Pib

Pib

1. Milestone achieved by Space Technology

• In April 2016, seven satellite constellation for Navigation system NavIC was established.

• In August 2016, first experimental mission of Scramjet engine towards realisation of Air Breathing system was successfully tested.

• In February 2017, 104 satellites were placed in a single launch.

• In May 2017, South Asia satellite was launched, which was a gift to neighbouring countries.

• In June 2017, GSLV Mk-III was launched successfully carrying GSAT 19 communication satellite.

• In June 2017, Cartosat satellite was launched successfully by PSLV C-38

Indian Space Programme has placed Astrosat, a multi-wavelength observatory in August 2015. It observes universe in optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereas most other scientific satellites are capable of observing a narrow range of wavelength band.

2. Disabled Friendly Infrastructure in Schools and Colleges

University Grants Commission (UGC) has also issued various instructions from time to time to the Universities regarding Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), as a nationwide flagship campaign for achieving universal accessibility for PwDs. It is also mandatory for All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved institutions to have barrier free structure to encourage persons with disabilities for technical education.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 provides that every school should have barrier-free access. The Ministry of Human Resource Development on 22nd March, 2017 has advised all States and UTs to achieve 100% barrier free infrastructure/access for the benefit of children including CWSN by March, 2020.

The Centrally sponsored Scheme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) provides for barrier free access in the elementary schools for the benefit of children with special needs (CWSN). As per Unified District Information System for Education, 2015-16, 61.83% of elementary schools are having ramps and 23.08% schools have been provided CWSN friendly toilets where CWSN enrolment >0.

3. Introduction of Indian Medical Civil Service

There are three existing All India Civil Services, - Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service & Indian Forest Service.

Based on the recommendations of the Cadre Review Committee, the Central Government has sought views of all States / UT Governments on the proposal for creation of All India Medical Services.

4. Plan for Eradication of Begging on Streets

Ministry of Women and Child Development has informed that the Ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) (now “Child Protection Services”) for children in need of care and protection (CNCP). CNCP are defined under section 2(14) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) respectively. As per Section 2(14)(ii) of JJ Act, a child who is found working in contravention of labour laws for the time being in force or is found begging, or living on the street is included as a “child in need of care and protection”.

The primary responsibility in execution of the JJ Act lies with the State Governments/UTs. Under ICPS, financial assistance is provided to the State Governments/UT Administrations for, inter-alia, undertaking a situational analysis of children in difficult circumstances, for setting up and maintenance of various types of Chid Care Institutions (CCIs). The scheme, provides institutional care through CCIs. As a rehabilitative measures in these CCIs, children are provided age appropriate education either within the institution or outside in a formal education system through convergence with other schemes and programs of the Government or Civil Society. The Scheme also provides for family based non-institutional care through adoption, sponsorship and foster-care.

5. No Development Zone along Ganga River

A Model Draft Bill for Flood Plain Zoning Legislation was circulated by the Union Government in 1975 to all States to help States enact legislation. The model bill provided for prohibition and restriction of the activities in the notified area of the flood plain.

The River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016 provides that the bank of River Ganga and its flood plain shall be construction free zone. It also prohibits construction of any structure for residential or commercial or industrial or any other purposes in the River Ganga, Bank of River Ganga or its tributaries or active flood area of River Ganga or its tributatires.

The National Green Tribunal vide its judgment dated 13.07.2017 in O.A. 200/2014 has directed to identity and demarcate the flood plains of river Ganga from Haridwar to Unnao and has ordered that till the said identification and demarcation of flood plain is completed, 100 metres from the edge of the river would be designated as no development/construction zone.