In News:

Launched under the Create in India Challenge Season 1, the Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP) is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting India’s gaming and interactive entertainment ecosystem on the global stage.

Key Highlights

• Launch Year: 2025
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
• Organizing Partner: Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC)

Objectives:

• Identify and showcase Indian gaming talent internationally.
• Support the growth of the gaming, animation, visual effects, and immersive technology (AR/VR/Metaverse) sectors.
• Boost the 'Create in India' initiative in the media and entertainment domain.
• Enable Indian developers and startups to create globally competitive digital products.

Program Features:

• Eligibility:
  Open to developers, studios, startups, and tech companies with working prototypes in:
  • Game development
  • Esports
  • Business solutions for gaming ecosystem
• Selection Process:
  • Game Submission
  • Expert Evaluation – Based on product, pitch, and team viability
  • Final Showcase – Winners selected by a jury

Global Exposure Platforms:

• Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025
  • Location: San Francisco
  • Dates: March 17–21, 2025
• World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025
  • Location: Mumbai
  • Dates: May 1–4, 2025
  • Venue: Jio World Convention Centre &Jio World Gardens
  • Focus Areas: Broadcasting, AVGC-XR, Digital Media, Innovation, and Films

Relevance of WAVES Summit:

• WAVES acts as a global convergence point for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector.
• AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics + AR/VR/Metaverse) is a central pillar, aligning with TTP’s goals.

Significance for India:

• Positions India as a global hub for innovation in digital entertainment.
• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in the tech and creative economy sectors.
• Encourages cross-border collaborations and export of Indian intellectual property in the gaming domain.

In News:

The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, endowed with rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and indigenous knowledge, is undergoing a transformation through biotechnology-led initiatives. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology is spearheading this change to harness the region’s biological resources for inclusive and sustainable development.

Biotechnology: Definition and Types

Biotechnology involves the use of biological systems or organisms to develop products and technologies that improve healthcare, agriculture, industry, and the environment.

Types of Biotechnology:

• Medical Biotechnology – Vaccines, gene therapy, diagnostics.
• Agricultural Biotechnology – Pest-resistant crops, high-yield seeds, and sustainable agriculture.
• Industrial Biotechnology – Biofuels, biodegradable plastics, enzyme-based processes.
• Environmental Biotechnology – Waste treatment, pollution control, and bioremediation.

Why North East India is Ideal for Biotech Development

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to 8,000+ plant species, including 850+ medicinal plants and agro-climatic diversity.
• Indigenous Knowledge: Rich traditional practices in herbal medicine and organic farming.
• Agri-Biotech Potential: Ideal for medicinal crops, essential oils, and organic produce.
• Industrial Opportunity: Scope for biofuel production, value-added food processing, and pharmaceutical industries.

Key DBT Programmes and Initiatives in the North East

• DBT North Eastern Programme
  • Since 2010, 10% of DBT’s annual budget is dedicated to NER.
  • Focus: R&D, education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and employment generation in biotechnology.
• Twinning R&D Programme (2010–11)
  • Promotes collaborative biotech research between NER and national institutes.
  • Over 65 institutional partnerships, supporting 650+ projects and benefiting ~2,500 researchers/students.
• Biotech Hubs Network (Since 2011)
  • 126 Biotech Hubs established across universities and colleges.
  • Phase II supports 54 hubs for focused research on local issues.
• BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Senior Secondary Schools): Started in 2014 to introduce biotechnology at the school level.
• Visiting Research Professorship (VRP) Programme:Launched in 2015 to utilize the expertise of top scientists for NER biotechnology development.
• Chemical Ecology Programme (2015): Collaborative training by NCBS, UAS, and IISc for Ph.D. scholars in the field of chemical ecology.
• Genomics Training Programme (2016):Conducted by DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, for biomedical researchers in the region.

Agri-Biotech and Livelihood-Oriented Initiatives

• DBT-NECAB (Phase III): Enhancing biotech applications in agriculture.
• Citrus Research: Disease-free scion material of Khasi mandarin and sweet orange developed at IHT, Assam.
• Medicinal Crop Cultivation: 64.1 acres under Curcuma caesia and lemongrass cultivation; 649 farmers trained.
• Essential Oil Distillation: Facility set up in Mudoi village, Arunachal Pradesh, for revenue support.
• Value-Addition in Wild Fruits: Docynia indica (Assam apple) processed into products like jam, pickles, and candy.

Technology-Driven Achievements

• Bacterial Blight-Resistant Rice (Patkai): Developed by Assam Agricultural University; notified by CVRC.
• Brucellosis Detection Kit: Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) to detect anti-Brucella antibodies in livestock.
• Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES): Mobile app for livestock disease detection and management (available on Google Play Store).

Challenges in NER’s Biotech Growth

• Limited infrastructure for biotech R&D and production.
• High cost of commercial biotech projects.
• Shortage of trained professionals in advanced biotech fields.
• Vulnerability to climate change and poor connectivity with markets.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Infrastructure: Develop biotech parks, R&D centers, and incubators.
• Skill Development: Train local youth, researchers, and farmers.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster industrial collaboration for startups and innovation.
• Eco-friendly Technologies: Promote sustainable and low-impact biotech industries.
• Digital Integration: Use AI and data analytics for agricultural and healthcare biotech solutions.

In News:

The Prime Minister of India is set to attend the Jhumoir Binandini (Mega Jhumoir) 2025, a grand cultural event featuring around 8,600 performers showcasing the traditional Jhumur dance. This event highlights the rich cultural contributions of the tea tribe community of Assam.

About Jhumoir (Jhumur) Dance

• Jhumur, also known as Jhumoir, is a traditional folk dance performed predominantly by the Adivasi tea tribes of Assam.
• It is typically showcased during the harvest season, as well as on occasions like weddings and community festivals.
• The dance was introduced to Assam by the tea garden workers, who originally migrated from regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal in the 19th century under British colonial rule.

Cultural Origins and Community

• The dance traces its roots to the Sadan ethnolinguistic group from the Chotanagpur plateau (present-day Jharkhand).
• The tea tribe community is a multi-ethnic group comprising descendants of migrant tea garden laborers.
• These communities have significantly shaped Assam’s socio-cultural landscape.

Performance Style and Attire

• Jhumur is performed in a circular formation, with dancers often holding each other's waists.
• The performance features rhythmic footwork, swaying movements, and energetic music.
• Women typically wear colorful sarees, often in red and white, while men dress in dhotis and kurtas.
• The musical accompaniment includes traditional instruments like the Madal, Dhol, Dhak, Taal (cymbals), and Flute.

Themes and Social Significance

• Jhumur songs blend liveliness with social commentary, often highlighting the struggles, exploitation, and migration experiences of the tea plantation workers.
• Major tea garden festivals where Jhumur is performed include Tushu Puja and Karam Puja, both celebrating the harvest.
• The dance fosters community bonding, promotes cultural pride, and represents Assam’s syncretic cultural heritage.
• It stands as a symbol of inclusivity, unity, and the resilience of the tea tribe community.

In News:

• The Executive Body Meeting of the South and West Asian Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (SWARBICA) was held on 20–21 February 2025 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
• It was inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and hosted by the National Archives of India.
• This is the second time India has hosted the SWARBICA meeting, the last being in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2017.

Key Highlights

• The event marked the first SWARBICA Executive Meeting in eight years.
• Participating nations included Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• Pakistan joined the meeting virtually, while Iran could not attend due to visa-related issues.
• The meeting provided a platform for regional cooperation in archival development, emphasizing shared cultural and religious heritage.

Agenda and Focus Areas

• Digital Preservation & Archives Digitization:
  • Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives of India (NAI) and Treasurer of SWARBICA, presented NAI’s ongoing efforts in the digitization of archival records.
  • Emphasis was placed on training programs, technical exchange, and conservation practices.
• AI in Digital Archiving:
  • Aseminar titled "Using AI for Digital Preservation in Archives" was organized.
  • Experts from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and SAMHiTA (India International Centre) discussed the potential of artificial intelligence in archival science.

About SWARBICA

• It functions as a regional arm of the International Council on Archives (ICA), fostering collaboration among archival institutions in South and West Asia.
• Established: The idea was proposed in 1973 at an ICA meeting in Brussels and officially launched on 11th December 1976 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• SWARBICA promotes professional networking, training, resource sharing, and advancement in archival practices among member countries.

