Introduction

  • Nikhil Singhal, renowned media strategist, the Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide, and President of the Noida High Rise Federation, was recently honoured with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Anmol Ratan Award.
  • This notable award highlights his extraordinary contributions to the public relations industry and celebrates his commendable leadership skills in the field of strategic communication.

 

Award Ceremony Details

  • The award ceremony was held at the Taj Lucknow on March 31, 2025, organised by the Tapasya Foundation Trust.
  • The event assembled notable personalities from different sectors such as media, public relations, corporate communications, and governance.
  • Shri Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, presented the award to Nikhil Singhal, acknowledging his groundbreaking impact in transforming the PR landscape and establishing powerful communication strategies.

 

Nikhil Singhal’s Response

Upon receiving the accolade, Nikhil Singhal conveyed his gratitude for the honour.

He attributed his success to his dedicated team and his unwavering commitment to achieving excellence.

 

Contributions as President of Noida High Rise Federation

  • Nikhil Singhal, in his capacity as the President of the Noida High Rise Federation, has been instrumental in advocating the rights and concerns of high-rise residents in Noida.
  • His leadership has made possible effective communication between stakeholders and government authorities, thereby significantly contributing to community development, infrastructure improvement, public facilities enhancement, and the fortification of resident associations.

 

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National Youth Award won by Akarsh Shroff for Early Childhood Education Innovations

Introduction and Award Recognition

  • Akarsh Shroff, YuvaSpark founder, has been awarded the prestigious National Youth Award on April 3, 2025.
  • The award has been given in recognition of his leading efforts in boosting early childhood education in India.
  • His initiatives majorly include digitisation of anganwadi centres and novel improvements in rural educational infrastructure.

 

National Youth Award – A Brief Overview

  • The National Youth Award is an annual recognition given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
  • It is bestowed upon individuals under 30 years who demonstrate notable commitment to national development and social service.
  • The award was presented to Akarsh Shroff by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at a ceremony in Parliament House, New Delhi.

 

Akarsh Shroff and YuvaSpark – The Journey

  • Akarsh Shroff, a prodigious visionary from Bengaluru, founded YuvaSpark in 2018 when he was just 17.
  • Initially launched as a student-led initiative, YuvaSpark rapidly grew into a nationwide movement aimed at educational equality and innovation.
  • Today, the initiative has digitised education in more than 600 anganwadi centres across rural India with custom-curated academic content in vernacular languages.

 

Impact and Support for YuvaSpark

  • The impact of YuvaSpark goes beyond anganwadis and has broadened its ambit to encompass other areas of necessity:
  • It has rolled out programmes that aim to enhance the infrastructure of orphanages and libraries in government schools.
  • Additionally, it also supports special schools by providing smart learning devices to differently-abled children.
  • With support from over 700 volunteers from 35 institutions, YuvaSpark has directly affected more than 3.46 lakh children in ten Indian states.
  • The initiative has received financial backing from major institutions such as Amazon, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Indian Oil, MNGL, and SECI, raising a total of ?2.5 crore in funding.

 

Conclusion and Future Outlook

  • Akarsh Shroff and YuvaSpark have set a commendable precedent in the field of education reform at the grassroots level in India.
  • With continued efforts and the support it has garnered, it would likely continue to maximise its impact and transform the education landscape in India positively.

 

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Sudarsan Pattnaik, the First Indian to Win Fred Darrington Sand Master Award

Introduction and Recognition

  • Renowned sand artist and sculptor from Odisha, India, Sudarsan Pattnaik, has created history by becoming the first-ever Indian to be honoured with the prestigious Fred Darrington Award for Excellence in Art and Culture.
  • This global recognition was received at the renowned SandWorld's International Sand Art Festival which took place in Weymouth, Dorset, England.

 

Accentuating Artwork

  • The award was presented to Sudarsan Pattnaik for his grand, 10-meter-tall sand sculpture of Lord Ganesha.
  • Pattnaik's detailed and intricate work on the deity symbolising peace, wisdom, and luck caught everyone's attention, ultimately bagging him the illustrious award.

 

Festive Occasions at Weymouth

  • This year's Sandworld International Sand Art Festival, held from 5-9 April 2025, was a special event as Weymouth celebrated a significant milestone: 100 years of sand sculpting in the locale.
  • This notable tradition of sand sculpting in the area was initiated and furthered by the symbolic figure Fred Darrington, a century ago.

