Aims to protect farmers, ensure seed quality, and bring transparency and accountability into the seed supply system.
Modernises the outdated Seed Act of 1966 using digital tools, traceability, and stricter enforcement.
Nationwide Seed Traceability System
Introduction of a digital, end-to-end seed traceability mechanism.
Every seed packet will carry a QR code.
Farmers can scan the code to know:
Where the seed was produced
Which dealer supplied it
Who sold it
Enables quick identification and action against fake or substandard seeds.
Elimination of Fake and Substandard Seeds
Inferior seeds are intended to be blocked from entering the system.
If detected, responsible companies or dealers will be immediately identified and penalised.
Ends misleading and arbitrary practices by seed companies and sellers.
Mandatory Registration of Seed Companies
All seed companies must be registered to operate legally.
Only authorised sellers will be allowed to sell seeds.
Details of registered companies will be publicly available.
Fake and unauthorised seed companies will be eliminated from the market.
No Restrictions on Traditional and Farmer-Saved Seeds
Farmers retain full freedom to:
Use their own seeds
Exchange seeds locally with other farmers
Traditional seed-sharing practices in villages will continue without interference.
Stringent Penalties and Punishments
Penalty increased from ₹500 to up to ₹30 lakh for selling substandard seeds.
Deliberate offences may attract:
Imprisonment up to 3 years
Fine up to ₹30 lakh
Zero tolerance for companies or individuals cheating farmers.
Strengthening Indian Seed Ecosystem
Three-tier system envisaged:
Public sector institutions (ICAR, agricultural universities, KVKs)
Domestic private seed companies
Evaluation mechanism for foreign seeds
Imported seeds to be allowed only after thorough testing and approval.
Focus on strengthening Indian public institutions and domestic companies.
Farmer Awareness and Outreach
Nationwide awareness initiatives like Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.
Scientists, officials, and progressive farmers to visit villages.
All 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to educate farmers on:
Seed quality and selection
Farmer rights and grievance redressal mechanisms
Stronger Legal Framework
Addresses weaknesses of the 1966 law which lacked modern technology and data systems.
Introduces digital records, traceability, and accountability.
Protection of States’ Rights
Agriculture remains a state subject.
States’ powers will not be diluted.
Centre’s role limited to coordination, with implementation in cooperation with states.
Overall Vision
Ensure “the right seed for every farmer”.
Encourage genuine and quality-driven seed companies.
Build farmer trust, prevent exploitation, and enhance agricultural productivity nationwide through Seed Act 2026.
6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ (ADGMIN) Meeting
Meeting Overview
The 6th ASEAN–India Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) was held virtually.
Reaffirmed the shared commitment of ASEAN Member States and India to deepen cooperation in the digital domain.
Co-chaired by:
Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India
Shri Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology, Viet Nam
About ADGMIN
Annual forum of Telecom and Digital Ministers from 11 ASEAN Member States:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Viet Nam
Includes ASEAN Dialogue Partners such as:
India, Australia, China, EU, Japan, Republic of Korea, USA, UK, Russia, Canada, and others
Focuses on strengthening regional digital cooperation, digital inclusion, and integration.
Key Policy Acknowledgements
Acknowledged the ASEAN–India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation, adopted at the 21st ASEAN–India Summit (10 October 2024, Vientiane, Lao PDR).
Joint Statement focuses on cooperation in:
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Sustainable Financing and Investment
Digital Work Plans
Noted progress in implementing the ASEAN–India 2025 Digital Work Plan, especially through capacity-building initiatives.
Welcomed the ASEAN–India Digital Work Plan for 2026, which includes:
ICT training and capacity-building programs
India–ASEAN Regulators’ Conference
Deployment of telecom and ICT solutions
Welcomed the operationalization of the ASEAN–India Fund for Digital Future.
India’s Digital Vision and Contributions
India reaffirmed its strong commitment to ASEAN–India digital cooperation.
Supported the meeting theme: “Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence.”
Highlighted India’s digital achievements:
Near-universal 4G coverage
World’s fastest 5G rollout
Expanded rural broadband via BharatNet
Emergence as a major mobile manufacturing hub
Showcased India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker
Demonstrated as scalable platforms for inclusion and efficient service delivery
Presented Sanchar Saathi initiative for telecom user protection and fraud prevention, offering to share best practices with ASEAN countries.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence
India emphasized the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence.
