- Indian Heritage
- Culture
- Modern Indian history
- The Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence
- Indian Society
A. population and associated issues
B. poverty and developmental issues
C.urbanization
7. Geographical features
8.Indian Constitution
9. Polity
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
EPS Pensioners to get pension from any bank, any branch, anywhere in India from 1st January 2025
Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Chairperson, Central Board of Trustees, EPF has approved the proposal for a Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) for Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. The CPPS marks a major shift by establishing national-level centralized system, enabling pension disbursement through any bank, any branch across India.
Speaking about this landmark decision, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, “The approval of the Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) marks a significant milestone in modernization of the EPFO. By enabling pensioners to receive their pensions from any bank, any branch, anywhere in the country, this initiative addresses the long-standing challenges faced by pensioners and ensures a seamless and efficient disbursement mechanism. This is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to transform the EPFO into a more robust, responsive, and tech-enabled organization, committed to serving the needs of its members and pensioners better.”
The Centralized Pension Payment System is expected to benefit more than 78 lakh EPS pensioners of EPFO. By harnessing advanced IT and banking technologies, it will offer a more efficient, seamless, and user-friendly experience for pensioners.
The CPPS would also ensure disbursement of pension throughout India without any need for transfer of Pension Payment Orders (PPO) from one office to another even when the Pensioner moves from one location to another or changes his bank or branch. This would be a great relief to pensioners who move to their hometown after retirement.
This facility will be launched as part of EPFO’s ongoing IT modernization project Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01) from 1st January 2025. In the next phase, CPPS will enable a smooth transition to Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS).
The CPPS is a paradigm shift from the existing pension disbursement system that is decentralized, with each Zonal/Regional Office of EPFO maintaining separate agreements with only 3-4 banks. There will also be no need for pensioners to visit the branch for any verification at the time of commencement of pension and the pension shall be immediately credited upon release. In addition, EPFO expects a significant cost reduction in pension disbursement after moving to the new system.
E. poverty and hunger
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
Joint Statement on an Enhanced Partnership between the Republic of India and Brunei Darussalam
At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India undertook an Official Visit to Brunei Darussalam during 3 to 4 September 2024. This was Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s first visit as well as the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei Darussalam.
Upon his arrival in Brunei Darussalam, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India was welcomed by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and hosted an Official Lunch for him at the Istana Nurul Iman.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction that the historic visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and acknowledged that the deep-rooted friendship between Brunei Darussalam and India has strengthened in various areas over the past four decades.
Both leaders acknowledged that Brunei Darussalam and India share historical linkages that date back centuries, facilitated by cultural interactions and trade. The formalisation of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1984 marked the beginning of an enduring partnership.
His Majesty expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of the Indian community across various professions in the country to its socio-economic and national development.
Reflecting on the excellent progress over the years in bilateral relations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen, deepen and enhance partnership in all areas of mutual interest.
Both leaders held discussions for enhancing cooperation on a wide range of issues including defence, connectivity, trade and investment, energy including renewables, space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals, education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Both leaders acknowledged the importance of close interaction through the existing bilateral mechanisms and agreed to continue convening regular meetings, exchanges and dialogue on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest, including regular convening of the Foreign Office Consultations and various Joint Working Group meetings.
Both leaders agreed to further expand bilateral trade and economic ties in areas of mutual interest. They further underlined the importance of regular exchanges and dialogue which should be held through key platforms such as the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) as well as other relevant bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums.
Both leaders called for leveraging respective strengths including in technology, finance, manufacturing and processing and to explore complementarities in a mutually beneficial manner.
Both leaders recognised the importance of food security and agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture and the food supply chain through the sharing of knowledge, best practices and experience.
The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station, which has contributed towards India’s ongoing efforts in the field of space. Both leaders appreciated the long-standing arrangement under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments and the conclusion of the renewed MOU welcoming further cooperation in the areas of mutual interest under the MOU.
Both leaders acknowledged the importance of enhancing defence and maritime cooperation including through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes, joint exercises and visits of naval and coast guard ships between both countries.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the regular port-calls by vessels from both countries.
Both leaders welcomed the planned direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai which will foster stronger people-to-people linkages and facilitate increased trade and tourism activities between the two countries.
Both leaders recognised the important role of youth towards national development and agreed to promote greater youth exchanges between both countries.
His Majesty appreciated the training and scholarship offers by India for Bruneian nationals under the various programmes including Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and e-ITEC programmes and continues to welcome them.
Both leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to maintaining the peace, stability, security, prosperity and resilience of the region, and underscored the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and international law.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation at various regional and multilateral fora, such as ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and United Nations (UN). The leaders upheld that adherence to a rules-based international system is imperative to ensuring peace and development.
