{"id":7883,"date":"2026-01-31T16:57:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T16:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7883"},"modified":"2026-01-31T16:57:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T16:57:41","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-24-01-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7883","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 24.01.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme<\/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 foundation stone for the \u20b980 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme has been laid at <strong>North Fulkabari, Tripura<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme (\u20b980 Crore)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The scheme aims to develop the complete agarwood value chain, from cultivation by farmers to finished products in international markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focus is on leveraging the natural strength of Tripura and Assam, where most of India\u2019s agarwood is produced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Intended to <strong>eliminate middlemen<\/strong> and ensure <strong>maximum income for farmers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Central Processing Centres (CPCs)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Two CPCs will be established:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Golaghat, Assam<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tripura (North Fulkabari region)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">CPCs will handle:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Value addition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Branding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marketing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This will enable farmers to directly access markets and receive fair pricing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global Market Enablement Measures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Steps taken to make the agarwood sector <strong>globally competitive<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>GI (Geographical Indication) tag process initiated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Export quotas increased six-fold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agarwood chips export limit raised:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From <strong>25,000 kg to 1.5 lakh kg<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Agarwood oil export limit raised:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From <strong>1,500 kg to 7,500 kg<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital integration of permissions and sites to simplify exports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Objective: Direct farmer-to-global buyer linkage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fulkabari as a Model of National Vision<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fulkabari\u2019s agarwood sector cited as a prime example of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u2018Local to Global\u2019<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u2018Vocal for Local\u2019<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u2018One District One Product (ODOP)\u2019<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India has approximately 150 million agarwood trees, with nearly 90% located in the Northeast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tripura\u2019s agarwood production capacity is expected to increase by up to 50% under the scheme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Economic Potential<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tripura\u2019s agarwood sector is projected to achieve:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u20b92,000 crore annual turnover within the next 3\u20134 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Buyer\u2013seller meets are being organized to ensure direct international trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Example cited: Qatar-based buyers directly engaging with Tripura\u2019s farmers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Broader Development Initiatives in Tripura<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">On the first day of the visit, projects worth \u20b9220 crore were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key projects reviewed:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Agartala Government Inter College<\/strong> \u2013 \u20b9192 crore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maternal &amp; Child Health Hospital<\/strong> \u2013 \u20b9200 crore<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">On Sunday, the Minister will lay the foundation stone for the \u20b9280 crore Matabari Tourism<strong> <\/strong>Circuit, described as a major gift to the state.<\/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\">First Full Rake Of Foodgrain (Rice) Reached Anantnag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Milestone in Rail Freight Connectivity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The <strong>first full rake of foodgrain (rice)<\/strong> reached Anantnag, Kashmir Valley on 22 January 2026, marking a historic milestone in freight transportation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of <strong>all-weather rail connectivity<\/strong> to the Kashmir Valley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Details of the First Full Rake Movement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A <strong>complete rake of 42 wagons<\/strong> carrying 2,768 metric tonnes of rice was transported by rail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The rake was loaded from Sangrur rail terminal, Punjab on 21 January and reached Anantnag within 24 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Earlier, only <strong>mini rakes<\/strong> of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>21 wagons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1,384 metric tonnes<br>were transported to the Valley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The operation was executed through close coordination with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to optimise logistics and reduce costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Despite adverse weather and snowfall, unloading was successfully managed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengthening the Foodgrain Supply Chain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The successful movement marks a new phase in strengthening the foodgrain distribution network in the Kashmir Valley.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Rail-based transportation ensures:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Faster and more reliable delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower logistics and freight costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved maintenance of buffer stocks, especially during winter and weather disruptions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhanced foodgrain availability benefits local households and public distribution systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Economic and Environmental Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reduced dependence on heavy truck traffic on national highways, leading to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lower congestion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental benefits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved transport efficiency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Rail logistics is already supporting the movement of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fertilisers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foodgrains<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This supports sustained economic activity, resilience, and long-term supply chain stability in the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role of the USBRL Project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The development highlights the transformative impact of the <strong>Udhampur\u2013Srinagar\u2013Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">USBRL is one of the most ambitious railway engineering projects in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Even during <strong>harsh winter and snowfall<\/strong>, rail connectivity ensures dependable access to essential goods.