In News:

India is home to over 10.45 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals, comprising 8.6% of the population. Concentrated largely in remote and underdeveloped regions, ST communities face persistent challenges such as land alienation, limited access to quality education, healthcare deficits, and socio-economic exclusion. The Union Budget 2025–26 signals a paradigm shift in tribal welfare, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Budgetary Commitment

The total allocation for tribal welfare has risen to ?14,925.81 crore in 2025–26—a 45.79% jump from the previous year and a staggering 231.83% increase from 2014–15 levels. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has witnessed a consistent rise in budget: from ?7,511.64 crore (2023–24) to ?10,237.33 crore (2024–25), and now ?14,925.81 crore.

Flagship Schemes and Initiatives

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) received ?7,088.60 crore, up from ?4,748 crore, to provide quality residential education to ST students. EMDBS, a pilot initiative in high-density tribal areas, enhances outreach.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) saw a sharp rise to ?380.40 crore. It promotes tribal entrepreneurship, sustainable Minor Forest Produce (MFP) use, and value chain development.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) was allocated ?335.97 crore (163% increase). It aims to convert tribal-majority villages into model habitations by ensuring convergence of development schemes.
• PM-JANMAN Multi-Purpose Centers (MPCs) received ?300 crore, targeting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with essential services and institutional support.
• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), launched in 2024, envisions the holistic development of 63,843 tribal villages. With an outlay of ?79,156 crore over five years, it integrates 17 ministries and 25 interventions. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has allocated ?2,000 crore for 2025–26 alone.

Persistent Challenges

Despite constitutional safeguards (Articles 15(4), 46, 244, 275(1), etc.), tribal communities face significant hurdles:

• Land and Resource Rights: Only 50% of 42.76 lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) claims have been approved (MoTA, 2022). Displacement from mining and infrastructure projects persists.
• Education: ST literacy stands at 59% (Census 2011) with high dropout rates due to poverty and language gaps.
• Health: Malnutrition, maternal mortality, and diseases like Sickle Cell remain endemic.
• Marginalization: Tribals face economic deprivation, exploitation (bonded labor, trafficking), and erosion of cultural identity.
• Underrepresentation: Despite reserved seats, policy influence remains limited.

The Way Forward

• Land Rights: Effective implementation of FRA and safeguards against forced displacement.
• Education: Expand EMRS/EMDBS and promote bilingual, culturally relevant curricula.
• Health: Improve rural health infrastructure and target tribal-specific diseases.
• Women’s Empowerment: Support SHGs and skill-based livelihood through schemes like Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana.
• Cultural Continuity: Support tribal art, festivals, and language preservation through digital and educational platforms.
• Inclusive Governance: Strengthen Gram Sabhas and tribal representation in policymaking.

In News:

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has recently provided updates in the Rajya Sabha on the National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0, emphasizing its role in fostering democratic values, constitutional awareness, and active citizenship among Indian youth.

About NYPS 2.0

Launched by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, NYPS 2.0 aims to strengthen the roots of democracy and enhance understanding of parliamentary practices and government functioning among citizens, especially students.

Objectives

• Instill discipline, tolerance for diverse views, and democratic ethos among youth.
• Educate students about the procedures of Parliament, constitutional values, and functioning of the government.
• Encourage a democratic way of life through civic engagement.

Participation Modes via NYPS 2.0 Web Portal

The dedicated web-portal enables inclusive citizen participation in three formats:

• Institutional Participation:
  • Open to all educational institutions.
  • Institutions can organize Youth Parliament sittings as per portal guidelines.
  • Two sub-categories:
    • Kishore Sabha: For students of Class VI to XII.
    • Tarun Sabha: For undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Group Participation: Open to any group of citizens willing to conduct Youth Parliament sittings under defined norms.
• Individual Participation: Citizens can individually engage by taking a quiz on the theme ‘Bhartiya Democracy in Action’.

Training and Educational Resources

To support participants, the portal offers comprehensive e-training material, including:

• Literature on Youth Parliament
• Model Debates, Questions, and List of Business
• Model Scripts
• Video tutorials and other interactive resources

In News:

The Ministry of Finance has notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for Central Government employees, effective April 1, 2025. This reform addresses long-standing concerns about the unpredictability of pension returns under the NPS.

