In News:

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has announced the integration of the UMANG app with DigiLocker- India’s Digital Wallet. This collaboration aims to provide citizens with seamless access to a wide range of government services bringing greater convenience and allowing users to manage multiple services through a single platform.

UMANG app

• The UMANG app is accessible to all Android users with an expansion to iOS in the pipeline.
• The UMANG mobile app is an all-in-one single, unified, secure, multi-channel, multi-lingual, multi-service mobile app.
• It provides access to high-impact services of various organizations of the Union and States. 

Simplified Citizen-Government interaction

This integration makes it easier for citizens to interact with the Government in an efficient, digital-first manner. DigiLocker has always been a pioneer in simplifying access to personal and official documents, and after integration with UMANG, it has expanded the range of services you can access on the go.

About DigiLocker
DigiLocker is a flagship initiative under the Digital India program aimed at providing secure cloud-based storage of essential documents. By integrating with e-governance services such as UMANG, DigiLocker further is committed to further enhance accessibility and ease of living.

In News:

World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, has its roots in the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the United Nations in 1945.

Significance: World Food Day emphasizes the critical need to address global hunger and promote resilient food systems capable of overcoming challenges like climate change and economic disparities.

Introduction

• Food is vital for life, health, and well-being.
• Despite sufficient global food production, millions lack access to nutritious food.
• World Food Day serves as a reminder of ongoing challenges in achieving food security.

History and Theme

• Origins: Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945, officially recognized in 1979.
• First Celebration: Took place in 1981 with the theme "Food Comes First."
• 2024 Theme: "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," highlighting that food security is essential for dignity and health. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and equitable distribution.

India’s Commitment to Food Security

• India has made significant strides in combating hunger through various programs aimed at malnutrition and poverty alleviation.
• Key initiatives include:

1. National Food Security Act (NFSA): Provides subsidized food grains to 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population, benefiting about 81 crore individuals.
2. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Offers free food grains to approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries, extending support during the COVID-19 pandemic for an additional five years.
3. PM POSHAN Scheme: Aims to improve children's nutritional status in government schools with a budget of ?12,467.39 crores for 2024-25.
4. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Focuses on the most vulnerable populations, supporting over 8.92 crore individuals and empowering women.
5. Rice Fortification: Distribution of fortified rice through the Public Distribution System has improved nutritional intake for millions.
6. Price Stability Initiatives: The government manages price volatility of essential commodities using the Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) and ensures affordability through strategic product launches.

Global Recognition of Indian Cuisine

• The Indian Thali has been recognized for its nutritional and sustainable qualities by the WWF Living Planet Report.
• Its plant-based composition contributes to lower resource use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• If globally adopted, India’s dietary patterns could significantly lessen the environmental burden.

Significance

• India’s comprehensive initiatives reflect its dedication to food security and improving citizens' quality of life.
• By enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting vulnerable populations, India makes strides towards eradicating hunger.
• On World Food Day, these efforts underline India's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, while serving as a model for global food security initiatives.

In News:

• The Prime Minister commended the completion of three years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, calling it a transformative initiative for India’s infrastructure development.
• Key Benefits: The plan enhances multimodal connectivity and improves efficiency across various sectors, contributing to logistics, job creation, and innovation.

Overview of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan

• Launch Date: October 2021
• Objective: A transformative initiative worth ?100 lakh crore aimed at revolutionizing India’s infrastructure over five years.
• Development Tool: Created as a Digital Master Planning tool by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N).
• GIS Platform: Utilizes a dynamic Geographic Information System to integrate action plans from various ministries into a comprehensive database.
• Goals: Accelerate project completion, reduce timelines, and enhance India’s global competitiveness by addressing inter-ministerial challenges.

Key Features

• Digital Integration: A digital platform coordinating the efforts of 16 ministries for seamless infrastructure planning.
• Multi-Sector Collaboration: Incorporates initiatives from major programs like Bharatmala and Sagarmala.
• Economic Zones Development: Focuses on key areas such as textile clusters and pharmaceutical hubs to boost productivity.
• Technology Utilization: Employs advanced spatial planning tools and ISRO satellite imagery for data-driven project management.

Core Sectors Driving the Plan

• The National Master Plan is centered around seven primary sectors that enhance economic growth and connectivity, supported by sectors like energy transmission and social infrastructure.

Six Pillars of PM GatiShakti

1. Comprehensiveness: Integrates various initiatives through a centralized portal, ensuring efficient planning.
2. Prioritisation: Allows ministries to prioritize projects based on national importance and resource allocation.
3. Optimisation: Identifies infrastructure gaps and selects the most efficient transportation routes.
4. Synchronisation: Ensures coordinated efforts across ministries to avoid delays.
5. Analytical Capabilities: Offers extensive data layers for improved spatial planning and decision-making.
6. Dynamic Monitoring: Uses satellite imagery for real-time project tracking and adjustments.