Significance for India

• Reflects India’s leadership in regional cultural cooperation.
• Aligns with national goals of digital governance, knowledge preservation, and heritage conservation.
• Strengthens India's cultural diplomacy in South and West Asia.

In News:

In February 2025, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, paid a State Visit to India, during which India and Qatar elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Major Outcomes of the 2025 Summit

• Strategic Partnership Agreement:Formalized multifaceted cooperation across sectors—trade, investment, energy, security, technology, and people-to-people ties.
• Trade and Economic Engagement:
  • Target set to double bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030 (from $14 billion in FY 2023–24).
  • Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce established to monitor economic ties.
  • Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) pledged $10 billion in Indian infrastructure, green energy, and startups.
  • Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed.
• Energy Cooperation:
  • A landmark 20-year LNG supply deal (2028–2048) between QatarEnergy and Petronet LNG.
  • Collaboration in renewable energy including green hydrogen, solar energy, and AI-based efficiency solutions.
• Investment and Digital Integration:
  • QIA to open an office in India; Qatar National Bank to set up presence in GIFT City.
  • India’s UPI system operationalized in Qatar's POS infrastructure; nationwide rollout planned.
• Technology and Innovation:
  • Cooperation in AI, semiconductors, IoT, robotics and digital governance.
  • Indian startups to participate in Web Summits in Doha (2024–25).

People-to-People and Cultural Ties

• Over 830,000 Indians reside in Qatar, forming the largest expatriate community.
• MoUs signed on youth, sports, education, archives, and cultural cooperation.
• Agreement to celebrate India-Qatar Year of Culture, Friendship and Sports.

Security and Counter-Terrorism

• Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
• Commitment to enhanced cooperation in intelligence sharing, cybercrime, anti-money laundering, and countering transnational crimes.
• Emphasis on regular meetings of the Joint Committee on Security and Law Enforcement.

Labour and Health Cooperation

• Agreement to hold regular Joint Working Group on Labour and Employment to address expatriate welfare and mobility.
• Collaboration in the health sector, including pharma exports, device registration, and pandemic response mechanisms.

Geopolitical and Multilateral Cooperation

• Exchange of views on Middle East stability, UN reforms, and India-GCC engagement.
• Appreciation for Qatar’s Chairmanship of the India-GCC Strategic Dialogue (Sept 2024).
• Agreement on UN Security Council reform and advancing SDG goals through multilateralism.

Challenges Ahead

• Trade Imbalance: Imports of LNG/LPG ($12B) far exceed exports (<$2B).
• Labour Rights Concerns: Working conditions of Indian laborers in Qatar remain under scrutiny.
• Legal and Judicial Issues: Over 600 Indians in Qatari jails; need for agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.
• Geopolitical Complexities: Qatar’s involvement in West Asian diplomacy presents nuanced challenges.
• Naval Veterans Case: Pending resolution affects diplomatic sentiment.

Way Forward

• Boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering goods.
• Expedite India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to streamline FDI.
• Expand collaboration in green hydrogen, carbon capture, and energy diversification.
• Strengthen ministerial-level engagements, labor welfare frameworks, and regional security dialogue.

In News:

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has launched a pilot project titled NAKSHA(National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories, with the inauguration taking place in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Highlights:

Objective of NAKSHA

The NAKSHA initiative aims to:

• Create and update urban land records for accurate, reliable documentation of property ownership.
• Empower citizens by improving ease of access to land records.
• Facilitate urban planning and reduce land-related disputes.
• Promote transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development through an IT-based system.

Key Features

• Technical Partner: The Survey of India will carry out aerial surveys and provide orthorectified imagery via third-party vendors.
• Implementation Partners:
  • Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop a web-based GIS platform.
  • National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI) will provide data storage facilities.
• Execution at State Level: States and UTs will conduct field surveys and ground truthing, leading to the final publication of urban and semi-urban land records.

In News:

The Indian Navy's platforms—INS Shardul, an amphibious warfare ship, and the P-8I Long Range Maritime Surveillance Aircraft—participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and the 5th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo held in Bali, Indonesia, from 15 to 22 February 2025.

International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025

• IFR 2025 is a prestigious multinational naval event reviewed by the President of Indonesia.
• Participating nations showcased naval assets including warships, helicopters, and maritime aircraft.
• The Indian Navy took part in:
  • International Maritime Security Symposium
  • Tactical floor games
  • City parade
  • Coral and mangrove plantation
  • Beach cleaning activities
  • Baby turtle release, promoting environmental and maritime sustainability.

Exercise Komodo 2025

• Initiated in 2014, Exercise Komodo is a non-combat multilateral naval exercise hosted by the Indonesian Navy.
• The 2025 edition had the theme: "Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability".
• Objectives:
  • Promote maritime cooperation
  • Enhance interoperability
  • Foster regional security cooperation
• Key Features:
  • Participation from 39 countries
  • Involvement of 34 foreign and 18 Indonesian Navy warships
  • Included:
    • Naval exercises
    • Officer exchange forums
    • Bilateral naval meetings
    • Defense exhibition
    • Cultural parades

Strategic Context and Bilateral Engagements

• The participation builds upon the Indian Navy’s involvement in the La Pérouse exercises in Indonesia (January 2025) involving INS Mumbai and a P-8I aircraft.
• It coincided with the visit of Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, to India during the Republic Day 2025, accompanying President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest.

Significance for India

• The participation reaffirms India’s commitment to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• It strengthens India-Indonesia defense ties and underscores India's proactive role in regional maritime diplomacy and environmental stewardship.

In News:

The Ministry of Ayush has officially opened nominations for the Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards 2025, which will be conferred on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. These prestigious awards aim to honour individuals and organizations that have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the promotion and development of Yoga at both national and international levels.

Background and Objective

Instituted by the Government of India and endorsed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the awards recognize Yoga’s vital role in:

• Health promotion
• Disease prevention
• Management of lifestyle-related disorders

The initiative reflects the government’s broader vision to acknowledge and encourage meaningful contributions in advancing Yoga as a holistic system of well-being and preventive healthcare.

Award Categories and Benefits

The awards will be presented in the following four categories:

1. National Individual
2. National Organization
3. International Individual
4. International Organization

Each awardee will receive:

• A Trophy
• A Certificate of Recognition
• A Cash Prize of ?25 lakh

Eligibility Criteria

• Individual applicants must be 40 years or older.
• They should possess a minimum of 20 years of committed work in promoting Yoga.
• Organizations must have a proven track record in the field of Yoga development and outreach.

Applicants or nominees can apply for only one category (either National or International) in a given year. Applications can be submitted directly by individuals/entities or through nominations made by recognized Yoga institutions.

Application and Submission Process

• Nominations and applications are to be submitted through the MyGov platform:
  https://innovateindia.mygov.in/pm-yoga-awards-2025/
• The link is also accessible on the Ministry of Ayush website and those of its autonomous bodies.
• The deadline for submission is March 31, 2025.

Selection Procedure

The award process involves two key stages:

1. A Screening Committee formed by the Ministry of Ayush will evaluate all entries and recommend a maximum of 50 nominations per category.
2. These shortlisted names will be reviewed by a high-level Evaluation Jury comprising eminent personalities from diverse fields, which will serve as the final decision-making body.

Significance of the Initiative

The Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards not only celebrate excellence in Yoga but also further the objectives of initiatives like Fit India Movement, Ayushman Bharat, and the mainstreaming of traditional Indian wellness systems.

The awards are a key element of the Ministry of Ayush’s broader mandate to integrate traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy into the healthcare ecosystem of India.

In News:

The 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint annual military exercisealternately hosted in India and Japan since 2018is scheduled from February 25 to March 9, 2025, at Mount Fuji, Japan.

Key Highlights:

Objectives:

• Strengthen Bilateral Defence Relations: Enhances military diplomacy under the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
• Promote Interoperability: Develops joint operational capabilities and tactical synergy in line with UN peacekeeping mandates (Chapter VII).
• Urban and Semi-Desert Warfare: Trains troops in counter-terrorism operations and urban combat scenarios.
• Regional Stability: Supports the Indo-Pacific security architecture and complements Quad defence objectives (India, Japan, US, Australia).

