National Mission on Cultural Mapping has been set up by the Ministry of Culture in 2017.
Mission will compile data of artists, art forms & geo location with inputs from Central Ministries, State Governments & art/culture bodies.
The mission will have technical collaboration with National E-Governance Division (NEGD)/Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) for data collection.
Data from art & culture Academies of the Ministry of Culture has been collected and will be entered into database after due correction.
National Unity Award
Government of India has instituted the highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity and integrity of India, in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Award seeks to recognize notable and inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of a strong and united India.
The award will be announced on the occasion of the National Unity Day, i.e. the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31st October.
The Award shall be conferred by the President by a Sanad under his hand and seal and presented by him in a presentation ceremony along with the Padma award presentation ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhawan.
An Award Committee would be constituted by the Prime Minister, which would include the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the President, Home Secretary as Members and three-four eminent persons selected by the Prime Minister.
Salient features of the award are
The Award would consist of a medal and a citation.
No monetary grant or cash award would be attached to this Award.
Not more than three Awards would be given in a year.
It would not be conferred posthumously except in very rare and highly deserving cases.
Any Indian national or institution or organization based in India would be able to nominate an individual for consideration for this Award. Individual may also nominate themselves.
State Governments, UT Administrations and Ministries of Government of India may also send nominations.
Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh (BPKK)
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh (BPKK) in New Delhi.
The BPKK will be a repository of diverse crops across agro-climatic zones in India for better nutritional outcomes.
Under BPKK country has been broadly divided into fifteen agricultural regions based on agro climatic features, particularly soil type, climate including temperature and rainfall and its variation and water resources.
Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) is produced by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
It measures the factors and policies that make a country a viable place to invest within the Travel and Tourism sector.
India has secured 34th place in the Index.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has taken several steps for creation of tourism infrastructure in the country to promote tourism such as
Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits
PRASHAD- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive.
The Adopt a Heritage “Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan” – it is a collaborative effort by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State/UTs Governments, envisages developing heritage sites and making them tourist friendly, to enhance tourism potential and cultural importance in a planned and phased manner.
Adventure Tourism Guidelines
Ministry of Tourism has classified 31 Adventure Tourism Activities which are land-based, water-based and air-based under the revised Guideline ‘Indian Adventure Tourism Guidelines – 2018’ (Version 2.0)
Adventure tourism activities take place in various States/UTs depending on the terrain and availability of infrastructure and are done under the supervision of State Govts./UTs.
Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations under various schemes for development of Infrastructure for Adventure Tourism.
The responsibility of dealing with medical emergencies arising during Adventure Tourism activity is with the concerned State Govts /UTs.
Ex - Roar of the Sea
Exercise Za’ir-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea) being conducted between the Indian Navy and Qatari Emiri Naval Forces.
Za'ir-Al-Bahr 2019 would strengthen cooperation and enhance interoperability between the two navies.
This Bilateral Maritime Exercise between the two navies would strengthen the robust defence co-operation between the two countries.
