Today's Brief 14-16/02/2024

1.Stem cells: Stem cells are special cells found in all multicellular organisms that have the ability to develop into many different cell types. They are like the body's master cells, with the potential to become all the different types of cells that make up the body, from blood cells to brain cells to muscle cells. 

There are two main types of stem cells:

• Embryonic stem cells: These are derived from the inner cell mass of an early-stage embryo, called a blastocyst. They are pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to develop into any of the three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm) that give rise to all the different tissues and organs in the body.

• Adult stem cells: These are found in various tissues throughout the body, such as bone marrow, fat, blood, and muscle. They are multipotent, meaning they can develop into a limited number of cell types specific to the tissue they are found in.

Stem cells have two important properties:

• Self-renewal: They can replicate themselves for long periods, maintaining a pool of stem cells in the body.

• Differentiation: They can develop into specialized cell types with specific functions.

Stem cell research is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize medicine. 

Scientists are studying stem cells to develop new treatments for a wide range of diseases and conditions, such as:

• Cancer: Stem cells may be used to regenerate healthy tissues damaged by cancer treatment.

• Heart disease: Stem cells may be used to repair damaged heart muscle after a heart attack.

• Neurological disorders: Stem cells may be used to replace damaged nerve cells in diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

• Diabetes: Stem cells may be used to produce insulin-producing cells to treat type 1 diabetes.

• 
  

However, there are also ethical concerns surrounding stem cell research, particularly regarding the use of embryonic stem cells. Some people believe that it is unethical to destroy embryos for research purposes.

Overall, stem cells hold great promise for the future of medicine. As research continues, we are likely to see even more advances in stem cell therapy in the years to come.

2. Farmers support by Agricultural ministry recent initiatives: three initiatives launched:

Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): This online platform aims to streamline the process of applying for and managing Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), which provide farmers with easy access to credit for agricultural needs.

KCC Ghar Ghar Abhiyaan: This ambitious campaign aims to reach every farmer across the nation and ensure they benefit from the KCC scheme. This involves raising awareness and facilitating the application process for KCCs.

Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual: This manual provides guidelines for utilizing the WINDS, a network that collects and disseminates weather information crucial for farmers to make informed decisions about their crops.

These initiatives are expected to benefit farmers in several ways:

Increased access to credit: KCCs can help farmers meet their financial needs for various agricultural activities, such as buying seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.

Enhanced crop insurance: Improved access to reliable weather data through WINDS can help farmers make informed decisions about crop insurance options.

Streamlined processes: The Kisan Rin Portal aims to simplify the application and management of KCCs, saving farmers time and effort.

Overall, these initiatives represent a significant effort by the government to support the Indian agricultural sector and improve the lives of farmers.

3.National Commission for Scheduled Castes submits Report to President of India: The reports contain various recommendations on the issues entrusted to the Commission regarding protection of Constitutional Safeguards of the Scheduled Castes as enshrined in Constitution of India.

As per mandate given to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 of the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the Commission to present to the President annually & at other times as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of the Constitutional Safeguards of the Scheduled Castes.

The reports may include recommendation for the measures required to be taken by the Union and the States for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the Scheduled Castes

What is NCSC?

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established in India under Article 338 of the Constitution. Its primary mandate is to safeguard the rights and interests of Scheduled Castes, historically marginalized communities, and ensure their social, economic, and educational development.

The commission plays a crucial role in addressing complaints of discrimination and atrocities against Scheduled Castes. It has the authority to inquire into specific complaints, participate in the planning of socio-economic development programs for SCs, and monitor the implementation of constitutional safeguards and other protective measures.

NCSC also works to promote the welfare of Scheduled Castes by recommending affirmative action policies, advocating for equal opportunities, and advising both the central and state governments on policies and programs related to the upliftment of SCs. The commission's efforts aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society by addressing historical injustices and promoting the well-being of Scheduled Castes in India.

4.Jan Dhan Accounts:

45 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts have accumulated Rs 2.1 lakh crore

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission for financial inclusion launched by the Government of India in August 2014. The scheme aims to provide universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household, financial literacy, and access to credit, insurance and pension facility.

The PMJDY has been a major success, with over 450 crore accounts opened as of February 2023. The scheme has had a significant impact on financial inclusion in India, with the percentage of adults with a bank account increasing from 53% in 2014 to 80% in 2023.

