Governance Community

G20’s Culture Working Group (CWG) held its inaugural session today in Hampi, Karnataka, focusing on the significance of culture. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Coal and Mines, delivered a speech at the event. He highlighted the transition from identifying priorities to reaching consensus on actionable recommendations, which would play a crucial role in integrating culture into policymaking. The four priority areas discussed are: safeguarding and restoring cultural property, utilizing living heritage for a sustainable future, promoting cultural and creative industries, and leveraging digital technologies for culture’s protection and promotion. Joshi emphasized that the goal is to build consensus on a ministerial declaration that encompasses these priorities, fostering an inclusive and sustainable future. Joshi acknowledged the valuable contributions of G20 member countries in shaping the shared vision, stating that cultural heritage serves as a unifying thread in our diverse world. He stressed that culture bridges gaps, encourages understanding, and enables appreciation of our shared human journey. He urged participants to recognize the power of unity, the beauty of diversity, and the immense potential culture holds for human development, social inclusion, and global harmony. As part of the CWG’s cultural endeavors, an attempt is being made to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by creating the largest display of lambani embroidery patches. This initiative involves over 450 women artisans from the lambani community associated with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra, showcasing around 1300 lambani embroidery patch works at the G20 event. Delegates are also being immersed in India’s rich cultural heritage through visits to significant sites like the Vijaya Vittala Temple, the Royal Enclosure, and the Yeduru Basavanna complex of the Hampi Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, they will enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River and participate in a yoga session at the Shri Pattabhirama Swamy Temple.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new scheme aimed at enhancing and modernizing fire services in various states across India. This initiative falls under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and has been allocated a total budget of Rs 5,000 crore. Out of this amount, Rs 500 crore will be designated for incentivizing states based on their legal and infrastructure reforms. The Home Ministry has sent a letter to the Chief Secretaries and heads of Fire Services of all states to inform them about this scheme. The scheme was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting with Disaster Management ministers from states and Union Territories in New Delhi on June 13. The primary objective of the scheme is to expand and modernize fire services in states by utilizing the preparedness and capacity-building component of the NDRF. This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s disaster risk reduction system and ensure minimal loss of life and property during emergencies. To seek funding under this scheme, state governments will be required to contribute 25% of the total project cost from their own budgets, except for the North-Eastern and Himalayan states, which will contribute 10%. The scheme originates from the recommendation of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, which allows for an allocation of 12.5% of the NDRF and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the funding window of preparedness and capacity building. The ministry emphasized that there will be no spill-over of liabilities for projects sanctioned beyond the award period specified. For further details about the scheme, interested parties can download the information from the website of the Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (https://ndmindia.mha.gov.in).  

