BHASHINI Workshop on Pali Language & AI Development
- Context: The BHASHINI Sanchalan/Seva Workshop on Pali Language Preservation and Digital AI Model Development was organised at the University of Delhi.
Organising Bodies
- Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- In collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhist Studies, Delhi University
Focus Language
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- Emphasis on Pali, an ancient Middle Indo-Aryan language
- Primary language of early Buddhist scriptures, including the Tripitaka
Cultural & Policy Significance
- Supports preservation of heritage and minority languages
- Aligns with initiatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs
AI Development Goals
- Building AI models for the Pali language
- Focus on: Data collection, Validation frameworks, Community participation
Indian Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0
- Context: India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 aims to broaden its scope beyond manufacturing to include R&D, materials, equipment production, and skill development, creating a comprehensive ecosystem.
- India has nearly 20% of the world’s semiconductor design engineers, but lacks sufficient domestic design companies, indicating a structural imbalance.
- The government is actively promoting deep-tech sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and advanced materials as key drivers of future economic growth.
About ISM 2.0
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- Introduced in the Union Budget 2026–27, ISM 2.0 represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s semiconductor capabilities.
- Around ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked for FY 2026–27 to support its rollout.
- Strong emphasis on training through initiatives like Chips to Startup Programme (C2S) and collaboration with industry players.
Domestic Manufacturing Push
- Focus on building indigenous capacity in: Semiconductor equipment, Materials and chemicals, Specialty gases
- Aim: Reduce dependence on imports
End-to-End Ecosystem
- Seeks to develop a complete semiconductor value chain, including: Chip design, Fabrication, Packaging
- Development of full-stack semiconductor intellectual property
Innovation & Collaboration
- Industry–academia partnerships
- Growth of startup-driven innovation
- Solutions targeting real-world technological challenges
Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Agreement Signed
- Context: India and Bhutan have signed a Tariff Protocol for the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project.
About the Project
- It is a 1020 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project built on the Punatsangchhu River.
- The Punatsangchhu River is formed by the meeting of the Phochhu and Mochhu rivers in Bhutan.
- It then flows southward into the Indian state of West Bengal.
- The river is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
Publications Division Goes Digital on WAVES OTT
- Context: The Publications Division has made its major journals available free of cost on WAVES OTT platform by Prasar Bharati.
- Aim: Enhance digital access to authentic and informative content across India.
Journals Available for Free
- Popular publications include: Yojana, Kurukshetra, Aajkal, Bal Bharati, Employment News
These publications cover
- Socio-economic issues
- Rural development
- Literature & education
- Job opportunities & career guidance
- Free E-Books Collection
- Includes Bharat Year Book, known for detailed information on: Governance, Economy, Development programs
E-Books & Book Access Expansion
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- About 300 more e-books will be added by end of April.
- These will be offered at affordable prices to ensure accessibility.
- Physical books can also be purchased via the WAVES platform.
- Enabled through: CSC Grameen eStore
- Open Network for Digital Commerce
Objective
- Promote knowledge accessibility and inclusivity
- Combine: Free digital content, Affordable paid resources, Physical book distribution
Significance
- Strengthens digital knowledge dissemination
- Expands reach to rural and remote areas
- Builds a comprehensive and inclusive reading ecosystem across India
108th anniversary of Champaran Satyagraha
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- Context: April 10 marks the 108th anniversary of the Champaran Satyagraha, a defining moment in India’s freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Indigo farmers were forced to grow indigo under the Tinkathia system by British planters.
- This system was exploitative and caused severe distress to peasants.
- It also marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first experiment with Satyagraha in the country.
- In response to the persistent efforts of local farmer Raj Kumar Shukla, Mahatma Gandhi visited the region and undertook a detailed inquiry into the plight of the peasants.
- Defying British orders to leave, he mobilised farmers through non-violent resistance and brought national attention to their suffering.
- The movement eventually led to the formation of an inquiry committee, with Gandhiji as a member, and by 1918, the movement successfully forced the abolition of the forced indigo system.
The Champaran Satyagraha not only secured justice for farmers but also marked the rise of Gandhi as a mass leader, laying the foundation for India’s larger freedom movement.