Key Highlights:

• Applicability: Applies to Central Government employees currently under the NPS, including those recruited on or after January 1, 2004, who opt for the UPS.
• Objective: To provide guaranteed post-retirement financial security, addressing grievances regarding the market-linked returns of the NPS.
• Regulatory Framework: The scheme will be regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), which will issue detailed operational guidelines.

Pension and Benefit Structure

• Guaranteed Monthly Pension:
  • 50% of the average basic pay drawn in the last 12 months prior to retirement.
  • Requires completion of 25 years of service.
  • Those with 10–25 years of service will receive a proportionate pension.
• Dearness Relief (DR): Periodic adjustments based on inflation trends to maintain pension value.
• Family Pension: In case of death, 60% of the employee's pension will be paid to eligible family members.
• Minimum Pension: Assured ?10,000 per month for those completing at least 10 years of service.
• Superannuation Benefits: Includes a lump sum payout and gratuity at retirement.

Contribution Mechanism

• Employee Contribution: 10% of basic pay.
• Government Contribution: 5% of basic pay (subject to revision based on actuarial evaluations).

Background and Policy Evolution

• The Union Cabinet approved the UPS on August 24, 2024, benefiting nearly 2.3 million Central Government employees.
• The move followed demands from staff unions for guaranteed pensions, and political pressure after several states reverted to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
• A high-level committee, led by T.V. Somanathan (then Finance Secretary), was formed in April 2023 to review the NPS framework and design an equitable alternative.

In News:

Launched on 22nd January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, BBBP was initiated in response to the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), which stood at 918 girls per 1000 boys (Census 2011). It marked a key step towards gender equality, aiming to curb gender-biased sex-selective elimination and improve the status of the girl child.

Key Highlights:

Core Objectives

• Improve Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) by two points annually.
• Sustain institutional delivery rate at ≥95%.
• Increase 1st trimester ANC registration and girls' enrollment in secondary education by 1% annually.
• Reduce dropout rates among girls.
• Promote safe menstrual hygiene management (MHM).

Target Groups

• Primary: Young couples, expecting parents, adolescents, households, communities.
• Secondary: Schools, AWCs, health professionals, PRIs, ULBs, NGOs, SHGs, media, and religious leaders.

Implementation Structure

• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with 100% Central funding.
• Ministries Involved:
  • Women and Child Development
  • Health and Family Welfare
  • Education
• Financial Assistance (Per District/Year):
  • Rs. 40 lakh (SRB ≤918)
  • Rs. 30 lakh (SRB 919–952)
  • Rs. 20 lakh (SRB >952)

Integration with Mission Shakti (2021–2026)

BBBP now functions under Mission Shakti, which comprises two verticals:

• Sambal (Safety & Security):
  • One Stop Centres (OSCs)
  • Women Helpline (181)
  • Nari Adalat: Alternative dispute resolution
• Samarthya (Empowerment):
  • Sakhi Niwas, Palna Creches
  • Shakti Sadans (rehabilitation)
  • PM Matru Vandana Yojana: Extended support for a second girl child
  • SANKALP-HEW: District-level single-window system for all women-centric schemes

Achievements in 10 Years (2015–2025)

• SRB: Improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24)
• Girls’ GER: Rose from 75.5% (2014-15) to 78% (2023-24) in secondary education
• Institutional Deliveries: Increased from 61% to 97.3%
• Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav: Re-enrolled over 1 lakh out-of-school girls
• Economic Empowerment: Integration with skilling initiatives and 70% of PM Mudra loans disbursed to women
• Awareness Campaigns:
  • Selfie with Daughter
  • Beti Janmotsav
  • Yashaswini Bike Expedition
  • "Betiyan Bane Kushal" Skill Conference

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) – A Financial Tool for Empowerment

Launched under BBBP, SSY is a small savings scheme to ensure the financial security of girl children.

Key Features

• Eligibility: Indian girl child below 10 years.
• Account: Max 2 per family (exceptions for twins/triplets).
• Deposit Limit: ?250 to ?1.5 lakh/year (15 years).
• Tenure: Account matures 21 years after opening.
• Withdrawals: Up to 50% for higher education after 18 years.
• Tax Benefits: Exempt under Section 80C (EEE status).

Impact

• Over 4.1 crore accounts opened by Nov 2024.
• Promotes long-term savings and financial inclusion.
• Complements BBBP by addressing economic empowerment of girls.

