Kerala Affairs
Govt to raise 1.5k-cr amid financial crisis
The has decided to raise Rs 1,500 crore from the market as Kerala continues to be in a financial crisis.
The government decided to raise the amount and use it for developmental activities in state. However, it is also learnt that the funds are meant for the disbursal of salaries and pensions next month.
The states main committed expenditure include salaries, pensions and interest payments on loans and the revision of salaries and pensions based on the recommendations of the 11thpay commission alone has caused an additional burden of Rs 15,000 crore annually to the exchequer.
Additionally, the state’s share from central taxes was reduced to 1.92% by the 15th Finance Commission, which was earlier 3.875% during the 10th finance commission. Kerala has sustained a loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore through this head, the finance minister had said.
Even when the government blames Centre for reduced Revenue Deficit grant, the state is the recipient of the largest share of revenue deficit grant as recommended by the 15th finance commission from 2020-21 to 2025-26.
National and International Affairs
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme
Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) launched in 2016-17 ensures availability of dialysis Services free of cost to Below <a href="https://exam.pscnotes.com/POVERTY-line”>Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries at the district hospitals in the country. National Health Mission (NHM) supports States/UTs in implementation of Haemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis services under PMNDP based on the gap assessment done by the State/UTs through the annual Programme Implementation Plans (PIP).A total of 17.27 lakh beneficiaries have availed dialysis services till 31stDecember 2022.
The Program has been implemented in all the 36 States/UTs in 641 districts at 1350 dialysis centres by deploying 8871 haemodialysis machines as on 31stDecember 2022.
Indian Semiconductor Mission
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has been setup as an Independent Business Division within Digital India Corporation having administrative and financial autonomy to formulate and drive Indias long-term strategies for developing semiconductors and display manufacturing facilities and semiconductor design ecosystem.
ISM has been working as nodal agency for the Schemes approved under Semicon India Programme. The applications were received by ISM and are being appraised by ISM. ISM has also been engaging with various stakeholders of Semiconductors and Display ecosystem to attract the . So far INR 13 crore has been released to ISM.
Total number of consumer complaints filed online through e-Daakhil portal (as on 24.01.2023) in the country is 35,898
The Consumer protection Act, 2019 provides for e-filing of the complaints. Further theConsumer Protection (Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions) Rules, 2020 provide for the manner offiling of complaints electronically in National Commissions, State Commission and District Commission.e-Daakhil portal was launched for electronically filing of complaints. So far besides theNational Commission, e-filling facility has been operationalised in 34 States/UTs. The features of e-Daakhil inter-alia includefacility for user registration, online fee payment, application status, rejoinders, SMS/mail alert and for uploadingcomplaint documents. It thus provides for speedy, effective and hassle-free resolution of cases.
The total number of consumer complaints filed online through e-Daakhil portal (as on 24.01.2023) in the country is 35,898.
Goal of Suposhit Bharat under the Poshan Abhiyan
The Ministry of Ayush is knowledge partner with the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Poshan Abhiyan to achievethe ultimate goal of SUPOSHIT BHARAT;and actively participated in this program and celebrates Poshan Pakhwada and Poshan Maah every year since year 2018. Ministry of Ayush, in order to provide technical guidance and support based on the Ayush principles of regional and seasonal variations in the body and considering the local preferences, has developed advisory for preferred food and dietary items to address Kuposhan Mukt Bharat, which include general dietary advisory, advisory for pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, specific recommendations for anaemia in pregnancy and malnourished children which have been shared with Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The Government of India has approved Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0- an Integrated Nutrition Support Programme scheme of Ministry of Women and Child Development during the 15th period 2021-22 to 2025-26.
North Korea warns of ‘overwhelming nuclear force’ to counter U.S. expansion
North Korea said that its prepared to counter U.S. military moves with the most overwhelming nuclear force as it warned that the expansion of the United States combined military exercises with rival South Korea is pushing tensions to an extreme red line.
South Koreas security jitters have risen since North Korea test-fired dozens of missiles in 2022, including potentially nuclear-capable ones designed to strike targets in South Korea and the U.S. mainland.