1. Indian Heritage

• Culture

Chhath Puja

About Chhath Puja

Meaning: The word “chhath” means sixth in Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri languages. This festival is celebrated on the 6th day of the month of Kartikeya of the Hindu Luni-Solar Bikram Sambat calendar and that’s why the name is Chhath Puja. This word is a Prakrit descent from the Sanskrit word “Sashthi” and this festival is the longest and the most important festival of Hindus after the Navratri. It lasts for 4 days.

History: Some say that Chhath Puja is the oldest festival that may even precede the Ancient Vedas as the Rigveda contains hymns of worshipping the Sun and some similar rituals as followed in this festival. These rituals also have a mention in the Mahabharata where Draupadi is portrayed performing similar rituals. On the advice of astute Dhaumya, the rituals of Chhath were followed by the Pandavas and Draupadi. This worshipping of the Sun solved many problems of Draupadi and later helped the Pandavas to regain their kingdom. The scientific or yogic history of this festival dates back to the Vedic times when the scholars or rishis of yore used this technique to remain without food as they used to absorb energy from the rays of the sun. This was known as Chhath Method. Some ancient also suggest that Lord Rama and Sita kept fast and offered puja to the sun in the Kartika month during the Shukla Paksha during their coronation after returning from the exile.

Current Time: In the present time, Chhath is celebrated mostly in India and Nepal. The states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh in India and the Madhesh region of Nepal generally celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. This festival is dedicated to the Sun and his younger wife Usha as an acknowledgment for the life on earth. So, there is no idol worship at all! Some Muslim people also celebrate Chhath. As there is no idol worship so there is no use of plastic, color, metals, etc. in constructing an idol & later immersing those idols on nearby water bodies that leads to pollution. That’s why this festival is regarded as the most eco-friendly Hindu festival by the environmentalists.

4 Day Rituals: The rituals of the festival are arduous and are observed over a period of four days. The rituals are: holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water called Vratta, standing in water for long periods of time, and offering Prasad (prayer offerings) and Arghya to the setting and rising sun. Some followers also perform a prostration march as they head for the river banks.

Chhathi Maiya: Along with the Sun, the Goddess who is worshipped during this Chhath Puja is known as Chhathi Maiya. Chhathi Maiya is also known as Usha in the Vedas and she is believed to be the beloved younger wife of Surya, the sun god. In Mithilanchal region she is also worshipped under the name of “RANA MAI”.

Significance Of Chhath Puja: Now apart from the religious significance of thanking the Sun for providing us a good life, there is some science too attached to the rituals of this festivals. The rituals demand to pray at the river bank or standing at the river bank for long hours and there is an explanation to it. The ultraviolet rays of the sun are at their lowest during sunrise and sunset and that’s why the sun rays are most beneficial at these two times. These sun rays then help in detoxifying the mind, body, and soul by removing all negative energies.

• 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

SAMBHAV

Divyang Artistsconverge for Two-day International Event ‘Sambhav- 2023’in Delhi

A two day international event ‘Sambhav- 2023’ byDivyang (Physically and Mentally Challenged) Artistshas been organised by A.L.P.A.N.A. (Association for Learning Performing Arts & Normative Action Society)on 18^th and 19^th November 2023.Divyang Artists from Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka and Thailand were participating in this two days event. One the first day of event, Divyang artists from various participating countries showcased their talents through their performance. Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

In his address,Shri Chandraacknowledged that despite many challenges, A.L.P.A.N.A. is able to continue the tradition set in celebration of inclusive arts by organizing this year’s SAMBHAV. He added that over the years, the growth of SAMBHAV is become an iconic platform for artists with disabilities, not only in India but, globally. Shri Chandra said that the Government places great emphasis on the empowerment of persons with disabilities. He said that SAMBHAV which showcases our country’s role in promoting inclusive growth in the global society and celebrating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Vasudhaiba Kutumbakam, meaning, the entire world is one family.

He said that even the COVID pandemic did not dampened the spirit of artists with disabilities from across the world and ALPANA continued its activities then in organising SAMBHAV.

