in States/Districts.

• In addition to the regular ongoing activities under the CD Scheme, the Ministry is to continue the following newly initiated surveys, namely, Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises (ASSSE), Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) and Time Use Survey (TUS).

• The surveys namely ASSSE and ASUSE will bridge the existing data gap for information required in the services sector and un-incorporated sector, which contributes to a major share in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• The TUS provides data on activities of individuals, particularly time disposition of women, which are not presently reflected in country’s GDP.

• The other major activities to be undertaken under the Scheme include Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES)/Survey on Consumer Basket (SCB), Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) to be conducted on households every year, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Consumer Price Survey (CPI)-Rural/Urban/Combined, Urban Frame Survey (UFS), International Comparison of Prices (ICP), Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and other related ongoing regular activities for strengthening the survey capabilities of National Sample Surveys.

 

5. New India Literacy Programme (NILP) (PIB)

• Context: Government approves ‘New India Literacy Programme’, a new scheme of Adult Education for FYs 2022-27.
• In the Union Budget 2021-22, announcement had been made to enable increased access of resources, online modules covering the entire gamut of adult education will be introduced.

Analysis

• New India Literacy Programme (NILP) will be implemented by the Ministry of Education.
• The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for FYs 2022-27 is 5 (five) crore learners @ 1.00 crore per year by using “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS)” in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, NCERT and NIOS.
• The scheme will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all state/UTs in the country.
• It seeks to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020.
• The National Education Policy 2020 has recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning.
• The objectives of the scheme are to impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of 21st century such as:

• critical life skills (including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare);
• vocational skills development (with a view towards obtaining local employment);
• basic education (including preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency); and
• continuing education (including engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation, other topics of interest or use to local learners, such as more advanced material on critical life skills).

• The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode.
• All material and resources shall be provided digitally for easy access to registered volunteers through easily accessible digital modes, viz, TV, radio, cell phone-based free/open-source Apps/portals, etc.
• NILP will have convergence with schemes of other Ministries.
• Support will be garnered from PRIs, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and NYSK, NSS and NCC volunteers.

Salient Features of the Scheme

• School will be Unit for implementation of the scheme.
• Schools to be used for conducting survey of beneficiaries and Voluntary Teachers (VTs).
• Use of Technologies to impart Adult Education for wider coverage of the scheme.
• Performance Grading Index (PGI) for State/UT and district level will show the performance of States and UTs to implement the scheme and achievements on yearly basis.
• CSR/Philanthropic Support may be received by hosting ICT support, providing volunteer support, opening facilitation centres for learners and for providing IT access to economically weak learners in the form of cell phones, etc
• Priority will be given in terms of categories to the Girls and women, SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Persons with Special Needs (Divyangjans), Marginalized/ Nomadic/ construction workers/ laborers/etc. who can substantially and immediately benefit from adult education.
• In terms of location/area, the focus shall be on all

• aspirational districts of NITI Aayog,
• districts with literacy rates less than the National/State average,
• districts with female literacy rates less than 60% as per the 2011 Census, Districts/ Blocks with large SC/ST/ Minority population,
• Educationally Backward Blocks,
• Left Wing Extremism Affected districts.

Do you know?

• As per Census 2011, among the non-literates of the country, the number of Females is almost twice to that of males (in 15 years and above age group).
• Earlier Saakshar Bharat programme was being implemented during 2009-10 to 2017-18 for adult literacy.

 

6. National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) (TH, pg 8)

• Context:Former Vice Chief of Navy Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumarhas been appointed as the country’s first National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC).

Analysis

• The NMSC will be part of the National Security Council Secretariat, and will report to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
• As the NMSC, Kumar will have the responsibility of coordinating between all the agencies involved in maritime security and maritime civil issues as well.
• He will also be tasked with improving the country’s blue economy needs.
• He will look at all aspects of maritime security, and will be the nodal point for all issues related to it.
• He will also be mandated to ensure better coordination between the different authorities that work on maritime issues, but work independently.
• The need for such a coordinating agency was first expressed by the Group of Ministers formed after the Kargil War.
• After the 26/11 terror attacks in 2008, the Defence Ministry had proposed the creation of a Maritime Security Advisory Board, and appointment of a Maritime Security Advisor, but that was kept pending.
• In November 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Security finally cleared the creation of the NMSC.
• India has a 7,516.6 km coastline, which includes the mainland, Lakshadweep Islands, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

 

7. What are Energy Compacts? (PIB)

• Context:Twenty two energy compacts were submitted from India by PSUs, corporates and smart cities in addition to the national compact submitted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
• A global Energy Compact Action Network by UN-Energy is expected be launched on 22 March 2022 in order to achieve SDG7 by 2030.
• These Energy Compacts have been developed as a key feature of the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy.

Analysis

What are Energy Compacts?

