PAN 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department has got a nod from the cabinet committee on Economic Affairs. With an outlay of Rs. 1435 crore, citizens will get a free upgrade of their PAN card with a new QR Code, helping PAN become a unified identifier across various government agencies. 

What is PAN 2.0 Project?

PAN 2.0 Project has been launched as an e-governance project that will modernise the way we file our taxes. The project will upgrade the current PAN and TAN services through technology driven upgrades. 

The goal is to make the process less complicated, easier and faster. Here is how it will be helpful- 

1. People will now be able to file for a PAN Card very easily. 
2. It will make the process of tax filing less cumbersome, fast and accurate with all updated features. 
3. With the digitalisation of the whole process, it would significantly help in environment sustainability with less paper wastage. 
4. This project will help overcome the problems of cybercrimes and ensure better cyber security. 

PAN 2.0 Duties for Service Providers

Whichever company gets the job of updating the tax system will be responsible for performing the following 3 duties with regard to PAN 2.0 Project: 

1. Setting up the hardware, software and networks needed for the new system. 
2. Transferring all past tax data to the new system without any errors. 
3. Ensuring that this new system is in alignment with the government's system and rules. 

This upgrade is part of the government's plan to make tax services in India faster, more accurate, and easier for everyone.

Benefits of PAN 2.0 Project

1. Creating a system ensuring the quicker application handling and updates, significantly reducing waiting times.
2. The centralized database ensures enhanced accuracy to minimize inconsistencies and errors in the information shared by the taxpayers.
3. Existing PAN users will get a free PAN Card Upgrade without paying any additional charges.
4. These digital processes are the Eco-Friendly Approach as they eliminate the need for physical paperwork, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
5. Advanced data security technologies are in place to safeguard sensitive taxpayer information.

Key Features of PAN 2.0 Project

1. Existing PAN card holders do not need to apply for the new PAN as they all will remain valid so the transition must be a hassle-free and smooth process.
2. The incorporation of QR codes on PAN cards ensures digital advancements, enhances security measures, and improves the user experience.
3. Users can look forward to quicker service delivery, streamlined processes of data integration, and reduced paperwork contributing to eco-friendly practices.

PAN 2.0 Project Impact on Taxpayers

1. Citizens' existing PAN cards remain valid, eliminating any requirement for taxpayers to apply for a new one to ensure a seamless transaction process.
2. The move towards digital transformation promises faster processing times, improved security measures, and seamless integration with multiple government platforms, positioning the PAN as a digital business identifier.
3. Taxpayers can enjoy these enhancements, including the addition of a QR code, at no extra cost.

PAN 2.0 Project FAQs

Q1. What is the PAN 2.0 project?

Ans. PAN 2.0 is a government initiative to modernize India's tax registration system.

Q2. When was the first PAN card issued in India?

Ans. The first PAN card was issued on 1st April, 1995.

Q3. What is PAN full form?

Ans. PAN stands for Permanent Account Number.

Q4. What is the PAN 2.0 project in India?

Ans. PAN 2.0 is a government initiative to modernize India's tax registration system.

Q5. What is the full form of PAN I?

Ans. PAN I stands for PAN India.

Q6. What is PAN in TDS?

Ans. PAN is used to identify taxpayers for TDS purposes.

Constitution Day of India also known as Samvidhan Divas is celebrated on 26th November every year to commemorate the adoption of Indian Constitution in 1949, which laid the foundation of India as a secular and democratic country. 

The day highlights the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the constitution. As we celebrate this day, this article is going to cover the history, significance and legacy of our Indian Constitution. 

Constitution Day of India 2024 Origin & History

Constitution Day of India or Samvidhan Diwas aims to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Indian Constituent Assembly in 1949. 

Our Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949 and came in effect on 26 January 1950. Drafted under the guidance of Dr. BR Ambedkar, our constitution enshrines the values of secularism, sovereignty. Democracy, equality, justice, liberty and fraternity for all the citizens of the country. 

The day is also celebrated as Samvidhan Divas through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.

Constitution Day of India 2024 Significance

Observed on 26th November, Constitution Day celebrated the adoption of our Indian Constitution. Here are a few points of why constitution Day is of so much significance: 

• Honoring the Leaders: The day honors the members of the constituent assembly and the drafting committee who under the guidance of Dr. BR Ambedkar drafted this historical document. 
• Upholding of Values: The constitution of India holds the core principles and values like Fundamental rights, directive principles and structure of governance etc. which frame the bedrock of Indian Democracy. 
• Spreading Awareness: Samvidhan Day also helps spread awareness about the historical day and encourage citizens to understand their rights and duties. 
• Inspiring upcoming Generations: By celebrating this day, this day aims to inspire the youth of our nation to value the constitution and its values and work towards building a just and equitable society. 