Mission Vatsalya

• Formerly ICPS (2009), then Child Protection Services (2017).
• Merged into Mission Vatsalya in 2021.
• Focuses on:
  • Juvenile justice
  • Child protection
  • Advocacy and rehabilitation
• Ensures “no child is left behind” principle aligned with SDGs.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

• Supports pregnant and lactating mothers:
  • ?5,000 in 3 installments + ?1,000 (JSY)
• Now extended to second girl child to promote gender equity.

Targets wage compensation, safe delivery, maternal nutrition, and reduced MMR/IMR.

In News:

• The 85th AIPOC, held in Patna, Bihar, emphasized enhancing the effectiveness of legislative institutions through reforms in decorum, digitization, and public participation.
• A major outcome was the announcement of the One Nation, One Legislative Platform to digitally integrate legislative bodies across India.

All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC):

• Established: 1921; first session held in Shimla.
• Role: Apex platform bringing together Presiding Officers of Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Objective: Strengthen democratic institutions by fostering cooperative federalism, legislative accountability, and improved law-making processes.

2025 Conference Highlights:

• Venue: Historic Bihar Legislature Premises, Patna.
• Key Themes:
  • Reducing disruptions and maintaining decorum in legislative houses.
  • Promoting qualitative debate and discussion.
  • Observing the 75th year of the Constitution with participatory democratic celebrations.
• Resolutions Adopted:
  • Formulation of internal code of conduct by political parties.
  • Nationwide campaigns involving PRIs, urban bodies, students, NGOs, media, and more to celebrate democratic values.

One Nation, One Legislative Platform (ONOLP):

What It Is:

A national mission to create a unified digital ecosystem integrating the Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies for better legislative coordination and public access.

Key Objectives:

• Real-Time Data Sharing: Seamless, up-to-date legislative information across institutions—proceedings, bills, debates, etc.
• Transparency & Accountability: Open access to deliberations enables citizen oversight and institutional accountability.
• Public Participation: User-friendly access encourages civic engagement in law-making and governance.
• AI & Tech Integration: Use of Artificial Intelligence for data analysis, decision support, and enhanced efficiency.
• Paperless Legislatures: Digitization of records to promote sustainability and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Implementation Support:

• Spearheaded by the Lok Sabha, with Speaker Om Birla announcing its completion by 2025.
• Includes the creation of a central portal for public and institutional use.

In News:

The National eGovernance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has developed Entity Locker, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to transform the management and verification of business/organisation documents.

Key Highlights:

What is Entity Locker?

A secure, cloud-based platform that allows real-time access, encrypted storage, and authenticated sharing of business-related documents.

Who can use it?

Large corporations, MSMEs, startups, trusts, societies, and other organizational entities.

• Key Features:
  • 10 GB Encrypted Cloud Storage: Ensures secure document management.
  • Real-Time Document Access & Verification: Integrated with government databases.
  • Consent-Based Sharing: Ensures data privacy during information exchange.
  • Digital Signature Authentication: Enables legally valid and secure transactions.
  • Aadhaar-Authenticated Role-Based Access: Promotes accountability in document handling.
• Integration with Government Systems: Linked with entities like:
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
  • Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)
  • Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

Benefits:

• Reduces administrative burden and document processing time.
• Enhances compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Enables faster processes like vendor verification, loan applications, and FSSAI compliance.
• Promotes transparency and secure collaboration among stakeholders.

Significance:

Entity Locker is a pivotal component of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, reflecting the Union Budget 2024–25 vision of promoting digital governance. It supports the broader goals of the Digital India Programme, aiming for a digitally empowered and efficient economy.

In News:

The President of India conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2024 on 45 outstanding Panchayats for their contributions to inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and rural development. The event was held on 11th December 2024 (postponed from 24th April due to General Elections).

About the Awards

• Launched to commemorate: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which gave constitutional status to Panchayats as institutions of local self-governance.
• Usual celebration date: 24th April — observed as National Panchayati Raj Day.
• Revamped in 2022 to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) via Localization of SDGs (LSDGs).

Objectives

• Recognize best practices in rural governance.
• Encourage healthy competition among Panchayats.
• Promote effective implementation of LSDGs and quality service delivery.