Key Features of Dharma Guardian 2025

• Advanced Tactical Training: Close-quarter battle drills, live-fire exercises, battlefield medical evacuation.
• Joint Counter-Terror Operations: Conducted under UN charter guidelines for multinational cooperation.
• 48-hour Validation Exercise: Simulated real-time combat for assessing operational readiness and coordination.
• ISR and Tactical Mobility Drills: Involves establishing temporary operating bases, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) grids, mobile vehicle checkpoints, and heliborne insertions.
• House Intervention & Search Operations: Practical training for securing urban areas against militant threats.
• Weapons & Equipment Display: Demonstrates India’s growing defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Mount Fuji – Host Site

• Geographical Significance: Japan’s highest peak at 3,776.24 meters, located 100 km southwest of Tokyo.
• Cultural Importance: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013) and revered as one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains.”
• Training Terrain: Its stratovolcanic landscape provides a realistic backdrop for high-altitude and rugged terrain operations.

Related India-Japan Military Exercises

India and Japan conduct a wide spectrum of bilateral and multilateral defense exercises across all services:

Exercise Name                                   Service Branch                            Focus Area         

Dharma Guardian                            Army                                         Land-based counter-terror and urban warfare

JIMEX                                                         Navy                                          Naval interoperability and maritime security

Malabar (Quad)                          Navy (Multilateral)                 Naval drills with US and Australia

Veer Guardian                                    Air Force                                    Air combat tactics and coordination

ShinyuuMaitri                                     Air Force                                    Air mobility and humanitarian operations

In News:

The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, launched by the Government of India, aims to empower sanitation workers, particularly Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs), also known as SafaiMitras.

Key Highlights:

• It focuses on ensuring their dignity, safety, and economic empowerment, while promoting the mechanization of sanitation processes.
• The scheme is designed to address the challenges faced by these workers, who are often exposed to hazardous conditions.

Objectives of the NAMASTE Scheme

The primary objectives of the NAMASTE scheme include:

• Formalization of sanitation work and enhancing occupational safety.
• Promotion of mechanized cleaning techniques to reduce manual interventions.
• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety devices to workers.
• Ensuring economic and social empowerment of sanitation workers.

Implementing Agencies and Timeline

• The NAMASTE Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• The scheme is executed by the National SafaiKaramcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), under MoSJE.
• The scheme is scheduled for implementation from FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, with a target group comprising sewer workers, septic tank workers, and waste pickers (the latter being added in 2024).

Key Initiatives Under NAMASTE

• Distribution of PPE Kits: Under the scheme, PPE kits are provided to sanitation workers to safeguard them from health hazards, especially while working in unsafe environments like sewer lines and septic tanks. These kits include masks, gloves, goggles, face shields, gowns, and shoe covers.
• Ayushman Health Cards: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health cards are distributed to SSWs under the scheme. These cards enable workers to access cashless healthcare at empaneled hospitals, ensuring that sanitation workers receive timely medical attention without financial burden.
• Capacity Building and Training: The scheme promotes capacity building for SSWs through training programs on safety protocols, mechanized cleaning processes, and the use of modern sanitation technologies. This helps improve the efficiency and safety of their work, while also reducing manual handling.
• Promoting Mechanization: To reduce the hazardous practice of manual scavenging, the scheme focuses on providing mechanized equipment to enhance sanitation operations and create safer working conditions for workers.

In News:

India is set to host the 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) from February 12–14, 2025, at the ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• This triennial international event—organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Fisheries (DoF), and AFS Indian Branch (AFSIB)—is themed "Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific".
• It aims to promote sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• Previous Indian Host: India is hosting the AFAF for the second time, the first being the 8th AFAF in Kochi (2007).
• Legacy: AFAF, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been a leading platform for fostering global cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture since its inception.

India's Role and Significance

• India ranks second globally in total fish production and aquaculture output, underlining its emerging leadership in the blue economy.
• The forum presents a strategic opportunity to:
  • Showcase India’s technological and policy advancements.
  • Strengthen international collaborations.
  • Promote sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive aquaculture systems.

Forum Structure and Thematic Sessions

The event will feature 20+ technical sessions and keynote presentations by international experts, focusing on priority areas such as:

• Sustainable Fisheries Management:Emphasis on responsible fishing, biodiversity preservation, and efficient resource utilization.
• Climate Change and Fisheries:Addressing climate impacts on aquatic ecosystems and developing adaptive strategies.
• Smart Aquaculture & Technology:Integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance fish farming efficiency and monitoring.
• Fish Genetics & Biotechnology:Innovations for disease resistance, improved yields, and genetic advancements.
• Post-Harvest and Value Addition:Improving fish quality, market access, and export competitiveness through better processing techniques.

In News:

Recently, the Union Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel released the Devolution Index Report at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.

Titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking 2024”, the report assesses the extent of autonomy and empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across Indian States and UTs.

Context and Constitutional Framework

The initiative is anchored in the vision of Article 243G of the Constitution and the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which mandates the devolution of powers, authority, and responsibilities to Panchayats over 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule. It reflects the spirit of grassroots democracy and aims to realize the vision of "Local Self-Government".

Core Objectives and Dimensions of the Index

The Devolution Index provides an evidence-based evaluation of decentralization and self-governance in rural India. It assesses PRIs across six critical dimensions:

1. Framework – Legal and institutional setup for decentralization.
2. Functions – Scope of responsibilities devolved to Panchayats.
3. Finances – Fiscal powers and resource autonomy.
4. Functionaries – Availability and control over human resources.
5. Capacity Building – Training and skill development mechanisms.
6. Accountability – Transparency, audit mechanisms, and citizen participation.

Significance and Policy Implications

• Strengthening Cooperative Federalism: By highlighting inter-state comparisons, the Index fosters competitive federalism in the spirit of collaborative governance.
• Multi-Stakeholder Utility:
  • Citizens: Increases transparency in Panchayat functioning and fund utilization.
  • Elected Representatives: Offers a data-driven basis for decentralization advocacy.
  • Officials & Policymakers: Acts as a policy instrument for reform and targeted capacity building.
• Aligns with National Vision:
  • Supports Viksit Bharat goals through ??????????????????????????????? (developed and empowered PRIs).
  • Contributes to inclusive rural development and grassroots democratization.

In News:

The Income-tax Bill, 2025, tabled in Parliament on February 13, 2025, seeks to repeal and replace the Income-tax Act, 1961, marking a landmark step in tax law simplification.

It reflects the government's commitment to ease of doing business, legal clarity, and tax compliance, without altering the core tax policy or rate structure.

Guiding Principles

1. Textual and structural simplification for better clarity.
2. Policy continuity—no major tax policy changes.
3. Preservation of existing tax rates for predictability.

Approach and Methodology

• Three-pronged strategy:
  • Simplify language and eliminate legalese.
  • Remove obsolete, redundant, and repetitive provisions.
  • Reorganize the Act for logical and easier navigation.
• Consultative process:
  • 20,976 online suggestions received.
  • Stakeholder consultations with taxpayers, professionals, and industry bodies.
  • International best practices reviewed, notably from Australia and the UK.

Quantitative Simplification

Parameter               Income-tax Act, 1961                  Income-tax Bill, 2025                      Change

Words                     5,12,535                                        2,59,676                                           ↓ 2,52,859

Chapters                47                                                  23                                                     ↓ 24

Sections                  819                                                 536                                                  ↓ 283

Tables                      18                                                    57                                                    ↑ 39

Formulae                 6                                                     46                                                    ↑ 40

Key Features and Improvements

• Qualitative Enhancements:
  • Use of simplified and accessible language.
  • Consolidation of amendments to reduce fragmentation.
  • Enhanced readability via structured use of tables and formulae.
  • Elimination of outdated provisions.
• Introduction of "Tax Year":Defined as the 12-month period beginning April 1, providing better uniformity.
• Crypto as Capital Asset:Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) such as cryptocurrencies included in the definition of "property", now taxable as capital assets.
• Dispute Resolution Clarity:Improved transparency in Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) procedures by including points of determination and reasoning—addressing a key criticism of ambiguity in the earlier framework.
• Removal of Obsolete Exemptions:Section 54E, providing capital gain exemptions for transfers before April 1992, has been scrapped.
• Expected Timeline:Once enacted, the Income-tax Act, 2025 is proposed to come into effect from April 1, 2026.

In News:

The Gender Budget allocation for FY 2025-26 has increased to ?4.49 lakh crore, accounting for 8.86% of the total Union Budget, up from 6.8% in FY 2024-25. This represents a 37.25% increase compared to the ?3.27 lakh crore allocated in the previous year.

