National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)
Union Cabinet has recently approved the merging of two skill institutes to form National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).
The merged two institutes are National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA).
NCVET is envisaged as an institution which will perform the regulatory functions so far vested in NCVT and NSDA.
It will regulate the functioning of entities engaged in short-term and long-term vocational education and training.
It will establish minimum standards for the functioning of such entities.
It will operationalize the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to ensure that quality and standards meet sector specific requirements.
Regulatory functions currently being carried out by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) through the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) will also be housed in the NCVET.
Alphonso Mango
The government has recently granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the Alphonso Mango from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and other adjoining areas in Maharashtra.
Alphonso, the king of Mangoes, better known as ‘Hapus’ in Maharashtra, is in demand in domestic and international markets for its taste, pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour.
A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
It is given to both man-made and natural products. However it is a community right rather than individual or company.
It is protected under Geographical indications of goods (registration and protection) act, 1999.
It is managed by Cell for IPR promotion and Management (CIPAM) under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Department of Defence production under Ministry of Defence has recently cleared 31 projects and has given them in-principle approval under the Make-II scheme.
Make II Scheme corresponds to Make in India initiative in Defence production.
The provision of 'Make' category in Defence procurement Procedure is a pillar for realising the vision behind Make in India.
Make Scheme fosters indigenous capabilities through design & development of required defence equipment/product/upgrades by both public and private sector industry in a faster time frame.
Make I scheme is Government-funded and the projects under ‘Make-I’ sub-category will involve Government funding of 90%.
Make II scheme is Industry-funded and the projects involve development of products/equipment for which no government funding will be provided for development purposes.
Horizon 2020
It is a joint project by Indian government and European Union to develop a next generation influenza vaccine to protect citizens worldwide.
It aims to develop cost-effective and affordable influenza vaccine rapidly without compromising quality.
It is expected to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure health and well-being for all and boost the Indian National Health Mission
The project require minimum 3 applicants from European countries associated to Horizon 2020 and minimum 3 applicants from India.
It is also open to applicants from other countries.
Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary
Singphan wildlife sanctuary has been declared as a Elephant reserve by the Government of Nagaland.
With the approval of Government of India, it becomes the 30th Elephant reserve in the country.
The reserve lies in the North-western part of the State of Nagaland.
The declaration will boost the elephant conservation in the country especially north eastern region.
