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Pb. Current Affairs

9^th September 2019

Topic:- Agriculture(Crop Diversification)

News:-

The state expects bumper cotton crop, govt in talks with CCI for purchase.
Govt’s diversification push led to an increase in area under cotton.

Concerned about the low demand for cotton amongst the textile units in the state, the Punjab Government is looking at Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) with hope, to buy the bumper “white gold” expected to arrive in the mandis shortly.

About Cotton Corporation of India (CCI):-

The Cotton Corporation of India Limited or CCI is a Government of India agency, engaged in diverse activities related to trade, procurement, and export of cotton. CCI is a public sector agency responsible for equitable distribution of cotton among the different constituents of the industry and aid imports of cotton. It was incorporated on 31 July 1970 under the Companies Act 1956.
CCI is governed by Textile Policy 1985 issued by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Challenges faced by Punjab Government:-

Private cotton textile business in the recession, their purchasing power is expected to remain low. “With the area under cotton production going up by over 40 per cent over last year, mainly on account of crop diversification efforts of the Capt Amarinder Singh government, the cotton production is expected to be much higher — over 18 lakh MT per bales, as against 12.23 lakh MT per bales last year,” says Sutantar Kumar Airi, Director (Agriculture), Punjab.

Why government want CCI to enter?

As a result, it is imperative for the government to ensure that CCI enters the market and purchases farmers’ produce at the MSP of Rs 5,550 per quintal, in order to give a fillip to its crop diversification efforts.

(Source: The Tribune)

Topic:- Memorial

News:-Despite promises, Saragarhi Memorial in state of neglect.

Context:-

The memorial was set up to pay tribute to the 22 valiant soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army who attained martyrdom fighting against the might of over 10,000 Afridis during the battle of Saragarhi in 1897 in North-West Frontier Province
Last year, during the state-level function held to commemorate 121st anniversary of the battle, the CM had announced several projects, including an institute for competitive studies, Saragarhi club, centre for rehabilitation of drug-addicts, besides Rs 1 crore for the existing memorial in the border town. Ironically, the CM has himself authored a book on the battle, and this memorial is close to his heart

Where is this memorial located?

Ferozpur District.

(Source: The Tribune)

Topic:- Employment.

News:-

Under Punjab government’s flagship ‘Ghar Ghar Rozgar’ programme 5th Mega Job Fair.

How it will help?

Job melas are being organised at 82 venues across the state with 1800+ companies on board from September 9 to 30 and with more than 2 lakh jobs on the offer.

(Source: Government website)

Topic:- New Inauguration in Punjab

News:-

Addressing the media post the inauguration of Digital Investigation, Training & Analysis Centre in Mohali (to strengthen anti-cybercrime capabilities).

Purpose:-

In today’s time when there is an exponential dependency on the internet, it becomes extremely important that we take up measures to secure ourselves from the misuse of technology. In the light of this, have inaugurated a Digital Investigation, Training & Analysis Centre at Mohali today.

(Source: Government website)

Important for Prelims:-

Buta Singh, a farmer from Malwala village in the Muktsar Sahib district, has become known for climate protection due to adoption of environmentally-friendly farming techniques.