News in Shorts: 19 August 2024

Mitra Shakti

• The 10th edition of Exercise Mitra Shakti is being held from August 12-25 at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

About Mitra Shakti:

• It is a joint military exercise between India and the Sri Lankan army.
• Aim: To enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
• The armies of India and Sri Lanka have deployed canines — ”K9s”. 
• Participation: 
  • The Indian contingent comprising of 106 personnel is represented by a battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services.
  • The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army.
• Significance: It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies.

Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk

About Oeko-Tex certification:

• It  is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. 
• This certification marks a pivotal step in bringing Eri Silk closer to penetrating the global export market, expanding its reach, and establishing a strong international presence.

Eri Silk:

• Eri silk is a protein fiber derived from cocoons made by the Samia Cynthia Ricini moth or Philosamia Ricini moth.
• All weather Fiber: The Isothermal properties of Eri silk makes it cool in summer and its thermal properties make it warm in winter.
• Vegan Silk: Eri Silk is renowned as the world’s only vegan silk, where, unlike other silks, the moth inside the cocoon is not killed.
• Hydrophilic:  Eri silk is hydrophilic, a fiber that loves water and can absorbs it well
• The humid climate of Northeast India is ideal for eri culture.
• It enjoys a Geographical Indication (GI) certification  from Assam.

BHAVISHYA 

About Bhavishya

• The BHAVISHYA platform is a centralized pension processing software. 
• Objective: To solve delays, errors, and difficulties in pension processing, ensuring a smoother experience for pensioners.
• Recognition: Bhavishya was ranked 3rd in the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) in 2021.
• Integration and Standardization: The software unifies previously decentralised pension processing across Ministries/Departments into one platform.
  • It  follows the rules of the CCS Pension Rules, 2021.
• Mandatory Use: It is enforced for all central civil Ministries/Departments since January 1, 2017.
• Key Features: Offers various features such as Auto Registration, Automatic Calculations, e-PPO Generation, End-to-End Digitization, Digilocker Integration, Pensioner Identity Card, and various post-retirement services. 
• Benefits: Reduced delays and errors, Improved financial security, transparency and accountability, and Efficient processing (83% PPOs issued within 30 days).