 

Celebration of an Artistic Legacy

  • To commemorate the occasion, Sudarsan Pattnaik was invited to sculpt his award-winning piece, marking his first participation in the festival.
  • The award stands as a tribute to the memory of Fred Darrington, the pioneer of sand sculpting in Weymouth, thereby carrying forward his legacy.

 

Unveiling of the Award

  • The accolade, Fred Darrington Award for Excellence in Art and Culture, was handed over to Sudarsan Pattnaik by Weymouth's mayor Cllr Jon Orrell.
  • The significant event was witnessed by Mark Andersen, who is Fred Darrington's grandson and also the Director of Sandworld.

 

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Aamir Khan Receives the 'Master Humor Award' at Macau International Comedy Festival

Introduction to the Event

  • Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was present at the Macau International Comedy Festival 2025 held in China, making headlines.
  • This marked the first official public appearance of Aamir Khan and his new partner, Gauri Spratt.
  • In addition to attending the event, Aamir was honoured with the prestigious 'Master Humor Award', contributing to the event's attention.

 

Why Aamir Khan’s Presence is Implication

  • Known affectionately as 'Uncle Mi' in the Chinese community, Aamir Khan has a significant fan base in China.
  • His attendance at the festival drew widespread attention, signifying the cross-cultural influence of Aamir and his films in the Chinese market.
  • This appearance was considered newsworthy due to the rarity of Indian actors penetrating the Chinese market to this extent.

 

Aamir Khan's Recognition and his Impact

  • Aamir Khan has been endowed with the 'Master Humor Award', highlighting his international acclaim as a consequential figure in the comedy genre.
  • Given his widely successful Bollywood career, the honour represents an embodiment of his influence that extends beyond his home country.
  • In the realm of comedy, Aamir's recognition proves the universal appeal of humor and attests to the power of cinema in bridging cultural divides.

 

Macau International Comedy Festival – A Brief Overview

  • The Macau International Comedy Festival is a significant cultural event, celebrated on a grand scale in Macau, China.
  • Known for gathering top comedians and actors from different parts of the world, the festival plays a key role in fostering international cultural exchange, mutual learning, and global unity.
  • The international festival highlights the importance of humour in society by awarding talented individuals who have made significant contributions to its propagation.

 

The Cross Cultural Influence of Aamir Khan

  • The standing ovation for Aamir Khan, also known as 'Uncle Mi', exemplifies the far-reaching cross-cultural influence he has achieved in the Chinese market, which is unusual for Indian actors.
  • His success story serves as a reference and inspiration for other Indian actors and filmmakers looking to break into international markets.
  • This phenomenon further underscores the power of art and culture in creating bridges between disparate global communities, proving a noteworthy point in the world of globalised cinema.

 

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Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025: Recognition for P. Sivakami

Overview of the Event

  • The Neelam Cultural Centre, founded by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, awarded the Verchol Dalit Literary Award 2025 to P. Sivakami.
  • The award comes in recognition of her contribution to literature and her efforts towards social transformation through her works.
  • The award ceremony was organised on 13th April 2025 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

 

About P. Sivakami

  • P. Sivakami is a renowned writer, retired IAS officer, and social activist.
  • Her works are widely celebrated, and she has long been a champion of social justice and equality.

 

Importance of the Verchol Dalit Literary Award

  • With the Verchol Dalit Literary Award, the ceremony not only celebrates literary excellence, but also champions the Dalit identity and intellectual agency.
  • The award reiterates the importance of social transformation and inclusivity through literature, underlying its power as a tool for change.
  • The award comes with a cash prize of ?1 lakh, further giving P. Sivakami a platform to continue her remarkable work.

 

Role of Neelam Cultural Centre

  • The Neelam Cultural Centre is an organisation that was started by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith.
  • The centre actively promotes cultural events, giving platform to voices from the Dalit community.
  • Through this award, the centre continues its legacies and commitment towards making literature a space for inclusion and diversity.

 

Current News and General Knowledge

  • This award being discussed in current news reflects the recognition and celebration of Dalit Identity and voices in Indian Literature.
  • It furthers readers' general knowledge through its emphasis on the importance of inclusivity, social change, and intellectual agency in the current cultural and social context.

