WordPress.com is a powerful, user-friendly platform designed for creating websites, blogs, and eCommerce stores. Launched in 2005 by Automattic, WordPress.com offers a hosted solution for those who want to build a website without the technical complexities of self-hosted WordPress.org.
Key Features of WordPress.com
WordPress.com is known for its simplicity, versatility, and scalability. It offers a wide range of features that cater to both beginners and experienced web developers.
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Users can easily add posts, pages, media files, and customize themes without coding knowledge.
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WordPress.com offers managed hosting, eliminating the need for users to set up servers or manage software updates.
Automatic security patches, backups, and updates are included in the platform.
3. Free and Premium Plans
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Paid Plans: Unlock advanced customization, premium themes, SEO tools, and monetization options.
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WordPress.com provides a vast collection of themes for various industries such as business, portfolio, blog, and eCommerce.
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Higher-tier plans on WordPress.com support custom plugins for added functionality like SEO optimization, contact forms, analytics, and eCommerce tools.
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With the WordPress.com Business Plan or higher, users can build an online store using WooCommerce for product listings, payment gateways, and order management.
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WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
While both are part of the WordPress ecosystem, there are key differences:
Feature
WordPress.com
WordPress.org
Hosting
Managed Hosting (included)
Requires separate hosting
Customization
Limited unless on a paid plan
Full access to themes and plugins
Monetization
Restricted on the free plan
Full control over monetization
Maintenance
Automated updates and backups
Manual updates and backups required
Domain Name
Free WordPress.com domain or custom domain (with paid plans)
Custom domain setup required
Who Should Use WordPress.com?
Beginners looking for a simple platform with minimal technical setup.
Bloggers who need an easy-to-use content publishing tool.
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Creative Professionals such as writers, photographers, and designers seeking a portfolio site.
WordPress.com is a versatile platform that offers a blend of simplicity and powerful features. Whether you’re starting a blog, launching a business website, or building an online store, WordPress.com provides the tools you need to succeed. With its flexible plans and user-friendly interface, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a professional web presence without deep technical expertise.
State civil services officers attending the 126th Induction Training Programme at LBSNAA called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 07, 2025).
Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated officers on their promotion and induction into the Indian Administrative Service and said that they should inspire and lead by example in their new role, motivating those around them to strive for excellence in public service. She advised them to adopt a national and inclusive approach in administrative functioning and implementation of government policies and programs.
The President said that the essence of governance lies in responsiveness and sensitivity towards the needs of the people. A citizen-centric administration prioritizes the welfare of people, focusing on the poor and deprived. She advised them to ensure that policies and programs are implemented in a way, which addresses their concerns effectively. She said that the decisions that they take and policies that they implement should contribute to the development of our country and the people.
The President said that as we tackle the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, it is essential to promote eco-friendly initiatives. At the same time, the benefits of development should reach all sections of society, especially the disadvantaged and marginalized. She urged officers to uphold the principles of sustainability and inclusiveness in their functioning.
Mumbai is set to host WAVES 2025 Summit, an event poised to position India at the forefront of the global creator economy. Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms. Sujata Saunik and Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Shri Sanjay Jaju co-chaired a high-level meeting today, 07th March 2025 with officials from various Government departments for the successful execution of WAVES 2025. The Government of Maharashtra has assured its full support, ensuring world-class infrastructure, hospitality, and logistics to make the event a landmark occasion.
Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ms Sujata Saunik directed that a State Level Committee be formed for this global Summit. She also stated that each department of the administration will work in coordination seamlessly for the success of the Summit.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said, “This Summit is a global platform for the Media and Entertainment sector. The main aim of this Summit is to develop the Indian media and entertainment sector by connecting it to its global media counterparts.”
The meeting covered key points such as forming a joint coordination committee and arranging logistics and outdoor publicity. The meeting also formulated a comprehensive outreach plan, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting leading the effort to invite global leaders, individuals of eminence and industry representatives. Officials gave special attention to ensuring security, emergency services, and seamless connectivity for all delegates attending the event. A dedicated senior nodal officer will oversee coordination efforts to guarantee smooth execution.
Senior officials from both the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra attended the meeting to establish seamless coordination across logistics, hospitality, cultural activities, and administrative support, ensuring the highest standards of event management and global participation.
Principal Director General, PIB Shri. Dhirendra Ojha, Director General, Central Bureau of Communication, Shri. Yogesh Baweja, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjeev Shankar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ajay Nagbhushan and nodal officers from Press Information Bureau, National Film Development Corporation of India, All India Radio, Doordarshan, and the WAVES Council attended the meeting. Officials from the Government of Maharashtra included the Municipal Commissioner of Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the Additional Chief Secretary of Cultural Affairs, the Principal Secretary of Tourism, and the Chief Executive Officer of MIDC, along with senior officials from various key departments.
Following the meeting, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and senior officials conducted a detailed recce of the logistical arrangements to assess readiness for WAVES 2025.
Keep an eye on this ground-breaking summit, where industry titans will converge to shape the future of the digital and creative economies. https://wavesindia.org/
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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Nikita Joshi/ Dhanalakshmi/ Dharshana |
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025. Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape. WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).
The TruthTell Hackathon, part of the Create in India Challenge – Season 1, is designed to develop cutting-edge AI-powered tools for real-time fact-checking during live broadcasts. Supported by prominent organizations like the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), and IndiaAI Mission, the hackathon brings together key stakeholders to foster innovation in the media and technology sectors. This initiative is a crucial component of the inaugural WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit).
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector. The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.
The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.
The TruthTell Hackathon is a key component of Pillar One of WAVES, focusing on Broadcasting and Infotainment. To date, 5,650 participants have registered, including 186 international entries.
