19 March 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Vigyan Dhara: A Catalyst for India’s Scientific Progress
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112121 )
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Introduction
- It started on January 16, 2025, and integrates three major umbrella schemes.
- The total budget for 2021-26 is ₹10,579.84 crore, with a sharp increase from ₹330.75 crore in 2024-25 to ₹1,425 crore in 2025-26.
Key Components
- Science and Technology (S&T) Capacity Building
- Develops advanced research labs in universities.
- Supports faculty and student research programs.
- Encourages international collaboration in science.
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Focuses on basic and applied research in fields like energy and water.
- Provides access to global research facilities.
- Expands India’s scientific workforce to boost innovation.
- Innovation & Technology Development
- Supports startups and entrepreneurs in science and technology.
- Encourages the development of new technologies.
- Promotes industry-academia partnerships for real-world applications.
Special Focus Areas
- Gender Equality: Encourages women’s participation in science.
- International Collaboration: Supports joint research projects with other countries.
Conclusion
- The Vigyan Dhara scheme is a transformative step toward making India a global leader in science and technology.
- It aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, ensuring long-term progress in research and innovation.
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Vigyan Dhara scheme in strengthening India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. WAVEX 2025: A Game-Changer for Media & Entertainment Startups
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112412 )
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WAVEX 2025: A Boost for Media & Entertainment Startups
- It is organized in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and will be held at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
- The event is part of the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
- It focuses on gaming, animation, extended reality (XR), metaverse, generative AI, and next-gen content platforms.
- Startups will get investment opportunities through pitching sessions with venture capitalists and celebrity angel investors.
- The event includes mentorship, networking, and collaborations with media-tech firms.
- Selected startups will present ideas in a high-stakes televised finale.
- The goal is to establish India as a global hub for media-tech entrepreneurship.
3. STEPS TO CURB CYBER CRIME
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112244 )
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Steps Taken by the Government to Curb Cybercrime
Institutional Framework
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Established to coordinate cybercrime prevention, investigation, and awareness.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP): Enables citizens to report cybercrimes, especially those targeting women and children.
Law Enforcement Support
- National Cyber Forensic Laboratory: Provides forensic assistance to state and UT police.
- Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs): Formed in cybercrime hotspots for better inter-state cooperation.
Financial Fraud Prevention
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System: Helps in immediate reporting and recovery of funds.
- Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): Collaborates with banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement agencies.
Awareness and Public Outreach
- Caller Tune Campaigns: Promotes cybercrime helpline 1930 and NCRP.
- Digital Arrest Scam Awareness: Includes advertisements, metro announcements, and social media campaigns.
International Cooperation
- Bilateral Cyber Dialogues: Conducted with various countries.
- BHARATPOL Portal: Facilitates global law enforcement coordination through INTERPOL and CBI.
| PYQ: What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022) (250 Words /15 marks) |
| Practice Question: What are the key initiatives taken by the Government of India to curb cyber crimes? Evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing cybersecurity (250 Words /15 marks) |
4. Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (YUVA) Scheme
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112207 )
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Introduction
- The scheme supports young writers under 30 years, helping them improve their creative writing skills.
- It promotes India’s cultural heritage and aligns with the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat vision.
Features and Objectives of YUVA 3.0
- The themes include Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building, Indian Knowledge System, and Makers of Modern India (1950-2025).
- The scheme aims to train writers to document India’s past, present, and future contributions.
Selection Process
- Applications are invited through MyGov India’s portal.
- 50 young writers are selected after submitting a 10,000-word book proposal.
Mentorship and Support
- Selected authors receive ₹50,000 per month for six months.
- The mentorship program includes workshops, publishing support, and participation in literary events.
Previous Editions: YUVA 1.0 and 2.0
- YUVA 2.0 (2022): Focused on democracy, selecting 75 authors. Books were translated into multiple languages.
- YUVA 1.0 (2021): Focused on India’s freedom movement under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, selecting 75 authors.
Conclusion
The scheme has nurtured young literary talent, expanded India’s literary heritage, and amplified young voices on national and global platforms.
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