Daily Current Affairs 17 July 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 17 July 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

84119 Children rescued by RPF

Source: PIB
GS III: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Operation Nanhe Faristey
3. Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Why in the News?

84,119 Children rescued by RPF under Operation Nanhe Farishtey in the last seven years

News in Brief

• Over the past seven years, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been at the forefront of an operation named Nanhe Faristey.
• During the last seven years (2018- May 2024), RPF has rescued 84,119 Children.
• They were at risk in stations and trains, preventing them from falling into harm’s way.
• ‘Nanhe Faristey’ is more than just an operation; it is a lifeline for thousands of children who find themselves in precarious situations.

Operation Nanhe Faristey

• RPF plays an important role in reuniting the children lost/separated due to several reasons from their families.
• In this regard, operation Nanhe Faristey was launched on Indian Railways.
• Under this drive, more than 895 Children (Boys-573 & Girls) in need of care & protection who came in contact with Indian Railways in the month of September 2023 were rescued.
• They are handed over to concerned authorities before being restored to their families.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

• The RPF is an armed force under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
• Its primary mission is to ensure the protection and security of railway property, passengers, and passenger areas.
• The RPF was established by the RPF Act, 1957, which was enacted by the Indian Parliament.
• This legislation aimed to enhance safety and security within the country’s vast railway network.

Key Responsibilities and Powers

• Security and Law Enforcement
  • The RPF is responsible for maintaining law and order within railway premises, including stations, trains, and other railway facilities.
  • They handle various security-related tasks, such as preventing theft, vandalism, and unauthorized entry.
  • Their jurisdiction extends across the entire Indian Railways network.
• Arrest, Investigation, and Prosecution
  • The RPF possesses significant authority:
    • They can arrest individuals found violating provisions related to railway property and operations.
    • They have the power to investigate cases related to railway crimes.
    • They can prosecute offenders under relevant laws.
• Railway Property Protection
  • The RPF ensures the safety of railway assets, including tracks, signalling systems, rolling stock, and stations.
  • They play a crucial role in preventing theft, sabotage, and damage to railway property.
• Passenger Safety
  • The safety of passengers during their journey is a top priority for the RPF.
  • They address incidents like theft, harassment, and emergencies on trains and at stations.
• Emergency Response
  • During accidents, natural disasters, or other emergencies, the RPF coordinates rescue and relief operations.
  • They work alongside other agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers.

Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India Scheme

Source: Deccan Herald
GS II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About PM-SHRI scheme

Why in the News?

Recently Union government has stopped funds of Punjab, West Bengal, and Delhi under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), as the three states have refused participation in the PM-SHRI scheme.

News in Brief

• After Punjab, West Bengal, and Delhi refused participation in the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, the Education Ministry has stopped funds to the three states under Centre’s flagship Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)— a school education programme.
• Two states— Tamil Nadu and Kerala have however expressed their willingness to be part of PM-SHRI.
• What is the reason?
  • Refused to do so alleging they are yet to receive third and fourth installments of SSA funds for the last year’s October-December and January-March period.
  • The three states have further alleged that they have also not received the funds for the current financial year’s April-June quarter.
  • Delhi is yet to receive Rs 330 crore, Punjab and West Bengal await Rs 515 crore and Rs 1,000 crore.

About Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme—a significant initiative aimed at transforming and upgrading schools across the country.

• What is PM SHRI?
  • The PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Indian government.
  • Its primary objective is to upgrade and develop around 14,500 schools across India.
• Selection Criteria
  • These schools are selected from among those managed by various authorities:
    • Central Government
    • State Governments
    • Union Territories
    • Local Bodies
• Vision and Purpose
  • PM SHRI schools are envisioned to become model schools that embody the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • Over time, they will serve as exemplars, showcasing best practices in education.
  • These schools will offer leadership to other schools in their neighborhoods, promoting high-quality education.
• Key Features
  • Equity and Inclusion: PM SHRI schools aim to provide equitable and inclusive education. They consider the diverse backgrounds, multilingual needs, and varying academic abilities of children.
  • Joyful Learning Environment: The focus is on creating a positive and joyful school atmosphere where students actively participate in their own learning process.
  • Benchmarking: The scheme sets benchmarks for quality education, and these schools are expected to maintain those standards.
• Implementation and Duration
  • The scheme is proposed to run from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
  • During this period, the government will strengthen existing schools to meet the PM SHRI criteria.
  • After the scheme’s duration, it becomes the responsibility of States/UTs to sustain the achievements of these schools.
• Expected Impact
  • More than 20 lakh students are expected to directly benefit from the PM SHRI scheme.
  • The total cost of the project is Rs 27,360 crore, spread over five years, with the central share being Rs 18,128 crore.

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