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.

The Ministry of Finance announced a new Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the manufacturing of advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries. With an outlay of ?18,100 crore, the scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing capacity for ACCs, reduce import dependence, and promote electric vehicle adoption. This initiative is expected to attract significant investment and create jobs in the green energy sector.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced new guidelines for digital lending, focusing on enhancing customer protection and ensuring responsible lending practices. The regulations mandate greater transparency in loan terms, restrict automatic credit limit increases, and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms. These measures aim to curb predatory lending and safeguard borrowers in the rapidly expanding digital lending ecosystem.

The Cabinet has approved the "Scheme for Promotion of Research & Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP)" with an outlay of Rs. 5000 crore over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28). This initiative aims to position India as a global leader in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors by fostering R&D, reducing import reliance, and strengthening research infrastructure in NIPERs. The scheme will also establish Centres of Excellence and promote industry-academia collaboration through financial assistance for research projects.

The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme to promote research and innovation in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. This initiative aims to reduce India's import dependence, foster self-reliance, and position the country as a global leader in these critical industries by boosting indigenous R&D capabilities.

The Ministry of Finance released its monthly economic report, highlighting robust economic indicators for the past month. Key takeaways include strong Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, stable inflation rates, and a positive outlook for the manufacturing sector, signaling continued economic recovery and growth.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual report on trends and progress of banking in India, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector's performance. The report highlighted significant growth in digital payments, stable asset quality for commercial banks, and underscored the challenges posed by global economic uncertainties and evolving regulatory landscapes.

The Ministry of Finance launched 'Vikas Nidhi', a new scheme offering collateral-free loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Implemented through public sector banks, this initiative aims to stimulate local economies and generate employment, with eligibility requiring a minimum two years of operation and a specified turnover limit.

The Ministry of Power inaugurated a new 500 MW solar power plant in Rajasthan, marking a significant stride towards India's renewable energy targets. This project, part of the National Solar Mission, is expected to substantially reduce carbon emissions and enhance the nation's energy security.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying introduced 'Pashu Dhan Suraksha Yojana', a new scheme offering insurance coverage for livestock. This initiative aims to protect farmers from financial losses due to animal mortality and promote sustainable livestock farming practices, including provisions for veterinary care and awareness campaigns.

Prime Minister distributed 70,000 appointment letters at the 'Rozgar Mela', reiterating the government's commitment to employment generation. He highlighted various initiatives like Make in India, Start-up India, Skill India, Mudra Yojana, and PM SVANidhi, which aim to boost economic activity and create job opportunities. The PM also emphasized the role of infrastructure development and ease of doing business in fostering a conducive environment for growth.

The Union Cabinet approved the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, aiming to augment city bus operations by deploying 10,000 e-buses in 169 cities across India. With an estimated cost of Rs. 57,613 crore, including a central government contribution of Rs. 20,000 crore, the scheme promotes green mobility, reduces noise and air pollution, and is expected to generate 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs. This initiative will enhance public transport infrastructure and facilitate last-mile connectivity.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) mission, India's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study celestial X-ray sources. Launched aboard a PSLV-C58 rocket, XPoSat will provide crucial insights into the emission mechanisms from objects like black holes and neutron stars. This mission marks a significant step for India in advanced astrophysics research.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched a new Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This advanced satellite is designed to provide high-resolution imagery and critical data, which will be instrumental for applications in agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring, enhancing India's remote sensing capabilities.

ISRO successfully tested a new generation cryogenic engine designed for its future heavy-lift launch vehicles, conducted at its propulsion complex. This advanced engine aims to significantly increase payload capacity and reduce launch costs, thereby enhancing India's competitive position in the global space market.

The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the Digital India Programme with an outlay of Rs. 14,903 crore, reinforcing the nation's digital infrastructure and capabilities. Key initiatives include skilling 6.25 lakh IT professionals, supporting 1200 startups under C-DAC, and expanding DigiLocker services for MSMEs. The program also focuses on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the National Supercomputing Mission, aiming to enhance India's technological prowess and digital literacy.