Achievements of PM GatiShakti

• District-Level Expansion: Extended to 27 aspirational districts, with plans for 750 in the near future.
• Technological Integration: Enhanced real-time infrastructure planning using geospatial tools.
• Global Outreach: The GatiShakti tool showcased to 30 countries and highlighted at international conferences.
• Social Sector Benefits: Identified areas for new healthcare facilities and improved planning in various districts.
• Rural and Urban Development: Implemented projects for irrigation and city logistics in multiple states.
• Employment Initiatives: Utilized for setting up training institutes near industrial clusters.

In News:

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, announced the establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence (CoE) focused on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities in New Delhi.

Key Details:

1. Establishment of Three AI-CoEs:
   • Focus Areas:
     • Healthcare: Led by AIIMS and IIT Delhi.
     • Agriculture: Led by IIT Ropar, Punjab.
     • Sustainable Cities: Led by IIT Kanpur.
   • Collaboration: CoEs will work with industry partners and start-ups.
2. Financial Commitment:
   • Total Approved Budget: ?990 crore for FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.
   • Purpose: Support the establishment and operation of the CoEs.
3. Vision and Impact:
   • Pradhan emphasized the CoEs' role as solution providers for global public good.
   • Expected to create a new generation of job and wealth creators.
   • Aims to strengthen India's credentials in the global AI landscape.
4. Leadership and Implementation:
   • Apex Committee: Co-chaired by Shri Sridhar Vembu (Zoho CEO).
   • Committee includes industry leaders and academic heads.
   • Shri K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
5. Future Prospects:
   • Dr. Vembu noted the CoEs will enhance the health of villages and cities, nurture talent, and generate opportunities.
   • The initiative aligns with India's vision of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
6. Presentation and Film:
   • Insights into the development of AI-CoEs presented by Smt. Saumya Gupta.
   • A short film titled "Make AI in India and Make AI work for India" was showcased.

The establishment of these Centres of Excellence in AI signifies a major step toward fostering an effective AI ecosystem in India, aimed at developing scalable solutions and enhancing human resources in critical sectors.

In News:

Recently, International Abhidhamma Divas was celebrated at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, with PM Narendra Modi.

Key Details:

• India's Spiritual Legacy: Birthplace of Buddhism; site of Gautam Buddha's enlightenment.
• Sacred Sites: Veneration of locations like Bodh Gaya, symbolizing Buddha's journey and teachings.
• Core Teachings: Abhidhamma as a key philosophical component emphasizing mental discipline and self-awareness.

International Abhidhamma Divas

• Global Observation: Celebrates the significance of Abhidhamma in ethical conduct and mindfulness.
• Cultural Connection: Highlights India's role in preserving Buddhism and bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary practices.

Historical Background and Significance

• Commemoration: Marks Buddha’s descent from T?vati?sa to Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantapur).
• Teaching Period: Buddha taught the Abhidhamma to deities for three months; linked to the end of the Rainy Retreat and the Pav?ra?? festival.

Teachings of Abhidhamma

• Systematic Analysis: Provides a detailed exploration of mind and matter, differing from Sutta Pi?aka.
• Specialized Vocabulary: Key terms include "citta" (consciousness), "cetasika" (mental factors), "r?pa" (materiality), and "nibb?na" (liberation).
• Textual Framework: Six core books of Abhidhamma Piñaka cover moral states, aggregates, and causal relationships.
• Key Treatise: The Paññh?na offers in-depth causal analysis, essential for practitioners’ understanding.

Modern Observance and Celebrations

• Significance of Pali: Recognition of Pali as a classical language; promoting India's Buddhist heritage.
• Participants: Gathering of ambassadors, monks, scholars from 14 countries; emphasizes Abhidhamma's relevance today.
• Program Highlights: Dhamma discourse, academic sessions on Abhidhamma’s significance, exhibitions on Pali's evolution and Buddha's teachings.

Classical Status of Pali Language

• Pali's Role: Sacred language for delivering Buddha's teachings; recognized as a Classical Language by India.
• Buddhist Canon: Major texts include the Tipitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma Pitaka) and commentarial traditions.
• Literary Heritage: Jataka Kathas reflect shared moral values; status enhances Pali studies in education and research.

Significance

• Significance of Celebration: Abhidhamma Divas underscores efforts to preserve and promote Buddhism’s legacy.
• Revitalization of Buddhism: Fosters global engagement and appreciation for Buddha’s teachings, reaffirming India's role in Buddhist studies.