28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth
Overview of the Event
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th CSPOC on 15 January 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Venue: Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex, New Delhi.
The inauguration highlights India’s commitment to parliamentary democracy and parliamentary diplomacy at the global level.
Prime Minister’s Role
The Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session.
He will interact informally with Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth and Autonomous Parliaments.
A group photograph will mark the occasion.
Conference Hosting and Participation
Hosted by the Parliament of India in coordination with the CSPOC Secretariat.
Conference dates: 14–16 January 2026.
Participants: Speakers and Presiding Officers from 53 national parliaments of the Commonwealth.
Serves as a high-level forum to discuss the evolving role of legislatures in strengthening democratic governance and constitutional institutions.
Role of the Speaker, Lok Sabha
The Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha, as Chairperson of the 28th CSPOC, chaired the CSPOC Standing Committee meeting on 14 January 2026.
Venue: Sangeeti Conference Hall, Red Fort, New Delhi.
Delegates were given a guided tour of the Red Fort followed by a light and sound show, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and democratic journey.
The Speaker will:
Address the Special Plenary Session
Chair the Plenary, Special Plenary, and Closing Plenary Sessions
Key Themes and Discussion Areas
Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary functioning.
Impact of social media on parliamentary practices and public discourse.
Innovative approaches to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting.
Security, health, and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary officials.
Role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions.
India’s CSPOC Legacy
India has previously hosted CSPOC in 1971, 1986, and 2010.
Hosting the 28th CSPOC builds on this legacy and reaffirms India’s sustained engagement with Commonwealth parliamentary traditions.
Bilateral Parliamentary Engagements
On the sidelines, the Speaker, Lok Sabha, held bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders from:
Canada
Sri Lanka
Seychelles
Maldives
Kenya
Grenada
South Africa
These interactions strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and diplomatic ties.
Expected Outcomes and Significance
Reinforces collective commitment to:
Democratic values
Institutional integrity
Effective parliamentary oversight
Highlights India’s role as a confident, credible, and responsible convenor of global parliamentary dialogue.
Enhances India’s profile in global democratic governance and parliamentary diplomacy.
IndiaAI Financial Reporting Compliance Challenge
Organizing Bodies
Launched by IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC).
Implemented under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Conducted in collaboration with the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).
Program Context
Part of the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI).
Aligns with the broader IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI, promote ethical use, and strengthen India’s AI ecosystem.
Primary Objective
To develop a robust, scalable AI-powered compliance engine that automates the verification of financial documents against regulatory frameworks.
Aims to address existing compliance gaps in financial reporting and enhance transparency and investor protection.
Target Participants
Indian startups and companies with AI, data extraction, and regulatory technology (RegTech) capabilities.
Core Technical Requirements
AI system must be capable of:
Extracting text, tables, hyperlinks, embedded data, and financial data.
Processing multi-format documents (scanned and digitally native).
Handling documents from diverse sources.
Segmenting documents into logical, header-based sections.
Validating each section for:
Completeness
Data integrity
Regulatory compliance
Mapping extracted content against a pre-defined compliance framework.
Challenge Structure
Initial Shortlisting:
Up to 10 teams shortlisted for a Virtual Challenge Round.
Each shortlisted team receives INR 5 Lakhs.
Teams refine their solutions using a sample dataset provided through AIKosh.
On-Premises Development Round:
Up to 3 teams invited for a 5-day on-site development phase in New Delhi.
Focus on further refinement and validation of solutions.
Final Outcome:
One winning team may receive a work contract worth up to INR 1 Crore.
Contract duration: 2 years, for deployment of the solution for NFRA.
Strategic Significance
Aims to build a scalable regulatory technology infrastructure for India.
Enhances public trust, financial transparency, and investor protection.
Supports automation and modernization of financial regulatory oversight.
Application Details
Applications to be submitted via the AIKosh portal.
Last date for submission: 22 February 2026.
Submission guidelines and challenge details are available on the AIKosh competition page.
Broader Impact
Strengthens India’s AI-driven governance and compliance ecosystem.
Encourages innovation in RegTech and AI-based financial oversight.
Contributes to India’s goal of technological self-reliance and global AI leadership.
National Conference on Eco-restoration of the Aravalli Landscape
Event and Leadership
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the National Conference on Eco-restoration of the Aravalli Landscape: Strengthening the Aravalli Green Wall in New Delhi.
During the inaugural session, the Minister released a report titled “Eco-restoration of the Aravalli Landscape”, prepared by the Sankala Foundation.
Policy Vision and International Commitment
The Aravalli Green Wall Project was launched as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
The project aligns with India’s commitment under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land.
