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 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

May 3, 2024

Every year May 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day. This occasion celebrates the
fundamental principles of press freedom and is an opportunity to evaluate press freedom
worldwide, to defend the media from attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to
journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. The day holds
significance for press freedom and its independence. It is a reminder to governments of the
need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media
professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. 1

Background

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a
Recommendation adopted at the 26th Session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. This
in turn was a response to a call by African journalists who in 1991 produced the landmark
Windhoek Declaration.2

The Windhoek Declaration is a benchmark for ensuring press freedom around the world. It
began at a seminar in Windhoek in 1991, but the ideas exchanged by the African journalists

1
[Link]
2
[Link]
and media professionals acted as a catalyst to encourage press freedom, independence, and
pluralism in Africa and other parts of the world.3

After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart, and receive
information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing. It is an
opportunity to:4

• Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;

• Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
• Defend the media from attacks on their independence; and
• Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty

Theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024 5

A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis

In 2024, World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom
of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. In the context of the
world’s triple planetary crisis —climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution— dis-
/misinformation campaigns challenge knowledge and scientific research methods. Attacks on
the validity of science pose a serious threat to pluralistic and informed public debate. Indeed,
misleading and false information about climate change can, in some cases, undermine
international efforts to address them.

To achieve sustainable development, journalists must report accurately, timely, and

comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible
solutions.

This requires a comprehensive strategy that includes:

• Preventing and protecting against crimes committed against journalists.

3
[Link]
4
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5
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 • Ensuring the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of scientific research, and access
to key sources of information, in addition to combating dis-/misinformation through
journalism.
• Promoting the plurality, diversity, and viability of media, especially regional, local,
indigenous, and/or community-based media.
• Ensuring that the governance of digital platforms fosters the transparency of technology
companies, their accountability, due diligence, user empowerment, and content
moderation and curation based on international human rights standards, as indicated in
UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms.
• Promoting Media and Information Literacy programs to empower users with skills to
engage and think critically in the digital environment.

To know about the details of events on World Press Freedom Day, click here

References

• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]

Santosh Kumar/Himanshu Pathak/Ritu Kataria/Apoorva Mahiwal/Indu Sharma

 RU-49-01-382-040624/EXPLAINER

World Environment Day 2024

Leading the Change for Land Restoration
June 04, 2024

About

World Environment Day is the United Nation’s initiative to encourage worldwide

awareness and action for the environment. Held annually since 1973, the Day has also
become a vital platform for promoting progress on the environmental dimensions of the
Sustainable Development Goals. Major corporations, non-governmental organizations,
communities, governments, and celebrities worldwide adopt the World Environment Day
brand to champion environmental causes.
Focus of World Environment Day 2024

World Environment Day 2024 focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought
resilience, under the slogan “Our Land. Our Future. We are Generation Restoration.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the 2024 global celebrations, focusing on delivering
solutions to these pressing issues.

Land restoration can reverse land degradation, drought, and desertification, with each dollar
invested in restoration yielding up to $30 in ecosystem services. Restoration boosts
livelihoods, reduces poverty, builds resilience to extreme weather, increases carbon storage,
and slows climate change. Restoring just 15% of degraded land could prevent up to 60% of
expected species extinctions.

Addressing the root causes of land degradation, such as climate change, is essential. Last
year’s record-breaking temperatures resulted in widespread heatwaves, storms, floods, and
droughts. Effective land restoration must go hand-in-hand with tackling climate change;
otherwise, efforts are undermined.

India's Contribution towards Environmental Sustainability

Mission LiFE

India is leading the way in sustainability and environmental conservation with Mission LiFE
(Lifestyle for Environment). This India-led global mass movement aims to inspire individual
and community action to protect and preserve the environment. Introduced at COP26 in
Glasgow, Mission LiFE focuses on promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable
lifestyles.

India is the first country to include LiFE in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),
reflecting its commitment to combating climate change through behavioural change rooted in
traditional, sustainable living.

Mission LiFE channels the efforts of individuals and communities into a global movement
for positive change. It emphasizes the importance of conserving natural resources and living
in harmony with nature, as advocated in ancient Indian scriptures.

Each phase of Mission LiFE encourages a fundamental shift towards sustainability, aiming to
inspire global action towards environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Encouraging Plantation of Trees on Barren Land

Government of India encourages plantation in the country through various programs/schemes

such as National Mission for Green India (GIM), National Afforestation Programme (NAP),
Nagar Van Yojana, School Nursery Yojana, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management
and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, etc. which promotes tree plantation on waste,
vacant and barren lands by involving local communities, NGOs, educational institutions, etc.

Wetlands Conservation

India's commitment to wetland conservation has seen significant milestones. In January 2024,
India expanded its Ramsar Site count to 80 by designating new sites in Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu. This achievement follows the addition of 11 wetlands in August 2022, commemorating
India's 75th Independence anniversary. The Wetlands of India Portal serves as a knowledge
hub for wetland managers and stakeholders, providing valuable information and resources.

Forest and Wildlife Conservation

India has made notable progress in forest conservation and sustainable forest management. At
the 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), India highlighted its
consistent increase in forest cover over the past fifteen years, ranking third globally in net
forest area gain.
Further, as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the Forest Cover of the country
is 7,13,789 sq. km, which is 21.71 % of the total geographical area of the country.

India has expanded its network of protected areas, including wildlife sanctuaries, national
parks, and tiger reserves. Celebrations of 50 years of Project Tiger and 30 years of Project
Elephant underscore India's dedication to species conservation.

The introduction of the 'Green Credit Program' incentivizes tree plantation and restoration of
degraded forest lands, further strengthening climate action initiatives.

Mangrove Restoration

Mangrove forests have more capacity to store carbon, provide breeding grounds for marine
biodiversity and support global fish populations. Government of India has taken a number of
steps to protect and enhance mangrove forests in coastal States/Union Territories through
promotional as well as regulatory measures. The promotional measures are being
implemented through a Central Sector Scheme ‘Conservation and Management of Mangroves
and Coral Reefs’ under the National Coastal Mission Programme. Further, Mangrove
Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) was announced in the
Union Budget 2023-24 to promote and conserve mangroves.

Ban on Single Use Plastics

Government of India notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, on
12th August 2021, prohibiting manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of the
identified Single Use Plastic (SUP) items, which have low utility and high littering potential
with effect from the 1st July, 2022. The notification also prohibits manufacture, import,
stocking, distribution, sale and use of plastic carry bags having thickness less than one
hundred and twenty microns with effect from the 31st December, 2022.

Renewable Energy

Launched on January 4, 2023, with an

outlay of ₹19,744 crore, National Green
Hydrogen Mission aims to contribute to
India’s goal to become Aatma Nirbhar
(self-reliant) through clean energy and
serve as an inspiration for the global Clean
Energy Transition. The Mission will lead
to significant decarbonization of the
economy, reduced dependence on fossil
fuel imports, and enable India to assume
technology and market leadership in Green
Hydrogen.

India, already, stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind
Power capacity and 5th in Solar Power capacity.

Global Initiatives

India is a member of the Global Alliance for Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency
(GACERE) and the Steering Committee of the International Resource Panel (IRP). These
platforms advocate for a global and just circular economy transition and sustainable natural
resource management.

India has also taken steps to protect and enhance mangrove forests through the 'Conservation
and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs' scheme under the National Coastal Mission
Programme.

Additionally. the sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was hosted at
Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on October 31, 2023. Ministers from 20 countries and
delegates from across 116 Member and Signatory countries participated in the Assembly.

India's comprehensive approach to environmental conservation, from Mission LiFE to global

initiatives, demonstrates its leadership and commitment to building a sustainable future.
 Celebrating GST Day: A Milestone in Economic Reform
Collections Hit 20.18 Lakh Crores in 2023-24, Benefiting MSMEs, Consumers, and Logistics
(Ministry of Finance)
June 28, 2024
Introduction
On the historic night of 1st July 2017, India embarked on a transformative journey in its tax
landscape with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Introduced by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi as "a path-breaking legislation for New India," GST replaced a
fragmented and complex
indirect tax regime that
burdened businesses and
consumers alike. Before
GST, the tax framework
consisted of numerous levies
such as excise duty, service
tax, VAT, CST, and others,
each with its own set of
compliance challenges and
inefficiencies. This
multiplicity not only
increased the cost of doing
business but also hindered
seamless interstate
movement of goods due to
tax barriers.
GST unified India's tax
system, creating a single
market that removed
interstate barriers and
boosted operational
efficiency. It ended tax
cascading by allowing
businesses to claim input tax
credit across the supply
chain, reducing overall tax
burden and simplifying compliance. This reform also enhanced transparency, accountability,
and economic growth by rationalizing rates and standardizing procedures, aligning with India's
vision of 'Ek Bharat – Sreshtha Bharat'.
As we commemorate GST Day on July 1st each year, it serves as a reminder of India's
commitment to economic reform and its journey towards a more integrated and competitive
economy on the global stage.
The Journey to GST – Timeline
Salient Features of GST

 One Nation, One Tax: GST replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by the Central and
State Governments, such as excise duty, service tax, value-added tax (VAT), and others.
It brought uniformity in the tax structure across India, eliminating the cascading effect
of taxes.

 Dual Structure: Includes Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST), with Integrated
GST (IGST) for interstate transactions.

 Destination-Based Tax: Levied at each stage of the supply chain, ensuring seamless
credit flow and reducing end-consumer tax burden.

 Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses can claim credit for taxes paid on inputs, avoiding
double taxation.

 Threshold Exemption: Small businesses below a specified turnover threshold are

exempt from GST, easing compliance burdens.

 Composition Scheme: The composition scheme is available for small taxpayers with
a turnover below a prescribed limit (currently 1.5 crores and 75 lakhs for special
category state). Under this scheme, businesses are required to pay a fixed percentage of
their turnover as GST and have simplified compliance requirements.

 Online Compliance: GSTN portal for registration, returns, and payments, enhancing
ease of compliance.

 Anti-Profiteering Measures: To ensure that the benefits of GST are passed on to the
consumers, the government established the National Anti-Profiteering Authority
(NAA). The NAA monitored and ensured that businesses do not engage in unfair
pricing practices and profiteering due to the implementation of GST.

 Increased Compliance and Transparency: Digital processes curb tax evasion,

increasing transparency in the tax system.

 Sector-Specific Exemptions: Certain sectors like healthcare and education have

exempt or reduced GST rates for affordability.

 Account Settlement: Ensures seamless transfer of credits between Centre and States
to maintain tax balance.
Significance of GST
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has brought transformative changes across various sectors
in India since its implementation. For MSMEs, GST has simplified compliance, increased
thresholds, and opened new financial avenues. Consumers have benefited from lower average
tax rates and reduced costs on essential items, while the logistics sector has seen enhanced
efficiency, reduced transport times, and significant investments. These reforms collectively
contribute to a more streamlined, transparent, and economically vibrant India.

Benefits to MSMEs

 Previously, VAT exemption and composition scheme thresholds were very low.

 The GST threshold was initially set at Rs 20 lakh and later increased to Rs 40 lakh for
goods.

 GST introduced a composition scheme allowing small businesses to pay a fixed rate on
their turnover with minimal paperwork.

 The composition threshold is Rs 1.5 crore annually for goods and Rs 50 lakh for
services, easing compliance for small businesses.

 GST has opened new avenues for quick bill discounting and loans to MSMEs through
the Trade Receivables e-Discounting System (TReDS). This system allows
entrepreneurs to access credit based on upcoming receivables from identified
corporates and Central PSEs. Already, about 500 such companies and 170 CPSEs are
registered with TReDS, benefiting thousands of MSMEs.

 The compliance burden for MSMEs has significantly reduced, with the option of
quarterly return filing for taxpayers with an annual turnover of up to Rs 5 crore.

Benefits of GST to Consumers

 GST is a pro-people reform. Hence, consumer is at the centre of this reform.

 Average tax rates in GST have come down. This has been made possible as tax base
expanded on rollout of GST and compliance improved. Taxpayers’ number has doubled
from earlier 60 lakhs to about 1.2 crore.

 The Government has progressively lowered tax rates on essential and daily use items.

 A Finance Ministry study suggested that consumers saved at least four per cent on their
household monthly expenses on an aggregate after GST.

 Thus, consumers now spend less on daily consumables like cereals, edible oils, sugar,
sweets and snacks.
Benefits to Logistics Sector
 GST ended long queues of trucks and goods carriers at highway toll plazas, facilitating
free movement of goods across states.

 Corruption-prone checkpoints (nakas) that restricted and slowed goods movement

disappeared.

 Credible studies show over a 33% improvement in transport time post-GST

implementation.

 Significant savings in petrol and diesel have been realized, and arterial roads have been
decongested.

 Before GST, companies maintained warehouses in every state due to different taxation
slabs. GST eliminates this need, creating a leaner and smarter logistics chain.

 This reform has encouraged increased investment in the sector. In the first two years of
GST, global players and pension funds invested $1.5 billion in India’s warehousing
business.

 GST is expected to boost demand for high-tonnage trucks, further improving logistics
efficiency.

 An efficient logistics sector reduces pollution and increases employment.

 The E-way bill system, introduced under GST, captures transport details automatically,
with information even furnished via mobile.

 The E-way bill system also facilitated the monitoring of essential commodities and
medical supplies during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Accomplishments of GST
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India has demonstrated remarkable progress and
effectiveness in revenue collection since its implementation. In the fiscal year 2020-21, the
total collection was 11.37 lakh crores, with an average monthly collection of 0.95 lakh crores.
This figure saw a substantial increase in the following years, with collections reaching 14.83
lakh crores in 2021-22 and an average monthly collection of 1.24 lakh crores. The upward trend
continued in 2022-23, with total collections of 18.08 lakh crores and a monthly average of 1.51
lakh crores. In the current fiscal year 2023-24, the GST collection has further surged to 20.18
lakh crores, with an impressive average monthly collection of 1.68 lakh crores. These
accomplishments reflect the successful implementation and growing compliance under the
GST regime, contributing significantly to India's economic growth and stability.
Conclusion
The implementation of GST on 1st July 2017 marks a significant milestone in India's tax
history, ushering in an era of unified taxation and economic integration. Over the years, GST
has simplified compliance, reduced tax cascading, and promoted transparency across sectors.
With progressive reforms and increasing compliance, GST continues to play a pivotal role in
driving economic efficiency, consumer benefits, and sectoral growth across the country. As we
celebrate GST Day on July 1 each year, we reaffirm our dedication to building a robust and
equitable tax regime that supports India's aspirations for a vibrant and competitive economy on
the global stage.

References:
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 [Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

 RU-438

10TH NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY: CELEBRATING TRADITION, INNOVATION,

AND EXCELLENCE

Honoring India’s Weaving Legacy

(Ministry of Textiles)
August 6, 2024

National Handloom Day, observed on August 7, marks the anniversary of the Swadeshi
Movement of 1905 and was first celebrated in 2015, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in Chennai. The 10th National Handloom Day will take place on August 7, 2024, at
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This day honours the contributions of handloom workers and
aims to inspire pride and motivation within the handloom industry by highlighting their
cultural, traditional, and economic significance. The event is celebrated nationwide to raise
awareness of the handloom sector's role in socio-economic development.

The handloom sector is a vibrant representation of India’s diverse cultural heritage, employing
around 3.5 million people, making it the second-largest employment sector after agriculture.
With each region offering unique styles and patterns—from Jammu & Kashmir’s Pashmina
Shawls to Kerala’s Kasaragod Sarees and Gujarat’s Patan Patola—handloom products embody
centuries of artisanal skill and cultural richness.

These products also play a crucial role in empowering millions of artisans, especially women,
by providing essential livelihoods and aiding in rural poverty alleviation.
 Government Initiatives to Support Handloom Weavers

The government has introduced several initiatives to bolster India's handloom sector, aimed at
improving weavers' conditions and boosting productivity:

1. GeM Onboarding: Allows weavers to sell directly to government departments via the
Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
2. Handloom Producer Companies: 124 companies formed across states, with UNDP
aiding in the capacity building of 100 of these companies.
3. Engagement with E-commerce Entities: Collaboration with 23 e-commerce
platforms to expand market access for handloom products.
4. Design Resource Centers (DRCs): Established in major cities to enhance design
excellence in handlooms.
5. Weavers’ Welfare Scheme: Includes National Handloom Development Programme
(NHDP), Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS),
Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS), Yarn Supply
Scheme (YSS), and Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata.
6. Handloom Export Scheme: Supports the export of handloom products and
participation in international fairs.
7. Weaver MUDRA Scheme: Offers financial assistance for working capital and new
technology investments.
8. Cluster Development Programme: Provides funds for infrastructure, capacity
building, and market access in handloom clusters.

Unveiling India's Handloom Legacy: A Rich Tapestry of Tradition

Indian handlooms are a vibrant and integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage. This sector
employs over 35 lakh individuals, including 25 lakh female weavers and allied workers,
making a substantial contribution to the economy.
With the government's initiatives in cluster development, credit availability, export promotion,
and the establishment of seven Design Resource Centres (DRCs) for design excellence, Indian
handlooms continue to be a beloved choice for traditional and contemporary fashion both
within India and worldwide.
 GI Tags to Protect the Handloom Industry

Geographical Indication (GI) tags are official markers given to products with a specific
geographic origin and distinct qualities. They protect these products from unauthorized use or
imitation, helping consumers identify authentic goods. In India, the Geographical Indications
of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, enacted in 2003, aims to safeguard
producers' interests, prevent exploitation of GIs, and boost marketability.

From April 2023 to March 2024, the government awarded GI tags to several handloom
products, enhancing their recognition and economic value. These products include:

▪ Barabanki Handloom Products from Uttar Pradesh

▪ Chedibutta Saree from Tamil Nadu
▪ Jodhpur Bandhej Craft from Rajasthan
▪ Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products from Jammu & Kashmir
▪ Rangwali Pichhoda of Kumaon from Uttarakhand
▪ Tangail Saree from West Bengal
▪ Garad Saree from West Bengal
▪ Korial saree from West Bengal
 Key Events and Activities for the 10th National Handloom Day 2024

To celebrate the 10th National Handloom Day in 2024, the government will organize several
key events and activities designed to promote and celebrate the handloom sector. These
activities will offer weavers and artisans opportunities to showcase their work, connect with
consumers, and benefit from government support.

1. VIRAASAT Exhibition

Celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day, the “VIRAASAT” exhibition.

• Dates: August 3 to August 16, 2024

• Location: Handloom Haat, Janpath

Features:

✓ 75 stalls where handloom weavers and artisans can sell their products directly
✓ Curated displays of India’s exquisite handloom textiles
✓ Workshops on natural dyes, kasturi cotton, design, and exports
✓ Live loom demonstrations
✓ Traditional Indian folk dances
✓ Regional cuisines.
 2. Activities on MyGov Portal

✓ Handloom Quiz Contest: August 7-10, 2024

✓ Pledge to Use Indian Handloom: July 16 to August 15, 2024
✓ Selfie Contest: Share selfies with Indian handlooms from July 16 to August
15, 2024
✓ Design a Souvenir: Submit handloom souvenir designs from July 16 to
August 15, 2024

3. Other Events

✓ Educational Events:

o "Know Your Weaves" at Crafts Museum

o Handloom expos by State Governments

✓ Workshops and Demonstrations:

o Saree draping and weaving demonstrations

o Fashion presentations by IIHTs and NIFT campuses

✓ Awareness Campaigns:

o Quiz contests
o Thematic displays
o Social media reels by students and institutions

✓ Awards Ceremony:

During the programme, 5 Sant Kabir Awards & 17 National Handloom Awards
will be conferred.

✓ Publication Release: Unveiling of the Award Catalogue and the coffee table
book titled “Parampara: Sustainability in Handloom Traditions of India” by
the Hon’ble Vice President of India.

Conclusion

National Handloom Day serves as a significant platform to honor the handloom weaving
community and recognize their vital role in preserving India’s cultural heritage. The
government's initiatives, such as promoting sustainable practices, enhancing market access,
and supporting financial empowerment for artisans, play a crucial role in advancing the
sector. By celebrating this day, the government underscores its commitment to bolstering the
handloom industry, which employs millions and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods.
These efforts not only aim to uplift artisans and preserve traditional weaving techniques but
also enhance the global recognition of Indian handloom products for their exceptional quality
and cultural significance.

References

[Link]
10th National Handloom Day
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
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[Link]
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[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
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[Link]
The Rich Tapestry of India's Handlooms
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sheetal Angral/Aparajita Priyadarshini /Anjali Gupta

 RU-442

August 8, 2024

World Lion Day was initiated by Big Cat Rescue, the world’s largest accredited sanctuary
dedicated to big cats. Celebrated on August 10th, it is a day for people to come together from across
the globe to pay tribute to the mighty lion! World Lion Day is an occasion to celebrate the majestic
lions that captivate our hearts with their strength and magnificence.

1
[Link]
 The Essence of World Lion Day

World Lion Day was established to bring global attention to the declining number of lions and the
urgent need for their conservation. While lions captivate us with their strength and magnificence,
their population has been dwindling due to various threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife
conflict, and poaching. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role lions play in our
ecosystem and the necessity of protecting them for future generations.

The Importance of Saving Lions

Lions are apex predators, playing a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance. By controlling
the populations of herbivores, they ensure the health and regeneration of forests and grasslands. This
balance is crucial for biodiversity, as it helps protect various species and their habitats. Additionally,
lions help prevent the spread of diseases within prey populations by targeting the weakest members,
thus promoting a healthier ecosystem.

In India, the conservation of lions holds significant cultural and ecological importance. The lion is
an integral part of India’s national emblem, symbolizing strength and power. This emblem appears
on all Indian currency and official documents, underscoring the lion's significance in Indian heritage.
India is home to the Asiatic lion, found only in the Gir Forest. Conservation efforts in this region
have seen the lion population grow from around 523 in 2015 to approximately 674 in 2020, a
testament to the success of dedicated protection measures.
2

The Road to Conservation: Project Lion

Announced on August 15, 2020, 'Project Lion' is a pivotal initiative aimed at securing the future
of Asiatic lions through comprehensive, long-term conservation efforts. This ambitious project
focuses on creating a sustainable environment where lions can thrive, thereby contributing to the
overall health of their ecosystems. Key components of the initiative include habitat improvement,
monitoring through advanced technologies like radio-collaring and camera traps, and addressing
human-wildlife conflict.

The Gujarat Forest Department plays a crucial role in these conservation efforts. Regular
population censuses are conducted to monitor lion numbers and health. Additionally, measures such
as fire management, flood preparedness, and continuous wildlife monitoring ensure that lions
have safe habitats and that any emergencies are promptly addressed.

A Global Effort: The International Big Cats Alliance

2
[Link]
Launched in April 2023, the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) reinforces the global
commitment to conserving big cats, including lions. This alliance aims to foster international
cooperation among 97 range countries, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources to protect
these majestic animals. By working together, nations can enhance their conservation strategies and
ensure the survival of big cats in their natural habitats.

Advanced Technologies in Lion Conservation

Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role in the
conservation, protection, and development efforts of the Greater Gir Region. The use of advanced
ICT includes:

❖ GPS-Based Tracking: For monitoring lions, vehicles, and ensuring efficient

3
[Link]
 surveillance.
❖ Automated Sensor Grid: Utilizing magnetic sensors, movement sensors, and infra-red
heat sensors to detect and monitor wildlife activities.
❖ Night Vision Capabilities: Enhancing the ability to monitor lions during nighttime.
❖ GIS-Based Real-Time Monitoring: Allowing for real-time analysis, report generation,
and effective management of conservation efforts.

Several other initiatives have further consolidated the conservation of Asiatic lions:

❖ Greater Gir Concept: This concept involves developing additional suitable habitats for
lions beyond the traditional Gir National Park & Sanctuary. Sanctuaries like Girnar, Pania,
and Mitiyala have been notified to expand the protected area network.
❖ Habitat Improvement Measures: Efforts include the establishment and maintenance of
additional water points to ensure that lions have access to essential resources.
❖ Strengthened Protection Mechanisms: The creation of a Wildlife Crime Cell at the state
level and a Task Force for the Greater Gir Region (GGR) enhances protection against
poaching and other threats.
❖ Safety Enhancements: Open wells are being covered with parapet walls to prevent the
accidental deaths of wild animals.
❖ Intelligence Gathering: Improved intelligence systems aid in the proactive management of
conservation efforts.

4
[Link]
 The Future of Lions

World Lion Day serves as a reminder of the majestic presence of lions and the urgent need to protect
them. Initiatives like 'Project Lion' and the IBCA are making significant strides toward ensuring a
secure future for lions. By raising awareness and fostering international cooperation, we can ensure
that these magnificent creatures remain a vital part of our world's biodiversity.

In conclusion, celebrating World Lion Day is not just about admiring the lion; it's about recognizing
our responsibility to protect them. As we join hands globally to support conservation efforts, we take
crucial steps toward preserving the natural balance and ensuring that future generations can witness
the splendor of lions in the wild.

References
Annual Report 2023-24: [Link]
Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No.-1798 22.12.2022
Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No.1159 - 01.08.2024
Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1184 - 01.08.2024
[Link]
Lion Day Pamphelet 2022: [Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena /Madiha Iqbal

 World Mental Health Day 2024: Enhancing Mental Well-Being at Work

(Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

October 09, 2024

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, was first initiated in 1992 by the World
Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). This global observance aims to raise awareness about mental
health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide. Over the years, the
day has grown into a significant platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to
collaborate on initiatives that drive lasting change in mental health care. The importance of World
Mental Health Day is underscored by the growing recognition of the profound impact mental health
has on individuals, families, and communities.

The theme for 2024, Mental Health at Work, highlights the critical connection between mental
health and the workplace. With an estimated 60% of the global population in some form of
employment, addressing mental health at work has become imperative. Safe and inclusive work
environments can promote mental well-being, whereas poor working conditions can result in
significant mental health risks. The theme emphasizes the importance of taking collective action
to ensure that workplaces foster mental health, protect against harm, and support those who need
help.

Mental Health in the Workplace: Key Factors and Considerations

• Mental Health and Work Are Closely Related: A positive and supportive work
environment is critical for fostering mental well-being, providing employees with a sense of
purpose, stability, and job satisfaction. On the other hand, adverse working conditions can
negatively affect mental health, lowering productivity and morale. Employees tend to be
more motivated in an inclusive and respectful workplace. Conversely, stress, discrimination,
abuse, and micromanagement can create a hostile environment that diminishes motivation
and job satisfaction.

• Risks to Workers' Mental Health: Employees face various risks to their mental health,
such as poor working conditions, discrimination, and limited autonomy. Jobs that are low-
paid or insecure often come with insufficient protections, making workers in these roles more
vulnerable to psychosocial risks, which can further impact their overall well-being.

• Impact on Employees: Without adequate support, individuals dealing with mental health
challenges can experience diminished self-confidence, reduced enjoyment at work, and
frequent absences. The effects can extend beyond the workplace, impacting the ability to find
or maintain employment. These challenges also affect family members and caregivers,
adding further stress to their lives.

• Broader Effects on Work and Society: Mental health issues in the workplace are not
isolated to individual workers; they have a wider societal impact. Poor mental health can
result in reduced performance, absenteeism, and higher staff turnover. Globally, depression
and anxiety alone contribute to the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays each year,
underscoring the economic and social consequences of untreated mental health conditions.

• Stigma and Barriers to Employment: Stigma surrounding mental health is a significant

barrier that prevents individuals from seeking help and maintaining employment. Workplace
discrimination against those with mental health conditions can hinder their ability to thrive.
Awareness programs, training, and engagement with employees who have mental health
conditions can contribute to more inclusive, supportive work environments that break down
these barriers.

• Supporting Workers to Thrive: Employers play a crucial role in ensuring that workers with
mental health conditions can succeed in the workplace. Reasonable accommodations, such
as regular supportive meetings, scheduled breaks, and a gradual reintroduction to tasks, help
employees manage their conditions and stay productive. Offering simple supports like
medication storage can also make a significant difference.

• Training Managers to Support Mental Health: Employers should invest in training for
managers to identify and address mental health stressors in the workplace. Trained managers
are better equipped to foster a positive and supportive work environment, which is key to
reducing stress and promoting mental well-being among staff.

• Government Action and Collaboration: For meaningful change, governments, employers,

 and representative organizations must collaborate on creating policies that prevent mental
health risks and promote mental well-being. Such efforts should aim to create workplaces
where mental health is prioritized, and protective measures are in place for employees.

• Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health: While governments and employers are
responsible for promoting mental health at work, individuals can also take steps to support
their own well-being. Learning stress management techniques and staying mindful of
changes in mental health are important. If necessary, reaching out to a trusted person or
mental health professional can provide essential support.

Mental Health: Policy Recommendations by Economic Survey 2023-24

India, home to one of the largest populations in the world, faces unique challenges in addressing
mental health issues. With a history of underfunded mental health services and significant stigma
surrounding mental illness, the country has taken significant steps toward improving mental health
care infrastructure and policies.

For the first time ever, the Economic Survey 2023-24 tabled by the Union Minister of Finance
and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on July 22, 2024, talked about
mental health, its significance and implications on policy recommendations. Acknowledging
mental health as a principally impactful driver of individual and national development, the Survey
notes that as per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16, 10.6% adults in India
suffered from mental disorders while treatment gap for mental disorders ranged between 70%
and 92% for different disorders. Further, the prevalence of mental morbidity was higher in urban
metro regions (13.5%) as compared to rural areas (6.9%) and urban non-metro areas (4.3%). Citing
NCERT’s Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey, the Survey highlights an
increasing prevalence of poor mental health among adolescents exacerbated by the COVID-19
pandemic, with 11% of students reported as feeling anxious, 14% as feeling extreme emotion and
43% experiencing mood swings.

The survey points out that at an aggregate economic level, mental health disorders are associated
with significant productivity losses due to absenteeism, decreased productivity, disability,
increased healthcare costs, etc. There is also evidence of poverty affecting the risk of mental health
via stressful living conditions, financial instability, and a lack of opportunities for upward mobility,
which contribute to heightened psychological distress.

Policy Recommendations on Mental Health

The Economic survey emphasizes the need for effective implementation to accelerate progress in
mental healthcare, addressing existing gaps to ensure maximum impact. Key policy
recommendations include:

• Re-doubling efforts to increase the number of psychiatrists, from 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh
population in 2021 to the WHO norm of 3 per lakh population
• Developing comprehensive guidelines for the excellence centers’ services alongside mental
healthcare professionals and users to understand their needs.
• Assessing the effectiveness of the programmes by gathering feedback from the users,
 professionals, and stakeholders to make necessary changes and meet the needs of a wider
population.
• Nurturing peer support networks, self-help groups, and community-based rehabilitation
programmes can help de-stigmatization of mental disorders and develop a sense of
belonging.
• Partnering with NGOs to scale up efforts, share knowledge, and leverage resources to
enhance future policies, to aid in identifying areas of improvement.
• Involving individuals with personal experience with mental health problems in decision-
making, service planning, and advocacy efforts can increase the person-centricity and
recovery orientation of mental healthcare services.
• Sensitization of mental health at the preschool, Anganwadi level to provide precious early
identification of disorders.
• Standardization of guidelines for mental-health services across government and private
sector.
• Effective pathways for integrating mental health interventions in schools including
developing an age-appropriate mental health curriculum for teachers and students,
encouraging early intervention and positive language in schools, promoting community-level
interactions, and balancing the role of technology.
• A bottom-up, whole-of-community approach in addressing the topic of mental health and
breaking the stigma.
• For public health officials, tackling mental health by acknowledging and addressing the
fundamental reluctance at personal level.

Key Initiatives: Efforts by Government for a Better Tomorrow

The Government of India, through the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
(NIMHANS), Bengaluru, conducted the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) in 2016.
According to the survey, approximately 10.6% of adults over the age of 18 suffer from mental
disorders.

To address this, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), a key component of the National
Mental Health Programme (NMHP), has been rolled out in 767 districts, with support provided to
States/UTs under the National Health Mission. The DMHP aims to deliver services such as suicide
prevention, workplace stress management, life skills training, and counseling for schools and
colleges. Facilities at district hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health
Centres (PHCs) offer outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, continued care
for severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach programs, and ambulance services. Additionally, a 10-
bed in-patient facility is available at the district level. Furthermore, over 1.73 lakh Sub Health
Centres (SHCs) and PHCs have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, integrating
mental health services into their care packages.

To further enhance mental healthcare capacity, the government has expanded the NMHP's tertiary
care component. This includes sanctioning, 25 Centres of Excellence have been sanctioned to
increase the intake of students in PG departments in mental health specialities as well as to
provide tertiary level treatment facilities. Additionally, 47 postgraduate departments in mental
health have been strengthened across 19 government medical colleges, with mental health
services also provisioned in 22 newly established AIIMS. Across India, there are 47 government-
run mental hospitals, including three central mental institutions: National Institute of Mental Health
and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health,
Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.

In a significant initiative, the government launched the National Tele Mental Health Programme
(NTMHP) on October 10, 2022, to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care. A
total of 53 Tele MANAS Cells are operational across 36 states /union territories. As of October
08, 2024, more than 14.5 lakh calls have been handled on the helpline number.

Conclusion

World Mental Health Day serves as a critical reminder of the importance of mental health care in
our lives and workplaces. With mental health and work being so closely linked, it is essential for
governments, employers, and stakeholders to take action in creating safe, inclusive, and supportive
environments where mental well-being can thrive. Global initiatives, driven by organizations like
WHO and WFMH, are making progress, but there is still much work to be done in raising awareness,
reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health services.

India’s recent efforts to address mental health challenges through policies, surveys, and programs
are commendable. By increasing mental health resources and integrating services into primary
healthcare, India is making strides toward reducing the treatment gap and addressing the country’s
mental health burden. As these efforts continue, the focus must remain on creating inclusive systems
that enable individuals to thrive both at work and in society. In the coming years, continued
collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals is essential to ensure that mental
health care is accessible, effective, and free from stigma. This will help create a future where mental
health is recognized as a fundamental right, and everyone can participate fully in both work and life.

References
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
e%2C%20the%20Government,started%20tele%20mental%20health%20services.
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Aswathy Nair

 RU-57-01-352-110124/EXPLAINER

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY (JANUARY 12)

(Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports)

January 11, 2024

“This day is a day of great inspiration for every Indian youth; it is a day for taking new
resolutions. On this day, India had received such a zealous entity in the form of Vivekananda
that is still energizing our country, constantly inspiring us and showing us the way forward.”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi1
Swami Vivekananda, the great
philosopher, thinker and the greatest
patron of the youth in India, was born
on January 12, 1863 on the Pausha
Krishna Saptami Tithi in Kolkata (then
Calcutta). Every year since 1985, the
Government of India observes January
12, the birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda, as the National Youth
Day and the week commencing from
that day, as the National Youth Week.
To quote from a Government
communication: “it was felt that the
philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals
for which he lived and worked could be
a great source of inspiration for the
Indian Youth.”

Under the component ‘Promotion of National Integration’ of National Programme for Youth
and Adolescent Development (NPYAD), a National Youth Festival is organised during the
month of January every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda
(12 January), which is celebrated as National Youth Day. The Festival is organised in
partnership with one of the States/UTs. The expenditure is shared between the Centre and the
host State. The Programmes that are organised as part of the Youth Festival include various
cultural programmes (both competitive and non-competitive), youth convention, suvichar,
exhibitions, adventure programmes, etc. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been
celebrating National Youth Festival2 from January12-16 since 1995.

1
[Link]
2
[Link]
SPOTLIGHT - NATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL 2024

Prime Minister Narendra

Modi will inaugurate the
National Youth Festival
at Nashik, Maharashtra
on January 12, 2024. The
theme of the National
Youth Festival this year is
“MYBharat-Viksit
Bharat@2047- By the
Youth, For the Youth ''.

This year, the National

Youth Day will be celebrated by all field organisations of the Department of Youth Affairs in
districts in collaboration with multiple Government departments. ‘MY Bharat’ volunteers
throughout the country, with support from NSS units, NYKS and many educational institutions
will coordinate their energies to carry out activities to volunteer for India. Youth Clubs will
also bring their vibrant energy to the celebration, ensuring a truly inclusive atmosphere. More
than 88,000 volunteers will participate in the campaign.

During the celebration,

various states will
showcase cultural
programmes of their
diverse cultural heritage.
Partner Ministers and
district-level officers will
set up stalls of various
exhibitions and awareness
drives of various
government programmes
including traffic awareness,
nutrition and diet, products
of Khadi & Village
Industries Commission
(KVIC) startups among
others. 3 To know more
about the National Youth
Festival 2024, visit the
official website HERE

Volunteers are registered

for these events through MY Bharat digital platform. Road safety awareness events will be
conducted at major cities and 750 districts headquarters of the country on 12th January. Trained
Road Safety volunteers will be flagged off by Central/State Ministers, local MPs or MLAs,

3
[Link]
marking a commitment to building a safer tomorrow through an intensive campaign. These
volunteers will be deployed to assist in handling traffic in traffic choke points and also conduct
road safety awareness activities. They will also be visiting Anganwadi centres for story telling
sessions for children and will be conducting information dissemination about Government
schemes.