Registration Process and Timeline
The TruthTell Hackathon invites participants to develop an AI-powered solution to counter misinformation and promote ethical journalism. Participants can join individually or form teams of up to 5, including developers, data scientists and media professionals. Registrations are now closed, with the final date being 21st February 2025.
Opening of Registrations:1st October 2024
Deadline for Submissions of Ideas and Prototypes:21st February 2025
Announcement of Top 25:7th March 2025
Mentoring & Tinkering:8th – 18th March 2025
Jury Presentation & Selection of Top 5 Winners:24th – 28th March 2025
WAVES Summit:1st – 4th May 2025
Tasks Include:
Dataset Preparation:
Analyze data using external fact-checking APIs.
Pre-process and clean text-based media content (tokenization, entity extraction).
Developing a Real-time NLP Model:
Train machine learning/deep learning models on misinformation datasets.
Implement NLP techniques (text classification, sentiment analysis, entity recognition) for real-time text analysis.
Fact-checking Integration:
Integrate external fact-checking APIs to verify flagged content.
Cross-reference live broadcasts with trusted knowledge databases.
Real-time Data Processing:
Set up streaming infrastructure for live broadcast feeds.
Implement data pipelines to process new information as it arrives.
Knowledge Graph for Fact-checking:
Build and deploy a knowledge graph to track entities and their verified status.
Use the graph to detect patterns of misinformation.
Real-time Dashboard for Broadcasters:
Create an interactive dashboard displaying real-time alerts, confidence scores, and verification info.
Testing and Validation:
Test with live or recorded broadcasts.
Validate accuracy using ground-truth data from fact-checking organizations.
Project Submission Guidelines
Written Proposal:
Project Description: Provide a detailed explanation of your proposed tool and its intended functionality.
Problem Statement: Clearly describe the specific problem your tool addresses.
Target Audience: Identify the intended users or beneficiaries of your tool.
Technical Approach: Outline the methods, algorithms, and technologies you will use, with a focus on APIs and datasets provided by the hackathon.
Development Timeline: Provide a realistic timeline with key milestones and deadlines.
Prototype:
Working Prototype: Demonstrate the core functionality of your tool. Ensure it is user-friendly, functional, and showcases the impact of your solution.
Key Considerations:
Functionality: Ensure it can perform the intended tasks effectively.
User Experience: Design an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface.
Completeness: Include all essential features of your tool.
Documentation: Provide clear instructions on using your prototype.
Additional Tips:
Use clear, concise language.
Support claims with evidence and examples.
Ensure your proposal is visually appealing and well-formatted.
Access to Powerful Tools and Technologies
The TruthTell Hackathon offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative AI-driven solutions to combat misinformation. Participants will have access to powerful tools, mentorship and resources to build their projects. Here are some popular tools and technologies that can be used to develop AI-driven solutions for combating misinformation:
Programming Languages:
Python (with libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLTK, Scikit-learn)
R, Java, javascript
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Libraries:
TensorFlow Text, Hugging Face Transformers, SpaCy, Gensim
Machine Learning Frameworks:
TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras
Key Considerations for Development
Functionality: Ensure your tool performs its intended tasks effectively.
User Experience: Design an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
Completeness: Include essential features and components of your tool.
Documentation: Provide clear instructions for using your prototype.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria for the TruthTell Hackathon are as follows:
Innovation: The originality and creativity of the solution.
Impact: The potential of the solution to make a significant impact on combating misinformation.
Technical merit: The quality of the code, data analysis and AI implementation.
Scalability: The ability of the solution to be applied at a larger scale.
User experience: The ease of use and effectiveness of the user interface.
Adherence to ethical guidelines: The compliance of the solution with ethical principles and standards.
Presentation and communication: The clarity and persuasiveness of the project presentation.
Proof of concept (PoC): The demonstration of the solution’s functionality and effectiveness.
Prizes The top 5 winners will be recognized and awarded at the WAVES event, with cash prizes for the winners.
Conclusion
the TruthTell Hackathon offers a valuable platform for innovation, enabling participants to create AI-driven solutions that combat misinformation and promote ethical journalism. With access to powerful tools, expert mentorship, and a chance to showcase impactful solutions at the WAVES Summit, this event presents an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the media landscape.
The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025. Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape. WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR). Have questions? Find answers here Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now(Coming soon!).
The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014 by the Government of India, stands as one of the most ambitious and holistic initiatives ever undertaken to restore the health of the River Ganga. Its multifaceted approach integrates pollution abatement, ecological restoration, capacity building, and community engagement, with a focus on both the river’s environmental integrity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.
In Namami Gange Programme, the implementation of the projects picked up pace after completion of preparatory activities which included robust monitoring & financial approval mechanism. Against available resources of Rs. 20,424.82 Crore for the period 2014-15 to 2023-24, NMCG has disbursed Rs. 16,648.49 Crore, which is 82% of the budgetary provisions.
It is worth noting that the programme’s financial outlay of Rs. 42,500 Crore is not to be treated as immediate expenditure target (cash outgo), but rather a sanctioning space that includes present expenditure and future commitments (annuity payment / O&M expense) for pollution abatement infrastructure with a lifecycle of 17 years (2 years of construction phase and 15 years of operation and maintenance phase). Hybrid Annuity Model was taken as an innovative approach to ensure responsible operation and maintenance of the constructed STPs which has resulted into spread of capital expenditure over 15 years of O&M phase.
The Namami Gange Programme has made significant strides in pollution abatement, creating 3,446 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, surpassing the pre-2014 capacity by over 30 times. NMCG has completed 127 projects and 152 Sewage Treatment Plants within 7-8 years, demonstrating notable progress in restoring the River Ganga’s pristine glory.
The objective of CGF is to mobilize contributions from all sections of the civil society, including residents of the country, NRIs and corporates. 95% of the contributors to the CGF are individual citizens and balance 5% is private corporates and public sector companies. The utilization of funds under CGF undergoes through a rigorous sanctioning process as with budgetary expenditure under NGP with utmost financial prudence. CGF is mainly used for unique and signature projects having significant contribution to the achievement of the National Mission for Clean Ganga objectives.