Through SAMBHAV, artists with disabilities showcase their talents and prove to the global community that their efforts and courage are not hindered by any kind of obstacles or disabilities. A.L.P.A.N.A. institute is a unique integrated institute where both challenged and non-challenged students get training in dance, music, drawing, painting and different crafts without any segregation.

UDAN scheme

What is ‘UDAAN’ Scheme

India is the world’s third-largest market in aviation sector. The objective of UDAN scheme is to connect small and medium cities with big cities through air service. Under the UDAN scheme, the airfare for a one-hour journey by a ‘fixed wing aircraft’ or half an hour’s journey by a helicopter for about 500 km, has been fixed at Rs.2500/-. • Aviation companies bid for air routes. The company that asks for the lowest subsidy is awarded the contract. Under this fare for each flight, the airline has to book half, or a minimum of 9, or a maximum of 40 seats. • Along with this, through this scheme, the Modi government wants to connect the small cities of the country with the airplane facility. • Currently, traveling by taxi in the country costs an average of Rs 10 per kilometre. But in the UDAN Scheme, the fare for 500 km air travel has been fixed at Rs 2500 only. That is, about Rs 5 per km, which is less than the taxi travel cost. This means, through the UDAN scheme, people’s time and money are also saved.

How did “UDAAN” started

To boost air traffic in India, 70 years after independence, to fulfil the common citizen’s dream of air travel, in the year 2016, the Union Government for the first time announced the country’s National Civil Aviation Policy, and the UDAN Scheme was the most important component of this Policy. UDAN… is the abbreviation for ‘Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik’. • In an important meeting held before the announcement of the National Civil Aviation Policy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had said, “One of the hallmarks of a poor person in our country is that he wears slippers (Chappal). I want people wearing slippers to be seen on the plane.” • UDAN scheme started in October 2016 with this dream of a common man. In April 2017, the first flight from Shimla to Delhi under the UDAN scheme was flagged off by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi himself.

 

B Health

Myth vs. Facts

Media reports claiming that an estimated 11 lakh children in India missed their 1st measles vaccine dose in 2022 are ill-informed and inaccurate

There have been some media reports alleging that an estimated 11 lakhs children in India missed their 1^st measles vaccine dose in 2022, according to a report published by the World Health Organization and US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These reports are not based on facts and do not reflect the true picture. These reports are based on the estimated number reported under WHO UNICEF Estimates National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022 report which covers the time-period from 1^st of January 2022 to 31^st of December 2022.

However, as per the HMIS of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, a total of 2,63,63,270 children out of the eligible 2,63,84,580 children received their 1^st dose of Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) in the FY 2022-23 (April 2022 to March 2023) and only 21,310 children missed their 1^st dose of Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) in 2022-23.

Besides this, several initiatives have been undertaken by the Government of India in coordination with the States to ensure that all children, either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated receive all missed/due doses of Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV):

• The catch-up vaccination age for the administration of Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) has been increased from 2 years to 5 years in the periodic immunization intensification activities.
• Intensified Mission Indradhanush, (IMI) 3.0 and 4.0 were carried out in 2021 and 2022 to vaccinate all unvaccinated/partially vaccinated children with missed/due doses of vaccines. Besides this, IMI 5.0 was carried out in 2023 with a special focus to increase the coverage of MR vaccine in children up to the age of 5 years.
• MR campaign was carried out in Delhi and West Bengal wherein all children in the age group of 9 months to 15 years (9months to 5 years in Delhi) were vaccinated with campaign dose of MR vaccine. The coverage of both the States reached >95%.
• Several States have carried out Supplementary Immunization activities and outbreak response immunization wherein a total of 30 million children have been vaccinated with an additional dose of MR vaccine.
• A Special Advisory on Outbreak Response Immunization was shared in November 2022 which clearly stated that One dose of MRCV has to be administered to all children aged 6 months to < 9 months in areas where the measles cases in < 9 months are above 10% of the total measles cases to not miss any child.
• The Non measles Non rubella (NMNR) discard rate is >5.8%, the highest achieved so far for the country for the current financial year, indicating a robust surveillance mechanism in place.

