Prelims Focus – 3rd February 2024

1.LABHA

Recent news: The government of Odisha has introduced the LABHA Yojana, a scheme that provides a minimum support price for minor forest produce, using funds solely from the state.

Details:

• This initiative aims to help the large tribal population in Odisha, who make up 23% of the total population.
• The scheme will set an annual minimum support price for Minor Forest Produce (MFP), ensuring that tribal individuals can sell it at a fair price.
• The procurement centres, run by Women SHGs and other agencies assisted by TDCCOL, will bring transparency and efficiency to the process.
• The LABHA Yojana is expected to stop unfair sales to middlemen and encourage sustainable economic activities in tribal areas.

2.Mentoring

Recent news: The NCTE recently coordinated a Seminar with the aim of exchanging and disseminating successful methodologies while also undertaking a regular evaluation of the National Mission for Mentoring, known as NMM.

Mentoring: Mentoring involves a mentor, who is an experienced person, providing guidance and support to a mentee, helping them in their personal and professional growth.

Advantages of Mentoring:

• Mentoring helps individuals develop specific skills and knowledge relevant to their professional growth.
• Mentors provide career guidance, helping mentees make informed decisions and set achievable career goals.
• Mentoring also provides networking opportunities, giving mentees access to the mentor’s professional network and potential career advancements.
• Mentoring increases confidence, allowing mentees to overcome challenges more effectively.
• Mentors also transfer their expertise, industry insights, and lessons learned to accelerate the mentee’s learning curve.
• Additionally, mentoring contributes to personal growth, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Lastly, mentors offer different perspectives and problem-solving approaches, expanding the mentee’s outlook.

3.C-CARES

In News: The Union government has launched a web portal of Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO) namely C- CARES.

• It is designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), an R&D business enterprise beneath the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• At gift, CMPFO strategies agreement claims of Provident Fund subscribers and pensioners manually.
• With the release of the portal, settlement of PF and pension claims will now be processed and settled online.

4.Lakhpati Didi Scheme

In News: With the aim of creating two crore women entrepreneurs in villages, the Union Finance Minister has announced expansion of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme in her Interim Budget 2024–25 speech.

• • Launched: In December 2023
  • Aim:  To economically empower women in rural areas and promote their entrepreneurial skill.

• Key Features:

• • Target beneficiaries: Women of existing or newly formed SHGs in rural areas.
    • Participants in the Scheme should be active members of self-help groups.
  • Documents required: Domicile certificate, Aadhar card, Ration card, Proof of income and Bank details.
  • Financial assistance: Interest-free loan of Rs. 5 lakh per SHG for initiating or expanding income-generating activities.
  • Skill training: Skill development programs in several areas like tailoring, food processing, animal husbandry, etc., based on local needs and market potential.
  • Market linkages: Connecting SHGs with markets through fairs, exhibitions, and digital platforms.

5.MagSafe

In News: There are a wide range of power banks that are available online, but since the launch of MagSafe chargers from Apple, the industry has evolved.

• MagSafe charger is a wireless charger/power bank that connects to the back of a wi-fi-compatible mobile phone to charge the phone in the easiest of ways.
• It is equipped with either a 5,000 or a 10,000 mAh battery pack on the inside, which can be used as a power backup.
• This sort of charger uses the magnetic modern present behind mobile phones and the magnets at the MagSafe charger.
• A good MagSafe charger is similar to another wi-fi strength bank that attaches to a mobile phone and works as a power bank.
• As with any other power banks, a MagSafe charger also needs to be charged.

Download as PDF