<\/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 milestone strengthens <strong>trade, logistics, and food security<\/strong> in the Kashmir Valley.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It directly benefits:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Farmers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Households<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The initiative enhances <strong>regional integration, resilience, and economic stability<\/strong> through reliable rail infrastructure.<\/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\">Expansion of Vizhinjam International Seaport<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inauguration &amp; Event Details<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the capacity augmentation works of Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The event was attended by Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, senior Central and State officials, and representatives of the concessionaire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The inauguration marked the <strong>start of construction for Phases II, III, and IV<\/strong> of the port.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vizhinjam International Seaport: Current Status<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Phase I commercial operations began on 3 December 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Designed initial capacity: <strong>1 million TEUs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Actual performance:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Handled <strong>over 1.43 million TEUs<\/strong> in a short operational period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operating at <strong>over 130% capacity utilisation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Established direct connectivity with major global shipping routes across:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Europe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Americas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Far East<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Emerging as a key national container transshipment terminal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity Augmentation Programme (Phases II\u2013IV)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Implemented under a fast-tracked, integrated development plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key infrastructure enhancements include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extension of the container berth to 2 km, making it the longest container berth in India.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extension of the breakwater to <strong>3.88 km<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Development of <strong>additional container yards<\/strong> through sea reclamation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Installation of advanced <strong>ship-to-shore and yard cranes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Designed to handle <strong>next-generation container vessels up to 28,000 TEUs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Post-expansion capabilities:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Handling of <strong>five mother vessels simultaneously<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total throughput capacity of 5.7 million TEUs per annum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Investment &amp; Timeline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expansion is being executed under a <strong>Supplementary Concession Agreement<\/strong> signed in <strong>November 2024<\/strong> between:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Government of Kerala<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The agreement <strong>advances the project timeline by nearly 17 years<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Targeted completion: <strong>December 2028<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Total project investment: <strong>~\u20b916,000 crore<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expansion phases alone: <strong>~\u20b97,398 crore<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic &amp; National Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Capacity augmentation aims to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce India\u2019s dependence on foreign transshipment hubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve logistics efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support growth in external trade<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligned with national policy frameworks:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maritime Vision 2030<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amrit Kaal Vision 2047<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expected to contribute to a resilient, efficient, and globally competitive maritime sector.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kerala Government\u2019s Perspective<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">CM <strong>Pinarayi Vijayan<\/strong> stated that:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Vizhinjam currently serves mainly <strong>Indian container ports<\/strong> as a transshipment hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Upon completion of Phase II, Vizhinjam is expected to become a <strong>global transshipment hub<\/strong> connecting:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Asia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Europe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>America<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Africa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/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\">Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to become a regional and global transshipment hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens India\u2019s position in global maritime trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports long-term economic growth, trade competitiveness, and port-led development.<\/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 Voters\u2019 Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">National Voters\u2019 Day (NVD) Overview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Observed annually on <strong>January 25<\/strong> to celebrate democracy and empower citizens to participate in elections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Marks the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on January 25, 1950 (Article 324 of the Constitution).