Outlined the IndiaAI Mission, stressing:
Safe and Trusted AI
Responsible, transparent, and ethical AI development
Expressed readiness to collaborate with ASEAN on:
AI capacity building
Standards development
Practical AI use cases
Shared Vision and Outcome
Reaffirmed a common vision to build an:
Open
Secure
Inclusive
Innovation-driven digital ecosystem
Digital cooperation seen as a key driver for:
Mutual growth
Regional prosperity
Resilience and economic integration across ASEAN and India
India–Germany Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation
Context and Timing
India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation.
Signed during the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Mr. Friedrich Merz to India (12–13 January 2026).
The JDI was a key outcome of high-level engagements between the Prime Minister of India and the German Chancellor.
Signatories and Institutions Involved
Signed on behalf of:
India: Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom), Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Germany: Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India
Institutional framework:
Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India
Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS), Government of Germany
Purpose and Strategic Significance
Reflects a shared commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in:
Telecommunications
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Builds on:
Strong India–Germany relations
Sustained high-level political and strategic engagements
Supports the broader goal of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
Framework for Cooperation
Establishes a structured and institutionalised mechanism for cooperation, including:
Both countries agreed to jointly develop a detailed work plan.
The work plan will:
Identify specific goals
Define priority areas of mutual interest
Ensure alignment with national priorities of both sides
International Cooperation
India and Germany expressed willingness to:
Coordinate and cooperate in relevant international fora
Promote mutual understanding
Advance shared perspectives on telecommunications and digital development
Overall Outcome
The JDI marks a significant step forward in India–Germany telecom and ICT cooperation.
Reinforces long-term partnership in digital governance, innovation, and technology-driven growth.
Aims to strengthen digital ecosystems in both countries through collaboration, trust, and shared vision.
Extension of Export Incentives to Postal Exports
Major Policy Announcement
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended export-related benefits under:
Duty Drawback
RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies)
These benefits now apply to exports made through the postal mode in electronic form.
Effective from 15 January 2026.
Significance and Objectives
Aims to create a level playing field for exporters using the postal channel.
Designed to support cross-border e-commerce growth.
Enhances competitiveness of MSME exporters, especially:
Small exporters
Exporters in smaller towns and remote areas
Expected to give a strong boost to postal exports.
Regulatory and Legal Changes
CBIC approved amendments to the Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022.
These amendments enable exporters to claim export incentives for postal shipments.
Issued on 15 January 2026:
Notification No. 07/2026–Customs (N.T.)
Circular No. 01/2026–Customs, detailing operational procedures and implementation modalities.
Support to E-Commerce Export Ecosystem
Part of broader government reforms to strengthen India’s e-commerce exports.
The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 includes a dedicated chapter:
“Promoting Cross-Border Trade in the Digital Economy”
FTP 2023 promotes exports through:
Courier and postal channels
E-commerce export hubs
Dak Niryat Kendras (DNKs)
Other facilitative mechanisms
Postal Export Infrastructure
India has 28 Foreign Post Offices (FPOs) notified under Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962.
CBIC has strengthened postal and courier trade through:
Postal Export (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2022 – enabled end-to-end electronic export processing
Postal Import Regulations, 2025 – facilitated electronic processing of postal imports
Automation of IGST refunds for postal exports (implemented in September 2024)
Dak Niryat Kendra (DNK) Initiative
Introduced in December 2022 by CBIC in collaboration with the Department of Posts.
Based on a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model using India Post’s nationwide network.
Over 1,000 Dak Niryat Kendras operational across the country.
Facilitate:
Booking
Aggregation
Processing of export parcels
Particularly beneficial for MSMEs and small exporters.
Overall Impact
Marks a key milestone in:
Simplifying export procedures
Reducing compliance costs
Enhancing ease of doing business
Strengthens India’s position in the global e-commerce and digital trade landscape.
Reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusive, MSME-led export growth.
CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative
Programme Overview
A flagship national skill development initiative implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India’s premier R&D organization.
Aligned with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Skill India.
Aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, industry needs, and employable skills.
Core Objective
Integration of science, technology, and skill development.
Leveraging CSIR’s nationwide research infrastructure, laboratory network, and scientific expertise.