In a meeting held at the Pragati Maidan convention center in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a discussion with the Union Council of Ministers, sparking speculation about a potential major cabinet reshuffle in the final year of his government’s second term. Following the meeting, PM Modi tweeted about the fruitful exchange of views on various policy- related matters. During the meeting, the Prime Minister encouraged the ministers to focus on accelerating India’s growth in different sectors with the goal of transforming the country into a global superpower by 2047, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of India’s independence. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to shift the ministers’ attention beyond 2024 and work towards long-term growth, as stated in a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued cybersecurity guidelines that prohibit the use of AnyDesk and TeamViewer by government departments. The guidelines, applicable to all ministries, departments, and government institutions, aim to enhance information security practices. These guidelines can be accessed via the CERT-In website. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace. The guidelines serve as a roadmap for government entities and industries to mitigate cyber risks, safeguard citizen data, and strengthen the overall cybersecurity ecosystem. They will also serve as a benchmark for auditing teams, including internal and external auditors, to assess an organization’s security measures against the specified cybersecurity requirements. The guidelines cover various security domains, including network security, identity and access management, application security, data security, third-party outsourcing, hardening procedures, security monitoring, incident management, and security auditing. Additionally, they incorporate guidelines developed by the National Informatics Centre to promote cyber hygiene and enhance cybersecurity among Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and employees of Central Government Ministries/Departments. These guidelines play a crucial role in India’s larger cybersecurity framework as the country strives to achieve its goal of a $1 trillion digital economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the 42nd edition of PRAGATI, an ICT-based platform for proactive governance and timely implementation, where he chaired a meeting involving the central and state governments. The meeting focused on the review of twelve key projects, seven of which were from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, two from the Ministry of Railways, and one each from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Steel, and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. These projects have a combined value of over Rs 1,21,300 crore and are spread across ten states, including Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Haryana, as well as two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the progress of various projects, such as the construction of AIIMS facilities in Rajkot, Jammu, Awantipora, Bibinagar, Madurai, Rewari, and Darbhanga. He emphasized the importance of resolving any outstanding issues and adhering to the stipulated timelines for the completion of these projects, considering their significance for the general public. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi discussed the ‘PM SVANidhi Scheme’ and urged Chief Secretaries to identify and include all eligible street vendors, particularly in tier II and tier III cities. He also directed a mission-mode campaign to promote digital transactions among street vendors and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the family members of SVANidhi beneficiaries through the ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ initiative. Furthermore, the Prime Minister commended Chief Secretaries for successfully organizing G20 meetings and encouraged them to maximize the benefits derived from these meetings, especially in terms of promoting tourism and exports in their respective states. The PRAGATI meetings have reviewed a total of 340 projects worth Rs 17.05 lakh crore thus far, as stated in a note from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) is set to mark ‘Udyami Bharat MSME Day’ on June 27th at Vigyan Bhawan with the launch of several initiatives aimed at promoting the growth and development of the MSME sector. One of the key initiatives to be unveiled is the Champions 2.0 Portal and mobile app, which will facilitate the geo-tagging of cluster projects and technology centers. The event will be attended by Narayan Rane, the Union Minister for MSME, as the Chief Guest, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, the Union Minister of State (MSME), as the Guest of Honour. The program will involve the announcement of results for the ‘MSME Idea Hackathon 2.0’ and the launch of ‘MSME Idea Hackathon 3.0’ specifically designed for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, certificates will be presented to MSMEs that have achieved gold and silver ZED certification, and a digital transfer of Rs. 400 crore as margin money subsidy will be made to 10,075 beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Furthermore, the event will witness the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between various central government organizations. The aim of these initiatives and activities is to provide a boost to the MSME sector and empower women entrepreneurs, while promoting innovation and collaboration among MSMEs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden recently took part in an India-US Hi-Tech Handshake event at the White House in Washington D.C. The event, moderated by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, brought together prominent CEOs of technology companies and startups from both countries. The main focus of the event was on the themes of “AI for All” and “Manufacturing for Mankind.” It provided an opportunity for the leaders to assess the growing technology collaboration between India and the USA. The discussions centred around the role and potential of the India-US Technology Partnership in promoting an inclusive economy driven by AI, addressing the needs of their citizens as well as the global community. During the event, President Biden presented Prime Minister Modi with an “AI” t-shirt as a gift. The CEOs explored ways to leverage the existing connections between the two technology ecosystems, including India’s skilled workforce and advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure, to foster international collaborations. They emphasized the importance of regular engagement between industries to initiate strategic partnerships, collaborate on standards, and promote innovation. In his speech, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the enormous potential of India-US tech cooperation in driving socioeconomic growth. He also commended the youth of India for cultivating a culture of innovation. President Biden called on CEOs to expand the India-US tech partnership into new fields such as biotechnology and quantum technology. Both leaders emphasized the instrumental role of the India-US partnership in creating a better future for their respective populations and the world at large.  

Amit Agrawal has taken on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Starting his tenure on Monday, Agrawal, a 1993 batch IAS officer from the Chhattisgarh cadre, brings with him a wealth of experience. Having graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, he has held various significant positions at both the central and state levels, including Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Before assuming the position of UIDAI CEO, he served as Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Prior to that, he held the positions of Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. Agrawal has also served as the Finance Secretary and Secretary in charge of departments such as Commercial Tax and Technical Education in the Chhattisgarh State Government.

Chandrayaan 3, India’s upcoming lunar mission, is scheduled to be launched in July, most likely in the second half of the month, according to Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to demonstrate crucial technology with this mission, specifically the ability to land the spacecraft on the moon’s south pole. Earlier this year, Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed that Chandrayaan-3 had successfully completed essential tests to ensure its capability to endure the challenging conditions during launch and the subsequent journey. As per ISRO’s website, Chandrayaan-3 will be launched by the LVM3 rocket from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The lander and rover will be carried by the propulsion module to a lunar orbit of 100 km. The spacecraft comprises an indigenous Lander module (LM), Propulsion module (PM), and a Rover, all aimed at developing and showcasing new technologies necessary for interplanetary missions.

The central government has given its approval for projects worth over Rs 7,500 crore aimed at modernizing fishing harbours and fish landing centres. Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for the modernization and upgradation of the Cochin Fishing Harbour in Thoppumpady, Samudrika Hall, Willingdon Island, Cochin, which is under the authority of the Cochin Port Authority. In March 2022, the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India, sanctioned the proposal by the Cochin Port Trust for the modernization and upgradation of the Cochin Fishing Harbour in Thoppumpady. The total cost of the project is Rs 169.17 crore, with a central financial assistance of Rs 100 crore under the PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) in collaboration with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways under the Sagarmala initiative. This project will benefit 700 fishing boats operating at the Cochin fishing harbour, directly supporting the livelihoods of around 10,000 fishermen and indirectly benefiting around 30,000 fishermen involved in the value chain. The modernization efforts are expected to significantly improve hygiene conditions and increase earnings from the export of fish and fish products.