MERA YUVA BHARAT (MY BHARAT) INITIATIVE

An autonomous body known as "Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)” was established after the
cabinet decision chaired by the Prime Minister on October 11, 2023. This body is envisioned
as a pivotal, technology-driven facilitator for youth development and youth-led development,
with the overarching goal of providing equitable opportunities to empower the youth in
realizing their aspirations and contributing to the creation of a “Viksit Bharat” (developed
India), across the entire spectrum of the Government.

NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY-2014

The vision of NYP-2014 is to empower youth

to achieve their full potential, and through
them enable India to find its rightful place in
the community of nations. The Policy
identifies five well-defined objectives and 11
priority areas. The priority areas are
education, skill development and
employment, entrepreneurship, health and
healthy lifestyle, sports, promotion of social
values, community engagement, participation
in politics and governance, youth
engagement, inclusion and social justice.4

The Government has reviewed the existing National Youth Policy, 2014 and prepared a new
draft of National Youth Policy (NYP), which has been placed in the public domain.5 The draft
NYP envisages a ten-year vision for youth development that India seeks to achieve by 2030. It

4
[Link]
5
[Link]
is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves to ‘unlock the potential of
youth to advance India’.

CELEBRATING INDIA’S YOUTH

1. National Youth Awards

National Youth Awards are conferred every year on young individuals and NGOs for
excellent work done for nation-building / community service. A cash award of Rs.40,000,
a medal and a certificate of honour is given to each individual awardee. The award to
voluntary youth organisations comprises a certificate, a medal and an amount of
Rs.2,00,000. To see objectives, description and conditions of eligibility for the National
Youth Awards, Click Here.

2. National Youth Parliament Festival

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the National Youth Parliament Festival on
January 11, 2019. The idea was to take the Youth Festival to each district of the country and
celebrate it as the “National Youth Parliament Festival.” The objective of National Youth
Parliament Festival is to hear the voice of the youth between 18 and less than 25 years of
age, who will join various careers in coming years, including public services. National
Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) is based on the idea given by Prime Minister in his Mann
Ki Baat Address on December 31, 2017.

• 1st National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF), 2019

The first NYPF 2019 was organized from January 12 to February 27, 2019 at District,
State & National level with the theme “Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions
and Contribute to Policy.” A total of 88,000 youth participated in the program. 56 State
Awardees and 728 finalists from 28 States participated in National Youth Parliament
on February 26, 2019 at New Delhi. On 27th February, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi awarded the top three winners of the first National Youth Parliament Festival,
who also got an opportunity to share their thoughts in presence of the Prime Minister.

• 2nd National Youth Parliament Festival, 2021

District Youth Parliaments were organized through virtual mode at 150 District
Venues in which 698 Districts (both NYK Districts and Non-District NYKs) from 36
States and UTs in which a total of 2,34,428 youth participated.

State Youth Parliaments were organized through virtual mode with the total
participation of 1345 youth. 84 State level Winners from each State took part in the
National Youth Parliament at Delhi on 11 & 12 January, 2021.
 The three best speakers at the national level were awarded Rs. 2 lakhs, Rs. 1.50 lakhs
and Rs. 1 lakh respectively along with a certificate of merit. Every participant was
given a certificate of participation. The prizes and certificates of merit were given
away by Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister had addressed the attendees of the National Youth Parliament Festival
2021, on 12 January, 2021. He had lauded the winners and final panellists of the second
National Youth Parliament Festival.

• 3rd National Youth Parliament Festival, 2022

The third edition of NYPF was launched on February 14, 2022 at District level through
virtual mode. More than 2.44 lakh youth across the country participated in the District
Youth Parliaments followed by State Youth Parliaments through virtual mode from
23rd – 27th February, 2022.

Eighty-Seven (87) winners (62 Female and 25 Male) from States/ UTs got an
opportunity to be present in the Central Hall of Parliament before the Hon’ble Minister
of Youth Affairs & Sports and Hon’ble Minister of State of Youth Affairs & Sports
and other dignitaries.

Twenty-Nine (29) winners of State Youth Parliament (SYP) got an opportunity to

speak before the National Jury comprising of Sh. Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member of
Parliament Lok Sabha, Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Smt.
Anu J Singh, IRS (Retd.) and Sh. Kanchan Gupta, Senior Adviser M/o Information &
Broadcasting.6

• 4th edition of National Youth Parliament Festival, 2023

The 4th edition of National Youth Parliament Festival, 2023 was launched with the
theme “Ideas for a Better tomorrow: India for the World”. District Youth
Parliaments were conducted from 25th to 29th January 2023. More than 2.01 Lakh youth
from 748 Districts of all States and UTs participated at 150 venues across the country.
The 1st and 2nd position holder of District Youth Parliament (DYP) participated from
3rd to 7th February, 2023 at State Youth Parliament Festival.

3. National Youth Festival

The National Youth Festival in India is an annual gathering of youth with various activities
including competitive ones. Celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of youth
icon Swami Vivekananda, it is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
Government of India in collaboration with one of the State Governments. Thus, it is held in
collaboration with a different state/UT during National Youth Week, 12 to 16 January, every
year.

The objective is to bring youth of the country together to showcase their talents; provide them
an arena by creating a mini-India, where they interact in formal and informal settings and
exchange their social and cultural uniqueness. It is also to promote National Integration, spirit
of communal harmony, brotherhood, courage and adventure.

6
[Link]
Like the National Youth Festival, States are also encouraged to hold state level, district level
and block level youth festivals in the same format as that of the National Youth Festival. The
centre of the festival focuses on cultural aspects and a number of other programmes covering
a wide variety of activities, which not only reflect the spirit of friendship but also peace and
development. The festival also provides a nationwide exposure to the youth for the expression
and fulfilment of their cultural talents and aspirations. It is a platform where the youth come
together to exchange their diverse experiences and the oneness which binds them together.

1st National Youth Festival

The first National Youth Festival was held in 1995 in Bhopal as a major activity under the
programme of National Integration Camp (NIC).

26th National Youth Festival 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the 26th National Youth Festival in Hubbali,
Karnataka on January 12, 2023. The programme was organised on National Youth Day, which
is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, to honour and cherish his ideals,
teachings and contributions. The theme of the festival was ‘Viksit Yuva - Viksit Bharat’ and
it brings diverse cultures from all parts of the country on a common platform and unites the
participants in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Karnataka Governor Shri
Thaawarchand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister of
Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Shri Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri S. Nisith Pramanik
were among other dignitaries present on the occasion.7

7
[Link]
 CONCLUSION

The Government of India has embarked on the mission of building a united, strong and modern
India to fulfil the vision of the great thinkers like Vivekananda. From “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha
Bharat”, to the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, they reflect the ideals and vision of
Vivekananda. These slogans reflect the commitment of the people, particularly of the youth,
to take the nation to new heights. A number of path-breaking initiatives have been introduced
recently. ‘Make in India’ campaign has been launched to develop India as a global
manufacturing hub. ‘Digital India’ initiative seeks to transform India into a digitally
empowered society and knowledge economy. ‘Skill India’ has been launched to impart
necessary skills to prepare Indians for the opportunities in Indian Economy and the
opportunities available abroad. A number of initiatives, including Smart Cities Project, have
been launched for developing infrastructure. ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ and ‘Clean Ganga’
Mission have been launched for building a clean and green India. The flagship initiative
‘Startup India’ has found great favour among the youth for nurturing Start-ups in the country
through innovation and design leading to large scale employment generation.

All these initiatives of the Government require active involvement and support of youth as
they are the major stakeholders of future of this country. Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship is the flagship programme to put India on the road to become developed
nation. Government is making huge efforts to invest in the youth of the country because it is
imperative in the ambitious task of building a modern and prosperous India. As Swami
Vivekananda once exhorted, “Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached”, the youth
of India must unite and work for the country with purity, patience, and perseverance as the
Swami felt long ago that these three are the essentials to success.
REFERENCES

• PIB Press Release on Shri Anurag Thakur addresses valedictory of 26th National Youth Festival dated
January 16, 2023.
• PIB Press Release on PM inaugurates 26th National Youth Festival in Hubbali, Karnataka dated January
12, 2023.
• PIB Press Release on Prime Minister will inaugurate this year’s National Youth Festival at Huballi,
Karnataka on 12th January dated January 10, 2023.
• PIB Press Release on PM inaugurates 25th National Youth Festival in Puducherry dated January 12, 2022
• PIB Press Release on “PM to inaugurate 25th National Youth Festival on 12th January” dated January
10, 2022.
• [Link]
• [Link]
festivalon-12th-january-2022-
559369#:~:text=About%20National%20Youth%20Festival%20and%20Summit%3A&text=A%20Nati
onal%20Youth%20Summit%20will,an%20immersive%20and%20interactive%20approach
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• PIB Press Release on PM to address valedictory function of 2nd National Youth Parliament Festival on
12 January Dated10 January 2021.
• [Link]
25th-National-Youth-Festival-from-12th-to-16th-January%26%2339%3B-2022&id=432055
• [Link]
youthday-538489

TWITTER LINKS

• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
eetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1481149253989040129%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3
A%2F%[Link]%[Link]%3FPRID%3D1789330

NR/HP/RK/PK/JA
 RU-10-01-356-150124/EXPLAINER

Indian Army Day

(Ministry of Defence)
January 15, 2024

“On Army Day, we honour the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and
sacrifices of our Army personnel. Their relentless dedication in protecting our nation
and upholding our sovereignty is a testament to their bravery. They are pillars of
strength and resilience.”

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Every year, 15 January is commemorated as ‘Army Day’ to remember the occasion

when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian
Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and
became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.1

The Indian Army originated from armies of the East India Company which later became
the British Indian Army and the Princely States Army, and after independence in 1947,
merged into the National Army of India. The units of the Indian Army have fought
many battles in the past where they gained honor for the country with their bravery.2

The Indian Army has the sole objective of protecting the nation from any foreign
aggression that arises, ensuring the nation's security. They also try to protect the nation
from internal threats. During natural calamities, the Indian Army conducts humanitarian
rescue operations to save people's lives.

Transformation of the Indian Army

1
[Link]
2
[Link]
2023 was the Year of Transformation for the Indian Army. The process of
transformation hinges on the five pillars-

 Force Structuring & Optimization

 Modernization & Technology Infusion
 Systems, Processes & Functions
 Human Resource Management
 Jointness & Integration


Force Restructuring & Optimization

Efforts towards jointness and integration preceding Theaterisation are being made
with renewed impetus.

Reorganisation of Early Warfare (EW) and Electronic Intelligence units under

EW Brigades is formalised. Raising of additional EW Battalions is under
progress.

Reorganisation of Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) units is underway.

Outsourcing of Non-Core Services is under progress to realign combat manpower for

core tasks.

Modernisation & Technology Infusion

A roadmap has been put in place for Upgrades, New Acquisitions & infusion of niche
technology. The right balance between ‘Conventional’ and ‘New’ capabilities is being
maintained. A focused approach is being followed to ensure timely & pragmatic trials.

 Conclusion of 85 Capital Contracts: A total of 85 Capital Contracts worth Rs.

12,343 crore have been concluded in the current Financial Year 2023-2024. This
will boost the capability of the Indian Army in the domain of mobilization,
firepower, communication/noncommunication, Intelligence, Surveillance &
Reconnaissance (ISR) & Drone/Counter-Drone Systems.

 Induction of Niche Technology through iDEX: Four Projects worth Rs.70

crore have been contracted this year, thereby paving the way for the induction of
Niche Tech in communication, ISR & stealth Technology. It is also a step
towards providing impetus in developments favourable to the defense ecosystem.
  Exploiting 5G/6G and Artificial Intelligence: The Indian Army has
collaborated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to
develop advanced electronics and infrastructure, aligning with Digital India and
Make in India initiatives. 5G laboratories have been established at various
locations including the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering
(MCTE). In addition, Military grade 5G and 6G laboratories are being established
at various locations. MCTE has been developed as a key Centre of Excellence
for Artificial Intelligence.

 Emergency Procurements(EP): The EP was utilized to augment capability

along the Northern and Western Front besides catering for training aggregates.
The equipment procured under the EP is being fully exploited by field formations
to refine their operational philosophy, TTPs, and maintenance support
requirements. In Financial Years 2020-22, 68 projects, worth Rs. 6,592 crore
were procured while 73 projects, worth Rs. 11,000 crore have been procured
between the Financial Years 2022-24.

 Impetus to Make in India: The Indian Army has given stimulus to Make in India
initiatives and provided platforms to indigenous defense industries to showcase
their capabilities to friendly foreign countries.

System, Processes & Functions

 Efforts have been focused on Right-sizing and Ease of Doing

Business: Digital initiatives have been undertaken in a major way to effect
improved efficiencies in domains of Operational Enablement.

 National Logistics Policy & PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: The
Indian Army has been an important partner in the Prime Minister Gati Shakti
National Master Plan and formulation of NLP. Efforts have been made to align
initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army to the national vision.

 SPARSH: As part of digitization and making the benefits more accessible,

SPARSH has been adopted by the new pensioners as approximately 95% of
legacy pensioners have migrated to SPARSH. SPARSH is an internet-based fully
automated project outsourced by CGDA for sanction, computation, revision and
disbursement of pension. The objective of the project is ‘Right Pension to Right
Person at Right Time’ through a single source i.e. PCDA (P) by delinking banks,
Defence Pension Disbursing Offices and other pension disbursing agencies.

Human Resource Management

 Making Short Service Commission more attractive: Given the global trends
and rightsizing initiatives, the IA is attempting to make SSC more attractive.
Draft Cabinet Note based on Tri-Services proposal to make SSC attractive has
been prepared.

 Women in the Indian Army: The Indian Army is committed to promoting

gender neutrality. It is encouraging women officers to join the force by adopting
enabling policies for their inclusion. Recent major initiatives are as under:

 Permanent Commission (PC) is being granted to Women Officers (WOs) in

12 Arms & Services (in addition to the Army Medical Corps, Army Dental
Corps, and Military Nursing Service) where they are commissioned. Indian
 Army has ensured parity amongst WOs and their male counterparts with a
complete gender-neutral environment existing in the 12 Arms/ Services they
are presently serving in. A special board to screen all affected WOs has been
held and the results have been declassified. In regular boards also, WOs are
being considered for grant of PC along with their male counterparts.
 The Armed Forces have opened entry for women candidates in the National
Defence Academy (NDA) with 19 cadets including 10 for Indian Army
joining the academy every six months. First, Second, and Third batches of
women cadets started training in NDA with effect from July 2022, January
2023, and July 2023 respectively. The organization is ensuring inclusive
measures to carry out all necessary administrative, training, and policy
changes to enable the same.
 The Indian Army has also opened avenues for WOs to serve as pilots in the
Corps of Army Aviation.
 WOs are also being considered for Colonel (Select Grade) ranks and are
being given command appointments. Certain waivers have also been given
to WOs to rule out any impediment in the career progression of those who
could not undergo mandatory career courses during the transition period.
 Provision for enrolment of women as Other Ranks (ORs) in the Corps of
Military Police in the Indian Army has been introduced in 2019. Under the
scheme, 1,700 women are targeted to be inducted in the Indian Army in a
phased manner (approximately 100 per year).

 Command by Women Officers: The command of units by Women Officers has

commenced. This has tremendous potential and all efforts are on to ensure that
this opportunity is capitalized by adequate guidance and support.

 Participation by JCOs/NCOs in Foreign Courses: As a new initiative, the

participation of JCOs/ NCOs in foreign courses has been enhanced from
erstwhile 2-3 vacancies to 13-14 vacancies now. The majority of these course
vacancies are in the UK, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal & Philippines.
The focus has been on enhancing expertise and skills in the Military Special
Domain (Sniper, Jungle Warfare, Commando, and Combat Training).

 ECHS Network Expansion: The ECHS has gained credibility with time and has
grown both in size and stature with 30 Regional Centres and 433 Polyclinics pan
India and 58 lakh beneficiaries, including Gorkha Domiciles for Nepal. Efforts
are being made to enhance its efficacy and reach through the empanelment of
more hospitals.

 Agnipath Scheme: The first two batches (40,000) have completed their training
and are under posting to allotted units. Agniveers (including 100 women)
underwent training at 40 Regimental Centres & Training Centres in two groups.
Training for 20,000 Agniveers of the 3rd Batch commenced with effect from
1st November 2023 and for the 4th Batch will commence soon. The feedback of
the first two batches is encouraging and the trainees have met the desired
standards. To make Agniveers responsible citizens of the nation, apart from the
Personal Development Programme (PDP) basic foundation courses and info tech
have been included as part of Basic Military Training (BMT).
  Veerangana Sewa Kendra: VSK, operationalized in November 2022, was
launched by IA as a proactive single window facility for info-dissemination,
query response, and grievances-redress for widows & Next of Kin. The project
leverages digital technology to connect various stakeholders on a common digital
platform. The system provides Widows/ Next of Kin, multiple means for
approaching VSK through tele call, SMS, WhatsApp, Post, e-mail, and walk-ins
to seek assistance. It has been a huge success.

 Placements by Army Welfare Placement Organisation: In the last five years,

the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) has successfully placed
1,439 officers, 15,332 JCOs & 74,982 Other Ranks in various education
institutes, autonomous bodies and government/ semi-government organizations.

Jointness & Integration: Jointness and integration have been pursued by Indian Army
in the right earnest in close coordination with Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Indian Army’s Actions at a Glance

Operational Preparedness: The Indian Army maintains a high state of preparedness

and ensures stability & dominance along all the frontiers including Line of Actual
Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LOC). Relentless Counter Terrorist operations are
also carried out while maintaining high training standards and constantly reviewing
emerging & future threats to national security.3

Northern Borders: The Indian Army conducts exercises and establish border
mechanisms to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC in all sectors.

LoC & Counter-Terrorist Ops: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded the arrival of more
than two crore tourists up to November 2023, which is much beyond the number in the
year 2022. Synergised counter-terrorist operations also resulted in the elimination of 34
terrorists and the apprehension of four terrorists in the hinterland. 18 infiltration bids
were eliminated on LoC in which 36 terrorists were killed besides the recovery of large
war-like stores.

North East: The balanced posture of firm & compassionate outlook by the Indian Army
& Assam Rifles in militancy affected North Eastern part of the country is evident
through both tangible & intangible outcomes. This is reflected by results in operations
against militant groups, mainstreaming of militants, and the critical decision of the
Government of India to reduce areas under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(AFSPA-1958).

Manipur: The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have played a key role in controlling the
internal security situation in Manipur and saving precious lives, property and
evacuating approximately 35,000 internally displaced population to safety. Security
Forces have been assisting the civil administration and other security agencies with a
neutral and transparent approach to restore peace and normalcy in the State.4

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Indian Army’s Contribution in Nation-Building

Mission Amrit Sarovar: The Indian Army is contributing towards the initiative of
Mission Amrit Sarovar having created 450 ponds. 75 ponds are being created or
resuscitated by each Regional Commands.

Adoption of Millets in Ration: In consonance with the declaration of 2023 as the

International Year of Millets, the Indian Army has taken measures to adopt millets in
ration. Approval was accorded for the issue of millet flour up to 25 percent (Bajra,
Jowar & Ragi at 10:10:05 respectively) of Wheat Atta whole Meal/ Rice authorised in
the existing scale of ration. Procurement has commenced and millet flour is now being
issued to all ranks.

Vidyanjali Initiative: 134 Army Public Schools have adopted at least one
Government/ Government aided school in their vicinity that would be part of the
mentor-mentee programme. A total of 160 schools have been adopted under this
initiative.

Operation Dost: Indian Army Field Hospital, comprising 99 persons including various
Specialists and Paramedics, established a Disaster Relief Hospital at Iskenderun, Hatay
Province, Turkey in February 2023. The hospital consisted of an Operation Theatre and
Trauma Care Centre. The Specialists (Medical, Surgical, Anaesthetists, Ortho,
Maxillofacial and Community Med) rendered medical assistance to earthquake victims.
Beside this, a Woman Medical Officer was also sent to render medical care to female
patients/ casualties. This action by Indian Army earned huge positive sentiment
enhancing our national image.

HADR Operations: Based on requisition received from civil administration, Indian

Army deployed 107 columns (including 18 Engineer Task Forces) in 13 states of the
country for Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief in 2023.
Defence Diplomacy

Cooperation activities: In keeping with India's rising global stature in recent years,
there has been a considerable increase in Defense cooperation activities undertaken by
the Indian Army. Accordingly, an increasing number of friendly countries have shown
keen interest to engage with the Indian Army, which is the world's second-largest
standing Army with extensive combat experience and exemplary training standards.
Indian Army is engaging with 110 countries through defense cooperation activities.

Joint Exercises: The Indian Army is participating in 39 exercises, out of which the
Indian Army is lead Service in 28 exercises. Keeping in mind the impetus on
jointmanship and the impending Theaterisation, eight Indian Army lead exercises have
been converted to Bi-Service & six to Tri-Services format.

IPACC, IPAMS & SELF: Indian Army has undertaken efforts to enhance collective
understanding of common challenges in Indo-Pacific Region, exchange ideas and
development strong relationship built upon shared democratic valves and growing
convergences on bilateral, regional & global issues. Indian Army and US Army co-
hosted the 13th Indo- Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), 47th Indo-Pacific
Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and 9th Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF)
in September 2023. Thirty countries participated in the event and an unprecedented
number of 18 countries were represented by Chiefs of their respective Armies and 12
countries were represented by Heads of Delegation.5

Beyond its operational preparedness and role in ensuring national security, the Indian
Army's engagement in nation-building endeavors, defense diplomacy, and international
cooperation further solidifies its multifaceted contributions to India's growth and
stability on the global stage.

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 National Cancer Awareness Day in India

A Call to Action for Cancer Prevention, Treatment, and Innovation

“The effort is that the citizens of the whole country can get the benefits of the schemes of the
central government, anywhere in the country, there should be no restriction for that. This is the
spirit of One Nation, One Health”
- Prime Minister Narendra

November 7, 2024

On November 7th each year, India observes National Cancer Awareness Day—an initiative that aims
to raise awareness about the growing cancer burden in the country and inspire action towards
prevention, early detection, and treatment. India is the first country in the world to officially recognize
National Cancer Awareness Day. The date was chosen not only to honor the birth of Nobel Laureate
Madame Marie Curie, who discovered radioactivity and whose work has had a profound impact on
cancer treatment but also to reflect India's commitment to addressing cancer as a public health priority.

India, home to over 1.4 billion people, is experiencing a rapid rise in cancer cases, largely due to lifestyle
changes, tobacco use, poor dietary habits, and inadequate physical activity. According to estimates,
approximately 800,000 new cancer cases are expected each year, with tobacco-related cancers
accounting for as much as 35–50% of all cancers in men and 17% in women. However, various types
of cancer are preventable, and through widespread awareness and timely interventions, India is
significantly reducing its cancer burden.
The Growing Progress in Cancer Care in India

Cancer is one of the most pressing public health challenges India faces today. According to data from
the National Cancer Registry Programme1, cancer cases are expected to increase significantly, with
an estimated 800,000 new diagnoses annually. Among these, tobacco-related cancers—including oral,
lung, and head and neck cancers—are particularly prevalent and account for a major proportion of
cancer cases. These cancers are largely preventable, underscoring the importance of early intervention,
lifestyle modification, and tobacco cessation programs.

The rise in cancer cases is compounded by the fact that many patients present at advanced stages,
leading to poor outcomes. India, with its diverse population and healthcare disparities, faces challenges
in providing equitable access to early diagnosis and treatment. Efforts to address these gaps through
improved healthcare infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and the expansion of cancer care
facilities are essential to turning the tide on this preventable disease.

❖ Addressing Risk Factors: Tobacco, Diet, and Lifestyle

India’s cancer landscape is shaped by multiple lifestyle-related risk factors. Tobacco consumption,
whether through smoking or chewing, is the single most significant contributor to cancer in India. It is
responsible for an estimated 40–50% of cancer cases in men and 20% in women. Oral cancers, in

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particular, are a major concern, with chewing tobacco being more prevalent in certain regions of the
country. Govt has taken various measures to address these issues, such as:

• Tobacco Control: As tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer, measures have
been implemented to discourage tobacco consumption through various public health
campaigns.
• Comprehensive Primary Health Care: The preventive aspect of cancer is
strengthened through the Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres(AB-HWC)
scheme, which promotes wellness activities and community-level health
communication.
• Nutrition Promotion: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
promotes healthy eating habits to reduce cancer risk.

❖ National Cancer Control Programme

The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) was launched in 1975 and later integrated into the
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and
Stroke (NPCDCS), which has been operational since 2010. Under the National Health Mission (NHM),
the NPCDCS supports state and union territories in generating awareness about cancer prevention.
Financial support is provided for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to raise
public awareness at the grassroots level.

As part of this initiative, 616 Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics have been established at the
district level, along with 3,827 such clinics at the Community Health Centre (CHC) level. Additionally,
214 Day Care Centres for Chemotherapy have been set up to provide specialized care.

The programme also includes population-based screening for common NCDs, with individuals aged 30
and above being screened for prevalent conditions, including three major cancers: breast, oral, and
cervical cancer.

❖ Recent Budgetary Measures to Improve Cancer Care

The Union Budget for FY 2024-25 has provided a boost to cancer care in India, with an increase of
approximately Rs 4,000 crore in funding for the National Health Mission (NHM). This funding is
directed toward improving primary and secondary healthcare services, which are vital for preventive
cancer care and early detection. The government is also focusing on enhancing digital public
infrastructure (DPI), which drive innovation and productivity across healthcare, including cancer
treatment and management.
Moreover, in a significant step toward improving access to cancer treatments, the Union Finance
Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the exemption of three critical cancer medicines—
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab—from customs duty. These medicines are
used to treat breast, lung, and biliary tract cancers, respectively, and their exemption has made it more
affordable and accessible to patients. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on cancer patients,
making cutting-edge treatments more accessible to the Indian population.

❖ Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment

While prevention is key, progress in cancer treatment is also critical. New approaches to cancer
treatment are emerging, such as magnetic hyperthermia-based therapy, which uses magnetic
nanoparticles to target and destroy tumor cells with minimal side effects. This method could
revolutionize cancer treatment by reducing the need for traditional chemotherapy, which often comes
with severe side effects. Research conducted by Indian scientists is contributing to the development of
nanotherapy and other innovative treatments, making it possible to treat cancers more effectively and
with fewer side effects.

Additionally, India's commitment to cancer research and treatment is evident in its participation in the
Quad Cancer Moonshot, a joint initiative between the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan aimed at ending
cancer as we know it, starting with cervical cancer. India is sharing its expertise in digital health
through its National Non-Communicable Disease Portal, which tracks long-term cancer data and
supports cancer prevention and control efforts across the Indo-Pacific region.

❖ The Role of Cancer Detection and Prevention Clinics

A key component of India’s cancer control strategy is the establishment of Cancer Detection and
Prevention Clinics in district hospitals and regional centers. These clinics provide early diagnostic
services and basic treatment, helping to identify cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable.
Kerala has been a leader in this initiative, successfully implementing a model where district hospitals
provide a range of cancer services, including cytology and palliative care. The goal is to make cancer
care more accessible and affordable, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized cancer
centers is limited.

❖ Palliative Care: Addressing Late-Stage Cancer

With more than 75% of cancer patients in India presenting at advanced stages, palliative care is crucial
to improving the quality of life for these individuals. Palliative care focuses on pain management,
symptom relief, and providing emotional support to both patients and their families. The availability of
oral morphine for pain relief is a key component of cancer pain management in India, and the
government has made efforts to simplify regulations to ensure its availability at treatment centers across
the country.

International Collaboration: A Global Fight Against Cancer

India’s efforts to combat cancer are not limited to national initiatives. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has been a key partner in India’s cancer control strategy, promoting tobacco control, palliative
care, and human resource development. Additionally, India’s participation in international
collaborations such as the Quad Cancer Moonshot further strengthens its role in the global fight
against cancer.

India is also taking steps to provide cancer care and prevention support to neighboring countries in the
Indo-Pacific region. By sharing expertise, providing screening tools, and expanding access to cancer
vaccines and treatments, India is contributing to global cancer control efforts, particularly in the
prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, which remains a major health crisis in the region.

Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Cancer Control Strategy for India

As India observes National Cancer Awareness Day, the importance of prevention, early detection,
affordable treatment, and palliative care cannot be overstated. With the increasing burden of cancer,
India must continue to expand its efforts in public education, healthcare infrastructure, and research.
This will require sustained investment, collaboration between government and private sectors, and a
commitment to reducing the inequities in cancer care across the country.

The government’s focus on primary healthcare, screening programs, tobacco control, and
affordable treatment is a step in the right direction. By prioritizing cancer as a public health issue and
implementing strategies to prevent, detect, and treat it effectively, India can significantly reduce the
cancer burden and improve outcomes for millions of individuals affected by this disease.

National Cancer Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the road ahead in the
fight against cancer. Together, we can build a future where fewer lives are lost to cancer, and those
affected have access to the care and support they need.

References:

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pdf

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/Ishita Biswas

 World Immunization Day 2024

India's Immunization Drive: A Commitment to Universal Vaccine Coverage and Health Equity

(Ministry of Health & Family Welfare)

07 November, 2024

Introduction

World Immunization Day, observed annually on November 10, aims to raise awareness about the
vital role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases and protecting public health.
Immunization is one of the most effective and cost-efficient intervention for controlling and
eradicating diseases, saving millions of lives globally each year. Vaccines help protect individuals
from diseases like measles, polio, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. By reducing the incidence of
infectious diseases, immunization not only safeguards individuals but also strengthens community
health by building herd immunity. This day encourages governments, healthcare providers, and
communities worldwide to emphasize the importance of vaccines and extend immunization
coverage, especially to underserved populations.

In India, World Immunization Day is particularly significant due to the unique challenges the
country faces in reaching remote areas. Further, children, in particular, remain at significant risk
because they are either unimmunized or partially immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Partially immunized and unimmunized children are most susceptible to childhood diseases and are
at a much higher risk of dying as compared to fully immunized children.

Immunization has been a central focus in India's public health strategy for decades, leading to
remarkable progress in reducing disease prevalence and child mortality rates. World Immunization
Day thus serves as an opportunity to reaffirm India’s commitment to achieving universal
immunization and to reflect on the progress made through landmark initiatives, including the
Universal Immunization Programme and Mission Indradhanush. This day also highlights the need
for continued efforts to ensure every individual has access to life-saving vaccines.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is one of India's most comprehensive public
health initiatives, aiming to provide life-saving vaccines to millions of newborns and pregnant
women each year. Initially launched in 1978 as the Expanded Programme on Immunization, it
was rebranded as the UIP in 1985 when
its coverage was extended beyond urban
centres to rural areas, addressing
disparities in healthcare access. In 1992,
the UIP was incorporated into the Child
Survival and Safe Motherhood
Programme and later, in 1997, into the
National Reproductive and Child
Health Programme. Since 2005, under
the National Rural Health Mission, the
UIP has become a central component of
India's public health efforts, focusing on
ensuring that vaccines reach every child,
even in the most remote parts of the country.

With a targeted annual reach of around 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women, the
UIP has become one of the most cost-effective health interventions in the country, significantly
reducing the under-5 mortality rate from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 32 per 1000 live births
(SRS 2020). With consistent efforts to reach and vaccinate all eligible children against vaccine-
preventable diseases, the country’s Full Immunization Coverage for FY 2023-24 stands at
93.23% nationally. (state-wise Full Immunization Coverage for FY 2023-24)
 Currently, the program provides free
immunization against 12 diseases, including nine
nationwide, such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio,
Measles, and Hepatitis B. Additionally, it offers
vaccines against Rotavirus diarrhoea,
Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and Japanese
Encephalitis in specific regions. Under this
initiative, a child is considered fully immunized
after receiving all vaccinations as per the national
schedule within the first year of life. Notable
milestones include India’s elimination of polio
in 2014 and maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, achievements that underscore the impact
of the UIP in protecting public health.

Mission Indradhanush

Mission Indradhanush (MI), launched

in December 2014, is a strategic
initiative by the Indian government
aimed at increasing the full
immunization coverage for children
across the country, with a goal to reach
90% coverage. Mission Indradhanush
specifically focuses on areas with low
immunization rates, including hard-to-
reach regions and communities where
children are either unvaccinated or
partially vaccinated. This mission
adopts a targeted approach,
prioritizing districts and pockets
where immunization levels remain low, thereby striving to bridge critical gaps in vaccine coverage
and ensuring that no child is left unprotected. Since its inception, twelve phases of Mission
Indradhanush have been completed, covering 554 districts nationwide.

Mission Indradhanush has been integrated into other

significant national programs, such as the Gram Swaraj
Abhiyan and the Extended Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, further
enhancing its outreach. Under these programs,
immunization efforts extended to 16,850 villages across
541 districts and 48,929 villages across 117 aspirational
districts, respectively. The first two phases of Mission Indradhanush alone led to a 6.7% increase
in full immunization coverage in just one year, reflecting its early success.

Progress so far
U-Win

The U-WIN Portal represents a major leap forward in India’s immunization efforts, providing a
fully digitized record of vaccination for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under
the Universal Immunization Programme.
This digital platform aims to streamline
vaccine delivery and record-keeping,
ensuring that every individual can easily
access and manage their immunization
records. Designed with user-friendly, citizen-
centric services, U-WIN allows for ‘Anytime
Access’ and ‘Anywhere’ vaccination,
offering flexible scheduling options for
recipients. Citizens can self-register through
the U-WIN web portal or the mobile app,
which makes it easier for families to keep track of vaccination schedules and receive automated
SMS alerts for upcoming doses. The platform also generates a universal QR-based eVaccination
Certificate and provides the option to create an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) ID for
themselves and a Child ABHA ID for their children, enabling comprehensive digital health
management.

With accessibility in mind, the U-WIN portal is available in 11 regional languages, including
Hindi, to ensure widespread usability across diverse linguistic communities. As of September 16,
2024, the platform has registered 6.46 crore beneficiaries, conducted over 1.04 crore vaccination
sessions, and recorded 23.06 crore administered vaccine doses. This scale of registration and
record-keeping highlights U-WIN’s impact in making immunization data readily accessible and
securely stored for millions of families across the country. The platform’s broad capabilities
demonstrate India’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare accessibility,
streamline immunization tracking, and further strengthen public health infrastructure at the
grassroots level.
India’s journey in public health showcases remarkable achievements in the elimination of several
deadly diseases. From being officially certified polio-free to eradicating maternal and neonatal
tetanus, the country has made significant strides in improving the health and well-being of its
citizens. The country’s proactive efforts in disease control and vaccination, backed by strong
infrastructure and international collaboration, have set global benchmarks. India’s successes in
immunization programs highlight its growing capacity to tackle vaccine-preventable diseases and
contribute to global health security.

India's Public Health Milestones

India’s public health journey is marked by significant achievements, including the world’s largest
COVID-19 vaccination drive. From becoming polio-free to eradicating maternal and neonatal
tetanus, the country has made great strides in improving health outcomes. Strong infrastructure,
proactive disease control efforts, and international collaboration have helped India set global
benchmarks in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.

• India’s Covid Vaccination Drive

India’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, launched on January 16, 2021, stands as a global
success story in public health. By January 6, 2023, the program had administered over 220 crore
doses, covering 97% of eligible citizens with at least one dose and 90% with both doses. Initially
focused on the adult population, the program expanded to include younger age groups, with
vaccinations for those aged 12-14 beginning on March 16, 2022, and precautionary doses for
individuals aged 18-59 starting on April 10, 2022.

Overcoming significant challenges, the program required rapid vaccine research, the training of
2.6 lakh vaccinators and 4.8 lakh support members, and the establishment of an IT platform for
tracking and delivery. This proactive approach enabled India to not only meet domestic needs but
also support global vaccination efforts through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, which supplied
vaccines to other nations.
 • Polio-Free India

On March 27, 2014, India, along with ten other countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region,
was officially certified as polio-free—a significant public health achievement. India’s last reported
case of polio was on January 13, 2011, in Howrah, West Bengal. However, despite this
certification, the country remains vigilant due to the persistent risk of poliovirus importation from
the two countries where polio remains endemic: Afghanistan and Pakistan.

India’s successful fight against polio has strengthened its broader immunization infrastructure,
which is now being leveraged to protect against a range of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs).
Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), the country continues to introduce
additional vaccines, aiming to ensure that no child is left unprotected.

The systems developed during the National Polio Program have greatly enhanced routine
immunization efforts, setting a goal of over 90% full immunization coverage. This progress is a
collaborative effort supported by state governments, WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and
other partners, who have been instrumental in not only eradicating polio but also in advancing
India’s immunization initiatives for broader public health security.

• Elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNTE)

India’s success in eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNTE) stands as a major public
health accomplishment. Achieved in April 2015, well ahead of the global target of December 2015,
MNTE validation was completed across all of India’s 36 states and union territories. This
milestone signifies that the incidence of maternal and neonatal tetanus has fallen to less than 1 case
per 1,000 live births, effectively eliminating it as a public health problem. This achievement
reflects India’s commitment to safe maternal and newborn health practices through health system
strengthening, high routine immunization coverage, clean delivery protocols, and strong
surveillance. It is a testament to the dedication of health workers, policymakers, and all
stakeholders involved.
 • India declared Yaws-Free

In another historic milestone, India became the first country to be officially recognized as yaws-
free by the World Health Organization (WHO), achieving this well before the global target year
of 2020. This recognition highlights India’s proactive and sustained efforts to eradicate the disease,
which primarily affects rural and marginalized communities. The elimination of yaws reflects
comprehensive public health efforts focused on early treatment, health education, and targeted
interventions for vulnerable populations. WHO and UNICEF lauded India’s achievements, noting
the wider impact on community health, socio-economic improvement, and India’s continued
leadership in global public health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s commitment to immunization reflects a holistic approach to safeguarding

public health, with a focus on reaching every individual, especially those in underserved and
remote areas. Through initiatives like the Universal Immunization Programme, Mission
Indradhanush, and the U-WIN portal, the country has made remarkable strides in increasing
immunization coverage, combating vaccine-preventable diseases, and reducing child mortality.
India's successful elimination of polio, its resilient response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its
dedication to leveraging technology for healthcare access underscore the nation’s capacity to meet
complex health challenges. As World Immunization Day reminds us of the vital role vaccines play
in public health, India stands as an example of what can be achieved with comprehensive planning,
community engagement, and a commitment to universal access. Continued efforts will be essential
to maintaining and expanding these achievements, ensuring that no child is left unprotected and
every individual has access to life-saving vaccines for a healthier future.

References

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 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
A Pathway to Inclusion and Empowerment

2 December 2024

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually on December 3,
celebrates the resilience, contributions, and leadership of persons with disabilities (PwDs) worldwide.
This day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to fostering inclusivity, advocating for the
rights of PwDs, and creating equitable opportunities for all. This year's theme is “Amplifying the
leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

History

The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General
Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in
all spheres of society and development and increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of
political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Building on many decades of UN work in the field of disability, the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006, has further advanced the rights and well-being of
persons with disabilities in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other
international development frameworks.

Initiatives by the Indian Government

India has made significant strides in promoting the rights and inclusion of Divyangjan through various
policies and campaigns. A few of these initiatives are listed below:

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

In order to give focused attention to policy issues and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at the
welfare and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), a separate Department of Disability
Affairs was carved out of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on May 12, 2012. The
Department was renamed the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on
December 8, 2014. The Department acts as a nodal agency for matters pertaining to disability and

1
WHO Factsheet [Link]
persons with disabilities, including effecting closer coordination among different stakeholders: related
Central Ministries, State/UT Governments, NGOs, etc., in matters pertaining to disability.

Accessible India Campaign

The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), launched on December 3, 2015 aims to
achieve universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across [Link] key focus areas
include improving Built Environment Accessibility in public spaces, enhancing Transportation
Accessibility for independent mobility, creating an accessible Information and Communication
ecosystem, and expanding Sign Language Access through interpreter training and better media
support.

Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)

DDRS is a central sector scheme to provide grant-in-aid to non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

for projects relating to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities aimed at enabling persons with
disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal, physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric, or
socio-functional levels. The scheme aims to create an enabling environment to ensure equal
opportunities, equity, social justice, and empowerment of persons with disabilities and to encourage
voluntary action to ensure effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,
2016.

District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC)

The District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) aims to address the needs of persons with
disabilities through a multifaceted approach. Its objectives include early identification and
intervention, raising awareness, and assessing the need for assistive devices along with their
provision and fitment, arrangement of loans for self-employment and more. Additionally, it acts
as an outreach center for services provided by National Institutes and works to promote a barrier-free
environment for individuals with disabilities.

Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/ Appliances (ADIP) Scheme.

The main objective of the Scheme is to provide grants-in-aid to the various implementing agencies
(National Institutes/Composite Regional Centers/Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation
of India. (ALIMCO)/District Disability Rehabilitation Centers/State Handicapped Development
Corporations/ other Local Bodies/NGOs) so that they are in a position to assist needy persons with
disabilities in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids
and appliances to promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation by reducing the effects
of disabilities and at the same time enhancing their economic potential.

Schemes For Implementation Of Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 (SIPDA)

The Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SIPDA) is a
comprehensive "Central Sector Scheme" that encompasses 10 sub-schemes following its revision
during the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting on 11th August 2021. This revised scheme,
approved by the Hon'ble Finance Minister, is designed to operate from 2021–22 to 2025–26. The sub-
schemes under the SIPDA umbrella are as follows:

1. Creation of Barrier-Free Environment (BFE) for Persons with Disabilities.

2. Accessible India Campaign (AIC) to enhance accessibility.

3. National Action Plan (NAP) for Skill Development for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

4. Unique Disability Identification (UDID) Project for issuing UDID cards.

5. Awareness Generation and Publicity (AGP) combined with in-service training and

6. sensitization of key government functionaries, local bodies, and other stakeholders.

7. .Financial support to Study and Research on priority areas of disability sector and to
8. Research & Development of suitable product, aids & appliances for empowerment of PwDs

9. Assistance to Spinal Injury Centers, new name after merger of State Spinal Injury Centre

10. (SSIC) and Indian Spinal Injury Centre(ISIC) sub-schemes.

11. Cross Disability Early Intervention Centres (CDEIC) to address disabilities at an early stage.

12. Sub-schemes categorized as Projects under SIPDA, such as:

o The Braille Press Scheme, implemented through NIEPVD, Dehradun.

o Financial support for existing Deaf Colleges in five regions, executed

o through AYJNISHD, Mumbai.

13. Establishment of a Central Project Monitoring Unit (CPMU) cum Data Strategy Unit

14. (DSU) for effective implementation and data management.

These components collectively aim to empower persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility,
inclusivity, and holistic development.
Divya Kala Mela

The Divya Kala Mela is a national-level fair dedicated to Divyangjan and represents a significant
milestone in India’s journey toward inclusivity and empowerment of the Divyangjan, or differently-
abled individuals. Historically, artisanship in India has been a source of identity and livelihood for
many communities. For centuries, crafts have been passed down through generations, weaving together
local traditions and skills. However, the participation of Divyang artisans has often been overlooked.
The establishment of the Divya Kala Mela marks a pivotal shift in recognizing and celebrating the
contributions of these artisans.

PM-DAKSH

PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana is a one-stop
destination for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), skill training organizations, and employers across
India to be a part of the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities
implemented by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). Under this
portal, there are two modules:

• Divyangjan Kaushal Vikas: Skill training is conducted for PwDs through the portal across the
country.

• Divyangjan Rozgar Setu: The platform aims to act as a bridge between PwDs and employers
having jobs for PwDs. The platform provides geo-tagged based information on
employment/earning opportunities within private companies as well as PwDs across India.
 Conclusion: Advancing an Inclusive Future

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) serves as a call to action for nations to
recognize the potential of persons with disabilities as active contributors to society. India’s initiatives
exemplify the progress toward an inclusive and equitable future. As the global community comes
together, the message remains clear: a truly sustainable and peaceful world can only be achieved
by ensuring the full participation and leadership of everyone.

References

[Link]
disabilities/background#:~:text=It%20aims%20to%20promote%20the,social%2C%20economic%20and%20cultural%20l
ife.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Annual Report 2023-24: [Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria / Madiha Iqbal

 RU-56-01-372-220324/EXPLAINER

World Water Day (March 22)

(Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)
March 22, 2024
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 as a United Nations Observance since
its inception in 1993. It serves as a platform to celebrate water and raise awareness about the
staggering billions of people worldwide currently lacking access to safe water. A central focus
of World Water Day is to inspire action towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.1

The theme for World Water Day 2024 is “Water for Peace" and it reminds us of the critical role
this essential resource plays in fostering cooperation.2

Status of Water Resources

The status of the world's water resources reflects a growing demand driven by socio-economic
development and shifting consumption patterns. Freshwater use has been increasing by nearly

1
[Link]
2
[Link]
1% annually, with agriculture, industry, and domestic sectors being primary drivers. As
economies industrialize and populations urbanize, water demand rises alongside the expansion
of water supply and sanitation systems. Interestingly, while population growth contributes,
regions with the fastest-growing populations often have lower per capita water usage.
However, severe water scarcity affects approximately half of the global population for part of
the year, with a quarter facing extremely high levels of water stress, utilizing over 80% of their
annual renewable freshwater supply.

Water for a Sustainable Economy and a Peaceful World

The role of water in the economy is multifaceted and intricate, with its availability influencing
various sectors in different ways. Despite the complexity, there exists a crucial relationship between
a country's per capita GDP and its water resources, albeit not directly correlated due to diverse
economic and trade dynamics.

In low- and lower-middle-income nations, where agriculture and water-intensive industries are
primary sources of employment, the availability of water holds significant importance for economic
stability and growth. Investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene services not only yield substantial
positive returns but also have far-reaching impacts on health, education, and employment
opportunities, particularly in these regions.

Agriculture, being a cornerstone of sustainable development, heavily relies on water, making it

vulnerable to climate-related risks that can adversely affect production, especially for smallholder
farmers. Therefore, strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure and responsible water
governance are imperative to ensure equitable access and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Additionally, water availability and quality significantly influence industrial prosperity, with
disruptions in supply chains due to water-related problems posing economic risks. Embracing
technologies for water efficiency and reuse not only fosters industrial growth but also promotes
environmental sustainability. In sum, recognizing the intricate interplay between water and the
economy is essential for fostering sustainable development and ensuring equitable access to this
vital resource.

Moreover, disparities in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, particularly in conflict
areas, exacerbate challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups like women and girls.
Effective disaster risk reduction policies can help alleviate these disparities and enhance resilience.
Water scarcity can be a source of tension, but cooperation is the key to resolving disputes and
promoting regional stability. International law, water diplomacy, and inclusive governance
involving local communities can help manage shared water resources like rivers and aquifers
effectively.

The Way Forward

World Water Day is a call to action. By recognizing the importance of water for peace and
prosperity, we can all be part of the solution:

 Educate Ourselves: Learn about water challenges in our region and the world and identify
solutions to these problems.
 Conserve at Home: It is important to be mindful of water use, fix leaks, and adopt water
conservation techniques at home. Every drop of water is essential.
 Adopting new techniques: It is important to identify and apply different water conservation
techniques like Rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation systems and multiple water reuse
systems as much as possible. These small steps will cohere to bring about a great change.
 Spread Awareness: Raising awareness about the water crisis is the most important step
towards water conservation. Talking to friends and family about the importance of water
conservation and cooperation will help in collective action.

Let's work together to ensure water is a source of a peaceful and prosperous future.

References:

 [Link]
[Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]

Nimish Rustagi/ Himanshu Pathak/ Ritu Kataria/ Madiha Iqbal

 RU-52-01-379-310524/EXPLAINER

World Milk Day (June 01)

(Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries)

May 31, 2024

World Milk Day, celebrated annually on June 1st of every year is a moment to acknowledge
the significant contributions of the dairy sector to nutrition, livelihood, and global agricultural
economies. In India, dairy is the single largest agricultural commodity, contributing 5 percent
to the national economy and directly employing more than 8 crore farmers. India's
prominence in the dairy sector is national and global, as it ranks first in milk production,
contributing 25 percent to the world's total milk output.

India's milk production has grown remarkably over the past decade, with a Compound
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6 percent. This surge is evident from the increase in
production from 187.30 million tonnes in 2018-19 to 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23.
Further as per the FAO Dairy Market Review (2023) milk production of India is estimated to
reach 236.35 million tonnes in 2023-24 registering a growth of 2.5% over the last year
beating the world average growth rate. This growth is significantly higher than the global
milk production growth rate of 1.3 percent in 2023 over the previous year, highlighting
India's robust development in this sector.

The per capita availability of milk in India stands at 459 grams per day for 2022-23,
significantly higher than the global average of 322 grams per day as reported in the Food
Outlook June 2023. This abundance not only supports the nutritional needs of India's vast
population but also underscores the efficiency and productivity of the Indian dairy industry.

India has made significant strides in the cooperative sector. Within this sector are 22 Milk
Federations/Apex Bodies, 240 district cooperative milk unions, 28 marketing dairies, and 24
Milk Producer Organizations. These organizations encompass approximately 230,000
villages and include 18 million dairy farmers as members.

A notable aspect of India's dairy industry is the substantial involvement of women, with 35
percent of women participating in dairy cooperatives. There are 48,000 women dairy
cooperative societies operational at the village level nationwide, fostering inclusive growth
and empowering women in rural areas.

Over the last decade, India's milk production has grown by about 6 percent annually, reaching
an impressive 231 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2022-23. This remarkable increase
underscores the dynamic nature of India's dairy sector, which supports a vast livestock
population of 303.76 million bovines, and 74.26 million goats. India proudly holds the title of
the world's largest livestock owner, with a total livestock population of 536.76 million.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is supporting the dairy production by
inducting supportive Schemes and Programmes to enhance the milk production and
productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more
remunerative to the rural farmers of the country.

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been initiated in December 2014 exclusively for
development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds in a scientific holistic manner.

For the first time in the country Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP) is
implemented toenhance Artificial Insemination Coverage from present 30% to 70% and
deliver Artificial Insemination services free of cost at farmers doorstep. As on date 7.13
crore animals have been covered, 8.81 crores Artificial Insemination have been performed
and 4.75 crores farmers benefitted under the programme. In order to achieve faster
genetic upgradation of bovine population bovine IVF Technology is being promoted by
the Department and 20 VF labs now operating in the country and as on date, 21068 viable
embryos have been produced out of this 11583 embryos transferred and 1800 calves born.
Sex sorted semen production has been introduced in the country for production of only
female calves up to 90% accuracy. As on date, production facility has been created at 8
semen stations and 100 lakh sex sorted semen doses produced. For the first time in the
world sex sorted semen cattle and buffalo breeds have been produced.

2. National Programme for Dairy Development:

National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) is being implemented since Feb-
2014 across the country with an objective of creating/strengthening of infrastructure for
Production of quality milk, Procurement, Processing and Marketing of Milk & Milk
Products through State Implementing Agency (SIA) i.e State Cooperative Dairy
Federation. NPDD scheme has been restructured/realigned in July 2021 for
implementation from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with the aim to enhance quality of milk and
milk products and increase share of organised procurement, processing, value addition and
marketing.
Under the scheme, 17.45 lakh new farmers were given benefit of membership of dairy co-
operative societies and 83.56 lakh litre of additional milk procured under the projects.
About 24.82 lakh litres per day new milk processing capacity has been established and
4193 Bulk Milk Coolers with 94.12 lakh litres chilling capacity has been created at village
level milk collection centres. In addition, 6022 Electronic Milk Adulteration Testing
Machines, 33854 Automatic Milk Collection Unit with Milk Analyser and 4017 Milk
Analysers has been installed for testing and ensuring quality of milk at the collection point
itself. About 233 dairy plant laboratories have also been equipped to detect adulterants in
milk & milk products and about 10 State Central laboratories have been established for
detection of residues, contaminants, heavy metals, adulterants, chemical and
microbiological quality of milk and milk products.
3. Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

Department supplements the efforts of the State Governments / Union Territories by way
of financial assistance through the ‘Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme
(LHDCP), which is a Central sector scheme, with the aim of reducing risk to animal
health by prophylactic vaccination against diseases of animals, capacity building of
 Veterinary services, disease surveillance and strengthening Veterinary infrastructure. The
major activities supported are vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD),
Brucellosis(the erstwhile National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is now
component of LHDCP) , Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Classical Swine Fever
(CSF), Assistance to States for Control of Animal Disease (ASCAD) for control of state
prioritized economically important exotic, emergent and zoonotic animal diseases and
Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries-Mobile
Veterinary Units (ESVHD-MVU). Further, under ESVHD-MVU, the Central Government
has provided 100% financial assistance to the States/UTs towards procurement and
customization of MVUs to strengthen veterinary health services in far flung areas at
farmer’s doorstep.

4. National Livestock Mission

For sustainable and continuous growth of livestock sector Department has launched with
National Livestock Mission, focusing employment generation, entrepreneurship
development; increase in per animal productivity and thus targeting increased production
of meat, goat milk, egg and wool under the umbrella scheme Development Programmes.
The excess production will help in the export earnings after meeting the domestic
demands. The concept of NLM Scheme is to develop entrepreneur in order to create the
forward and backward linkage for the produce available at the unorganized sector and to
link with the organized sector.

The scheme is implemented with the following three Sub-Missions:

a.) Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry

b.) Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder development

c.) Sub-Mission on Extension and Innovation

5. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund

Under AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package, Animal Husbandry

Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) was set-up with the corpus of Rs. 15000 crore.
The scheme has been approved for incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs,
private companies, MSME, Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and Section 8
companies to establish (i) the dairy processing and value addition infrastructure, (ii) meat
processing and value addition infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant.(iv) Breed
improvement Technology and Breed Multiplications farms.

The objective of the scheme is toenhance the milk and meat processing capacity and
product diversification thereby providing greater access for unorganized rural milk and
meat producers to the organized market, price realization for the producer, availability of
quality products for the domestic consumer, generating entrepreneurs, promoting exports,
quality, and cheap animal feeds and to availability of quality protein rich food to the
Indian consumer.
6. KISAN CREDIT CARDS (KCC) for Dairy Farmers Of Milk Cooperatives And Milk
Producer Companies

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility has been made available to livestock and dairy farmers
for the first time since 2019 enabling easy and increased access of institutionalized credit
facility to them.
As we celebrate World Milk Day, it is evident that India's dairy sector is not just a
cornerstone of its agricultural economy but also a beacon of growth, innovation, and
empowerment. India's achievements in milk production, women's participation in
cooperatives, and technological advancements in dairy farming set a benchmark for the
world, demonstrating how a country can sustainably harness its livestock resources to
support both its economy and its people.

SK/HP/RK/AM
 RU-18-01-385-180624/EXPLAINER

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day

3.37 Crore screened under India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

(Ministry of Tribal Affairs)

June 18, 2024

Introduction
World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, observed annually on June 19th, serves as a crucial
platform for raising awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder
affecting millions worldwide. The day aims to highlight the struggles faced by those with
SCD, promote understanding of the disease, and streamline efforts towards improving patient
care and finding a cure. The international awareness day also seeks to increase public
knowledge and understanding of the challenges experienced by patients, their families, and
caregivers.
In 2024, the theme for World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is "Hope Through Progress:
Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally." This theme underscores the ongoing advancements
in medical research and healthcare practices that bring hope to individuals and families
affected by SCD. It also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in enhancing
treatment and care, ensuring that progress reaches every corner of the world.

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, single-gene disorder that causes a debilitating systemic
syndrome characterized by chronic anemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and
chronic organ damage, significantly reducing life expectancy. SCD is a genetic blood
disorder affecting the entire life of the patient, as it leads to various severe health
complications.
SCD causes red blood
cells to become
abnormally shaped like a
crescent or sickle, instead
of being round and
flexible. These sickle-
shaped cells can block
blood flow, leading to
pain and other serious
health complications. This
genetic blood disease
affects hemoglobin, the
protein in red blood cells
that carries oxygen
throughout the body,
resulting in a wide range
of health issues and
significantly affecting the
patient's quality of life.

Sickle Cell Disease is particularly prevalent in India, especially among the tribal population,
though it also affects non-tribals. India has the largest tribal population density globally, with
8.6% of the population, or 67.8 million people, identified as tribal according to the 2011
Census. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) tribal health expert committee
has highlighted SCD as one of the ten major health issues disproportionately affecting tribal
communities.
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, introduced in the Union Budget 2023,
aims to address the significant health challenges Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) poses,
particularly among India's tribal populations. This initiative was officially launched by Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh on July 1, 2023, with the vision to
eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem in India before 2047.
The mission aims to improve the care of all Sickle Cell Disease patients for a better future
and to lower the prevalence of the disease through a multi-pronged coordinated approach
towards screening and awareness strategies. Achieving this goal requires comprehensive
efforts across diagnosis, treatment, and community engagement to effectively manage and
eventually eradicate SCD's impact on public health in the country.

Objectives of the Mission:

 Provision of affordable and accessible care to all SCD patients
 To ensure quality of care for SCD patients
 To reduce the prevalence of SCD
These objectives are to be achieved through strategies spanning awareness generation,
strengthening of screening and testing facilities, strengthening of laboratory services for
diagnosis, facilitation of management & treatment, establishing linkages across levels of
care, inter-sectoral convergence towards holistic approach and linkages with social
security schemes/benefit packages.
Strategy
The strategy of the mission emphasizes three pillars:
 Health promotion- Awareness generation & pre-marital genetic counselling
 Prevention - Universal screening and early detection
 Holistic Management & continuum of care- Management of persons with sickle
cell disease at primary, secondary, and tertiary health care levels; treatment facilities
at tertiary health care facilities, Patient support system and Community adoption.
Beneficiaries
The program is executed in a mission mode as part of the National Health Mission (NHM),
showcasing a long-term commitment to eradicating the disease. Over a period of three years,
spanning from the fiscal years 2023-24 to 2025-26, the program targets screening
approximately 7 crore people. It focuses on universal population-based screening, prevention,
and management of sickle cell anemia in all tribal and other highly prevalent areas States/UTs
of India.
The programme aims to cover the entire population from birth to 18 years of age initially and
shall incrementally include the entire population up to 40 years. While initially prioritizing
high-prevalence states/UTs with significant tribal populations, the initiative plans to gradually
expand its coverage to include all states/UTs in a phase-wise manner. This incremental
approach aims to ensure comprehensive screening, counseling for prevention, and extensive
care for individuals affected by SCD across different age groups within three and a half years.

Progress So Far
As of June 18, 2024, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has made
significant strides in screening and identifying cases of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) across
India. Here are the details of the progress made:
 A total of more than 3.37 crore individuals have been screened under the programme

 Out of those screened, more than 3.22 crore people have been confirmed negative for
sickle cell disease

 A total of nearly 9.75 lakh individuals have been identified as carriers of the sickle
cell trait

 More than 1.40 lakh people have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease based on the
screening

 Currently, over 3.59 lakh individuals are undergoing further confirmation to

determine their sickle cell status

Way Forward
In conclusion, the comprehensive efforts outlined through World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
and the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission highlight a dedicated commitment
to addressing the challenges posed by sickle cell disease (SCD) in India. Through increased
awareness, strategic screening initiatives, and integrated healthcare approaches, significant
progress has been achieved in identifying cases, providing care, and advancing toward the
elimination of SCD as a public health concern by 2047. As these efforts continue to expand
across different states and age groups, they reinforce India's resolve to enhance healthcare
outcomes and promote wellbeing among its diverse population, particularly in tribal and
high-prevalence areas.

References:
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]

Santosh Kumar/Himanshu Pathak/Ritu Kataria/Saurabh Kalia

 RU-30-01-386-200624/EXPLAINER

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA, 2024

Yoga for Self and Society – Nine Years of IDY
June 21, 2024

INTRODUCTION: NINE YEARS OF PUTTING YOGA ON THE WORLD MAP

On September 27, 2014, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his address to the United
Nations General Assembly proposed to dedicate June 21st as day to celebrate Yoga across the
world. Less than three months later, on 11th December 2014, 193 members of the UNGA and
173 co-sponsor countries unanimously approved the resolution of the United Nations in
which the establishment of 21st June as the International Day of Yoga was passed.

In its resolution, the UNGA agreed that Yoga offers a holistic approach to health and well-
being, and that widespread promotion about the benefits of practising Yoga is necessary for
the global population’s health. Yoga brings about harmony in all areas of life and is known
for its significant role in preventing diseases, promoting health, and treating many disorders
related to lifestyle.
SIGNIFICANCE OF JUNE 21
The day is observed to raise awareness about the benefits of practising yoga and to promote
physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is celebrated on June 21st, which marks the
summer solstice - the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The day holds
special significance in many cultures around the world, and hence, it was chosen to
highlight the importance of yoga in bringing harmony and balance to the world.

THE IDY LOGO

The IDY logo reflects harmony and
peace for humanity, which is the
essence of Yoga.

 The folded hands on top of the

head symbolize the harmony
between mind and body, man
and nature.
 The brown leaves symbolize the
Earth while the green leaves
symbolize nature.
 The blue symbolizes the water
element while the brightness
symbolizes the fire element.
 The sun stands for energy and
inspiration
CELEBRATION OF IDY
Since 2015, International Yoga Day is celebrated across the world through various activities
and programmes related to Yoga and health. IDY is marked by a harmonious 45-minute yoga
demonstration called the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). Demonstrations and practice
sessions are often organised in various languages, making yoga accessible to a global
audience. Over the years, the celebration has included both physical and virtual events,
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. These demonstrations are
accessible globally, with videos available on YouTube in 22 Indian languages, 6 UN
languages, and 9 other foreign languages. The CYP serves as a standardized yoga practice to
ensure uniformity in the celebration of IDY worldwide.

IYD 2024

Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent charge) Shri Prataprao Jadhav recently
announced that the theme for this year’s IYD would be ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, adding
that the theme highlights Yoga’s dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being.
“Yoga nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual growth while promoting societal harmony,” he
said. The Minister also announced that this year the IDY celebrations would be held in
Srinagar, with Prime Minister Modi once again at the helm.

ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR IYD 2024

Several activities have been planned to spread the message of Yoga nationwide. Shri Jadhav
has launched a ‘Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille’ Script to support the visually
impaired to learn and practice Yoga. He also launched a comic on Yoga which has been
named “Professor Ayushman”. “This book will help children to learn and practice yoga with
interest and entertainment,” he said.

As a special initiative, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is organising a unique

initiative ‘Yoga for Space’ to mark IYD this year. Under the programme, all ISRO scientists
and officials will perform Yoga together as per the Common Yoga Protocol guidelines. And
in fact, the team from the Gaganyaan project will also join the global campaign of IYD
by practicing Yoga on the occasion.

The MyGov and MyBharat portals have started the “Yoga with Family Video Contest” to
awareness about Yoga and to inspire people to become active participants in IDY 2024. This
contest encourages families worldwide to participate in the celebrations by shooting a 1-
minute-long video of the entire family performing asanas together and uploading on the
government websites.

“Yoga Tech Challenge” has been launched by the MyGov and MyBharat portals with the
aim of identifying and supporting innovators, start-ups, companies or individuals who have
created products such as devices, software, and accessories related to yoga. A “Yogasana
Super League” has been planned.

MyGov and MyBharat portals will also distribute the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga
(PMAY)-2024 to encourage the citizens to make Yoga a part of their daily lives. Various
other Yoga-related quiz contests, jingle competitions and Yoga pledges are to take place as
well.
In fact, a 100-day countdown to mark the ninth anniversary of IYD is already underway in
which 100 IYD programmes in 100 cities took place. For example: the 100 Days to IDY
event was organised at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 13th March while the 50 Days to IDY
event was held at Surat, Gujarat on 2nd May. The 25 Days to IDY event was held at Bodh
Gaya, Bihar, on 27th May.

Further, all the Government ministries and departments are actively participating in activities
to promote Yoga.

IYD THROUGH THE YEARS: RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

The First International Yoga Day was held in New Delhi on June 21, 2015 led by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi himself at Rajpath. In first of its kind event all over the world,
almost 21 yoga asanas were performed by dignitaries from 84 nations and accompanied by
the Prime Minister. Two Guinness World Records were set up. The first record was for
being the world’s largest yoga class and featured by 35,985 people and the second one was
for having maximum number of participating nationalities that is 84.

In the first year a total of 84 countries participated in the yoga session at one place and
gradually each year witnessed increasing number of participants from across the world and
last year in 2023, a total of around 23.4 crore people from across the world participated
in the IDY event.

A Yoga Ambassadors’ Tour was conducted in 2018 during the fourth IDY in collaboration
with Kerala Tourism with participants from 22 countries.

The “My Life My Yoga” vlogging contest was held in 2020 with 44,000 entries from 130
countries. Moreover, the Bhuvan Yoga app developed for enumeration of participants.
A Y-break initiative for the government sector as well as the the corporate sector was held in
2021. In the same year, the WHO mYoga app launched and at present over 50,000 people
have already downloaded the app and are practicing Yoga.

In 2022, yoga was practiced at 75 heritage and iconic sites. Over the years the IYD has been
celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the world. It has been held at iconic places like the
Opera House to the grounds of the Eiffel Tower to the Cathedral of Brasilia, from the Dead
Sea to the base of Mount Everest.

Additionally in 2022, the Global Yoga Ring - a 24-hour relay programme of IDY activities
was conducted across the globe. This initiative was linked with Prime Minister Modi’s “One
Sun One Earth” campaign.

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Yoga from the North Lawns at the United
Nations Headquarters in New York, USA where participants from more than 135
countries joined to show their commitment towards Yoga.

In India, during the main national event in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, over 15,000
enthusiastic participants performed Yoga asanas in the presence of Vice President Shri
Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Over the years there has been significant increase in the popularity of Yoga, and this
influence can be seen all over the world. The number of people participating in Yoga Day
events has also risen significantly since it was first introduced in 2015.
PREVIOUS IDY VENUES

Over the years IDY has been conducted in various locations across the country. The venues
in India include -

 2015: Kartavya Path, Delhi

 2016: Chandigarh
 2017: Lucknow
 2018: Dehradun
 2019: Ranchi
 2020: Virtual Mode
 2021: Virtual Mode
 2022: Mysuru
 2023: Jabalpur & UN Headquarters, New York
 2024: Srinagar
REFORMS REGARDING ORGANISING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

The government has undertaken several steps to promote Yoga. These include -

 Establishment of the National Yoga and Naturopathy Promotion and Development

Board, which is a national-level advisory body
 Encouragement to Yoga certification to ensure quality and excellence in Yoga
training and means of skill development
 Motivation to evidence-based research in Yoga with the help of prestigious
institutions like an AIIMS
 Promotion of Yogasana as competitive sports
 Massive outreach efforts through governmental and private collaborations
 Enhancing access to Yoga treatment and training through a network of Ayush Health
and Wellness Centres
 Starting a universal project called ‘Yoga for All’ to reach the entire population in five
years
Efforts to promote IDY include comprehensive campaigns through various media channels,
active involvement of state governments, and public transportation systems. The goal is to
integrate yoga into everyday life and underscore its benefits.

CONCLUSION
The International Day of Yoga is a powerful global movement that promotes health, well-
being, and unity through the practice of yoga. Each year, the event grows in scope and
participation, reflecting the universal appeal and benefits of yoga. The initiatives and
activities planned for IDY 2024 continue this tradition, aiming to reach even more people and
deepen the impact of yoga worldwide.

References –

 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
[Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 [Link]
 IDY PPT

Santosh Kumar/Himanshu Pathak/Ritu Kataria/Arushee Pradhan

I
‘Udyami Bharat – MSME Day 2024’
Over 4.63 Crore Enterprises Registered, Udyam Portal Transforms MSME Landscape
(Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises)
June 26, 2024
Introduction

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in the global economy,
accounting for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment, and 50% of GDP worldwide,
according to the United Nations. These enterprises are the backbone of societies everywhere,
contributing significantly to local and national economies and sustaining livelihoods,
particularly among the working poor, women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Recognizing their
importance, the Ministry of MSME in India will celebrate 'Udyami Bharat – MSME Day' on
June 27, 2024.

In India, the MSME sector is a vibrant and dynamic part of the economy, fostering
entrepreneurship and generating self-employment opportunities at a comparatively lower
capital cost, second only to agriculture. The Ministry of MSME, Government of India,
promotes the growth and development of this sector through various schemes and programs.
These initiatives encompass credit support, technological assistance, infrastructure
development, skill development and training, enhancing competitiveness, and market
assistance.

Achievements of MSMEs
The MSME sector in India has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability,
contributing significantly to the country's GDP over the years. The share of MSME Gross Value
Added (GVA) in India's GDP stood at 29.7% in 2017-18, increasing to 30.5% in both 2018-19
and 2019-20. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, MSMEs managed to sustain a
contribution of 27.2% in 2020-21, which rose again to 29.1% in 2021-22. These figures
underscore the sector's crucial role in driving economic growth and stability.
Government Initiatives for MSMEs

The Government of India has implemented a robust array of initiatives aimed at bolstering the
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, recognizing its pivotal role in the
economy. These efforts range from financial support and procurement policies to capacity
building and market integration. Key initiatives include the Udyam Registration Portal, PM
Vishwakarma scheme, PMEGP, SFURTI, and the Public Procurement Policy for MSEs, all
aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing employment, and integrating informal sectors
into the formal economy. These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to supporting
MSMEs and driving inclusive economic growth nationwide.

PM Vishwakarma

The 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme, launched by the Government of India, aims to enhance the
quality and reach of products and services by artisans and craftspeople, integrating them into
domestic and global value chains. Announced in the 2023-24 Budget and launched on
September 17, 2023, this scheme seeks to provide comprehensive support to Vishwakarmas,
improving their socio-economic status and quality of life.

PM Vishwakarma is fully funded by the Government of India with an initial outlay of Rs.
13,000 crores for 2023-24 to 2027-28.

As of June 25, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma scheme has achieved significant milestones, with
over 2.22 crore applications submitted and 13.15 lakh applications successfully registered.
Registered applicants will undergo a 5-day 'Basic Training' program, and those opting for credit
support will receive collateral-free credit. These accomplishments highlight the scheme's early
success in empowering artisans and craftspeople nationwide.

Udyam Registration Portal

The Udyam Registration Portal was launched on July 1, 2020 to facilitate registration for
existing enterprises across the country. Enterprises previously registered under the erstwhile
Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum and Entrepreneurship Memorandum-II are also encouraged to
migrate to the new Udyam Registration system. This online portal is free of cost, paperless,
and based on self-declaration, eliminating the need for document uploads.

Moreover, on November 11, 2023, the Government introduced the Udyam Assist Platform to
integrate informal micro-enterprises into the formal sector. This initiative aims to enable these
enterprises to access benefits under Priority Sector Lending, thereby enhancing their growth
and sustainability.

Moreover, the total number of registered MSMEs on Udyam Portal is an impressive

4,63,36,385, with the vast majority being classified as micro-enterprises. The sector's
classification is detailed in the table below:
 Source: [Link]

In addition to their economic contributions, MSMEs have generated substantial employment

opportunities, providing jobs for over 20 crore individuals. This extensive employment
generation highlights the sector's role in not only fostering economic development but also in
enhancing social stability by offering livelihoods to millions across the country.

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a credit linked subsidy
scheme for providing employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in
the non-farm sector. Under the Scheme, Margin Money (Subsidy) is provided to beneficiaries
availing loan from banks for setting up new enterprises. The maximum project cost admissible
for setting up of new project is Rs. 50 lakhs in manufacturing sector and Rs. 20 lakhs in Service
Sector

Subsidies under PMEGP vary by category:

❖ Special Categories, including SC, ST, OBC, Minorities, Women, Ex-Servicemen,

Transgenders, Differently-abled individuals, NER, Aspirational Districts, and Hill and
Border areas, are eligible for a subsidy of 25% in urban areas and 35% in rural areas

❖ General Category applicants are eligible for a subsidy of 15% in urban areas and 25%
in rural areas.

In a notable development, units in Aspirational Districts and Transgenders have been included
in the Special Category. Additionally, geo-tagging of PMEGP units has been initiated to
capture details of the products and services offered by these units and to create market linkages
for them. Furthermore, prospective entrepreneurs receive free 2-day Entrepreneurship
Development Programme (EDP) training to equip them with the necessary skills and
knowledge to succeed.

In the year 2023-24 alone, PMEGP facilitated the establishment of 22,050 projects. The total
subsidy extended amounted to Rs. 900.23 crores, creating employment opportunities for
1,76,400 individuals. These achievements highlight the scheme's significant impact on
fostering entrepreneurship and generating employment across the country.

Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)

The Scheme was launched in 2005-06 and aims towards organizing traditional artisans into
collectives/clusters for product development and diversification through value addition and to
promote traditional sectors and increase income of artisans in a sustainable manner. The
scheme was revamped in 2014-15.
The main objective of the scheme is to organize the artisans and traditional industries into
clusters for better competitiveness, for enhancing employment opportunities and to increase
marketability of products of such clusters.
Achievements:

❖ Since 2014-15, the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries

(SFURTI) has approved 513 clusters.

❖ A grant of Rs 1336.10 crore has been extended.

❖ The scheme has benefitted 2,98,580 artisans through employment opportunities.

Public Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises

The Ministry of MSME, Government of India notified the Public Procurement Policy for Micro
and Small Enterprises (MSEs), Order, 2012, which mandates 25%, including 4% from MSEs
owned by SC/ST and 3% from MSEs owned by Women entrepreneurs. A total of 358 items are
reserved for exclusive procurement from MSEs.

Achievements:
❖ In 2023-24, Central Ministries/Departments/Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)
and departments procured a total of Rs. 82,431 crore (33.30%) from MSEs.

❖ A total of 2,36,452 MSEs benefitted from this procurement.

India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2023
Hon’ble Minister of MSME inaugurated “MSME pavilion” under the theme "PM
Vishwakarma" at 42nd India International Trade Fair (IITF), 2023 held during 14th to 27th,
November, 2023. 195 stalls were allocated to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), with
participation from 29 States/UTs. More than 85% of stalls were allocated to first time
participants. Stalls were allocated free of cost to women, SC/ST, NER, Aspirational District
beneficiaries.
Representation of Women entrepreneurs, SC/ST entrepreneurs and enterprises from
Aspirational districts in the event was as below:

Representation in Representation in
Category
terms of number terms of percentage

Women entrepreneurs 132 67%

Enterprises from SC/ST

category 110 56%

Enterprises from
Aspirational districts 64 33%
Other Notable Initiatives
❖ Collateral free loans up to Rs. 500 lakhs (from April 1, 2023) with guarantee coverage
up to 85% through CGTMSE.

❖ Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through Self Reliant India Fund, including a Rs. 10,000
crore corpus from the Government of India.