 

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Honouring Excellence in Medical Field: ‘Legends of Endoscopy’ Award

Award Introduction and Recipient

  • The ‘Legends of Endoscopy’ award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals who have contributed significantly to the field of Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy.
  • The latest recipient of this award is Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, who is the Chairman of AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad.

 

Reason for Recognition

  • Dr. Reddy was chosen for the award because of his groundbreaking work in the specialised field of GI Endoscopy.
  • The award was an affirmation from the medical community that his work represented some of the most innovative and impactful contributions in this medical area.

 

Recent Award Ceremony Details

  • The ‘Legends of Endoscopy’ award was presented to Dr. Reddy at a celebrated event called Tokyo Live Global Endoscopy 2025.
  • The venue for this prestigious event was SHOWA Medical University Koto Toyosu Hospital in Tokyo.

 

Dr. Reddy’s Contribution to the Event

  • Apart from receiving the award, Dr. Reddy also played an active role in the event by conducting live demonstrations of advanced endoscopic procedures.
  • These demonstrations primarily showcased his expert skills and leadership in the global medical community.

 

Importance of the Award

  • The award is a significant honour underlining the recipient's significant contributions to the field of endoscopy.
  • Dr. Reddy being chosen as the recipient of such reverence by a community of Japanese gastroenterologists legitimises the international appreciation of his work.
  • The ‘Legends of Endoscopy’ award truly reflects the impact of Dr. Reddy’s work on a global scale in the medical sector.

 

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Meghalaya's Excellence in Aadhaar Implementation Recognised

Introduction and Award Details

  • The state of Meghalaya in India has been honoured with two awards from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
  • The awards recognise Meghalaya as the best-performing state in two key categories: mandatory biometric updates of children's profiles and the verification of adult Aadhaar enrolments.
  • The awards were conferred upon Shai Kupar War, an Aadhaar nodal officer from Meghalaya's General Administration Department, in an event held in New Delhi on April 8, 2025.

 

Why in the News

  • The honour bestowed upon Meghalaya has brought the state into the limelight, drawing attention to its successful implementation of the Aadhaar system.
  • This recognition highlights Meghalaya's dedication towards the effectiveness of the Aadhaar rollout despite facing opposition from protest groups like the Awaken India Movement.
  • The protest groups have been questioning the need for mandatory Aadhaar linkage for availing welfare benefits.

 

Importance and Impact

  • The awards hold significance as it's an acknowledgement of Meghalaya's efforts in implementing an effective Aadhaar system, which is a massive nationwide initiative.
  • The recognition also puts forth a positive example for other states to improve their Aadhaar systems and achieve better efficiency.
  • Despite facing resistance, the state of Meghalaya could effectively implement compulsory biometric updates for children and verification processes for adult Aadhaar enrolments, leading to a decrease in potential misappropriation of welfare benefits.

 

Additional Facts (GK Part)

  • UIDAI, or the Unique Identification Authority of India, is a statutory authority established under the provisions of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.
  • It is responsible for issuing unique identification numbers (UIDs), also known as "Aadhaar," to all residents of India, and to efficiently manage and authenticate Aadhaar numbers given to individuals.
  • Meghalaya, one of the seven sister states of India, is located in the northeast of the country. It is well-known for its diverse cultures, rich folklore and breathtaking natural beauty.

 

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Achyuta Samanta Receives Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025

Introduction and About

  • Achyuta Samanta has recently been decorated with the revered Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025.
  • He is the originator of KIIT and KISS, respectable institutes in India known for their educational excellence.
  • This award ceremony took place in Kokrajhar, Assam.

 

The Prestigious Award and Why it's News

  • The Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Award 2025 is initiated by the Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma Trust.
  • This award honours individuals who have contributed significantly to society through their commendable work in fields such as education and social empowerment.
  • Samanta being bestowed with this award is noteworthy as it recognises his dedicated efforts and zeal towards transforming lives through quality education.

 

Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma: A Brief Insight

  • The award is conducted on the occasion of the 166th birth anniversary of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma.
  • He was an esteemed social reformer and spiritual leader hailing from the Bodo community.
  • Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma's principles and ideologies are imbibed in the award that recognises and appreciates the exceptional contributions in education and social empowerment.