Evaluation Structure

• Multi-level assessment: Block → District → State/UT → National level.
• Evaluation based on 9 LSDG themes, including:
  1. Poverty-Free & Enhanced Livelihoods
  2. Healthy Panchayat
  3. Child-Friendly Panchayat
  4. Water-Sufficient Panchayat
  5. Clean & Green Panchayat
  6. Self-Sufficient Infrastructure
  7. Socially Just & Secured Panchayat
  8. Panchayat with Good Governance
  9. Women-Friendly Panchayat

Award Categories

Award Category                                                                                                                        Focus Area

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP)          Top 3 GPs under each LSDG theme

Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar             Top 3 GPs, Block Panchayats & District Panchayats with highest scores across all themes

Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar                                           GPs promoting renewable energy adoption

Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar                                                GPs achieving net-zero carbon emissions

Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar                      Institutions providing exemplary support to PRIs in implementing LSDGs

Key Highlights of 2024:

• Total Awards: 45 Panchayats
• Women Leadership: 42% of award-winning Panchayats led by women.
• Participation: 1.94 lakh Gram Panchayats competed.
• Prize Money: ?46 crore transferred digitally to awardees.
• Booklet Released: Best Practices of Awardee Panchayats.
• Film Showcased: Highlighting success stories and capacity-building.

State-wise Recognition

• Notable awardees from: Odisha, Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Assam, etc.
• Tripura & Odisha stood out in total recognitions.
• GPs from Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tripura received special awards for energy and carbon neutrality.

Other Key Initiatives for PRIs

Initiative                                            Purpose

SVAMITVA Scheme (2020)            Mapping rural property to provide Record of Rights.

e-Gram Swaraj (e-FMS)                Work-based accounting to promote transparency.

mActionSoft                                     Geo-tagging Panchayat assets via GPS-enabled photos.

Citizen Charter Portal                    “Meri Panchayat Mera Adhikaar” – Service delivery assurance to citizens.

In News:

The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced the launch of its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme. This program aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens.

Key Highlights:

Objective:

To develop awareness and build a skilled pool of professionals in Internet Governance (IG) in India, enabling active Indian participation in global digital policy platforms.

Key Features:

• Internship Format:
  • Bi-annual internship with two tracks: 3-month and 6-month durations
  • Mentorship by experts from:
    • International bodies (e.g., ICANN, APNIC, APTLD)
    • Academic institutions and retired officials
• Stipend: ?20,000/month
• Outreach Component: Mandatory awareness programs to be conducted by interns

Focus Areas:

• Engagement with I-Star organizations, such as:
  • ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
  • ISOC (Internet Society)
  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
  • IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
• Exposure to global best practices and policy mechanisms in digital governance
• Capacity building for inclusive participation in emerging internet issues

Significance:

• Promotes digital policy leadership among Indian youth
• Enhances India’s representation in global internet governance dialogues
• Fosters a tech-savvy and policy-aware workforce for digital India initiatives

About NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India):

• Established: 19 June 2003
• Type: Not-for-profit (Section 8 company)
• Parent Ministry: MeitY
• Mandate:
  • Enhance internet adoption and digital infrastructure in India
• Key Services:

• Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Facilitate domestic internet traffic exchange
• .IN Registry: Manage India’s country code top-level domain (.in)
• IRINN: Allocate IPv4 and IPv6 resources within India

Capacity Building & Training: Promote internet-related knowledge and skills

In News:

IndiaAI, under the Digital India Corporation, has partnered with Microsoft to advance AI adoption in India for inclusive development and economic transformation. The collaboration focuses on skilling, innovation, AI safety, and responsible AI development, with a goal of fostering AI innovation across India, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas.

Key Highlights:

• Training 500,000 Individuals by 2026:
  • Target Audience: Students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs.
  • Goal: Empower these groups with foundational and advanced AI skills for economic opportunities and digital transformation.
• AI Catalysts (Centers of Excellence):
  • Establishment of AI hubs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to foster rural AI innovation.
  • Objective to equip 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community building, and creating an AI marketplace.
• AI Productivity Labs:
  • Set up in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) across 10 states.
  • Focus on training 20,000 educators and providing AI education to 100,000 students in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
• Support for Startups:
  • Microsoft’s Founders Hub program will provide Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship to 1,000 AI startups in India, boosting innovation and growth in the Indian startup ecosystem.
• Development of Indic Language Models:
  • Work on creating foundational AI models with support for Indic languages to address India’s linguistic diversity and cultural needs.
• AI Safety Institute:
  • Focus on building frameworks, standards, and evaluation metrics for responsible AI development.
  • Support for the creation of an AI Safety Institute in India to promote ethical and safe AI practices.
• Infrastructure & Research:
  • Microsoft will also focus on enhancing cloud infrastructure and support for AI research through Microsoft Research India.
  • AI-driven solutions will be developed for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Investment and Strategic Goals:

