UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 25-07-2024

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), 2024

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has recently launched the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 to boost green mobility and EV manufacturing in the country.

• Aim - It aims to boost the adoption of two-wheeler and three-wheeler electric vehicles for commercial purposes and provide the necessary support for developing and manufacturing EVs in India.
• Launched in - March 2024.
• Launched by - Minister of Heavy Industries.
• Implementation Period - 1 April 2024 - 31 July 2024.
• Objective - To improve sales of two and three-wheeler electric vehicles.
• Eligibility - Two-wheeler and three-wheeler EVs must be registered under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
• Beneficiaries - Two-wheeler EVs, three-wheeler EVs, e-rickshaws, e-carts.
• Subsidies - Up to Rs. 10,000 will be provided for each two-wheeler EV, up to Rs. 25,000 for each small three-wheeler EV, and up to Rs. 50,000 for each large three-wheeler EV.
• The ministry has adopted the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) under this scheme to encourage domestic manufacturing and strengthen the EV supply chain.

EMPS 2024 vs FAME II

References

1. PIB | Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), 2024
2. Ministry of Heavy Industries | EMPS 2024

Skill Loan Scheme

The Union government has announced a new centrally-sponsored scheme for skilling the youth in the Union Budget 2024-25.

• It is an institutional credit scheme for students who want to take courses in skill development aligned with National Occupations Standards and Qualification Packs.
• Launched in- 2024.
• Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Finance.
• Duration of Course - No minimum duration
• Quantum of Finance
  • Minimum loan amount - Rs.5000
  • Maximum loan amount - Rs.1.5 lakh
• Eligibility Criteria - Individuals who are eligible for the Skill Loan Scheme should have secured admission to a course that is conducted by any one of the following institutions:
  • Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
  • Polytechnics
  • Schools recognized by the State or Central Board of Education
  • Colleges affiliated to a recognized university
  • Training partners affiliated to the Sector Skill Councils, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), State Skill Mission, or State Skill Corporation
• Repayment Period
  • Loans up to Rs. 50,000 - Up to 3 years.
  • Loans between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh - Up to 5 years.
  • Loans above Rs. 1 lakh - Up to 7 years.
• Collateral – None.
• Recent Notification - The Model Skill Loan Scheme will be revised to facilitate loans up to Rs.7.5 lakh with a guarantee from a government promoted Fund.
• This is expected to help 25,000 students every year.
• To assist youth ineligible for government schemes, the government has announced financial support for loans up to RS.10 lakh for domestic higher education.
• Each year, 1 lakh students will receive e-vouchers providing a 3% annual interest subsidy on these loans.

Reference

1. PIB | Skill Loan Scheme
2. Deccanchronicle | Skill Loan Scheme

Kalarippayattu

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has officially recognized the Indian Kalarippayattu Federation as the Regional Sports Federation to promote Kalarippayattu across the country.

• Kalaripayattu is considered one of the most ancient martial arts in the world and is popularly known as the mother of martial arts.
• Origin- The practice of Kalaripayattu is believed to be originated in the 3rd century BC in Kerala.
• The term Kalaripayattu is derived from two words, “Kalari” meaning place of exercise or gymnasium and “payattu” meaning to fight or exercise
• Founder- The Saint Parshurama, the 6^th incarnation of Vishnu is said to be the founder of Kalaripayattu.
• He established 42 Kalaris and taught 21 masters of these Kalaris to protect the land of Kerala.
• Kalaripayattu, a personal combat system, includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and skillful use of weapons.
• It is known for its high-flying acrobatics and graceful movements, Kalaripayattu incorporates deadly weapons with ease.
• The movements in Kalaripayattu are inspired by the mannerisms and fighting techniques of animals.
• Styles of Kalaripayattu
  • Vadakkan or Nothern style– The Vadakkan Kalarippayattu is predominantly practiced in the Malabar region of Kerala.
  • The Vadakkan style emphasizes more on graceful body movement and the weaponry.
  • Thekken or Southern Style- The Thekken Kalarippayattu or Adi Murai is practiced mainly in the Travancore region, involves more free armed techniques & powerful movements.
• Stages of learning in Kalaripayattu
  • The combat training is given at Kalari.
  • The basic principle of Kalari training is that it starts with an oil massage which goes on till the body is agile and supple.
  • The practice of Kalaripayattu is divided mainly into 4 stages:
    • Maithari – Body Control Exercises
    • Kolthari – Practise of wooden weapons
    • Ankathari- Practice of metal weapons
    • Verumkai – Bare hand fighting techniques

References

1. PIB | Promotion of Kalarippayattu
2. Kalaripayattu class | About Kalaripayattu

Asteroid 2011 MW1

Recently, NASA predicted that a large asteroid, 2011 MW1, made a close approach to Earth.

NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is responsible for characterizing the orbits of all Near Earth Objects.

• It is as an Apollo-class asteroid due to its orbit intersecting Earth’s path.

Apollo asteroids are a category of near-Earth asteroids named after 1862 Apollo, the first discovered by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth.

• It is classified as a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA), a term for celestial bodies that pass relatively close to our planet.Measurement- 380 feet in diameter.
• Speed- 28,946 kilometres per hour.
• Passage- The asteroid will pass within 2.4 million miles of Earth, a distance considered safe. 
• Non-Hazardous- It does not meet the criteria for being labeled a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid.

Asteroids larger than 140 metres and within 4.6 million miles of Earth’s orbit are considered potentially hazardous.

• Significance- These celestial bodies provide valuable insights into the conditions and processes that shaped our solar system billions of years ago.

References

1. The Indian Express | Asteroid 2011 MW1
2. NASA | Facts

JIYO PARSI SCHEME

Union Minister for Ministry of Minority Affairs presented the information related to Jiyo Parsi Scheme recently.

• Jiyo Parsi is a central sector scheme introduced to protect the Parsi (Zoroastrians) community who are residing in India.

Parsi (Zoroastrians) are the group of followers in India who follows the Iranian prophet Zoroaster. They are Persian descendants.

• Aim - To reverse the declining trend of Parsi Population by adopting scientific protocol and structured interventions to stabilize their population in India.
• Ministry – Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Launched in – 2013.
• Components
  • Medical Assistance – To provide financial assistance for medical treatment under standard medical protocol.
  • Advocacy – To provide for counselling of couples with fertility issues, marriage, family, drug awareness, parenting and publicity including workshops.
  • Health of Community – To provide financial assistance to Parsi couples towards childcare and assistance to dependent elderly.
• Benefits - The beneficiaries benefited through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode after biometric authentication and other verifications by the State Governments.
• The Ministry has been providing financial assistance to numerous Parsi couples under the Medical and Health of Community (HOC).
• The scheme also offers cash assistance to encourage Parsi couples to have children.
• It applies to all couples, irrespective of their financial status.

Reference

1. PIB | Jiyo Parsi scheme