Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Suriname in the field of Medical Products Regulation (GS Paper 2, International Relation)
Why in news?
- The Union Cabinet was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and Ministry of Health, Suriname on cooperation in the field of Medical Product Regulation.
Mandate:
- The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to facilitate a constructive dialogue on the laws and regulations pertinent to medical products as well as other relevant matters.
Areas of cooperation:
- The main areas of cooperation between the two Regulatory Authorities include the following:
- Promoting an understanding between the Parties of each other's regulatory framework, requirements and processes and facilitating future regulatory strengthening initiatives for both Parties,
- Exchange of information and cooperation on Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GPvP).
- Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia
- Exchange of safety information, including Pharmacovigilance, and adverse events where there is a particular safety concern related to the other Party. This includes safety concerns relating to medicines and medical devices.
- Participation in scientific and practical conferences, symposiums, seminars and forum organized by the Parties.
- Capacity building in mutually agreed areas,
- Coordination at the international fora,
- Any others areas of common interest.
Way Forward:
- It will facilitate better understanding of medical products regulation with regard to pharmaceuticals including raw materials for pharmaceutical use, biological products, medical devices and cosmetic products.
- The MoU will promote exchange of information and cooperation in areas pertinent to medical products and relevant administrative and regulatory matters within the jurisdiction of the parties.
Cabinet approves PM-eBus Sewa
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- The Cabinet recently approved a bus scheme “PM-eBus Sewa” for augmenting city bus operation by 10,000 e-buses on PPP model.
- The Scheme would have an estimated cost of Rs.57,613 crore, out of which support of Rs.20,000 crore will be provided by the Central government.
- The Scheme will support bus operations for 10 years.
Key Highlights:
Reaching the Unreached:
- The scheme will cover cities of three lakh and above population as per census 2011 including all the Capital cities of Union Territories, North Eastern Region and Hill States.
- Under this scheme priority will be given to cities having no organized bus service.
Direct Employment Generation:
- The scheme will generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs through deployment of around 10,000 buses in city bus operation.
The Scheme has two segments:
Segment A – Augmenting the City bus services: (169 cities)
- The approved bus scheme will augment city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- Associated Infrastructure will provide support for Development/ up-gradation of depot infrastructure; and Creation of behind-the-meter power infrastructure (substation, etc.) for e-buses.
Segment B– Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): (181 cities)
- The scheme envisages green initiatives like bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, NCMC-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, Charging infrastructure, etc.
- Under the scheme, States/Cities shall be responsible for running the bus services and making payments to the bus operators. The Central Government will support these bus operations by providing subsidy to the extent specified in the proposed scheme.
Boost to E-Mobility:
- The scheme will promote e-mobility and provide full support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure.
- Cities will also be supported for development of charging infrastructure under Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
- The support to bus priority infrastructure shall not only accelerate the proliferation of state-of-the-art, energy efficient electric buses but also foster the innovation in the e-mobility sector as well as development of resilient supply chain for electric vehicles.
- This scheme shall also bring in economies of scale for procurement of electric buses through aggregation for e-buses.
- Adoption to Electric mobility will reduce noise and air pollution and curb carbon emission.
- Modal shift due to increased share of bus-based public transportation will lead to GHG reduction.
Union Cabinet approves new Central Sector Scheme ‘PM Vishwakarma’
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved a new Central Sector Scheme “PM Vishwakarma” with a financial outlay of Rs.13,000 crore for a period of five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28).
Aim:
- The scheme aims to strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.
- The scheme also aims at improving the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that the Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.
Key Highlights:
- Under PM Vishwakarma scheme, the artisans and craftspeople will be provided recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, Credit Support upto Rs.1 lakh (First Tranche) and Rs.2 lakh (Second Tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.
- The Scheme will further provide Skill Upgradation, Toolkit Incentive, Incentive for Digital Transactions and Marketing Support.
- The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India.
Trades to be covered:
- Eighteen traditional trades will be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma.
- These trades include (i) Carpenter (Suthar); (ii) Boat Maker; (iii) Armourer; (iv) Blacksmith (Lohar); (v) Hammer and Tool Kit Maker; (vi) Locksmith; (vii) Goldsmith (Sonar); (viii) Potter (Kumhaar); (ix) Sculptor (Moortikar, stone carver), Stone breaker; (x) Cobbler(Charmkar)/ Shoesmith/Footwear artisan; (xi) Mason (Rajmistri); (xii) Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver; (xiii) Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional); (xiv) Barber (Naai); (xv) Garland maker (Malakaar); (xvi) Washerman (Dhobi); (xvii) Tailor (Darzi); and (xviii) Fishing Net Maker.