Scale and Geographic Coverage
6.45 million hectares of degraded land identified in the Aravalli region.
Greening and restoration work initiated over 2.7 million hectares.
The project spans four states/UTs: Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Implementation is being carried out by Divisional Forest Officers from 29 Aravalli districts.
Implementation Strategy
Focus on plantation of native species suited to arid and semi-arid climatic conditions.
Emphasis on scientific planning, ecological suitability, and long-term sustainability.
Key Conservation Intervention
Around 97 square kilometres of severely degraded Aravalli revenue land from Naurangpur to Nuh in Haryana identified for afforestation.
The area has been declared a Protected Forest by the Haryana Government to ensure enhanced protection and management.
Described as one of the most significant post-Independence policy interventions for Aravalli conservation.
Ecological and Historical Importance of Aravallis
The Aravalli range is the oldest mountain range in India.
It has supported human civilization for thousands of years.
The ecosystem is protected by 4 tiger reserves and 18 other protected areas.
Additional green interventions are being undertaken wherever ecological restoration is required.
India’s Wildlife Conservation Leadership
India is home to 5 of the world’s 7 big cat species.
The country supports nearly 70% of the global tiger population, which continues to grow.
Thousands of hectares in the Aravalli region have been restored in the last 2–3 years.
Development and Ecology Balance
The Minister emphasized India’s balanced approach to ecological stability and economic development.
Restoration and conservation efforts place ecology at the centre of development planning.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to conserving the Aravallis and similar ecosystems nationwide.
Key Outcomes of the Released Report
Provides a scientific, community-driven, and scalable framework to strengthen the Aravalli Green Wall Project.
Forms part of the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation.
Emphasises:
Landscape-scale restoration
Data-driven decision-making
Community participation
Multidisciplinary approaches
Highlights that isolated or piecemeal interventions are insufficient given the scale of degradation and ecological pressures.
Composite Salary Account Package for Central Government Employees
Launch and Authority
Launched by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance.
Formally inaugurated by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS.
Developed in association with Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
Launch event attended by:
Chairman, State Bank of India
MDs & CEOs of all Nationalized Banks
CEO, NPCI (via video conference)
Senior officials of DFS
Vision and Policy Alignment
Aligned with the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Supports the national goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”.
Aims to enhance financial well-being, social security, and ease of access for Central Government employees.
Target Beneficiaries
All Central Government employees, across Group A, B, and C cadres.
Designed to ensure uniformity, inclusiveness, and convenience regardless of rank.
Objective of the Initiative
To provide a single, seamless, one-stop financial solution.
Integrates banking services, insurance coverage, and card benefits into one composite salary account.
Strengthens the employee–bank relationship while ensuring financial security.
Structure of the Package
Comprises three core segments:
Banking Facilities
Insurance Coverage
Digital & Card Features
Key Features
1. Banking Facilities
Zero-balance salary account with enhanced features.
Free remittances through RTGS, NEFT, and UPI.
Cheque book facilities.
Concessional interest rates on loans:
Housing
Education
Vehicle
Personal loans
Reduced loan processing charges.
Waiver on locker rentals.
Family banking benefits included.
2. Enhanced Insurance Coverage
Personal Accident Insurance up to ₹1.50 crore.
Air Accident Insurance up to ₹2 crore.
Permanent Total and Partial Disability Cover up to ₹1.50 crore.
Term Life Insurance:
In-built cover up to ₹20 lakh.
Optional top-up facility at affordable premiums.
Health Insurance:
Comprehensive cover for self and family.
Base plan with optional top-up facility at affordable cost.
3. Digital & Card Features
Enhanced benefits on debit and credit cards.
Airport lounge access, reward programs, and cashback offers.
Unlimited transactions.
Nil maintenance charges.
Implementation and Awareness Measures
DFS has advised PSBs to:
Publicize the scheme through official websites.
Organize special awareness camps in government departments.
Proactively reach out to employees with detailed product information.
Facilitate migration of existing salary accounts to the new package with employee consent.
Overall Significance
Provides Central Government employees with:
Modern banking services
Comprehensive insurance and health coverage
Financial security and peace of mind
Recognizes Central Government employees as the backbone of public administration.
Reflects the Government’s continued commitment to employee welfare, financial inclusion, and social security.
Additional Information
Complete details are available on the DFS website.
Employees are encouraged to avail the scheme through their salary accounts with Public Sector Banks.
Namami Gange Mission: Aquatic Biodiversity & River Conservation Initiatives
Leadership and Occasion
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Paatil, inaugurated multiple initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
Emphasised that rivers must be protected as life-supporting ecosystems, not merely water channels.