• $3 Billion Investment:
  • Microsoft has pledged $3 billion to expand AI and cloud infrastructure in India over the next 2 years. This investment will focus on:
    • Building scalable infrastructure for AI applications.
    • Enhancing cloud services and AI capabilities.
    • Establishing new data centers across India, supporting the AI-first agenda.
• AI Skill Development:
  • 10 million people will be trained over the next five years in AI skills, empowering the Indian workforce to adapt to AI technologies, driving job creation and economic growth.
• AI in India’s Economy:
  • India aims to become a global leader in AI, with AI-powered solutions contributing to diverse sectors like finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing.
  • Focus on economic growth through AI-powered industries and fostering entrepreneurship in underserved communities.

AI Technologies and Applications:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves machines performing tasks that require human intelligence like decision-making, problem-solving, and learning from data.
  • Machine Learning (ML): AI systems improve through data without being explicitly programmed.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI systems understand and respond to human language.
  • Computer Vision: AI systems analyze and interpret visual information.
  • Robotics: AI powers automated tasks through robots in industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
• Cloud Infrastructure enables the scaling of AI systems:
  • Cloud Computing provides on-demand access to computing power, essential for AI tasks requiring large amounts of data and processing power.
  • Data Centers host AI models and data, and cloud services such as Microsoft Azure will support AI startups and businesses.

Expected Impact and Benefits:

• Inclusive AI Development: Focus on empowering women, students, and rural innovators to bridge the digital divide and promote economic empowerment.
• Startup Ecosystem: The collaboration will foster a robust AI startup ecosystem, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through AI tools, Azure credits, and mentorship.
• Skill Development & Education: AI-driven skill training initiatives will prepare millions of individuals for the jobs of the future, particularly in the AI-driven economy, and support education reform.
• AI for Critical Sectors: Development of AI-enabled solutions to address challenges in sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, driving social impact and economic growth.

In News:

Centre urges states, UTs to ensure undertrial prisoner relief in jails.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: The MHA has urged states and Union Territories (UTs) to implement provisions of Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 to provide relief to undertrial prisoners (UTPs) in jails. This initiative aims to address issues such as long detention and overcrowding in prisons.

Key Provisions of Section 479 of BNSS, 2023

• Purpose: To offer relief to undertrial prisoners by mandating their release on bail or bond under specific conditions.
• Key Provisions:
  • Subsection (1):
    • Release on Bail: UTPs who have served half the maximum sentence for their offense (except offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment) are eligible for release on bail.
    • Release on Bond for First-Time Offenders: First-time offenders, who have served one-third of the maximum sentence, are eligible for release on bond by the court.
  • Subsection (3):
    • Mandatory Application: It is the responsibility of the prison superintendent to apply to the concerned court for the release of eligible prisoners on bail or bond.
• Superintendent’s Role:
  • Prison superintendents are mandated to ensure timely applications for bail or bond are filed for eligible UTPs.

Implementation and Reporting

• MHA’s Advisory:
  • On January 1, the MHA issued a letter to the Chief Secretaries, Director Generals, and Inspectors General of prisons in all states and UTs to ensure compliance with the provisions of Section 479 of BNSS.
  • States and UTs were instructed to report the status of implementation in a prescribed format starting from January 1, 2025.
• Data to be Reported:
  • First-Time UTPs: Number of first-time UTPs who have served one-third of their maximum sentence.
  • Court Applications: Number of applications for bail filed by jail superintendents.
  • Release on Bail: Number of UTPs released on bond or bail after meeting the eligibility criteria.
  • Other UTPs: Number of UTPs who have completed half of their sentence, and the number of applications filed for their release.
• MHA’s Campaign:
  • Launched on Constitution Day (November 26), this campaign encouraged states and UTs to identify eligible prisoners and file their bail applications, thus helping to reduce overcrowding in prisons and mitigate long-term detention.