• Energy Compacts are a set of voluntary commitments from stakeholders i.e. UN Member States and non-state actorsto accelerate achievement of clean, affordable energy for all by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
• These stakeholders commit to an Energy Compact that includes specific targets and timelines to drive the progress on the achievement of SDG7, to accelerate action for clean, affordable energy for all.
• Submission of energy compacts is open to all relevant stakeholders including member states and non-state actors, such as companies, regional/local governments, NGOs and others.
• Actions defined in an Energy Compact can be directly linked to Nationally Determined Contributions considered as SDG Acceleration Actions.
• Several stakeholders can also work togetheractions in a joint Energy Compact.
• The actions detailed in Energy Compacts can be aligned to countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement.
• It does not conflict with separate commitments by UN member nations made as part of the COP26 process.
• Energy Compacts also include a reporting mechanism that tracks the incremental progress of stakeholders.

What is the difference between Energy Compacts and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

• NDCs address Member States’ national climate ambitions and targets that are legally required under the Paris Agreement.
• Energy Compacts include a variety of voluntary commitments, actions, initiatives, and partnerships focused specifically on the energy system and SDG7.
• They will cover the SDG7 targets, including those that are not reflected in a country’s NDCs, such as clean cooking access. Thus, Energy Compact commitments are complementary to the NDCs.

Why do we need Energy Compacts?

• Energy is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
• However, current actions on SDG7 are insufficient, too fragmented, and lack accountability.
• There is no platform to bring together current or new SDG7- related commitments from all stakeholders.
• Bringing together all commitments onto the same platform will allow us to take stock of where greater ambition and action is needed for delivering SDG7.
• UN-Energy will support all stakeholders to define their commitments and will facilitate connecting Member States with other organizations

All about UN-Energy

• UN-Energy is the United Nations’ mechanism for inter-agency collaboration in the field of sustainable energy.
• Its aim is to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.
• UN-Energy seeks to support countries in achieving SDG7 and the broader SDG agenda.

8. What is an IPO? (IE)

• Context: Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is all set to bring in country’s largest initial public offering (IPO). The union government is currently 100% owner of the LIC.

Analysis

• An IPO is the process by which a privately held company, or a company owned by the government such as LIC, raises funds by offering shares to the public or to new investors.
• When a company offers its shares for the first time, it is called an IPO or an Initial Public Offering. During this process, the company offers its shares to the general public and this entire process is carried out through the primary market.
• It simply means that through IPOs, the company collects funds which it uses to grow the business or to pay off any heavy debts. IPO (Initial Public Offering) is a way to invest in companies before they get listed on the Stock Market.
• After the launch of IPO, the company gets listed on the stock exchange.
• While coming with an IPO, the company has to file its offer document (also called Draft Red Herring Prospectus- DRHP) with the market regulator i.e. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• The offer document contains all relevant information about the company, its promoters, its projects, financial details, the purpose of raising the money, terms of the issue, etc.

Which companies can come out with an IPO?

• In order to protect investors, SEBI has laid down rules that require companies to meet certain criteria before they can go to the public to raise funds.
• Some of the conditions are:

• The company must have net tangible assets of at least Rs 3 crore, and net worth of Rs 1 crore in each of the preceding three full years.
• It must have a minimum average pre-tax profit of Rs 15 crore in at least three of the immediately preceding five years.

• IPO is used to raise capital through two modes namely Fresh Capital and Offer for Sale (OFS)

• If the issue raises fresh capital, the proceeds of the IPO go to the company, and can be utilised for future growth, expansion, debt reduction, etc.
• If the issue involves offer for sale by promoters or existing investors, then the money goes to them and not to the company.
• In the case of LIC, the issue is an offer for sale by the government, and the IPO proceeds will go to the Government of India.

Who fixes the price of securities in an issue?

• The per-share price of the public issue is fixed by the issuer in consultation with the merchant banker.
• The regulator, SEBI, does not play a role in price fixation.
• Both SEBI and RBI have set guidelines for a company to follow during IPO process.

What are the advantages of listing a company?

• While listing on the stock exchange calls for additional disclosures by companies and stringent compliance requirements, it may help a company raise capital, and diversify and broaden its shareholder base.
• Listing provides an exit to existing investors of the company.
• A listed company can raise share capital for growth and expansion in the future through a follow-on public offering or FPO.

• When a company offers its shares for the first time, it is called an IPO.
• On the other hand, when an already listed company raises funds from the public again, it is called a Follow-on Public Offer or FPO.
• A company could offer a FPO because of many reasons like If it needs funds for a new project, or For expansion

Who can invest in an IPO?

• There are various categories of investors who can invest in an IPO.
• Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) is a category of investors that includes foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), mutual funds, commercial banks, insurance companies, pension funds, etc.
• All individuals who invest up to Rs 2 lakh in an issue are classified as retail investors. Retail investors investing above Rs 2 lakh are classified as high net worth individuals.
• You have to be 18 years of age to become an investor also a Demat Account (Where shares are held in the dematerialised form) is needed.