Daily Bulletin

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the 'Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar' (My Village My Heritage) program as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. This initiative aims to document and map the cultural assets of India's 6.5 lakh villages, creating a comprehensive virtual museum of India's cultural heritage. The program seeks to promote rural tourism and preserve the unique traditions of each village.

The Ministry of Rural Development launched the 'SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2024' in Noida, showcasing products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) from across the country. This initiative provides a platform for rural women entrepreneurs to market their products, fostering economic empowerment and self-reliance. The Mela aims to connect rural artisans with urban markets, promoting local crafts and traditions.

The Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission, a constitutional body established under Article 280. This commission will provide recommendations for a five-year period starting April 1, 2026, covering the distribution of taxes between the Union and States, principles for grants-in-aid, and measures to augment state funds for local bodies. Additionally, it will review current disaster management financing arrangements, with its Chairman and members to be appointed shortly.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for another three years, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. With an outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore, the scheme aims to ensure the speedy disposal of cases related to sexual offences, particularly those under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. As of October 2023, FTSCs have already disposed of over 1.95 lakh such cases, significantly contributing to justice delivery for vulnerable victims.

Prime Minister will inaugurate the 'Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth' workshop, a significant initiative aimed at engaging the nation's youth in shaping the vision for a developed India by 2047. This workshop seeks to gather ideas and perspectives from young citizens across various sectors, fostering their active participation in national development and policy formulation.

The Election Commission of India announced new measures to enhance voter accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in upcoming elections. These initiatives include providing accessible polling stations, Braille ballot papers, and dedicated volunteers, aiming to ensure inclusive participation in the democratic process.

The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022, aiming to enhance governance, management, and financial discipline within cooperative societies. The proposed changes seek to streamline the election process, improve monitoring mechanisms, and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the cooperative sector. These reforms are intended to strengthen the cooperative movement in India and promote ease of doing business for these organizations.

The 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign was launched as a nationwide tribute to the brave martyrs and freedom fighters of India, marking the culmination of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. This initiative involves collecting soil from every corner of the country through the 'Amrit Kalash Yatra' to establish an 'Amrit Vatika' in Delhi. The campaign aims to instill a sense of national pride and remembrance, encouraging citizens to connect with their roots and honor those who sacrificed for the nation.