Key Highlights:

• Expansion Across Ministries:
  • A total of 49 Ministries/Departments and 5 Union Territories (UTs) have reported allocations in the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) for 2025-26, marking the highest participation since the inception of the Gender Budget.
  • Twelve new Ministries have been included in the GBS this year, signaling a broader inclusion of gender considerations in sectors such as animal husbandry, biotechnology, water resources, food processing, and railways.
• Gender Budget Allocation Breakdown:
  • Part A (100% Women-specific schemes): ?1,05,535.40 crore (23.5% of total GBS).
  • Part B (30-99% allocation for women): ?3,26,672 crore (72.75% of total GBS).
  • Part C (Below 30% allocation for women): ?16,821.28 crore (3.75% of total GBS).
• Top Ministries reporting high percentages in gender-focused allocations include the Ministry of Women & Child Development (81.79%), Department of Rural Development (65.76%), and Department of Health & Family Welfare (41.10%).
• Focus on Women’s Economic Participation:
  • The Union Budget aims to boost women’s participation in economic activities, targeting 70% by 2047.
  • Women’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 42% in 2023-24 from 33% in 2021-22.
  • Efforts to close the gender gap involve increased allocations to programs like Skill India, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), and PM Vishwakarma, with 52% of the ?1.24 lakh crore allocated for these programs earmarked for women and girls.
• Support for Women Entrepreneurs:
  • Women own 20.5% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, employing approximately 27 million people.
  • The Budget focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs by advocating for collateral-free loans, alternative credit scoring models, and financial literacy programs.
  • Establishing 30 million additional women-owned businesses could generate 150-170 million jobs by 2030, contributing significantly to India's employment needs.
• Gig Economy and Informal Sector:
  • The Budget introduces measures to formalize gig workers, 90% of whom are women. By issuing identity cards and registering gig workers on the e-Shram portal, the Budget aims to provide them with access to social security and financial inclusion benefits.
  • This addresses the challenges faced by women in the informal sector, including low wages, job insecurity, and lack of maternity benefits.
• Gender Inclusivity in Technology:
  • A dedicated ?600 crore allocation under the India AI Mission aims to promote gender inclusivity in the technology sector. This includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education and skill development, ensuring women’s participation in high-growth technological fields.

• Gender Budgeting Components:
  • Part A: Gender-specific expenditure, directly benefiting women (e.g., BetiBachaoBetiPadhao).
  • Part B: Pro-women general expenditure, benefiting both men and women but focusing on women’s advancement (e.g., MGNREGA).
  • Part C: Gender-neutral budgets that may require gender-sensitive planning (e.g., Har GharNal project, which reduces women’s time spent fetching water).
• Policy Vision and Challenges:
  • The Union Budget for 2025-26 is part of the government’s vision for a "Viksit Bharat" with zero poverty, universal education, 100% skilled labor, and 70% female participation in the workforce by 2047.
  • While the Budget lays a strong foundation, addressing persistent challenges like gender pay gaps, occupational segregation, and cultural barriers will require sustained policy interventions, gender-sensitive workplace reforms, and effective implementation of gender-disaggregated data for monitoring outcomes.

In News:

India has achieved a significant milestone in semiconductor technology with the development of the indigenous Shakti semiconductor chip. Developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Shakti chip is a crucial component of India’s push for technological self-reliance under the Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) initiative.

Overview of Shakti Semiconductor Chip

• The Shakti chip is an indigenous microprocessor based on the RISC-V open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA).
• Its primary objective is to meet the high-performance computing, security, and reliability needs of India’s defense, aerospace, and space industries.
• It was specifically designed to support applications in satellite missions, avionics, embedded systems, and command-and-control operations.
• The chip is the third in the Shakti series, following the earlier RIMO (2018) and MOUSHIK (2020) chips, which served as technology demonstrators.

Key Features:

• Indigenous Development: Fully developed, fabricated, and tested in India, ensuring complete control over the design and manufacturing process.
• RISC-V Architecture: The Shakti chip utilizes the RISC-V open-source architecture, offering flexibility for customization and adaptation to various hardware and application needs.
• Fault Tolerant and Reliable: Designed to endure the harsh conditions of space and defense applications, making it highly reliable for mission-critical functions.
• High-Performance Computing: Supports complex functions like AI-based operations, real-time control systems, and sensor integration, essential for space missions and advanced defense technologies.
• Advanced Security: Aimed at providing robust security measures for critical sectors, including defense and aerospace, ensuring protection against cyber threats.
• Expandable and Scalable: The chip supports multiple boot modes and hybrid memory extensions, allowing for future upgrades and expansions, especially for space exploration.

Applications of the Shakti Chip

• Space Missions: The Shakti chip plays a vital role in powering ISRO's command-and-control systems, satellite avionics, and embedded systems used in various space missions.
• Defense & Aerospace: It enhances India’s strategic autonomy by reducing reliance on foreign semiconductor technology for military-grade electronics.
• IoT & AI Applications: The chip’s high-performance computing capabilities are ideal for smart systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI applications.
• Research and Development: The chip contributes significantly to India’s semiconductor ecosystem, providing a foundation for further R&D in indigenous chip fabrication.

The Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) Initiative

• Launched in April 2022 by MeitY, the DIRV initiative aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem by promoting the development of indigenous RISC-V-based microprocessors.
• The initiative emphasizes reducing dependency on foreign semiconductor solutions and fostering self-reliance in the digital sector.
• DIRV also focuses on high-performance computing for emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and cloud computing. Through collaborations with IITs, ISRO, C-DAC, and private industry partners, the program aims to create a robust ecosystem for scalable microprocessor solutions.

IRIS: A Key Development from Shakti

• One of the most notable outputs of the Shakti chip initiative is the IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications).
• Developed for ISRO’s space missions, the IRIS chip is a high-performance, fault-tolerant, 64-bit processor based on the Shakti microprocessor.
• It has been designed to meet the specific needs of space missions, such as satellite command-and-control systems, by integrating custom modules like watchdog timers and advanced serial buses.
• The IRIS chip also features multiple boot modes and hybrid memory extensions for future scalability and expansion in line with upcoming space missions.

In News:

To enhance the efficacy and wider adoption of MIS, the Government of India revised the guidelines in 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: It aims to provide price support for perishable agricultural and horticultural commodities not covered under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime. It prevents distress sales during periods of excessive production and sharp price declines.
• Implementing Authority:The scheme is under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and is now a component of the PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri AnnadataAaySanrakshan Abhiyan) umbrella scheme.
• Eligibility & Activation:

• Implemented on the request of State/UT Governments.
• Triggered when market prices fall by at least 10% compared to the average price of the previous normal year.

• Nature of the Scheme:

• Ad-hoc price support mechanism operational during sudden market crashes.
• Cost-sharing pattern between Centre and States is 50:50, and 75:25 for North-Eastern states.

• Procurement Provisions (Revised 2025):

• Procurement limit increased from 20% to 25% of total production of the crop.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode introduced: States may directly compensate farmers for the price difference between Market Intervention Price (MIP) and actual selling price.
• Physical procurement is optional under the revised scheme.

• Authorized Procurement Agencies:

• Central Nodal Agencies like NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India).
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and state-nominated agencies can also participate in procurement, storage, and transportation.

• Support for Transportation and Storage:

• Reimbursement of storage and transport costs is provided by Central Nodal Agencies for TOP crops (Tomato, Onion, Potato).
• This provision helps balance regional price disparities between producing and consuming states.

• Significance:

• The revamped MIS strengthens market resilience for perishable crop producers.
• Enhances State participation, reduces post-harvest losses, and ensures remunerative returns through institutional and technological support mechanisms.

In News:

NITI Aayog released a comprehensive policy report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities (SPUs)’, focusing on the development of higher education institutions, particularly public universities in India.

The report aims to enhance the quality, funding, governance, and employability outcomes within SPUs, which contribute to around 80% of the country's higher education system.

The document, the first of its kind in India, presents a detailed analysis of vital indicators like quality, funding, financing, governance, and employability over the last decade, supported by stakeholder consultations with over 20 states and Union Territories, Vice Chancellors, academicians, and State Higher Education Council Chairs. The report includes nearly 80 policy recommendations, along with 125 performance indicators, aiming to address long-standing challenges within SPUs.

