Government Schemes
Government has approved setting up of 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks

Relevance IN - Prelims ( about PM MITRA Scheme) + Mains ( GS II government policies and interventions+ GS III Infrastructure development)
What's the NEWS

• The Government has approved the setting up of 7 PM MITRA parks as announced in Union Budget for 2021-22.
• PM MITRA is inspired by the 5F vision of Prime Minister.
• The '5F' Formula encompasses - Farm to fibre; fibre to factory; factory to fashion; fashion to foreign.
• This integrated vision will help furthering the growth of textile sector in the economy.
• The 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks (PM MITRA) will be setup at Greenfield / Brownfield sites located in different willing States.

PM MITRA parks - provisions for the establishment of parks

• Maximum Development Capital Support (DCS) of Rs. 500 crore to all Greenfield PM MITRA and a maximum of Rs. 200 Crore to Brownfield PM MITRA will be provided for development of Common Infrastructure (@30% of the Project Cost) and Rs. 300 Crore of Competitiveness Incentive Support (CIS) will also be provided to each PM MITRA park for early establishment of textiles manufacturing units in PM MITRA.
• State Government supports will include provision of 1,000 Acre land for development of a world class industrial estate.
• For a Greenfield PM MITRA park, the GOI Development Capital Support will be 30% of the Project Cost, with a cap of Rs. 500 Cr.
• For Brownfield sites, after assessment, Development Capital Support @30% of project cost of balance infrastructure and other support facilities to be developed and restricted to a limit of Rs. 200 Crore.

The PM MITRA parks will have following:

1. Core Infrastructure: Incubation Centre & Plug & Play facility, Developed Factory Sites, Roads, Power, Water and Waste Water system, Common Processing House & CETP and other related facilities e.g. Design Centre, Testing Centres etc.
2. Support Infrastructure: Workers' hostels & housing, logistics park, warehousing, medical, training & skill development facilities

• PM MITRA will develop 50% Area for pure Manufacturing Activity, 20% area for utilities, and 10% of area for commercial development.

A schematic representation of the PM MITRA is illustrated below:

• PM MITRA park will be developed by a Special Purpose Vehicle which will be owned by State Government and Government of India in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode.
• The Master Developer will not only develop the Industrial Park but also maintain it during the concession period.
• Selection of this Master Developer will happen based on objective criteria developed jointly by State and Central Governments.
• Government of India will also provide a fund of Rs. 300 Crore for each PM MITRA Park to incentivize manufacturing units to get established.
• This will be known as Competitiveness Incentive Support (CIS) and will be paid upto 3% of turnover of a newly established unit in PM MITRA Park.

Social Issues
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Relevance IN - Prelims ( about PMBJP) + Mains (GS II Health + schemes fo the vulnerable section of population)
What's the NEWS

• Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has completed the target of opening of 8,300 Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) for the FY 2021-22 before end of September, 2021.
• All the districts of the country have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
• Effective IT-enabled logistics and supply-chain systems for ensuring real-time distribution of medicines at all outlets have also been introduced.
• Product basket of PMBJP presently comprises 1,451 drugs and 240 surgical instruments.
• Further, new medicines and nutraceutical products like glucometer, protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, etc. have been launched.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs)

• These kendras will ensure easy access of affordable medicine to the people in every nook and corner of the country.
• "Janaushadhi Sugam" a mobile application for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) facilitates the public by providing a digital platform at the tip of their fingers.
• Under the Scheme, medicines are procured from World Health Organization - Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified suppliers for ensuring the quality of the products.
• Apart from this, each batch of drug is tested at laboratories accredited by ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories' (NABL).
• Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than that of branded prices.

