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Friday, January 2, 2026 1:40 AM

Governance Community

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Shift to New Parliament Building; Old Complex to Become Heritage Site

In a historic move, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are scheduled to meet at 1:15 PM and 2:15 PM, respectively, within the premises of the New Parliament Building. The transition from the Old Parliament Building to the new one took place on Monday, with both houses officially recognizing the new edifice as the Parliament House of India. Today, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will conduct their sessions in the modernized Parliament complex, marking a pivotal moment during the five-day Special Session of the Parliament initiated on Monday. The former iconic Parliament Complex, which has served as the ‘temple of democracy’ for over seven decades, will now be preserved as a heritage site, with the New Parliament Complex, inaugurated earlier this year by Prime Minister Modi, taking its place. The notification regarding this significant change was issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on September 18, designating the new Parliament building located in New Delhi, adjacent to the existing Parliament House with Raisina Road to the south and Red Cross Road to the north, as the Parliament House of India. The Central Hall program, scheduled for 11 AM today at the old Parliament building, will commemorate the rich legacy of the Indian Parliament and reaffirm the commitment to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. Security personnel at the Parliament building have also been outfitted in new uniforms, featuring khaki trousers, cream-colored jackets, cream shirts with pink lotus motifs (for men), and vibrant sarees with jackets (for women), along with turbans for marshals, signalling a distinct dress code. On Monday, both houses adjourned after discussing Parliamentary democracy’s evolution over the last 75 years. Presiding officers confirmed that proceedings would commence in the new Parliament building on Tuesday afternoon. Prior to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions at noon, all MPs from both houses will assemble for group photographs, symbolizing the shift to the New Parliament Complex.

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Government Building Digital Public Infrastructure for Future Job Skills: MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar

The Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced the government’s commitment to digital skilling, emphasizing the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to prepare young Indians for future tech-oriented jobs. Speaking at the Skill India Digital event, where the government launched the Skill India Digital portal to benefit all citizens, especially those aged 15 and above, the minister highlighted the global recognition of DPIs during the G20 Summit and their application in digital skilling for India’s youth. Chandrasekhar stated, “This DPI aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Skill India and Digital India, addressing the growing importance of digital skills in a post-Covid world. Its purpose extends to nurturing both entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.” During the event, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Chandrasekhar, unveiled Skill India Digital, an advanced digital platform designed to consolidate various skilling initiatives. In a recent statement, Chandrasekhar highlighted India’s impressive technological advancements, which gained international attention during the G20 Summit. India’s DPI, much like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar, has disrupted conventional norms and showcased the country’s digital transformation efforts. He remarked, “Today, the world is recognizing India’s remarkable achievements in technology, utilizing Digital Public Infrastructure to revolutionize governance and enhance citizens’ lives.” The G20 leaders have pledged to adopt, construct, and maintain a Global Digital Public Infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of fostering a secure and robust global digital economy and ecosystem.

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NITI Aayog’s Special Campaign 2.0: Clearing Pending Matters and Boosting Cleanliness

NITI Aayog has launched Special Campaign 2.0 to address pending matters and promote cleanliness. This initiative, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India, began in October 2021 and has continued into 2022 and 2023. Special Campaign 2.0, which runs from November 2022 to August 2023, aims to ensure the prompt resolution of public grievances, references from Members of Parliament, state governments, inter-ministerial consultations, and parliamentary assurances by ministries and departments. The campaign is led by NITI Aayog, along with its associated offices, including the Development Monitoring & Evaluation Office (DMEO) and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in NITI Bhawan, as well as the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (NILERD) in Narela, New Delhi. It focuses on addressing public grievances, parliamentary assurances, PMO references, and emphasizes record management, cleanliness both indoors and outdoors, and the disposal of office scrap to create more space within NITI Aayog. During this campaign, significant progress has been made in resolving public grievances, parliamentary assurances, and PMO references. Additionally, a substantial number of files have been reviewed and cleared, freeing up valuable space, and generating revenue through the disposal of office scrap. Over 75% of the designated physical files have been reviewed, and approximately 95% of public grievances and appeals have been addressed. Moreover, redundant scrap materials and obsolete items have been identified for disposal.