Key Findings from the Report

• Funding:
  • Maharashtra leads in funding for higher education, with Bihar and Tamil Nadu following closely behind.
  • On the other hand, states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland have the lowest funding for higher education, highlighting regional disparities.
• University Density:
  • The national average university density is 0.8 universities per lakh population. However, states such as Sikkim, with a density of 10.3, and Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Meghalaya, and Uttarakhand have significantly higher densities. In contrast, states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra have lower densities compared to the national average.
• Female Enrolment:
  • Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have achieved higher female enrolment rates than males, which reflects positive gender inclusivity trends in certain regions.
• Challenges:
  • Infrastructure deficits, including a lack of quality facilities and resources.
  • A shortage of faculty and staff, particularly in advanced fields such as MTech and Ph.D. levels.
  • Insufficient investment in research and development (R&D).
  • Outdated courses, syllabi, and curricula, which are not aligned with industry needs.
  • Financial constraints due to over-reliance on traditional revenue sources like admission fees and state grants.
  • Administrative delays in fund sanctioning and the absence of frameworks for securing loans through financial institutions.

Policy Recommendations

The report proposes several reforms to address the aforementioned challenges, with a focus on improving educational quality, securing better funding, enhancing governance, and boosting employability:

• Funding and Investment:
  • Increase the combined investment in education to 6% of GDP, as recommended in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • Increase R&D investment (both public and private) to 2% of GDP, as recommended in the Economic Survey 2017-18.
• Creating Centers of Excellence:
  • SPUs should form clusters and focus on addressing local challenges by establishing Centres of Excellence. These centres should focus on region-specific issues to drive academic and practical advancements.
• Governance Reforms:
  • Enhance governance structures at SPUs, empowering Vice Chancellors, faculty, and staff through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
  • States may consider setting up dedicated finance agencies, similar to the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), to fund infrastructure and research development specifically for SPUs.
• Financial Innovations:
  • Develop financial frameworks to increase investment in education, ensuring access to timely funds, and reducing dependency on state grants or admission fees.
• Industry-Academia Collaboration:
  • Strengthen the link between academia and industry to ensure that the curricula are relevant and prepare students for the job market. This can be achieved through increased partnerships, internships, and practical learning opportunities.

In News:

The National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was initially launched in 2006 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to promote bamboo-based development. Between 2014–2016, it was subsumed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

In 2018-19, it was restructured under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to revamp bamboo cultivation, processing, and value chain integration.

A key reform was the 2017 amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which removed bamboo grown outside forests from the definition of “tree.” This de-regulated its felling and transit, boosting private bamboo farming and easing trade.

Objectives

• Increase the availability of quality planting materials and expand area under bamboo cultivation, especially in non-forest land.
• Promote post-harvest management, primary treatment, seasoning, and preservation technologies.
• Develop market infrastructure, incubation centers, and tools & equipment for value addition.
• Encourage value-added product development, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
• Reduce import dependency on bamboo and bamboo-based products.

Funding Pattern

• General States: 60% Central and 40% State funding.
• Northeastern & Hilly States: 90% Central and 10% State.
• Union Territories, BTSGs & National Level Agencies: 100% Central funding.

Implementation Framework

• Implemented through the State Nodal Departments, nominated by respective State/UT governments.
• Notable example: Bareilly Bamboo Cluster operational in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, since 2019-20, with activities like nursery establishment, bamboo plantation, skill development, and bamboo product demonstration.

Bamboo – Ecological & Economic Significance

• Botanical Classification: Grass (Family: Poaceae, Subfamily: Bambusoideae), ~115 genera and ~1,400 species globally.
• Native to tropical, subtropical, and mild temperate zones, with highest concentration in East and Southeast Asia.

Properties & Applications:

• Carbon Sequestration: Produces 35% more oxygen than comparable vegetation; acts as a natural carbon sink.
• Climate Adaptability: Thrives in degraded lands; prevents soil erosion; vital for land restoration.
• Alternative Energy Source: Among the fastest-growing plants (up to 90 cm/day); can substitute fossil fuels.
• Food & Medicine: Bamboo shoots are consumed in Northeast India; roots and parts used in traditional medicine.
• Livelihood Support: Flexible harvest cycles provide year-round income for farmers.

Bamboo Production Status in India

• 18,000+ inventoried grids reported bamboo presence between 2016–17 to 2019–20.
• Estimated total bamboo culms: 53,336 million.
• 35.19% increase in bamboo culms from ISFR 2019 to ISFR 2021 (an increase of 13,882 million culms).

In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) till March 2026, with a financial outlay of ?8,800 crore.

The revamped programme consolidates three flagship schemes under a composite Central Sector Scheme—Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS)—with the aim to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Objectives and Vision

• Strengthen workforce development through industry-aligned, technology-enabled, and demand-driven skill training.
• Enhance global competitiveness, promote international mobility, and align with India's economic priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Digital India.
• Enable lifelong learning, skilling, reskilling, and upskilling through inclusive, flexible, and community-based training.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

• Over 2.27 crore individuals have benefited so far.
• Targeted age groups vary across schemes:
  • PMKVY 4.0: 15–59 years
  • PM-NAPS: 14–35 years
  • JSS: 15–45 years
• Emphasis on marginalized sections, women, rural youth, aspirational districts, and the North-East Region.

Key Components of the Restructured Programme

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)

• Offers NSQF-aligned training via:
  • Short-Term Training (STT)
  • Special Projects (SP)
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Introduces 400+ new courses in emerging fields:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, Drone Technology.
• Establishment of Skill Hubs in premier institutions (IITs, NITs, JNVs, KendriyaVidyalayas, etc.).
• Focus on international mobility:
  • Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs), joint certifications, and language proficiency training.
• Blended learning models with digital delivery and regional language content.
• Integration with schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya GharMuft Bijli Yojana, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and NAL JAL Mitra.
• Adoption of an Ease of Doing Business framework to reduce compliance burdens.

2. Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)

• Promotes earn-while-you-learn through industry-specific apprenticeships.
• Government support of 25% stipend (up to ?1,500/month per apprentice) via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Focus on both traditional and emerging sectors like AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
• Encourages participation of MSMEs and enterprises in underserved regions.

3. Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS) Scheme

• Community-based skilling for economically disadvantaged, rural youth, and women.
• Offers low-cost, flexible, doorstep training for both self-employment and wage-based livelihoods.
• Linked with initiatives such as PM JANMAN, ULLAS, and financial literacy campaigns.
• Also promotes awareness in health, hygiene, gender equality, and education.

Certification and Digital Integration

• All certifications are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
• Integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring:
  • Formal recognition of skills.
  • Horizontal and vertical mobility in education and employment.
• Micro-credential courses (7.5 to 30 hours) and National Occupational Standards (NoS)-based training introduced.

Supporting Schemes and Initiatives

• SANKALP(Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion).
• TEJAS (Skilling for international placement).
• Model Skill Loan Scheme.

Significance of Skill India Programme

• Demographic Dividend: With over 65% of India’s population below 35, the programme is pivotal in transforming potential into productivity.
• Employment & Entrepreneurship: Reduces unemployment through structured training, apprenticeships, and encourages skill-based startups.
• Global Workforce Readiness: Aligns with international standards, enabling Indian workers to access global job markets.
• Technological Preparedness: Equips the youth with skills in futuristic technologies.
• Inclusive Growth: Ensures urban-rural and gender-based equity in skilling access.
• Economic Impact: Supports India's manufacturing, IT, and services sectors, driving GDP growth.

In News:

India has officially surpassed 100 GW of installed solar power capacity as of January 31, 2025, marking a historic milestone in its clean energy journey. This achievement strengthens India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and signifies major progress toward its ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, highlighted this milestone as a testament to India’s energy self-reliance, driven by key initiatives such as solar parks, rooftop solar schemes, and domestic solar manufacturing.

Growth Trajectory and Achievements

• Installed Capacity Growth:
  • From 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100.33 GW in 2025 – a growth of 3450% over a decade.
  • Solar energy now accounts for 47% of India’s total installed renewable energy capacity.
• Capacity Pipeline:
  • 84.10 GW of solar under implementation.
  • 47.49 GW under tendering.
  • Including hybrid and RTC renewable projects, India has 296.59 GW of solar and hybrid projects in total.
• Record Additions in 2024:
  • 24.5 GW solar capacity added, more than double from 2023.
  • 18.5 GW utility-scale installations – a 2.8 times increase from 2023.
  • 4.59 GW of rooftop solar added, a 53% increase over 2023.
• Top States in utility-scale solar growth:Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

Solar Manufacturing Boom

• Solar module production capacity has grown from 2 GW (2014) to 60 GW (2024).
• With continued policy support, India is targeting 100 GW of manufacturing capacity by 2030.
• This shift makes India a global hub for solar technology and reduces reliance on imports.