India successfully launched its first indigenous, affordable, and high-field 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, developed by Voxelgrids Innovations Pvt Ltd with support from the Department of Science & Technology. This breakthrough aims to significantly reduce the cost of MRI scans, making advanced diagnostic imaging more accessible to a wider population across the country. The initiative marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in medical technology, reducing India's dependence on imported medical equipment.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released the 'India State of Forest Report 2023', highlighting an increase in forest and tree cover across the country. The report emphasizes the role of community participation and various government schemes in achieving this growth. It also provides detailed assessments of carbon stock, bamboo resources, and forest fire prone areas, crucial for sustainable forest management.

The Union Minister for Environment has launched the 'Green Credit Programme', an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions by individuals, communities, and industries. This program aims to create a national framework for generating, trading, and registering Green Credits for various environmental activities, promoting a sustainable lifestyle and economy.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced new guidelines for the conservation of urban wetlands, emphasizing their ecological importance. These guidelines mandate local bodies to identify and protect urban wetlands, focusing on maintaining ecological balance, preventing encroachment, and promoting biodiversity within urban ecosystems.

The Union Cabinet approved the 'PM-PRANAM' (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth) scheme, aimed at reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and promoting alternative, sustainable fertilizers. This initiative seeks to improve soil health and promote balanced fertilization practices across states. Concurrently, the Cabinet also approved a Rs. 3.68 lakh crore urea subsidy for three years, ensuring the availability of urea to farmers at existing prices and supporting agricultural productivity.

India and France conducted their 21st bilateral naval exercise, 'Varuna', in the Arabian Sea, focusing on enhancing interoperability and joint operational capabilities. The exercise involved advanced air defence drills, anti-submarine warfare operations, and tactical manoeuvres, showcasing the strong strategic partnership between the two nations. This collaboration underscores their commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Union Cabinet has approved an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and France for cooperation in medical products regulation. This agreement, signed between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and France's Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé (ANSM), aims to facilitate the exchange of information and enhance collaboration in regulatory practices. The cooperation is expected to improve the quality and safety of medical products, reduce regulatory burdens, and foster mutual understanding of each other's regulatory frameworks, thereby boosting trade.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Italy to foster cooperation in Industrial Research and Development. This agreement, signed by India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Italy's Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), aims to promote scientific and technological collaboration in key areas such as renewable energy, sustainable technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, AI, and quantum technologies. The MoU is expected to facilitate joint research projects, technology transfer, and capacity building, contributing to economic growth in both nations.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the USA to enhance cooperation in advanced technology. Signed by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the MoU aims to promote collaborative research and education in critical areas like Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced computing, semiconductors, and future generation communication. This partnership is expected to facilitate joint research projects, exchange of experts, and access to advanced facilities, strengthening both nations' technological capabilities.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia to deepen cooperation in the energy sector. Signed by India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy, the agreement focuses on collaboration in renewable energy, energy efficiency, hydrogen production, grid interconnection, smart grids, and energy storage. This partnership aims to facilitate technology transfer, joint projects, and capacity building, thereby enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable energy solutions for both countries.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Malaysia to foster cooperation in the field of digitalization. Signed by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Malaysia's Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the agreement aims to promote collaboration in digital transformation, e-governance, digital public infrastructure, and cybersecurity. This partnership is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, joint projects, and capacity building, contributing to the growth of the digital economy and enhancing digital services in both nations.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Australia to enhance cooperation in the field of education. Signed by India's Ministry of Education and Australia's Department of Education, the agreement aims to promote collaboration across higher education, vocational education and training, and school education sectors. This partnership will facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research, curriculum development, and quality assurance, ultimately enhancing educational opportunities and fostering mutual recognition of qualifications between the two countries.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the United Kingdom to strengthen cooperation in science and innovation. Signed by India's Ministry of Science & Technology and the UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the agreement aims to foster collaborative research and development in critical areas such as health, clean energy, advanced materials, Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, and space. This partnership is expected to facilitate joint research projects, technology transfer, and the commercialization of innovations, benefiting both nations' scientific and economic progress.