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Global Leaders Convene in New Delhi for 18th G20 Summit

The 18th G20 Summit, hosted by India, kicked off today in the national capital, New Delhi, with more than 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union, and invited guest countries in attendance. The two-day summit is being held at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam, and it promises to address critical global challenges under the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future.” The summit commenced with world leaders arriving at the venue, Bharat Mandapam, from 9.30 am onwards. The first session of the G20 Summit, titled ‘One Earth,’ took place at around 10.30 am. This session is dedicated to accelerating climate action, focusing on increased mitigation efforts and strengthening the global net zero emission agenda as soon as possible. The theme underscores the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth, emphasizing the value of human, animal, plant, and microorganism life. In the evening, a dinner hosted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, was scheduled to bring together foreign delegates, parliamentarians, and ministers, along with former senior leaders of the nation. Key leaders attending the event include US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. However, notably absent from the summit are Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. China will be represented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia. This marks India’s first time hosting the G20 Summit, with extensive preparations showcasing India’s tradition and strength. During its presidency, India has focused on various critical issues, including inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access. India seeks to achieve the dual objectives of adding the African Union as a member of the G20 and resolving disagreements related to a joint statement concerning the conflict in Ukraine. The participating countries in the G20 Summit include Nigeria, Argentina, Italy, the African Union (represented by Comros), South Africa, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Egypt, Australia, the United States, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Spain, Germany, France, Mauritius, the European Union, and Singapore. A warm welcome was extended to world leaders upon their arrival in Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing confidence that the summit would chart a new path toward human-centric and inclusive development. Leaders who have arrived in the national capital for the G20 Summit include US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The leaders were welcomed with traditional dance performances. Other distinguished attendees include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Oman Deputy Prime Minister Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Egypt President El-Sisi, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Additionally, African Union Chairperson Azali Assoumani, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have also arrived in Delhi to participate in the summit. The 18th G20 Summit holds the promise of fostering collaborative solutions for the benefit of the global population and contributing to overall global well-being in a rapidly changing world.

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RBI to Showcase Digital Payments and CBDC Focus at G20 Summit

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to showcase its digital payment infrastructure during the upcoming G20 summit, with a particular focus on central bank digital currency (CBDC) and public technology platforms. RBI insiders have revealed that the RBI’s exhibition pavilion at the G20 summit will feature five main exhibits, including the Public Tech Platform (PTP) designed to streamline credit processes. Delegates will have access to an interactive experience centre where they can observe the entire digital process, from customer onboarding to the approval and disbursement of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and dairy loans in just minutes, transforming rural credit practices. Furthermore, the pavilion will present an informative video detailing the RBI’s digital rupee and its developmental journey. Select banks involved in the pilot program will demonstrate live digital rupee transactions. In addition, the exhibition will spotlight various digital payment initiatives, such as UPI One World, which allows visitors to use UPI for payments even without an Indian bank account, providing them with a firsthand experience of seamless UPI transactions. Another segment, RuPay On-The-Go, will demonstrate how customers can make contactless payments using everyday accessories like watches, rings, or keychains, showcasing the adaptability of domestic card schemes to global standards. Lastly, the RBI will emphasize the versatility of the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) platform, which can integrate with both FinTech firms and traditional financial institutions to facilitate domestic and cross-border payment transactions, according to sources within the RBI.

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PM Modi Highlights India’s Inclusive Tech Initiatives and Global Impact

In an interview with a news agency, Prime Minister Modi discussed how India’s digital public infrastructure is promoting social inclusion and democratizing technology. He emphasized that India’s efforts have gained global recognition and are paving the way for a broader global movement. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the success of the CoWIN initiative, which facilitated the world’s largest vaccine drive, providing over 200 crore free doses. The platform, CoWIN, was even made open source for other countries to adopt. Referring to the UPI initiative, Modi noted that digital transactions are empowering businesses of all sizes, from street vendors to major banks, and contributing to financial inclusion. He praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure for its role in delivering public services during the pandemic, citing the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity’s effectiveness in ensuring financial inclusion and benefit transfers. Modi also mentioned the ONDC e-commerce initiative, which is seen as a significant step in democratizing digital platforms and creating a level playing field. He discussed the adoption of India’s digital public infrastructure by the G20 forum, which has established principles for a secure digital economy and laid the foundation for the One Future Alliance to coordinate global efforts in this regard. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s impact on healthcare service delivery and India’s commitment to global health through the G20’s Global Digital Health Initiative. He stressed India’s approach of using technology to promote inclusion and equality, turning it into a force for good. Modi also addressed the government’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity, acknowledging the challenges posed by technology in combating illicit financial activities and terrorism. The Prime Minister celebrated India’s achievements across various domains, including the space sector, startups, sports, and education, expressing optimism about India’s economic prospects in the near future. This interview provides valuable insights into India’s efforts to leverage technology for social inclusion and global cooperation. Interview link: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/ptis-exclusive-interview-with-prime-minister-narendra-modi/