India’s unstinted commitment to ensure that every single child of the country is vaccinated with vaccines under Universal Immunization Programme has been recognized globally. India’s exemplary leadership and inspiration in the Regional Measles and Rubella Programme has been highly appreciated and recognized by the Measles and Rubella Partnership comprising of multiagency planning committee including the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNICEF and WHO. The Measles and Rubella Partnership Champion Award is scheduled to be conferred on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in March 2024, at Washington DC.

WHO and the Ministry of Ayush signed the Traditional and Complementary Medicine ‘Project Collaboration Agreement’

• First phase of the contract will prove to be a milestone in the global development of Traditional and Complementary Medical Care System: Secretary, Ayush.
• This agreement will mainstream Traditional and Complementary Medicine into India’s National Health System and also serve the global health objectives: Bruce Aylward, ADG, Universal Health Coverage and Life Course Division, WHO
• The main objective is to integrate aspects like standardization, quality, and safety of Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems into the National Health System and to disseminate them at the international level.
• WHO (World Health Organization) and the Ministry of Ayush will jointly complete the work of formulation of the Traditional Medicine Global Strategy 2025-34.
• The Ministry of Ayush and WHO together will shoulder the responsibility of preserving the rich heritage of Traditional and Complementary Medicine as well as making it modern, authentic, and global.

The Ministry of Ayush and World Health Organization (WHO) have signed Traditional and Complementary Medicine ‘Project Collaboration Agreement’ late last night in Geneva. The main objective of this agreement is to standardize Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems, integrate their quality and safety aspects into the National Health System, and disseminate them at the international level. Through this cooperation agreement, efforts will be made to connect Traditional and Complementary Medical Systems with the mainstream of the National Health System. To fulfil this objective, Traditional Medicine Global Strategy 2025-34 will be prepared by WHO with the support of the Ministry of Ayush.

Other major objectives of the agreement include efforts to strengthen the system of training and practice in the field of Complementary Medicine System ‘Siddha’, formulation of guidelines for the listing of Traditional and Complementary Medicines, safety and related efforts, etc. An International Herbal Pharmacopoeia of herbs found in South-East Asia will be developed by the Ministry in collaboration with WHO. Efforts will be made under this agreement to integrate evidence-based Traditional and Complementary Medicines with the National Health System, conservation and management of biodiversity and medicinal plants, etc.

Congratulating everyone on this occasion, Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sononwal said that India has been the center of culture of many traditional and alternative medical systems since ancient times. Such global efforts by the Ministry to strengthen the National Health System will definitely give India a global identity in the field of healthcare services and promote medical tourism in India. This effort of the Ministry is one more step taken towards the global success of India.

Ayush Secretary, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, said, in his virtual message during the signing in event that the first phase of this agreement, 2023-28, will prove to be a milestone in the global development of Traditional and Complementary Medical System. According to Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director General, Universal Health Coverage and Life Course Division, WHO, this collaboration agreement will bring Traditional and Complementary Medicine Systems into the mainstream of India’s National Health System and serve the objective of global healthcare and well-being. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Indra Mani Pandey, who signed the agreement on the behalf of Indian government, said, “India is committed to working with WHO to strengthen Traditional Medicine Systems globally and especially in supporting fellow developing countries in promoting their own traditional medicine systems.”

C. Education

D. Human Resources

E. poverty and hunger

12. International relations

A. India and its neighbourhood

B. groupings and agreements

 India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

1. India’s Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, and Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, welcomed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, and Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, to New Delhi for the first India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

2. Both sides welcomed the elevation of the India-Australia relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during the Leaders’ Virtual Summit held in June 2020 and noted with satisfaction the progress made in deepening bilateral cooperation in political, economic, security and defence related matters.

3. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the CSP based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and rule of law. They reiterated the importance of advancing their shared objective of an open, free, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, in line with India’s increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative and Australia’s Indo-Pacific approach and Pacific Step-Up.

4. To further realize the full potential of the India-Australia CSP, the Ministers underscored the intention to expand cooperation under the 2+2 framework and to meet at least once in every two years to maintain the momentum.

C.Indian diaspora

UNICEF

UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. 

The world’s largest provider of vaccines, we support child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.

Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures. 

