What are Sacred Groves?

• These are forests which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
• Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
• In India, there are over a lakh sacred grove across different states called by different names like Kaavu in Malayalam, Koyil kaadu in Tamil, Orans in Rajasthan, Devara kaadu in Karnataka, and Sernas in Madhya Pradesh.
• They are home for any rare and endemic species, and species having medicinal and economic value thus making them Biodiversity Hotspots.
• They house gene pools of some critically endangered plant species.
• Sacred groves have been legally protected under ‘community reserves’ in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002.

MANODARPAN  initiative

• Union HRD Minister launched MANODARPAN initiative of Ministry of HRD to provide psychosocial support to students for their Mental Health and Well-being.
• As part of initiative a National Toll-free Helpline, a special web page of MANODARPAN on the portal of HRD Ministry, and a Handbook on MANODARPAN launched.
• This will help to strengthen human capital base in the country. Also, the initiative will increase overall productivity of working-age population in the country.
• The initiative has been included in the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

India Business Council to host 45th India Ideas Summit 2020

• PM to deliver keynote address at India Ideas Summit on 22 July.
• The Summit is being hosted by the US-India Business Council.
• The Summit will witness discussions on areas including India-US cooperation and future of the relation between the two counties in a post pandemic world.
• Focus: Building a Better Future.
• The Council’s mission is to promote trade relations between India and the United States.
• Council supports pro-growth policies and increased bilateral engagement, focusing in two-way trade.
• The council was formed in 1975. It encourages private sectors of both United States and India to enhance their investment flows.

Zoram Mega food park

• First Mega Food Park (MFP) of Mizoram.
• It will benefit 25,000 farmers and create 5,000 jobs.
• Located in Khamrang village in Kolasib District, Mizoram.
• Only expected to benefit the people of Mizoram but also that of adjoining districts in Assam.
• Mega Food Parks scheme –
• Ministry of Food Processing Industries is implementing Mega Food Park Scheme in the country since 2008.
• Aims is to provide a mechanism to link agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, processors, and retailers.
• It will boost the North-East Region’s potential to become the organic destination of the world due to its rich agricultural and horticultural produce.

RAISE initiative

• Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency”
• Two initiatives launched by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) focusing on energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and promoting e-mobility.
• India’s first public EV (Electric Vehicle) charging plaza and RAISE
• RAISE initiative can potentially alleviate the issue of bad air quality in workspaces across the nation and pioneer ways to make them healthier and greener.

Current COVID19 Situation in India

QUIZ TIME

Manodarpan Initiative is for:

1. psychosocial support
2. physically disabled
3. visually impaired
4. Migrant workers

Answer – A

India Ideas Summit 2020 is conducted by:

1. India Business Council
2. ICAI
3. Indian Business school
4. IIT

Answer – A

Zoram Mega food park located at:

1. Meghalaya
2. Manipur
3. Mizoram
4. Nagaland

Answer – C

Which of the following is the First Organic state of India?

1. Assam
2. Meghalaya
3. Nagaland
4. Sikkim

Answer – D

Question of the Day

What is Swamitva scheme?

Answer in next session…