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Theme for <strong>2026<\/strong>: <strong>\u201cMy India, My Vote\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Tagline: \u201cCitizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Encourages youth participation and universal adult suffrage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promotes voter registration and awareness about electoral rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Recognizes the role of eligible voters in a functional democracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">New voter enrolment is a key focus; new voters are felicitated across India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Election Commission of India (ECI)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Multi-member body: Chief Election Commissioner + two Election Commissioners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Responsibilities: General and State Assembly elections, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Councils, Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Introduced reforms and technology platforms for electoral integrity:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SVEEP<\/strong> \u2013 Voter education and awareness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ECINET<\/strong> \u2013 Global technology sharing for election management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>cVIGIL<\/strong> \u2013 Quick reporting of violations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>100% webcasting<\/strong> at polling stations for transparency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EPIC delivery<\/strong> fast-tracked to 15 days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Activities on NVD<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Main event in New Delhi:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>President distributes EPICs to newly enrolled young voters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Awards given to Election Officers, civil organizations for excellence in electoral management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Celebrations across India at 11 lakh polling booths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Activities include: cycle rallies, human chains, folk art, marathons, competitions, targeting youth engagement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">National Electoral Awards (NVD 2026)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognize Best Election Districts for:\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Innovative voter awareness initiatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Effective use of technology in elections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Training &amp; capacity building of election officials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Election management &amp; logistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Model Code of Conduct implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Media campaigns across print, TV, radio, and social media<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educational Initiatives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Schools encouraged to organize: debates, discussions, drawing, skits, essays, painting, songs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Linked with SVEEP to promote informed and inclusive electoral participation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Electoral Reforms &amp; Innovations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Polling station management<\/strong>: Max 1,200 voters per booth, mobile deposit counters, additional booths in high-rise areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Technology adoption<\/strong>: 100% webcasting, digital voter information, EPIC updates via SMS.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Electoral roll management<\/strong>: Special revisions, integration with death registration data, SSR before by-elections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Training<\/strong>: BLAs, BLOs, police officers, and communication officers trained via <strong>IIIDEM<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Counting reforms<\/strong>: Postal ballots counted before EVM\/VVPAT rounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Stakeholder engagement<\/strong>: 4,719 all-party meetings; continuous dialogue with political leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Political party regulation<\/strong>: Delisting of 808 unrecognized parties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Legal &amp; Institutional reforms<\/strong>: Strengthening ECI legal framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">International Cooperation &amp; Leadership<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026<\/strong> held in New Delhi (Jan 21\u201323, 2026)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Participation: <strong>40+ Election Management Bodies (EMBs)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outcome: <strong>Delhi Declaration 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Five pillars for global electoral integrity:\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Purity of electoral rolls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free, fair, and transparent elections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research &amp; publications on democracies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use of technology for electoral integrity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training and capacity building (via IIIDEM)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>India\u2019s Chairship of International IDEA 2026<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Theme: <strong>\u201cDemocracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on AI, diversity, SDGs, voter education, and strengthening independent EMBs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">NVD reflects India\u2019s commitment to democratic values and inclusive governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Focuses on youth participation, women voter enrolment, and electoral infrastructure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces that every vote counts, promoting electoral awareness and citizen-centric processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s democratic journey continues to inspire globally through reforms, capacity-building, and international leadership.<\/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\"><em>Granth Kutir<\/em> at <strong>Rashtrapati Bhavan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Inauguration<\/strong>: President <strong>Droupadi Murmu<\/strong> inaugurated <em>Granth Kutir<\/em> at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Nature of the facility<\/strong>: <em>Granth Kutir<\/em> is a library and archival space dedicated to preserving India\u2019s literary and intellectual heritage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Languages represented<\/strong>: The collection includes works in <strong>11 classical languages of India<\/strong>, namely:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tamil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sanskrit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kannada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malayalam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Odia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marathi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pali<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prakrit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assamese<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bengali<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Cultural significance<\/strong>: The facility highlights India\u2019s rich and diverse cultural, philosophical, literary, and intellectual traditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Collection size<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Approximately <strong>2,300 books<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Around <strong>50 manuscripts<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Official source<\/strong>: Details were shared through a release issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Overall purpose<\/strong>: <em>Granth Kutir<\/em> serves as an important institutional effort to preserve, showcase, and promote India\u2019s classical knowledge systems and heritage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme Overview Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme (\u20b980 Crore) Central Processing Centres (CPCs) Global Market Enablement Measures Fulkabari as a Model of National Vision Economic Potential Broader Development Initiatives in Tripura First Full Rake Of Foodgrain (Rice) Reached Anantnag Key Milestone in Rail Freight Connectivity Details of the First Full Rake [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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