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region. Despite the region’s many successes, it remains home to a large share of the world’s poor: 263 million living on less than $1.90 a day and 1.1 billion on less than $3.20 a day.

ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.

ADB maximizes the development impact of its assistance by facilitating policy dialogues, providing advisory services, and mobilizing financial resources through cofinancing operations that tap official, commercial, and export credit sources.

ADB’s Focus on Infrastructure

Why does ADB work in infrastructure?

Infrastructure – defined as a country’s physical facilities, such as roads, power plants, and bridges – is critical for regional development. Poor infrastructure slows economic growth and limits the investment needed to create the jobs that help lift people out of poverty. Power outages hurt factory productivity. Bad roads, ports and airports stifle flows of people, goods, and services. Inadequate water and sanitation prevent millions from leading healthy, productive lives.

How is ADB supporting infrastructure?

ADB provides loans, grants and technical assistance to its developing member countries, to the private sector and through public-private partnerships to support the building and maintenance of infrastructure. The majority is in water, energy, transport, urban development, and information and communications technology. ADB is scaling up its operations by 50% from $14 billion in 2014 to more than $20 billion in 2020, with 70% of this amount going toward infrastructure.

How much infrastructure does Asia and the Pacific need?

Though nearly $900 billion is spent a year on infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific, that’s substantially less than the $1.7 trillion that ADB estimates the region needs annually from 2016 until 2030 to keep pace with climate change and economic growth. Energy and transport account for nearly 90% of total investment needs. If our vision of a region free of poverty is to become reality, new ways of funding regional infrastructure need to be developed, along with a greater role for the private sector.

FAO

bout FAO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members – 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

The FAO contributes to international efforts to defeat hunger and improve local economies by helping member countries modernize and improve agriculture, forestry, and fishery practices. It provides information and supports sustainable agriculture through legislation and national strategies. Funding comes from industrialized countries, development banks, and other sources.

Serving 194 member nations, two associate members, and the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization is a neutral forum where countries negotiate agreements and debate policy. Its headquarters is in Rome, Italy with offices in more than 130 countries, employing over 11,561 staff members.2

FAO Departments

• The Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department helps eradicate human poverty while protecting the environment and ensuring safe food practices and standards.
• The Climate, Biodiversity, Land, and Water Department promotes sustainable management practices for land, soils, energy, water, biodiversity, and genetic resources.
• The Corporate Services Department supports the FAO organization.
• The Economic and Social Development Department aids economic development through internal production and trade.
• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department oversees the management of aquaculture and fishing.
• The Forestry Department promotes the management of resources through forestry.
• The Technical Cooperation and Programme Management Department supports member countries in their programs and responds to food and agriculture-related threats and crises.2

Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Programme (BOBP-IGO)

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) has evolved from the erstwhile Bay of Bengal Programme of the  Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The establishment of the BOBP-IGO was conceived during the early stages of the Third Phase of the BOBP (1994 – 2000) and finally endorsed through a resolution at the 24th Meeting of the Advisory Committee of the erstwhile BOBP, held at Phuket, Thailand in October 1999 (Phuket Resolution). The BOBP-IGO Agreement was formally signed by the Governments of Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka at Chennai on 26 April 2003 and by the Government of Maldives at Chennai on 21 May 2003 (BOBP-IGO Agreement

Our mission is to promote, facilitate and secure the long-term development and utilisation of coastal fisheries resources of the Bay of Bengal based on responsible fishing practices and environmentally sound management programs. What is Our Goal ? Our goal is to connect member countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help their fisher folk build a better life. What are Our Objectives? Our core objectives are to: increase awareness and knowledge of the needs, benefits and practices of coastal fisheries management; enhance skills through training and education; transfer appropriate technologies and techniques for development of small-scale fisheries; establish a regional information networking; and promote women’s participation in coastal fisheries development at all levels.

13. Economic Development

A. Government Budgeting

B. industrial

India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Ranking

India improves in the logistics ranking of the World Bank by jumping 6 places to Rank 38 out of 139 countries in the 7th edition of Logistics Performance Index (LPI 2023). India has been taking numerous initiatives since 2015 under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to improve its logistics efficiency. The World Bank has acknowledged India’s efforts towards increasing logistics efficiency. On 4 out of 6 LPI indicators India has seen remarkable improvement on the back of various initiatives being implemented over the past few years.