Background and Context

• Why Section 479?
  • Section 479 aims to reduce the prolonged detention of undertrials, some of whom may have already served significant portions of their maximum sentences. This will not only alleviate overcrowding in prisons but also expedite justice for prisoners who have spent extended periods in jail awaiting trial.
• Earlier MHA Initiatives:
  • Prior to this directive, the MHA had issued an advisory on October 16, 2024, encouraging states and UTs to implement Section 479. A special push was also made during Constitution Day to move applications for the release of eligible prisoners.
• Expected Outcome:
  • The measures are expected to significantly ease the challenges of overcrowded jails and provide timely relief to undertrials, especially first-time offenders. By enforcing these provisions, the government seeks to improve the judicial process for UTPs and contribute to a more effective and humane criminal justice system.

In News:

The National Sports Awards 2024 were recently announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to celebrate excellence in Indian sports.

Key Highlights:

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

• This is India's highest sporting honor, renamed in 2021 after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
• It’s awarded for exceptional performance in sports over a four-year period.
• 2024 Winners:
  • Gukesh D (Chess)
  • Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
  • Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
  • Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
• The award includes a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh.

Arjuna Award

• Recognizes outstanding performance in sports over the previous four years and attributes like leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship.
• 2024 Winners: Various athletes across multiple disciplines received this honor.

Arjuna Award (Lifetime)

• Given to retired athletes who have not only excelled during their careers but also contributed to the promotion of sports post-retirement.
• 2024 Winners:
  • Shri Sucha Singh (Athletics)
  • Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming)

Dronacharya Award

• Given to coaches who have made a consistent and significant contribution by guiding sportspersons to excel at international events.
• The award includes a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy

• Awarded to the top-performing university in the Khelo India University Games.
• 2024 Winner: Chandigarh University.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

• Recognizes individuals or organizations for their contribution to the promotion and development of sports.
• 2024 Winner: Physical Education Foundation of India.

These awards were selected by a committee led by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian and include eminent sportspersons, journalists, and sports administrators. The winners will receive their awards from the President of India, marking a prestigious moment in Indian sports.

In News:

• The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has issued the guidelines for the 28th National e-Governance Awards (NAeG) 2025.
• Nominations for the awards can be submitted online via the official portal: www.nceg.gov.in.

Key Highlights:

• Award Categories: Nominations for the awards can be submitted under the following six categories:
  • Government Process Re-engineering: Digital transformation through the use of technology to improve government processes.
  • Innovation by Use of AI and New Age Technologies: Fostering citizen-centric services via artificial intelligence and other modern technologies.
  • Best e-Gov Practices in Cyber Security: Recognizing excellence in e-Governance practices focused on cybersecurity.
  • Grassroot Level Initiatives: Initiatives at the Districts, ULBs (Urban Local Bodies), or Gram Panchayats that deepen service delivery.
  • Replication and Scaling Up of Successful Projects: Projects awarded in the past (such as NAeG or Prime Minister’s Awards) that have been successfully replicated or scaled.
  • Digital Transformation using Data Analytics: Projects that leverage data analytics on digital platforms for enhancing governance.
• Eligibility: The awards are open to Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, District Collectors, Research Institutions, and other relevant entities.
• Award Details:
  • The NAeG 2025 will feature 16 awards:
    • 10 Gold Awards.
    • 6 Silver Awards.
• Incentives:
  • Gold Award winners will receive a Trophy, Certificate, and an incentive of Rs 10 lakh.
  • Silver Award winners will receive a Trophy, Certificate, and an incentive of Rs 5 lakh.
  • The incentive will be used for further implementation of the awarded projects or bridging resource gaps in public welfare.
• Objective: The goal of the National Awards for e-Governance is to recognize and promote excellence in the implementation of e-Governance initiatives and digital transformation efforts across India.

In News:

On Good Governance Day, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for various departments, launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, which aims to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the grassroots level by enhancing the capacity and competence of elected representatives and officials.

Objective of the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ Initiative

The initiative seeks to strengthen PRIs by providing innovative tools and frameworks for capacity building and participatory governance. It will focus on equipping local leaders and officials with the necessary knowledge and tools to make effective decisions and implement sustainable development initiatives. Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, it uses e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to address knowledge gaps and improve service delivery at the local level. This program aligns with the government's mission to decentralize governance and promote citizen-centric and equitable development across rural India.

