Union Cabinet Approves National Centre of Excellence for AVGC

Overview of the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR):

Growth of the AVGC Sector:

• The Indian AVGC sector is experiencing significant growth, with a 25% annual growth rate and an estimated market value of ₹46 billion by 2023 (FICCI-EY Report).
• The sector encompasses animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics, driven by increasing demand for content in both national and global markets.

Global Positioning:

• India now holds the second-largest anime fan base in the world, contributing to an expected 60% increase in global anime interest in the coming years.
• Successful films like Baahubali and RRR have set new benchmarks for storytelling and visual effects in Indian cinema, inspiring further projects and innovation in this space.

Structure of NCoE:

• NCoE will operate as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013, ensuring a non-profit model focused on excellence in the AVGC sector.
• Key industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), will collaborate with the Government of India as partners.

Objectives of NCoE:

• Talent Development: Create a world-class talent pool to meet the demands of both the Indian and global entertainment industries.
• Cultural Integration: Leverage India''s rich cultural heritage to foster the creation of indigenous intellectual property (IP), thus promoting unique content.
• Industry Growth: Generate a multiplier effect in the AVGC industry, enhancing employment and economic opportunities.
• Educational Focus: Integrate education and skilling, with a curriculum designed to align closely with industry needs.

Operational Model:

• The NCoE will follow a hub-and-spoke model, with the main center serving as the hub for innovation and several affiliated centers (spokes) focusing on specific areas of research and development.
• This structure aims to foster collaboration across states and promote a cohesive ecosystem for the AVGC sector.

Employment Generation:

• It is estimated that the NCoE will create approximately 500,000 jobs in various segments of the AVGC industry, significantly contributing to employment and skill development in the sector.

Curriculum and Training:

• The NCoE will offer a robust curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning, ensuring that students gain practical experience through industry-driven courses.
• Opportunities for internships and mentorship will be available, helping aspiring professionals connect with established figures in the AVGC field.

Focus on Technology:

• The center will specialize in emerging immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 3D modeling, which are increasingly shaping the landscape of media and entertainment.
• This focus will equip students with the skills necessary to innovate and create high-quality content that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Collaboration and Innovation:

• NCoE will promote partnerships between government bodies, academic institutions, and the industry, fostering a collaborative environment for research and technological advancement.
• This synergy aims to create a dynamic ecosystem conducive to innovation, enabling India to lead in the AVGC sector globally.

MoS Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel to inaugurate National Workshop on People’s Plan Campaign 2024 – Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas Abhiyan

Key Components of the National Workshop:

• Purpose:
• The workshop aims to launch the People’s Plan Campaign 2024 (Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas) which will commence nationwide on 2nd October 2024.
• This campaign marks the beginning of the annual process for developing Panchayat Development Plans (PDP) across all tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Participants: Approximately 400 stakeholders, including officials, elected representatives, and trainers from various ministries and state-level organizations.
• Technological Enhancements: Updates to the eGramSwaraj portal to improve data quality and facilitate robust validation processes.
• Focus on Livelihood Generation: The workshop will emphasize integrating livelihood generation plans and involving Self Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance community participation in development activities.
• Capacity Building: Efforts will be made to enhance the capacity of PRIs to use the Gram Manchitra facility for planning at the Gram Panchayat level, facilitating village-wise planning especially in PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) areas.

Background of the People’s Plan Campaign

• Launched in 2018, the People’s Plan Campaign, known as “Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas,”focuses on preparing participatory Panchayat Development Plans with the involvement of elected representatives, frontline workers, SHGs, and community-based organizations.

Objective:

• The campaign aims to create a structured process for the participatory planning of development initiatives in rural areas, ensuring that the voices and needs of local communities are central to the planning process.
• It is rooted in the philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, promoting inclusive growth and the well-being of all sections of society.

Participatory Approach:

• The campaign emphasizes the involvement of various stakeholders, including elected representatives, frontline workers from line departments, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and community-based organizations (CBOs).
• This collaborative framework encourages the community to actively participate in discussing their needs, available resources, and priorities for development.

Annual Planning Cycle:

• The campaign is structured around an annual planning cycle that begins with the launch on 2nd October, coinciding with the Gandhi Jayanti The first step is a mandatory Gram Sabha meeting where community members deliberate on developmental needs and resource availability.
• The discussions culminate in the preparation of a Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) that outlines the planned activities and projects for the upcoming financial year.

 Impact:

• The campaign has led to a greater emphasis on community-driven development, with a notable increase in local ownership of development projects. It has encouraged innovation and adaptability in addressing local challenges.

Defence Accounts Department to celebrate 277th Annual Day

Key Highlights of the Celebration

Launch of Publications and Initiatives:

• Defence Travel System 2.0: An upgraded system aimed at streamlining travel processes for defence personnel.
• SPARSH Audit Manual: A guide for internal audits within the DAD to enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Comprehensive Statistical Handbook on Defence Expenditure 2024: A detailed report providing insights into defence spending patterns and trends.
• Market Intelligence Report 2023-24: Analysis of market conditions relevant to defence procurement and financial management.