Highlighted aquatic biodiversity as the true indicator of river health.
Major Initiatives Launched
Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre
Established by Namami Gange Mission in partnership with WII.
Dedicated to study, research, monitoring, and policy support for aquatic biodiversity conservation.
Focuses on Ganga and other rivers.
Equipped with:
Ecotoxicology lab
Aquatic ecology lab
Spatial ecology lab
Microplastics identification lab
Aims to support data-driven conservation, policy formulation, and long-term protection of aquatic species.
Dolphin Rescue Ambulance (TSAFI)
Launched to provide rapid and scientifically equipped rescue response for distressed Ganga dolphins.
Ganga dolphin highlighted as a sensitive indicator of river health.
Strengthens India’s efforts to conserve its national aquatic animal.
Indian Skimmer Conservation Project
Formally launched by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Targets conservation of rare riverine bird species along the Ganga.
Reinforces the idea that river conservation must address the entire ecosystem, not just water quality.
Education, Research and Capacity Building
Master’s Programme in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation
Launched by WII under Namami Gange.
Two-year postgraduate program focusing on:
River and wetland ecosystems
Biodiversity conservation
Field research and policy studies
Aims to train future conservation professionals.
Minister commended students for choosing this specialised field.
Species Conservation Highlights
Turtle Conservation Project (TSAFI) – Phase I Success
Recognised turtles as indicators of river cleanliness and ecological balance.
Key achievements:
15 captive-reared Narrow-headed Softshell Turtles (Chitra indica) released into the Yamuna (10 radio-tagged).
20 Red-crowned Roofed Turtles (Batagur kachuga) reintroduced into Upper Ganga with acoustic tagging.
First monitored reintroduction of Batagur kachuga in its historic range after 30 years.
Gharial Conservation
Publication launched on population status and conservation action plan for critically endangered Gharial.
Details distribution across the Ganga basin.
Dolphin Population Success
Over 6,000 dolphins now recorded in the Ganga.
Attributed to:
Improved river cleanliness
Biodiversity-focused interventions
Active community participation and Jan Bhagidari.
Community Participation and Cultural Integration
Ganga Praharis
Minister interacted with community volunteers.
Acknowledged their role in river cleanliness and conservation.
Youth participation highlighted as key to sustainable river management.
Plantation Drive
Conducted at WII under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
Tree plantation recognised as vital to river ecosystem conservation.
Publications Released
Report on Gharial population and conservation strategy.
“Millets for Life” publication:
Links biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security.
Overall Significance
Reflects a multi-dimensional, scientific, and integrated approach to river rejuvenation.
Namami Gange now equally prioritises:
Uninterrupted flow
Cleanliness
Biodiversity conservation
Demonstrates India’s shift from river cleaning to holistic river ecosystem restoration.
Reinforces long-term vision of leaving behind healthy, resilient, and life-supporting rivers for future generations.
Action Against Digital Arrest Scams
Government Action Against Digital Arrest Scams
The Union government has initiated coordinated action to tackle the growing menace of digital arrest scams.
These scams have defrauded citizens of thousands of crores of rupees, disproportionately affecting elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Formation of High-Level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC)
An Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) was constituted on December 26.
The committee is chaired by the Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Its mandate is to comprehensively examine all facets of digital arrest scams and suggest remedial measures.
Broad Institutional Representation
The IDC includes senior officials (Joint Secretary level and above) from:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Ministry of External Affairs
Department of Financial Services
Ministry of Law & Justice
Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Delhi Police
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
The CEO of I4C acts as the Member-Secretary of the committee.
The Attorney General of India, R. Venkataramani, will regularly attend IDC meetings.
Engagement with Technology Platforms
The committee has already held multiple meetings.
Representatives from major online platforms including Google, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Microsoft attended the latest meeting.
This highlights the role of digital platforms in preventing, detecting, and disrupting scam operations.
Inputs from Regulatory Bodies
The government informed the Supreme Court that inputs have been received from:
Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
These inputs focus on combating telecom misuse and financial fraud linked to digital arrest scams.
Supreme Court’s Role
The Supreme Court is hearing the matter, with the next hearing scheduled for January 13.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant had earlier directed:
Inter-departmental ministerial consultations
Oversight and guidance by the Attorney General
The IDC was formed in response to these judicial directions.
Mandate and Functions of the IDC
Examine real-time operational challenges faced by enforcement agencies.
Identify existing laws, rules, circulars, and implementation gaps.
Recommend corrective and preventive measures.
Provide inputs and assistance for further directions by the Supreme Court, if required.