Major Government Initiatives Driving Solar Growth

• National Solar Mission (NSM) (2010):Set long-term targets, with 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030 under its ambit.
• PM SuryaGharMuft Bijli Yojana (2024):
  • A game-changing rooftop solar scheme aiming to empower households with free, clean electricity.
  • Nearly 9 lakh rooftop installations as of early 2025.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme:Promotes solar irrigation pumps and supports farmers with grid-connected solar systems.
• Solar Parks Scheme:Facilitates development of large-scale solar clusters in states to boost capacity.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:Incentivizes domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules.
• Net Metering Policy:Allows consumers to generate and export surplus solar power to the grid.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA):India-led global initiative fostering solar energy cooperation among solar-rich countries.

Benefits of Solar Energy for India

• Energy Security: Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports.
• Environmental Gains: Cuts GHG emissions and combats climate change.
• Economic Boost: Millions of jobs created across installation, manufacturing, and maintenance.
• Affordability: Declining PV costs make solar a cost-effective energy source.
• Rural Electrification: Powers remote and off-grid regions, improving livelihoods.

Challenges and the Way Forward

• Land Acquisition: Scarcity of land hinders large-scale solar deployment.
• Grid Integration: Intermittency of solar power stresses the existing power grid.
• Finance & Investment: Scaling up infrastructure and storage requires sustained capital inflow.
• Storage Solutions: Affordable battery storage is essential for reliability and round-the-clock supply.

In News:

The Indian Navy’s biennial TROPEX-25is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from January to March 2025.

It is the Indian Navy’s largest maritime exercise, aimed at testing combat readiness and integrated warfighting capabilities across all domains.

About TROPEX

• Full Form: Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX)
• Frequency: Biennial (every two years)
• Lead Agency: Indian Navy
• Participants:
  • Indian Navy (all operational units)
  • Indian Army (IA)
  • Indian Air Force (IAF)
  • Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

TROPEX-25 aims to:

• Validate core warfighting skills of the Indian Navy.
• Ensure a synchronised, integrated response across services to defend India’s maritime interests.
• Simulate real-time operations in a contested maritime environment, including conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats.
• Enhance jointness, interoperability, and combat synergy among the three armed forces and the Coast Guard.

Duration and Operational Scope

• Timeline: January to March 2025 (Three months)
• Location: Various sectors across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Phases:
  • Harbour Phase: Planning and coordination activities.
  • Sea Phase: Execution of complex naval and joint operations.
  • Joint Work-Up Phase: Includes cyber and electronic warfare, and live weapon firings.
  • AMPHEX (Amphibious Exercise): Integrated amphibious operations.

Key Features

• Integrated Combat Operations: Real-time execution of multi-domain missions
• Cyber and Electronic Warfare: Tactical simulations of modern non-kinetic threats
• Live Weapon Firings: Enhancing target precision and battle readiness
• Inter-Service Jointness: High-level coordination across the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard
• Maritime Domain Awareness: Surveillance and security operations over vast maritime stretches

Strategic Significance

• Reinforces India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime sovereignty and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
• Enhances forward-deployment strategies, logistics, and sustained operations far from the mainland.
• Demonstrates India’s ability to operate “Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow” in support of national security.

In News:

The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for welfare of Minorities is a programme which covers various schemes/initiatives of the participating Ministries/Departments with an aim to ensure that the underprivileged and weaker sections of six centrally notified minority communities have equal opportunities for availing the various Government welfare Schemes and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Country.

Key Highlights:

The programme has the following broad objectives:

• Enhancing opportunities for education
• Ensuring an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment, and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs
• Improving the conditions of living of minorities by ensuring an appropriate share for them in infrastructure development schemes
• Prevention and control of communal disharmony and violence.

The schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs covered under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme are exclusively meant for notified minorities. However, 15% of the outlays and targets, to the extent possible, of schemes/initiatives implemented by other participating Ministries/Departments are earmarked for notified minorities.

The welfare schemes, including initiatives for education and skill development of minorities, being implemented by Ministry of Minority Affairs and other participating ministries under the programme, are as under:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
• Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme
• Merit-cum- Means based Scholarship Scheme
• National Minorities Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC) Loan Schemes
• Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan (M/o Education)
• DeenDayalAntyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM)- (M/o Rural Development)
• DeenDayal Upadhyay – GraminKaushalya Yojana (M/o Rural Development)
• Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (M/o Rural Development)
• DeenDayalAntyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (M/o Housing & Urban Affairs)
• Priority Sector Lending by Banks (Department of Financial Services)
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (Department of Financial Services)
• POSHAN Abhiyaan (Ministry of Women & Child Development)
• National Health Mission (Department of Health & Family Welfare)
• Ayushman Bharat (Department of Health & Family Welfare)
• National Rural Drinking Water Programme (Jal Jeevan Mission), (Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation)

The Schemes are being implemented by the respective Ministries/Departments under the saturation approach of Government. Under the saturation approach of the Government many of the components have achieved mainstreaming.

In News:

With a vision of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas", the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

• Objective of PM-YASASVI:
  • The scheme aims to provide financial support and educational opportunities to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT).
  • The goal is to help these students overcome financial barriers and pursue quality education, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

• Consolidation of Earlier Schemes:
  • PM-YASASVI integrates multiple previous scholarship schemes:
  • Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBCs.
  • Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for DNTs.
  • This consolidation aims to streamline the process and increase the impact on vulnerable groups.

• Key Components of the Scheme:
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship: For students in Class 9-10 with annual family income below ?2.5 lakh. Provides ?4,000 annually.
  • Post-Matric Scholarship: For students pursuing higher education, with academic allowances ranging from ?5,000 to ?20,000 based on course type.
  • Top Class School Education: For meritorious students, offering ?1.25 lakh annually for students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories in Classes 9-12.
  • Top Class College Education: Covers tuition, living expenses, and educational materials for students in top institutions.
  • Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls: Provides hostel facilities to socially and educationally backward students near government institutions.

• Scope and Financial Allocation (2023-24):
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship: ?32.44 crore allocated to states and UTs for the year 2023-24, benefiting 19.86 lakh students.
  • Post-Matric Scholarship: ?387.27 crore allocated for the year, benefiting 27.97 lakh students.
  • Top Class School Education: ?6.55 crore for 2,602 students.
  • Top Class College Education: ?111.18 crore for 4,762 students.
  • Hostel Construction: ?14.30 crore allocated for the construction of hostels, accommodating 1,146 students.

• Key Benefits:
  • Financial Assistance: Reduces the financial burden on students from marginalized communities, enabling them to continue their education without financial stress.
  • Inclusive Education: Supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that they can access quality education from school through to higher education.
  • Promotion of Merit: Focuses on meritorious students, ensuring that academic excellence is supported at all levels, from school to top-class institutions.

• Selection Process:

• The YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidate selection under the scheme.
• Eligible students must appear for this test, and the results determine scholarship awards.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The scheme is open to OBC, EBC, and DNT students with a family income not exceeding ?2.5 lakh annually.
  • Additional specific eligibility criteria may apply for different scholarships under the scheme.

• Application Process:
  • Interested students can apply for scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), which is the official platform for application submission.

In News:

The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22nd 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 

Organizing Body:

• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Department: Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR)
• Purpose: To recognize and honor individuals, organizations, and bodies that have made significant contributions to water conservation and management.

Award Categories

1. Best State
2. Best District
3. Best Village Panchayat
4. Best Urban Local Body
5. Best School or College
6. Best Industry
7. Best Water User Association
8. Best Institution (other than school or college)
9. Best Civil Society Organization

Winners

• Best State:
  • 1st Prize: Odisha
  • 2nd Prize: Uttar Pradesh
  • 3rd Prize (joint): Gujarat & Puducherry
  • Other Awards: Winners in the remaining categories have been recognized, with citations, trophies, and cash prizes provided in certain categories.

Objectives of the National Water Awards

• Promote Water Conservation: Raise awareness about the importance of water and encourage effective water usage practices.
• Recognize Efforts: Celebrate the work of individuals, institutions, and organizations contributing to the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water-rich India).
• National Campaign: Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been working to spread awareness on water management and conservation through extensive national campaigns.

