{"id":7661,"date":"2026-01-22T17:15:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T17:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7661"},"modified":"2026-01-22T17:15:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T17:15:52","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-15-01-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7661","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 15.01.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Themes and Messages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Technology, AI and Democracy<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Artificial Intelligence and social media are transforming governance and parliamentary functioning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">These technologies have improved efficiency, accessibility and effectiveness of democratic institutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">However, their misuse has created serious challenges, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Misinformation and fake news<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cybercrime<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social polarisation and erosion of trust<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Legislatures have a collective responsibility to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engage seriously with these challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop ethical, transparent and accountable frameworks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Emphasis on ethical AI and credible social media regulation as essential to safeguarding democratic values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. India\u2019s Digital Parliamentary Reforms<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s Parliament and State Legislatures are increasingly adopting:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AI-driven tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paperless legislative processes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Development of a unified digital parliamentary platform integrating legislatures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">These reforms are setting new benchmarks in transparency, efficiency and public accessibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Legislative Reforms and Governance in India<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Through Parliament\u2013Government collaboration:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Obsolete and redundant laws have been repealed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New welfare-oriented legislations enacted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policies aligned with public aspirations introduced<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">These reforms are accelerating India\u2019s journey towards:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>developed nation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) economy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. India\u2019s Democratic Legacy<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Over <strong>70 years of parliamentary democracy<\/strong>, India has:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthened democratic institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensured inclusive citizen participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintained a robust and impartial electoral system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">People-centric policies and welfare legislation have:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deepened public faith in democracy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reinforced democratic stability and legitimacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Role of Commonwealth Parliamentary Platforms<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">CSPOC and similar forums:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bring together Presiding Officers from diverse democracies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enable exchange of best practices and collective wisdom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Shared responsibility is crucial to addressing:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Evolving global challenges facing legislatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Threats to democratic norms and parliamentary credibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Conference Agenda &amp; Focus Areas<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Deliberations include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AI in Parliament: innovation, oversight and adaptation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impact of social media on parliamentarians<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhancing public understanding and participation beyond voting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security, health and wellbeing of MPs and parliamentary staff<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong emphasis on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Impartiality and fairness of Presiding Officers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preserving dignity, credibility and prestige of Parliaments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Expected Outcomes<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Identification of <strong>collective, policy-oriented solutions<\/strong> to legislative challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Improvements in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parliamentary procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trust in democratic institutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthening parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Conference Participation &amp; Conclusion<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">CSPOC includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speakers and Presiding Officers from 53 national parliaments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representatives from 14 semi-autonomous legislatures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Participation of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>61 Presiding Officers<\/strong> (45 Speakers, 16 Deputy Speakers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delegates from 42 Commonwealth member countries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Conference to conclude with the Valedictory Address by Shri Om Birla.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Seven Years Of GeM\u2019s Womaniya Initiative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked seven years of the Womaniya initiative, its flagship programme to enhance participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The commemorative event was held at Jeevan Bharti Building, New Delhi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scale and Impact<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">As of 14 January 2026:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over 2 lakh women-led MSEs registered on the GeM portal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cumulative public procurement orders exceeded \u20b980,000 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women-led enterprises account for 4.7% of GeM\u2019s total order value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This performance exceeds the mandated 3% procurement target for women-owned and women-led enterprises, reflecting effective policy implementation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Genesis and Evolution of Womaniya<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Launched on 14 January 2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Objective:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Address limited access of women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to government markets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key features:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct, transparent and fully digital interface with government buyers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elimination of intermediaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduction of entry barriers in public procurement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Evolution:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From an access-enabling platform to a national ecosystem of opportunity supporting scale, credibility and resilience of women-led enterprises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Institutional and Multilateral Engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The event brought together:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Policymakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multilateral institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecosystem partners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Core emphasis:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Importance of institutional access, capability building, and sustained policy support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Need for gender-responsive public procurement frameworks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GeM Leadership Perspective<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">CEO, GeM, Shri Mihir Kumar highlighted:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Womaniya\u2019s transformation into a structured and scalable ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Role of policy-enabled digital procurement in promoting women entrepreneurship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key focus areas identified:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Price discovery and product comparison for government buyers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awareness among women entrepreneurs about:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Procurement trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government Financial Rules (GFR)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Importance of stakeholder convergence to strengthen the ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic Partnership: GeM\u2013WCF MoU<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A major milestone was the signing of an MoU between GeM and the Women\u2019s Collective Forum (WCF).