As per the CPCB’s periodic report on polluted river stretches for restoration of water quality; in Uttar Pradesh in 2015 the stretch from Kannauj to Varanasi was in PRS III (BOD 10-20 mg/l) category whereas in 2022 the river quality witnessed an improvement due to continuous efforts and the improved polluted river stretch falls in PRS V (BOD 3-6 mg/l). In UP, out of 135 operational STPs 118 STPs (more than 90% are compliant) achieving norms.
In Bihar, in 2015 the stretch from Buxar to Bhagalpur was in PRS II (BOD 20-30 mg/l) category whereas in 2022 the river quality witnessed an improvement due to continuous efforts and the improved polluted river stretch falls in PRS IV (BOD 6-10 mg/l). In Bihar, out of 14 STPs 13 are operational.
In West Bengal, in 2018 the stretch from Triveni to Diamond Harbour was in PRS III (BOD 10-20 mg/l) category whereas in 2022 the river quality witnessed an improvement due to continuous efforts and the improved polluted river stretch falls in PRS IV (BOD 6-10 mg/l). In West Bengal, out of 55 existing STPs 53 of them were functional.
To summarize there has been a significant improvement in the water quality in all the states including the above referred states.
In Prayagraj, it would be pertinent to mention that from 2017 to 2024, the treatment capacity has increased from 268 MLD to 348 MLD. Also, the river water quality has improved from PRS IV to PRS V. Further, out of 60 untapped drains in 2017 now there is no untapped drains. Similarly, for Varanasi, treatment capacity has increased from 100 MLD to 420 MLD, number of untapped drains has reduced from 8 to one partially tapped drain and PRS has improved from IV to V.
The improvement in riverine ecosystem is substantiated by the increase in population of Gangetic Dolphin. The comparison of baseline (2018) and current study of WII indicates increase in the population of Gangetic Dolphins (Platanista gangetica) from 3,330 (+/-) 630 to 3,936 (+/-) 763. Now dolphins are recorded from the previously unreported stretches of the Ganga River, such as the stretch between Bithura to Rasula Ghat (Prayagraj). The dolphins were also reported for the first time from the Babai and Bagmati rivers in India.
The success of the Namami Gange Programme in rejuvenating the Ganga is being recognized on the global stage. In December 2022, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration acknowledged it as one of the Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiatives. Furthermore, the International Water Association awarded the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) the title of Climate Smart Utility, further cementing the programme’s commitment to sustainable water management.
Namami Gange Programme’, is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
The Government of India (GoI) launched the Namami Gange Programme (NGP) in 2014-15 for the rejuvenation of river Ganga and its tributaries with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 20,000 crore, for five years, up to March 2021 and has been further extended to March 2026 with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 22,500 crore.
The National Ganga Plan (CS) has been allocated a financial outlay of ₹3,400 crore[1] for the year 2025-26. This investment aims to enhance sewage treatment capacity, improve water quality, and regulate industrial waste discharge to rejuvenate the Ganga River and achieve prescribed bathing standards by 2025.
Ganga: Lifeline of India
The Ganga River, one of the most sacred rivers in the world, faces significant threats from excessive water abstraction and pollution. As a vital part of India’s cultural heritage and a key resource for sustenance, the river’s health is of paramount importance. To address these challenges, the Namami Ganga program was launched with the twin objectives of effectively reducing pollution and conserving and rejuvenating River Ganga.
The Ganga River Basin
The Ganga River basin is the largest in India, encompassing 27% of the country’s land mass and supporting about 47% of its population. Spanning over 11 states, the basin covers nearly 27% of India’s total geographical area. The majority of the basin, around 65.57%, is used for agriculture, while water bodies cover 3.47% of the area. Despite receiving 35.5% of the total water input in terms of precipitation, the Ganga River Basin is the second most water-stressed basin in India, following the Sabarmati Basin, with only 39% of the average per capita annual rainwater input among major Indian river basins. [2]
Vision
The vision for Ganga rejuvenation revolves around restoring the river’s wholesomeness, defined by ensuring “Aviral Dhara” (Continuous Flow), “Nirmal Dhara” (Unpolluted Flow), and maintaining its geological and ecological integrity. A comprehensive Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) was developed by a consortium of seven IITs, emphasizing an Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) approach with multi-sectoral and multi-agency interventions.
Key Interventions
Pollution Abatement (Nirmal Ganga): Addressing and reducing the sources of pollution in the river.
Improving Ecology and Flow (Aviral Ganga): Enhancing the ecological health and continuous flow of the river.
Strengthening People-River Connect (Jan Ganga): Fostering a deeper connection between the people and the river through community engagement and awareness.
Facilitating Research and Policy (Gyan Ganga): Promoting diversified research, scientific mapping, studies, and evidence-based policy formulation
Over the years, concerted efforts made by NMCG are beginning to find success in restoring the pristine glory of the river.
A comprehensive total of 492 projects, valued at 40121.48 Crore, have been launched.
Among these, 307 projects have reached completion and are now operational.
An impressive 206 projects addressing Sewage Infrastructure have been set in motion.
A substantial fund of 33003.63Crore has been sanctioned for these sewage infrastructure projects.
Of these, 127 sewerage projects have been successfully completed, playing a pivotal role in mitigating pollution.
Additionally, 56 projects dedicated to Biodiversity & Afforestation have been undertaken.
These projects have received a funding commitment of over ₹ 905.62 Crore.
Notably, 39 projects focused on biodiversity and afforestation have been successfully concluded, augmenting the ecological equilibrium of the Ganga basin.