The PMJDY has also helped to increase the flow of credit to the poor and marginalized. As of February 2023, over ₹11 lakh crore has been disbursed in loans under the PMJDY.

The PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One challenge is to ensure that all PMJDY accounts are active and used for financial transactions. Another challenge is to increase the awareness of the scheme among the poor and marginalized.

Overall, the PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion. The scheme has helped to increase the percentage of adults with a bank account, increase the flow of credit to the poor and marginalized, and reduce poverty.

Here are some of the key features of the PMJDY:

• Basic savings bank account: The PMJDY provides a basic savings bank account with zero balance requirement.

• RuPay debit card: All PMJDY account holders are provided with a RuPay debit card, which can be used to withdraw cash, make payments at merchant outlets, and access other banking services.

• Overdraft facility: PMJDY account holders are eligible for an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000.

• Accidental insurance cover: PMJDY account holders are provided with an accidental insurance cover of ₹1 lakh.

• Life insurance cover: PMJDY account holders are also eligible for a life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh.

The PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One challenge is to ensure that all PMJDY accounts are active and used for financial transactions. Another challenge is to increase the awareness of the scheme among the poor and marginalized.

Overall, the PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion. The scheme has helped to increase the percentage of adults with a bank account, increase the flow of credit to the poor and marginalized, and reduce poverty.

5. Law Commission recommends comprehensive law to deal with NRIs, OCIs marrying Indian citizens: Law Commission of India submitted a report on Friday recommending that all marriages between the Non Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India and Indian citizens should be made compulsorily registered in India. The 22nd Law Commission submitted its Report titled “Law on Matrimonial Issues Relating to Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India” to the Government yesterday. It had received a reference on The Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019 from the Ministry of External Affairs for examination. The Commission opined that the proposed central legislation should be comprehensive enough to cater to all facets involving marriages of NRIs as well as foreign citizens of Indian origin with that of Indian citizens. It said such a legislation should be made applicable not only to the NRIs but also to those individuals who come within the definition of ‘Overseas Citizens of India’.

The Commission has recommended that the central legislation should also include provisions on divorce, maintenance of spouse, custody and maintenance of children, serving of summons, warrants, or judicial documents on the NRIs/OCIs. It further recommended that requisite amendments need to be introduced in the Passports Act, 1967 in order to mandate the declaration of marital status, the linking of a spouse's passport with the other and mentioning of the Marriage Registration Number on the passports of both the spouses. It said the government, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women and the State Commissions for Women and the NGOs and Indian associations abroad, should conduct awareness programs for women and their families who are about to enter into marital relationship with NRIs and OCIs.

6.The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission for financial inclusion launched by the Government of India in August 2014. The scheme aims to provide universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic banking account for every household, financial literacy, and access to credit, insurance and pension facility.

The PMJDY has been a major success, with over 450 crore accounts opened as of February 2023. The scheme has had a significant impact on financial inclusion in India, with the percentage of adults with a bank account increasing from 53% in 2014 to 80% in 2023.

The PMJDY has also helped to increase the flow of credit to the poor and marginalized. As of February 2023, over ₹11 lakh crore has been disbursed in loans under the PMJDY.

The PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One challenge is to ensure that all PMJDY accounts are active and used for financial transactions. Another challenge is to increase the awareness of the scheme among the poor and marginalized.

Overall, the PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion. The scheme has helped to increase the percentage of adults with a bank account, increase the flow of credit to the poor and marginalized, and reduce poverty.

Here are some of the key features of the PMJDY:

* Basic savings bank account: The PMJDY provides a basic savings bank account with zero balance requirement.

* RuPay debit card: All PMJDY account holders are provided with a RuPay debit card, which can be used to withdraw cash, make payments at merchant outlets, and access other banking services.

Overdraft facility: PMJDY account holders are eligible for an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000.

* Accidental insurance cover: PMJDY account holders are provided with an accidental insurance cover of ₹1 lakh.

* Life insurance cover: PMJDY account holders are also eligible for a life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh.

The PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One challenge is to ensure that all PMJDY accounts are active and used for financial transactions. Another challenge is to increase the awareness of the scheme among the poor and marginalized.

Overall, the PMJDY has been a major success in terms of financial inclusion. The scheme has helped to increase the percentage of adults with a bank account, increase the flow of credit to the poor and marginalized, and reduce poverty.

Thanks for visiting!!