- Indian Heritage
- Culture
- Modern Indian history
- The Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence
- Indian Society
A. population and associated issues
8.Indian Constitution
B. poverty and developmental issues
C.urbanization
7. Geographical features
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
E. poverty and hunger
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
Startup Mahākumbh witnesses record-breaking participation and enthusiasm
Startup Mahakumbh, India’s largest and first-of-its-kind startup event, registered record participation, serving as a vibrant platform for all stakeholders in the Indian startup ecosystem. The confluence of stakeholders and experts is expected to help further develop emerging sectors like DeepTech, AgriTech, BioTech, MedTech, AI, Gaming, etc.
The event, designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across India, witnessed an unparalleled level of participation from leading investors, innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs. The event is hosting over 2000 startups, 1000+ investors, 100+ unicorns, 300+ incubators & accelerators, 3,000+ conference delegates, 10+ country delegations, 3000+ future entrepreneurs and 50,000+ business visitors from across the country. The event has witnessed vibrant discussions on way forward and networking between all the stakeholders.
The event is being organized jointly by the collaborative efforts of ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation, TiE and Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA). It is supported by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) and Invest India.
Startup Mahakumbh pavilion leads include Zerodha and National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD) with support from states including Bihar, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Karnataka and Kerala. Powered by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Zomato and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), Startup Mahakumbh has the state of Uttar Pradesh as state partner for the event.
Several important stakeholders including, Mr. Sivasubramanian Ramann, SIDBI; Mr. Prashanth Prakash, Partner, Accel; Mr. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge; Mr. Sanjay Nayar, Founder, Sorin Investments; Mr. Deepak Sood, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM; Ms. Archana Jahagirdar, Managing Partner, Rukam Capital, Mr. Deepak Sood, ASSOCHAM; Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Nasscom; Shri. Anil Kumar Sagar, Department of IT – Govt of UP; Ranjan Anandan, Peak XV and Rikant Pittie, Co-founder Easemytrip. Notably, renowned industry titans including Peeyush Bansal, Co-Founder and CEO, Lenskart, Aman Gupta, Co-Founder and CMO, boAt Lifestyle, Ashish Hemrajani, Book My Show actively participated in the event.
Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and Former CEO, NITI Aayog, Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission and Mr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Professor, IIT Madras and Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, CEO, GeM, interacted with the participants on various government initiatives for the Start-ups.
Some of the highlights of the event are as follows:
- Keynote addresses: Renowned industry leaders and policymakers addressed the gathering, sharing their perspectives on the critical role startups play in India’s economic growth and development
- Future Entrepreneurs Day: With a focus on cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit among students, the Future Entrepreneurs Day is expected to gather close to 3,000 individuals handpicked by colleges and incubators nationwide for their inclination towards entrepreneurship.
- 10 thematic pavilions: To showcase the variety and depth of the phenomena on – Deeptech, AI & SaaS, Fintech, Agritech, Biotech & Pharma, Climate Tech, Gaming & E-Sports, D2C, B2B & Manufacturing, and Incubators.
- Engaging Panel Discussions: Experts from diverse sectors engaged in thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of insightful topics on the future of Indian startups and the critical role they play in the country’s economic growth. There were sessions around the strategies for fostering creativity and disruption in startups, what does the next decade look like for the ecosystem, how can startups build multi-generational businesses and what are the opportunities for key sectors like Agritech, AI & SaaS, Climate Tech, Gaming and Deep Tech among others. Additionally, enriching sessions were held around how startups can scale their businesses globally.
- Actionable Workshops: Attendees participated in practical workshops, pitch competitions, and a multi-track conference designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive startup world
- Networking Opportunities: The event provided a unique platform for fostering connections between investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, laying the groundwork for potential collaborations and partnerships.
- Interaction with DPIIT officials: To provide valuable insights into various government initiatives aimed at supporting startups, including funding schemes, mentorship programs, and regulatory reforms
- Startup exhibitions: A dedicated exhibition area showcased innovative products and services developed by promising startups from across the country. This platform facilitated valuable interactions and potential collaborations between startups and investors
- Mentorship sessions: Seasoned entrepreneurs and investors provided valuable mentorship to aspiring founders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the startup journey at mentorship clinics
E.issues
14. Technology
MeitY Startup Hub: Empowering innovation, driving growth and forging success within the vast landscape of Startup Mahakhumbh
Startup Mahakhumb 2024 marks the commencement of an unprecedented event uniting India’s dynamic startup ecosystem under one roof Hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from March 18-20, 2024. With the resounding theme of ‘Bharat Innovates,’ aims to catalyze innovation, facilitate networking, and foster growth opportunities for startups, investors, incubators, accelerators and industry leaders across diverse sectors.
One of the flagship engagement of the event is MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) innovation showcase, MeitY Pavilion emerged as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship today as over 40+ ground-breaking startups seized the opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge innovations and served as a dynamic platform for startups to engage with industry experts, investors and potential partners, fostering valuable connections and opportunities for growth. Attendees had the chance to explore firsthand the creativity, ingenuity, and potential of these emerging startups, further enriching the collaborative spirit of the event.