Government’s Recent Initiatives for a Pollution Free Ganga[4]
In a major step towards tackling pollution, the 60th Executive Committee Meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved the interception and diversion of the Durga Drain and the construction of a 60 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant (STP) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at a cost of ₹274.31 crore. This project, based on the hybrid annuity model, includes a 75 MLD capacity main pumping station and other essential structures, ensuring long-term wastewater management and pollution control.
Additionally, a significant project was approved to prevent the flow of untreated sewage into Varuna, a major tributary of the Ganga, in Bhadohi. With an investment of ₹127.26 crore, this initiative will establish three STPs with capacities of 17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD, along with an extensive sewer network to tap four major drains and prevent pollution. This project follows the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model, ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance over the next 15 years.
A National Framework for Safe Reuse of Treated Water has been developed by NMCG to guide States in formulating their reuse policies and to establish economic models for the reuse of treated wastewater. NMCG has also issued a guidance handbook for urban policymakers and city officials on safely reusing treated water, which aims to conserve freshwater resources and promote sustainable water management practices. [5]
Seven Biodiversity Parks in seven districts(Mirzapur, Bulandshahar, Hapur, Budaun, Ayodhya, Bijnore and Pratapgarh) of Uttar Pradesh and 5 priority wetlands in Uttar Pradesh (3), Bihar (1) and Jharkhand (1) have been sanctioned.
NMCG, through the State Forest Department, has implemented a forestry intervention project along the main stem of river Ganga. 33,024 hectares area have been afforested with an expenditure of about ₹ 398 crore.
A total of 143.8 lakhs of Indian Major Carp (IMC) fingerlings have been ranched in the Ganga since 2017 to conserve fish biodiversity and prey base for river Dolphins, and ensure the livelihood of fishers in the Ganga basin under the special project implemented by Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI).
A total of 203 number of sewerage infrastructure projects costing ₹ 32,613 crore have been taken up for remediation of polluted river areas with treatment capacity of 6,255 Million Litres per Day (MLD).127 STP projects with a capacity of 3,446 MLD have been completed and made operational.
For industrial pollution abatement, 3 nos. of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) have been sanctioned, i.e., Jajmau CETP (20 MLD), Banther CETP (4.5 MLD), and Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD). Two projects, Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD) and Jajmau CETP (20 MLD) have been completed.
Conclusion
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) strives to deploy the best available knowledge and resources globally for Ganga rejuvenation. With significant progress achieved in various interventions, the programme continues to strive towards its goal of ensuring a clean and thriving Ganga for future generations.
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi (CSIR-NIScPR), in collaboration with the CNRS- Department for Open Research Data, Open Science, Publications, Research Data and High Performance Computing, Paris (CNRS-DDOR), organized a two-day Indo-French Seminar on “Open Horizons: Integrating Open Access, Open Data, and Computational Innovation” on March 5-6, 2025 at CSIR-NIScPR, Satsang Vihar Campus, New Delhi-110067.
Glimpses of Indo-French Seminar
This significant seminar was organized to deliberate on how India and France are taking a stride towards open access, open data and open science; how digital technologies and Open Source platform offer great promise in implementing an information-driven approach to advance science, promote collaborations, increase transparency and utilize tools for partnerships between science and society. The seminar was attended by researchers, scientists, and policymakers from India and France; provided a unique opportunity for open access information sharing and networking opportunities.
The inaugural session was attended by esteemed dignitaries from India and France with Dr. Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO, CNRS, France; Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR; Prof. Nitin Seth, Director, CEFIPRA; Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICTon the dais.
“We are delighted to organize this event with CNRS, France, to promote open science and research data sharing,” said Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR setting the tone for the conference. Describing the relevance of the event she said, “This seminar marks an important step towards fostering international collaboration and advancing sharing of scientific research for all sections of the society.” She also mentioned “One Nation One Subscription” initiative of Indian Government and its role in providing open access to larger number of stakeholders.
Prof. Nitin Seth, Director, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) recollected how they started with 1-2 calls annually to now with so many several dedicated partnerships in S&T between the two countries. He also shared his views about the expectations from this seminar. “Open access made scientific knowledge accessible, it brings a lot of opportunities”, Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director CSIR-IICT shared his thoughts in theinaugural session. He also mentioned the collaborations CEFIPRA has had with CSIR-IICT from last several years.
From the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Dr. Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO; Dr. Sylvie Rousset, Senior Scientist & Head, Open Research Data Department (DDOR) gave a brief of CNRS and DDOR, its objectives functions and roles they are playing in making open access of articles and data, a norm in scientific research. Dr. Kasturi Mandal, CSIR-NIScPR and Dr. Sylvie Rousset, CNRS-DDOR provided the overview of the program of two days seminar like topics of discussions, and takeaways from the sessions.
The first session of the seminar was designed on theme “Policies for Open Access, Open science in France and in India” was, chaired by Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, Govt. of India. Dr. Marin Dacos from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research discussed the benefits of open science like increase in academic efficiency, reproducibility, prevention of duplication, and increasing citation. He also shared highlights of French open science policies in the country. Dr. Remya Haridasan from the PSA Office, Govt. of India, discussed flagship ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) initiative in detail like why it was needed, the impact it has on science dissemination and the hurdles faced by the stakeholders during the implementation. The other speakers who shared their thoughts on open science and data includes Dr. Sylvie Rousset and Mr. Mukesh Pund Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.
The second session was based on topic “Open Access: A Diversity of Routes”. The session was chaired by Prof. Anirban Chakraborti, School of Computational and Integrative Sciences (SCIS), JNU, New Delhi. Dr. Bénédicte Kuntziger, CCSD, CNRS, during his talk said, “At CCSD, we promote open access through HAL, the French national open access repository, ensuring long-term, barrier-free access to publications. Notably, 167,751 full-text documents were deposited in 2024 alone, bringing the total to over 1.4 million full-text documents available through HAL as on January 2025”, he added. Dr. Françoise Rousseau, Couperin Consortium shared the model through which they negotiate with major science publishers to advance open science. Other speakers including Dr. Subbiah Arunachalam from DST-CPR, IISc Bangalore, presented an overview of open access in India, highlighting the country’s progress in promoting open access to research and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Head, CSIR-HRDG presented a perspective on open source and drug discovery, highlighting the potential of open source approaches in accelerating drug discovery and development.