 

Samanta's Legacy and Contribution

  • Samanta’s unwavering dedication to transforming lives through education has fuelled his acclaimed recognition.
  • His undertaking of uplifting society and empowering individuals through knowledge and education has earned him this distinguished award.
  • This accolade further solidifies Achyuta Samanta’s legacy in the realm of education and social betterment, boldly marking him as an enduring change-maker in India.

 

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Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2024

Introduction & Overview

  • The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are a prestigious honour conferred by the Government of India.
  • It salutes remarkable governance practices and innovative approaches by various districts, and state and central government organisations.
  • The Prime Minister of India recently presented this honour for the year 2024 and simultaneously unveiled two e-Coffee Table Books outlining innovative governance models.

 

Purpose of the Awards

  • The principal purpose of these awards is to stimulate public servants and institutions to render efficient and transparent public service.
  • The scheme offers a platform for bureaucrats to showcase exemplary work and improvement in public service delivery.
  • It fosters an environment that inspires innovative thinking and adaptation of novel strategies in governance.

 

Highlight of the 2024 Awards Gala

  • In the 2024 Awards function, Gamharia Block from the state of Jharkhand was recognised as the top performer in the Aspirational Block Programme.
  • Notably, it achieved transformative development in areas such as health, nutrition, education, and infrastructure.

 

Significance of the Awards

  • This initiative encourages the formulation and implementation of policies based on empirical evidence, promoting citizen-centric governance.
  • It kindles healthy competition among districts and ministries for nominals in furnishing priority schemes intensively and productively.
  • Furthermore, the awards augment the replicability and scalability of triumphant models across India, ensuring the dissemination and adoption of best practices.

 

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Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2024 and Its Recent Recipient: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Introduction

  • The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was recently conferred upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • He received the award at the 80th annual Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Awards ceremony held in Mumbai.
  • The honour was given in recognition of his exemplary and selfless service to the country and society.

 

Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award: An Overview

  • The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was instituted in honour and memory of the legendary Indian singer, Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away in February 2022 at the age of 92.
  • An initiative by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Charitable Trust, it aims to recognise and celebrate extraordinary contributions to the nation and society.
  • It is awarded annually to highlight those who have made path-breaking, spectacular, and exemplary contributions to the nation and its people.

 

About Lata Mangeshkar

  • Known as the 'Nightingale of India', Lata Mangeshkar was an renowned Indian singer.
  • She contributed her voice to over 5,000 songs across various Hindi and regional films.
  • In 1974, she became the first Indian to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in the U.K.
  • Lata Mangeshkar was the recipient of innumerable awards including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • She was also conferred the Officer of the Legion of Honour, the highest civilian award of France, in 2007.

 

Other Major Awards Won by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

  • Throughout his career, PM Narendra Modi has received numerous prestigious awards for his work and leadership.
  • These include Bhutan’s highest civilian award 'Order of the Druk Gyalpo' (2021), Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from the Cambridge Energy Research Associates CERA (2021), and the Legion of Merit from the US Government (2020).
  • He received the first Philip Kotler Presidential award (2019), Global Goalkeeper Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2019), and Order of Zayed Award, the highest civilian honour of the United Arab Emirates (2019).
  • Other honours include Order of St. Andrew award, King Hamad Order of the Renaissance - First Class (2019), Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin (2019), and Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018).
  • He was also lauded with the Champions of The Earth Award (2018), the United Nation’s highest environmental honour, and the Seoul Peace Prize by Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation (2018), given for contributions to world peace.

 

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Rajesh Unni Receives India's Top Maritime Honour

Introduction to Rajesh Unni & the National Maritime Varuna Award

  • Rajesh Unni is the founder of the Synergy Marine Group, an essential player in the maritime industry.
  • This laudable entrepreneur was honoured with the National Maritime Varuna Award by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
  • The award ceremony took place during the 62nd National Maritime Day celebrations in Mumbai on April 5, 2025.

 

Why Rajesh Unni is in the News

  • Rajesh Unni's recognition is significant as he receives India's highest individual accolade in the maritime sector.
  • His receipt of the National Maritime Varuna Award places him among an elite group of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the maritime landscape of India.
  • Unni's achievements and contributions have been recognised as transformative for India's maritime industry.

