PIB Analysis for UPSC CSE
Topics Covered
- Microsat – R and Kalamsat
- Artisan Speaks
- Pariksha pe charcha
- Technical Textiles and HSN code
1 . Microsat-R and Kalamsat
PSLV-C44 successfully launches Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2
PSLV-C44 mission was unique as it was for the first time ISRO used the last stage of the rocket as a platform to perform experiments in space.
About the Release
2 . Artisan Speaks
“Artisan Speak” to be held at Elephanta Caves to showcase GI Textiles
Government to link industry and handloom clusters for direct sourcing of handloom products
About the Release
- To further strengthen the handlooms and textiles sector of India, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India is presenting “Artisan Speak”, a unique event which will showcase the rich handloom and textile tradition of India.
- The event is being held at UNESCO World Heritage site, Elephanta Caves near Mumbai
- Handloom promotion will get a boost due to the signing of collaborative arrangements between the Government and leading retailers and textile brands.
- Under the agreements to be signed between Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles and textile companies, Weavers’ Service Centres (WSCs) under O/o DC (Handlooms) will act as a facilitator, linking textile companies and handloom clusters. The WSCs will enable textile firms to directly source their requirements from handloom clusters, as per defined quality, cost and time constraints.
- About 168 handlooms and handicrafts products have been registered under GI.
- Artisan Speak will mark another step in this direction, wherein GI textiles will be showcased and private sector will enter into collaboration with the Government in promoting India’s handlooms.
Examples of Indian Handloom
- Kancheepuram of Tamil Nadu, Baluchari and Jamdani of West Bengal, Paithani of Maharashtra, Chanderi and Maheswari of Madhya Pradesh, Muga of Assam, Patola of Gujarat, Kani of Kashmir, Tie & Dye, Vichitrapuri and Bomkai of Orissa, Brocades of Varanasi, Balarampuram of Kerala and Pochampally of Andhra Pradesh
Elephanta Caves
- Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva
- They are located on Elephanta Island, in Mumbai Harbour. The island, consists of five Shaivite caves and a few Buddhist stupa mounds that may be dating to the 2nd century BCE as well as a small group of two Buddhist caves with water tanks
- The Elephanta Caves contain rock cut stone sculptures that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography
- They were named Elefante – which morphed to Elephanta – by the colonial Portuguese when they found elephant statues on it. They established a base on the island, and its soldiers damaged the sculpture and caves. The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until the Portuguese arrived, whereupon the island ceased to be an active place of worship.
- In 1987, the Elephanta Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
3 . Pariksha Pe Charcha
About Pariksha pe Charcha
- It is a unique interaction where students, teachers , parents and the Prime Minister , Shri Narendra Modi will come together to discuss issues related to exams and the stress connected to that.
- For first time, students from all over India and also Indian students residing abroad are participating as compared to last year where only Delhi / NCR students were called. The participants from abroad include from countries like Russia, Nigeria, Iran, Nepal, Doha, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
- Participants also include college students from 24 States / UTs
4 . Technical Textiles and HSN code
National Conclave on Technical Textiles at Mumbai
What is Technical textile
- Technical textiles are textile material and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic and decorative characteristics. They find application not only in clothing but also in areas like agriculture, medical, infrastructure, automotive, aerospace, sports, defence and packaging.
- The technical textile sector is the sunshine sector forthe textile industry and it is one of the fastest growing segments of the Indian Economy
Major Highlights of the conclave
- The release of HSN codes by Government of India for technical textiles will be one of the major highlights of the conclave.
What is HSN Code?
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System generally refers to “Harmonized System of Nomenclature” or simply “HSN”. It is a multipurpose international product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). It first came into effect in 1988.
How does HSN code work?
It has about 5,000 commodity groups, each identified by a six-digit code, arranged in a legal and logical structure. It is supported by well-defined rules to achieve uniform classification.
Why is HSN important?
The main purpose of HSN is to classify goods from all over the World in a systematic and logical manner. This brings in a uniform classification of goods and facilitates international trade.
HSN Worldwide
The HSN system is used by more than 200 countries and economies for reasons such as:
- Uniform classification
- Base for their Customs tariffs
- Collection of international trade statistics
HSN in India
India is a member of World Customs Organization(WCO) since 1971. It was originally using 6-digit HSN codes to classify commodities for Customs and Central Excise. Later Customs and Central Excise added two more digits to make the codes more precise, resulting in an 8 digit classification.