This is a strong indicator of India’s global positioning, with this development being powered by our Government’s laser focus on reforms for improving logistics infrastructure. In October 2021, the Government of India launched the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) towards a coordinated approach, leveraging technology, for infrastructure planning and development. PMGS envisages breaking silos among different Departments / Ministries in States / UTs by combining all relevant data on a National Master Plan and State Master Plans (portals) respectively. It is a GIS based tool which integrates existing and proposed infrastructure initiatives of different Central Ministries, to ensure first and last-mile connectivity, for seamless movement of people and goods. At the heart is intense communication and extensive data sharing among Central and State agencies promoting collaborative approach. Through the power of technology and collaborative efforts of concerned agencies put together, PM GatiShakti addresses the emerging needs of transforming the logistics landscape due to factors like rapid urbanization, changing energy choices, e-commerce, need to develop resilient supply chains etc.

 In September 2022, the Prime Minister launched the National Logistics Policy (NLP) which acts as a guiding document for States / UTs seeking to formulate logistics policy (19 States / UTs have notified their logistics policy). The policy is centred around upgradation and digitisation of logistics infrastructure & services. Further with focus on bringing efficiency in services (processes, digital systems, regulatory framework) and human resources, the policy puts marked emphasis on streamlining processes for seamless coordination, and reduction in overall logistics cost, besides incentivizing employment generation and skilling of the workforce. NLP lays emphasis on the shift towards more energy-efficient modes of transportation and greener fuels to reduce the carbon footprint. The policy also focusses on adopting the usage of multimodal transportation and complementing it by building multimodal logistics parks. Further it emphasized on the importance of targeted policy reforms to improve time spent by cargo at port, airports, and multimodal facilities since most of the delays occur at these locations.

 The Government of India also invested in trade-related soft and hard infrastructure connecting port gateways on both coasts to the economic zones in hinterland.  Technology has been a critical component of this effort, with implementation under a public-private partnership of a supply chain visibility platform, which has contributed to remarkable reductions of delays. NICDC’s Logistics Data Bank project applies radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to containers and offers consignees end-to-end tracking of their supply chain. Its implementation started in 2016 on the Western part of India and was scaled up to Pan India level in 2020.  With such initiatives of transparency, visibility, and ease of doing business, there has been significant improvement in cross-border trade facilitation. 

Also, the Logistics Data Bank project promotes healthy competition amongst the ports as it provides information on performance benchmarking, congestion, dwell time, speed, and transit time analysis. Over a period, it has also become a repository of data & information relating to the logistics industry and the same is shared with the stakeholders through monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as a source of data for decision making and improving logistics efficiency. The LPI report appreciates the Logistics Data Bank which reduces inefficiencies while connecting hinterland to ports.

At a sub-National level, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has been conducting LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) study since 2018 which helps to identify and resolve logistics inefficiencies and improve trade facilitation across supply chains. On a national level, India has notified Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for boost to creating global champions in manufacturing, PM Mitra Textile Parks, Bulk Drug Parks, other areas of manufacturing and 43 Towns of Export Excellence meticulously focusing on specific sectors for exports and provision of related infrastructure. Resolving the logistics gaps / bottlenecks will help decrease the logistics cost and will lead to increment in logistics efficiency which will contribute to ongoing reforms aimed at India becoming a global manufacturing / production hub in the coming years.

Further other initiatives like Sagarmala which aims to improve connectivity to ports and reduce cargo dwell time and Bharatmala which focussed on improving road connectivity of major corridors have played a pivotal role in improving India’s logistics efficiency. The LPI index is a perception-based survey conducted across select stakeholders dealing with respective countries.