❖ Exemption from global tenders for procurement up to Rs. 200 crores.

❖ Roll out of Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme with a
Rs. 6,000 crores outlay over 5 years.

❖ Integration of Udyam Portal with the National Career Service (NCS) to enable
registered MSMEs to search for jobseekers.

❖ Relief under Vivad se Vishwas – I, including a refund of 95% of performance security,

bid security, and liquidated damages for MSMEs, and relief for debarred MSMEs due
to contract execution defaults.

❖ Samadhaan Portal introduced from October 30, 2017 for monitoring outstanding dues
to MSEs from buyers of goods and services.

Conclusion
As India prepares to celebrate 'Udyami Bharat – MSME Day' on June 27, 2024, the
achievements and initiatives outlined underscore the pivotal role of Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) in the nation's economic landscape. From nurturing entrepreneurship and
generating employment to integrating traditional artisans and micro-enterprises into the formal
economy, the government's initiatives such as PM Vishwakarma, PMEGP, SFURTI, and the
Udyam Registration Portal have been instrumental. The significant strides in procurement
policies, equity infusion, and relief measures further exemplify India's commitment to
nurturing a vibrant and inclusive MSME sector. As we commemorate MSME Day, it is evident
that these efforts not only support economic growth but also empower diverse segments of
society, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and bolstering India's journey towards self-reliance
and prosperity.

References:
❖ [Link]
❖ [Link]
❖ [Link]
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❖ [Link]
❖ [Link]
 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Achieving A World Free of Drug Abuse

(Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment)
June 26, 2024
Introduction

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26
June to bolster cooperation and action in achieving a world free of drug abuse. The theme of
this year’s World Drug Day is ‘The evidence is clear: invest in prevention’.

Through Resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking as an expression of its determination to achieve the goal of drug free international
society.

In 2024, the World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted
in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the
social, economic, and health implications of drug use.
The global issue of drug abuse poses a complex challenge affecting millions worldwide. It
impacts individuals battling substance use disorders and communities dealing with the fallout
of drug trafficking and organized crime.

World Drug Report 2024: Key findings and patterns

As per the World Drug Report 2024 released by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),
the emergence of new synthetic opioids and unprecedented levels of drug supply and demand
have exacerbated the global drug problem. This has resulted in increased rates of drug use
disorders and environmental damage.

Notably, the number of people who use drugs has risen to 292 million in 2022, a 20 per cent
increase over 10 years. Though an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use
disorders, only one out of every 11 individuals receive treatment. Women are particularly
disadvantaged, with only one out of every 18 women with drug use disorders accessing
treatment, compared to one out of every seven men.

Mission-mode: Steps taken to curb drug trafficking

In March 2023, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) highlighted multipronged efforts
made by the central government to rein in the illegal drug trade.
Since 2014, the quantity of narcotics seized by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) till 2023
(June) increased by almost 100% and the cases registered against those dealing in it increased
by 152%.

According to the data released by the MHA, during the period 2006 to 2013 the number of
cases registered was 1,257 in number which shot up by 3 times during 2014-2023 to 3,755.

The arrests increased by 4 times from 1,363 in the 2006-13 period to 5,745 in the 2014-23
period. The quantity of seized drugs doubled during the present regime to 3.95 lakh kgs from
1.52 lakh kgs seized during 2006-13. The value of seized drugs jumped 30 times to Rs.22,000
crore from Rs.768 crore achieved in the period 2006-13.

Meanwhile, the anti-narcotics agencies also destroyed 12 lakh kgs of drugs worth Rs.12,000
crores Since 2014. Till June 2023, NCB conducted a financial investigation in 23 such cases in
which property worth ₹74,75,00,531 was frozen.

Revamping the Institutional Framework

Continuous efforts have been made by the central government to strengthen institutional
restructuring and legal provisions for NARCO control as well.
Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD): In the year 2019, the four (04) tier NCORD
mechanism was strengthened for better cohesion and synergy between the Central and State
drug law enforcement agencies

Constitution of Joint Coordination Committee (JCC): Constitution of Joint Coordination

Committee (JCC) in 2019 to trace the various layers involved in drug trafficking and for
detailed investigation of cases of major drug seizures. Till 2022, 07 State Level and 07 Central
JCC meetings were held.

Restructuring of NCB cadre: Cadre restructuring of Narcotics Control Bureau was proposed,
in the first phase it was proposed to create 682 posts, out of which approval has been given for
the creation of 425 posts.

SIMS e-portal: SIMS (Seizure Information Management System) e-portal has been developed
for trend analysis and database management of Drug Trafficking. SIMS portal is also hosted
on cloud server of NIC

Disposal Of Seized Drugs: Disposal of Seized Drugs campaign is being run from June 1, 2022.
On the occasion of 75 anniversary of independence, a target was set to destroy 75 thousand kg
of drugs in 75 days

Special operation to prevent smuggling by sea route: About 60-70% of Narcotics drugs are
smuggled into India mainly through the sea route. To curb this, a high-level dedicated task
force has been created in the National Security Council Secretariat to analyze drug smuggling
through sea routes
Mass Awareness Campaign

Narcotics Call Centre: NCB has been making efforts for expeditiously setting up a Narcotics
Helpline viz. 'MANAS' through Digital Corporation of India. Recently the progress of this work
was reviewed by the Home Secretary of India and several guidelines were issued. It is hoped
that soon the MANAS helpline will be made operational for use by the public

To ensure uniformity in training courses on drug law enforcement in the country, a core module
and 05 training modules developed by NCB for officers of various ranks of Central/State law
enforcement.

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

To tackle the issue of substance use, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment formulated
and implemented National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), a centrally
sponsored scheme under which financial assistance is provided to:

 342 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) that provide in-patient
treatment to drug users along with counselling, detoxification/de-addiction, after care
and re-integration into the social mainstream.

 47 Community based Peer led Intervention (CPLI) programmes work with children
below 18 to create awareness against drugs and teach life skills.

 74 Outreach and Drop In Centres (ODICs) which provide safe and secure space with
provision of screening, assessment and counselling and thereafter provide referral and
linkage to treatment and rehabilitation services.

 83 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in Government hospitals.

 53 District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) which provides all three facilities

provided by IRCA, ODIC & CPLI under one roof.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)

NMBA was launched on 15th August, 2020, by the Ministry of Social Justice
& Empowerment in 272 identified most vulnerable districts. It has now been extended to all
districts across the country.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan intends to reach out to the masses and spread awareness about
substance use with focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses & schools. It
further aims to reach out dependent population with the focus on counselling, treatment
facilities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and capacity building programmes for service
providers.

Till now, through the various activities undertaken on- ground, more than 10.73 crore people
have been sensitized on substance use including over 3.39 crore youth and 2.27 crore women.
Participation of 3.29+ lakh educational institutions has ensured that the message of the
Abhiyaan reaches children and youth of the country. A strong force of 8,000+ Master
Volunteers (MVs) have been identified and trained to expand the reach of the program.

References

[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/Ritu Kataria /Abhinandan Sharma

 18th National Statistics Day
Theme 2024: Use of Data for decision making
(Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation)
June 29, 2024

Introduction

National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29 every year to acknowledge and appreciate the
exceptional contributions made by statisticians in India, particularly honoring the birth
anniversary of eminent statistician (Late) Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. The celebration
aims to popularize statistics as a field of study and highlight its importance in policy-making
and everyday life. To achieve this, various seminars, campaigns, and programs are conducted
across the country to mark the day.

Statisticians are crucial to the development of robust and data-driven policies, ensuring that
decisions are informed by accurate and relevant data. National Statistics Day serves as an
opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to the unique contributions of statisticians to the
nation's progress. For 2024, the theme is "Use of Data for Decision Making," focusing on the
impact of statistics in driving sustainable development and innovation across various sectors.
Tracing the Genesis
National Statistics Day was first celebrated in 2007 to recognize the invaluable contributions
of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis to the field of statistics and economic planning. Known as the
'Father of Modern Statistics in India,' Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
and developed the Mahalanobis Distance, a widely used statistical measure. His work laid the
foundation for India's national statistical system, significantly impacting economic planning
and policy formulation.

The first National Statistics Day was commemorated in 2007. Following that event, a
proclamation was released in the Indian Gazette on June 5, 2007. Since then, seminars,
conferences, discussions, and contests have been conducted on this day to raise awareness of
the role of official statistics in nationwide progress.
Statistics Day 2024
National Statistics Day 2024 will focus on the theme "Use of Data for Decision Making,"
highlighting the critical role that data plays in informing decisions across various sectors,
driving sustainable development, and fostering innovation.

The celebration will include seminars, workshops, and educational programs aimed at
promoting statistical literacy and showcasing the practical applications of statistics in policy-
making and everyday life. By emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making,
Statistics Day 2024 aims to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of statistics,
encouraging individuals and organizations to harness the power of data for the betterment of
society.

Relevance and Significance of National Statistics Day

 Honoring Contributions: It honors the contributions of Indian statisticians, especially

Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, whose work has left an indelible mark on the field.

 Promoting Statistics: The day aims to popularize statistics as a field of study, encouraging
students and researchers to delve into this important discipline.

 Public Awareness: It raises public awareness about the role of statistics in everyday life
and its importance in shaping policies for societal welfare.

 Inspires Youth: Encourages young minds to learn and apply statistics in daily life, fostering
a new generation of statisticians.

 Policy Development: Highlights the use of statistics in developing and outlining effective
policies for the country's progress.

 Showcases Practical Applications: Demonstrates the diverse applications of statistics

across various sectors, emphasizing its relevance in governance and daily activities.
National Statistics Day: Theme over the years

A glance at previous National Statistics Day

 At National Statistics Day 2023 event, Sustainable Development Goals-National Indicator

Framework Progress Report was released. It underscored India's progress towards
sustainable development goals.

 National Statistics Day 2022 event was the joint awarding of the Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis
National Award in Official Statistics to Shri Dilip Kumar Sinha and Dr. K. P. Suresh, along
with the Prof. P.V. Sukhatme National Award for lifetime contribution in statistics to Dr.
Padam Singh.
 Statistics Day 2021 focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - 2, emphasizing
efforts to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable
agriculture.

 Statistics Day 2020 celebration was centered around Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs), particularly SDG-3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages)
and SDG-5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).

 Statistics Day 2019 focused on revamped portal for the Members of Parliament Local Area
Development Scheme (MPLADS) and the SDG Dashboard.

 At Statistics Day 2018, commemorative coins were released in honor of Professor P. C.

Mahalanobis on his 125th Birth Anniversary. The then Vice President of India M. Venkaiah
Naidu released a commemorative coin of Rs 125 and a circulation coin of Rs 5 denomination
at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata.

 29th June, 2017 marked the beginning of the 125th year of birth of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis.
On the occasion of 11th Statistics Day, an exhibition was inaugurated on Prof. P.C.
Mahalanobis in Mahalanobis Bhawan, Baranagar, Kolkata.

 On 29th June, 2016, the 10th Statistics Day was celebrated all over India by the Ministry,
State Governments, Offices of National Sample Survey Office spread throughout the
country, Indian Statistical Institute, Universities/Departments, etc.

 The 9th Statistics Day, 2015 was celebrated by organizing Seminars, Conferences, etc. On
this occasion, National Award in Statistics, constituted in the Honour of Prof. C.R. Rao was
conferred to Dr. Hukum Chandra, Scientist, IASRI and Dr. Pulak Ghosh, Professor IIM,
Bangalore

 The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation celebrated the 8th Statistics Day
2014 on the theme ‘Services Sector Statistics’ in view of contribution and importance of this
sector to Indian economy.

 2013 Statistics Day theme focused on "Labour and Employment Statistics," emphasizing
the role of statistics in understanding and addressing issues related to labor and employment
in India

 2012 Statistics Day’s theme was based on "Industrial Statistics," aimed at enhancing the
quality of data in this field for objective planning and policy making

 2011 Statistics Day focused on "Gender Statistics." This theme underscored the importance
of collecting, analyzing, and utilizing gender-disaggregated data to support effective
planning and monitoring of women empowerment programs in India.

 The fourth Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June 2010. The theme of Statistics Day
2010 was “Child Statistics”

 The Third Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June 2009 with two National Awards in
Statistics in honour of great Indian Statistician Prof. C.R. Rao and in memory of Prof. P.V.
Sukhatme.
 The second Statistics Day was commemorated on 29 th June 2008 in New Delhi by
remembering Professor Mahalanobis’s recognition of the importance of institutional
structures and his all-encompassing vision of statistics

 On June 5, 2007, the Government of India published a notification in the Gazette of India
designating June 29th as Statistics Day. 

Conclusion
Much more than just a commemoration of the birth anniversary, the significance of the National
Statistics Day celebration lies in underscoring the pivotal role of statistics in contemporary
governance and societal development. The observance serves as a crucial reminder of the power
of accurate, reliable statistics in shaping effective, transparent, and accountable governance,
thus fostering a more informed and empowered society. As India progresses towards a data-
driven future, the special day will continue to serve its relevance to underscore the essential
role of statistics in modern society

References:

[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/Ritu Kataria/Anjali Gupta/Abhinandan Sharma

 RU-24 -01-402-160724/EXPLAINER

Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day

Celebrating the Impact and Future of AI

(Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)

July 16, 2024

Introduction

As India embraces the technological revolution, Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day on July
16, 2024, marks a pivotal moment to reflect on AI's transformative impact across the nation. From
urban tech hubs to rural villages, AI is reshaping industries, healthcare, education, and governance.
India's emerging status as a global AI powerhouse is evident in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad,
and Pune. Government initiatives such as "AI for All" and the National AI Strategy underscore
India's commitment to harnessing AI for societal benefit. As we celebrate AI's potential to address
uniquely Indian challenges, we must also consider ethical implications and ensure inclusive
development that preserves our cultural values and benefits all citizens.
The evolution of AI in India
1The history of Artificial
Intelligence in India is a
story of gradual growth,
culminating in rapid
acceleration in recent years.
2
While India wasn't at the
forefront of early AI
research, it has made
significant strides in the
field, particularly since the
turn of the millennium.

1. Early Days (1960s-1980s):

o Indian institutes like IIT Kanpur and IISc Bangalore began computer science
research, laying the groundwork for future AI development.
o In 1986, the Knowledge Based Computer Systems (KBCS) project was initiated,
marking India's first major AI research program.

2. Foundations (1990s):
o The establishment of C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)
in 1988 boosted supercomputing capabilities, indirectly supporting AI research.
o Indian software companies began exploring AI applications, primarily in business
process automation.

3. Growth Phase (2000s):

o Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro started investing in AI research and
development.
o Academic institutions expanded their AI and machine learning programs.

4. Acceleration (2010s):
o 2014-15: The "Digital India" initiative was launched, emphasizing the importance
of emerging technologies including AI.
o 2018: NITI Aayog released the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence,
outlining India's approach to leveraging AI for economic growth and social
inclusion.
o Indian startups focusing on AI solutions began to emerge and attract significant
funding.

1
[Link]
2
[Link]
 5. Current Era (2020s):
o AI has become a key focus area for both government and private sector initiatives.
o India is positioning itself as a global AI hub, with applications ranging from
healthcare to agriculture to smart cities.
o The government has launched initiatives like "AI for All" and is integrating AI into
various sectors including education and governance.

Throughout this journey, India has leveraged its strengths in software development and data
processing to carve out a unique position in the global AI landscape. The country's diverse
demographic and complex socio-economic challenges have also provided a fertile ground for
developing AI solutions tailored to emerging markets.

Today, India stands at the cusp of an AI revolution, with the potential to become a leader in ethical
and inclusive AI development that addresses both local and global challenges.

Government Initiatives: AI for India 2.0

On July 15, 20233, just ahead of World Youth Skills Day, the Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship launched the "AI for India 2.0" initiative. This program represents a significant
step in the government's efforts to promote AI education and skill development. This program
represents a significant step in the government's efforts to promote AI education and skill
development.

3
[Link]
Key features of the "AI for India 2.0" initiative include:

❖ Launched on World Youth Skills’ Day, July 15, 2023.

❖ A joint initiative of Skill India and GUVI.
❖ Offers free online training on Artificial Intelligence accredited by NCVET and IIT Madras.
❖ Aimed at equipping youth with essential AI skills to prepare them for future job markets.
❖ Emphasizes breaking language barriers in technology education by offering courses in
multiple Indian languages.

AI for progress: Some leading initiatives for growth

❖ Skill India AI Portal: An online platform offering AI courses, tutorials, and certifications
in collaboration with tech firms and educational institutions.

❖ National AI Skilling Program: Enhancing AI skills through customized training modules

with industry leaders, covering machine learning, data science, and AI ethics.

❖ AI Youth Bootcamp: Hands-on projects, hackathons, and mentoring by experts to foster

AI interest and problem-
solving skills among young
learners.

❖ AI in Vocational
Training: Integrating AI
tools into vocational
programs to enhance
worker efficiency and
adaptability in traditional
trades.

❖ AI Research and
Innovation Fund:
Supporting AI research
projects and startups with
grants to address global
challenges through
innovative AI solutions.

❖ AI Competency
Development Centers:
Establishing hubs across regions for AI education, research, and industry collaboration.

❖ Collaborations with Global Tech Giants: Partnering with Microsoft, Google, and IBM
to offer world-class AI education, joint certifications, and research initiatives in India.
4 Transforming India: AI's Role in Key Sectors and Research Ecosystem

AI is revolutionizing India, enhancing urban mobility with autonomous vehicles and smart traffic
management, optimizing agriculture with precision farming, and personalizing education through
intelligent tutoring systems. In healthcare, AI improves diagnostics and patient care, while in smart
cities, it enables efficient energy management and intelligent surveillance.

India's AI research ecosystem thrives with government initiatives like the National AI Strategy,
academic institutions conducting cutting-edge research, and industry partnerships fostering
innovation. The vibrant startup ecosystem develops diverse AI solutions, positioning India as a
global AI leader and driving sustainable growth and development.

AI Adoption across all sectors:

Looking ahead, the potential applications of AI seem boundless. Some areas of future development
include:

1. Advanced Healthcare: AI could lead to breakthroughs in personalized medicine, early

disease detection, and even reversing aging processes.

2. Climate Change Mitigation: AI may play a crucial role in developing sustainable

technologies and optimizing resource usage to combat climate change.

4
[Link]
 3. Space Exploration: AI-powered systems could assist in the exploration and potential
colonization of other planets.

4. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): The development of AI systems with human-like

general intelligence remains a long-term goal for researchers.
5
5. Human-AI Collaboration: Future advancements may lead to a seamless integration of
AI assistants in our daily lives, augmenting human capabilities in unprecedented ways.

Global IndiaAI Summit 2024: Shaping the Future of AI

On July 3-4, 2024, India hosted the Global IndiaAI

Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking
a significant milestone in the country's AI journey.
Inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Ashwini
Vaishnaw, the summit brought together over 12,000
global AI experts, practitioners and the delegates
from 50 countries, showcasing India's growing

5
[Link]
influence in the global AI landscape. The event showcased India's leadership in Global
Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) 6 and its commitment to fostering responsible AI
development globally.

Key highlights included:

1. Focus on seven pillars of the IndiaAI Mission: Compute Capacity, Foundational

Models, Datasets, Application Development, Future Skills, Startup Financing, and Safe
AI.

2. 12 comprehensive sessions covering various aspects of AI, from large language models
to global health applications.

3. Emphasis on democratizing AI technology and making it accessible to all.

4. Discussions on India's infrastructure readiness for AI and ensuring safety, trust, and
governance in the AI age.

5. Showcasing of real-world AI solutions by 16 deep-tech startups.

6. International collaboration, with participation from global tech leaders and policymakers.

7. Alignment with India's $1.25 billion IndiaAI Mission, approved in March 2024.

8. A new integrated partnership on AI between the Organisation for Economic Co-

operation and Development (OECD) and the Global Partnership on Artificial
Intelligence (GPAI), further solidifying international cooperation in AI governance and
development.

At Global IndiaAI Summit 2024

6
[Link]
 The Global IndiaAI Summit 2024 serves as a pivotal platform for global stakeholders to
collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of AI. India reiterates its commitment to harnessing
AI’s transformative potential by prioritizing responsible AI development while safeguarding
ethical standards and inclusivity. As the summit unfolds, it is poised to reinforce India’s
leadership in the global AI landscape, paving the way for a future where AI benefits are
accessible to all and contribute significantly to socio-economic advancement worldwide.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day serves as a reminder of the incredible progress we've made
in developing intelligent systems and the vast potential that lies ahead. It's a day to marvel at the
achievements, critically examine the challenges, and actively participate in shaping an AI-enabled
future that benefits all of humanity.

As we celebrate this day, let's embrace the transformative power of AI while remaining mindful
of our responsibility to guide its development ethically and sustainably. The future of AI is not
predetermined – it's a future we all have a hand in creating.

References:
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Ritu Kataria/ Anjali Gupta

I
Celebrating Income Tax Day 2024: A Journey of Transformation
Budget 2024-25 Introduces Enhanced Deductions and Revised Tax Slabs
(Ministry of Finance)
July 23, 2024
What is Income Tax?
Income tax is a government levy on the income earned by individuals and businesses during a
financial year. "Income" encompasses various sources, defined broadly under Section 2(24) of
the Income Tax Act. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

❖ Income from Salary: This includes all payments from an employer to an employee,
such as basic pay, allowances, commissions, and retirement benefits.
❖ Income from House Property: Rental income from residential or commercial
properties is taxable.
❖ Income from Business or Profession: Profits from business or professional activities
are taxable after deducting expenses.
❖ Income from Capital Gains: Profits from selling capital assets like property or
jewellery are taxable. These gains can be long-term or short-term.
❖ Income from Other Sources: This includes income not covered by the other
categories, such as savings interest, family pension, gifts, lottery winnings, and
investment returns.
Background
Income Tax Day, celebrated on 24th July, marks a significant milestone in India's fiscal history.
This day commemorates the introduction of income tax in India by Sir James Wilson in 1860.
While this initial implementation laid the groundwork, it was the comprehensive Income-tax
Act of 1922 that truly established a structured tax system in the country. This Act not only
formalized various income tax authorities but also laid the foundation for a systematic
administration framework.
In 1924, the Central Board of Revenue Act further strengthened this structure by constituting
the Board as a statutory body responsible for administering the Income-tax Act. This period
saw the appointment of Commissioners of Income-tax for each province, supported by
Assistant Commissioners and Income-tax Officers.
The recruitment of Group A officers in 1946 marked another significant development, with
initial training conducted in Bombay and Calcutta. The establishment of the I.R.S. (Direct
Taxes) Staff College in Nagpur in 1957, later renamed the National Academy of Direct Taxes,
further strengthened professional development within the department.
Technological advancements also played a crucial role, with the introduction of
computerization in 1981. This initial phase focused on processing challans electronically.
Finally, in 2009, the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) was set up in Bengaluru to handle
the bulk processing of e-filed and paper returns, operating efficiently in a jurisdiction-free
manner.
Income Tax Day not only honours the historical development of tax administration in India but
also highlights the continuous advancements and modernization efforts aimed at creating a
more efficient and taxpayer-friendly system.

Importance of Income Tax

Income tax plays a crucial role in nation-building by supporting the fundamental functions of
an effective state. It provides the necessary revenue to ensure security, funding essential
services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These services are vital for the well-
being of citizens and the overall development of society. Additionally, the revenue from income
tax facilitates economic development by enabling investments in various sectors, promoting
growth, and creating job opportunities.
Taxation also influences the balance between wealth accumulation and redistribution, shaping
the social character of the state. It helps in building and sustaining state power and establishing
a social contract, fostering greater accountability between the state and its citizens. By requiring
individuals and businesses to contribute a portion of their earnings, taxation ensures that
resources are available for public goods and services, thereby enhancing social equity and
cohesion.
Through tax reforms, governments can develop more responsive and accountable governance,
expanding state capacity and enhancing legitimacy. Effective tax systems can lead to the
development of policies that reflect the needs and preferences of the population, strengthening
the bond between the government and its people. This accountability and responsiveness can
create a virtuous cycle, where improved public services lead to greater trust in the government,
encouraging compliance and further strengthening the state.
Thus, income tax is not only vital for revenue generation but also for creating effective, self-
sustaining states capable of meeting their citizens' needs and promoting overall societal
welfare. The importance of income tax extends beyond mere financial considerations,
contributing significantly to the building of a stable, equitable, and prosperous society.
Current Landscape
The landscape of personal income tax (PIT) in India has seen significant growth over recent
years, reflecting the country's expanding economy and improved tax compliance. In the
financial year 2020-21, gross personal income tax, including the Securities Transaction Tax
(STT), stood at ₹5.75 lakh crore. This marked a substantial contribution to the national revenue,
even amidst the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the following financial year 2021-22, there was a notable increase in gross PIT collections,
which rose to ₹7.10 lakh crore. This growth can be attributed to the gradual economic recovery
and enhanced tax collection mechanisms. The trend continued in 2022-23, with amount
reaching ₹9.67 lakh crore, demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing tax reforms and the
buoyant economic environment.

By 2023-24, the personal income tax collections, including STT, had surged to an impressive
₹12.01 lakh crore (provisional, as of April 21, 2024)). This significant increase underscores the
resilience and robustness of the Indian economy, along with improved taxpayer compliance
and the government's efforts to broaden the tax base. The upward trajectory of PIT collections
highlights the crucial role of income tax in supporting India's economic infrastructure and
public welfare programs.

Budget 2024-25: Income Tax Slab Changes

The Budget for 2024-25 introduced several changes to the income tax regime to benefit salaried
employees and pensioners. The standard deduction for salaried employees was increased from
₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for those opting for the new tax regime. Similarly, the deduction on family
pension for pensioners was enhanced from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. Additionally, assessments can
now be reopened beyond three years, up to five years from the end of the year of assessment,
only if the escaped income is more than ₹50 lakh. The revised tax regime provides significant
benefits, with salaried employees potentially seeing benefits of up to ₹17,500 in income tax.
Other Notable Initiatives
The Central Government has undertaken several steps to boost tax collection and expand the
tax base by curbing tax evasion, widening/deepening the tax base, promoting voluntary
compliance through the use of technology, and promoting digital transactions. Some of the
steps taken by the Government are as follows:

Simplification of the Personal Income Tax

❖ Finance Act, 2020: Provided an option to individual taxpayers for paying income tax at
lower slab rates if they do not avail of specified exemptions and incentives.
❖ Finance Act, 2023: Increased the scope and reduced the rates applicable to individuals
by providing that with effect from the assessment year 2024-25, the rates under section
115BAC(1A) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, shall be the default rates.

New Form 26AS

❖ Contains all information on the deduction or collection of tax at source, specified
financial transactions (SFT), payment of taxes, demand and refund, etc.
❖ Details of SFT data in Form 26AS make taxpayers aware of their transactions
beforehand, encouraging them to disclose their true income.

Pre-filling of Income Tax Returns (ITR)

To make tax compliance easier, pre-filled ITRs have been provided to individual taxpayers.
The scope includes information such as salary income, bank interest, dividends, etc.

Updated Return
Section 139(8A) of the Act: Facilitates taxpayers to update their return anytime within two
years from the end of the relevant assessment year, allowing them to file an updated return by
voluntarily admitting omissions or mistakes and paying an additional tax as applicable.

E-Verification Scheme
This scheme enables authorities to collect information for the accurate and comprehensive
determination of a taxpayer's income to reduce tax evasion. It provides taxpayers with relevant
financial information collected from various sources.

Setting Up of Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC)

For reducing litigation and giving an impetus to dispute resolution for small taxpayers, a DRC
has been constituted. Taxpayers with taxable income up to ₹50 lakh and disputed income up to
₹10 lakh are eligible to approach the Committee. The procedure is conducted on a digital
platform under the e-Dispute Resolution Committee Scheme, 2021.

Expansion of Scope of TDS/TCS

To bring new taxpayers into the income tax net, the scope of TDS/TCS was expanded to include
huge cash withdrawals, foreign remittance, purchase of luxury cars, e-commerce participants,
and the sale of goods.

Income Tax Returns

Income Tax Return (ITR) is a form that individuals are required to submit to the Income Tax
Department of India. It contains information about the person’s income and the taxes to be paid
on it during the year. Information filed in ITR should pertain to a particular financial year,
starting on 1st April and ending on 31st March of the following year.
Number of persons who filed income tax returns in the last four years:
2019-20: 6.48 crore
2020-21: 6.72 crore
2021-22: 6.94 crore
2022-23: 7.40 crore
These figures reflect a consistent increase in the number of individuals filing their income tax
returns, indicating an expanding tax base and improved tax compliance.

Conclusion
As India observes Income Tax Day 2024, it is evident that the nation's tax administration has
come a long way since its inception in 1860. The journey from a rudimentary tax system to a
sophisticated, technology-driven framework is a testament to the country's progress. This day
also serves as a reminder of the historical evolution of tax administration in India and the
ongoing reforms that aim to enhance tax compliance and simplify the process for taxpayers.
The substantial increase in personal income tax collections, alongside the recent changes
introduced in the 2024-25 Budget, reflects the government's commitment to a fair and efficient
tax system. By improving deductions, revising tax slabs, and expanding digital and procedural
innovations, the government continues to strengthen its approach to taxation. Income Tax Day
is not only a celebration of our fiscal heritage but also an opportunity to acknowledge the vital
role that taxation plays in supporting public services and national development. As we look to
the future, the progress made in tax administration and the proactive measures taken to address
challenges will undoubtedly contribute to a more robust and equitable economic framework,
fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

References:
❖ [Link]
❖ [Link]
T)%20at%20Rs.
❖ [Link]
n%20of%20Direct,Tax(CIT)%20at%20Rs.
❖ [Link]
ersonal%20Income%20Tax,crore%20of%20the%20preceding%20year.
❖ [Link]
❖ [Link]
❖ [Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

 World Hepatitis Day 2024
It's Time For Action
July 28, 2024
Introduction
Observed every year on 28 July, World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to raise
awareness, enhance understanding, and promote action to prevent, diagnose and treat
hepatitis. This year’s theme for World Hepatitis Day is ‘It’s time for action’, which
underscores the urgency of addressing this critical health issue.
Indian Scenario
As per 2023 HIV Sentinel Surveillance plus report 2, the national seroprevalence for hepatitis
B and hepatitis C was found to be 0.85% (95% CI 0.85-0.86) and 0.29% (95% CI 0.29-0.30)
respectively. According to the epidemiological classification accepted internationally by
World Health Organization for hepatitis B, India therefore falls under the ‘Low prevalence’
category (i.e. <2%). There is no such internationally accepted epidemiological categorization
in context to seroprevalence of hepatitis C.
Government of India’s initiative: National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP)
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program was launched in 2018 under National Health
Mission with the aim to combat hepatitis and eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 and reduce
morbidity and mortality due to other types of viral hepatitis in line with the target 3.3 of
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Under the program, free diagnostics and drugs are
being made available to all eligible, not only for treatment of hepatitis C but also
management of hepatitis B. The key strategies adopted under the program include
preventive, promotive and curative interventions with the focus on awareness generation,
increasing access, capacity building of all concerned stakeholders, promoting diagnosis and
providing treatment for viral hepatitis across the country in sync with the universal health
coverage.
The program through the National Health Mission has formulated strategies utilizing the
existing resources in health systems including infrastructure, manpower and established
mechanisms of diagnostics and treatment services optimizing equitable access to services
with financial efficiencies. The treatment services are delivered through designated
treatment sites located within existing health facilities such as district hospitals and medical
colleges/institutions. Referral centres named as Model treatment centres (MTC) located in
tertiary level healthcare facilities have also been strengthened in all states/UTs to act as
referral units for management of complicated cases.
National guidelines for diagnosis and management of viral hepatitis have been developed
by experts from across the country so as to ensure standardization of the laboratory and
treatment protocols and are available on the NVHCP website i.e. www. [Link].
For efficient monitoring and evaluation, the program is moving towards a paperless data
recording and reporting system through the NVHCP Management Information System
(NVHCP-MIS) portal. A helpline has also been established for generating awareness about
viral hepatitis and informing about the services being provided under the program.
The Program has strengthened 978 treatment sites in 711 districts across the country. It has
screened 10.34 crore individuals for hepatitis B & C and provided treatment access to 3.3
lakh patients till March 2024 since its inception.
Additionally, the program has integrated with existing national programs/schemes, including
the National Program for Surveillance of Viral Hepatitis (NPSVH), Maternal health and
Universal Immunization Program component of RMNCAH+N, National AIDS Control Program
and National TB Elimination Program amongst other to ensure effective implementation and
financial efficiencies.
As a step towards achieving the target 3.3 of SDG, National Viral Hepatitis Control Program,
is also now focusing on surveillance and monitoring systems to accurately analyse and track
viral hepatitis trends. Further, the program is currently in the phase of expansion so that
services get provisioned till the last tier of healthcare facility.
References:
1 Global hepatitis report 2024: action for access in low- and middle-income countries.
Geneva: World Health Organization; 2024.
2 Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and hepatitis C (HIV Sentinel Surveillance plus 2021, round
17) report, 2023.
Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Sheetal Angral/Ritu Kataria/Abhinandan Sharma
 RU-432

NATIONAL SPACE DAY 2024:

EMBRACING INDIA'S SPACE SAGA WITH A MONTH OF INSPIRING EVENTS

Join the National Space Day 2024 Celebrations

August 2, 2024

To celebrate the first National Space Day on August 23, 2024, the Government of India
is launching a month-long campaign to highlight the remarkable achievements of
India's space missions and to inspire the nation’s youth. The theme for this year’s
celebration is “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,”
which emphasizes the profound impact of space exploration on society and technology.

Purpose of Celebrating National Space Day

 • The Government of India has officially declared August 23rd as "National Space Day"
to honour the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a safe and soft
landing of the Vikram Lander at the 'Shiv Shakti' point and deployed the Pragyaan
Rover on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023.

• National Space Day recognizes significant achievements in space exploration and

highlights advancements in space technology. The day is dedicated to inspiring future
generations by generating interest in space science and technology among students and
providing them with role models.

• Furthermore, National Space Day enhances public awareness of the importance and
benefits of space exploration, promoting national pride and unity. It serves as a
powerful reminder of the impact of space exploration on our lives and the need for
continued support and progress in this essential field.

To mark National Space Day, various stakeholders will organize pan-India events to celebrate
and engage the public. A look at the various events to be organised in the one- month-long
campaign.

1. Official Ceremonies and Presentations at Bharat Mandapa

A grand event at Bharat Mandapam will celebrate National Space Day with a series of high-profile
sessions, engaging panel discussions, significant announcements, and a vibrant cultural program.
The Space Day-2024 event starts with a VVIP tour of space exhibits and demonstrations from ministries, industries,
startups, academia, and DOS. Highlights include a video on National Space Day, a brief by the Secretary of
DOS/Chairman of ISRO, and an address from the Hon’ble Minister of State (Space). The VVIP will announce the
winners of the ISRO Robotics Challenge and Hackathon, present awards, and receive a memento and plaque before
delivering their speech.

The event continues with addresses from the Chairman of ISRO and the Chairman of IN-SPACe, a report on the
socio-economic impact of the Indian space program, and a keynote speech. Panel discussions will explore various
topics, including space-enabled governance, solutions, future roadmaps, collaborative ventures, and academia’s role
in space. Private companies will showcase their achievements, followed by exhibit visits and a cultural program
featuring a Chandrayaan-3 film and dance performance.

[Link] on Wheels-Showcasing ISRO’s Vision for Scientific Advancement

This project involves mobile exhibition buses that will travel to various universities and
colleges during National Space Day celebrations. On January 24, 2023, ISRO signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a prominent science organisation Vijnana
Bharati (VIBHA), which is dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge and
awareness, to collaborate on a unique initiative called “Space on Wheels.”

The primary goal of this initiative is to disseminate information about ISRO’s activities
and India’s space missions to school students across all states of India. This
collaboration represents a joint effort between VIBHA and ISRO to enhance public
understanding of space science and foster greater interest in space exploration.

"Space on Wheels" Objectives

• Showcasing ISRO’s Achievements: The event highlights ISRO’s capabilities in

deploying rockets, satellites, and their applications, demonstrating India’s commitment
to scientific development.
• Educational Outreach: ‘Space on Wheels’ travels to schools and public places,
engaging a wide audience, including students and the general public, to educate them
about space science and technology.

• Exhibit Features: The exhibition will showcase detailed models of the first two launch
pads, highlight the Chandrayaan-1 mission and the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission
(Mangalyaan), and display technological applications like Indian remote sensing and
satellite communication. Additionally, artistic depictions of the Moon’s surface and the
Chandrayaan-II spacecraft will creatively illustrate India’s lunar exploration
achievements.

• Engaging the Public: The initiative aims to inspire and inform through interactive
displays and hands-on experiences
Source: [Link]
[Link] Space Tutors: Engaging and Educating

• Space Tutors are educators and mentors registered with ISRO who are dedicated to
advancing space science and technology education. They play a crucial role in engaging
students and the public through various outreach activities. In response to the evolving
educational landscape, ISRO is committed to disseminating enriched knowledge in the
space domain.

• To support this, numerous NGOs and educational institutions have developed

frameworks that encourage students to register and explore space science and
technology. These frameworks include educational modules with books and lab work
that complement regular classroom learning. Additionally, digital content creators and
online educators use social media and mobile applications to offer virtual learning
experiences.