Both leaders agreed to work together for enhanced multilateralism reflective of contemporary realities.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to work closely together in mutually beneficial areas to further strengthen the ASEAN – India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. The leaders also urged all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.
Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called upon states to repudiate it. They underlined that no country should allow territory under their control to be used for terrorism; no country should harbour terrorists and resolved to work together to bring perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice. Recognizing terrorism and transnational organized crime linkages, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in this regard. Both sides agreed to work together at the UN and other multilateral fora to combat terrorism.
Both leaders agreed on the urgent need to address climate change and enhance efforts in mitigating the adverse impacts from this rising challenge, in accordance with international climate objectives, such as the Paris Agreement. His Majesty appreciated India’s initiative in establishing the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Global Bio-fuel Alliance (GBA). His Majesty also appreciated India’s support for Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in hosting the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change.
The Prime Minister welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s continued participation in the Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS). This Indian-led initiative aims to bring countries of the Global South together under a common platform to share their perspectives and priorities across a whole range of issues.
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
Digital Agriculture Mission: Tech for Transforming Farmers’ Lives
India’s digital revolution has significantly transformed governance and service delivery in recent years by creating digital identities, secured payments and transactions. This progress has paved the way for a thriving digital ecosystem across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, education, and retail, positioning India as a leader in citizen-centric digital solutions.
For a similar transformation of the Agriculture Sector, the Union Cabinet Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the ‘Digital Agriculture Mission’ with a substantial financial outlay of Rs. 2,817 Crore, including a central government share of Rs. 1,940 Crore, on September 2, 2024.
The Digital Agriculture Mission is designed as an umbrella scheme to support various digital agriculture initiatives. These include creating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and supporting IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments, and Academic and Research Institutions.
The scheme is built on two foundational pillars:
- Agri Stack
- Krishi Decision Support System.
Additionally, the mission includes ‘Soil Profile Mapping’ and aims to enable farmer-centric digital services to provide timely and reliable information for the agriculture sector.
1. AgriStack: Kisan ki Pehchaan
AgriStack is designed as a farmer-centric Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to streamline services and scheme delivery to farmers. It comprises three key components:
1. Farmers’ Registry
2. Geo-referenced village maps
3. Crop Sown Registry
A crucial feature of AgriStack is the introduction of a ‘Farmer ID’, similar to Aadhaar card, serving as a trusted digital identity for farmers.
These IDs, created and maintained by the State Governments/ Union Territories, will be linked to various farmer-related data, including land records, livestock ownership, crops sown, and benefits availed.
The implementation of AgriStack is progressing through partnerships between the Central and State Governments, with 19 states having signed MoUs with the Ministry of Agriculture. Pilot projects have been conducted in six states to test the creation of Farmer IDs and the Digital Crop Survey.
The six states include Uttar Pradesh (Farrukhabad), Gujarat (Gandhinagar), Maharashtra (Beed), Haryana (Yamuna Nagar), Punjab (Fatehgarh Sahib), and Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar).
Key targets include:
– Creating digital identities for 11 crore farmers over three years (6 crore in FY 2024-25, 3 crore in FY 2025-26, and 2 crore in FY 2026-27)
– Launching the Digital Crop Survey nationwide within two years, covering 400 districts in FY 2024-25 and all districts in FY 2025-26
2. Krishi Decision Support System
The Krishi Decision Support System (DSS) will integrate remote sensing data on crops, soil, weather, and water resources into a comprehensive geospatial system.
3. Soil Profile Mapping
Under the mission, detailed soil profile maps on a 1:10,000 scale for approximately 142 million hectares of agricultural land have been envisaged, with 29 million hectares of soil profile inventory already being mapped.
Further under the Digital Agriculture Mission, the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) will be used for crop-cutting experiments to provide precise yield estimates, enhancing agricultural production accuracy.
The mission is expected to create direct and indirect employment in agriculture, providing opportunities for around 2,50,000 trained local youth and Krishi Sakhis.
By leveraging modern technologies like data analytics, AI, and remote sensing, the mission will improve service delivery for farmers, including streamlined access to government schemes, crop loans, and real-time advisories.
Key Components of the Mission
The Digital Agriculture Mission focuses on grassroots implementation, targeting farmers as the primary beneficiaries.
Some of the key benefits of the mission include:
1. Digital authentication for accessing services and benefits, reducing paperwork and the need for physical visits.
2. Enhanced efficiency and transparency in government schemes, crop insurance, and loan systems through accurate data on crop area and yield.
3. Crop map generation and monitoring for better disaster response and insurance claims.
4. Development of digital infrastructure to optimize value chains and provide tailored advisory services for crop planning, health, pest management, and irrigation.
Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 that the Government, in partnership with states, will implement Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture over the next three years.
This initiative will cover farmers and their lands, with a digital crop survey for Kharif planned for 400 districts this year. The goal is to update registries with details of 6 crore farmers and their lands.