The third session of day 1 was extension of session 2 under the theme “Open Access: A Diversity of Routes (Part II)”. Session was chaired by Dr. Laurence El Khouri from CNRS-DDO. The speakers including Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Science Europe discussed the benefits of Diamond Action Plan which proposes to align and develop common resources for the entire Diamond OA ecosystem. Prof. Rajeswari Raina from Shiv Nadar University asked researchers and policy makers to think step ahead while saying it’s not about one scheme, one nation or one sector, we have to see the global aspects and thus need to set the horizons and limits of open access at global level. Dr. Raphael Tournoy from Episciences discussed the importance of Overlay Journals.
All the sessions of day 1 concluded with Q&A, where experts answered questions from the audience and shared their insights on the future of open science. This was followed by Felicitation of the guests and speakers of the event.
The second day of the India-France seminar on Open Science and Research Data concluded successfully, featuring insightful discussions and presentations on computational innovation, research evaluation, and open data sharing.The day’s proceedings began with a session on “R&D in Computational Innovation and Open Source Software,” chaired by Dr. Avinash Kshitij, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR. The speakers included- Prof. Roberto Di Cosmo, INRIA, who discussed the “Software Heritage initiative. Prof. P. K. Suri, Delhi Technological University, delivered a talk on “Data Standardization in Agricultural.Dr. Sridhar Gautam, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, spoke on “Advancing R&D with Open Source Software, Open Access, and Open Data”.Sh. G Mayli Muthu Kumaran Deputy Director General, National Informatics Center (NIC) discuss on the computational innovation and open source and elaborated on the initiative towards the R&D in computational innovation at NIC. This was followed by a session on “Reforming the Evaluation of Research,” which featured presentations from:Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Science Europe, discussed “Reforming Research Assessment and CoARA Initiative”. Dr. Vinayak, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR spoke on “Some New Methods for Measuring Phases of Science.” Dr. Moumita Koley from IISc, Bengaluru, discussed on the topic “Rethinking Research Assessment: Building an Efficient and Innovative Research Ecosystem in India” and Dr. Nishy. P, CSIR-NIIST, spoke on “Open Source for Research Evaluation and Future Trends”.
The seminar also featured a session on “Open Data Sharing,” with presentations from Ms. AlkaMisra, Deputy Director General, NIC, who discussed the “Open Data sharing initiative of Govt. of India”. Dr. Marin Dacos, French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, presented “An ecosystem for sharing and opening research data” and Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, presented his talk on “Sharing data in Science.
The seventh session of the seminarhaving a panel discussion on “Future for Open Science, Open Data, and Open Source,” featuring experts from various fields, including Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya; Dr. Laurence El Khouri, CNRS-DDOR; Dr. Roberto Di Cosmo, INRIA Software Heritage; Dr. Deepali Kuberkar, Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr. Kasturi Mandal, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi; Dr. Yogesh Dhoble, CSIR-IPU, New Delhi and Dr. Sandhiya Lakshmanan, CSIR-NIScPR.
The Indo-French Joint Seminar concluded with the valedictory session during which Dr. Naresh Kumar, Scientists, CSIR-NIScPR delivered the welcome address and highlights of the two-days intense deliberation on the Open Science, Open Source and Open Data in the R&D in Computational Innovation. Prof. Anirban Chakraborti from JNU address the need of balanced approach in moving towards the conduct of Open Science, Dr. Laurence and Dr Avinash Kshitij summarise the two-days deliberation amongst the 6 different topics, Mr.Mukesh Pund, CSIR-NIScPR shows his gratitude towards the Indian and French speakers, scholars, delegates and the all individuals involved in different roles during his address for Vote of Thanks.
About CSIR-NIScPR
The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) is a premier institute in India, engaged in science communication, STI based policy studies and research.
About CNRS
The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is a government-funded research organization, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in France and globally.
Researchers have found an efficient, less energy-intensive, and environmentally friendly way of synthesizing hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that is crucial to the industry for disinfection, paper bleaching, and so on.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a versatile oxidizing agent that is widely used in environmental disinfection, chemical synthesis, paper bleaching, and fuel cells. In addition, the growth of this market is driven by the increasing awareness of disinfection, the rise in the number of surgeries, the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, and so on. Currently, over 95% of H2O2 is produced industrially using the anthraquinone oxidation process, which is very energy intensive, expensive and produces many hazardous chemicals as by-products.
Scientists are therefore looking for an environmentally friendly and economical strategy to produce H2O2 from renewable resources with minimal environmental impact. In this context, a new class of porous and ordered polymers with modifiable catalytic sites and light-harvesting properties in visible range, called covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have emerged as promising photocatalysts.
Figure 1. Sustainable synthesis and versatile applications of hydrogen peroxide.
Researchers at S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have designed and prepared a series of COFs having good water affinity through careful control of the hydrazone linkage density and studied their effect on the photocatalytic performance for H2O2 generation. It was observed that the hydrazone-linked COFs provide abundant docking sites for water and oxygen, thereby promoting water oxidation reaction (WOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) – two main pathways for photocatalytic H2O2 generation.
As a result, the hydrazone-linked COF exhibited exceptional photocatalytic H2O2 production without external sacrificial electron donors when irradiated with a 40 W blue LED (λ = 467 nm). Interestingly, a significant amount of H2O2 (550 μmol g-1 h-1) was also produced under sunlight irradiation, which outperforms most organic photocatalysts under similar conditions, thus demonstrating a clean and sustainable pathway.