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ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission: India’s Solar Observatory Launches Successfully

In a historic leap for India’s space exploration endeavours, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful launch of the Aditya-L1 solar observatory. This mission marks India’s inaugural foray into dedicated solar research, as the spacecraft embarks on a groundbreaking journey to the Sun-Earth L1 point. With precise placement into its intended orbit, Aditya-L1 now sets its sights on unravelling the enigmas of our nearest star, promising groundbreaking insights into solar dynamics and their influence on space weather. This mission not only positions ISRO at the forefront of solar science but also holds immense potential for advancing our understanding of the solar system’s intricate workings and their implications for life on Earth. PSLV-C57/Aditya-L1 Mission: The launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 is accomplished successfully. The vehicle has placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point. — ISRO (@isro) September 2, 2023 Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists and engineers at ISRO for the successful launch of India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya -L1. After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India continues its space journey. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at @isro for the successful launch of India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya -L1. Our tireless scientific efforts will continue in order to develop better… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 2, 2023 Aditya-L1 will be India’s pioneering space-based mission focused on unravelling the mysteries of our nearest star, the Sun. This state-of-the-art spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, situated approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This unique orbit offers a significant advantage – uninterrupted views of the Sun, free from any eclipses or occultations. Consequently, Aditya-L1 will provide invaluable real-time observations of solar activities and their impact on space weather. The spacecraft is equipped with seven payloads designed to observe various layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layer, the corona. These payloads utilize electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors to gather data. Positioned at the Lagrange point L1, four of these payloads will directly observe the Sun, while the remaining three will conduct in-situ studies of particles and fields, offering crucial insights into the dynamics of solar activity within the interplanetary medium. The Aditya-L1 payloads are expected to deliver vital information on several key aspects, including the enigmatic problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, space weather dynamics, and the propagation of particles and fields in space. Science Objectives: The primary scientific objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission encompass: Solar Atmospheric Dynamics: Investigating the dynamics of the solar upper atmosphere, particularly the chromosphere and corona. Coronal Heating and Plasma Physics: Studying the mechanisms behind chromospheric and coronal heating, as well as the behavior of partially ionized plasma, initiation of coronal mass ejections, and solar flares. Particle Dynamics: Observing the in-situ particle and plasma environment to provide data for understanding particle dynamics originating from the Sun. Corona Heating Mechanism: Examining the physics of the solar corona and its heating mechanisms. Plasma Diagnostics: Providing diagnostics for coronal and coronal loop plasma, including temperature, velocity, and density measurements. Coronal Mass Ejections: Investigating the development, dynamics, and origins of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Magnetic Field Studies: Studying magnetic field topology and measurements in the solar corona. Space Weather Drivers: Identifying the drivers for space weather, including the origin, composition, and dynamics of the solar wind. The launch of Aditya-L1 heralds a significant milestone in India’s space research efforts, positioning the country at the forefront of solar science and space weather forecasting. As Aditya-L1 embarks on its mission to unlock the secrets of the Sun, it promises to shed light on crucial aspects of our solar system, benefiting both scientific understanding and practical applications on Earth.

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Government Calls Special Parliament Session, Sept 18-22, Agendas Awaited

The Central Government has summoned a “special session of Parliament” scheduled to run from September 18 to 22, with five sittings in total, as confirmed by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on a social media platform. Joshi expressed optimism for productive discussions and debates during this session, known as the 13th Session of the 17th Lok Sabha and the 261st Session of the Rajya Sabha, during what he referred to as the “Amrit Kaal.” The government has not yet disclosed specific agendas for this session, although some reports speculate that it might involve the transition from the old Parliament building to the new one. It’s possible that this session could commence in the old building and conclude in the new facility. Additionally, discussions about a roadmap for the nation’s next 25 years are anticipated during the session. Notably, the inauguration of the new Parliament building took place while there was significant unrest due to the wrestlers’ agitation. In a previous Monsoon session of Parliament held between July 20 and August 11, tensions ran high between the ruling coalition and the opposition, primarily due to the issue of ethnic violence in Manipur. During that session, a vote of no confidence against the Modi government was introduced by I.N.D.I.A but was easily defeated on the final day, marked by the opposition’s walkout during the Prime Minister’s address.