Defence Accounts Department (DAD) Overview

• Establishment: DAD traces its origins back to 1747, with the appointment of the Military Pay Master. It has evolved significantly over the years to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

Functions:

• Internal Audit: Ensures financial compliance and accountability within the Defence sector.
• Accounting: Manages financial records and transactions related to defence expenditure.
• Financial Advice: Provides strategic financial guidance to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces.
• Defence Pensions Management: Oversees the disbursement and management of pensions for defence personnel.

Significance of the DAD

• Support to Armed Forces: DAD plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and accountability of the defence sector, directly supporting the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
• Reinvention: The department has continuously adapted to changing needs and challenges, embracing technological advancements and modern management practices to enhance service delivery.
• Commitment to Excellence: Through initiatives like the Raksha Mantri Excellence Awards, DAD promotes a culture of performance and dedication among its employees, contributing to overall efficiency and effectiveness.

India signs agreement to protect marine life in the high seas

Key Highlights of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

• Signing of the Agreement: India signed the BBNJ Agreement, also known as the "Treaty of the High Seas," by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the UN General Assembly.
• Purpose of the Agreement: Aims to protect marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction (starting 370 kilometers from any coastline), covering two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
• Sustainable Resource Use:
  • Promotes sustainable use of ocean resources, preventing individual countries from claiming these resources.
  • Ensures fair sharing of benefits derived from marine biodiversity.
• Inclusivity in Conservation: Encourages integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches in marine protection efforts.
• Environmental Safeguards: Establishes regulations for conducting environmental impact assessments to mitigate harm to marine ecosystems during activities in the high seas.
• Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals: Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
• Adoption and Approval:
  • After 20 years of discussions, the BBNJ Agreement was adopted last year.
  • India''s government approved joining the agreement in July 2024.
• Challenges to India''s Marine Biodiversity:
  • India hosts over 2,492 marine fish species, with 91 species unique to its waters, of which around 50 are threatened according to the IUCN.
  • Major threats include overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and dredging.
• Opportunities for India:
  • The agreement allows India to establish marine protected areas in the high seas and conduct necessary environmental assessments.
  • Promotes international cooperation and technology sharing to bolster India’s marine conservation efforts.
• Global Participation:
  • A total of 91 countries have signed the BBNJ Agreement, indicating a global consensus on the need for marine protection.
  • Countries such as Australia, Canada, and several EU nations are among the signatories.
• Target for Protected Areas:
  • Supports the global target of protecting 30% of the world’s land and sea by 2030, established at the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework meeting in 2022.
• Legal Framework:
  • Part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, addressing critical issues like ocean protection, equity, environmental damage, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Sign Language Day: Advancing Rights for the Deaf Community

Key Highlights of International Day of Sign Languages (September 23)

• Significance of the Day:
  • Celebrated annually on September 23, highlighting the importance of sign languages in promoting the rights and recognition of deaf individuals.
  • Established through the 2017 UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/16, emphasizing early access to sign language and quality education for the deaf.
• Global Context:
  • Over 70 million deaf people worldwide, with more than 80% in developing countries and using over 300 different sign languages.
  • The date coincides with the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951, reinforcing global commitment to sign languages.
• Celebration in India:
  • Observed as Sign Language Day in India, focusing on Indian Sign Language (ISL), a distinct visual-manual language.
  • Theme for 2024: “Sign up for Sign Language Rights.”
• Key Initiatives Launched:
  • 2500 New ISL Terms: Collaboration with four organizations to expand the ISL dictionary for academic subjects.
  • 100 Concept Videos in ISL: Educational videos for 6th graders to support inclusive learning in subjects like math and science.
  • ISL Dictionary in 10 Regional Languages: Enhancing accessibility for diverse communities.
  • Educational Animated Videos in ISL: Focused on moral values, fostering an inclusive educational environment.
  • Deaf Role Model Videos: Inspiring hearing-impaired children through successful deaf individuals.
  • 7th Indian Sign Language Competition: Showcasing creativity and skills of students with hearing disabilities.
• Government Schemes for Persons with Disabilities:
  • ADIP Scheme: Financial aid for aids/appliances, including cochlear implants.
  • Financial Assistance for Deaf Colleges: Support for colleges catering to deaf students.
  • Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Comprehensive scholarships across various components.
  • National Institutes: Institutes focusing on speech and hearing disabilities, providing rehabilitation and training.
  • Diploma in Teaching ISL: Offering courses to enhance teaching in ISL, with waived fees for registered students.
• Legal Framework:
  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016: Ensures inclusive education as a fundamental right for children with disabilities.
  • Samagra Shiksha Scheme: Supports inclusive education with resources and financial assistance for children with special needs.
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity:
  • The day serves as a reminder of the need to preserve sign languages as vital components of cultural and linguistic diversity, promoting awareness of ISL across society.