Furthermore, as-synthesized hydrazone-linked COFs can generate H2O2 up to 21641 μmol g-1 h-1 using an aqueous benzyl alcohol solution (water: benzyl alcohol = 90:10) by preventing the degradation of H2O2. This strategy of using a mixture of water-benzyl alcohol solution will be helpful in developing a continuous flow reactor for the sustainable production of H2O2 and will reveal a laboratory-to-industry technology transfer for the benefit of mankind.
The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India hosted the ninth Webinar in its Biofoundry and Bio manufacturing Initiative series on March 7, 2025. The session centered on “Bio manufacturing of Biopolymers,” a crucial area under the BioE3 Policy, which was approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024. The BioE3 Policy is designed to establish India as a global leader in bio-based innovations, emphasizing sustainable biomanufacturing across various thematic areas, including biopolymers. This Webinar served as a platform for academia, industry leaders, startups, and researchers to engage in discussions about advancements and opportunities in biopolymer biomanufacturing.
Dr. Vaishali Panjabi, Scientist ‘F’, DBT, highlighted the BioE3 Policy’s vision to foster high-performance biomanufacturing. She informed that the ninth Webinar in this series focuses on ‘Biomanufacturing of Biopolymers’. India, given its academic and industrial strength, is poised to create a vibrant ecosystem for cost-effective biopolymer production. She mentioned the potential gaps, challenges in this sectors followed by strengths and opportunities to address the same.
Dr. Binod Parameswaran, CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram mentioned the major differences between biopolymers, process involved along with challenges and limitations in biomanufacturing. Finally he also shared the key trends shaping the future of biopolymer R&D in India.
Dr. Ashvini Shete, Praj Industries Ltd. mentioned in detail the process involved in the production of Biopolymers and the challenges associated with its production. She emphasized on the importance of strain and feed stock selection, process optimization and downstream processing for biopolymer production. She mentioned that a Vibrant Ecosystem for Cost-Effective Biopolymer Production can be created in India based on the rich availability of feedstock and technology with in the country.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A segment moderated by DBT and BIRAC officials. Participants actively engaged with the experts, discussing challenges and opportunities in bio manufacturing of biopolymers.
As part of celebration of 75th Anniversary of NSS, commemorating its transformative role in shaping India’s evidence-based policy making, an awareness campaign was organized by National Statistics Office (Field Operations Division), Govt. of India, Regional Office, Sambalpur at the 20th Annual Conference of Indian Association for Social Science and Health (IASSH) organized by Sambalpur University at Biju Patnaik Auditorium.The campaign was organized on 05.03.2025 and 06.03.2025. Publicity materials were displayed and distributed among the 250 nos. of participants of the conference.
A plenary sessionwas conducted by NSO(FOD) RO, Sambalpur on the theme “Data for Development” on 06.03.2025. The session was chaired by Prof R. Nagarajan, IIPS Mumbai & Prof. Pradeep Kumar Panda from AIPH University, Bhubaneswar was the co-chair. Sh. Rahul Kumar Patel, Deputy Director & Regional Head, NSO(FOD) RO Sambalpur was the speaker. Importance of NSS data for policy formulation and decision making for the development and nation building were highlighted. A documentary about evolution of NSS during the last 75 years was also displayed. Information onrecently completed as well as ongoing surveys such as Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Household consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), Annual Survey of Unorganized Sector Enterprise (ASUSE), Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), Socio-economic survey 80thround (Health & Telecom), Pilot study on Annual Survey of Service Sector Enterprises (ASSSE), Price Collection, Forward Looking Survey on Private Corporate Sector Capex Investment Intentions etc.,wasshared with the participants.As the participants were mostly the post-graduate students, researchers, academicians etc., hence process to access the unit level data of various surveys under NSO was also explained for the benefit of the participants.
Prof. R. Nagarajan and Prof. Pradeep Kumar Panda congratulated NSS for completing 75 years of successful data collection, dissemination and also stressed the importance of NSS data and how it has helped Govt, researchers, policy makers in decision making, economic growth and resource allocation.
Ministry of Education celebrated International Women’s Day at its premises at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi today, bringing together women employees from all departments to acknowledge their contributions, share inspiring stories. The event aimed to recognize the contributions of women in the Ministry of Education and promote their well-being through an interactive session.
Secretary, Department of Higher Education Shri Vineet Joshi; Additional Secretary, Sunil Kumar Barnwal; Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy Shri Anandrao Vishnu Patil; Joint Secretary, Higher Education, Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli; graced the occasion with their presence. The event was further honored by the participation of the Vice Chancellor of NIEPA Shashikala Wanjari, who attended as the Guest of Honour.
During the event, Shri Vineet Joshi, highlighted the dedication and efficiency of women in task execution, emphasizing their responsiveness and sense of responsibility. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a gender-inclusive workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He highlighted the leadership demonstrated by women across various roles, acknowledging their contributions in strengthening the institution.
Prof. Shashikala Wanjari emphasized the extraordinary role of women in the Indian context, drawing inspiration from figures like Ahilyabai Holkar and Jijabai. She highlighted how these icons efficiently managed both family and administration, setting an example for society.
To inspire and empower the attendees, Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, psychiatrist at Moolchand Hospital, delivered a session focusing on the general well-being and professional growth of women employees. The session provided valuable insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
All women employees of the Ministry of Education joined the celebration, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its female workforce.
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1st International Conference on Advances in Water Resources (AWaRe 2025) Date: 10th – 12th June 2025 Venue: Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, India Website:AWaRe 2025
About the Conference
The 1st International Conference on Advances in Water Resources (AWaRe 2025) aims to bring together experts from academia, industry, and research organizations to discuss innovations and challenges in water resources engineering. Organized by the Department of Civil Engineering and the Centre of Excellence in Water Management at MANIT Bhopal, in association with the Central Water Commission (CWC), India, this conference will provide a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The theme for AWaRe 2025 is “Transforming Water Resources Engineering for a Sustainable Future.” The event will explore cutting-edge research and technological advancements that enhance water conservation, management, and sustainability, ensuring a balance between human development and environmental protection.
