1.NCSK (GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the tenure of the c for three years beyond March 31, 2025.
Key Points:
Extension Period: The tenure of the NCSK has been extended until March 31, 2028.
Financial Implications: The total financial implication for the three-year extension is estimated to be approximately Rs. 50.91 crore.
Objectives: The extension aims to facilitate the socio-economic upliftment of sanitation workers, improve working conditions in the sanitation sector, and work7 towards achieving zero fatalities during hazardous cleaning.
Mandate of NCSK: The NCSK is responsible for recommending programs to the central government to eliminate inequalities faced by Safai Karamcharis, evaluating the implementation of rehabilitation programs, investigating grievances, and monitoring the working conditions of sanitation workers.
Legal Framework: The NCSK operates under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and is responsible for monitoring its implementation and addressing violations.
What is it?
The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) is an Indian government organization dedicated to the welfare and upliftment of sanitation workers, also known as Safai Karamcharis. Initially established as a statutory body in 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, the Act later lapsed in 2004, leaving the NCSK to continue its vital work as a non-statutory body.
The NCSK plays a multifaceted role, recommending programs to the government to address inequalities faced by Safai Karamcharis, evaluating rehabilitation program implementation, investigating grievances, and monitoring the working conditions of sanitation workers.
A key focus of the NCSK is the eradication of manual scavenging, along with advocating for safer working conditions, the dignity of Safai Karamcharis, and their social and economic empowerment.
The commission also plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. Essentially, the NCSK acts as a vital link between the government and Safai Karamcharis, striving to improve their lives and ensure their well-being.
2 .Cabinet approves continuation and restructuring of Skill India Programme:
(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
The Skill India Programme, officially the Skill India Mission, is a large-scale initiative launched by the Indian government in 2015 to empower its citizens, particularly youth, with marketable skills.
Recognizing the significant skills gap in India's large population, Skill India takes a comprehensive approach, encompassing various programs and initiatives to provide diverse skill development opportunities.
Its primary focus is on enhancing employability by imparting skills relevant to current industry demands, thereby increasing the likelihood of individuals securing suitable employment.
With ambitious targets, the mission aims to train hundreds of millions of people through key components like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) for short-term training and certification, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for certifying existing informal skills, Kaushal and Rozgar Melas to connect skilled individuals with employers, and a focus on training qualified trainers.
Beyond traditional trades, Skill India also addresses emerging sectors and future skills, ensuring preparedness for the evolving job market.
, Skill India is a vital national project dedicated to creating a skilled and productive workforce, essential for India's economic growth and global competitiveness.
3 .9th Asian Winter Games, Harbin;
(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) The 9th Asian Winter Games are currently taking place in Harbin, China, from February 7th to 14th, 2025. This is a major international winter sports event, and it's the third time China has hosted the Asian Winter Games.
The Games were officially opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping in a spectacular ceremony that showcased Harbin's unique ice and snow culture.
participants with athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia competing.
Athletes are competing in a variety of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, and more.
Venues: The events are being held at various venues in Harbin, including the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Centre and the Harbin Ice and Snow World.
"Dream of Winter, Love among Asia": This is the official slogan of the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games, reflecting the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.
4.Govt to Provide ₹50 Lakh Aid for Rare Disease Treatment
(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
Under National Policy The Indian government has taken a significant step towards supporting those suffering from rare diseases. Under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) 2021, the government will provide financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh for the treatment of rare diseases.
This support will be available to patients suffering from any of the rare diseases listed in the policy and who are undergoing treatment at any of the notified Centers of Excellence (CoEs).
This is a crucial development because rare diseases often require highly specialized and expensive treatments, which can be financially crippling for families.
By providing this financial aid, the government aims to make these treatments more accessible and affordable, improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases.
Here are some key points about this initiative:
Increased Financial Assistance: The NPRD 2021 significantly increased the financial assistance for rare disease treatment from the previous limit of ₹20 lakh.
Comprehensive Coverage: The ₹50 lakh aid covers all rare diseases listed under the policy, ensuring a wider range of patients can benefit.
Centers of Excellence: The treatment must be taken at one of the government-designated Centers of Excellence, which are equipped to handle rare disease cases.
This move by the government reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases and a commitment to providing them with the necessary support. It is a welcome step that will bring hope and relief to many families in India.
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