• ISRO's 120 registered Space Tutors will organize outreach events such as talks,
quizzes, and exhibitions across the country, aiming to promote space education and
raise awareness about space activities and applications. They will receive support
through promotional materials to enhance their efforts in fostering scientific curiosity
and innovative thinking among students.

4. Bharathiya Antariksh Hackathon

The Bharatiya Antariksh
Hackathon 2024 is a key
feature of the National Space
Day-2024 celebrations,
aiming to discover innovative
ideas and solutions in Space
Tech. As India continues to
advance in space research and
exploration, this premierevent
seeks to inspire the next
generation of innovators to
contribute to the nation’s
space missions.
Organized by ISRO, the
national-level hackathon will
present students with various
problem statements,
encouraging them to develop
creative solutions. Teams will be shortlisted based on their responses to compete in the finale
at selected centres.

Source: [Link]
Exceptional students from the finale will be offered internships at ISRO centres. The top three
winners of the hackathon will have the opportunity to showcase their applications during the
National Space Day celebrations on August 23, 2024.

5. ISRO Robotics Challenge

The ISRO Robotics Challenge 2024 was launched on November 8, 2023, with an extended
period for registration and proposal submissions. Following team selections and the release of
competition details, participants showcased their hardware and rover functionality through
video submissions and design reports.
With the tagline “Let’s Build a Space Robot,” this challenge offers students a chance to
engage in space robotics. Teams from institutions are tasked with creating robots for an
extraterrestrial-inspired arena, addressing real-world space robotics challenges.

Source: [Link]

The competition featured live demonstrations, leading to up to ten teams advancing to the Field
Round. After an Operation Readiness Review, the main competition is scheduled for August
5 and 6, 2024, with the awards ceremony on National Space Day, August 23, 2024.

ISRO Robotics Challenge: Objectives

• To provide a standardised platform for exploring the area of space robotics

• To develop a deeper understanding of space robotics and its applications among the
student community. It enhances their communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem-
solving and flexibility skills which will benefit them in their academic and professional
lives.
• To co-develop (students and ISRO) future technologies needed in the area of space
robotics.

Conclusion
The National Space Day 2024 campaign aims to not only commemorate India's achievements
in space but also to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars. Join us in celebrating and
exploring the wonders of space throughout August.
Reference
▪ Space tutor [Link]
▪ Space on wheel [Link]
▪ [Link]
▪ robotics challenge [Link]
▪ [Link]
▪ Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon
▪ [Link]
▪ [Link]
▪ [Link]
▪ [Link]
▪ [Link]
▪ [Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria /Aparajita Priyadarshini

 World Senior Citizen Day 2024

(Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)

August 20, 2024

World Senior Citizen Day is

celebrated every year on August 21st
to acknowledge the contributions of
senior citizens and to raise awareness
about the issues they face globally. As
we approach this day in 2024, its
importance is particularly pronounced
in India, where the elderly population is
experiencing rapid growth.

Significance and Importance of

World Senior Citizen Day in India

The significance of this observance in

India is underscored by demographic
shifts that are reshaping the nation's
social landscape. According to the
Report of the Technical Group on
Population Projections (July 2020),
India's elderly population is expected to
reach 193.4 million by 20311 . This dramatic increase from the 103.8 million senior citizens
recorded in the 2011 Census2 , which represented 8.6% of the total population at that time,
highlights the urgency of addressing issues related to healthcare, economic security, and social
integration for older adults.

In response to these evolving demographic realities, the Indian government has implemented
various initiatives for the well-being of senior citizens. These efforts reflect a growing recognition
of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population in one of the world's
largest democracies.

1 [Link]
2 [Link]
Key schemes and programs implemented by the Government of India:

Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY): Department of Social Justice and Empowerment:

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):

• Senior Citizens' Homes for 25 destitute Senior Citizens.
• Senior Citizens' Homes for 50 Elderly Women (including under SAGY).
• Continuous Care Homes for Senior Citizens with Alzheimer's/Dementia.
• Mobile Medicare Units for rural and backward areas.
• Physiotherapy Clinics for Senior Citizens.
• Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) for technical support and training.

State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC):

• Collaboration with State/UT Governments to develop and implement State Action Plans
for senior citizens' welfare.
 Rastriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):
• Provision of physical aids and assisted living devices to senior citizens, especially those
in the BPL category.

Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives for Senior Citizens:

• Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED): Portal for re-
employment opportunities for senior citizens.
• Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): Elderly Self-
Help Groups (SHGs).

Promoting Silver Economy:

• Financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 crore for entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions
for elderly care.

Channelizing CSR Funds for Elderly Care:

• Utilization of CSR funds for old age homes, day care centers, etc., as per Schedule VII of
the Companies Act.

Scheme for Awareness Generation and Capacity Building:

• National Helpline for Senior Citizens (Elderline) with toll-free number 14567.
• Awareness, sensitization, and capacity building initiatives.

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Ministry of Rural Development

o Financial assistance to elderly, widows, and disabled persons below the poverty
line.
o Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Monthly
pension for elderly aged 60-79 years.
o Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Monthly
pension for persons with severe disabilities.

National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE): Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare

o Provides comprehensive healthcare facilities to elderly persons at primary,

secondary, and tertiary levels.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Ministry of Finance

o Provides a guaranteed pension to all citizens, especially poor and unorganized

sector workers, upon reaching 60 years of age.

Schemes under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

o Model Building Bye Laws, 2016 (MBBL): Prescribes standards for elder-
friendly, barrier-free environments.
 o Urban Bus Specification-II, 2013: Focuses on elder-friendly public transport
with low-floor buses and wheelchair spaces.

o Housing for All Mission/Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Prioritizes senior

citizens for ground or lower-floor housing allotments.

o Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-

NULM): Aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability, including providing shelters
for the urban homeless, irrespective of age.

These schemes collectively address the financial security, health care, safety, and general well-
being of senior citizens in India.
Upcoming event for Senior Citizens in India

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) and Trust for America's Health
are organizing the National Healthy Aging Symposium 3 for senior citizens in India, scheduled
for September 26, 2024. This event aims to showcase innovations in the age-friendly ecosystem
and promote the health and well-being of older adults. Building upon collaborations established
during the inaugural National Healthy Aging Summit in 2015, the symposium will feature expert
panels covering various crucial topics such as caregiving, social engagement, housing,
transportation, brain health, and workforce issues. Attendees can expect valuable insights from a
diverse range of policymakers, researchers, and professionals across multiple sectors, all
contributing to the ongoing dialogue on healthy aging and improved quality of life for seniors.

Conclusion
World Senior Citizen Day serves as a reminder to honor the contributions of the elderly and to
address the challenges they face. In the Indian context, where the aging population is growing
rapidly, government initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare and dignity of senior
citizens. As the nation moves forward, it is imperative to continue strengthening these initiatives
to provide a secure and respectful life for the elderly.
References:
[Link]
[Link]
Key Statistics on India's Aging Population
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
utlets,drugs%20and%20300%20surgical%20items.

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Anjali Gupta

3 [Link]
 National Sports Day 2024

Celebrating Fitness and Sports Culture in India

August 28, 2024

National Sports Day: An Overview

National Sports Day is an annual celebration on August 29th in honour of Major Dhyan Chand,
India's iconic hockey player. Known as "The Hockey Wizard," Dhyan Chand's unparalleled
skills and dedication to the sport left an indelible mark on the world of hockey. Over a career
that spanned from 1926 to 1948, Dhyan Chand scored more than 1,000 goals, leading India
to three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.

1
[Link]
Major Dhyan Chand's legacy extends beyond his extraordinary achievements on the hockey
field. He redefined Indian sports on the global stage, showcasing the country's dominance in
hockey during an era of fierce international competition. His contributions to Indian sports are
not only remembered for his victories but also for the inspiration he provided to future
generations of athletes.

The Celebration of National Sports Day

National Sports Day reminds people of the importance of physical fitness, sports, and overall
well-being. States like Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka, among others, organize various
sporting events and seminars to spread awareness about the significance of physical activities
and sports in daily life. Over the years, the government has utilised this day as a platform to
launch various sports schemes, such as the Khelo India movement, which was announced by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

2
[Link]
National Sports Day is also an occasion to honour India's sporting heroes with prestigious
awards. During a special ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President of India
confers national sports awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (formerly the
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna), the Arjuna Award, the Dhyan Chand Award, and the Dronacharya
Award. These recognitions celebrate the achievements of athletes and coaches who have
significantly contributed to Indian sports.

National Sports Day 2024

In celebration of National Sports Day 2024, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and
Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has called upon all citizens to participate in
outdoor sports for at least one hour. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of the Fit India
Movement, noting that it is the responsibility of every Indian to maintain their health and stay
active. "Play any sport, stay fit!" the Minister urged, encouraging everyone to join this
nationwide initiative.

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted that National Sports Day reminds us of the vital role sports
play in maintaining a balanced and healthy life. He appealed to everyone to engage in sports
with their family and friends on this occasion and take a step towards building a fit and active
India.

To further this mission, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with Fit
India and MyGov, has organized a series of events and activities to celebrate National Sports
Day 2024. All stakeholders are encouraged to organize sporting events and engagement

3
[Link]
activities—both fun and competitive—across the country. These events are scheduled between
August 26th and August 31st, 2024. Additionally, organisations are invited to hold a Fit India
Fitness Pledge event, where key stakeholders, including employees, can take the Fit India
Fitness pledge.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebration is the “Champions of India: National Sports
Day Quiz 2024.” This quiz is designed to remember the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes,
their outstanding achievements, and the rich legacy of sports in India. It offers an exciting and
educational experience for students, sports enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about India’s
sporting history. Participants will be able to challenge themselves, test their knowledge, and
compete with sports lovers from across the nation, making this quiz a truly inspiring event.

The Fit India initiative has seen tremendous participation and success since its inception. The
Fit India Mobile App has achieved over 5 lakh downloads, while the Fit India Quiz in 2022
saw 1,74,473 students from 42,490 schools across 36 States and Union Territories participate.
Additionally, the Fit India Freedom Run in 2022 covered an impressive 18.40 crore
kilometres with participation from 7.08 crore citizens. The Fit India School Week saw
1,17,844 students participate, and the Fit India Freedom Rider Biker Rallies featured 75
bikers, including 10 female bikers, covering 21,000+ kilometres across 75 iconic locations in
75 days.

Conclusion

National Sports Day is more than just a commemoration of Major Dhyan Chand's birth
anniversary; it is a celebration of the spirit of sportsmanship, excellence, and dedication that
he embodied. His legacy continues to inspire athletes nationwide, making August 29th a day
of pride and reflection for all who value the importance of sports in society.

References

[Link]
f

[Link]

[Link]
chand-birth-anniversary

[Link]

[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena /Madiha Iqbal

 Celebrating World Rhino Day

Assam's Role in Protecting the Greater One-Horned Rhino

September 22, 2024

World Rhino Day is celebrated annually on September 22 to raise awareness about the Rhinoceros
and the urgent need for their conservation. It serves as a global platform to highlight the critical
threats rhinos face, including poaching and habitat loss, while recognizing the efforts of individuals
and organizations dedicated to protecting these majestic animals. The day also emphasizes the
importance of preserving rhino populations for ecological balance, cultural heritage, and future
generations. It is a call to unite in the fight for rhino conservation worldwide.

Asian Rhino Species: Know your Rhino!

The Indian rhino is the largest of the three Asian species and shares its single horn characteristic
with the Javan rhino. The Sumatran rhino, in contrast, has two horns, a trait linking Asian and African
rhinos.

Rhino Ecology: Rhinos play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems. As mega-herbivores, they
shape grasslands by grazing, creating open spaces that benefit other wildlife. Their wallowing
behavior also creates waterholes, supporting various species.

Biology: Indian rhinos are known for their single horn and thick, armor-like skin. Adults can weigh
up to 2,800 kg and live for 45-50 years, feeding primarily on grass, leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants.

Habitat: Rhinos thrive in floodplain grasslands, swamps, and riverine forests, particularly in the
Terai region of India and Nepal.

Distribution: Indian rhinos are primarily found in protected areas in Assam, West Bengal, Uttar
Pradesh, and Nepal.

The Greater One-Horned Rhino – India’s Conservation Icon

Rhinos are ancient creatures, surviving millions of years due to their size, thick skin, and distinctive
horns. The greater one-horned rhino, found primarily in the Indian subcontinent, is the largest of
the three Asian rhino species and a true success story in conservation. With over 70% of its
population residing in Assam’s Kaziranga, this species stands as a testament to India’s
commitment to wildlife preservation.
The Kaziranga Model of Conservation, which emphasizes investment in forest frontlines and
scientific management of wildlife habitats, has gained global recognition. This model integrates
biodiversity conservation, anti-poaching strategies, and reforestation programs, ensuring the long-
term survival of rhinos.

Celebrating Assam's Rhino Conservation Efforts

Assam is collectively home to 80% of the global population of greater one-horned rhinos. This
conservation success story is the result of relentless efforts by the forest department and local
communities. The rhino population has surged by approximately 170% since the 1980s, growing
from 1,500 to over 4,014 today.

, 1%
2%
9%
3%
1%
4%

80%

Kaziranga NP Orang NP Manas NP Pobitora WLS

Jaldapara NP Garumara NP Dudhwa NP

Population of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros

Assam stands at the forefront of rhino conservation in India, a position it has held for over a
century through the dedication and sacrifice of its forest frontlines and the support of local
communities. The state's commitment to safeguarding the iconic greater one-horned rhinoceros
(Rhinoceros unicornis) has become a symbol of pride and resilience. By maintaining a rhino-centric
approach, Assam continues to be a global leader in wildlife conservation. On this World Rhino Day,
we honor Assam's efforts and renew our pledge to protect this majestic species for future generations.
 Achievements for Rhino Conservation

Government has been working relentlessly towards Rhino conservation and the impact of these
efforts is visible through achievements like:

1. Population Growth
- Rhino population growth in Assam from the 1960s (600 rhinos) to 2024 (over 4,000 rhinos).

2. Global Rhino Population in Greater Kaziranga

- 70% of the global population of this Asian Rhino species resides in Kaziranga.

3. Iconic Tourist Destination

- Kaziranga National Park gains its status as an iconic wildlife destination for both local and
international tourists.

4. Prime Minister's Visit

- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit with forest guards (Van Durgas) during his first-ever
visit to Kaziranga National Park, and his engagement in elephant rides and conservation efforts
creates enthusiasm and awareness among the common folks.

5. Expansion of Rhino Habitat

- An expansion of over 200 sq km in Orang National Park and the reclaiming of 12.82 sq km
in Laokhowa–Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, emphasizes habitat growth for rhinos.

6. New Protected Areas

- Newly declared protected areas, such as Siknajhar National Park and Poba Wildlife
Sanctuary, show Assam’s commitment to securing habitats for rhinos and other wildlife.

7. Zero Tolerance to Poaching

- Historic burning of 2,479 rhino horns to symbolize Assam’s zero-tolerance policy towards
poaching.
 Rhino Poaching
60
52
50 45
39
Rhino numbers
40

25 27
30
22
17
20 14
9
10 6
0
0
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
Years

Decline In Rhino Poaching

8. Legal Measures
- A number of legal measures have been taken for Rhino protection both pre and post independence.
These measures include the Assam Forest Protection Act of 1891 and the Bengal Rhinoceros
Preservation Act of 1932, which prohibited the killing, injuring, or capturing of rhinos, except in
self-defense or under license. After independence, the Assam Rhino Protection Act of 1954
reinforced these protections. Further, the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and its Assam
amendment in 2009 increased penalties for poaching, introducing harsher sentences, including life
imprisonment for repeat offenders, and higher fines to deter illegal activities. The Indian Rhino
Vision 2005 program also bolstered conservation efforts.
These steps help communicate Assam's achievements in rhino conservation effectively.

Kaziranga’s Success Story

Kaziranga National Park, with 2,613 rhinos as of 2022, is a global model for rhino conservation.
Strict protection measures, smart patrolling, and community engagement have contributed to its
success. Additionally, partnerships between the park authorities and local communities have
mitigated human-wildlife conflicts, further strengthening conservation efforts.

Increase In Assam Rhino Population 1966-2022 (Based on actual census records)

3500

3000

2500
Rhino numbers

2000

1500

1000

500

0
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
Years

Kaziranga is not only a conservation success story but also a prime destination for eco-tourism,
attracting wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the world. Revenue from tourism is
reinvested in conservation, ensuring the long-term protection of rhinos and other wildlife. Assam's
Kaziranga stands as a symbol of India's leadership in wildlife conservation and coexistence with
nature.

Key Threats to Rhino Conservation

Globally, rhino species face a precarious future, with populations dropping from around 500,000 in
the early 20th century to just over 28,000 today. Of the five remaining rhino species, three are
classified as critically endangered. Yet, the greater one-horned rhino in India has made a
remarkable comeback, thanks to India's proactive conservation policies and the dedicated efforts of
Assam's authorities. The main threats to Rhino population is:

Illegal Trafficking: Despite conservation successes, rhinos remain threatened by poaching, with
nearly 10,000 rhinos killed in the past decade to meet the demand for their horns, prized in traditional
medicine and as status symbols, particularly in China and Vietnam. Rhino products account for 29%
of globally trafficked illegal wildlife goods, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC).

Conservation Challenges: The recovery of rhino populations in Assam brings new challenges,
including the need for expanded habitats to accommodate growing populations. Climate change
poses an additional threat, with longer monsoon seasons and invasive species disrupting the
grasslands that rhinos depend on. Human-wildlife conflicts are another growing concern as rhino
habitats border densely populated agricultural areas.

In conclusion, World Rhino Day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing global efforts to protect
rhinos from extinction. Assam's remarkable success in conserving the greater one-horned rhino,
particularly through the Kaziranga Model, stands as an inspiration in wildlife conservation. The
state's commitment, alongside the support of local communities, has helped bring the rhino
population back from the brink. However, ongoing challenges such as poaching, habitat loss, and
climate change underscore the need for continued vigilance and cooperation. On this day, let us renew
our pledge to protect rhinos and preserve their habitats for future generations.

References
 • [Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sheetal Angral/ Madiha Iqbal

 World Tourism Day 2024
Tourism and Peace

(Ministry of Tourism)
27th September, 2024

INTRODUCTION

Cuisines, culture, people, and heritage have long

been essential in shaping economies and societies,
making tourism a key driver of any country’s
development. It is crucial in fostering global
understanding, creating jobs, and driving inclusive
growth. To make India a global travel destination,
India has set an ambitious target of a USD 3
trillion tourism economy by 2047.
The theme for World Tourism Day 2024,
‘Tourism and Peace,’ emphasizes the vital
connection between tourism and peacebuilding. It
emphasizes how travel, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism practices can contribute to conflict
resolution, reconciliation, and the promotion of global peace.

HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE

World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27 to commemorate the adoption of the
UNWTO's (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) statutes in 1970. The day aims to raise
awareness of tourism's role in international cooperation, sustainable development, and fostering cultural
exchange. Each year, a specific theme addresses current trends and challenges in the sector. In 2024,
Georgia will host World Tourism Day, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and
dedication to sustainable tourism practices.

INDIA CELEBRATES THE VIBRANT SPIRIT OF WORLD TOURISM DAY!

The Ministry of Tourism celebrated World Tourism Day with the theme "Tourism and Peace." The
event was graced by the Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar who emphasised the
importance of achieving excellence in hospitality and service. He highlighted India's transformation
with world-class infrastructure, doubling of
airports, and enhanced connectivity, which
will significantly impact tourism. Shri
Dhankhar also stressed tourism's role in
economic growth, cultural exchange, and
community development while
congratulating the Best Tourism Villages
Competition 2024 winners.

On the occasion, the Vice President of

India launched the following initiatives:
• Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi
were piloted in six tourist destinations across India: Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota
(Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri
Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). The program aims to elevate the overall
experience for tourists in destinations by having them meet ‘tourist-friendly’ people like cab
driver, hotel staff etc have been trained to transform into proud Ambassadors and storytellers
for their destination. Special emphasis is being placed on training women and youth to
develop innovative tourism products and experiences such as heritage walks, food and craft
tours, nature treks, homestays, and other destination-specific offerings.
• Best Tourism Village Winners: Best Tourism Villages Competition was introduced in
2023. The focus was to identify and recognize villages which preserve and promote cultural
and natural assets through community-based values and commitment to sustainability in all
aspects. This year, a total of 991 applications were received from 30 States and UTs, out of
which 36 villages were recognised as winners across 8 categories of the Best Tourism
Villages competition 2024.
• Incredible India Content Hub and Digital Portal: The revamped Incredible India digital
portal Incredible India Content Hub was launched.
• Launch of Handbook for States/UTs to grant Industry Status to Tourism &
Hospitality Sector

INCREDIBLE INDIA: BRINGING ATITHI DEVO BHAVA TO LIFE

One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a
rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in
the world. To promote India as a premier global tourist destination, the Incredible India
campaign was launched in 2002. It changed the paradigm of Indian Tourism with each passing
year -

2005: “Atithi Devo Bhava” was introduced to encourage Indian citizens to treat tourists with
hospitality, stressing cleanliness, friendliness, and safety for international visitors. It aims to
improve the perception of India as a welcoming and tourist-friendly nation.
2017: Incredible India 2.0 was introduced with a focus on digital promotion and a revamped
marketing strategy targeting niche segments like adventure, medical, and wellness tourism.

2022: The campaign celebrated two decades of promoting Indian tourism. New initiatives such as
India@75 and various celebrations for the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav were integrated into tourism
promotions.

2024: Work on the expansion

of Niche Tourism got started.
Niche Tourism products
were identified to overcome
the tourist seasonality and to
promote India as a 365-day
tourist destination. This will
help to attract tourists with
specific interests and to ensure
repeat visits for the unique
products: Cruise, Adventure,
Medical and Wellness, Golf,
Polo, Meetings Incentives Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE), Eco-tourism, Film Tourism,
Sustainable Tourism, Rural Tourism.

Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme has been available online since
1 January 2020. It is a digital initiative that aims to create an online learning platform and a
pool of well-trained professional tourist facilitators across the country to support tourists.
The Incredible India campaign has evolved over two decades, continuously adapting to global
trends and challenges while remaining a cornerstone of India's tourism promotion efforts. Keep on
adding new milestones to India’s Tourism Industry.

INDIAN TOURISM: GLOBAL IMPRINTS

• 46th UNESCO World Heritage Meeting: For the first time, India proudly hosted the 46th
session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, from 21st to 31st July 2024. This
significant event marked a milestone in India's longstanding association with the World
Heritage Convention, which began in 1977.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 46th WHC session on 21 July 2024. In
the inaugural session, in line with his vision of "Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi," Prime Minister
Modi announced a $1 million grant to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This
contribution will support capacity building, technical assistance, and conservation efforts,
particularly benefiting Global South countries.
 • 43rd World Heritage Site: Moidams
from Assam became India's 43rd
World Heritage Site. Located in the
Charaideo district of Assam, Moidams
are sacred burial mounds of the Ahom
dynasty, reflecting six centuries of
cultural and architectural
[Link] properties have
been nominated as World Heritage
Sites during the last five years. These
include Dholavira (Harappan City),
Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa)
Temple, Santiniketan, India, Sacred
Ensemble of Hoysalas and Moidams
from Assam.

• Record-breaking international
Arrivals: With 14.3 million
international tourists in 2022 and
$17.6 billion in revenue, India is fast
becoming one of the world's most
sought-after travel destinations.

INITIATIVES TO BOOST THE TOURISM SECTOR IN INDIA

1. Dekho Apna Desh initiative – Launched in 2020

Aims to encourage domestic travel by promoting India’s rich heritage and lesser-known
destinations. Major efforts include:

• Webinars and on-ground promotions for lesser-known destinations.

• Digital booklet on 75 Incredible Sites under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• Dekho Apna Desh – People's Choice 2024 : Campaign launched by Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi on 7th March, 2024, which will end on 15th October, 2024. This
Campaign seeks public feedback on the best tourist attractions in India across various
categories. On the basis of the result, the Ministry will develop the destinations in
mission mode, contributing to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047.

2. Vibrant Villages Programme - Launched on 15th February, 2023

With a financial outlay of ₹4800 crore for the FY 2022-23 to 2025-26, it covers 2,963
selected villages in 19 districts of northern border in the border states of Himachal Pradesh,
 Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh, with 662 of them to be covered in the
first phase. The objective of the programme is -
• To work on Comprehensive development of these villages to improve the quality of life
of people.
• Promotion of tourism and culture by augmentation of various tourism-related
infrastructure.
In its first phase, 25 vibrant villages out of a total of 662 villages were taken to promote
tourism and development. In addition, One Model Tourism Route comprising 27
vibrant villages of Arunachal Pradesh (Bomdilla-Tawang route) will be developed.

3. Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) Scheme: Launched in 2018

To provide various short-term skill courses in the field of Hospitality and Tourism for
unorganized/organised sectors.
Following skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling programmes are conducted under the
CBSP Scheme: -
• Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSRT)
• Entrepreneurship Programme
• Skill Testing & Certification
• Tourism Adventure Courses
• Linguistic Tourist Facilitators
• Tourism Awareness /Sensitization programme
• Destination Based Skill Development

4. 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline is available for domestic and foreign tourists to
provide support service in terms of information relating to Travel in India and to offer
appropriate guidance to tourists in distress. The toll-free number 1800111363 or on a short
code 1363 is available in 12 Languages, including 10 international languages (German,
French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic), Hindi
and English.

5. E-Tourist Visa (eTV): Launched in 2014 - It was launched to make travel to India trouble-
free and unforgettable for foreign tourists. Initially for 43 countries, now extended to 76
nations, with plans to expand to 150 countries to boost foreign tourism.

6. RCS–UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme- Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik): launched in

2016. Under RCS, UDAN Ministry of Tourism has collaborated with the Ministry of Civil
Aviation. Approximately 519 routes got operationalised under the scheme, including 53
tourism & 48 helicopter routes.

7. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Launched in 2014-15 to complement the efforts of respective

State Governments/UT Administrations for developing tourism facilities across the country
and has sanctioned ₹5287.90 Crore for undertaking 76 projects. Further, Swadesh Darshan
scheme was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to develop sustainable and
responsible tourism destinations, following a destination & tourism-centric approach. Under
 the scheme till July 2024, Ministry identified 57 destinations across 32 States/UTs in the
country for development including ‘Dholavira’ & ‘Dwarka’ in Gujarat, ‘Bundi
(Keshoraipatan) & ‘Jodhpur’ in Rajasthan and ‘Sindhudurg’ & ‘Ajanta-Ellora
(District Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)’ in Maharashtra. A project ‘Spiritual Experience,
Keshoraipatan’ amounting Rs.17.37 crore also has been sanctioned in the State of Rajasthan
under SD 2.0.

8. National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation

Drive (PRASHAD): Launched in 2014-2015. It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations
in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism
experience. The growth of domestic tourism hugely depends on pilgrimage tourism. Till
December 2023, a total of 46 projects for an amount of Rs.1629.17 Crore have been
sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme.

9. Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development Schemes for

the development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities to provide an enriching
tourism experience to the visitors. Till December 2023, a total of 54 projects for an amount
of Rs.780.92 Crore have been sanctioned during the period 2014-15 to 2023-24 (till
date) under the Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme.

10. National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), a central
sector scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 500 Cr. was launched on 21st January, 2015. It seeks
to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country. Under the
HRIDAY Scheme, funds have been allocated to the 12 cities for the entire Mission
period and directly released to the cities.

11. Domestic Promotion & Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme was launched
in 2019. Scheme’s main objective is to create a general awareness among the domestic
population about the potential tourist destinations in the country. The Ministry through its
20 domestic India Tourism Offices located across the country, undertakes the
promotional activities to promote India in a holistic manner which includes promotion of
domestic/local tourism by raising awareness about local tourism products which include
local religious and non-religious spots for the tourists coming from both outside and within
the State.
 12. Travel for LiFE Initiative was launched on 27th September, 2023 to promote sustainable
tourism in the country. Through
mindful and deliberate actions
mobilized toward tourists and
tourism businesses in the
consumption of tourism resources,
Travel for LiFE aims to promote
sustainable tourism in the country.

13. National Strategy for Sustainable

Tourism: Launched on 4th June
2022 it has identified the strategic
pillars (shown in the graphic) for
development of sustainable
tourism.

CONCLUSION
India's tourism industry is on a promising trajectory, driven by the ambitious target of achieving a
USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047 as part of the Viksit Bharat@2047. Despite facing certain
challenges along the way, the sector continues to flourish, fueled by various strategic initiatives
aimed at enhancing infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and enriching the overall visitor
experience. With a commitment to overcoming obstacles and leveraging opportunities, India is well
on its way to becoming a leading global travel destination.

Reference
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]

• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link] (World Tourism Day Event announcements)
• [Link] (Paryatan Didi-Paryatan Mitra)
• [Link] (Best Tourism Village Winner)
• [Link] (India Content Hub and Digital Portal Launch)
• [Link] (MoU on 27th September among industry)
• [Link] (UNESCO Event)
• [Link] (World Heritage Sites in India)
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link] (Dekho Apna Desh)
• [Link]
20Villages,in%20the%20States%20of%20Arunachal (Vibrant Village Programme)
• [Link] (e-Visa)
 • [Link]
e%20for%20undertaking%2076%20projects. (Swadesh Darshan 2.0)
• [Link]
der%20the%20Scheme%20are%20annexed. (PRASHAD)
• [Link] (Assistance to Central Aegis Scheme)
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
d%20developing%20tourism%20sub%20sectors.
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link] )
• ([Link]
re,also%20launched%20the%20Utsav%20Portal.
• [Link]
• [Link]
has,the%20development%20of%20the%20sector.&text=India%20has%20set%20an%20ambitious,Trillion%20to
urism%20economy%20by%202047.
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
heir%20special%20day%20in%20India.

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

 International Day of the Girl Child
Empowering Girls for a Brighter Future
October 10, 2024

The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11, serves as a powerful
reminder of the need to empower and protect girls worldwide. This day highlights the importance of
gender equality, education, and opportunities for young girls. This day acts as a reminder to create
an environment where girls can thrive, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to lead and shape their
futures.

International Day of the Girl Child

In 1995, the World Conference on Women in Beijing marked a turning point for advancing the rights
of women and girls worldwide. Countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform
for Action, the most progressive framework ever established to promote gender equality. For the first
time, the declaration specifically acknowledged the distinct rights of girls and called for comprehensive
global action to address their unique needs and challenges.
Building on this global momentum, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 66/170
on December 19, 2011, designating October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. This
day is dedicated to recognizing the rights of girls and raising awareness of the unique obstacles they
face globally. The International Day of the Girl Child highlights the urgent need to empower girls and
secure their human rights. It serves as a reminder that adolescent girls should have equal opportunities
for education, safety, and healthcare, just as boys do. If girls are effectively supported during their
formative years, they have the power to become the workers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-
makers of tomorrow, driving social and economic transformation across the globe.

Girls’ Vision for the Future: Theme 2024

The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child is “Girls’ Vision for the Future."
Research by UNICEF shows that girls, despite facing numerous challenges, remain hopeful and
determined to create a better future. Every day, girls around the world are working toward a vision in
which they are protected, respected, and empowered.
But they cannot achieve this alone. They need allies: governments, communities, and individuals—
who listen to and respond to their needs. When girls are supported with the right resources and
opportunities, their potential is limitless. And when they lead, the positive impact extends beyond
themselves to their families, communities, and economies.

Why Advocate for Girls' Rights?

The simple fact of being born a girl should not determine the scope of one's future. Unfortunately, for
millions of girls around the world, their gender still restricts their choices, limits their futures, and
denies them basic rights. The statistics paint a sobering picture as shown in the following image:
However, these challenges are not insurmountable. With correct initiatives and collective efforts it is
possible to fast-track progress toward a future where every girl has access to the health care, education,
and skills necessary to succeed.

Gender Equality in the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution upholds the principle of gender equality. It not only guarantees equality to
women but also empowers the state to take affirmative measures to counteract centuries of socio-
economic and political discrimination. Women are granted fundamental rights that protect them from
discrimination based on sex and gender. They are also entitled to equal protection under the law, and
it is the duty of every citizen to uphold the dignity of women, free from derogatory practices.
Empowerment of women is more than just policy; it is a transformative process that allows women to
claim equal opportunities across economic, cultural, social, and political spheres. This includes the
ability to make decisions both inside and outside the home and to influence social change for a better
future.
Schemes for Girl Child: Government Initiatives

The total population of Women is registered at 58.75 Crore,1 as per the 2011 Census, underscoring the

1
[Link]
critical role of their empowerment and protection in fostering sustainable development. Ensuring their
holistic growth is not only crucial for their individual well-being but also for the overall advancement
of society. In particular, recognizing and upholding the rights and opportunities of girls is essential for
building a more equitable future.

The Indian government has introduced a comprehensive range of schemes aimed at empowering girls,
recognizing their pivotal role in society. Initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Sukanya
Samriddhi Yojana underscore efforts to promote gender equality and secure the future of girls by
encouraging savings for education and marriage. Launched in 2015, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
allows parents to invest in their daughters' futures, ensuring financial security and equal opportunities.
In addition to these, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) and the Scheme for Promotion of
Menstrual Hygiene address health and nutritional needs among women. Udaan is an innovative
project launched in 2014 aims at addressing the low enrollment of girl students in prestigious
engineering institutions and bridging the gap between school education and engineering entrance
examinations. The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE),
launched in May 2008, aims to enhance educational opportunities for girls, particularly those from
Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. while Educational initiatives like
Udaan and the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education are designed to
improve access to education and reduce dropout rates.

Further, Legal measures to empower and protect the girl child include several key initiatives. The
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, aims to eliminate child marriage by penalizing those
involved. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, addresses child
abuse, with updated rules in 2020 to enhance its implementation. The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015,
ensures the care and protection of children in need. Mission Vatsalya focuses on child development
and protection, with services like the Child Helpline and the Track Child portal to assist missing
children. Track Child portal has been made functional since the year 2012. This portal facilitates the
matching of ‘missing’ children being reported at Police stations with those ‘found’ children who are
residing in the Child Care Institutions (CCIs). The PM CARES for Children Scheme supports
children orphaned by COVID-19. Additionally, collaborations with NIMHANS and the E-
SAMPARK program provide mental health and medical care.
Together, these efforts foster a secure environment, promoting the rights and well-being of girls in
India.

Call to Action

The need for urgent action to support girls cannot be overstated. Investing in girls' futures is a direct
investment in the collective future of our global society. This International Day of the Girl Child, let
us reaffirm our commitment to championing the rights of every girl and helping them realize their full
potential. The time to act is now, for when girls thrive, society thrives!

References :-
[Link]
girl:~:text=International%20Day%20of%20the%20Girl%202024&text=Observed%20annually%20o
n%2011%20October,about%20girls%20and%20their%20rights.
Annual Report 2022-23: [Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena /Madiha Iqbal
 World Food Day 2024
(Ministry of Food Processing Industries)
15th October, 2024

Introduction

Food is the ultimate source of life, essential for health and well-being. Despite global food
production being more than sufficient to meet the needs of the world's population, millions still
struggle to access nutritious and adequate food. This gap highlights the persistent challenges in
achieving food security for all. Observed annually on October 16th, World Food Day serves as a
powerful reminder of these challenges. It focuses attention on the urgent need to eradicate hunger
and build resilient global food systems capable of overcoming barriers like climate change,
economic disparities, and social inequalities.

History & Theme

World Food Day, observed annually on October

16, has its roots in the establishment of the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the
United Nations in 1945. Officially founded in
1979 during the FAO's 20th General Conference,
the day highlights global food security issues. The
first celebration occurred in 1981 with the theme
"Food Comes First," and the United Nations
General Assembly endorsed it in 1984.
World Food Day 2024 theme is "Right to Food for
a Better Life and a Better Future." Recognized by
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the
right to food is not merely about survival but about
enabling individuals to live healthy, dignified
lives. Addressing global hunger requires more
than just increased food production; it demands
sustainable agricultural practices, equitable distribution systems, and supportive social policies to
reach those most in need.1

India’s Commitment to Food Security

India, home to a significant portion of the world's population, has made remarkable progress in
combating hunger and ensuring food security through a variety of programs and policies focused
on malnutrition, poverty alleviation, and agricultural sustainability. In line with this year's World
Food Day theme, its efforts are pivotal in improving millions of lives. India’s diverse food security
programs encompass national schemes and local initiatives targeting low-income families,
children, and the elderly. Government various welfare schemes, showcase India’s commitment to
tackling hunger and malnutrition effectively:

1. National Food Security Act (NFSA): This act ensures subsidized food grains for up to
75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population, benefiting approximately 81
crore individuals, including 16 crore women.2
2. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched to assist the poor
during the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY will continue for an additional five years,
providing free food grains to around 81.35 crore beneficiaries.3
3. PM POSHAN Scheme: This scheme, designed to enhance the nutritional status of children
in government schools, has a total budget of ₹12,467.39 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25,
targeting hunger effectively.4

1
[Link]
2
[Link]
act#:~:text=The%20Act%20legally%20entitles%20upto,to%20receive%20highly%20subsidized%20foodgrains.
3
[Link]
4
[Link]
 4. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Focused on the most vulnerable, AAY supports over
8.92 crore individuals, ensuring food security and emphasizing women's empowerment
among its beneficiaries.
5. Rice Fortification: Between 2019-20 and March 31, 2024, approximately 406 lakh metric
tonnes of fortified rice were distributed through the PDS, enhancing the nutritional intake
of millions across the country.5
6. Price Stability and Affordability Initiatives: The government has utilized the Price
Stabilization Fund (PSF) to manage price volatility of essential commodities. Strategic
measures include increasing the onion buffer and launching subsidized products like Bharat
Dal, Bharat Atta, and Bharat Rice, ensuring affordability for lower-income groups.6

Indian Thali in Global Spotlight

The Indian Thali has gained global recognition recently with the WWF Living Planet Report
acknowledging it for its remarkable contribution to nutrition and sustainability. The traditional
Indian diet, largely plant-based, is centered around grains, pulses, lentils, and vegetables, which
significantly reduce the use of natural resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to
animal-based diets. The report highlights that if the global population adopted India’s consumption
patterns, we would only require 0.84 of an Earth by 2050 to sustain global food production. This
recognition places India at the forefront of sustainable food practices, showing how local traditions
can help tackle environmental challenges while promoting health for all.

