Today's Brief 15/02/2025

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/vdyVOuskvD4?si=SjTBa3BZZpNpZBBo

JN Analysis:https://youtu.be/T5c8s86vI2c?si=y6JpS2dYYHIQdlBv

1.PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration : (GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

were instituted to recognize the extraordinary and innovative work done by districts and organizations of the central and state governments for people's welfare. The awards are given on the occasion of Civil Services Day on April 21.

The government celebrates the day as an occasion for civil servants to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in work.

The Government of India observes the 21st of April every year as 'Civil Services Day'. This is an occasion for the civil servants to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in work.

The first such function was held in Vigyan Bhawan on 21 April 2006.

2.India’s Forex Reserves Surge by $7.65 Billion, Cross $638.26 Billion Mark: (General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)India's foreign exchange reserves continued their upward trend, increasing by over 7.65 billion dollars to reach a total of over 638.26 billion dollars in the week ending February 7th, according to the Reserve Bank of India.

This marks the third consecutive week of growth in the reserves.

The primary driver of this increase was a substantial rise in foreign currency assets, which grew by over 6.42 billion dollars to 544.10 billion dollars. Gold reserves also contributed significantly, increasing by over 1.3 billion dollars and reaching a total of more than 72.20 billion dollars.

contrast, Special Drawing Rights saw a slight decrease of 11 million dollars, settling at over 17.87 billion dollars.

This overall growth in foreign exchange reserves is a positive indicator for the Indian economy, suggesting a healthy inflow of foreign currency that can be used to support the rupee, manage external debt, facilitate imports, and boost investor confidence.

3 .Indian Ocean Conference (General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

started by the India Foundation in 2016 in Singapore.The Indian Ocean Conference was started by the India Foundation in 2016 in Singapore.

The Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) is an important annual event that focuses on cooperation and addressing challenges in the Indian Ocean region.

 It brings together government leaders, officials, experts, and representatives from various sectors to discuss issues like maritime security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and geopolitics.

The 8th edition of the IOC will be held in Muscat, Oman, from February 16-17, 2025.

 The theme for this year : "Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.

conference aims to strengthen collaboration among nations and institutions to tackle shared challenges, enhance connectivity, and promote sustainable development in the region.

4.Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana:(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management) A new sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) will be implemented from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 with an outlay of ₹6,000 crore. The government will contribute ₹3,000 crore, with the rest coming from beneficiaries and the private sector.

 The scheme aims to formalize the fisheries sector, improve access to credit, and enhance value chain efficiencies. It targets fishers, fish farmers, workers, vendors, micro and small enterprises, cooperatives, and FPOs. The scheme has four components:

1. Formalization and Access to Credit: Creating a National Fisheries Digital Platform for registration and providing work-based digital identities, plus facilitating access to institutional finance.

2. Aquaculture Insurance: Providing a one-time incentive for purchasing aquaculture insurance, especially for small farms.

3. Value Chain Efficiency: Offering performance-based grants to microenterprises for improving value chain activities and job creation.

4. Safety and Quality: Providing performance-based grants to micro and small enterprises for adopting safety and quality assurance systems.

The scheme aims to create 1.7 lakh new jobs (75,000 for women) and sustain 5.4 lakh existing jobs. It will support 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives with access to credit.

 Performance grants will be up to 25% of total investment (35% for SC/ST/Women) for micro-enterprises, and up to 35% for village-level organizations and cooperatives, with maximum limits defined for each category.

the "one-time incentive" for aquaculture insurance will be 40% of the premium (plus 10% for SC/ST/Women beneficiaries), with a maximum of ₹1 lakh. The scheme also aims to improve fish quality, domestic markets, and export competitiveness.

 National Fisheries Digital Platform will be created for registration and incentive disbursement. The scheme acknowledges past improvements in fish production and exports but aims to address remaining challenges like informality and lack of crop risk mitigation.

5 . The Fishery Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, is the principal organization responsible for surveying and assessing India's fishery resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone and adjacent waters.

FSI conducts resource assessments to estimate fish stock quantities and types, charts productive fishing grounds, and provides scientific advice for fisheries management and conservation.

 They collect and research biological, oceanographic, and fisheries data, disseminating their findings through various channels to benefit the fishing industry, researchers, and policymakers.

Tracing its roots back to 1946 as the Deep Sea Fishing Station, FSI evolved into its current form in 1983.  The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable use of India's marine resources, supporting livelihoods within the fishing industry, and contributing to marine biodiversity conservation.

6 .Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)  is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This sudden and unexpected condition can cause varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations, often starting in the legs and spreading upwards. While the exact cause remains unknown, it's believed to be triggered by an infection.

Treatment typically involves plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin to suppress the immune system, along with physical therapy to aid recovery. Most individuals with GBS recover fully, though it may take months or years.   

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