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Signatories:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additional CEO, GeM \u2013 Shri Ajit B. Chavan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chief Community Officer, WCF \u2013 Ms. Richa Sharma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Objectives of the partnership:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Build awareness of <strong>Business-to-Government (B2G)<\/strong> opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support onboarding, documentation, compliance and product listing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance visibility and participation through:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Structured training programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Workshops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Field-level coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Entrepreneurial Outcomes and Engagement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The programme featured:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Testimonials from women entrepreneurs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interactive sessions and roundtable discussions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Insights shared on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enterprise growth enabled by public procurement access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Positive local economic and social impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alignment with National Priorities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Womaniya aligns with flagship national initiatives:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make in India<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vocal for Local<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reflects the Government\u2019s commitment to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inclusive economic growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gender equality in entrepreneurship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthening domestic supply chains through women-led enterprises<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Background and Organisation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The National Conference on Strategic Trade Controls (NCSTC) 2026 was organised in New Delhi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Convened by the <strong>Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)<\/strong> in collaboration with:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other Government partners and industry stakeholders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aimed at strengthening India\u2019s Strategic Trade Control (STC) ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purpose and Objectives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Provided a national platform for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reviewing India\u2019s Strategic Trade Control framework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discussing policies and procedures governing exports of dual-use and sensitive items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focused on items regulated under the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) framework.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Sought to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhance awareness, compliance and coordination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facilitate legitimate high-technology trade<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address non-proliferation and national security risks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enabled exchange of international best practices and experiences in strategic trade controls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Highlights of the Inaugural Session<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Release of the third edition of the Handbook on India\u2019s Strategic Trade Control System.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The handbook:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepared by DGFT in partnership with the D&amp;ISA Division of MEA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Included inputs from relevant Government departments and industry experts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides detailed guidance on STC policies, procedures and compliance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thematic Sessions and Areas of Discussion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Conference featured seven thematic sessions covering:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s <strong>Strategic Trade Control system<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SCOMET policy, licensing frameworks and enforcement mechanisms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Compliance and supply chain security discussions included:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intangible Technology Transfer (ITT) controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Sector-specific sessions focused on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Electronics, information technology and semiconductors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academia and research institutions and their compliance obligations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chemicals and biotechnology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aerospace and space technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defence exports and munitions-related controls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emerging and Frontier Technologies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Special focus on evolving technologies with strategic implications:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Quantum-related technologies<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advanced computing and semiconductors<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Additive manufacturing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aerospace technologies<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cyber security<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Discussions aligned with:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recent updates to India\u2019s <strong>SCOMET List<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global <strong>non-proliferation considerations<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Industry Engagement and Knowledge Exchange<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Industry-led technology display booths showcased:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Emerging technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance tools and mechanisms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secure supply chain practices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enabled direct interaction among:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Policymakers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulators<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology developers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industry stakeholders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participation and Outreach<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Over 500 participants attended the Conference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Participants included:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Government officials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exporters and industry representatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compliance professionals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academia and research institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Domestic and international stakeholders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">NCSTC 2026 reaffirmed the importance of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An effective, transparent and robust Strategic Trade Control framework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balancing national security and non-proliferation with\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Promotion of legitimate trade in advanced goods and technologies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthened coordination among Government, industry and academia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Positioned India as a responsible global trading partner committed to strategic trade compliance while supporting innovation and high-technology exports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Department of Posts on ONDC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Background and Milestone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Department of Posts achieved a major milestone by successfully booking and delivering its first online order through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The first order was:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Booked: 13 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivered: 15 January 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Department acted in the role of a Logistics Service Provider (LSP) on the ONDC network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance of the Inaugural Order<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The first consignment was placed by UdyamWell, an ONDC-enabled platform.