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1. The PENCiL (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) portal was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to enforce the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. The portal includes five key components: Central Government, State Government, District Project Societies, Child Tracking System, and Complaint Corner. India's efforts to combat child labour are backed by constitutional provisions like Article 24 (prohibiting hazardous work for children under 14) and Article 39 (protecting children's health). Key legal frameworks include the Right to Education Act (2009), the Child Labour Act (1986), and the Factories Act (1948). Additionally, India has ratified international conventions such as the Minimum Age Convention (1973), the UNCRC (1989), and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (1999), further reinforcing its commitment to ending child labour.
2. India has recently adopted the global CubeSat standard, marking a key milestone in its ambition to strengthen its position in the global space economy. CubeSat standards define a modular satellite framework, with 1U (10x10x10 cm, ≤1.33 kg) as the standard unit. CubeSats are designed for compatibility with standard deployers, requiring uniform dimensions, low-outgassing materials, and rigorous testing. The size can be scaled up to larger configurations like 1.5U, 2U, 3U, 6U, and 12U. The Bureau of Indian Standards assists educational and research organizations in developing CubeSats with commercial components, offering a cost-effective satellite solution. Indian universities like IIT Kanpur (JUGNU) and Space Kidz India (KalamSAT) have launched student-built CubeSats with support from ISRO. India's space economy, valued at USD 8 billion, targets USD 100 billion by 2040. The government is opening the sector to private companies, with a Rs 1,000 crore venture capital fund and a 100% FDI policy to stimulate growth and innovation.
3. A recent Oxford University study praised India’s PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform for transforming infrastructure development, successfully accelerating 340 delayed projects valued at USD 205 billion. Launched in 2015 under the Digital India program, PRAGATI is a multi-purpose ICT platform aimed at ensuring e-transparency and e-accountability by facilitating real-time interaction among key stakeholders. The platform utilizes a digital dashboard and video-conferencing, chaired by the Prime Minister, to streamline decision-making, reduce red tape, and shorten project timelines. It also focuses on addressing public grievances while monitoring and reviewing government projects, including those flagged by state governments. Additionally, PRAGATI emphasizes the use of green technologies and sustainable practices. Notable projects accelerated by PRAGATI include the Chenab Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir, the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, and the Jal Jeevan Mission, which increased rural tap water connections from 17% in 2019 to 79% by 2024, significantly improving water access across the country.
4. The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen after extensive renovations following the devastating fire in April 2019. This reopening marks a significant milestone in restoring this architectural masterpiece and a vital part of France's cultural heritage. The Notre-Dame is a medieval Catholic cathedral located on an island in the Seine River and is consecrated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is home to the Holy Crown of Thorns, a Holy relic from the crucifixion of Jesus, along with a piece of the cross and one of the nails. Additionally, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 1160 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was completed by 1260. The site was previously occupied by a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter. Notre-Dame also holds significant historical value, having been the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation in 1801, and his marriage to Marie-Louise of Austria in 1810. Known for its rib vaulting, flying buttresses, and stunning stained-glass windows, the cathedral is an architectural marvel. The restoration aims not only to rebuild but also to enhance the cathedral's beauty, focusing on the cleaning and renovation of its artworks. Additionally, French Gothic architecture featured elements such as shutter windows, carved archways, and narrow street fronts, blending well with traditional Bengali homes. French architects, including Le Corbusier, also played a role in shaping modern urban planning in India. Notable examples of Indo-French architecture include sites like the Governor’s House, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Chandernagore, West Bengal.
5. The Ministry of Tourism recently highlighted a national responsible tourism initiative called Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi in the Lok Sabha. Launched in September 2024, this initiative aims to improve the tourist experience by training local stakeholders to become tourist-friendly ambassadors and storytellers. It places special emphasis on training women and youth, empowering them to create innovative tourism products such as heritage walks, food tours, and nature treks. Initially piloted in 6 tourist destinations across India — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) — the program has successfully trained 3,000 individuals. The initiative focuses on digital literacy to make local experiences visible globally. By World Tourism Day 2024, Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi expanded to 50 tourist destinations.