LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2022

• The LEADS survey assesses the views of various users and stakeholders involved in the value chain of logistics sector. This survey is conducted recognize the enablers, hindrances and gaps within the logistics ecosystem.
• This annual survey ranks logistics ecosystem of each state and union territory across India using data received from stakeholders (perception data) and states and union territories (objective data).
• The LEAD 2022, unlike the former versions, adopted the classification-based grading, with states and union territories classified under four broad categories – coastal states, hinterland/landlocked states, northeastern states and union territories.
• This indigenous data-backed index assesses the logistics infrastructure, services, and human resources across 36 states and union territories.
• It provides three performance categories – Achievers (states and UTs achieving 90 per cent or more), Fast Movers (states and UTs scoring between 80 and 90 per cent), and aspirers (states and UTs with percentage scoring below 80 per cent).
• The 15 states and UTs that have been categorized as achievers in the logistics index chart 2022 are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chandigarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• The fast movers in the latest report are Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Sikkim and Tripura.
• 15 states and UTs categorized as aspirers are Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• The index aims to boost the logistics performance across India, which is critical for reducing the cost of transactions and boosting international and domestic trade.
• The LEADS 2022 will assist in the implementation of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) by identifying gaps in the existing logistics services, infrastructure and regulatory environment.

Official Language Committee’s Recommendations

• The committee recommended using Hindi as a medium of instruction in IITs, IIMs and central universities in Hindi-speaking states.
• High Courts in non-Hindi speaking states, where proceedings are recorded in English or a regional language, must make translations available in Hindi since they are often cited in judgements.
• Government officials and other employees in the central government not using Hindi in Hindi-speaking states will face consequences in the Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR).
• If imposed, these rules will be applicable only in states where Hindi is the official language.
• States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are exempted under The Official Languages Act, 1963 and the Rules and Regulations (of the Act), 1976.
• According to the rules, Hindi is official language in A category states, which include Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, and the UTs of Delhi and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Category B states, where Hindi is used less than 65 per cent, include Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab, and the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
• Category C states are those where the use of Hindi is less than 65 per cent.
• The Committee suggests fully using Hindi as a medium of communication in A category states, while other states can use regional languages.
• Its ultimate aim is to minimize the usage of the English language in official communication and increase the usage of Hindi.

PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022

• The 2-day PM Kisan Samman Sammelan will witness the participation of more than 13,500 farmers from across India and over 1,500 agrt-startups.
• Researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders will also take part in this event.
• During the event, Prime Minister will inaugurate 600 Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK), which will operate under the aegis of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Under the scheme, the fertilizer retail shops in India will be converted into PMKSK in a phased manner.
• The PMKSK aims to cater to various needs of farmers and provide agricultural inputs like fertilizers, seeds and tools as well as testing facilities for soil, seeds and fertilizers. It also creates awareness about various government schemes and improve capacity of retailers at block/district level outlets.
• Prime Minister Modi will also launch Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana – One Nation One Fertilizer, which allows manufacturing companies to market fertilizers under a single brand name – Bharat. Under this initiative, Bharat Urea Bags will be launched.
• 16,000 crore will be released as the 12th instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through the direct benefit transfer (DBT).
• Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmer families will be provided Rs.6,000 each year in three equal instalment. Till date, beneficiaries received Rs.2 lakh under the scheme.
• The Agri Startup Conclave and Exhibition will also be inaugurated during the event. Some 300 startups will demonstrate their innovative solutions focusing on precision farming, post-harvest and value add solution, allied agriculture, waste to wealth, mechanisation for small farmers, supply chain management, agri-logistics etc.
• It will enable networking between startups, farmers, FPOs, agri-experts, corporates etc.
• Startups will also be able to share their experience and interact with other stakeholders during technical sessions.
• An e-magazine focusing on fertilizer called “Indian Edge” will be launched. It will provide information about domestic and international fertilizer scenarios, including recent developments, price trends analysis, availability and consumption, success stories of farmers and others.

National Current Affairs October 2nd Week 2022