International Organisations
Two day meeting of 30 range countries of Central Asian Flyway begins

Relevance IN - Prelims ( about CAF + CMS ) + Mains ( GS III Environment conservation + GS II international organisations)
What's the NEWS

• The two day Online Meeting of Range countries began to strengthen the conservation actions for migratory birds and their habitats in the Central Asian Flyway.
• India is organizing two day online meeting on 6^th -7^th October 2021 with CAF Range Countries, anchored in Wildlife Institute of India, wherein, India would be sharing its best practices on conservation of migratory birds and the National Action Plan, with the CAF range countries.
• The meeting would be attended by representatives from the CAF range countries, representatives from CMS, its sister organization and experts in field from across the globe

Know! about CAF

• Central Asian Flyway (CAF) covers a large area of Eurasia between the Arctic and Indian Oceans.
• This flyway comprises several important migration routes of birds. Including India, there are 30 countries under the Central Asian Flyway.
• Approximately one in five of the world's 11,000 bird species11,000 bird species migrate, some covering enormous distances.
• Conserving migratory birds requires cooperation and coordination along the entire flyway between countries and across national boundaries.
• The Flyway comprises several important migration routes of waterbirds, most of which extend from the northernmost breeding grounds in the Russian Federation (Siberia) to the southernmost non-breeding (wintering) grounds in West and South Asia, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
• The birds on their annual migration cross the borders of several countries.
• Geographically the flyway region covers 30 countries of North, Central and South Asia and Trans-Caucasus.
• There is an overlap between the CAF and the area of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), which was concluded in 1995, at The Hague, the Netherlands.
• Sixteen out of the thirty countries encompassed by the CAF are located in the AEWA Agreement Area.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

• As an environmental treaty of the United Nations, CMS provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
• CMS brings together the States through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a migratory range.
• It is the only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes
• CMS complements and co-operates with a number of other international organizations, NGOs and partners in the media as well as in the corporate sector.
• Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.
• Besides establishing obligations for each State joining the Convention, CMS promotes concerted action among the Range States of many of these species.
• Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed in Appendix II of the Convention. For this reason, the Convention encourages the Range States to conclude global or regional agreements.
• CMS acts as a framework Convention. The agreements may range from legally binding treaties (called Agreements) to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding, and can be adapted to the requirements of particular regions.

Science and Technology
Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs will be set up in the country, exclusively for SCs and STs

Relevance IN - Prelims ( about Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs) + Mains ( GS II government policies and interventions - for vulnerable section of population + GS III awareness in the field of S&T)
What's the NEWS

• The Government will be setting up 75 Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs in different parts of the country, exclusively for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), which will not only promote scientific talent but also contribute to socio-economic development of these communities.
• In the last two years, 20 STI Hubs (13 for SCs and 7 for STs) have already been established by DST which will directly benefit 20,000 SC and ST population through various interventions spreading across farm, non-farm, other allied livelihood sectors and various livelihoods assets like energy, water, health, education, etc.

Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs

• It being established by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will develop, nurture and ensure the delivery of appropriate and relevant technologies for inclusive socio-economic development through creation of sustainable livelihoods for the SC and ST population in tune to their growing aspirations.
• The training and skill development programmes under the STI Hubs will build the Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Capacities and Capabilities among SC/ST population.
• The STI Hubs also improve the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) through inputs of S&T and converting them to appropriate technologies for creating better livelihood options, he added.

STI hubs will have mainly three-fold objectives:

• To address the weakest linkages in the predominant livelihood systems through Science & Technology (S&T) interventions
• Creation of social enterprises based on the strengths in livelihood systems
• To improve the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) through inputs of S&T for strengthening the livelihoods.

International Organisations
Conference on Disarmament and Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Relevance IN - Prelims ( about Conference on Disarmament (CD) + OPCW)
What's the NEWS

• The Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament (CD) has expressed deep concern over the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems that could endanger peace and security
• India has been drawing the attention of the world towards these threats and the need to strengthen international cooperation to address them through its annual consensus UNGA resolution titled ‘Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction'.