 

Deep Dive into the National Maritime Varuna Award

  • The National Maritime Varuna Award stands as India's top individual award within the maritime industry.
  • The DGS presents this esteemed award to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and prolonged contributions to the maritime industry.
  • The National Maritime Varuna Award highlights and celebrates achievers who have played a significant role in shaping the maritime industry.

 

Importance and Legacy of Rajesh Unni's Achievement

  • Rajesh Unni's recognition is symbolic of his efforts to transform India's maritime landscape.
  • It is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurship in the maritime industry.
  • Unni's receipt of the prestigious award serves as an inspiration for upcoming maritime enthusiasts while also contributing to the legacy of the National Maritime Varuna Award.

 

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Payal Kapadia's Achievement of the French Honour in Arts and Letters

Introduction and About

  • Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadia has been conferred with the esteemed 'Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' title.
  • This French honour acknowledges Kapadia's significant contributions to cinema.
  • The filmmaker's journey from independent cinema to global recognition is notable for her innovative storytelling and prestigious accolades.

 

Current Events and Celebration

  • Kapadia was celebrated at a ceremony at the French Consulate in Mumbai for her substantial contribution to cinema industry.
  • The French honour stands as another milestone in her continuously unfolding success story.
  • This accolade joins a series of prestigious awards that Kapadia has received, including a win at Cannes and a Golden Globe nomination.

 

Position Amongst Notable Indian Artists

  • This prestigious French honour propels Kapadia into the ranks of high-profile Indian artists
  • Past recipients of this prestigious honour includes Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Lata Mangeshkar.
  • The distinction marks Kapadia’s ever-growing international reputation in cinema and the arts.

 

Significance of the French Honour

  • The 'Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres' is a premier French accolade recognising significant contributions to cinema and the arts.
  • It is awarded by the French government and highly esteemed internationally for its recognition of noteworthy endeavours in fostering cultural or artistic diversity.
  • Kapadia's receipt of the honour not only cements her place in cinema but further solidifies the international respect for Indian cinema and artists.

 

Geography and Venue

  • The honour was conferred at a ceremony at the French Consulate in Mumbai.
  • The event marked her growing international stature, with distinguished guests in attendance.
  • The French Consulate in Mumbai serves as a testament to the long-standing cultural and artistic exchanges between France and India.

 

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Schemes and  Initiative

Launch and Overview of the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal

Introduction to NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal

  • NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal was recently launched by the Union Finance Minister.
  • This comprehensive portal has been developed in collaboration between NITI Aayog and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).

 

About the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal

  • The portal is a comprehensive source of 30 years (1990–91 to 2022–23) of data on Indian states.
  • It covers various areas such as demography, economy, fiscal indicators, health, education, and expert research on state finances.

 

Core Components of the Portal

  • The portal is made up of four main components:
  • State Reports: Comprehensive summary of 28 states' macro and fiscal situation including indicators in demography, economic structure, socio-economic and fiscal areas.
  • Data Repository: Offers access to an extensive database categorized under five key verticals — Demography, Economic Structure, Fiscal Indicators, Health, and Education.
  • State Fiscal and Economic Dashboard: Provides graphical illustrations of key economic variables and easy access to raw data and summary tables.
  • Research and Commentary: Includes substantial research on state finances and important aspects of fiscal policy and financial management at the state and national levels.

 

Significance of the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal

  • User-Friendly & Comparative Tool: This portal provides a comparative view of the states against each other and the national average.
  • Aid for Policymaking: The portal supports evidence-based policymaking with historic trends and real-time analytics to aid in sound decision making.
  • One-Stop Research Hub: It serves as a centralized platform for scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing access to long-term data in a consolidated manner.

 

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Overview and Evaluation of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana's 10th Anniversary

Introduction to the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

  • The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) marked its tenth year on 8th April 2025.
  • Initiated in 2015, this programme has been instrumental in the provision of collateral-free financial aid to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) throughout India.

