Notes from the Newspaper – 26th February 2023

National Apprenticeship Program –

• The scheme is implemented from 1st October, 2016. Employers who have engaged
the apprentices before 1st October, 2016 will get the benefits of scheme from 1st
October, 2016 only.
• State Apprenticeship Advisers (SAAs) and Regional Directorates of Apprenticeship
(RDATs) will act as implementing agencies in their respective State/Regions.
The scheme has the following two components.

• Sharing of 25% of prescribed stipend subject to a maximum of Rs. 1500/- per month
per apprentice with the employers. The stipend support would not be given during
the basic training period for fresher apprentices.
• Sharing of basic training cost in respect of apprentices who come directly to
apprenticeship training without any formal trade training. Basic training cost will be
limited to Rs. 7500/- for a maximum of 500 hours/3 months.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has conducted a National
Apprenticeship Mela.

• The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015 recognizes

apprenticeship as a means to provide gainful employment to a skilled workforce with
adequate compensation.
• Apprenticeship is a Skill Training program wherein a person is engaged by a company
as an apprentice and gains classroom (theory) learning for a short period, followed
by on-the-job (practical) training.
` Statutory Provisions made on this by Parliament –

• The Apprentices Act, 1961 was enacted with the objective of regulating the program
of training of apprentices in the industry by utilizing the facilities available therein for
imparting on-the-job training.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the administrative ministry
responsible for implementation of the Act.
• The government has brought comprehensive amendments in the Act in December
2014 to make it more attractive for both industry and youth.
Other steps taken for promotion of skills in youth –

• Sector Skill Councils are set up as autonomous industry-led bodies by National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC), which are responsible for the defining the skilling
needs, concept, processes, certification, and accreditation of their respective
industry sectors in accordance with National Skill Qualification Framework.
• The Ministry of Human Resource Development has launched the “Scheme for Higher
Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS)”.
• The objective of scheme is to provide industry apprenticeship opportunities to
the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the National Apprenticeship
Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
• It aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‘on the job
work exposure’ and earning of stipend.
• The scheme is for students in degree courses, primarily non-technical, to
introduce employable skills into their learning, promote apprenticeship as
integral to education.
• SHREYAS portal will enable educational institutions and industry to log in and
provide their respective demand and supply of apprenticeship. The matching of
students with apprenticeship avenues will take place as per pre-specified
eligibility criteria.
NSDC – National Skill Development Corporation –

• is a non-profit public corporation, introduced on 31st July 2008 under section

25 of Companies Act, 1956.
• The Government of India holds 49% of its share capital through the Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• On the other hand, 51% of it is in the hands of the private sector.

Strawberry Production in India –

• Strawberry (Fragaria sp.) is a native of temperate regions, but varieties are
available which can be cultivated in subtropical climate.
• In India it is generally cultivated in the hills. Its main center of cultivation are
Nainital (district) and Dehradun in Uttar Pradesh, Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra),
Kashmir Valley, Bangalore and Kalimpong (West Bengal).
• In recent years, strawberry is being cultivated successfully in plains of
Maharashtra around Pune, Nashik and Sangali towns.
• Satara district famous for the country’s 80% strawberry production. The fruit is
grown mainly in Mahabaleshwar, Wai and Panchagani areas. The rest comes from
Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
• The strawberry is the most widely adapted of the small fruits. Strawberries are
grown throughout Europe, in every state of the United States, as well as in
Canada and South America.
• The SAS- Strawberry Advisory System mobile app monitors real-time and forecast
weather conditions that increase the risk for Botrytis and anthracnose fruit rots,
providing risk level information for each disease.
• Strawberry is rich in Vitamin C and iron. Some varieties viz. Olympus, Hood &
Shuksan having high flavour and bright red colour are suitable for ice-cream
making. Other varieties like Midway, Midland, Cardinal, Hood, Redchief and
Beauty are ideal for processing.
 • In Jammu and Kashmir, Strawberry cultivation is gaining momentum as it is
yielding good profits to the farmers. Strawberry cultivation is equally
providing ample employment opportunities to the youth of Jammu and
Kashmir.
• Farmers in Gassu Batpora village on the outskirts of Srinagar city are happy
with the harvesting of strawberries. Having the highest number of people
growing strawberries, Gassu is famously known as the ‘Strawberry Village’.
Marconi Prize –

• The Marconi Society was established in 1974. The annual Marconi Prize is
awarded by the Marconi Society to enhance the spirit of Guglielmo Marconi,
the engineer, scientist, entrepreneur and inventor.
• His contributions to communications and information are directed to the
social, economic and cultural improvement of all humanity.
• The 100000 dollar Marconi Prize recognizes achievements of those living
individuals from anywhere in the world whose aspirations, careers and
accomplishments are characterized by a similar dedication.
• Through symposia and other means, the Marconi Society seeks to develop,
explore and disseminate relevant research. This year, Marconi Society is
celebrating the 50th Year in 2014.
• Marconi award is one of the two top recognitions in the telecom sector. The
other recognition is IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal.
• The Marconi award is given to people who make their contribution to convert
telecom through breakthrough ideas as it emphasis on service to the
humanity. It was founded by Gioia Marconi Braga, daughter of radio inventor
Guglielmo Marconi. The Marconi Prize is equivalent to Nobel for technology
pioneers.