Other Key Initiatives Launched on Good Governance Day

• iGOT Karmayogi Platform Dashboard: A new dashboard on the iGOT Karmayogi platform, which empowers ministries, departments, and state administrators to monitor progress in capacity-building efforts. The enhanced dashboard includes customizable views, robust data filtering tools, and insights to optimize decision-making, marking the introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. This development is part of the Mission Karmayogi initiative to strengthen the civil service through continuous learning.
• CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024: The CPGRAMS Annual Report provided a review of the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS). This platform has been instrumental in resolving over 25 lakh grievances annually, leveraging advanced technologies and multilingual support. The report also highlighted the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI), which has improved transparency, accountability, and the efficiency of public service delivery.
• Single Simplified Pension Application Form: A new digital pension system was launched, combining nine separate pension forms into a single, streamlined application. This digital transformation integrates e-HRMS with Bhavishya, reducing processing time and ensuring timely pension disbursement with real-time tracking and Aadhaar-based e-signatures. This system enhances the user experience for pensioners, making the process more efficient and transparent.
• Compendium of Pension Related Instructions 2024: Dr. Singh introduced a comprehensive Compendium of updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. This document serves as a reference for pensioners and administrative personnel, ensuring clarity in the pension process and aligning with the government's vision of simplifying and streamlining pension systems.

Good Governance Day 2024 (Sushasan Diwas)

• Observed on: December 25 annually, marking the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018).
• Introduced in 2014: By the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Purpose: To honor Vajpayee's contribution and promote good governance practices in India.
• Objective of Good Governance Day:
  • Promote Government Accountability: Ensuring government actions and services are transparent and citizens benefit equally.
  • Instill Good Governance Values: Encourages civil servants to practice effective and responsible governance.
  • Bridge the Gap: Between citizens and the government through active participation.
• Theme for 2024: "India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation."

In News:

IndiaAI and Meta have announced the establishment of the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (????) at IIT Jodhpur, along with the launch of the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), for the advancement of open source artificial intelligence (AI) in India.

Key Initiatives Launched

• Center for Generative AI, Srijan (????) at IIT Jodhpur:
  • Focus on Generative AI (GenAI) research and innovation.
  • Meta’s support for ethical and responsible development of AI technologies.
  • Aim to empower researchers, students, and practitioners with the tools for responsible AI deployment.
  • Focus Areas: Open science, AI policy advisory, and indigenous AI application development.
• YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building:
  • Target: Empower 100,000 students and young developers (ages 18-30) with AI skills.
  • Core Focus: Leveraging open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) for real-world solutions.
  • Skills Development: Generative AI, open-source tools, and sector-specific AI applications (healthcare, education, agriculture, smart cities, mobility, and financial inclusion).
  • Partnership: Collaboration with AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).

Strategic Goals and Outcomes

• Research and Innovation:
  • Strengthen India’s AI ecosystem through groundbreaking research and collaborations.
  • Focus on open-source AI and indigenous AI solutions for national challenges.
  • Empower India to lead in AI through ethical and responsible AI deployment.
• AI Talent Development:
  • Bridge the AI talent gap by training young developers in open-source AI technologies.
  • Develop AI solutions for critical sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, smart cities, and financial inclusion.
  • Program Components:
    • GenAI Resource Hub with courses, case studies, and open datasets.
    • Unleash LLM Hackathons for students to propose AI solutions for real-world challenges.
    • Support for AI startups through an Innovation Accelerator.

Sectoral Focus and Impact

• Healthcare: AI for diagnostics, personalized medicine, and healthcare delivery.
• Education: AI tools for enhancing learning outcomes and personalized education.
• Agriculture: AI solutions for precision farming, pest control, and crop management.
• Smart Cities: AI in urban planning, traffic management, and public services.
• Mobility: AI applications in transportation, logistics, and urban mobility.
• Financial Inclusion: AI in fintech, digital payments, and financial services for underserved populations.

Additional Programs and Opportunities

• AICTE Collaboration: Mobilizing technical institutions across India to build AI capabilities.
• Master Training Activation Workshops: To introduce foundational AI concepts to students.
• Mentorship and Grants: Top AI solutions from hackathons will receive mentoring, seed grants, and market support.
• Student Startups: AI Innovation Accelerator will incubate 10 student-led AI startups experimenting with open-source models.