 

Noteworthy Achievements of PMMY

  • In the course of its existence, the PMMY has disbursed over Rs 32.61 lakh crore through 52 crore loans, consisting of over 100 million first-time borrowers.
  • Lending to MSME escalated from Rs 8.5 lakh crore in FY14 to Rs 27.25 lakh crore in FY24, thereby increasing its share in bank credit from 15.8% to nearly 20%.
  • Inclusivity is a key achievement, with women making up 68% of the beneficiaries. Loans and deposits for women have grown at a CAGR of 13% and 14% respectively, from FY16 to FY25.
  • Social inclusion is achieved by half of the PMMY accounts being held by SC, ST, OreoBC entrepreneurs, with a further 11% by minorities, as per SBI data.
  • During the Covid-19 crisis, a 2% interest-subvention on Shishu loans under Atma Nirbhar Bharat aided to prevent defaults and safeguard livelihoods.

 

Understanding the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

  • MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency), is an essential scheme by the Government of India, launched in 2015.
  • The scheme aims to provide affordable and collateral-free credit through Member Lending Institutions (MLIs).

 

Key Features of PMMY

  • The scheme is a Central Sector Scheme.
  • Loans are extended by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs), including Scheduled Commercial Banks, RRBs, NBFCs, and MFIs.
  • The responsibility of refinancing is carried out by MUDRA Ltd. (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency), which provides refinancing to MLIs. They do not lend directly to the borrowers.
  • The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU), set up alongside MUDRA in 2015, provides a credit guarantee.

 

Benefits of PMMY

  • Advantages of PMMY scheme include no processing fees, requirement for collateral, easy access to credit, and flexible repayment terms.
  • Another essential benefit includes the MUDRA Card, which is a debit card issued against the loan account to help meet working capital needs.

 

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India Skills Accelerator: A Collaborative Initiative by MSDE and WEF

Introduction and About India Skills Accelerator

  • The India Skills Accelerator (ISA) is a new and innovative public-private collaboration platform launched by India's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum.
  • ISA aims to foster cooperation across various sectors to tackle the challenge of equipping the Indian workforce with relevant skills.
  • The initiative is primarily focused on promoting innovation, facilitating knowledge sharing, and driving policy reforms within the country's skills development ecosystem.

 

India Skills Accelerator and India’s Demographic Dividend

  • In consideration of India's demographic landscape, ISA has been created to support and accelerate the demographic dividend in India. 
  • With the country's vast young population, ISA aims to transform India into the 'Skill Capital of the World' and ensure its youth is well-equipped for the global job market.
  • The objective is to tap into the potential of the population effectively and drive sustainable development.

 

Addressing Skill Gaps and Aligning with Business Needs

  • The initiative also recognises the existence of significant skills gaps, noted by 65% of organisations, which prevent the full utilisation of the available workforce.
  • ISA endeavors to mitigate these skill gaps by promoting broader upskilling and reskilling initiatives. 
  • These efforts are focused on aligning the education system with industry requirements, henceforth ensuring that students are well-prepped for the evolving job market.

 

Global Alignment and Connectivity

  • In order to maintain competitiveness in the global job market, ISA leverages insights from the World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs 2025' report.
  • By integrating the foresights and predictions from the report, ISA plans to create a skill development framework that matches the future standards of the global job landscape.
  • This measure allows the initiative to stay ahead of trends and prepare Indian professionals for future job markets effectively

 

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Geographical Indication (GI) Tag granted to Banarasi Shehnai

Introduction to Banarasi Shehnai

  • The Banarasi Shehnai is a traditional wind instrument that is an integral part of the rich cultural and craft heritage of Varanasi.
  • It is deeply rooted in the Banaras Gharana of Indian classical music.
  • The instrument gained national recognition when it was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

 

Importance and Prominence of Banarasi Shehnai

  • The national prominence of the Banarasi Shehnai was mainly due to Ustad Bismillah Khan, a celebrated Indian musician.
  • He famously played the shehnai at the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day.
  • Khan elevated the Shehnai to prominence in Indian classical music with his performance at the Calcutta All India Music Conference in 1937.
  • He was also awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001.
  • Often performed at weddings, religious ceremonies and temple rituals, the Shehnai holds both divine and auspicious status.

 

About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

  • A GI tag is a name or sign used on specific products that correspond to a particular geographical location or origin.
  • The GI tag ensures that only authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are permitted to use the renowned product name.
  • It aims to protect the product from being copied or imitated by others.
  • Once registered, a GI is valid for 10 years and can be further renewed.

 

Legal Framework and Oversight for GI Tag:

  • The legal framework for GI registration includes the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 and the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
  • Oversight of GI registration is performed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.