Conclusion

India's initiatives to tackle hunger and malnutrition reflect the nation's commitment to ensuring
food security and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Through comprehensive programs
and policies aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing food distribution, and
supporting vulnerable populations, India is making significant strides towards eradicating hunger.
On World Food Day, these efforts underscore the country's dedication to achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger. By continuing to innovate and invest in
sustainable agricultural practices and social welfare schemes, India is not only addressing its own
challenges but also setting a positive example for the global fight against hunger and malnutrition.

5
[Link]
6
[Link]
Reference

• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• Welcome to Department of Food and Public Distribution ([Link])
• [Link]
act#:~:text=The%20Act%20legally%20entitles%20upto,to%20receive%20highly%20subsidized%2
0foodgrains.
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

 World Iodine Deficiency Day
Strengthening Public Health through Awareness and Action

20 October 2024

Introduction

World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention
Day, is observed annually on 21st October. The day aims to raise awareness about the essential role
of iodine in maintaining good health and to emphasize the consequences of iodine deficiency. This
document outlines the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and its crucial significance in preventing
iodine deficiency disorders.

What is Iodine?

Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine
(T3), which regulate metabolism and are crucial for fetal and infant development. Found in foods
and iodized salt, iodine exists in several forms, including sodium and potassium salts, inorganic
iodine (I2), iodate, and iodide. Iodide, the most common form, is quickly absorbed in the stomach
and used by the thyroid for hormone production. Most excess iodide is excreted through urine.

What happens in Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development and is the most common
cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world. Iodine deficiency disorders result from
inadequate thyroid hormone production secondary to insufficient iodine. During pregnancy and
early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects.
 ➢ If a person’s iodine intake falls below approximately 10–20 mcg/day,
hypothyroidism occurs, a condition that is frequently accompanied by goitre.
Goitre is usually the earliest clinical sign of iodine deficiency.
➢ In pregnant women, iodine deficiency of this magnitude can cause major
neurodevelopmental deficits and growth retardation in the fetus as well as
miscarriage and stillbirth.
➢ Chronic, severe iodine deficiency in utero causes cretinism, a condition
characterized by intellectual disability, deaf mutism, motor spasticity,
stunted growth, delayed sexual maturation, and other physical and
neurological abnormalities.
➢ In infants and children, less severe iodine deficiency can also cause
neurodevelopmental deficits such as somewhat lower than average intelligence
as measured by IQ.
➢ Mild to moderate maternal iodine deficiency has also been associated with an
increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.
➢ In adults, mild to moderate iodine deficiency can cause goiter as well as
impaired mental function and work productivity secondary to hypothyroidism.
➢ Chronic iodine deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of the
follicular form of thyroid cancer.

National Efforts to Eradicate Iodine Deficiency

Recognizing the serious health implications of iodine deficiency, the Government of India initiated
national efforts to combat the problem through the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP)
in 1962. This program marked a significant step toward addressing iodine deficiency, which was
linked to conditions such as mental and physical retardation, cretinism, and stillbirths.

In 1992, the program was broadened and renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Control Programme (NIDDCP) to cover a wider range of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and
ensure its implementation across all States and Union Territories.
 Primary goals of NIDDCP include:
➢ Reducing the prevalence of IDD to below 5% nationwide.
➢ Achieving 100% consumption of adequately iodized salt (with 15 ppm of iodine) at the
household level.

To accomplish these goals, the programme focuses on several key objectives:

➢ Conducting surveys to assess the magnitude of IDD in different districts.

➢ Replacing common salt with iodized salt in affected regions.
➢ Conducting resurveys every five years to measure the impact of iodized salt on IDD.
➢ Monitoring iodized salt quality and urinary iodine excretion through laboratory testing.
➢ Promoting health education and public awareness about iodine’s role in preventing IDD.

A major policy decision was made in 1984 to iodize all edible salt in India, which became a phased
initiative starting in 1986. By 1992, the country aimed to fully transition to iodized salt. Today, India
produces 65 lakh metric tonnes of iodized salt annually, which is sufficient to meet the needs of its
population. This ongoing national effort underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating
iodine deficiency and improving public health.

Achievements of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)

The implementation of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) has
led to significant achievements in the reduction of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) across India:
 ➢ Reduction in Total Goiter Rate (TGR): The programme has substantially reduced the Total
Goiter Rate, a key indicator of iodine deficiency, across the country.
➢ Increased Iodized Salt Production & Consumption: The production of iodized salt has
reached 65 lakh metric tonnes (MT) annually, which is sufficient to meet the dietary needs
of the Indian population.
➢ Regulatory Measures: Under Regulation 2.3.12 of the Food Safety and Standards
(Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011, the sale of common salt for direct
human consumption is prohibited unless the salt is iodized, ensuring nationwide use of iodized
salt.
➢ Establishment of Monitoring Laboratories: A National Reference Laboratory for
monitoring iodine deficiency disorders has been established at the National Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, along with four regional laboratories at NIN, Hyderabad,
AIIH&PH, Kolkata, AIIMS, and NCDC, Delhi. These laboratories conduct training,
monitoring, and quality control of salt and urine testing for iodine levels.
➢ State-Level Implementation: 35 States/UTs have set up IDD Control Cells within their
respective State Health Directorates, and an equal number have established State IDD
Monitoring Laboratories to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
➢ Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities: Extensive IEC campaigns
have been carried out to raise public awareness about the importance of regularly consuming
iodized salt to prevent IDD.
Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency

Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency have been significant, with initiatives like Iodine
Deficiency Day focusing on raising awareness about the critical role iodine plays in thyroid function,
growth, and development. Globally, an estimated 1.88 billion people are at risk of inadequate iodine
intake, impacting nearly 30% of school-aged children. The World Health Organization (WHO) and
UNICEF have championed universal salt iodization since 1993, resulting in over 120 countries
adopting iodization programs.
These concerted efforts have led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency disorders across India,
contributing to the improvement of public health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, World Iodine Deficiency Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in preventing
iodine deficiency disorders through national initiatives like NIDDCP and global efforts spearheaded
by WHO and UNICEF. Continued and monitoring will ensure sustained success, ultimately
contributing to healthier populations and improved quality of life worldwide!

References
[Link]
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/ Madiha Iqbal

 National Unity Day

Celebrating the Legacy of Unity and Integrity

(Ministry of Home Affairs)

October 30, 2024

“Manpower without Unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it
becomes a spiritual power”
-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Overview

Every year, on October 31, India observes National Unity Day, also known as Rashtriya Ekta
Diwas. This significant day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a
pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home
Minister of India. Renowned for his exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to national
integration, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is fondly remembered as the "Iron Man of India." National
Unity Day serves as a reminder of his efforts to unite the diverse princely states into a single nation
and fosters a spirit of solidarity among the people of India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: A visionary leader

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat. A successful lawyer
by profession, his life encountered a turning point when Mahatma Gandhi chose him as his deputy
commander to lead the Kheda Satyagraha in 1918. Thus, as the leader of a peasants’ protest, he
found the trajectory of his life turning towards a path of public service. In 1924, he was elected
President of the Ahmedabad Municipal Board. Taking charge, he revamped the drainage,
sanitation, cleanliness and water distribution systems of Ahmedabad. To their sheer awe, the
citizens witnessed the President of the Board taking up a broom and dust cart himself, and cleaning
the Harijan quarter of the city. In him, the city of Ahmedabad found a new hero.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel became increasingly involved with the struggle for independence. It was
his role in the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 that elevated him to a new pinnacle of national glory.
The peasant movement that became a subject of great discussion across the nation demonstrated
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s organizational capacity and enthusiasm for tireless action. It was here
that he earned the title of ‘Sardar’, the fond epithet by which he continues to be remembered and
revered. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel went on to become one of the foremost pillars of the national
struggle for freedom.

At the time of Independence, India consisted of British India and the Princely States. There were
17 British Indian provinces, and the Princely States- comprising about two fifths of the geographic
territory of the country- numbered more than 560. While the Indian Independence Act ceded
control of British India to the Indian Government, rulers of the Princely States were given the
option to decide whether they wanted to accede to India or Pakistan or neither. Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel stepped in to ensure the accession of the princely states and integrate them into the Union of
India. On 15 August 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took oath as the first Deputy Prime Minister,
as well as the first Home Minister of independent India. He also took charge of the Information
and Broadcasting Ministry.

Dr Rajendra Prasad administers the Oath of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at a Press Conference
Office to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Integration of States
Celebrating National Unity Day

National Unity Day serves as a reminder of the values that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel embodied:
unity, integrity, and inclusiveness. In a country as diverse as India, with myriad cultures,
languages, and religions, fostering a sense of unity is essential for national progress. The day
encourages citizens to reflect on the importance of coming together to overcome challenges,
celebrate diversity, and promote harmony. The celebration of National Unity Day is marked by
various events and activities across
the country. Government
institutions, schools, and colleges
organize a number of events to
spread awareness about the
importance of unity. One of the key
highlights of the day is the Run for
Unity, a nationwide marathon held
to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s
vision of a united India.

To mark the 10th National Unity Day, the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit
Shah flagged off the 'Run for Unity' on 29th October, 2024 organized in New Delhi. Initiated as a
call for solidarity in 2015, the Run for Unity symbolizes a pledge not only for national cohesion
but also for a progressive, developed India, embodying the vision of a united and prosperous future.
10th National Unity Day

As part of the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the
foundation stone of various infrastructural and development projects worth over Rs 280
crore in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), situated in the Narmada district of Gujarat. These projects
aim to enhance the tourist experience, improve accessibility and support sustainability initiatives.

On 31st October, Prime Minister will participate in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations and
offer floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He will administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and
witness Ekta Diwas Parade which will comprise of 16 marching contingents from 9 States and 1
UT Police, 4 Central Armed Police Forces, NCC and a marching band. Special attractions include
Hell March contingent of NSG, daredevil show by BSF and CRPF women and men bikers, a show
on combination of Indian Martial Arts by BSF, piped band show by school children, ‘Surya Kiran’
flypast by Indian Air Force, among others.

Statue of Unity

October 31st, 2018, marked the inauguration of the world’s tallest statue – the Statue of
Unity, against the backdrop of the breathtaking Satpura and Vindhyachal hills at Kevadia,
Gujarat. The 182-metre (600 feet approx.) statue is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the
architect of independent India. The colossal monument towers over River Narmada & overlooks
the vast surrounds and the river basin of the Narmada River and the sprawling Sardar Sarovar dam.
It stands on the Sadhu Bet hillock, connected by a 300-metre bridge, which offers access from the
mainland to the statue.

The Statue of Unity offers a range of captivating attractions, making it a premier destination for
both cultural and eco-tourism. Visitors can enjoy the nightly Laser Light and Sound Show, which
illuminates the statue and narrates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy. The scenic Valley of
Flowers, featuring over two million plants, and the iconic Sardar Sarovar Dam, the second largest
gravity dam worldwide by concrete volume, are must-visit sites. For an immersive natural
experience, Panchmuli Lake offers a tranquil boat ride surrounded by lush greenery. Other
highlights include the Cactus Garden, showcasing desert flora, and Ekta Nursery, where guests
can purchase plants as a symbol of unity. Children’s Nutrition Park and the Dino Trail provide
engaging educational experiences, while the Jungle Safari and Vishwa Van global forest celebrate
biodiversity with diverse plant and animal species, adding to the uniqueness and diversity of this
remarkable site.
Statue of Unity

Conclusion

National Unity Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a call to action for every citizen to
embrace the spirit of oneness. In a world that often seems divided, the values championed by
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remain more relevant than ever. As we celebrate this day, let us commit
ourselves to building a united and harmonious society, honoring the legacy of the Iron Man of
India by fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and unity is cherished. Together,
we can strive towards a brighter future for our nation, rooted in the principles of integrity, respect,
and solidarity.

References:

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sheetal Angral/ Kajal Sumal

 World Diabetes Day 2024

November 14, 2024

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, serves as a crucial platform for raising
global awareness about diabetes, a significant public health challenge impacting millions worldwide.
This observance spotlights the urgent need for comprehensive action in diabetes prevention, early
diagnosis, effective management, and equitable care access. The theme for this year ‘Breaking
Barriers, Bridging Gaps,’ highlights the collective commitment to overcoming obstacles in
diabetes care and ensuring that every individual diagnosed has access to high-quality, affordable
treatment.

In 2024, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps” encourages a focus on inclusivity in healthcare,

emphasizing collaboration among governments, health organizations, and communities to address
disparities in diabetes care. This theme calls for a unified approach to not only reduce diabetes risk
factors but also provide sustained support to those living with the condition. Observances,
educational programs, and campaigns aim to inspire both communities and individuals to take
proactive steps toward a healthier future, aiming to close the treatment gap and uplift the lives of
millions affected by diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting from either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas
or the body's inability to use insulin effectively. Insulin is essential for regulating blood glucose
levels, and without proper insulin function, blood sugar can rise uncontrollably, a condition known
as hyperglycemia. Uncontrolled diabetes, particularly over time, can damage various body systems,
especially the nerves and blood vessels. As per Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes
(ICMR INDIAB) study published in 2023, the prevalence of diabetes is 10.1 crores.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly, though in type 2 diabetes, they may develop gradually,
sometimes taking years to notice. Typical signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred
vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If untreated, diabetes can damage blood vessels in
critical organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It raises the risk for severe health issues,
including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and in some cases, permanent vision loss due to
damaged retinal blood vessels. Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the
feet, resulting in ulcers and, potentially, amputations.
How to Prevent Diabetes?

Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Recommendations for prevention include maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active with at
least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, follow a balanced diet low in added sugars and saturated
fats and avoid tobacco use. Through proactive lifestyle management, individuals can reduce their
risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related complications.

Government of India’s Diabetes Prevention Initiatives

The Government of India has launched several proactive measures to tackle diabetes as part of the
broader National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-
NCD) under the National Health Mission (NHM).

• The Government of India, under the NP-NCD, provides technical and financial assistance to
states and UTs through the National Health Mission (NHM).
• Support is allocated based on state and UT proposals with a focus on prevention and
management of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
• 743 District NCD Clinics and 6,237 Community Health Center NCD Clinics have been
established across India to ensure local-level care and accessible services.
• Emphasis is on training healthcare personnel, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and
facilitating early diagnosis and referral.
• Implemented a population-based initiative that offers screening and control for common
NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Targeting individuals over 30,
screenings are a core part of the healthcare services provided at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• These centers promote preventive health practices, conduct screenings, and engage in
community-based wellness initiatives.
• Public awareness on diabetes is promoted through observance of national and international
health days.
• A range of media, including print, electronic, and social platforms, is used to ensure
consistent community awareness and education.
• Healthy lifestyle promotion includes guidance from the Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI) on nutrition.
• The Fit India Movement, led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and yoga programs
from the Ministry of AYUSH encourage active and healthy lifestyles.
• Under NP-NCD, states receive financial support for diabetes awareness programs as per their
Program Implementation Plans.
• In addition to preventive measures, the NP-NCD also offers financial assistance for
purchasing glucometers and diabetes medications, as requested by states and UTs. The
NHM’s Free Drugs Service Initiative provides free essential medicines, including insulin, to
economically vulnerable groups.
• Through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), quality generic
medications, including insulin, are made available at affordable prices with state
collaboration to ensure wider accessibility.

Conclusion

World Diabetes Day reminds us of the growing impact of diabetes on global health and the urgent
need for collective action to prevent, diagnose, and manage this chronic condition. In 2024, the
theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’ underscores the critical importance of accessible, high-
quality diabetes care, especially for underrepresented communities. The Government of India’s
initiatives reflect a proactive, multi-faceted approach to diabetes prevention through enhanced
healthcare access, awareness programs, and lifestyle promotion programs. By fostering awareness,
providing resources, and encouraging healthy living, these initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence
of diabetes and alleviate its long-term complications, contributing to a healthier future for all citizens.

References
[Link]
Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1864 Dated 19th December, 2023
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
cil%20of,of%20diabetes%20is%2010.1%20crores.
[Link]
[Link]
cil%20of,of%20diabetes%20is%2010.1%20crores.

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Aswathy Nair

 Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Celebrating Tribal Heritage
(Ministry of Tribal Affairs)

14th November, 2024

Bhagwan Birsa Munda taught us how to live in harmony with our surroundings and be proud of our culture.
Inspired by him, we are working to fulfil his dreams and to empower our tribal communities.

~ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi 1

Introduction

India’s rich cultural diversity is largely shaped by its tribal

communities, who have played a crucial role in the nation’s
history and development. Every year on November 15th,
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions
of these communities, especially in India’s freedom struggle.
The day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda,
a tribal leader and freedom fighter, whose legacy continues to
inspire. This occasion highlights the important role of tribal
groups in preserving India’s heritage and advancing its progress.

Background

Since 2021, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas has been celebrated with great zeal across India to honor the sacrifices of
tribal freedom fighters. The tribal communities played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle, with movements
like those led by the Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis, and Mizos, among others. These revolutionary struggles

1 [Link]
were marked by immense courage and sacrifice, but their contributions were often overlooked by the wider
public.

Tribal movements against British rule, like the Ulgulan (Revolution) led by Birsa Munda, were not only pivotal
in challenging British oppression but also inspired a national awakening. Birsa Munda, revered as Bhagwan by
tribal communities, led a fierce resistance against the exploitative colonial system, making his birth anniversary
on 15th November a fitting occasion to honor tribal heroes.

To ensure the sacrifices of these unsung heroes are never forgotten, the Indian government declared 15th
November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2021, marking 75 years of India's
independence. The day celebrates the glorious history, culture, and heritage of tribal communities, with events
held nationwide to foster unity, pride, and recognition of their significant contributions to India’s freedom and
progress. 2

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas Celebrations in 2024 3

In 2024, as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan
Birsa Munda, a special event was held on 13th November in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya,
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, will lead the ‘Maati Ke Veer’ Padayatra
(foot march) alongside MY Bharat Youth Volunteers. The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai,
and other state ministers will also join the march to honor Birsa Munda's legacy. This event is a tribute to his

2 [Link]
3 [Link]
pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and a celebration of the remarkable contributions of tribal communities
to the nation’s development.

On November 15th, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Jamui, Bihar, to mark the commemoration of
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The Prime Minister will also unveil a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honor of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore, aimed
at improving infrastructure and uplifting tribal communities in rural and remote areas.

Prime Minister to Inaugurate and Lay Foundation for Key Development Projects:4

➢ Grih Pravesh Ceremony: Prime Minister to participate in the inauguration of 11,000 houses under
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
➢ Mobile Medical Units (MMUs): Inauguration of 23 MMUs under PM-JANMAN and 30 additional MMUs
under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) to enhance healthcare access in tribal
areas.
➢ Tribal Entrepreneurship & Education: Inauguration of 300 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), 10 Eklavya
Model Residential Schools for tribal students (worth Rs 450 crore) and foundation stone for 25 more
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (worth Rs 1,110 crore).
➢ Cultural Preservation: Inauguration of two Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums in Chhindwara and
Jabalpur, MP and two Tribal Research Institutes in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gangtok, Sikkim.
➢ Infrastructure Development: Foundation stone for 500 km of new roads and 100 Multi-Purpose Centres
(MPCs) under PM-JANMAN.

4 [Link]

0Aaba%20Bhagwan%20Birsa%20Munda.
Schemes for the Welfare of Tribes

In addition to Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the government has launched several programs and initiatives aimed at
supporting tribal communities through socio-economic empowerment, sustainable development, and cultural
preservation. According to the 2011 Census, India’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population stands at 10.42 crore, or
8.6% of the total population, comprising over 705 distinct groups spread across remote and often inaccessible
areas. To uplift these communities, the government has implemented various schemes that focus on improving
education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and preserving tribal culture, ensuring their holistic
development and integration into the national mainstream.

Government Initiatives and Financial Support for Tribal Development 5

The Indian government’s efforts for tribal development began with the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in 1974-75, evolving
into the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) and the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
These initiatives ensured coordinated tribal welfare across ministries. Financial support has grown significantly,
with the DAPST budget increasing from ₹25,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2023-24. For 2024-25, the Union
Budget has allocated ₹13,000 crore to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, marking a 73.60% rise from the previous
year.

Launch of Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan6

5 [Link]
6 [Link]
On October 2, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
in Hazaribag, Jharkhand. With an outlay of over ₹79,156 crore, this ambitious program aims to address critical
gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood development across approximately 63,843 tribal
villages. The Abhiyan benefits over 5.38 crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,911 blocks, spanning 30
states and Union Territories (UTs). It integrated 25 interventions across 17 ministries and departments of the
Government of India.

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN)7

Along with the Dharti Aaba program, the Prime Minister launched projects under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati
Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). This significant initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on November 15, 2023, during Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in Khunti District, Jharkhand. This aims to uplift
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). With a budget of ₹24,104 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26, the
initiative focuses on improving the quality of life for PVTG communities through targeted support, including
Aadhar enrolment, community certificates, PM-Jandhan Yojana, and Ayushman cards. The mission emphasizes

7 [Link]
effective outreach, local engagement, and strong coordination to empower PVTG families and integrate them
into India’s socio-economic mainstream.

The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) 8

The Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY) aims to provide basic infrastructure in villages with a
significant tribal population. Under the scheme, 36428 villages having 50% tribal population and 500 Scheduled
Tribes (STs) have been identified for providing basic infrastructure facilities in these villages, which includes
villages in the Aspirational Districts identified by NITI Aayog.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were launched in 2018-19 as part of a Central Sector Scheme
to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children in remote areas, offering them opportunities for
higher education and employment. These schools follow the Navodaya Pattern and accommodate 480
students from Class VI to XII.

As of now, 1.29 lakh tribal students are enrolled across these schools. The government has approved a total of
728 EMRS schools, with 440 new schools (excluding 12 overlapping locations) proposed to be established
under the current scheme, further expanding access to quality education for tribal communities.

Key Government Scholarships and Fundings for Tribal Empowerment

The government offers various scholarships and financial support to empower tribal communities, focusing on
education and skill development.

1. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes

These scholarships aim to reduce dropout rates and support tribal students' education:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship: Financial assistance for ST students in Classes IX and X, promoting the transition
to secondary education.

• Post-Matric Scholarship: Financial aid for ST students from Class XI to post-graduate courses, supporting
higher education.

8 [Link]
2. National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students

This scheme offers meritorious ST students the chance to pursue post-graduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral
studies at international universities. With an emphasis on excellence and global exposure, the government
grants 20 awards annually, with 30% reserved for female candidates.

3. National Fellowship for ST Students

This fellowship scheme supports tribal students pursuing higher education through a fully digital process,
ensuring timely financial assistance and grievance redressal via DigiLocker integration.

Schemes for Income Generation and Economic Empowerment

The government has launched several schemes to empower tribal communities, focusing on income generation
and economic development.

❖ The Term Loan Scheme offers soft loans up to 90% of business costs, with repayment terms of 5 to 10
years.
❖ The Adivasi Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojna (AMSY) provides concessional loans up to ₹2 lakhs at 4% interest
for tribal women.
❖ The Micro Credit Scheme supports tribal self-help groups with loans up to ₹5 lakhs.
❖ The Adivasi Shiksha Rinn Yojana (ASRY) provides soft loans for tribal students pursuing higher education.
These initiatives aim to boost entrepreneurship, education, and self-reliance among tribal populations.

Health Initiatives for Improved Outcomes 9

9 [Link]
The government has launched several health initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for tribal communities,
focusing on disease prevention and healthcare access.

1. Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Launched by Prime Minister Modi on July 1, 2023, in Madhya Pradesh, the mission targets the elimination of
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder prevalent among tribal populations in Central, Western, and
Southern India.

2. Mission Indradhanush

Immunization Campaign focuses on ensuring full immunization for children up to two years of age and pregnant
women, with a special emphasis on tribal communities. The mission has extended its services to provide free
COVID-19 vaccines, further ensuring healthcare access for tribal populations. Goal of mission is to increase
immunization rates and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases in underserved areas, especially in tribal regions.

3. Nikshay Mitra Initiative

The Nikshay Mitra Initiative targets tuberculosis (TB), offering diagnostic, nutritional, and vocational support to
TB patients, particularly those from tribal communities. Provides additional support for TB patients, including
nutritional assistance and vocational training to enhance recovery. Focus on tackling TB effectively in tribal areas,
improving health outcomes and encouraging early detection and treatment adherence.

5. National Health Mission (NHM) and Haemoglobinopathy Guidelines

The National Health Mission under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare developed comprehensive
guidelines for the prevention and control of haemoglobinopathies, including Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which are
common among tribal population. Recognizing the severe impact of SCD, the government is intensifying efforts
toward its eradication through screening, awareness campaigns, and improving healthcare access.

6. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Supports maternal and child health, offering financial assistance to
tribal women for prenatal and postnatal care.

Honouring and Celebrating India’s Tribal Communities

To honour the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters, the government has sanctioned the establishment of 10 Tribal
Freedom Fighters' Museums across states where tribals fiercely resisted British rule. On November 1, 2022,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to develop Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan’s Banswara district, a
site where over 1,500 Bhil freedom fighters were martyred in 1913 during a British massacre. This memorial, a
collaborative effort between Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, will serve as a national
tribute to tribal resilience and cultural heritage.

All these initiatives, along with other steps taken by the government, have paved the path of bringing the tribal
communities into the mainstream while honouring their cultures, legacies and ways of life. 10

Conclusion

The government has introduced various initiatives to empower these communities, focusing on education,
health, and socio-economic development. By raising awareness and fostering solidarity, we can ensure the
preservation of tribal cultures while improving their quality of life and integrating them into India’s progress.
Through these efforts, tribal communities can continue to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth. Janjatiya
Gaurav Divas highlights the importance of preserving tribal heritage and honoring the contributions of tribal
communities.

References

• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• Press note Details: Press Information Bureau
• [Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

10 [Link]
 National Press Day 2024
“Changing Nature of Press”
(Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)
15th November, 2024

Introduction

The media is often referred to as the fourth pillar of

democracy, playing a crucial role in shaping public
opinion, driving development, and holding power to
account. As a powerful tool for progress, it is essential
that the press remains free from bias and upholds its
duty to inform and educate the masses. For years, the
media has been at the forefront, safeguarding the
interests of millions and fostering transparency. To
recognize its vital contributions, National Press Day is
celebrated every year on November 16th, honoring the
essential role of a free and responsible press in our
society.

Roots of National Press Freedom1

National Press Day, observed on November 16, marks the day the Press Council of India (PCI) began its operations
in 1966. Established as an independent body, the PCI’s primary role is to ensure that the press maintains high
standards of journalism while remaining free from external influences. The idea for the Council was first
proposed by the First Press Commission in 1956, which emphasized the need to protect press freedom and
promote ethical reporting. Since its formation, the PCI has played a crucial role in safeguarding the independence
of the press, even holding authority over state actions to ensure that the media can operate without fear or

1
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interference. This day symbolizes a free and responsible press, central to democracy. It is commemorated
through various activities, including the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism and the release of a
Souvenir.

❖ National Award for Excellence in Journalism to honor outstanding contributions in print media. These
awards, presented annually on National Press Day, recognize exceptional journalists across various fields,
with the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award serving as the highest honor.
❖ Souvenir is a compilation of goodwill messages from prominent leaders and opinion pieces from media
experts and academics on the theme of the year. Released on National Press Day, it also highlights the
achievements of awardees, showcasing their outstanding work through articles and photographs
honored each year.

Each year, National Press Day highlight’s important themes that reflect the evolving challenges and
responsibilities of the media.2

Celebration of National Press Day 20243

This year, National Press Day will be celebrated on 16th November 2024 at the National Media Centre in New
Delhi, starting at 4:00 PM. The theme for this year's event is "Changing Nature of the Press", reflecting the

2
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3
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0National,and%20Broadcasting%2C%20Shri%20Ashwini%20Vaishnaw.
evolving dynamics of the media landscape. The event will be graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Information and
Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, with Dr. L. Murugan, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Information and
Broadcasting, and veteran journalist Padma Bhushan Shri Kundal Ramanlal Vyas as guests of honor. The function
will be presided over by Smt. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Hon’ble Chairperson of the Press Council of India.

Strengthening Media Democracy: The Press Council's Impact 4

The Press Council of India (PCI) was first

established in 1966 under the Indian Press
Council Act, 1965, following the
recommendations of the First Press
Commission. Its primary objectives were to
preserve press freedom and maintain high
standards of journalism in India. However, the
Council was dissolved during the Emergency in
1975, and a new Act, the Press Council Act,
1978, re-established the PCI in 1979,
reaffirming its role as a quasi-judicial body with
statutory authority.

The Council consists of a Chairman (usually a

retired Supreme Court judge) and 28
members, including journalists, media owners,
and representatives from Parliament,
education, law, and literature. It is empowered
to arbitrate on issues related to press freedom,
journalistic ethics, and public taste, offering
recommendations on laws affecting the press.

It can take suo-motu action or investigate complaints related to unethical reporting or interference with press
freedom. Its decisions are final and cannot be challenged in any court. Over the years, the PCI has played a crucial
role in shaping the ethical framework of Indian journalism and safeguarding the independence of the media.

4
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Initiatives to Empower Press5

The Press Council of India (PCI), since its inception, has taken significant strides in shaping the landscape of press
freedom and ensuring that the media in India upholds high ethical standards while remaining independent.
Here's a brief overview of the Council's key developments and initiatives over the years:

2023:

Representation of LGBTQ+ Community: The PCI adopted a report on the representation of the LGBTQ+
community in the media, promoting fair and responsible coverage.

Guidelines for Reporting on Natural Disasters: The Council formulated guidelines for media professionals
covering news during natural disasters, emphasizing sensitivity and accuracy in reporting.

2022:

The PCI continued its advocacy for journalistic ethics by updating its Norms of Journalistic Conduct, ensuring
that journalists adhere to professional and ethical standards.

2004-2000:

Throughout these years, the PCI focused on a range of issues such as media ethics, democracy, media's role in
disaster management, and freedom of expression.

International Engagement:

• The PCI has been an active participant in global forums and international exchanges. It has engaged with
media councils in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, and Myanmar, aiming to
promote cross-border cooperation on press freedom and peace journalism.

• The South Asian Alliance of Press Councils (SAAPC) was also established, fostering collaboration between
press councils in the region.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs):

• The PCI has signed MoUs with press councils from countries like Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri
Lanka, aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and advancing press freedom globally.

Internship Programs and Educational Initiatives:

5
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 • The PCI introduced merit-based internships for journalism students to foster a sense of responsibility and
awareness regarding press freedom. The Summer Internship Program (SIP) and Winter Internship
Program (WIP) offer students an opportunity to engage with the PCI's work.

The PCI's activities and initiatives reflect its ongoing commitment to protecting press freedom, upholding ethical
standards, and supporting the professional development of journalists across India and internationally.

Issue Resolved by the Council over the years6

The Press Council of India (PCI) has played a vital role in safeguarding press freedom and maintaining ethical
standards in journalism. Over the years, it has resolved a wide range of issues, including addressing complaints
related to violations of press norms and threats to press freedom, with over 37,000 complaints filed between
1979 and 2024. The Council has been instrumental in issuing guidelines and principles to help journalists
regulate their conduct and has consistently appealed for media responsibility during times of national crisis.
Additionally, the PCI has conducted studies on key topics like election coverage, press reporting on defense, and
the safety of journalists, contributing to the ongoing development of media standards in India.

6
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Conclusion

National Press Day serves as an important reminder of the vital role that the press plays in shaping our
democracy. Since its establishment, the Press Council of India has worked tirelessly to uphold press freedom,
maintain journalistic standards, and address challenges facing the media. From tackling issues like media ethics
and press safety to adapting to the digital age, the Council continues to guide and support the media in its
mission to inform, educate, and empower the public. National Press Day not only celebrates the achievements
of the press but also reinforces the responsibility it carries in building a more informed and transparent society,
ensuring that the future of journalism remains strong, free, and responsible.

References

• [Link]
• [Link]
0will%20be%20observing%20National,and%20Broadcasting%2C%20Shri%20Ashwini%20Vaishnaw.
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link] (Month Wise Case Registered)

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kamna Lakaria

 World Toilet Day 2024
Ensuring Dignity and Health Through Sanitation

November 18, 2024

World Toilet Day, celebrated annually on November 19, is an official United Nations observance
aimed at raising global awareness and action to address the urgent sanitation crisis. Observed since
2013, this day has been dedicated to emphasizing the importance of safe and accessible toilet facilities
as part of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensuring water and sanitation for all by 2030. This
year's theme is ‘Toilets - A Place for Peace’ which emphasizes that billions of people face heightened
threats to sanitation due to conflict, climate change, natural disasters, and systemic neglect.

Context and Significance

World Toilet Day was established to shed light on the challenges faced by billions worldwide due to
inadequate sanitation. The observance underscores the indispensable role of proper toilet facilities in
maintaining public and environmental health by preventing the spread of deadly diseases such as
cholera. There is a desperate need for sanitation services with 3.5 billion people still living without
safely managed sanitation and 419 million practicing open defecation around the world.
Sanitation services act as a protective barrier, ensuring that human waste does not enter ecosystems
and endanger communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2023 that unsafe
water, sanitation, and hygiene are responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths of children under the
age of five every day. Improved sanitation could potentially save 1.4 million lives annually,
highlighting the urgent need for action.

World Toilet Day 2024: A Call for Resilient Sanitation

The 2024 campaign for World Toilet Day carries a clear and urgent message: governments must ensure
that sanitation and water services are resilient, effective, and accessible to everyone, safeguarded
against conflict and climate-induced disruptions. The statistics are staggering—2.2 billion people still
lack safely managed drinking water, and 2 billion lack basic hygiene services, including 653
million with no facilities at all.
Children living in fragile contexts are particularly vulnerable, being three times more likely to practice
open defecation and eight times more likely to lack basic drinking water services. In conflict-affected
areas, children under 15 are nearly three times more likely to die from diseases linked to poor
sanitation than from direct violence, underscoring the catastrophic impact of inadequate sanitation.

Celebrations in India and Global Campaigns

In India, World Toilet Day serves as a pivotal moment to reinforce efforts toward sustaining the
nation’s Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. The government has directed all States and Union
Territories to conduct ground-level surveys to identify existing gaps and expedite the construction of
Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs). Additionally, village-level registration drives and camps are
organized to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive timely sanction orders for toilet construction.
This year, India is going to launch the campaign “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman”, which
will commence on November 19 and culminate on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2024, linking
sanitation with human rights and the universal need for dignity and privacy, especially for women and
girls.

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been a cornerstone of India’s efforts to improve sanitation
and eliminate open defecation, marking a transformative journey since its launch in 2014. Under SBM-
Grameen, substantial progress has been made, including the construction of over 11.73 crore
household toilets, resulting in more than 5.57 lakh ODF Plus villages. This initiative significantly
contributed to public health, with WHO reporting 300,000 fewer diarrheal deaths by 2019 compared
to 2014. The mission's economic impact was equally impressive, saving ODF villages an average of
INR 50,000 per family annually on healthcare. The urban counterpart, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban,
also met and exceeded its targets, facilitating the construction of 63.63 lakh household latrines and
over 6.36 lakh community and public toilets. These efforts led to 4,576 cities achieving ODF status,
with many progressing to ODF+ and ODF++ designations. The mission has profoundly impacted
women's safety and dignity, with 93% of women in ODF regions reporting enhanced feelings of
security. Collectively, SBM has laid the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable India,
aligning with the overarching goals of World Toilet Day and SDG 6.

A Human Right and a Public Health Imperative

In conclusion, World Toilet Day 2024 serves as a vital reminder of the global urgency to address
sanitation challenges, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected regions. This observance
underscores that access to safe and resilient sanitation is not just a matter of infrastructure, but a
fundamental human right tied to dignity, health, and security. Governments, organizations, and
communities must come together to prioritize sustainable solutions, promote awareness, and invest in
long-term measures to ensure that no one is left behind. By working collectively, we can turn the vision
of universal access to water and sanitation into reality, protecting the health and well-being of billions
and creating a foundation for a more equitable and just world.
References
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
peace#:~:text=World%20Toilet%20Day%202024%2C%20on,tackle%20the%20global%20sanitation
%20crisis.
World Toilet Day Campaign 2024 pdf

Santosh Kumar/Ritu Kataria/ Madiha Iqbal

 World Fisheries Day
Sustainable Fishing Practices for a Thriving and Eco-Friendly Fisheries Sector

“To me the Blue Chakra or wheel in India’s national flag represents the potential of Blue Revolution or
the Ocean Economy. That is how central the ocean economy is to us.”
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi

November 20, 2024

Overview
World Fisheries Day,
observed every
November 21st, is a
global event that
underscores the
critical importance of
sustainable fisheries
and the need to protect
aquatic ecosystems
and the livelihoods of
fishing communities.