Focus on developing industry-relevant and employment-oriented skills.
Target Beneficiaries
Students and young researchers.
Technical staff and working professionals.
School dropouts, ITI and diploma holders.
Farmers, rural communities, and underrepresented groups.
Special emphasis on inclusivity, including women and rural populations.
Training Approach
Structured short-term and long-term skill development modules.
Includes training programmes, internships, certification courses, and hands-on laboratory exposure.
Emphasis on practical, real-world, and application-oriented learning.
Sectoral Coverage
Covers 18 out of 36 key sectors identified under the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
Organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India.
Held on 16 January 2026 at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, Telangana.
Marked a first-of-its-kind national initiative to formally recognize and engage tribal healers as partners in India’s public health ecosystem.
Rationale for Engaging Tribal Healers
Tribal healers possess generations of trust, social legitimacy, and cultural acceptance within their communities.
Geographical remoteness, cultural barriers, and systemic challenges limit access to formal healthcare in tribal areas.
Engaging trusted healers can:
Strengthen preventive care.
Enable early detection of illnesses.
Improve timely referrals.
Enhance last-mile health service delivery.
Policy Vision & Strategic Commitments
MoTA envisions tribal healers as collaborative partners across health programmes.
Ministry has set a target to formally recognize and enable one lakh tribal healers nationwide.
Emphasis on:
Dignity and formal recognition of tribal healers.
Inter-generational transmission of traditional knowledge.
Preservation of rare medicinal plants and herbs.
Health Challenges in Tribal Areas
Continued prevalence of communicable diseases:
Malaria
Tuberculosis
Leprosy
Emerging burden of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases:
Hypertension
Diabetes
Cancer
High levels of:
Anaemia and undernutrition
Maternal and child health challenges
Gender disparities in health outcomes
Lifestyle factors (e.g., tobacco use) contributing to disease burden.
Landmark Institutional Development
MoU signed between MoTA and ICMR–RMRC, Bhubaneswar.
Establishment of India’s first National Tribal Health Observatory:
Named Bharat Tribal Health Observatory (B-THO).
Set up under Project DRISTI.
Objectives of B-THO:
Tribe-disaggregated health surveillance.
Implementation research.
Evidence-based disease elimination strategies.
Focus on malaria, tuberculosis, and leprosy.
Address longstanding gaps in tribal-specific health data and analytics.
Spiritual & Holistic Dimension
Session by Pujya Daaji (Heartfulness Global Guide):
Emphasized yoga, meditation, and spiritual wellness.
Warned against loss of indigenous wisdom due to lack of structured knowledge transfer.
Advocated development beyond healthcare to include:
Livelihood security
Environmental sustainability
Overall well-being
Highlighted CSR-supported initiatives like clean cooking fuels and community employment models.
Stressed recognition and protection of tribal lifestyles rather than forced modernization.
Technical Sessions – Key Insights
Status of Tribal Health in India (ICMR):
Disproportionate disease burden among tribal populations.
Impact of remoteness, workforce shortages, and delayed care-seeking.
Tribal Health Research & Observatory in Odisha:
Use of tribe-disaggregated data (Odisha Tribal Family Health Survey).
Evidence-driven policymaking.
Orientation to Public Health Systems:
Positioned tribal healers as connectors across health system levels.
Global Case Studies (WHO):
Importance of cultural safety, clear roles, and functional referral systems.
Tribal Healers in Primary Health Care (AIIMS Jodhpur):
Demonstrated feasibility and social acceptance of structured healer training.
Sickle Cell Disease Focus (AIIMS Delhi):
Role of healers in early screening, counselling, myth correction, and referrals.
National elimination target by 2047.
Preventive Health Practices (AYUSH, Manipur):
Emphasis on hygiene, nutrition, ethics, patient safety, and responsible engagement.
Overall Significance
Represents a paradigm shift in tribal health and indigenous development policy.
Positions tribal healers as community-level health leaders.
Anchors tribal health interventions in:
Scientific evidence
Institutional partnerships
Cultural respect and indigenous knowledge
Reinforces Government of India’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and evidence-based tribal development.
Vande Bharat Express
Context & Vision
Modern transport systems are seen as enablers of:
Economic integration
Regional development
Social inclusion
Vande Bharat Express is a flagship initiative of Indian Railways aimed at modernising inter-city rail travel through speed, safety, comfort, and reliability.