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PM Modi Declares August 23 as ‘National Space Day’ After Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Success

In a momentous announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared August 23rd as ‘National Space Day,’ during his address to the accomplished scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) command centre in Bengaluru. The significance of this date stems from the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s south pole, a remarkable achievement celebrated as a milestone in India’s space exploration journey. Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for the Chandrayaan-3 team and particularly lauded the contributions of women scientists who played a pivotal role in the mission’s success. He revealed that the precise spot on the lunar surface where Chandrayaan-3 touched down would be named ‘Shivshakti,’ serving as an inspiration for future generations to utilize science for the betterment of humanity. He also designated the location where its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, had landed as the ‘Tiranga’ point. Highlighting the importance of advancements in science, technology, and space exploration, PM Modi emphasized that nations leading in these fields are scripting history. To encourage the youth’s involvement in science, technology, and space endeavours, he proclaimed August 23rd, the day of Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing, as National Space Day. Modi celebrated the fact that India’s national pride now resides on the Moon, marking an unprecedented achievement. He commended the scientists for taking the ‘Make In India’ initiative to the lunar surface, underscoring the boost to indigenous production resulting from Chandrayaan-3’s success. Despite not being physically present during the Chandrayaan-3 landing, PM Modi virtually attended the event, congratulating ISRO chairman S Somanath and the entire team for their historic achievement in the lunar south pole region. Chandrayaan-3, a follow-up mission to Chandrayaan-2, aims to accomplish three key objectives: a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, rover mobility on the Moon, and in-situ scientific experiments. Following its successful landing on August 23rd, the lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan) will conduct a series of experiments on the lunar surface over the next two weeks. On a significant note, Pragyan rover has already made its debut on the Moon, covering a distance of 8 meters. While Chandrayaan-2’s soft-landing attempt didn’t succeed, ISRO’s orbiter from that mission continues to provide valuable data. ISRO’s historic achievement positions India among the world’s top four nations to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, and notably, it’s the first country to reach the unexplored southern polar region of the Moon.

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India Rejoices as Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Lands on Moon’s South Pole

In a monumental achievement for India’s space exploration endeavours, Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), successfully executed a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole today at 6:04 PM local time. The world watched in awe as India became the first country to reach this challenging region of the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3 Mission:'India🇮🇳,I reached my destinationand you too!': Chandrayaan-3 Chandrayaan-3 has successfullysoft-landed on the moon 🌖!. Congratulations, India🇮🇳!#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 — ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023 The historic event was accompanied by live telecasts and updates, building anticipation across the nation and around the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation following the successful landing, stated, “No country has reached there (the South Pole of the moon) before. With the hard work of our scientists, we have reached there.” He hailed the achievement as a symbol of India’s progress and innovation. Leaders from various sectors and regions joined in congratulating ISRO and the nation on this remarkable feat. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated the momentous occasion, and sweets were distributed at the Embassy of India in the United States in honor of the Chandrayaan-3’s success. PM Modi, who was in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, connected to ISRO via video conferencing to witness the historic moment firsthand. The mood at ISRO’s Mission Operation Complex in Bengaluru was one of jubilation as the nation’s pride soared high. Chandrayaan-3’s journey to this point was marked by meticulous planning and unwavering dedication from the ISRO team. The spacecraft underwent rigorous checks, and the mission was on schedule as the lander, named Vikram, began its descent. The mission’s success was not without its challenges. Chandrayaan-3’s landing was a complex process that involved reducing its speed from over 6,000 km/hr to nearly zero, transitioning from horizontal to vertical orientation, and finally achieving a soft landing on the lunar surface. Dr. Anand, a senior scientific officer at Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, assured the public that all instruments on the lander were functioning as expected. He praised ISRO’s preparedness for the mission. Chandrayaan-3’s success reflects India’s commitment to space exploration and engineering technology. The mission opens new horizons for lunar research and cements India’s position in the elite group of nations capable of reaching the Moon’s surface. The achievement comes after lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, where the lander’s connection was lost above 2 kilometers. ISRO’s dedication to improvement and determination to succeed have now borne fruit with Chandrayaan-3. As the nation celebrates this historic milestone, it marks the dawn of a new era in India’s space exploration endeavors, inspiring the world with its commitment to scientific progress and innovation.

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