The Day originated in

1997 when the "World
Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers" convened in New Delhi. During this meeting, representatives from
18 countries came together to establish the "World Fisheries Forum" and signed a declaration advocating for
adopting sustainable fishing practices and policies worldwide. The day raises awareness about the various
threats facing the world’s fisheries, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices,
while also advocating for the rights of small-scale fishers, who are often among the most marginalized and
vulnerable groups worldwide.

In India, World Fisheries Day takes on special significance, given the country's vital role in global fisheries
and aquaculture. As the 3rd largest fish producer, 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world after China and
the largest producer of shrimp, India contributes significantly to both domestic food security and the global
seafood market.

The Indian fisheries sector not only supports the livelihoods of around 30 million people, especially in coastal
and rural communities, but it also holds immense potential for growth, job creation, and rural development.
In recent years, Indian fisheries have experienced a significant shift, moving from a marine-dominated sector
to a greater focus on inland fisheries. The contribution of inland fisheries to total fish production has risen
dramatically in India Within this shift, there has been a notable transition from capture fisheries to culture-
based (or aquaculture) practices, which has played a key role in driving the growth of a sustainable blue
economy.

On World Fisheries Day, India joins the global call for action to promote sustainable fisheries practices, protect
marine environments, and empower fishing communities, reinforcing its leadership in the sector and its
dedication to safeguarding the future of global seafood production

India Celebrates World Fisheries Day 2024

The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying is set to celebrate World Fisheries Day
(WFD) on 21st November 2024. This year’s World
Fisheries Day 2024 theme is India’s Blue
Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and
Sustainable Fisheries. The event will be hosted by
the DoF on 21st November 2024 at Sushma Swaraj
Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of the Union
Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
& Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of
Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan
Singh.

The inaugural session of World Fisheries Day

(WFD) 2024 will focus on launching several key initiatives to promote sustainable fisheries and
aquaculture. These include the 5th Marine Fisheries Census for data-driven policymaking, the National
Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks for shark conservation, and the Bay of Bengal-Regional Plan of Action
(BoB-RPOA) to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Other initiatives include the
IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project to tackle marine plastic pollution and the launch of Standard
Operating Procedures for retrofitted LPG kits to encourage energy-efficient fishing practices.
Additionally, the Coastal Aquaculture Authority will introduce a New Single Window System for online
registration of coastal aquaculture farms, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed
to establish a Voluntary Carbon Market framework in the fisheries sector. Progressive States/UTs,
individuals, and entrepreneurs will also be honoured for their contributions to the growth of Indian fisheries
and aquaculture.

Two technical sessions will take place: the first will address South-South and Triangular Cooperation for
sustainable fisheries and food security, and the second will discuss the challenges of climate change in
fisheries and potential mitigation strategies. These sessions will explore future opportunities for sustainable
development, including carbon credits, plastic management, and traceability in the fisheries sector. WFD
2024 aims to foster partnerships, promote best practices, and create awareness about the achievements and
untapped potential within the fisheries sector.1

India’s Role in Global Fisheries: Key Facts and Achievements

❖ Position in Global Fisheries and Aquaculture
India’s fisheries sector
is a key player on the
global stage, with the
Blue Revolution
highlighting the critical
importance of fisheries
and aquaculture in the
country. Recognized as
a "sunrise sector," it is
poised to make a
significant contribution
to the Indian economy
in the near future, driven by its vast potential for growth and development. As the 3rd largest fish producer, it
is an integral part of the global food system. The country is also the 2nd largest aquaculture nation, contributing
significantly to the world’s shrimp and fish supply.2India is the world leader in shrimp production, a critical
component of its seafood exports. The sector’s continued growth supports both domestic consumption and
international markets, where India has become a significant exporter.

[Link]
Safety%20through%20South%2D%20South%20Cooperation&text=The%20Department%20of%20Fisheries%20(DoF,on%2021st%
20November%202024.

2
[Link]
In addition to shrimp, India produces a wide range of fish, including carps, catfish, and tilapia, which are vital
to the global food supply chain. India’s fisheries sector is also a major contributor to food and nutritional
security, both within the country and internationally.

❖ Growth in Fish Production

India’s fish production has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. Initially dominated by marine fish
production, the sector has seen a significant shift towards inland fisheries, which now contributes around 70%
of the country’s total fish production. This transformation has been driven by the adoption of science-based
fisheries management practices and the holistic approach under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY), which focuses on optimal utilization of resources, technology infusion, and capacity building.

A key contributor to this growth is the culture-based fishery in India’s vast network of tanks and ponds, which
cover approximately 2.36 million hectares. The government is investing in expanding rearing and grow-out
pond areas, as well as diversifying species and adopting sustainable aquaculture practices. The PMMSY has
sanctioned numerous projects, to further boost production and improve productivity from 3 tonnes per hectare
to 5 tonnes per hectare.

Brackish and saline aquaculture has also seen significant growth, particularly in shrimp farming, which has
become a major contributor to India’s seafood export earnings. India has around 1.42 million hectares of
brackish/saline areas, though only about 13% is currently utilized.3

Additionally, India is focusing on the development of saline water aquaculture, aiming to convert wastelands
into productive aquaculture zones. States like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, with high soil
salinity, are being promoted for saline water aquaculture.

Cold water fisheries, particularly in the Himalayan states, offer another promising avenue for growth. Cold
water fisheries also have the potential to generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to niche
markets, particularly for omega-rich trout, which is being promoted as a high-value product across the
Himalayan region.

Growing Investment in the Fisheries Sector

The Department of Fisheries received a historic Rs. 2,584.50 crore allocation for FY 2024-25, marking a 15%
increase in the annual budget. This funding will support the implementation of the PMMSY, FIDF, and other
developmental schemes aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries practices.

Since the First Five-Year Plan, the expenditure on the fisheries sector was Rs. 3,680.93 crore. However, from
2014-15 to 2023-24, a total of Rs. 6,378 crore has been allocated for various fisheries development activities.

3
[Link]
Over the last nine years, the targeted investment in the sector has exceeded Rs. 38,572 crore, marking the
highest-ever investment in this growing sector.4

Government Initiatives and Schemes to Promote Sustainable Fisheries

❖ Blue Revolution Integrated Development and Management Fisheries Scheme or Blue
Revolution Scheme was launched in FY2015-16. The scheme primarily focused on increasing fish
production and productivity.
❖ Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in May 2020, is a flagship initiative aimed
at transforming India’s fisheries sector.

The scheme focuses on enhancing

aquaculture productivity,
improving fisheries management,
and creating 55 lakh new jobs in the
sector, along with big
infrastructural changes of
establishing five integrated
aquaparks. It also envisages
doubling fisheries exports to 1 lakh
crores. One of the central goals of
PMMSY is to increase aquaculture
productivity, which currently
stands at 3 tonnes per hectare (Ha),
to 5 tonnes per hectare. It also aims
to improve fish farming
infrastructure and reduce seafood
production waste. In addition to
these, the scheme strongly focuses on sustainable practices, ensuring that growth in the sector is achieved
without compromising environmental integrity.

❖ Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) was introduced in 2018-19 to provide
funding for the creation of infrastructure in both marine and inland fisheries. FIDF loans can cover up to 80%

4
Press Release: Press Information Bureau
of the project cost, with interest subvention of up to 3%. This financial support is essential for fish farmers,
entrepreneurs, and cooperatives looking to improve the infrastructure required to scale up production.

❖ ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE): A Centre of Excellence

Institutional Development and Mission:

The Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), established in 1961, is India’s leading institution for
higher education and research in fisheries. CIFE has trained more than 4,000 fisheries extension workers and
professionals who play a crucial role in promoting sustainable fisheries practices across the country. CIFE’s
role in capacity building has been critical to the growth of India’s fisheries sector. By providing technical
expertise and scientific knowledge, CIFE has helped improve fish production methods, reduce waste, and
develop innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture. Additionally, the institute conducts applied research
on fish health, aquatic nutrition, and sustainable fish farming practices, helping the sector adapt to new
challenges.

Promoting Sustainable Fishing in India: Safeguarding Marine Resources for the Future

India's commitment to sustainable fisheries management is reflected in its comprehensive approach to

regulating and conserving marine resources, particularly within its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ). The subject of fisheries within the 12 nautical miles from the coast falls under the 'State list' of
the Constitution, with the coastal states and Union Territories (UTs) enacting the Marine Fishing Regulation
Act (MFRA) to manage and regulate fishing activities.

Key highlights of India's sustainable fishing efforts include:

National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017): The Government of India has introduced the NPMF,
which places a strong emphasis on sustainability as the core principle for all marine fisheries actions. This
policy guides the conservation and management of India’s marine fishery resources.

Regulation and Conservation Measures: To ensure the long-term sustainability of marine fish stocks, the
Government has implemented several conservation measures, including:

❖ Uniform Fishing Ban: A 61-day uniform fishing ban during the monsoon season in the EEZ to allow
fish stocks to replenish.
❖ Prohibition of Destructive Fishing Methods: Bans on pair trawling, bull trawling, and the use of
artificial LED lights in fishing, which help reduce overfishing and minimize damage to marine
ecosystems.
 ❖ Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sea ranching, the installation of artificial reefs, and
mariculture activities such as seaweed cultivation.
❖ Fisheries Regulations by States/UTs: Coastal States/UTs have also implemented gear-mesh size and
engine power regulations, minimum legal size (MLS) of fish, and zonation of fishing areas for different
types of vessels, contributing to sustainable fishing.5

Conclusion
As India continues to strengthen its fisheries sector, it will not only help meet the growing global demand for
seafood but also contribute to the economic empowerment of millions of fishers and fish farmers, fostering a
sustainable and inclusive growth model for the future. The collaboration between the government, scientific
institutions like ICAR-CIFE, and global initiatives will be instrumental in ensuring that India remains at the
forefront of the global push for responsible and sustainable fisheries practices.

In conclusion, with its robust policy framework, increased investments, and a clear focus on sustainability,
India’s fisheries sector is poised to play a leading role in securing the future of global food systems and
ecosystems while providing economic empowerment to its fishing communities.

Reference:
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Partnerships,Safety%20through%20South%2D%20South%20Cooperation&text=The%20Department%20of%20Fishe
ries%20(DoF,on%2021st%20November%202024.
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Ritu Kataria/ Ishita Biswas

5
[Link]
 National Milk Day
Celebrating India’s White Revolution

November 25, 2024

Observed annually on November 26, National Milk Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr.
Verghese Kurien, celebrated as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India. Born on November
26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala, Dr. Kurien was instrumental in transforming India from a milk-
deficient nation to the world's largest producer of milk. This day underscores the transformative
impact of India’s dairy sector, a key contributor to nutritional security, rural empowerment, and
economic growth.

Globally India is 1st in Milk production with 230.58 million ton per annum and it is 25% of world
production of milk followed by USA. Several measures have been initiated by the Government to
increase the productivity of livestock, which has resulted in increasing milk production significantly.
Milk production during 2021-22 and 2022-23 is 222.07 million tonnes and 230.58 million tonnes
respectively showing an annual growth of 3.83%. The per capita availability of milk is around 459
grams/day in 2022- 23.

India's Dairy Revolution

Following the visit of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to Anand district of Gujarat in 1964,
the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was created in 1965 with a mandate to support
creation of the Anand pattern of dairy cooperatives across the country through Operation Flood (OF)
programme. Verghese Kurien, the first chairman of NDDB, along with his team commenced work
on the launch of the project which envisaged the organization of Anand-pattern cooperatives in milk-
sheds across the country from where liquid milk produced and procured by milk cooperatives would
be transported to cities.

1
Annual Report 2023-24 [Link]
Operation Flood was implemented in the following phases:
1. Phase I (1970–1980) was financed by the sale of skimmed milk powder and butter oil donated
by the European Union (then the European Economic Community) through the World Food
Program.
2. Phase II (1981–1985) increased the milk-sheds from 18 to 136; urban markets expanded the
outlets for milk to 290. By the end of 1985, a self-sustaining system of 43,000 village
cooperatives with 4,250,000 milk producers were covered.
3. Phase III (1985–1996) enabled dairy cooperatives to expand and strengthen the infrastructure
required to procure and market increasing volumes of milk. This phase added 30000 new dairy
cooperatives which led to 73000.

The bedrock of Operation Flood has been village milk producers' cooperatives, which procure milk
and provide inputs and services, making modern management and technology available to members.
 Major Achievements for India

❖ World’s largest producer of milk since 1998 and at present contributing 25 percent
to the World’s total milk production
❖ Milk Production 231 MMT in 2022-23 with value of output of Rs. 11.16 lakh crore
❖ Provide livelihoods to 8.5 crore rural households
❖ Total bovine population increased (from 29.96 crore in 2012 to 30.22 crore in 2019) by
0.86% whereas in-milk Bovine population Up ( 8.3 crore in 2014 to 10.48 crore in 2023)
by 26.26%.
❖ Under NAIP, AI services delivered free of cost at farmers doorstep in 605 districts and so
far, 7.13 crore animals covered, 8.74 crores AIs performed, and 4.06 crores farmers
benefitted
❖ To promote modern reproductive technologies, 22 IVF labs established
❖ 10 million doses of sex sorted semen produced so far ; 70 lakh doses distributed for AI
❖ In the last 3 years 38736 MAITRIs have been inducted
❖ During the last 3 years 3700 progeny tested bulls produced against the target of
4000 bulls over a period of 5 years
❖ 142 Breed Multiplication Farms sanctioned against the targets of 125 farms over the
period of 5 years
❖ DAHD developed complete livestock digital ecosystem Bharat Pashudhan system.
❖ The database Bharat Pashudhan was launched by Hon’ble PM on 2nd March 2024.
❖ More than 34 Crore transactions have been recorded by FLWs utilizing all the
functionalities.

Empowering Women Through Dairy Cooperatives

The role of women in dairying is prominent. They look after most of the dairying activities such as,
fodder collection, feeding, cleaning, milking, watering, management, health care, household level
processing of milk and its marketing. Dairying has always been regarded as one of the activities that
could contribute to poverty alleviation and employment generation, especially in drought-prone and
rain-fed areas. Compared to other sectors, gender equity is more pronounced in livestock and animal
husbandry sector where women constitute about 69 per cent of the workforce.
Active participation of women in all spheres of dairy cooperative business and governance is central
to dairy development in the country. Women are encouraged to take up leadership role in the
management committee of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) and boards of the milk unions. Two
milk unions, Ichhamati Cooperative Milk Union in West Bengal and Mulukanoor Women’s
Mutually Aided Milk Producers Cooperative Union in Andhra Pradesh have evolved as all
women cooperative dairies managed and governed by women.

Out of 22 Milk Producer Organisations (MPOs) facilitated by NDDB (through NDS), 15 have an all-
women membership and all the Producer Directors on their respective boards are women dairy
farmers. Collectively, these MPOs have 8.7 lakh dairy farmers as producer members spread across
22,277 villages. Women represent 71 percent of these producers and 65 percent are smallholder milk
producers.

Key Government Initiatives Supporting Dairy Development

The Government of India has introduced several initiatives in this sector including National Dairy
Plan (NDP), Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), Rashtriya Gokul
Mission (RGM), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), A-HELP (Accredited Agent
for Health and Extension of Livestock Production), Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for Dairy Farmers
etc. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing milk production, improving productivity, and uplifting
rural livelihoods.
 The Legacy of National Milk Day

National Milk Day is not just a celebration of Dr. Kurien's vision but also an acknowledgment of
India’s remarkable journey in dairy development. As the world’s largest producer, India exemplifies
how a nation can achieve self-reliance, rural empowerment, and nutritional security through visionary
leadership and cooperative spirit. Let us honor the farmers, cooperatives, and pioneers who have
made India’s White Revolution a global success story.

References

Https://[Link]/
Annual report 2023-24: [Link]
Lok sabha unstarred question no.534 to be answered on 6 th february 2024
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena /Madiha Iqbal

 World AIDS Day 2024

November 30, 2024

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1 since 1988, serves as a global platform to unite
people in raising awareness about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) /AIDS (Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome) and demonstrating solidarity against the pandemic. It is an opportunity for
governments, organizations, and communities to reflect on the progress made in prevention,
treatment, and care while highlighting the ongoing challenges. This day, recognized as one of the
most significant international health observances, not only spreads awareness but also
commemorates those who have lost their lives to AIDS and celebrates milestones such as expanded
access to healthcare services. By fostering understanding about HIV as a critical public health issue,
World AIDS Day underscores the integral connection between combating AIDS and achieving
Universal Health Coverage and the Right to Health.
2024 Theme: “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”

The theme for World AIDS Day 2024, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” emphasizes the
importance of healthcare access and the empowerment of individuals in managing their health. It
underscores the need to address systemic inequalities that prevent vulnerable populations from
receiving essential HIV prevention and treatment services. This year’s theme highlights the role of
human rights in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance, can exercise
their right to health. By focusing on this rights-based approach, the 2024 campaign seeks to foster
inclusivity, reduce stigma, and encourage global cooperation to eradicate AIDS as a public health
threat.

The Current State of HIV/AIDS: A Global and National Perspective

As per the Global AIDS Update 2023 released by The Joint United Nations Programme on
HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), significant strides have been made globally in combating HIV/AIDS. New
HIV infections have declined in countries like India, where a robust legal framework and increased
financial investments have facilitated progress toward the goal of ending AIDS as a public health
threat by 2030. India, in particular, has been acknowledged for strengthening laws to protect the
rights of vulnerable populations.

On the national front, the India HIV Estimations 2023 report highlights that over 2.5 million people
are living with HIV in India. Despite this, the country has made notable progress, with adult HIV
prevalence recorded at 0.2% and annual new HIV infections estimated at 66,400, a 44% reduction
since 2010. India has outperformed the global reduction rate of 39%, demonstrating the success of
sustained interventions. The availability of free high-quality lifelong treatment for over 16.06 lakh
people living with HIV (PLHIV) through 725 ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centers (as on June
2023) and 12.30 lakh viral load tests conducted between 2022–2023 reflect India’s commitment to
ensuring care for affected populations.

India’s Response to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: A Comprehensive Approach

India’s battle against the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in 1985 with sero-surveillance to detect the
virus in various population groups and geographic locations. The initial phase (1985-1991) focused
on identifying HIV cases, ensuring blood safety before transfusions, and generating targeted
awareness. The response gained momentum with the launch of the National AIDS and STD Control
Programme (NACP) in 1992. This marked the beginning of a systematic and comprehensive
approach to tackling HIV/AIDS in the country. Over 35 years, NACP has become one of the largest
HIV/AIDS control programs in the world.

Evolution of the NACP Phases

The first phase of NACP (1992-1999) prioritized creating awareness and ensuring blood safety. With
the launch of the second phase (1999-2007), direct interventions were introduced across prevention,
detection, and treatment. States were also equipped with the capacity for effective program
management. The third phase (2007-2012) saw a major scale-up of activities, with decentralized
program management reaching district levels. The fourth phase (2012-2017) consolidated earlier
efforts with increased government funding, ensuring the program's sustainability.

The extended NACP Phase-IV (2017-2021) brought several landmark initiatives, including the
passage of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, which guarantees equal rights
for HIV-positive individuals and prohibits discrimination against them. This act, which came into
effect in September 2018, strengthened India’s legal framework to safeguard the rights of people
living with HIV (PLHIV).

During this phase, the government also launched the ‘Test and Treat’ policy in 2017, ensuring that
every individual diagnosed with HIV receives free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) irrespective of
their clinical stage. To re-engage PLHIV who had discontinued treatment, the ‘Mission Sampark’
initiative was implemented in 2017. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2021 posed
significant challenges to the program. However, the NACP leveraged information technology to
enhance program review, coordination, and capacity-building efforts. Innovations like multi-month
drug dispensation and community-based ART refills ensured the continuity of treatment services
during the pandemic.

NACP Phase-V: Renewed Focus on Ending AIDS

Launched as a Central Sector Scheme for 2021-26 with an outlay of Rs. 15,471.94 crore, NACP
Phase-V aims to build on past achievements and address persistent challenges. The NACP Phase-V
aims to reduce annual new HIV infections and AIDS-related mortalities by 80% by 2025-26 from
the baseline value of 2010. Additionally, the NACP Phase-V aims to attain dual elimination of
vertical transmission, elimination of HIV/AIDS related stigma while promoting universal access to
quality STI/RTI services to at-risk and vulnerable populations.
The NACP Phase-V is designed to achieve specific targets by focusing on eight guiding principles,
including community-centered approaches, synergy building, technology integration, gender-
sensitive responses, and fostering partnerships. Key collaborations are planned with public and
private sectors, leveraging existing government schemes for cost-effective service delivery.

Key Objectives of NACP Phase-V

1. HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control:

• Ensure 95% of high-risk individuals access comprehensive prevention services.

• Achieve 95-95-95 targets: 95% of HIV-positive individuals know their status,
95% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 95% of those patients achieve viral
suppression.
• Eliminate vertical transmission by ensuring 95% of pregnant women with HIV
have suppressed viral loads.
• Less than 10% of people living with HIV and key populations experience stigma
and discrimination

2. STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)/ RTI (Reproductive Tract Infection) Prevention and
Control:

• Provide universal access to high-quality services for at-risk populations.

• Eliminate vertical transmission of syphilis

Conclusion

World AIDS Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done to eliminate
HIV/AIDS. Through the NACP Phase-V and its rights-based approach, India has made significant
progress in prevention, treatment, and care. However, challenges like systemic inequalities and
social stigma require continued focus. The theme “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”
encapsulates the collective mission to foster inclusivity, uphold human rights, and ensure equitable
healthcare access. As the world moves closer to achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, India’s
efforts exemplify the power of collaborative action, innovative strategies, and an unwavering
commitment to health equity. By addressing the structural challenges and scaling up successful
interventions, India is poised to lead the global fight against HIV/AIDS, ensuring a healthier, stigma-
free future for all.

References
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2555 Dated 4th August, 2023
[Link]
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Sheetal Angral/ Ritu Kataria/ Aswathy Nair
 National Farmers’ Day
Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation
(Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare)
December 22, 2024
Introduction
Farmers, the lifeblood of the nation and revered as ‘Annadatas’, are the foundation of India’s
prosperity. Their relentless toil feeds the nation, sustains the rural economy, and ensures the
strength of every household. National Farmers’ Day, observed on 23rd December, celebrates
their invaluable contribution. This day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan
Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, renowned for his deep understanding of rural issues and
unwavering advocacy for farmers’ welfare. It is a moment to honour our farmers’ unwavering
dedication and recognise their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress.

Recognising the vital role of farmers, the Government of India has introduced a suite of
initiatives designed to support their socio-economic upliftment and ensure sustainable
agricultural growth. These programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
(PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and Pradhan Mantri Kisan
Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), are aimed at providing financial security, risk mitigation, and
long-term social security for farmers. By addressing both immediate challenges and long-term
needs, these schemes underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing the backbone of
the nation and fostering a sustainable agricultural future.
Role of Farmers in Nation-Building
India’s agricultural sector, employing nearly half of the nation’s population, remains a
cornerstone of the country’s economy and a key driver of nation-building. It contributes 17.7%
to the Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices in FY 2023-24. With approximately 54.8%
of the country’s 328.7 million hectares classified as agricultural land and a cropping intensity
of 155.4% (as per the Land Use Statistics for 2021-22), farmers are the bedrock of this essential
sector. Their role extends far beyond mere cultivation; they are the architects of rural
development and nation-building, providing food security and sustaining the livelihoods of
millions. Through their hard work and innovation, they play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient
and prosperous India.

In 2023-24, the country achieved a record total foodgrain production of 332.2 million tonnes,
surpassing the previous year’s output of 329.7 million tonnes. This remarkable growth is a
testament to the resilience and unwavering dedication of Indian farmers, who have
continuously strived to ensure food security for the nation. Their efforts go beyond mere crop
cultivation; they are the bedrock of rural livelihoods, shaping the economic landscape of
countless communities. The success of Indian agriculture is deeply intertwined with the
wellbeing of these ‘Annadatas’, who embody the spirit of hard work, innovation, and sacrifice.
Key Schemes for Farmers in India
Launched over the years, these key agricultural schemes reflect the Government of India's
commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their livelihoods. PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PM-
KMY, and other initiatives like the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), Kisan Credit
Card (KCC) scheme, and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) demonstrate a holistic
approach to addressing the diverse needs of the agricultural sector. These schemes aim to
provide financial assistance, insurance, affordable credit, and infrastructure development,
empowering farmers with the resources needed for sustainable agricultural practices and
economic security.

Here are the key schemes for farmers’ welfare in India:

Unprecedented Budget Allocation
Since 2014, the government has significantly bolstered its commitment to agriculture by
substantially increasing the budget allocation. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, the Department of
Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare had a budget of Rs. 21,933.50 crore. Over the years, this
allocation has been raised more than five and a half times, reaching a remarkable Rs.
1,22,528.77 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

This unprecedented increase reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing the agricultural sector,
addressing challenges faced by farmers, and ensuring sustainable development. The enhanced
budget aims to improve rural infrastructure, promote modern farming techniques, facilitate
access to credit, and provide financial support for various agricultural schemes and initiatives.
Such a substantial allocation not only fosters farmer welfare but also aims to bolster agricultural
productivity and rural prosperity, highlighting the government's unwavering commitment to
the growth and development of the agricultural sector.
Other Notable Initiatives

Namo Drone Didi: The Namo Drone Didi Scheme, approved for 2024-25 to 2025-26 with an
outlay of ₹1,261 crore, aims to empower 15,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by
providing drones for agricultural rental services, including fertiliser and pesticide application.
The scheme offers 80% Central Financial Assistance of the cost of drones, accessories, and
ancillary charges, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh. As of December 3, 2024, ₹141.41 crore has
been released for Kisan drone promotion.

Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme aims to improve
soil health and promote efficient fertiliser use. Over 24.60 crore cards have been issued since
launch, with 36.61 lakh generated in 2023-24. A strong laboratory network supports the
scheme. In order to develop the soil fertility map, government plans to test 5 crore soil samples
by 2025-26.

Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs: In 2020, the government launched a scheme with
a Rs. 6,865 crore budget to form and promote 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
So far, 9,411 FPOs have been formed involving 26.17 lakh beneficiary farmers, aiming to
enhance collective farming and improve market access.

Kisan Kavach: On 17th December, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled Kisan
Kavach, Bharat’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from the harmful
effects of pesticide exposure. This groundbreaking innovation is a major step forward in
ensuring farmer safety and empowers the agricultural community through science and
technology. The event also marked the distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to
farmers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding farmers.

Clean Plant Programme: The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) on
09.08.2024 with an outlay of Rs. 1,765.67 crore. The CPP aims to enhance the quality and
productivity of horticulture crops by providing disease-free planting material, benefiting the
dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient varieties with yield enhancement.

Digital Agriculture Mission: The Union Cabinet approved the Digital Agriculture Mission on
2.9.2024 with an outlay of Rs. 2,817 crore, including the central share of Rs. 1,940 crore. This
mission is conceived as an umbrella scheme to support digital agriculture initiatives, including
creating Digital Public Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation
Survey (DGCES), and other IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments, and
academic and research institutions.
Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF): The
Government of India launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge
Financing (CGS-NPF) on 16 December 2024, providing a ₹1,000-crore corpus to support post-
harvest financing for farmers. Under this scheme, farmers can access credit by pledging their
produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited
warehouses, backed by electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs).

National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds): The Union Cabinet approved
the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) on 3.10.2024 with a total
outlay of Rs. 10,103 crore. The mission aims to boost domestic oilseed production and achieve
self-reliance in edible oils, to be implemented over a seven-year period from 2024-25 to 2030-
31.

National Mission on Natural Farming: The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission
on Natural Farming (NMNF) on 25.11.2024 as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The
scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 2,481 crore (Government of India share – Rs. 1,584 crore;
State share – Rs. 897 crore), focusing on promoting chemical-free, natural farming practices
across the country.
Conclusion
The initiatives and schemes introduced by the Government of India are a testament to the
unwavering commitment to farmers' welfare and the sustainable growth of the agricultural
sector. Through schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and the Namo Drone Didi, the government
not only ensures financial security but also enhances productivity and market access for
farmers. The remarkable achievements in foodgrain production, coupled with the expansion of
infrastructure and digital initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Clean Plant
Programme, are setting a strong foundation for a resilient and prosperous agricultural
ecosystem. As we celebrate National , it is crucial to continue these efforts, ensuring that the
'Annadatas' remain empowered, secure, and integral to India’s development journey.

References:
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20production%20in,LMT%20achieved%20during%202022%2D23.
❖ [Link]
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❖ [Link]

Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

26/12/2024, 21:25 Press Note Details: Press Information Bureau

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Posted On: 07 MAR 2024 10:56AM
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Nari Shakti: From Women Development to Women-led Development
(Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)

March 07, 2024

When women prosper, the world prospers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Women's
empowerment
remains a pivotal
focus globally,
resonating
profoundly with
the ethos of
International
Women's Day,
celebrated on
March 8th each
year. This day
serves as a
reminder of the
importance of
gender equality
and the need to
uplift women
across all facets of

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society. It's a time to acknowledge the contributions of women worldwide and to renew commitments
towards achieving gender parity. In alignment with these ideals, the Government of India's dedication to
promoting "Nari Shakti" and fostering women's leadership underscores the significance of this international
observance. By recognizing the significant role women play in societal progress and actively working
towards their empowerment, India reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive
development on the global stage.
Women play an integral part in society; without their progress, the overall progress of society comes to a
halt. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for societal
development. Recognizing this, the Government of India has prioritized the promotion of "Nari Shakti" or
women's empowerment within the nation. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of women
and eliminating obstacles to their progress, the government aims to ensure that women are active
participants in India's journey towards prosperity.
As said by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “The one thing that will take the country forward is women-led
development.” The Government of India considers women-led development a central dimension of India’s
progress and a necessity for strengthening India.
In the last ten years, the Government of India has launched numerous welfare schemes that have aimed to
empower women and make them lead India’s development journey.

Historic Milestone: Enactment of Women’s Reservation Bill

A milestone in this journey has been achieved by the passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam which
seeks to reserve one-third of the total number of seats for women in Lok Sabha, State Legislative
Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly.
Another notable feature was that the Women’s Reservation Bill, called Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
was the first to be considered in the new parliament building setting the tone for India’s Amrit Kaal.

In his remarks in the Rajya Sabha over this bill, the Prime Minister said that this will lead to a new
confidence in the people of the country, and it also shows the positive thinking of all the political parties
which will give a new energy to women's empowerment.

Highlights of the Bill:

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the
state legislative assemblies. The allocation of reserved seats shall be determined by such authority as
prescribed by Parliament.

One-third of the total number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be reserved
for women of those groups in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies.

Reserved seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in the state or union territory.

Reservation of seats for women shall cease to exist 15 years after the commencement of this Amendment
Act.

The implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill is contingent on specific steps. As outlined, the
reservation is set to be enforced following the publication of a new census and the completion of the
delimitation exercise. Furthermore, it's important to note that for the bill to be fully ratified, it necessitates

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approval from a minimum of 50% of the states.

Some of the major schemes launched by the government for the empowerment of women during the
last ten years are as follows:

Door to Dignity: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

“Keys of the house open doors of dignity, confidence, a certain future, a new identity and expanding
possibilities.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“Home Sweet Home” has remained one of the most cherished dreams for every individual. While those who
have better resources can afford to have a decent house of their own, those on the margins of society,
socially and economically, cannot manage the same.
To address the gaps in the erstwhile rural housing schemes and in view of the Government’s commitment to
providing “Housing for All” by 2022, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) was launched by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 20, 2016.

As of 2024, over 2.56 crore houses have been constructed out of the 2.94 crore sanctioned houses. It is also
heartening to know that over 72% of houses are either solely or jointly owned by women.
The Government of India is committed to enhancing women's dignity and ease of living. Providing
ownership of houses under PMAY-G has fulfilled the aspirations of women of owning a pucca house and
strengthened their participation in the financial decision-making of the household. Further, living in a pucca
house with basic amenities gives security, dignity, and economic power to the women and uplifts their social
inclusion.

Ensuring Smoke-Free Homes: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

“Ujjwala Yojana has put great emphasis on the resolve of ensuring health, convenience and empowerment
of sisters.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The daily act of cooking has been a major health hazard for millions of women in India, especially in rural
areas, due to the use of traditional biomass fuels like firewood, dried cow dung, etc, as cooking fuels and the
consequent indoor air pollution. Till 2014, about 10 crore households in India were deprived of clean LPG
fuel and used traditional fuels.
To safeguard the health of women and children and provide them with clean cooking fuel, the Pradhan
Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2016. Its goal is
to make clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, accessible to rural and underprivileged households.
As of 2024, over 10 crore LPG connections have been released under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
The scheme has also received global recognition from the International Energy Agency (IEA) which has
described it as a major achievement in improving the environment and health of women. By empowering
women, PMUY has been able to bridge gender inequality with respect to rights, access, and economic
empowerment.

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Protecting Women’s Dignity: Swachh Bharat Mission

“Swachh Bharat Mission has benefited the poor and the women most.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Sanitation is the basic need of human beings. Despite the widely accepted fact about the critical importance
of sanitation and personal hygiene, sanitation coverage in India was as low as 39% until 2014. This was
severely affecting the health and dignity of people in rural areas, especially women and children.

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Realising the problems faced by women and children on account of the lack of toilets, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on October 02, 2014, to provide toilets to all
households in the country over a time period of five years. On August 15, 2014, the Prime Minister called
on the people of the country from the ramparts of Red Fort to join the Swachh Bharat Mission and pay their
tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary by dedicating to him a Swachh Bharat.
Under SBM-Gramin, over 12 crore toilets were constructed in the country.

As of 2024, more than 5.2 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step towards achieving the
SBM-G phase II goals by 2024-25.

Before toilets were constructed, women and girls felt a sense of helplessness and fear, sometimes even
shame, when taking care of their sanitation needs in the open. They would deliberately limit their intake of
water and other liquids to control the urge to urinate. This would result in health-related problems. Further,
open defecation placed women and girls in danger, as they often faced harassment and assault from men, or
were attacked by animals.
As per the report titled “Access to toilets and the safety, convenience and self-respect of women in rural
India”, after the construction of toilets, 93% of women reported that they were no longer afraid of being
hurt by someone or harmed by animals while defecating; 93% of women reported they are no longer
afraid of contracting health infections; 92% of women said they were no longer afraid of going to the
toilet in the dark of night, which is a huge jump from the pre-toilet construction stage (12%); and 93% of
the women reported no longer having to stop having food or water to control the urge to defecate or
urinate.
It can be said, without any doubt, that women have been the biggest beneficiaries of this programme.
SBM has brought about an irreversible improvement in the quality of life of women in the rural and urban
areas, by promoting cleanliness, and hygiene, and eliminating open defecation.

Drinking Water at the Doorstep: Jal Jeevan Mission

“The vision of Jal Jeevan Mission is not only to make water accessible to the people. It is also a massive
decentralization movement. This is a village-driven and women-driven movement.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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Water is the basis of life. No human activity is possible without water. Drinking water supply is, therefore,
an essential and crucial component for the well-being of a community. Launched by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, on August 15, 2019, the core objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is to improve
the lives of people, especially women and children, by ensuring clean tap water supply to every rural
household and public institutions in villages by 2024.
From Independence till August 2019, out of a total of 19.14 crore rural households, only 3.23 crore (17%)
households had tap water connections. Thus, a whopping majority of 83% of rural households were devoid
of any functional tap water connection. As of 2024, over 14.30 crore households have been provided with
tap water connections under JJM. Further, 178 districts, 1,803 blocks, 98,660 Gram Panchayats, and
2,05,259 villages have reported to achieve ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status.
In the absence of access to potable drinking water at home, families, especially women and young girls are
forced to spend lots of time and energy every day fetching water for their families. Jal Jeevan Mission is
making concerted efforts to free women from the age-old drudgery of fetching water from a distance
carrying heavy loads and to make the villages – WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) -enlightened
villages.
By involving women in the planning, decision-making, implementation and monitoring of JJM, the
mission is playing an important role in women’s empowerment.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Stand-Up India and PM MUDRA Yojana

“Financial independence of women leads to increasing their participation in decision making.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Women in our country can do anything when provided with opportunities. As India is growing rapidly,
hopes, aspirations and expectations of women are also rising significantly. They want to move away from
being job-seekers and become job-creators.
Understanding the potential of these rising
women entrepreneurs in driving economic
growth and removing any bottlenecks in
getting institutional credit, the Government
of India has launched two major schemes -
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana
(PMMY) and Stand-Up India.
Stand-Up India aims to promote
entrepreneurship amongst Women,
Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled
Tribes (ST) categories and help them in
starting a greenfield enterprise.
PMMY was launched to provide loans up to Rs. 10 Lakhs to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro
enterprises. As of 2024, 46 crore loans were sanctioned under PMMY. In the year 2022-23 itself, 2.24 crore
loans for an amount of Rs. 4.56 lakh crore have been sanctioned under the scheme.
Stand-Up India aims to promote entrepreneurship amongst Women, Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled
Tribes (ST) categories and help them in starting a greenfield enterprise. Since the inception of the Stand-Up
India scheme, more than Rs 50,000 crores has been sanctioned to over 2.21 lakh accounts (as of 6 March

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2024).
The participation of women is increasing continuously in the growth cycle of New India. Both these
schemes have promoted the entrepreneurship culture at the grassroots level focusing on economic
empowerment and job creation. Women, in particular, have benefitted tremendously from these two
schemes. Around 69% of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs under PMMY.