History and Background

• The National Water Awards (NWAs) were launched in 2018 by the DoWR, RD & GR to foster awareness and action on water-related issues.
• Awards were given for 2019, 2020, and 2022, but there were no awards in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The awards aim to inspire best practices in water usage, conservation, and management across India, involving government bodies, industries, communities, and civil society.

Significance

• The National Water Awards serve as a platform to recognize the innovative initiatives taken by various stakeholders in addressing water challenges.

The awards contribute to furthering the government’s mission of achieving sustainable water management practices across the nation.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, the Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) has adopted a new logo and motto.

About Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC):

• The Indian Historical Records Committee (IHRC) is a national forum established in 1919, comprising creators, custodians, and users of records.
• Its primary purpose is to advise the Government of India on matters related to record management and their utilization for historical research.

Secretariat:

• The National Archives of India, New Delhi, serves as the Secretariat for the IHRC, formerly known as the Indian Historical Records Committee since 1911.

Leadership and Membership:

• Led by the Union Minister of Culture, the IHRC consists of 134 members, including government agencies, government-appointed nominees, representatives from State/UT Archives, universities, and learning institutions.
• Over the years, the IHRC has convened 62 sessions.

Committee Structure: The IHRC operates with two adjunct bodies:

• Editorial Committee: Responsible for reviewing and approving papers based on archival sources for presentation at committee sessions.
• Standing Committee: Tasked with reviewing the implementation of committee recommendations and providing input on meeting agendas.
  • The Secretary of the Ministry of Culture chairs the Standing Committee of IHRC.
• The Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) has adopted a new logo and motto recently.
• The logo signifies the theme and uniqueness of IHRC entirely.
  • The pages in the shape of lotus petals represent IHRC as the resilient nodal institution for maintaining historical records.
  • The Sarnath pillar in the middle represents India's glorious past.
  • Brown as the colour theme reinforces the organization's mission of preserving, studying, and honouring India's historical records.
• The motto translates as "Where history is preserved for the future."
  • The IHRC plays a vital role in identifying, collecting, cataloging, and maintaining historical documents, manuscripts other sources of historical information.
  • By doing so the Commission ensures that valuable historical knowledge is conserved for future generations.
• The motto, therefore, reflects the Commission's commitment to ensuring the safeguarding of historical documents and making these accessible for the benefit of present and future generations.

Why is it in the News?

The Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj recently informed Lok Sabha about the Panchayat Development Index.

About the Panchayat Development Index:

• The Panchayat Development Index serves as a comprehensive and versatile metric designed to actively evaluate the holistic advancement, efficacy, and ongoing progress of panchayats.
• This index actively considers a spectrum of socio-economic indicators and parameters, offering an actively nuanced understanding of the well-being and developmental status of local communities within the panchayat's jurisdiction.
• Objectives: The primary objective is to actively play a pivotal role in assessing performance and progress towards actively achieving Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level.
• An active component of this initiative is the Local Indicators Framework, which encompasses nine key themes for actively localising Sustainable Development Goals.
• These themes actively encompass creating poverty-free and thriving livelihoods, ensuring health and actively child-friendly environments, actively promoting water sufficiency, actively fostering clean and green spaces, actively developing self-sufficient infrastructure, actively establishing socially just and secure communities, actively promoting good governance, and actively creating women-friendly villages.

How Ranking Works?

• Ranks within the index are actively assigned based on scores, actively categorising panchayats into four grades.
• Those actively scoring below 40 percent are actively classified as Grade D,
• 40-60 percent as Grade C,
• 60-75 percent as Grade B
• 75-90 percent as Category A
• and those actively surpassing 90 percent are actively designated as A+.
• Significance of this Index: The significance of this index lies in its ability to actively offer valuable insights into areas requiring attention and improvement within rural areas under panchayat jurisdiction.
• It actively aids in identifying disparities, gauging the achievement of development goals, and actively crafting targeted policies and interventions to elevate the overall well-being and quality of life in rural communities.

Why is it in the News?

Recently, scientists at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have detected seismogenic liquefaction characteristics within the dynamically active Kopili Fault (KF) zone.

About Kopili Fault Zone:

• The Kopili Fault extends from the western part of Manipur up to the tri-junction of Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• It covers a distance of about 400 km and is closer to the Himalayan Frontal Thrust.
• The Kopili fault bisects the Meghalaya Plateau and isolates the Mishmi block from the main part of the plateau.
• The Kopili fault is almost passing through the Kopili River.
• The river Kopili rises in the North Cachar Hills District in Borail Range at an altitude of 1525 meters.
• From a field study, it is observed that the Kopili Fault region is moving in the northeast direction at an average velocity of 28.397N mm/yr and 40.227E mm/yr.
• This region is characterized by heightened seismic activity, classified within the most critical Seismic Hazard Zone V.
• The geological dynamics are attributed to collisional tectonics, where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• The fault itself is a transpressional fracture, producing dextral strike-slip earthquakes in the lower crust.
• The Kopili fault zone, a tectonic depression filled by the alluvium of the Kopili River and its tributaries, has experienced numerous seismic events, notable among them being the 1869 earthquake (magnitude 7.8) and the 1943 earthquake (magnitude 7.3).

Why is it in the News?

The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC) has recently praised India’s Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.

About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):

• The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC) is an international food safety and quality standard-setting body created by WHO and FAO of the United Nations with 188 member countries.
• It is the body responsible for all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
• Membership of the Commission is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO which are interested in international food standards.
• The Commission meets in regular session once a year alternating between Geneva and Rome.
• The programme of work of the Commission is funded through the regular budgets of WHO and FAO with all work subject to approval of the two governing bodies of the parent organizations.
• The Commission works in the six UN official languages.
• India has been a member of this commission since 1964.
• The 46th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was held from 27 November to 2 December (2023) in Rome, Italy.
• In the current session, India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the international meet.
• India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for millet, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet as group standards as in the case of pulses.

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi recently extended best wishes on the auspicious occasion of KatiBihu to the people of Assam.

About Kati Bihu:

• Kati Bihu is an annual celebration observed in the state of Assam, signifying the relocation of rice saplings.
• The term "Kati" translates to cutting, representing the agricultural activity during this period.
• Also known as Kongali Bihu, with "Kongali" connoting a state of poverty, the festival holds cultural significance in Assam alongside two other Bihu festivals—Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January and Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April.

Significance:

• In this month, food resources are scarce, prompting people to celebrate by illuminating their homes with earthen lamps or candles.
• Lighting lamps near the Tulsi plant are a central aspect of the festival, signifying devotion and auspiciousness.
• People light a special lamp known as "Akash Banti" (Sky candle) in their paddy fields. Fueled by mustard oil, these lamps are elevated on bamboo poles.
• The belief prevails that the illuminated lamps guide the spirits of ancestors toward their heavenly abode.

Why in the News?

The Union Ministry of Development of the North-East Region virtually launched the “MDoNER Data Analytics Dashboard” and “Poorvottar Sampark Setu” portal at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi recently.

About Poorvottar Sampark Setu Portal:

• The Poorvottar Sampark Setu portal is a robust tool designed to streamline and improve the monitoring of Union Ministers' fortnightly visits to the North Eastern Region (NER)

Key features include:

• Insightful Dashboard: The portal offers a comprehensive dashboard presenting valuable insights and graphical information on state-wise/district-wise visits to NER by Union Ministers, serving as a centralized resource for stakeholders.
• Curated Minister List: It generates a curated list of Ministers eligible for nomination for visits to NER in the upcoming months, facilitating efficient planning.
• Online Tour Reporting: After their visit, Ministers can conveniently submit tour reports and recommendations online, streamlining the reporting process.
• Recommendation Analysis: MDoNER (Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region) can analyze and forward the received recommendations to respective line Ministries, Departments, and State Governments for prompt action.
• Summary Report Generation: The portal offers a one-click summary report generation feature, simplifying the overview of visits for effective decision-making.

What is the MDoNER Data Analytics Dashboard?

• The MDoNER Data Analytics Dashboard is a comprehensive platform integrating data from 112 schemes across 55 Departments and Ministries.