The Union Budget 2023-24 had previously introduced the DPI for agriculture, which aims to provide comprehensive data on farmers, including demographic details, land holdings, and crops sown. The DPI will integrate with state and central digital infrastructures to offer a range of farmer-centric services, including information on livestock, fisheries, soil health, and available benefits.
Conclusion
The Union Cabinet also approved six major schemes alongside the Digital Agriculture Mission, with a total outlay of Rs 14,235.30 crore.
These initiatives include Rs 3,979 crore for Crop Science aimed at ensuring food security and climate resilience by 2047, and Rs 2,291 crore for strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences to support students and researchers. Rs 1,702 crore is allocated for Sustainable Livestock Health and Production to boost incomes from livestock and dairy, while Rs 1,129.30 crore is designated for Sustainable Development of Horticulture to increase income from horticulture. Additionally, Rs 1,202 crore will be invested in strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Rs 1,115 crore towards Natural Resource Management.
These comprehensive approaches leverage digital technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in India’s agricultural sector, potentially transforming the lives of millions of farmers across the country. By extending the digital revolution to agriculture, India aims to further solidify its position as a global leader in innovative, technology-driven solutions for critical sectors of the economy.
India is asserting its emerging dominance in the Green Hydrogen Sector
The second edition of International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2024) marks a significant milestone in our endeavour towards making India the global hub for the production of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. This year, the three-day event will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators from around the world to explore the latest advancements in Green Hydrogen technology.”
Shri Joshi, furthersaid, “We are committed to making India a world leader in this crucial sector. Under Honourable Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership, we are sending a clear message about India’s aspirations for a leadership position in clean energy and assert its emerging dominance in the Green Hydrogen sector. Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, we expect to position India as the global hub to produce Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. The conference will provide a platform for showcasing products, services and technologies to a global audience. The conference will also discuss green financing, human resource upskilling and start-up initiatives. After the successful completion of the first edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen last year, we are presenting the second edition, and it is bigger this time, just like the ambition in the Green Hydrogen sector. 2000 registrations have already taken place, and we are expecting over 6000 registrations from International and national scientists, and 120+ exhibitors.”
As part of its quest towards energy transition, the first edition of the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH) 2023 was successful in bringing together stakeholders from India and across the world, to explore establishing a Green Hydrogen ecosystem and foster a systemic approach for meeting the global goals for decarbonization through Green Hydrogen.
Since the inaugural edition, the Indian mission has achieved significant progress namely awarding capacity of 3000 MW for electrolyser manufacturing; 4,12,000 TPA (Tonnes Per Annum) for Green Hydrogen production; issued tenders for 4,50,000 TPA of Green Hydrogen capacity and 7,39,000 TPA of Green Ammonia production. Pilot projects are likely to be initiated in the steel, shipping and mobility sector. The government has also launched the R&D scheme with an outlay of Rs. 400 crores to support the research activities in the Green Hydrogen ecosystem.
The timing of the conference is particularly significant as nations worldwide intensify their efforts to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Developing Green Hydrogen technologies offer a promising pathway to meet this demand sustainably while achieving the country’s ambitious climate goals.
The minister highlighted several innovative components of the conference, including a Green Hydrogen Hackathon, GH2THON, a youth session, Green Hydrogen for Youth, and poster and quiz competitions. These initiatives are designed to engage a wide range of participants and foster innovation in the field.
“Our GH2thon hackathon will challenge bright minds to develop solutions for the Green Hydrogen ecosystem. We are looking for innovative indigenous solutions to drive technological breakthroughs in the Green Hydrogen ecosystem of India. Whether it’s enhancing energy efficiency, optimizing the supply chain, or integrating hydrogen technology with existing infrastructure, your ideas can make a difference!” Minister Joshi explained.”
The #GH2thon Hackathon engaging students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups to develop innovative solutions for challenges in the Green Hydrogen sector offers prize money of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs to the winner, Rs. 75, 000 to the first runner-up and Rs. 50, 000 to the second runner-up
The Scientific Poster Competition Finals on Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Research scheduled for 12 September has attracted more than 100 abstracts. The competition offers prize money: ₹50,000 for first place, ₹30,000 for second, and ₹20,000 for third.
Additionally, five finalist teams selected through an intense preliminary round, will compete for prizes of ₹50,000, ₹35,000, and ₹15,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively, in the #ICGH2024 Green Hydrogen Quiz Finale.
Shri Joshi furtheradded, “We’re particularly excited about the youth session, which will provide a platform for the next generation of renewable energy leaders to share their ideas and perspectives.”
The special session “Green Hydrogen for Youth” is slated for the second day of the conference, underlining the crucial role of young people in addressing climate change. This session aims to engage and educate the student community about Green Hydrogen as the fuel of the future. This session will bring together eminent celebrities and young environmental activists to share insights about Green Hydrogen and inspire youngsters.