Addressing critical challenges and opportunities within the startup space. Shri Jeej Vijay, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), brought invaluable insights to one such panel discussion, focusing on “Funding DeepTech: Venture Capital’s Perspective on Research-Backed Startups.”
His expertise shed light on navigating the intricacies of venture capital funding, particularly for startups grounded in deep technology and research-driven innovations.
Additionally, To foster the growth and development of startups, MeitY Startup Hub hosted a Startup Masterclass as part of the event. This masterclass is tailored to provide startups with invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and networking opportunities aimed at enhancing growth and success in the dynamic startup ecosystem.
MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) also hosted an exclusive Incubator Masterclass, covering a wide array of topics essential for the success of incubators and startups alike. The masterclass delved into crucial areas such as fundraising and investment trends, effective mentorship and support strategies, building strong startup ecosystems, and best practices in startup incubation.
15. Environment
16. Security
EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24
he Opening Ceremony of the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and US, Tiger Triumph, was held onboard INS Jalashwa today 19 Mar 2024. The Exercise represents the robust strategic partnership between both countries and aims to share best practices and Standard Operating Procedures in undertaking multinational HADR operations.
The Harbour Phase of the exercise is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 18 to 25 Mar 24 and would include pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange on professional subjects and deliberations on planning and execution procedures of various tasks. Sports engagements are also scheduled to further enhance camaraderie between the participating armed forces personnel of both nations. The Sea phase, from 26 to 31 Mar 24, would include units of both countries setting up a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp.
A Planning and Coordination Exercise would concurrently be undertaken to discuss and refine a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries.
The participating units from the Indian Navy include a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) including their integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, guided missile Frigate and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Army would be represented by one infantry battalion group including mechanised forces. The Indian Air Force would deploy medium lift aircraft, transport helicopters and a Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). Additionally, the Special Ops Forces from all the three services will also participate in the exercise.
The US Task Force would comprise of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock including its integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, and also, US Marines.
ACTIVATION OF EMERGENCY LANDING FACILITY ON NATIONAL HIGHWAY 16
On 18 March 2024, Indian Air Force fighter and transport aircraft carried out operations on an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) airstrip on National Highway 16 near Addanki in Bapatla district. Su-30 and Hawk fighters successfully carried out overshoots during the activation, while An-32 and Dornier transport aircraft landed and subsequently took off from the strip. The activation showcased the high level of synergy and liaison between civil agencies such as National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), district administration, state police and the IAF towards conduct of complex multifaceted activities.
Previously, such an activation was conducted on 29 December 2022. The 4.1 km long and 33 mtr wide concrete airstrip has been constructed by the NHAI as per specifications provided by the IAF. While other airstrips are already operational in various parts of the country, this ELF in Andra Pradesh has been recently operationalised in peninsular India.
ELF highway airstrips enhance flexibility of air operations during contingencies and are invaluable assets during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in far flung areas. IAF, with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) are working jointly for creation of ELFs at suitable locations.
Railway Protection Force and National Commission for Women Unite Against Human Trafficking
n a significant step towards combating human trafficking, the National Commission for Women (NCW) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Through this collaborative effort, both organizations pledged to provide training and sensitize RPF officials to effectively address the problems of women trafficking within the Indian Railway network.
The National Commission for Women and the Railway Protection Force came together to announce a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking across India. The MOU was signed by NCW Joint Secretary A Asholi Chalai and RPF Inspector General Sarvapriya Mayank. It underscores the commitment of both organizations to tackle the grave issue of human trafficking, especially within the extensive network of Indian Railways.
The initiative comes as a response to the alarming statistics revealing that 70% of trafficked victims are women, highlighting the urgent need for concerted action to protect the most vulnerable in society. NCW, which established an Anti-Human Trafficking Cell on April 2, 2022, has already been working with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to combat the trafficking of women.
“Women and young girls are particularly vulnerable to trafficking”, stated Smt. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of NCW. “The vast railway network of Indian Railway, spanning over 65,000 kilometers and 7,500 stations, unfortunately, serves as a conduit for traffickers. RPF personnel stationed at railway stations play a pivotal role in preventing human trafficking and can act as the eyes and ears of the commission in addressing crimes against women”.
The key objectives of the MOU encompass collaborative efforts to prevent human trafficking and rescue of trafficked women. This involves conducting sensitization workshops and training sessions for RPF personnel to enhance their awareness and prompt response to human trafficking incidents. Additionally, awareness campaigns will be launched targeting frontline railway staff and the general public to educate them about the signs of human trafficking and how to report such cases effectively.
Under the MoU, RPF personnel will receive ongoing sensitization and training, empowering them to remain alert and vigilant in identifying and reporting suspicious activities. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of RPF personnel, enabling them to serve as an additional layer of defense against human trafficking.
Highlighting the ongoing effort of RPF aimed at preventing trafficking of women and girls through railways Sh. Manoj Yadava Director General (RPF) expressed hope that this effort will boost the capacity of RPF to combat crime against women.
17. Disaster Management