Its key benefits include:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Empowers stakeholders with data-driven insights for informed decision-making.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlines operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.
• Centralized Monitoring: Provides a centralized hub for monitoring diverse schemes and initiatives.
• Policy-Level Decision Tool: Functions as a valuable tool for crafting policies based on robust data analysis.
• Information Integration: Integrates information seamlessly, fostering coherence and accessibility.
• Focused Monitoring: Keeps a vigilant eye on NER Aspirational districts, North East border districts, and the most backward districts in NER for targeted interventions.

Why in the News?

Indian Naval Ship INS Sumedha recently made a port visit at Lagos, Nigeria as part of its deployment to the Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

About INS Sumedha:

• INS Sumedha is the third vessel among the indigenously crafted Saryu-class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV).
• Constructed and designed domestically, Goa Shipyard Limited played a pivotal role in the indigenous creation of INS Sumedha.
• The vessel officially joined the Indian Navy's fleet on March 7, 2014.
• Operational Base: A key asset of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, INS Sumedha operates from its base in Visakhapatnam.
• Primary Functions: The vessel is tasked with a diverse range of functions, including EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security provision to offshore assets, and execution of escort operations for high-value assets.
• Features:
• With a displacement of 2,230 tonnes, INS Sumedha boasts dimensions of 105 meters in length and 12.9 meters in beam.
• Equipped with a cutting-edge weapon and sensor package, the vessel ensures enhanced operational capabilities.
• Designed to carry an Advanced Light Combat Helicopter onboard, adding to its versatility in maritime operations.
• Powered by two of the largest diesel engines deployed in the Indian Navy, INS Sumedha attains a top speed of 25 knots.
• Featuring a remarkable range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km) at 16 knots (30 km/h), the offshore patrol vessel is well-suited for prolonged missions and operations.

About the Gulf of Guinea:

• Location: Situated as the northeasternmost part of the tropical Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea is positioned off the western coast of the African continent.
• The Gulf lies at the confluence of the Prime Meridian and the Equator, specifically at 0°0’N and 0°0'E.
• Extent and Coastline: Encompassing an area of 2.3 million square kilometres, the Gulf features an extensive coastline stretching approximately 6,000 kilometres.
• Characterized by a narrow continental shelf, it boasts a distinctive coastal landscape.
• Oceanic Conditions: The Gulf of Guinea experiences warm tropical waters characterized by relatively low salinity, influenced by the inflow of rivers and high regional rainfall.
• Notable tributaries include the Volta and Niger rivers.
• Coastal Countries: 16 countries border the Gulf of Guinea, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana, São Tomé and Principe, Togo, and Sierra Leone.
• Topography: The coastal region is predominantly low-lying, featuring mangrove swamps, marshes, and lagoons.
• Geological Significance: The Gulf's coastline bears a striking resemblance to the continental margin of South America, affirming the theory of continental drift.
• Holding over 35% of the world’s petroleum reserves, the Gulf of Guinea is a significant global repository of petroleum.
• Security Challenges: Regrettably, the Gulf of Guinea has gained notoriety as one of the world’s most perilous gulfs due to widespread piracy, significantly impacting West African countries and attracting international concern.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract on October 16, 2023, in New Delhi for the life Upgrade and Re-Powering of "INS Beas" with Kochi-based M/S Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at an overall cost of Rs. 313.42 Cr.

Context:

• The INS Beas is gaining attention as the first Brahmaputra Class Frigate to undergo a transition from steam to diesel propulsion.
• The completion of its Mid-Life Upgrade and Re-Powering in 2026 is expected to result in the INS Beas joining the active fleet of the Indian Navy, equipped with a modernized weapon suite and upgraded combat capabilities.

About INS Beas:

• INS Beas (F37) stands as a Brahmaputra-class frigate within the Indian Navy, constructed at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
• Commissioned on July 11, 2005, it is the second ship in the Indian Navy to carry this name, with the first being a Leopard-class frigate commissioned in 1960 and decommissioned in 1992.
• Role: Functioning as a versatile warship, INS Beas is proficient in various missions, encompassing anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-ship warfare.
• Additionally, it plays a crucial role in patrolling, surveillance, and safeguarding India's maritime interests.
• Features: The ship's design and construction are wholly Indian, derived from the modification of the Godavari-class frigate.
• With a displacement of about 3,850 tonnes, INS Beas boasts a length of 126 meters (413 feet) and a beam width of 14.5 meters (48 feet).
• Propulsion: Powered by 2 steam turbines, INS Beas demonstrates remarkable agility, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 30 knots during naval operations.
• Technology: Equipped with modern sensor suites and matching weapon systems, the ship embodies cutting-edge technology to enhance its operational capabilities.

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of an autonomous body Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).

About Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat):

• Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), an autonomous body will benefit the youth in the age group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of ‘Youth’ in the National Youth Policy.
• In the case of programme components specifically meant for adolescents, the beneficiaries will be in the age group of 10-19 years.
• It will help in Setting the focus of the Government on youth-led development and to make the Youth “active drivers” of development and not merely “passive recipients”.
• It will be launched on 31st October 2023 on National Unity Day.

Objective:

• The primary objective of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) is to make it a whole of Government platform for youth development.
• With access to resources & connection to opportunities, youth would become community change agents and nation builders allowing them to act as the Yuva Setu between the Government and the citizens.
• It seeks to harness the immense youth energy for nation-building.

The establishment of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) would lead to:

• Leadership Development in the Youth:
• Improve leadership skills through experiential learning by shifting from isolated physical interaction to programmatic skills.
• Investing more in youth to make them social innovators, and leaders in the communities.
• Setting the focus of the Government on youth-led development and making the Youth “active drivers” of development and not merely “passive recipients”.
• Better alignment between youth aspirations and community needs.
• Enhanced efficiency through Convergence of existing programmes.
• Act as a one-stop shop for young people and Ministries.
• Create a centralized youth database.
• Improved two-way communication to connect youth government initiatives and activities of other stakeholders that engage with youth.
• Ensuring accessibility by creating a digital ecosystem.

Why There is a Need for Such Initiative?

• India’s youth are to play a critical role in defining the future of the nation.
• There is a need to establish a new contemporary technology-led platform for the Government to engage with the present-day youth.
• Ensuring accessibility by creating a digital ecosystem
• Mera Yuva Bharat supported by a technology platform would help to increase the Youth outreach efforts of the Department of Youth Affairs.

Why in the News?

Recently, REC Limited, the Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise launched a SUGAM REC mobile application.

What is the SUGAM REC App?

• The SUGAM REC App caters exclusively to current and prospective investors in REC's 54EC Capital Gain Tax Exemption Bonds.
• Users can conveniently download e-bond certificates, apply for new investments, access essential forms for KYC updates, and connect with REC's Investor Cell through call, email, or WhatsApp.

What are 54EC Bonds?

• Also known as Capital Gain Bonds, these fixed-income instruments offer capital gains tax exemption under section 54EC.
• Investors can save on income tax for long-term capital gains by investing in these bonds within six months of the gain.
• With a fixed lock-in period of 5 years, the bonds can be held in either Physical or Demat form.
• Issued by government-managed institutions, they fund specific capital projects and derive their name from the relevant section of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Key Facts about REC Limited:

• A 'Maharatna' company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• Registered with RBI as a non-banking finance company (NBFC), Public Financial Institution (PFI), and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).
• Established in 1969 to address severe drought and famine, focusing on energizing agricultural pump sets for irrigation and reducing reliance on monsoons.
• Provides long-term loans and financing products to State, Centre, and Private Companies for infrastructure asset creation.
• It is the nodal agency for initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGAYA), Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), and National Electricity Fund (NEF) Scheme.

Why is it in the News?

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI is organizing the 19th Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) from 28th November to 2nd December 2023.

About the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission:

• The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean.
• It works to achieve this by promoting cooperation among its Contracting Parties (Members) and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties in order to ensure the conservation and appropriate utilisation of fish stocks and encouraging the sustainable development of fisheries.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations adopted the Agreement for the Establishment of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission during its 105th Session in Rome on 25 November 1993.
• The Indian Ocean holds the position as the second-largest tuna fishery globally, making it a crucial focus for the IOTC.
• Currently, the IOTC boasts 31 contracting parties, including countries and two cooperating non-contracting parties, Liberia and Senegal.
• Membership is open to Indian Ocean coastal countries, countries or regional economic integration organizations that are UN members, countries that are members of UN special organizations, and countries involved in tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean.
• India is an active member of the IOTC, with its headquarters located in Victoria, Seychelles.