Concept & Significance
India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high-speed trainset.
Represents a shift from locomotive-hauled trains to self-propelled integrated train systems.
Designed to meet growing demand for:
Reduced travel time
Enhanced passenger comfort
Efficient medium-distance inter-city connectivity
Builds on the legacy of premium services like Rajdhani Express (1969) and Shatabdi Express (1988).
Key Technological & Passenger Features
Ride & Energy Efficiency
Semi-permanent jerk-free couplers
Improved suspension systems
Regenerative braking for energy efficiency
Safety Systems
Indigenous KAVACH Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system (SIL-4 certified)
Prevents collisions, overspeeding, and signal passing at danger
Coach & Passenger Amenities
Centrally controlled automatic plug doors
Wider, sealed gangways
Advanced air-conditioning with UV-C disinfection
CCTV cameras, emergency alarms, and passenger–crew talk-back systems
Coach Condition Monitoring System (CCMS) with remote monitoring
Bio-vacuum toilets and Divyangjan-friendly lavatories
GPS-based passenger information systems
Ergonomic seating and improved ride comfort
Indigenous Manufacturing & Sustainability
Manufactured at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) with ~90% localisation.
Aligned with Make in India initiative.
ICF received National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2024 for energy-efficient manufacturing of Vande Bharat trainsets.
Enhanced Passenger Experience
From December 2025, introduction of regional cuisines on select services.
Menus reflect India’s culinary diversity:
Examples include Kanda Poha, Kodi Kura, Methi Thepla, Kosha Paneer, Champaran Chicken, Appam with Payasam, Dogri and Kashmiri dishes.
Adds a cultural dimension to rail travel.
Growth & Operational Impact
Launched: 15 February 2019 on New Delhi–Varanasi route.
Designed for 160 kmph maximum speed.
By December 2025:
164 services operational
Coverage across 274 districts
Over 7.5 crore passengers carried
Enables journey time reduction up to 45% on several routes.
High passenger demand reflected in occupancy:
102.01% (2024–25)
105.03% (2025–26 up to June)
Evolution of the Vande Bharat Platform
Vande Bharat 2.0 (2022)
Lighter (392 tonnes vs 430 tonnes)
Faster acceleration
15% more energy-efficient systems
Equipped with KAVACH
Design speed: 180 kmph; operating speed: 160 kmph
Vande Bharat 3.0
Faster acceleration (0–100 kmph in ~52 seconds)
Improved ride quality, low noise and vibration
Onboard Wi-Fi and charging ports
Performance comparable with global semi-high-speed trains
Vande Bharat 4.0 (Upcoming)
Expected within 18 months from late 2025
To incorporate KAVACH 5.0
Focus on superior comfort, interiors, workmanship, and safety
Designed with export potential and future high-speed corridors (up to 350 kmph)
Vande Bharat Sleeper: Long-Distance Expansion
Scheduled for introduction in January 2026.
First route: Howrah–Guwahati (Eastern–North Eastern connectivity).
Expected travel time reduction:
From ~17 hours to ~14 hours (saving ~3 hours).
Configuration:
16 AC coaches (AC First, AC Two-Tier, AC Three-Tier)
Capacity: ~823 passengers
Successfully completed:
High-speed trials up to 180 kmph
Endurance and reliability tests by RDSO
Enhanced luggage space and clutter-free interiors.
Staff-Centric Design & Operations
Ergonomic driver cabins reducing fatigue.
Dedicated, hygienic toilets for loco pilots.
Improved facilities for onboard staff (TTEs, pantry staff):
Dedicated cabins
Better berths and rest amenities
Contributes to safer operations and improved service quality.
Future Outlook & Scaling
Vande Bharat envisioned as a cornerstone of India’s passenger rail modernisation.
Targets:
~800 trainsets by 2030
~4,500 trainsets by 2047
Expansion aligned with infrastructure readiness and manufacturing capacity.
Overall Significance
Represents a strategic shift towards modern, passenger-centric, and energy-efficient rail travel.
Strengthens regional and inter-city connectivity.
Enhances India’s indigenous technological capability and export potential.
Reinforces railways as a key driver of economic integration, sustainable mobility, and inclusive national development.