India and Japan successfully concluded their 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, involving their respective Foreign and Defence Ministers, to strengthen strategic partnership. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in defence, security, and economic sectors, with a particular emphasis on ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Japan held their annual strategic dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Discussions focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and collaboration on emerging technologies, with both nations agreeing to enhance maritime security cooperation and expand bilateral trade relations.

India and Trinidad & Tobago signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for sharing India's digital public infrastructure, known as INDIA STACK. This collaboration will enable Trinidad & Tobago to implement similar digital transformation initiatives, leveraging open-source technologies like Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and CoWIN. The agreement underscores India's commitment to sharing its digital public goods with partner countries to foster digital inclusion and innovation globally.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the 'Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi' program, integrating early childhood care and education with nutrition services at Anganwadi Centres. This initiative aims to improve the holistic development of children aged 0-6 years by providing quality preschool education alongside supplementary nutrition. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to child welfare and development.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a comprehensive nationwide campaign aimed at accelerating efforts towards Tuberculosis (TB) eradication in India. This initiative seeks to raise awareness, improve diagnosis and treatment access, and mobilize community participation to achieve the ambitious goal of a TB-free India by 2025.

The Ministry of Education launched 'Digital Pathshala', an initiative to integrate advanced digital learning tools into the national curriculum. This program aims to bridge the digital divide by providing e-content, virtual labs, and online courses to students in remote areas, alongside offering teacher training modules for digital pedagogy.

The Ministry of Culture launched the 'Heritage Connect' portal, a new digital platform designed to showcase India's rich cultural heritage. The portal will feature virtual tours of historical sites, digital archives of artifacts, and information on traditional arts and crafts, aiming to promote cultural tourism and awareness.

The Union Cabinet approved the 'Vishwakarma Yojana' with an initial outlay of Rs. 13,000 crore, aimed at supporting traditional artisans and craftspeople, often referred to as 'Vishwakarmas'. This scheme will provide financial assistance, skill training, access to modern tools, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support to integrate them into the MSME value chain. The initiative seeks to preserve India's rich heritage of traditional crafts while empowering these communities economically and socially.

India's G20 Presidency is strongly advocating for women-led development, emphasizing the crucial role of women in driving economic growth and societal progress. The focus includes promoting women's economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and leadership across various sectors. Initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao were highlighted as examples of policies supporting women's financial inclusion and education, underscoring India's commitment to gender equality on the global stage.

The Indian Army successfully test-fired the upgraded version of the 'Pinaka' Extended Range (ER) Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. Developed by DRDO, the Pinaka ER system boasts enhanced range and accuracy, significantly boosting the Army's artillery capabilities. This indigenous development reinforces India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

India successfully conducted the test-firing of the Agni-V ballistic missile, a long-range, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile. This successful test further strengthens India's strategic deterrence capabilities and reinforces its commitment to national security and defence preparedness.

The Indian Navy successfully conducted the maiden flight test of an indigenously developed long-range anti-ship missile from a naval helicopter. This achievement significantly enhances the Navy's offensive capabilities and marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in advanced missile technology, with the missile demonstrating high accuracy.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' (PMRBP) 2024 to 19 exceptional children for their outstanding achievements in various fields. The awards recognize children aged 5-18 for their excellence in innovation, social service, scholastic, sports, art & culture, and bravery. Each awardee received a medal, a cash prize of ?1 lakh, and a certificate.

The President of India conferred the prestigious Padma Awards 2024 at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognizing individuals for their exceptional contributions in diverse fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. These awards honor citizens for their distinguished service to the nation.