Know! about the Conference on Disarmament

• Recently 'Conference on Disarmament' is being organized in Geneva, Switzerland.
• It is a multilateral disarmament dialogue forum of 65 countries
• It is recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and is formally an independent body from the United Nations.
• By the United Nations General Assembly, resolutions recommending specific subjects for the 'Convention of Disarmament' can be passed.
• Three different sessions of this conference are held annually in Geneva.
• For the first time in the year 1979, this conference was established as the 'Committee for Disarmament' as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community.
• In the year 1984, it was named 'Conference on Disarmament'.
• The conference's set of themes, called the "Decalogue", covers the following topics: Nuclear weapons in all forms/ Other weapons of mass destruction/ Conventional weapons/ Military budget cuts/ Armed forces cuts/ Disarmament and development / Disarmament and International Security

Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

• It is an international organization established by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), 1997 to enforce and implement the terms of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• The organization was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

The following acts are prohibited by the 'Chemical Weapons Convention':

• Develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, or retain chemical weapons.
• Direct or indirect transfer of chemical weapons.
• Use of chemical weapons or preparation for military use.
• To assist, encourage or induce other States to engage in activities declared prohibited by the CWC.
• Use of riot control agents 'as a method of warfare'.
• The 'External Auditor' for the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

Other highlights

• India supported the full and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and emphasized on empowering the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to fulfill its important mandate.
• In April 2021, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has been elected as the external auditor of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for a term of 3 years.
• During the OPCW conference, India has also been elected as a member of the Executive Council of the OPCW for another two-year term as the representative of the Asia Group.

Prelims Factoids
World Cotton Day (WCD)
Relevance IN - Prelims ( facts about cotton)
What's the NEWS

• The World Cotton Day was launched by World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2019 at the initiative of four sub-Saharan African cotton-producing states

Know! about cotton

• The day was announced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva on October 7, 2019.
• The aim of observing UN World Cotton Day (WCD) annually on October 7 is to raise awareness about the cotton sector and the critical role it plays in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation.
• Cotton is a drought-resistant crop and is the only agricultural crop to provide both food and fiber. The annual celebrations for WCD provide a unique opportunity to recognize the historic importance of cotton as a global commodity.
• Cotton crop being resistant to climatic changes, it can be planted in dry and arid zones.
• Cotton crop being resistant to climatic changes, it can be planted in dry and arid zones.
• This year's theme is "Cotton for Good" to celebrate the fiber's enduring positive impact including providing employment, protecting the environment and giving us natural fibres.
• According to experts, cotton has a negative carbon footprint as it degrades 95 per cent faster than the polyester in wastewater helping to keep the environment clean.
• The day is celebrated by the United Nations, the World Food Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade, Development, International Trade Center and the International Cotton Advisory Committee.
• Cotton crop area accounts for only 2.1 percent of the world's arable land, but still it meets 27 percent of the world's textile requirement.
• About one ton of cotton provides employment to 5 or 6 people throughout the year, so World Cotton Day is very important.
• The WCD was started by a group of 4 cotton countries namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali to recognize the importance of cotton as a global commodity.

Cotton Corporation of India Limited or CCI

• It is a Government of India agency, engaged in diverse activities related to trade, procurement, and export of cotton.
• CCI is a public sector agency responsible for equitable distribution of cotton among the different constituents of the industry and aid imports of cotton
• It was incorporated on 31 July 1970 under the Companies Act 1956.
• CCI is governed by Textile Policy 1985 issued by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The Indian perspective of cotton

• Cotton is also one of India's most important commercial crops, providing a living for around 6.00 million cotton farmers.
• Being the world's second-largest cotton producer and largest consumer, India introduced its very first label and logo, "Kasturi Cotton." on the occasion of the second World Cotton Day in 2020.
• India had also built the "Cott-Ally" smartphone application.
• Cotton Corporation of India developed the app to offer the most recent information on weather conditions, agricultural methods, and crop situations.
• In the period between 2011 and 2018, India also ran a Cotton Technical Assistance Project (Cotton TAP-I) for 7 African nations, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Chad, as well as Uganda, Malawi, and Nigeria.
• The technical support aimed to improve the competitiveness of these nations' cotton, cotton-based textiles and apparel industries through a series of interventions that yielded substantial results, prompting a request for a follow-up project.

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