Current Affair 1:

The Principles for Responsible Banking’s Commitment to Financial Health and Inclusion

 

The PRB Commitment to Financial Health and Inclusion was launched in December 2021. It is a first-of-its-kind commitment to promote universal financial inclusion and foster a banking sector that supports the financial health of customers.

The launch of the Commitment marks the start of a collective journey to accelerate action on financial health and inclusion, which is one of the top three sustainability challenges identified by signatory banks

Commitment to Financial Health and Inclusion brings together a pioneering group of banks who take up a leadership role in accelerating action for universal financial inclusion and financial health of all individuals.

Signatories to the Commitment are required to:

• set targets that make a substantial contribution to the financial health and inclusion of societies within the first 18 months after signing
• report within 18 months on financial health and inclusion targets, and annually thereafter on their progress

About the Principles for Responsible Banking The Principles for Responsible Banking are a unique framework for ensuring that signatory banks’ strategy and practice align with the vision society has set out for its future in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. The principles were created in 2019 through a partnership between founding banks and the United Nations, and are designed to bring purpose, vision and ambition to sustainable finance. India’s bank is a s signatory to PRB framework.

Current Affair 2:

About Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

 

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a pan-India wildlife research organization, has been promoting the cause of nature conservation since 1883.

BNHS Mission: Conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity through action based on research, education and public awareness

BNHS Vision: Premier independent scientific organization with a broad-based constituency, excelling in the conservation of threatened species and habitats.

Current Affair 3:

What is Vertical farming?

 

In vertical farming, crops are grown indoors, under artificial conditions of light and temperature. It aims at higher productivity in smaller spaces. It uses soil-less methods such as hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics.

Vertical farming uses significantly less water and pesticides than traditional agricultural methods. Being indoors, the crops aren't subject to seasons and hence give high productivity year-round. Lettuces, tomatoes and green crops can be produced through this practice.

How Vertical Farming Works?

Firstly, the primary goal of vertical farming is producing more foods per square meter. To accomplish this goal, crops are cultivated in stacked layers in a tower life structure. Secondly, a perfect combination of natural and artificial lights is used to maintain the perfect light level in the room. Technologies such as rotating beds are used to improve lighting efficiency.

Thirdly, instead of soil, aeroponic, aquaponic or hydroponic growing mediums are used. Peat moss or coconut husks and similar non-soil mediums are very common in vertical farming. Finally, the vertical farming method uses various sustainability features to offset the energy cost of farming. In fact, vertical farming uses 95% less water.

Japan has been one of the early pioneers in vertical farming. It holds the largest share in the global vertical farming market. In Japan, vertical farming is born out of necessity where traditional farming is losing its face due to ageing population and rural migration.

With this information, you can solve any Prelims question on this topic.

 

Current Affair 4:

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0 (2020-21)

Source Link

Introduction is very important for exam.

Under the Skill India Mission, the Government of India is implementing Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to promote skill development in the country by providing grant-based placement linked short duration skill training since 2015-16. This programme was successfully implemented under two editions: PMKVY (1 .0) (FY2015-16) and PMKVY (2 0) (FY2016-20).

With each newer version of PMKW scheme, major changes were instituted to meet the aspiration of youth, increase the overall reach and improve the outcomes. PMKVY 2.0 (2016-20) provided a larger role to the State Governments by introducing Centrally Sponsored State Managed (CSSM) known as the State Component under the Scheme. Placement linked short term training program was also introduced along with Training of Trainers and Aadhaar based attendance system for Trainees and Trainers. Based on the learnings of PMKVY 2.0 and to reorient the scheme lo be in sync with the present scenario of policy changes and changing priority in different sectors, demand-driven PMKW 3.0 (2020-21], has been conceptualized with the larger engagement of district authority through District Skill Committees (DSCs).

The new upgraded scheme PIVIKVY (3.0) (FY 2020-21) has been approved and shall be implemented during FY 20-21 to train 8 lakh candidates with an outlay of Rs. 948.90 Cr. Under the scheme, approximately 8 lakh candidates would be trained as follows:

The Scheme would have two components:

1. Centrally Sponsored Centrally Managed (CSCM) known as the Central Component to be implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
2. Centrally Sponsored State Managed (CSSM) known as the State Component to be implemented by the State Skill Development Missions (SSDIMS) /respective Departments of the States/UTs.

The total target of the scheme will be divided approximately in the ratio of 75:25 between Central and State Components. However, for States which have performed well and are willing to take higher targets shall be allocated a higher target under state component accordingly, assessment of their performance. The Steering Committee can reallocate the target, if the situation so warrants under CSCIM/CSSM component at any time in any appropriate ratio.

The scheme envisages working more closely with the State and District machineries through State Skill Development Missions (SSDM) and District Skill Committees (DSCs). DSCs would be playing a pivotal role under the guidance of SSDMs in PMKVY 3.0.

Do read everything we have provided. Questions are coming from middle of guidelines.

 

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