“We have invited brilliant global minds along with the national stakeholders to join us at ICGH-2024. This is an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our understanding about the Green Hydrogen landscape and engage with India’s rapidly growing Green Hydrogen sector and to contribute to shaping a sustainable energy future for our planet”, Shri Joshi concluded.
A highlight of the event will be the CEOs’ Roundtable, to be held at The Ashok on 11th September 2024. This exclusive gathering will bring together CEOs and investors from leading companies in the Green Hydrogen space, fostering high-level dialogue on industry challenges and opportunities.
Gracing the occasion, Shri Bhupinder S. Bhalla, Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, said “This year’s focus is on fostering international collaboration, exploring practical applications in sectors like transportation and energy, and discussing strategies for scaling up Green Hydrogen production. With key sessions on financing, infrastructure development, and youth engagement, the conference serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge-sharing, innovation, and driving global progress towards a sustainable energy future. As we embark on the Second International Conference on Green Hydrogen, we stand at the forefront of a transformative journey towards a sustainable future. This platform unites global minds to advance cutting-edge innovations in Green Hydrogen, fostering collaboration across sectors. Together, we will explore new technologies, strategic partnerships, and pathways to make Green Hydrogen a cornerstone of our clean energy transition. We are excited to witness the growing momentum and eagerly anticipate the impactful outcomes that will shape the future of energy.” US will be the partner country for ICGH-2024.
“From policy discussions to technological showcases, ICGH-2024 is designed to accelerate India’s Green Hydrogen journey,
E.issues
14. Technology
Government launches Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack; To offer Blockchain-as-a-Service with a geographically distributed infrastructure
In a programme organized at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack to offer Blockchain-as-a-Service with a geographically distributed infrastructure designed to support various permissioned Blockchain based applications.
Additionally, the Secretary, MeitY also unveiled the NBFLite-Lightweight Blockchain Platform, Praamaanik – an innovative blockchain-enabled solution for verifying mobile app origin and National Blockchain Portal.
National Blockchain Framework to Enhance Digital Trust and Service Delivery
MeitY, with the vision to create trusted digital platforms, initiated National Blockchain Framework (NBF) for promoting research and application development; facilitating state of the art, transparent, secure and trusted digital service delivery to citizens.
National Blockchain Framework technology stack is architected with Distributed Infrastructure, Core Framework functionality, Smart Contracts & API Gateway, Security, Privacy & Interoperability and Applications development offering Blockchain as a Service (BaaS). NBF currently supports two permissioned Blockchain platforms and is extensible. The Technology Stack is hosted on geographically distributed infrastructure at NIC Data centers i.e. Bhubaneswar, Pune, Hyderabad.
Blockchain Sandbox for Startups and Academia
NBFLite, a Blockchain sandbox platform, is developed especially for startups/academia for rapid prototyping of applications, carrying out research and capacity building. These technologies have been developed by collaborating efforts of C-DAC, NIC, IDRBT Hyderabad, IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad and SETS Chennai under the MeitY support.
National Blockchain Framework to Boost Security and Transparency for Citizens
During the launch, Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY expressed that as part of the efforts of Government of India for providing trusted digital service delivery, the National Blockchain Framework would play an important role in enabling security, trust and transparency for various citizen centric applications. He also highlighted that the stakeholders should aim to position India as a global leader in blockchain technology and proliferate the developed solutions for Global adoption, leveraging it to drive economic growth, social development, and digital empowerment.
Blockchain’s Role in Transforming Governance
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY, highlighted that the Blockchain technology holds immense potential for transforming governance in India by making public services more transparent, efficient, and accountable. He stressed the need for scaling the applications on NBF across various states & departments and also suggested to explore onboarding new applications/ platforms/ innovative components on the NBF stack.
NBF’s Goals for Addressing Challenges
Smt Sunita Verma, Scientist G and Group Coordinator, R&D in Electronics & IT, MeitY mentioned that the objective of initiating NBF is to develop an extensible framework with Blockchain technology stack on distributed infrastructure towards addressing the challenges such as need for skilled manpower towards building Blockchain based applications, vendor lock-in and research challenges related to security, interoperability, performance and other aspects.
Shri. Magesh E, Director General, C-DAC, mentioned that the NBF is a consortium mode effort towards addressing research challenges and harnessing the benefits of the technology to develop applications in association with Government organizations. A number of patents and research publications are generated as part of this initiative.
Ms. P R Lakshmi Eswari Centre Head, CDAC Hyderabad briefed about the various technical features of the National Blockchain Framework and explained about Praamaanik– Blockchain enabled solution for verifying mobile app origin.
15. Environment
16. Security
17. Disaster Management