Key Themes of the Conference
AWaRe 2025 will cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
1. Innovations in Hydraulics
Urban hydraulics and hydraulic structures
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Environmental and eco-hydraulics
Coastal hydraulics and offshore structures
2. Sustainable River Engineering and River Training
Sediment transport and river morphology
Nature-based solutions for large rivers and lakes
Trans-boundary water sharing
3. Catchment Hydrology and Watershed Management
Flood forecasting and protection measures
Climate modeling and climate change mitigation
Integrated watershed management and disaster risk reduction
4. Subsurface Water Dynamics
Groundwater resource assessment and planning
Seawater intrusion and forensic groundwater hydrology
Smart aquifer recharge and management
5. Hydro-informatics and Advanced Data Analytics
Big data management in water resources
AI-driven tools for decision support
Cyber infrastructure for water systems
6. Green and Blue Nexus
Water reclamation and reuse
Renewable energy and sustainable coastal water management
About the Organizing Institution
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal
Established in 1960, MANIT Bhopal is one of India’s premier engineering institutions. It was designated as a National Institute of Technology (NIT) in 2002 and is recognized for its contributions to technical education and research.
The Department of Civil Engineering, one of the institute’s oldest departments, offers B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs in various fields, including Water Resources Engineering. The Centre of Excellence in Water Management, established in 2021, specializes in research and postgraduate education in water resources engineering and management.
Registration Details
Category
Registration Fee
Research Scholars
Rs. 2000
Academicians / Scientists / Professional Researchers
Rs. 3000
Industry Personnel (Public & Private Enterprises)
Rs. 4000
Foreign Delegates / Authors
$200
Important Dates
Full Paper Submission Opens: 1st December 2024
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15th March 2025
Paper Acceptance Notification: 15th April 2025
Early-Bird Registration: 15th May – 1st June 2025
Why Attend AWaRe 2025?
Engage with Global Experts: Learn from internationally renowned researchers and industry leaders.
Showcase Your Research: Present your work to a diverse audience and receive valuable feedback.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, academics, and policymakers.
Workshops & Technical Sessions: Gain insights into the latest advancements in water resources engineering.
MANIT Bhopal invites researchers, scholars, and industry professionals to participate in AWaRe 2025 and contribute to shaping the future of water resources management. We look forward to your valuable contributions and active engagement in the conference discussions.
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on 8th March. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements across national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political boundaries. The theme of International Women’s Day 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and an inclusive future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.
Further, the year 2025 is a pivotal moment as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document is the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide, transforming the women’s rights agenda in terms of legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, and change in social norms, stereotypes, and ideas stuck in the past.
In India, the government has been actively working towards women’s empowerment and gender equality through various policies, schemes, and legislative measures. The country is witnessing a transition from women’s development to women-led development, ensuring equal participation in national progress. Women are playing a crucial role in shaping India’s socio-economic landscape, breaking barriers in education, health, digital inclusion, and leadership roles.
On March 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged women across India to share their inspiring life journeys on the NaMo App Open Forum ahead of International Women’s Day. He praised the remarkable stories already submitted, highlighting the resilience and achievements of women from different walks of life. As a special initiative, he announced that selected women would take over his social media accounts on March 8 to amplify their voices and experiences. This initiative aims to celebrate women’s contributions and inspire others by showcasing their journey of empowerment, perseverance, and success.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
The Indian Constitution guarantees gender equality through provisions in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex. Article 51(a)(e) encourages citizens to renounce practices derogatory to women’s dignity. The Directive Principles, particularly Articles 39 and 42, emphasize equal livelihood opportunities, equal pay, and maternity relief.
India is a signatory to international treaties such as:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979)
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2003)
Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
Government Schemes for Women’s Upliftment
1. Education
Education is the key to women’s empowerment and economic independence. India has undertaken several initiatives to ensure that girls have equal access to quality education from primary schooling to higher education. Gender parity in education has improved significantly, with female enrolment surpassing male enrolment in recent years.
Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 ensures schools are within reach for all children.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Focuses on improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls’ education.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Supports school infrastructure and girl-friendly facilities.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritizes gender equity and inclusion in education.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Promote quality education for tribal girls
Female Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has overtaken Male GER since 2017-18.
Female enrolment in higher education: 2.07 crore (2021-22), which is nearly 50% of the total number 4.33 crore.
The female to 100 male faculty ratio has also improved to 77 in 2021-22 from 63 in 2014-15.
Women in STEM: 42.57% (41.9 lakh) of total STEM enrolment.
STEM Initiatives:
Vigyan Jyoti (2020) promotes STEM education for girls in underrepresented areas.
Overseas Fellowship Scheme supports women scientists in global research opportunities.
National Digital Library, SWAYAM, and SWAYAM PRABHA ensure access to online learning.
Over 10 lakh girl students benefitted under various scholarships for STEM fields.
Skill Development Initiatives:
Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Women Industrial Training Institutes provide vocational and technical training to women.
Women Technology Parks (WTPs) serve as hubs for training and capacity building.
2. Health and Nutrition
Access to healthcare services is crucial for improving the well-being of women and reducing gender-based health disparities. The government has introduced several policies to ensure maternal and child health, nutrition, and medical support for women across all sections of society.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers, with ₹17,362 crore disbursed to 3.81 crore women, as of January 2025.
Improved Maternal Health:
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) reduced from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20) per lakh live births.
Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) decreased from 43 (2015) to 32 (2020).