E.issues

Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI)

he scheme aims to build an ecosystem for manufacturing of high efficiency solar PV modules in India and thus reduce import dependence in the area of Renewable Energy. The objectives of the scheme include the following:

1. To build up solar PV manufacturing capacity of high efficiency modules.
2. To bring cutting-edge technology to India for manufacturing high efficiency modules. The scheme will be technology agnostic in that it will allow all technologies. However, technologies which yield better module performance will be incentivized.
3. To promote setting up of integrated plants for better quality control and competitiveness.
4. To develop an ecosystem for sourcing of local material in solar manufacturing.
5. Employment generation and technological self-sufficiency.

The PLI Scheme is being implemented in two tranches as follows:

Tranche-I:

1. The Union Cabinet approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, for achieving manufacturing capacity of Giga Watt (GW) scale in High Efficiency Solar PV Modules on 7th April, 2021. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued the Scheme Guidelines for Production Linked Incentive Scheme on ‘National Programme on High Efficiency Solar PV Modules’ on 28th April, 2021, with an outlay of Rs. 4,500 crore.
2. Under this tranche, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), the implementing agency on behalf of MNRE for the PLI Scheme (Tranche-I), issued the Bid Documents for selection of manufacturers for setting up manufacturing capacities for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules. Letters of Award were issued by IREDA in November and December, 2021 to three successful bidders for setting up of 8,737 MW capacity of fully integrated Solar PV Module manufacturing units within PLI scheme outlay of ₹ 4,500 crore.

Tranche-II:

1. Subsequent to the Union Cabinet approval dated 21.09.2022, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, on 30.09.2022, has issued Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Tranche-II of the PLI Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules, with an outlay of Rs. 19,500 crore.
2. Under this tranche, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), the implementing agency on behalf of MNRE for the PLI Scheme (Tranche-II), issued the tender document for selection of Solar PV manufacturers under Tranche-II of PLI Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules. Letters of Award (LoAs) have been issued by SECI to 11 bidders in April 2023 for setting up 39,600 MW of fully / partially integrated solar PV module manufacturing.

14. Technology

Bengaluru facilitated extended stakeholder discussions on contemporary Science and Technology (S&T) Policy issues

The forenoon sessions of the summit focused on the theme of ‘Shaping Technological Futures’ and the afternoon sessions on ‘Science, Technology and Society’. The session on ‘Ethics of Disruptive Technologies’ featured a free-flowing conversation between a renowned technologist, Dr Sharad Sharma, co-founder of iSPIRT Foundation, and an eminent technology ethicist, Prof. Nimmi Rangaswamy, Professor at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad. The conversation touched upon various facets of ethical principles for shaping anticipatory governance strategies in dealing with disruptive technologies.

The session on ‘Charting Global Technology Competitiveness: A Strategic Imperative’ featured a special address by Shri Abhishek Singh, IAS, President & CEO of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and MD & CEO of Digital India Corporation (DIC). Shri Singh’s address encapsulated India’s digital transformation and global positioning through G20 and GPAI. The special address was followed by a panel discussion, joined by H.E. Alex Ellis, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India; Ms. Nivedita Mehra, Managing Director, US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF); and Ms. Wiebke Doerfler, Managing Director, The Bavarian-Indian Centre for Business and University Cooperation (BayIND). The panel discussed various factors that influence global technology competitiveness.

The afternoon session featured a Workshop on the Diversity of Knowledge – People and Practices.  The first segment, titled ‘Diversity of Knowledge: Practice’ had lightening talks on diversity of knowledge and knowledge systems. The session was joined by Prof. Wiebe Bijker, Professor Emeritus of Maastricht University, Dr. Annapurna Mamidipudi, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Technical University of Berlin, and Ms. Uzramma, Co-founder, Handloom Futures Trust, Hyderabad.

The second segment titled ‘Diversity of Knowledge: People’ featured three lightning talks. Prof. Anil Gupta, Founder of Honey Bee Network, highlighted the importance of treating local knowledge holders as valuable sources of knowledge in our policies. Dr. Anamika Dey, CEO of Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network (GIAN), spoke about viewing the diversity of knowledge through a gender lens. Dr. Viswajanani Sattigeri, Head of CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), presented a policy perspective on integrating traditional knowledge systems.

15. Environment

As fireworks light up night sky, air pollution spikes to 120 times WHO limit

16. Security

 

 

17. Disaster Management