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">UdyamWell focuses on supporting Bharatpreneurs, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Artisans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Farmers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rural and small entrepreneurs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The successful transaction demonstrates the operational readiness and interoperability of the Department of Posts within ONDC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Integration with ONDC<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Through integration with ONDC:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sellers using ONDC-enabled buyer applications can select the Department of Posts as their logistics partner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Services offered include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parcel pickup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Booking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transmission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delivery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The integration leverages the extensive nationwide postal network, one of the largest logistics networks in the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cClick &amp; Book\u201d Logistics Model<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Department of Posts is currently live on ONDC under the \u201cClick &amp; Book\u201d model.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key features:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sellers can digitally generate pickup requests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Department of Posts can be selected as the Logistics Service Provider.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parcels are picked up directly from sellers\u2019 premises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Postage is collected at the time of pickup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>End-to-end tracking, induction and delivery are managed through technology-enabled postal systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Broader Impact on Digital Commerce<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The onboarding of the Department of Posts as an LSP:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthens the national digital e-commerce ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhances logistics interoperability on ONDC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enables inclusive participation of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MSMEs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small sellers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rural entrepreneurs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Combines:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unmatched geographic reach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trusted public service legacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing digital and logistics capabilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The initiative aligns with national goals of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Digital transformation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inclusive growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Democratisation of e-commerce<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Positions the Department of Posts as a key enabler of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in logistics and e-commerce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Demonstrates how legacy public institutions can be integrated into modern, open digital networks to support grassroots entrepreneurship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">78th Indian Army Day Celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Occasion &amp; Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day on 15 January 2026 at Jaipur, Rajasthan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Marked the fourth time the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi (after Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">First-ever Army Day Parade conducted outside an Army cantonment, held in the heart of a city.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Hosted for the <strong>first time by South Western Command<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"318\" height=\"193\" src=\"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Army-Day.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7677\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.6477208323212695;width:453px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Army-Day.jpeg 318w, https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Army-Day-300x182.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 318px) 100vw, 318px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: PIB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Venue &amp; Attendance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Parade route: Mahal Road, from Akshay Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital, Jaipur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Witnessed by over one lakh spectators, reflecting strong civil\u2013military connect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening Ceremonies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Celebrations began with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Prerna Sthal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Wreaths laid by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>General Anil Chauhan<\/strong>, Chief of Defence Staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>General Upendra Dwivedi<\/strong>, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representatives of the <strong>Indian Air Force<\/strong> and <strong>Indian Navy<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tribute paid to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role of the COAS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">General Upendra Dwivedi served as the Reviewing Officer and took the salute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Presented Sena Medals (Posthumous) for Gallantry to the Next of Kin of five Bravehearts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">March-Past &amp; Contingents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Over 30 parade entities participated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Seven marching contingents<\/strong>, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MADRAS Regimental Centre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>RAJPUT Regimental Centre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regiment of Artillery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mixed Scouts Contingent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NCC Girls Contingent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Historic debut of Bhairav Battalion contingents<\/strong> from RAJRIF and SIKH LI.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Represented a shift towards lean, agile and high-impact combat formations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Symbolised India\u2019s resolve to \u201cfight smarter and strike faster.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aviation &amp; Fly-Past<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Army aviation fly-past featured:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>LCH, ALH, WSI and Apache helicopters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Added operational and visual grandeur to the parade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International &amp; Military Bands<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Nepal Army Band participated, symbolising strong India\u2013Nepal military ties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Performances by seven Indian Military Bands, including regimental and mixed NCC bands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Display of Military Hardware &amp; Technology<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Showcased the Army\u2019s modern combat capabilities and technological edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Heavy armour and mechanised platforms:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>T-90 tanks, Arjun tanks, BMP-2<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Artillery and rocket systems:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SMERCH, PINAKA, K-9 Vajra, GRAD BM, Dhanush, ATAGS<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Air defence and protection systems:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Akash, upgraded Schilka, Shaktibaan, L-70 guns<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Precision strike &amp; missile systems:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>BrahMos, MILAN missiles, M777 ULH<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Emerging technologies:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Robotic mules, All Terrain Vehicles, Vehicle-Based Infantry Mortars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unmanned and counter-drone systems including Prabal C-UAS, Switch UAV, Sanjay, Pralay and Baaz armed drones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Several systems used in Op Sindoor were displayed, highlighting operational relevance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Displays<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Motorcycle Display<\/strong> showcased precision riding, discipline and teamwork.