Giving Wings to Girl Child: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

“Let us celebrate the birth of the girl child. We should be equally proud of our daughters. I urge you to sow
five plants when your daughter is born to celebrate the occasion.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The trend of decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), defined as the number of
girls per 1000 boys between 0-6 years of age, has been unabated since 1961.
The decline from 945 in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and further to 918 in 2011 has
been alarming. The decline in CSR is a major indicator of women’s
disempowerment. It reflects both pre-birth discrimination manifested
through gender-biased sex selection and post-birth discrimination against
girls.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Beti
Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme on January 22, 2015, to celebrate the
Girl Child in an attempt to foster a change in the minds and hearts of the people of our country and to ensure
survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
India’s overall child sex ratio rises to 1020 girls per 1000 boys for the first time ever. The Maternal
Mortality Rate has declined to 97 in 2018-20. Percentage of Institutional Deliveries has also shown an
improvement and over 4.73 crore free antenatal check-ups conducted under PM Surakshit Matritva
Abhiyan.
Today, BBBP has captured the national consciousness of valuing the girl child. By valuing the contribution
of women to society, the programme is not only trying to address prejudicial treatment meted out to the girl
child before birth but also addressing the unjust access to resources and care that she faces even after birth.

Fighting Malnutrition: POSHAN Abhiyaan

“We began the POSHAN Abhiyaan with an unwavering commitment to ensure proper nutrition facilities for
our women and children. India will progress when our youth and Nari Shakti are healthy.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Malnutrition, in all its forms, includes undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight), inadequate vitamins
or minerals, obesity, and resulting diet-related noncommunicable diseases (WHO). Nearly half of all deaths
in children under five years of age are attributable to undernutrition (UNICEF).
The Government of India has accorded high priority to the issue of malnutrition and is taking a holistic
approach to address this issue. Launched by the Prime Minister, POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching
Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Abhiyaan aims to address the malaise of malnutrition by improving
nutritional outcomes for children under six years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers in a time-
bound manner.

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POSHAN Tracker, a robust ICT-enabled platform, has been launched to ensure real-time monitoring of
providing supplementary nutrition and real-time information for prompt supervision and management of
services.
In order to maximize nutritional outcomes, recently the Anganwadi Services (erstwhile ICDS Scheme),
Scheme for Adolescent Girls and PoshanAbhiyaan have been re-aligned under ‘SakshamAnganwadi and
POSHAN 2.0’ (Mission Poshan 2.0). It seeks to address the challenges of malnutrition in children,
adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers through a strategic shift in nutrition content and
delivery and by the creation of a convergent eco-system to develop and promote practices that nurture
health, wellness and immunity.
Poshan 2.0 focuses on Maternal Nutrition, Infant and Young Child Feeding Norms, Treatment of
MAM/SAM and Wellness through AYUSH. Technology is being leveraged under the 'Poshan Tracker', a
robust ICT-enabled platform to improve governance about monitoring of provisioning of supplementary
nutrition for prompt supervision and management of services.
Under Poshan 2.0, the focus is on diet diversity, leveraging traditional systems of knowledge and
popularizing the use of millets. Nutrition awareness strategies under Poshan 2.0 aim to develop sustainable
health and well-being through regional meal plans to bridge dietary gaps. Further, greater emphasis is being
given to the use of millet (coarse grains) for the preparation of Hot Cooked Meals and Take-Home rations
(not raw ration) at Anganwadi centres for Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers and Children below 6 years
of age, as millets have high nutrient content to address anaemia and other micro-nutrient deficiencies in
women and children. Under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme of Mission Poshan 2.0, only fortified
rice is being allocated to States/UTs.
As per the report of National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the nutrition
indicators for children under 5 years and women have improved between the two rounds of the survey conducted in the year
2015-16 (NFHS-4) and 2019-21 (NFHS-5). The prevalence of stunting has reduced from 38.4% in NFHS-4 to 35.5% in NFHS-5,
wasting from 21.0% to 19.3% and underweight from 35.8% to 32.1%. Further, the prevalence of underweight among women (15-
49 years) has reduced from 22.9% in NFHS-4 to 18.7% in NFHS-5.

Further, as per data recorded in Poshan Tracker, ICT application for Mission Poshan 2.0, close to 7 crore children were measured
in the country in June 2023 as per which, 7% were wasted and 19% underweight, which is significantly lower than NFHS
indicators.

Providing Security to Muslim Women: Abolition of Triple Talaq

“Judgment of the Hon’ble SC on Triple Talaq is historic. It grants equality to Muslim women and is a powerful measure for
women’s empowerment”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Talaq-e-Biddat or Triple Talaq is a form of divorce that was practised in Islam, whereby a Muslim man
could divorce his wife by pronouncing talaq three times. The man need not cite any reason for the divorce
and the wife need not be present at the time of pronouncement of talaq. Banning the evil practice of Triple
Talaq has been a demand of Muslim women for a very long time.
The Supreme Court declared instant Triple Talaq to be in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution in a
majority decision issued on August 22, 2017. Even after the Supreme Court’s order declared this practice
unconstitutional, the practice of Triple Talaq continued.

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After being passed by both Houses of Parliament, the Muslim

Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 came
into force. The Act declared instant divorce granted by the
pronouncement of talaq three times as void and illegal. It
provides for imprisonment for a term of up to three years and a
fine to the husband who practised instant Triple Talaq.
Triple Talaq law brought legal protection for Muslim women
who were the victims of this regressive practice for the last
several decades. This historic reform improved the existing
conditions of Muslim women and helped them to come out of
domestic violence and discrimination they were facing in
society.

Supporting Motherhood: Pradhan Mantri Matru

Vandana Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) scheme was launched in the year 2017 (0.47 MB,
Format: PDF). Under PMMVY, a cash incentive of ₹5,000/- is provided directly to the beneficiary via Direct
Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode for the first child. In the revamped PMMVY, maternity benefit is also to be
provided for the second child, but only if, the second child is a girl child, to discourage pre-birth sex
selection and to promote and celebrate the girl child. The eligible beneficiaries receive the remaining cash
incentive, under Janani Suraksha Yojana after institutional delivery, so that on average a woman gets Rs.
6,000.
As of 2024, under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana
Yojana (PMMVY), more than 3.32 crore
beneficiaries have been enrolled and maternity
benefits of more than Rs. 14,103 crore have been
disbursed to over 3.11 crore beneficiaries.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) was launched to
reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by
promoting institutional delivery among pregnant
women. Owing to the consistent efforts of the
Government, India has successfully achieved the
milestone of bringing down its MMR to 97/lakh
live births in 2018-20, well in time.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has played a
crucial role in improving the lives of women by
providing them with financial assistance during
pregnancy and lactation periods. By compensating for the wage loss and expenses incurred during their
pregnancy and post-delivery period, this scheme has not only provided economic support to women but has
also encouraged them to seek timely medical care, leading to a reduction in maternal and infant mortality
rates. Additionally, the scheme has increased awareness and promoted the importance of maternal and child
health, thereby empowering women and improving their overall well-being.

Suvidha at ₹ 1: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

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The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to provide quality medicines at
affordable prices to the masses through dedicated outlets known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Kendras (PMBJK).

PMBJP has been implemented by the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), a
society under the aegis of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, wherein over 10000 dedicated outlets
known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) have been opened till June 30,
2023, to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices. Prices of medicines sold through these
outlets are 50-90% less than that of branded medicine prices in the open market.

For women, sanitary pads are sold

at just ₹1 at more than 9304
PMBJP Kendras covering 745 out
of 766 districts across the country.
As of 2024, over 48 crore
Janaushadhi Suvidha Sanitary
pads have been sold at Pradhan
Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Kendras.

By providing low-cost and high-

quality sanitary pads, Janaushadhi
Suvidha is making menstrual
products more accessible to
women who would otherwise
have to resort to unhygienic
alternatives. Thus, it is
empowering women to manage their menstrual health by offering an affordable solution.

Securing Future of Girl Child: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small deposit scheme of the Government of India meant
exclusively for a girl child. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, as a part
of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
Since the inception of the scheme, around 3.20 crore accounts have been opened under the scheme.
By providing financial security to the girl child, the scheme has empowered women by giving them access
to education. SSY has also raised awareness about the importance of educating the girl child and financial
planning for her future, which is a significant step towards achieving gender equality in the country. Thus,

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has played a vital

role in improving the lives of women by
ensuring their financial independence and
creating a secure future for them.

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NR/HP/RK/PK/MI
(Backgrounder ID: 151863) Visitor Counter : 2207

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Download PIB APP

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 Na#onal Educa#on Day 2024
Building a Brighter Tomorrow Through Educa#on
(Ministry of Educa1on)
10th November, 2024

We want to develop an educa/on system so that the youth of our country don’t need to go abroad. Our middle-
class families need not spend lakhs and crores of rupees. Not only that, we also want to create such ins/tu/ons
that a@ract people from abroad to come to Bharat instead.

~ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi1

Introduc#on

Na1onal Educa1on Day is celebrated on November 11 every year in honor of Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad, the first Educa1on Minister of independent India and a prominent educa1onist.
This day highlights the importance of educa1on in shaping India's future. With 65% of the
na1on's popula1on under the age of 35, it is crucial to provide them with opportuni1es for
quality educa1on and skills development. The Government of India is dedicated to building
strong educa1on infrastructure that fosters the holis1c development of students and
empowers the youth to drive the na1on towards progress.2

1 [Link]

2 [Link]
Transforming India through Educa#on

The Government of India has taken significant strides to promote access to educa1on
through various ini1a1ves and cons1tu1onal provisions. The introduc1on of free primary
educa1on, reinforced by the 86th Amendment of the Cons#tu#on through Ar#cle 21-A,
guarantees free and compulsory educa1on for children aged six to fourteen as a
Fundamental Right. The Rights to Educa#on (RTE) Act, 2009, which came into effect on April
1, 2010, further supports this by ensuring that every child receives quality elementary
educa1on in a formal school that meets prescribed norms. These legal frameworks, backed
by government schemes and ini1a1ves, reflect India’s commitment to building an inclusive
and equitable educa1onal system for all.
NEP 2020: Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union
Cabinet of India approved the Na1onal Educa1on Policy (NEP) 2020 on July 29, 2020. The
NEP seeks to overhaul India's educa1on system to be\er align with the needs of the 21st
century, fostering a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach.3

3 [Link]
PM SHRI: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for
Rising India) scheme on 7th September 2022. The ini1a1ve aims to strengthen over 14,500
schools across India, showcasing the components of the Na1onal Educa1on Policy 2020. The
scheme will foster quality educa1on, cogni1ve development, and 21st-century skills in
students. With a total project cost of ₹27,360 crore, it will be implemented over five years
(2022-2027), with a central share of ₹18,128 crore.4
Samagra Shiksha: Aligned with the NEP 2020 recommenda1ons, Samagra Shiksha aims to
provide quality educa1on with an inclusive and equitable classroom environment for all
children, addressing their diverse backgrounds and needs. The scheme, launched on April 1,
2021, will con1nue for five years, ending on March 31, 2026. It focuses on fostering ac1ve
par1cipa1on and enhancing academic abili1es across various student groups.5
PRERNA: Launched its pilot phase from January 15, 2024, to February 17, 2024, at a
vernacular school in Vadnagar, Gujarat. The ini1a1ve is a week-long residen1al program
designed for selected students from class IX to XII. It aims to offer an experien1al and
inspira1onal learning experience, blending heritage with innova1on through state-of-the-art
technology. Each week, a batch of 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls) from across the country
will par1cipate in the program.6
ULLAS: Also known as Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme -
NILP), ULLAS was launched by the Government of India for the period FY 2022-2027. This
centrally sponsored ini1a1ve aligns with the Na1onal Educa1on Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims
to empower adults aged 15 and above, especially those who missed out on formal
schooling. The program seeks to enhance their literacy, enabling them to be\er integrate
into society and ac1vely contribute to the na1on's development.7
NIPUN Bharat: The Na1onal Ini1a1ve for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and
Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) was launched by the Department of School Educa1on & Literacy
on 5th July 2021. The mission aims to ensure that every child in the country achieves
founda1onal literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3, with a target comple1on by
2026-27.8
Vidya Pravesh: The VIDYA PRAVESH guidelines for the Three-month Play-based School
Prepara1on Module for Grade-I children were released on 29th July 2021. The ini1a1ve aims

4 [Link]

5 [Link]

6 [Link]

7 [Link]

8 [Link]

PRID=1907189#:~:text=Toward%20this%20end%2C%20the%20Department,country%20necessarily%20attains%20foundational%20lit
eracy
to provide a warm and welcoming environment for children entering Grade-I, ensuring a
smooth transi1on and fostering a posi1ve learning experience.9
Vidyanjali: The School Volunteer Management Program, launched by Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi on 7th September 2021, aims to enhance the quality of educa1on in schools
by fostering community involvement, and encouraging contribu1ons from corporate social
responsibility (CSR) ini1a1ves and the private sector across the country.10
DIKSHA: It was launched on 5th September 2017 by Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M.
Venkaiah Naidu. The plalorm aims to enhance teacher training and professional
development by accelera1ng innova1ve solu1ons and experiments in educa1on. DIKSHA
empowers states and Teacher Educa1on Ins1tutes (TEIs) with the flexibility to customize the
plalorm to meet their specific needs, benefi1ng teachers, teacher educators, and student
teachers across the country.11
SWAYAM Plus: SWAYAM Plus, which was officially launched on 27th February 2024 by Shri
Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble Minister of Educa1on. The ini1a1ve seeks to revolu1onize
higher educa1on and improve employability by implemen1ng an innova1ve credit
recogni1on system for industry-relevant courses, emphasizing skill development,
employability, and forging stronger industry partnerships.12
NISHTHA: The NISHTHA (Na1onal Ini1a1ve for School Heads' and Teachers' Holis1c
Advancement), launched by the Ministry of Educa1on on 21st August 2019, aims to enhance
the professional development of 42 lakh elementary teachers and school heads. In response
to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was transi1oned to NISHTHA-Online on 6th
October 2020, delivered through the DIKSHA plalorm. Building on this success, in 2021-22,
NISHTHA 2.0 was launched for secondary school teachers, while NISHTHA 3.0, focusing on
Founda1onal Literacy and Numeracy, was introduced on 7th September 2021.13

NIRF Ranking: The Na1onal Ins1tu1onal Ranking Framework (NIRF), launched by the
Ministry of Educa1on on 29th September 2015, marked a pivotal step toward enhancing the
quality and accessibility of higher educa1on in India. NIRF introduced a structured and
transparent system for assessing and ranking universi1es, colleges, and other ins1tu1ons,

9 [Link]

10 [Link]

11 [Link]

12 [Link]

PRID=2051472#:~:text=SWAYAM%20Plus%20initiative%20was%20launched,Employability%2C%20Skilling%20and%20Industry%20p
artnerships

13 [Link]

PRID=1847875#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20School%20Education,Advancement%20on%2021st%20August%2C%202019.
fostering healthy compe11on and encouraging improvements in educa1on and
infrastructure.14

PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme: The Union Cabinet, led by Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, has
approved the PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme to support meritorious students by providing financial
assistance for quality higher educa1on. This scheme offers educa1on loans for students
admi\ed to the top 860 ins1tu1ons across India, benefi1ng over 22 lakh students each year.
With a budget alloca1on of Rs. 3,600 crore from 2024-25 to 2030-31, the scheme aims to
assist an addi1onal 7 lakh students. Implemented through a fully digital, transparent, and
student-centric plalorm, PM-Vidyalaxmi ensures easy access and smooth interoperability
for students na1onwide.15

Inves#ng in Educa#on for a Brighter Future16

India’s path to global leadership is closely linked to the strength of its educa1on system. To
expand access to quality educa1on and build a resilient learning environment, the
Department of School Educa1on & Literacy has been allocated a record ₹73,498 crore in the
FY 2024-25 budget. This represents a substan1al increase of ₹12,024 crore (19.56%) over the
Revised Es1mate for FY 2023-24, highligh1ng the government’s commitment to bolstering
the educa1on sector.
Notably, the highest-ever alloca1ons have been made to key autonomous bodies, with ₹
9,302 crore allocated to Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and ₹ 5,800 crore to Navodaya Vidyalayas
(NVS). This substan1al investment reflects a clear intent to further elevate India’s educa1on
system.
For FY 2024-25, the Department of Higher Educa1on's budget alloca1on is set at Rs.
47,619.77 crore, with Rs. 7,487.87 crore dedicated to schemes and Rs. 40,131.90 crore for
non-scheme expenses. This reflects a significant increase of Rs. 3,525.15 crore, or 7.99%,
over the previous fiscal year. Notably, the alloca1on for specific schemes has risen by Rs.
1,139.99 crore, underscoring a strengthened focus on targeted ini1a1ves within higher
educa1on.

14 [Link]

15 [Link]

16 [Link]
Increase in Enrolment in Higher Education Institutions: AISHE Report
2021-2217

The Ministry of Educa#on, Government of India, released the All India Survey on Higher
Educa#on (AISHE) 2021-2022 in January 2024. Since its incep1on in 2011, AISHE has been
collec1ng comprehensive data from all registered Higher Educa1onal Ins1tu1ons (HEIs)
across the country, covering key parameters such as student enrolment, faculty, and
infrastructure. The survey highlights significant improvements over the years, reflec1ng the
posi1ve advancements in India’s educa1on sector, with increased enrolment, enhanced
inclusivity, and stronger infrastructure, contribu1ng to a more robust and dynamic higher
educa1on system.
Female enrolment has also shown remarkable growth, rising from 1.57 crore in 2014-15 to
2.07 crore in 2021-22, an increase of 32%. The enrolment of students from disadvantaged
groups, including SC, ST, OBC, and minori1es, has grown significantly, with notable increases
in female enrolment across all categories. In 2021-22, the Gender Parity Index (GPI) reached
1.01, reflec1ng a consistent trend of more female students enroling in higher educa1on than
males.

17 [Link]
In terms of fields of study, enrolment in STEM disciplines has seen a steady rise, with 98.5
lakh students enroled in UG, PG, and Ph.D. levels in 2021-22. Despite challenges, women are
leading in disciplines such as Medical Science, Social Science, and Arts. The dropout rate at
the secondary level has also decreased significantly from 21% in 2013-14 to 13% in
2021-22.
In FY 2024-25, the Department of Higher Educa1on saw a budget increase of ₹3,525.15
crore (7.99%) compared to FY 2023-24, underlining the government's commitment to
further strengthening the higher educa1on sector and suppor1ng inclusive growth.

Conclusion

Educa1on holds the power to break barriers, open doors of opportunity, and empower
individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. India’s educa1onal landscape has evolved
significantly, building a robust system through con1nuous innova1on and comprehensive
reforms. By embracing a holis1c, 360-degree approach that integrates new ideas,
technologies, and teaching methods, India is crea1ng an environment where youth can
thrive, transforming them into key assets for the na1on’s growth. As we honor the legacy of
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, let us reaffirm our commitment to educa1on as the cornerstone
of a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
26/12/2024, 21:25 Press Note Details: Press Information Bureau

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

World Wetlands Day (February 02)

India Dominates South Asia on World Wetlands Day with 80 Ramsar
Sites Spanning 1.33 Million Hectares
Posted On: 01 FEB 2024 6:35PM
“Wetlands are very important for the existence of our earth, because many birds and animals depend on them. Along
with enriching Biodiversity, they also ensure flood control and groundwater recharge.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi

About Wetlands
Wetlands are crucial ecosystems, disappearing rapidly due to human activities such as drainage, pollution, and
overexploitation. This loss has profound implications for biodiversity, climate, and economies worldwide. To address this,
there's a need to change perceptions and prioritize wetland conservation. Raising awareness, particularly on World
Wetlands Day, is essential to catalyze action and safeguard these vital ecosystems.

World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day, observed annually on February 2nd, raises awareness about wetlands and commemorates the
adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971. This international treaty provides a framework for wetland conservation
and wise use. The significance of World Wetlands Day was emphasized in 2022 with the adoption of Resolution 75/317 by
the UN General Assembly, establishing it as a global observance.

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World Wetlands Day 2024

World Wetlands Day 2024 focuses on the theme 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,' highlighting the critical role wetlands
play in enhancing our lives by providing flood protection, clean water, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities
essential for human health and prosperity. This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC),
Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, is organizing the national World Wetlands
Day event at Sirpur Lake, Indore, a Ramsar site designated in 2022. Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary-General of the
Ramsar Convention, is visiting India to participate in the WWD 2024 event at Sirpur Ramsar site in Indore on February
2nd, 2024.
Wetlands in India – An Introduction

Wetlands hold significant cultural and traditional importance in India, with revered sites like Loktak Lake and
Khecheopalri Lake. The country's diverse wetlands attract tourists and find mention in ancient texts like Chanakya's
Arthashastra. India has made strides in wetland conservation, boasting the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia,

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covering 1.33 million hectares. These sites contribute significantly to biodiversity, hosting 6200 species across various
faunal groups. India's wetlands serve as crucial stopovers for millions of migratory birds, playing a vital role in
maintaining waterbird populations globally. Despite global threats, India is reversing the trend of shrinking wetlands
through legal protections and conservation efforts.
India's commitment to wetland conservation continues to strengthen with recent milestones marking significant progress.
In January 2024, India proudly expanded its Ramsar Site count to 80 by designating five new sites in Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu, showcasing its dedication to preserving invaluable ecosystems.

This achievement builds upon the momentum set in August 2022 when India added 11 wetlands to its roster, a poignant
gesture commemorating the nation's 75th year of Independence. Additionally, the Wetlands of India Portal serves as a
knowledge hub for wetland managers and stakeholders, providing comprehensive information and resources.

These efforts underscore India's commitment to conserving and managing its wetlands, vital ecosystems essential for
biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being.

Source

Recent Developments

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Recognition of New Ramsar Sites: As of January 31, 2024, India proudly boasts a total of 80 Ramsar Wetlands,
solidifying its position as the country with the highest number of wetlands in South Asia. This achievement was bolstered
by the addition of five new sites, including the Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in
Tamil Nadu, along with the Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and
Aghanashini Estuary in Karnataka. These designations signify India's unwavering commitment to preserving its
invaluable wetland ecosystems.

· Earlier, on August 14, 2021, India celebrated the recognition of four additional wetlands as Ramsar sites by the Ramsar
Secretariat. Notably, Haryana gained two new Ramsar sites, while Gujarat expanded its count by three, following the
initial designation of Nalsarovar in 2012.

Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Gujarat and situated on the Central Asian Flyway, Thol Lake Wildlife
Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of bird species, with over 320 species recorded within its boundaries. Notably, the
sanctuary provides crucial habitat for more than 30 threatened waterbird species, including the critically endangered
White-rumped Vulture and Sociable Lapwing, as well as the vulnerable Sarus Crane, Common Pochard, and Lesser White-
fronted Goose.
Wadhvana Wetland: Also located in Gujarat, the Wadhvana Wetland serves as a vital wintering ground for migratory
waterbirds, hosting over 80 species that traverse the Central Asian Flyway. Among these avian visitors are several
threatened or near-threatened species, including the endangered Pallas’s Fish-Eagle and vulnerable Common Pochard,
along with the near-threatened Dalmatian Pelican, Grey-headed Fish-eagle, and Ferruginous Duck.

National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas: The National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas, crafted by the Space
Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, offers valuable insights into the dynamic changes occurring in wetlands across
the country over the past decade. This comprehensive resource serves as a vital tool for policymakers, researchers, and
conservationists in understanding and addressing the evolving challenges faced by these critical ecosystems.

These recent developments underscore India's proactive efforts in wetland conservation, reaffirming its role as a global
leader in safeguarding these ecologically significant habitats for present and future generations.

Government’s Initiatives for Wetland Conservation:

Amrit Dharohar Scheme: Launched during the presentation of the Union Budget 2023-24, the Amrit Dharohar Scheme
represents a pivotal step towards promoting optimal utilization of wetlands over the next three years. This initiative aims
to enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities, and local community income generation, aligning with
the government's vision for sustainable development.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems: In 2013, the National Wetlands Conservation Programme
merged with the National Lake Conservation Plan, giving rise to the comprehensive National Plan for Conservation of
Aquatic Ecosystems. This amalgamation reflects the government's holistic approach towards safeguarding these vital
ecosystems.
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules: Enacted in 2017 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules established state wetlands authorities. These rules serve as a pivotal legal
framework for the protection and sustainable management of wetlands across the nation.
Coastal Protection: Coastal wetlands are safeguarded under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (2018) and the
Island Protection Zone Notification 2011. These regulations ensure the preservation of coastal ecosystems, vital for
biodiversity conservation and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
MoEFCC's Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme: Initiated in 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate
Change (MoEFCC) embarked on a transformative journey towards wetlands rejuvenation. This program employs a
multifaceted approach encompassing baseline information development, rapid assessment through wetland health cards,
establishment of stakeholder platforms, and comprehensive management planning. With over 500 wetlands covered, this
initiative stands as a testament to the government's commitment to conserving these critical habitats.
Integration with Namami Gange: On World Wetlands Day 2021, the Ministry of Jal Shakti underscored the integration
of wetland conservation with the Namami Gange program. Through innovative efforts linked to river rejuvenation, the
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has spearheaded initiatives serving as a model for wetland conservation
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nationwide. The development of health cards and management plans for 10 wetlands in each of the 50-plus Ganga districts
exemplifies this integrated approach, blending scientific expertise with community participation.
National Wildlife Action Plan: India's National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) prioritizes the conservation of inland
aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands. It advocates for a national wetlands mission, emphasizing the importance of
preserving these habitats for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

These concerted efforts underscore the government's proactive stance towards wetland conservation, reflecting a
commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wetlands play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and
cyclones by acting as natural buffers and storing excess water. Events like the floods in Kashmir Valley and Chennai, as
well as cyclones like Kalinga, underscore the importance of preserving wetlands for community resilience. Integrating
wetlands into disaster risk reduction planning requires collaborative efforts, with assessments of wetland health
incorporated into district-level planning processes. Conservation and restoration of wetlands should be prioritized within
disaster risk reduction strategies, alongside efforts to raise awareness among stakeholders. The Government of India's
commitment to wetlands conservation and mainstreaming their values into developmental planning demonstrates a crucial
step towards ensuring the sustainable management of these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.

State wise list of Wetlands identified as Ramsar Sites in India (80)

[Link] States No of Name of Ramsar Site

Ramsar
Sites

1 Andhra Pradesh 1 Kolleru Lake

2 Assam 1 Deepor Beel

3 Bihar 1 Kabartal Wetland

4 Goa 1 Nanda Lake

5 Gujarat 4 Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Wadhvana Wetland

6 Haryana 2 Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary

Sultanpur National Park

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7 Himachal Pradesh 3 Chandertal Wetland

Pong Dam Lake

Renuka Wetland

8 Jammu & Kashmir 6 Wular Lake

Hokera Wetland

Surinsar-Mansar Lakes

Tsomoriri Lake

Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve

Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve

9 Karnataka 4 Ranganathituu BS

Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve

Aghanashini Estuary

Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve

10 Kerala 3 Asthamudi Wetland

Sasthamkotta Lake

VembanadKol Wetland

11 Ladakh 1 Tso Kar Wetland Complex

12 Madhya Pradesh 4 Bhoj Wetlands

Sakhya Sagar

Sirpur wetland

Yashwant Sagar

13 Maharashtra 3 Lonar Lake

Nandur Madhameshwar

Thane Creek

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14 Manipur 1 Loktak Lake

15 Mizoram 1 Pala wetland

16 Orissa 6 Bhitarkanika Mangroves

Chilka Lake

Satkosia Gorge

Tampara Lake

Hirakud Reservoir

Ansupa Lake

17 Punjab 6 Beas Conservation Reserve

Harike Lake

Kanjli Lake

Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve

Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary

Ropar Lake

18 Rajasthan 2 Keoladeo Ghana NP

Sambhar Lake

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19 Tamil Nadu 16 Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary

Karikili Bird Sanctuary

Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest

Pichavaram Mangrove

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve

Vembannur Wetland Complex

Vellode Bird Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

SuchindramTheroor Wetland Complex

Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

Karaivetti Bird sanctuary

Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

20 Tripura 1 Rudrasagar Lake

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21 Uttar Pradesh 10 Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary

Haiderpur Wetland

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary

Saman Bird Sanctuary

Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

Sandi Bird Sanctuary

SarsaiNawarJheel

Sur Sarovar

Upper Ganga River

(Brijghat to Narora Stretch)

22 Uttarakhand 1 Asan Conservation Reserve

23 West Bengal 2 East Kolkata Wetlands

Sunderbans Wetland

Video links
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Twitter links
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References
PIB Press Release on India increases its tally of Ramsar sites to 80 dated January 31, 2024.

· [Link]

· Why India values wetland conservation by Union Minister of MoEFCC, Hindustan Times, dated February 05, 2022
·
[Link]
(21.02 MB, Format: PDF)
· [Link]

· [Link]
· [Link]

· [Link]
· [Link]
· PIB Press Release on India establishes Asia’s largest Ramsar Sites network in the 75th Year of Independence dated
December 23, 2022.
· PIB Press Release on 75 Ramsar Sites in 75th Year of Independence dated August 13, 2022.

· PIB Press Release on India adds 10 more wetlands designated as Ramsar sites to make total 64 sites dated August 3,
2022.

· PIB Press Release on India Designates 5 New Ramsar Sites dated July 26, 2022.
· PIB Press Release on NamamiGange first program in India to link Wetland Conservation to Basin Management Plan
dated February 02, 2021.

· PIB Press Release on Ladakh’s Tso Kar Wetland Complex now a Wetland of International Importance dated December
24, 2020.

· PIB Press Release on ‘Wetlands of India’ Portal, a single point access to all information relating to wetlands dated
October 02, 2021.

· PIB Press Release on On World Wetlands Day India gets its first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management
dated February 02, 2021.

· PIB Press Release on 10 more wetlands from India get the Ramsar site tag dated January 28, 2020.
[Link]

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(Backgrounder ID: 151805) Visitor Counter : 2735

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Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

International Tiger Day 2024

A Global Commitment to Tiger Conservation
Posted On: 28 JUL 2024 9:47AM
Every year on July 29, International Tiger Day is celebrated to highlight the importance of tiger
conservation across the globe. The declaration to celebrate this day was made on July 29, 2010, in St.
Petersburg, aiming to unite all tiger range countries in a concerted effort to enhance tiger conservation and
management worldwide. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by
these magnificent creatures and the efforts being made to safeguard their future.

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Tigers in India
As per the 5th cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2022 (usually done in cycles of four years) summary
report, India has a minimum of 3,167 tigers and is now home to more than 70% of the world's wild tiger
population. Further data analysis using the latest statistical models for camera-trapped and non-camera-
trapped tiger presence areas estimates the upper limit of the tiger population at 3,925, with an average
number of 3,682 tigers, reflecting a commendable annual growth rate of 6.1%. This remarkable
conservation feat has been achieved due to the pioneering initiatives undertaken by the National Tiger
Conservation Authority, Government of India, in collaboration with State Governments.

Historical Journey of Tiger Conservation in India

By the mid-20th century, India's tiger population was in a rapid decline due to hunting, habitat loss, and
other human activities. Following independence in 1947, this decline became even more pronounced, with
the tiger population reaching alarmingly low numbers.

v. Initial Steps Toward Conservation

Alarmed by this dismal trend, the Indian Board for Wild Life (IBWL) convened a meeting in New Delhi
in July 1969. The board recommended a total ban on the export of all wild cat skins, including those of
tigers. This crucial step was supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
which met in Delhi the same year. The IUCN's 10th Assembly included the tiger in its “Red Data Book”
as an endangered species and called for a global ban on tiger killings.

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v. Formation of the Tiger Task Force and Project Tiger

In response to the growing concern, the IBWL's Executive Committee formed an 11-member Task
Force to investigate the issue and devise a comprehensive conservation strategy. This initiative marked the
inception of Project Tiger. The Task Force submitted its final report in August 1972, recommending that
eight tiger forests across India be included in the project. On April 1, 1973, Project Tiger was officially
launched at the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The initial phase included nine tiger reserves:
Corbett (Uttar Pradesh)
Palamau (Bihar)
Similipal (Orissa)
Sundarbans (West Bengal)
Manas (Assam)
Ranthambhore (Rajasthan)
Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)
Melghat (Maharashtra)
Bandipur (Mysore)
These reserves represented a diverse range of tiger habitats across the country.

v. Legal and Structural Strengthening

The modern era of wildlife conservation in India began with the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection)
Act in 1972. Influential figures like J. C. Daniel and renowned ornithologist Salim Ali from the Bombay
Natural History Society played pivotal roles in driving this legislative change. Government of India with
World Wildlife Fund launched Project Tiger in 1973 as a centrally sponsored scheme covering nine
protected areas. Notably, Project Tiger completed 50 years in 2023 for which a commemorative event was
held in which Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision For Tiger
Conservation’.

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v. Tiger Task Force Report and National Tiger Conservation Authority (2006)

In 2005, the Tiger Task Force submitted a report to the Government of India, leading to significant
amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 2006. These amendments resulted in the establishment of
the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau as statutory
bodies. This transformation turned Project Tiger from a mere funding scheme into a reciprocal commitment
involving the central government (NTCA), state governments (Chief Wildlife Wardens), and tiger
reserves (Field Directors).
v. Global Efforts and International Collaborations

In 2010, Global Tiger Reserve Day was celebrated to raise awareness and bolster international efforts for
tiger conservation. Recognizing the critical situation of wild tiger populations, world leaders and
conservation experts convened in St. Petersburg, Russia, to devise strategies for tiger recovery. This
landmark event marked the first time in history that national leaders gathered specifically to address
the conservation of a species. The meeting resulted in the Global Tiger Recovery Program, which
outlined actions to be taken individually or collectively by tiger range countries to increase the global tiger
population from approximately 3,643 in 2010 to around 5,870 by 2022 and to protect tiger habitats.
The journey of tiger conservation in India has evolved from initial bans on hunting and trade to
sophisticated, multi-faceted conservation strategies involving legal frameworks, international cooperation,
and community engagement. The sustained efforts have contributed to a hopeful future for tigers and other
big cats, not just in India but across the globe.

Recent Initiatives for Tiger Conservation in India

v. Bilateral Cooperation with Tiger Range Countries

To enhance transboundary conservation efforts, India has been actively collaborating with neighbouring
countries. Notably, on February 14, 2023, a bilateral meeting was held in Kolkata, West Bengal, to promote
tiger conservation across the Sundarbans landscape, which spans both India and Bangladesh. Additionally,
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India and Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on "Cooperation in

biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife management recovery strategy of tiger and its habitat."
As part of this bilateral initiative, an Indian delegation visited Cambodia to assess field conditions and
capacity-building requirements for a tiger reintroduction program.

v. International Recognition of Tiger Reserves

In 2022-23, several Indian tiger reserves received international accolades. The Pench Tiger Reserves in
Madhya Pradesh, along with the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, were jointly awarded the
prestigious Tx2 award. This award is presented by a consortium of international organizations, including
the Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Global Tiger Forum (GTF).

v. Declaration of New Tiger Reserves

The declaration of the new Veerangana Durgavati" tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh has increased the
total number of tiger reserves in India to 54. These reserves collectively cover more than 78,000 square
kilometers, accounting for over 2.30% of India's geographical area. This expansion underscores India's
commitment to providing extensive and diverse habitats for tigers.

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v. Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Accreditation

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The Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) is an international accreditation system that evaluates
tiger reserves' management practices to ensure they meet rigorous conservation standards. In the current
year, six additional tiger reserves in India have received CA|TS accreditation: Kali, Melghat,
Navegaon-Nagzira, Pilibhit, and Periyar. With these new additions, a total of 23 tiger reserves in India
have achieved CA|TS accreditation, reflecting the country's dedication to maintaining high standards in
tiger conservation.
v. Launch of International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA)

During a commemorative program of 50 years of Project Tiger, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) in 2023 for the conservation of seven big cats: Tiger,
Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The alliance aims to reach out to range
countries covering the natural habitats of these big cats. The IBCA seeks to strengthen global cooperation
and efforts to conserve these wild denizens.
India's recent initiatives in tiger conservation highlight a multifaceted approach involving international
cooperation, recognition of exemplary management practices, expansion of protected areas, and adherence
to global standards. These efforts are crucial in ensuring the long-term survival and thriving of tiger
populations in India and serve as a model for conservation strategies worldwide.

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References
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Annual report: [Link]
Project Tiger 50 Years of Tiger Conservation in India ebook: [Link]
Tiger status report 2022: [Link]
Status of Tigers, co-predators and prey in India-2022-Final Report:
[Link]

Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/Sheetal Angral/ Ritu Kataria /Madiha Iqbal

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