Life expectancy for women increased to 71.4 years (2016-20), expected to reach 74.7 years by 2031-36.
Nutrition and Sanitation:
Jal Jeevan Mission provided potable tap water to 15.4 crore households, reducing health risks.
Swachh Bharat Mission led to the construction of 11.8 crore toilets, improving sanitation and hygiene.
Poshan Abhiyaan: Strengthens maternal and child nutrition programs
Over 10.3 crore clean cooking gas connections distributed under the Ujjwala Yojana.
3. Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
Women’s participation in the workforce is a key driver of economic growth. The government has launched multiple initiatives to promote financial independence, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for women.
Women’s participation in major household decisions: Increased from 84% (2015) to 88.7% (2020).
Financial Inclusion:
PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Over 30.46 crore accounts (55% belonging to women) opened.
Stand-Up India Scheme: 84% of loans under ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore sanctioned to women entrepreneurs.
MUDRA Scheme: 69% of microloans given to women-led enterprises.
Self-Help Groups under NRLM: 10 crore (100 million) women connected to 9 million SHGs.
Bank Sakhis Model: 6,094 women banking correspondents processed transactions worth $40 million in 2020.
Employment and Leadership:
Women in Armed Forces: Entry into NDA, combat roles, and Sainik Schools.
Civil Aviation: India has over 15% women pilots, higher than the global average of 5%.
Working Women’s Hostels (Sakhi Niwas): 523 hostels benefiting 26,306 women.
Women Entrepreneurs in Startups: 10% of funds in the Small Industries Development Bank of India reserved for women-led startups
4. Digital and Technological Empowerment
In the digital era, access to technology and digital literacy are crucial for women’s socio-economic progress. The government has been proactive in ensuring women are part of the digital revolution through various initiatives.
Digital India Initiatives:
PMGDISHA (Prime Minister’s Digital Saksharta Abhiyan): 60 million rural citizens trained in digital literacy.
Common Service Centres (CSCs): 67,000 women entrepreneurs running digital service centers.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Bridging healthcare accessibility through digital solutions.
SANKALP Hubs for Women Empowerment: Functioning in 742 districts across 35 States/UTs
Financial Technology and Inclusion:
Digital banking and Aadhaar-linked services ensure financial security for women.
Government e-marketplaces encourage female entrepreneurship and online businesses.
5. Safety and Protection
Ensuring women’s safety is a top priority for the Indian government. Several legislative measures, dedicated funds, and fast-track courts have been established to curb crimes against women and provide legal and institutional support.
Key Legal Frameworks:
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018: Enhanced penalties for crimes against women.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
POCSO Act, 2012: Strengthened laws against child abuse.
Ban on Triple Talaq (2019): Criminalizing instant divorce practices.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Protects minors from forced marriages.
Nirbhaya Fund Projects (₹11,298 crore allocated):
One Stop Centres (OSCs): 802 centers functional, assisting over 1 million women.
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – 112): 38.34 crore calls handled.
Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): 750 operational courts, 408 exclusively for POCSO cases.
Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and cyber forensic labs for digital safety.
Safe City Projects: Implemented in 8 cities to enhance women’s safety.
14,658 Women Help Desks in Police Stations, 13,743 headed by women.
Institutional and Legislative Reforms
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Strengthens provisions for gender justice.
Marital rape (for wives under 18) criminalized.
Enhanced punishment for sexual offenses and trafficking.
Witness protection and digital evidence admissibility improved.
Women’s representation in CAPFs: 33% reservation in select forces.
Nari Adalat: Piloted in 50 Gram Panchayats each in Assam and J&K, now expanding.
Conclusion
India has made remarkable progress in women’s empowerment through comprehensive policies, targeted schemes, and legal frameworks. From economic participation to safety, digital inclusion to education, the government’s initiatives have led to significant improvements in women’s lives. On this International Women’s Day, it is crucial to reaffirm the commitment to building an inclusive, gender-equal society where women play a central role in shaping the nation’s future. Sustained efforts in policy-making, community engagement, and digital inclusion will ensure that women continue to drive India’s growth story in the years to come.
The Government of India will be celebrating the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2025. The Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) is holding a national level conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on the theme “Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat”. The President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the National Conference. The event will also be graced by Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, and Minister of State, Smt. Savitri Thakur, along with senior officials and distinguished guests. On this occasion, mega campaign through #SheBuildsBharat is also being organised.
The event will witness the participation of women officers from the armed forces and para military forces and Delhi police along with My Bharat volunteers, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA workers, Self Help Group members etc. Additionally, lady officers from various Ministries/ Departments have been invited to participate in the event. The event will also mark the presence of representatives from international organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA etc.
After the inaugural session, the day will continue with a valuable high Level Panel Discussion.
On the sidelines of the above event, three technical sessions will be organized to bring together renowned women leaders from STEM, business, sports, media, and governance.
Trailblazers and Luminaries – Looking Back and Forging Ahead on the 50th Anniversary of International Women’s Day
This session will bring together renowned women leaders from STEM, business, sports, media, and governance to share their experiences and inspire future generations.
Capitalizing on Women Power – Breakthroughs in Financial Inclusion
This session will focus on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and empowering women in the economy.
Women in Leadership – Panchayat to Parliament
A dedicated discussion on policies and frameworks to accelerate gender equality through political leadership.
A unique Digital Media and Interactive Zone will engage participants through real-time discussions, multimedia exhibits, and storytelling initiatives, showcasing the contributions of women in shaping a progressive India.
The proceedings will be livestreamed on Doordarshan, Webcast link, the Ministry of Women, and Child Development’s social media platforms and World Bank Live for widespread reach and engagement.
The Government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, remains steadfast in its mission to empower women through transformative policies and initiatives. As India moves forward on the path of development, Nari Shakti will continue to be the cornerstone of a self-reliant and prosperous Bharat.
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