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Army Canine Display<\/strong> highlighted the role of military dogs in security, search and operational tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tableaux &amp; Cultural Performances<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Thematic tableaus focused on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Op Sindoor<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Army\u2019s Decade of Transformation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology absorption and nation-building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Cultural tableau by <strong>Government of Rajasthan<\/strong> highlighted the state\u2019s heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Folk performances included:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kalbelia and Gair dances<\/strong> (Rajasthan)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chenda display by MADRAS Regiment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Kuki-Zo Council Demands Union Territory with Legislature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Renewed Demand for Union Territory<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The <strong>Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)<\/strong> has reiterated its demand for the creation of a Union Territory with a legislature for Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The demand is presented as a constitutional and political necessity, not merely an administrative preference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allegations Against the State Government<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The KZC alleged that elements of the Manipur State government were complicit in, or failed to prevent, large-scale violence against the Kuki-Zo people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">According to the Council, this perceived breakdown of trust eliminates any scope for continuing under the same state administration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Representation to the Union Government<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A memorandum outlining these concerns was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The memorandum was conveyed through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur following a mass rally, indicating organised public mobilisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Impact of the Ethnic Conflict (Since May 3, 2023)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The ethnic violence has resulted in:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Over 250 Kuki-Zo deaths<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>7,000 houses destroyed<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>360 places of worship desecrated or vandalised<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More than 40,000 people displaced<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Most displaced Kuki-Zo people were forced out of the Imphal Valley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breakdown of Co-existence<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The KZC stated that peaceful coexistence with the non-tribal Meitei community is no longer feasible under current circumstances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It warned against resettling Meitei internally displaced persons (IDPs) in or near Kuki-Zo areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role and Significance of the Buffer Zone<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The buffer zone separates the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley from the surrounding Kuki-Zo inhabited hill regions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It was established to prevent direct confrontation and further bloodshed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The KZC cautioned that any violation, dilution, or selective enforcement of the buffer zone arrangement threatens fragile peace and undermines law and order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Humanitarian and Administrative Hardships<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">For nearly three years, Kuki-Zo people have been unable to access Imphal Valley.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This has led to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Severe humanitarian distress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Economic disruption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical and healthcare challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administrative isolation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Constitutional Justification<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The KZC asserted that the demand for a Union Territory with legislature is well within the framework of the Constitution of India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It urged the Centre to expedite a political solution to ensure:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lasting peace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dignity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security for the Kuki-Zo people<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Demands and Concerns<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Action against encroachments caused by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incorrect district boundaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faulty police jurisdiction demarcations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Protection of Kuki-Zo land and properties in the Imphal Valley.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Opposition to efforts aimed at halting inter-village road construction and development in Kuki-Zo areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">ILO Employment and Social Trends 2026 report<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Unemployment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The <strong>ILO projects the global unemployment rate at 4.9% in 2026<\/strong>, equivalent to 186 million people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This is historically low but masks persistent issues such as poverty and informal employment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Working Poverty<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">284 million workers live in extreme poverty, earning less than $3\/day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Between 2015\u20132025, the share of workers in extreme poverty declined by only 3.1 percentage points (to 7.9%), much slower than the 15 percentage points decline in 2005\u20132015.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Millions still lack access to quality jobs, particularly in low-income countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Informal Employment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">More than 2 billion workers globally remain in informal employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The global rate of informality increased by 0.3 percentage points between 2015 and 2025, after having declined in the previous decade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gender Gaps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Gender disparities remain widespread in the labor market.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Limited progress has been made in some areas, such as reducing contributing family work, but overall gender gaps persist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Structural Changes and Trade Uncertainties<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Trade uncertainties are likely to remain a persistent feature of the global economic landscape in the short term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Structural transformation and digitalisation are reshaping:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trade<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supply chains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Production systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">These changes affect employment patterns, quality of work, and informality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Observations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">While global unemployment is low, working poverty and informality remain high, especially in low-income countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Slow reduction in extreme poverty indicates that economic growth has not translated equally into decent work opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">There is a need for policies targeting the working poor, informal workers, and gender inequalities in the labor market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">World Bank raised India\u2019s GDP growth forecast to <strong>7.2%<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Fiscal Year Growth (FY 2025-26)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">World Bank raised India\u2019s GDP growth forecast to 7.2%, up 0.9 percentage points from its June projections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key drivers:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Robust domestic demand<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strong private consumption<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Impact of earlier tax reforms<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Improvement in rural household earnings<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next Fiscal Year (FY 2026-27)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Growth projected to slow to 6.5<strong>%<\/strong>, reflecting normalisation after the current fiscal\u2019s high momentum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medium-Term Outlook (FY 2027-28)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">GDP growth expected to increase slightly to 6.6%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Drivers:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Robust services sector activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recovery in exports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pickup in investment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Context<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Projection assumes U.S. maintains 50% import tariffs on certain Indian exports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Despite tariffs, India is expected to remain the fastest-growing major economy in the world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong domestic demand and resilient exports are expected to offset adverse impacts of tariffs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Underlying Factors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Domestic consumption<\/strong> is supported by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tax reforms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased rural incomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Exports and investment<\/strong> expected to pick up gradually over the medium term.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s growth momentum contrasts with slower growth in other major economies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) Key Themes and Messages 1. Technology, AI and Democracy 2. India\u2019s Digital Parliamentary Reforms 3. Legislative Reforms and Governance in India 4. India\u2019s Democratic Legacy 5. Role of Commonwealth Parliamentary Platforms 6. Conference Agenda &amp; Focus Areas 7. Expected Outcomes 8. 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