NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENTS

E-PRAAPTI Portal (EPFO) 

• Context: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to launch E-PRAAPTI, a dedicated digital platform to facilitate identification, tracking, unique account number (UAN) linking, and activation of old EPF accounts.

• E-PRAAPTI: EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts

Key Features

• Aadhaar-based authentication for secure access
• Enables retrieval of old EPF accounts without UAN
• Facilitates profile updation, UAN linking, and activation
• Reduces manual processes and paperwork

Benefits

• Minimises documentation and manual intervention
• Enhances transparency, efficiency, and accessibility
• Simplifies EPF account management for members

 

Ganga Expressway 

• Context: Prime Minister inaugurated the newly built (greenfield) Ganga Expressway in Hardoi

• • It is the longest expressway in Uttar Pradesh, stretching about 594 km with 6 lanes, expandable to 8 lanes

• The route passes through 12 districts, linking Meerut (west) to Prayagraj (east)

• Travel time between the two cities is expected to reduce by nearly 6 hours
• Features a 3.5 km emergency airstrip at Shahjahanpur for use by the Indian Air Force
• To boost economic activity, the state plans to develop 12 industrial clusters and logistics hubs along the corridor, supporting manufacturing and e-commerce growth

 

Sikkim & Organic Farming 

• Context: During the celebration of 50 years of statehood of Sikkim, Prime Minister highlighted that the State is setting an example for India’s organic food mission.

About Organic Farming

• A sustainable farming approach that avoids synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and GMOs
• Depends on natural practices like crop rotation, use of crop residues, animal manure, and organic waste

Benefits

• • Reduces input costs for farmers
  • Enhances soil fertility and biodiversity

• Produces safe, chemical-free food

• Minimises water and environmental pollution

Sikkim’s Organic Farming Model

• Launched the Sikkim Organic Mission in 2010

• Became the world’s first fully organic state in 2016

• Received the Future Policy Gold Award (2018) from the Food and Agriculture Organization for leadership in organic agriculture

 

Coal Sector Reform & UCG Integration

• Context:  The Ministry of Coal executed Coal Mine/Block Production and Development Agreements (CMDPAs) with successful bidders for four coal mines marking the first-ever tranche of commercial coal mines in India to carry embedded provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)

About UCG

• Underground Coal Gasification converts coal into synthetic gas (syngas) within the seam

• Eliminates need for conventional mining
• Enables use of deep, thin, and unmineable coal reserves

Strategic Significance

• Expands India’s usable coal resource base
• Supports cleaner and more efficient energy production
• Aligns with energy transition and self-reliance goals

UCG-produced syngas can be used for

• Fertiliser production (urea, ammonia) → reduces imports

• Chemicals & petrochemicals (methanol, DME, synthetic fuels)

• Substitutes imported natural gas and naphtha

Policy Direction

• Focus on increasing domestic coal production
• Promotes transparent and investor-friendly auction system
• Encourages adoption of advanced technologies like UCG

Significance

• Marks a transformational shift in coal utilisation
• Strengthens energy security, industrial growth, and import substitution
• Positions India as a leader in innovative energy solutions

Current Facts

• Part VI, Article 162– Extent of executive power of State
• Part III, Article 21– Protection of life and personal liberty
  Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) 
  • Context: NITI Aayog launched DPI@2047 for Viksit Bharat on 27th April 2026, a strategic roadmap that charts the next phase of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure journey as a driver of inclusive, non-linear, and productivity-led growth.

  About Digital Public Infrastructure

  • According to the United Nations, Digital Public Infrastructure refers to the core digital systems that support the functioning of modern societies. 
  • These systems enable smooth and secure interactions among individuals, businesses, and governments.
  • They make it possible to verify identities, open bank accounts, carry out instant digital payments, and exchange data safely.

  Significance of Digital Public Infrastructure

  It helps people to:

  • Easily establish their identity from anywhere
  • Use banking, insurance, and other financial services
  • Receive government benefits directly into their accounts
  • Access opportunities in education, healthcare, and markets

  India’s digital ecosystem is built on the JAM trinity, which includes

  Aadhaar

  • A biometric ID system that provides every resident with a unique identity. 
  • It enables secure authentication for government schemes and financial services. 
  • With over 144 crore IDs issued, it ensures portability and reliability.

  Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

  • Launched in 2014, this major financial inclusion initiative brought millions into the formal banking system. 
  • It offers access to credit, insurance, pensions, and RuPay cards. 
  • Bank accounts increased from 14.7 crore in 2015 to 57.7 crore by 2026.

  Mobile Connectivity

  • Widespread smartphone usage and expanding 5G networks have improved digital access across both rural and urban areas. 
  • With over 85% of households owning smartphones, people can now access banking, education, healthcare, and welfare services anytime and anywhere.

  
  DPI 2.0 Roadmap 

  Sectoral Focus

  • • Targets 8 key sectoral transformations
  • Covers MSMEs, agriculture, education, and health
  • Strengthens enablers like credit, decentralised energy, and welfare delivery

  Core Approach 

  • Expands digital infrastructure beyond identity, payments, and welfare
  • Focus on livelihoods, productivity, and market access
  • Builds connective digital infrastructure for faster innovation diffusion

  Role of Technology

  • Promotes AI adoption at scale
  • Encourages open digital ecosystems and trusted data flows
  • Supports innovation across citizens and small enterprises

  Strategic Shift

  • Moves from digital inclusion to productivity and capability-led growth
  • Focus on scalable and inclusive economic transformation

  Implementation Focus

  • Emphasis on district-level execution and local needs
  • Anchored in trust, interoperability, and safeguards