National
Innovative Mobile Application and Web Portal for General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES) to Revolutionize Farming Practices
⇒ In-line with the Prime Minister’s vision towards maximizing digital technology for social benefit, Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) launched the mobile application and the web portal for GCES (General Crop Estimation Survey) on 21 September 2023.
- This revolutionary portal and mobile application have been designed to transform agricultural practices across the nation.
» Ms. Ruchika Gupta, Adviser DA&FW shared the salient features of the portal and the mobile application of GCES.
- It has been developed by Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare for leveraging technology to enhance the reach, scope, and outcome of government actions in the course of development.
Key Challenges Addressed by GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
- Delay in Reporting– Till date data collection, compilation and yield estimation is completely manual process which cause delay in reporting by states. In the new process, the field data will be collected using GPS enabled mobile application and will be stored in the server which ensures on time reporting of crop statistics.
- Transparency– GPS enabled devices provide precise latitude and longitude coordinates for data collection points. This information ensures that data is linked to specific geographic locations, leaving no room for ambiguity or manipulation of data regarding where it was collected.
Key Features of the GCES Web Portal and Mobile Application:
- Comprehensive Information– The portal and the app provide a comprehensive repository of yield estimation including village wise GCES plan and plot details where the crop cutting experiments are conducted, post harvesting crop weight and driage weight of the crop.
- Geo-referencing– Geo-referencing is one of the key features of the mobile application, which enables the primary worker to draw the boundary of the experimental plot and upload photos of the plot as well as of the crops through it. This feature will ensure transparency and accuracy of the data as well.
AI Chatbot launched for PM-KISAN Scheme
⇒ Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India launched AI Chatbot for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme at New Delhi on 21 September 2023.
- The AI Chatbot launches marks a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and reach of the PM-KISAN scheme, and also providing farmers prompt, clear, and accurate responses to their queries.
About AI Chatbot:
- The AI Chatbot acts as a comprehensive guide for the beneficiaries, providing them with timely and accurate responses to their queries related to the scheme.
- This is the first AI Chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government.
- It has been developed and improved with the support of EKstep foundation and Bhashini.
- The introduction of the AI chatbot in the PM-KISAN grievance management system is aimed at empowering farmers with a user-friendly and accessible platform.
- In its first phase of development, the AI chatbot will assist farmers in seeking information related to their application status, payment details, ineligibility status, and other scheme-related updates.
- The AI Chatbot, accessible through the PM KISAN mobile app, is integrated with Bhashini, which offers multilingual support, catering to the linguistic and regional diversity of the PM KISAN beneficiaries.
- This integration of advanced technology will not only enhance transparency but will also empower farmers to make informed decisions.
- Currently, the Chatbot is available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, and Tamil. In a short period, it will be available in all 22 languages of the country.
About PM-KISAN:
- The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a central sector scheme launched in February 2019 to support the financial needs of land-holding farmers in India.
- The scheme offers an annual financial benefit of Rs 6,000/- in three equal instalments to eligible farmers’ families through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
- Since its inception, over Rs. 2.61 Lakhs Crores disbursed to more than 11 Crore farmers so far, it stands as one of the largest DBT schemes globally.
- The PM-KISAN scheme has played a vital role in providing income support to landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land.
- Government of India has also developed a mobile app with the feature of face authentication-based e-KYC. This app is first mobile app that use face authentication-based e-KYC feature in any benefit scheme of the Government.
1st Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2023) at Greater Noida
⇒ President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh on September 21, 2023.
President Murmu said that Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show will become a powerful medium for the manufacturers and entrepreneurs of the state to establish their reach in national and international markets.
About Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2023:
» The first Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show was held from September 21-25, 2023 at India Expo Centre and Mart, Greater Noida.
Organized by:
The first edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2023) was organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh together with the India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida.
Key Points:
- More than 2000 manufacturers displayed their products and more than 400 buyers from 66 countries are participated in this trade show.
- It was a golden platform and opportunity for all level enterprises of micro, small, medium and large in Uttar Pradesh to showcase, sell and expand their reach to wide customers in India and abroad.
- Apart from businesses and enterprises, the trade show had a fair share of promotional and development schemes (both government and non-government).
Background of UP International Trade Show:
- Uttar Pradesh, New India’s growth engine, is not only a dream investment destination for outside enterprises and businesses, but it also has a fantastic business ecosystem of its own.
- Several Uttar Pradesh products, classified as MSME, GI Tag Products, or ODOP, are well-known and highly sought-after worldwide. Yet, certain products or businesses, still require recognition and a larger market. This is how and why the UP International Trade Show came to be.
- It is a solo UP’s business show focusing on traditional and unconventional Uttar Pradesh products.
- It enables local entrepreneurs to sell and market Brand UP to domestic and international buyers, investors, and exporters.
UPITS-2024:
The 2nd edition of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2024) will be jointly organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML) from 25-29 September 2024 at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.
International
India to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement
⇒ India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) at New Delhi in 2027.
- India’s leading research and academic institutes, National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) along with IIT Delhi successfully presented the India’s bid before the Steering Committee members of the Conference during the 16th ICCC at Bangkok, Thailand.
- Besides India, other bidders were from Switzerland and UAE.
- The decision was announced on 20th September 2023 at Bangkok, Thailand during the 16th ICCC.
- The 16th ICCC was held at Bangkok, Thailand from 18-22 September 2023.
Other Points:
- Hosting this esteemed event in India provides us with a unique opportunity to bring together the leading leaders, experts, and innovators in cement sector from around the world.
- This event is not only a testament to our research and academic organization’s capabilities but also a chance to showcase our vibrant city New Delhi to the global cement and concrete industry.
- New Delhi, as a host city, will be poised to offer an unforgettable experience to all attendees of 17th ICCC in 2027 with its world-class conference facilities like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional hospitality.
- National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) is an apex Research and Development organization under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. NCCBM is dedicated to research, technology development & transfer, education & industrial services for cement, allied building materials & construction industries.
International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement:
- The International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete.
- The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918, providing a strong and fruitful link between the academic world and the cement industry.
- The 9th Congress was organized at New Delhi in 1992 by NCCBM.