Difference Between Constitution Day and Republic Day

India is a democratic nation having significance of each day which contributed to the independence of the country. There are 2 important days when the working mechanism of the nation, The Indian Constitution was framed, adopted and implemented having a vision of a developed nation. Below in the table we have discussed the Difference Between Constitution Day and Republic Day.

“Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Campaign

The Hon’ble Vice President of India has launched the “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Campaign on January 24, 2024, at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. This initiative was to create awareness of The Constitution of India where citizens of India know about the Fundamental Rights and duties which can legally empower them. The focus is on the inclusion and digital outreach ensuring that the initiative reaches each corner of the country.

“Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Highlights

• This “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Campaign was introduced to simplify the constitution and spread awareness for the Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
• Educating each of the citizens about their rights and providing them access to approach the right authority to seek justice, such as Sabko Nyay and Har Ghar Nyay highlights accessibility to the legal support system.
• Uplifting the rural and marginalized communities through the campaigns such as, Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan, to help them access the benefits that Government of India is providing every citizen.
• Establishment of a dedicated online portal which includes resources, quizzes, discussion forums, and other interactive tools so that citizens can have knowledge of the constitutional values, developing a sense of active participation in nation-building.

Samvidhan Divas FAQs

Q1. Why is 26 November celebrated as Constitution Day?

Ans. 26 November is celebrated as Constitution Day to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949.

Q2. What is special on 26 November?

Ans. On 26 November, India celebrates the adoption of its Constitution, a landmark document that outlines the fundamental rights and duties of its citizens.

Q3. What is the slogan of Constitution Day?

Ans. The slogan of Constitution Day varies each year, focusing on different aspects of the Constitution.

Q4. Is this 74th Constitution Day?

Ans. Yes, this is the 74th Constitution Day.

Q5. What is 71 National Constitution Day?

Ans. 71st National Constitution Day was celebrated on 26 November 2020.

Q6. Which constitution day of India is in 2024?

Ans. The 74th Constitution Day of India is in 2024.

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Link Between Capital Inflows and Current Account Deficit
• India’s approach
• India’s deficit – not a sign of weakness

Why in News?

India's persistent trade deficit, where imports exceed exports, does not signify weak manufacturing but highlights its relative strengths in services and its appeal as an investment destination.

Given these strengths, the goods trade deficit is likely to persist. To accelerate the growth of Indian manufacturing, the focus should be on domestic demand rather than relying on exports.

Link Between Capital Inflows and Current Account Deficit

• Current account deficit (CAD)
  • A current account deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports, making it a net importer overall.
  • India's CAD widened marginally to $ 9.7 billion (1.1% of GDP) in Q1:2024-25 from $8.9 billion (1.0% of GDP) in Q1:2023-24.
• Foreign investment and current account deficit are two sides of the same coin
  • Countries attracting investment through net capital account inflows must either run a current account deficit (net outflow) or accumulate foreign exchange reserves.
• This happens because, in economic terms, the total amount of money flowing in and out of the country must balance out.
• If money is coming in through foreign investment, there needs to be an equivalent outflow to maintain the balance.
• If not through reserves, the outflow happens through buying goods and services from other countries (imports).
  • This relationship is a mathematical certainty, where: Capital Inflows = Current Account Deficit + Increase in Reserves.

India’s approach

• India’s Approach to Capital Inflows
  • India aims to attract foreign investment to supplement domestic savings, enabling higher investments and fostering faster economic growth.
  • This strategic inflow on the capital account aligns with India’s developmental goals.
• Role and Cost of Foreign Exchange Reserves
  • Foreign exchange reserves act as a buffer against economic shocks, like oil price spikes, allowing flexibility in addressing current account deficits.
  • However, holding reserves incurs costs, as India pays higher returns to foreign investors than it earns on its reserves.
• Capital Inflows and Current Account Deficits
  • Capital inflows must match the sum of the current account deficit and reserve accumulation.
  • Since India doesn’t need significant reserve accumulation, inflows correspond directly to the current account deficit.
  • This means attracting foreign investment implies accepting a net import of goods and services.
• India’s Balanced Policy
  • India maintains a prudent policy of running a current account deficit of ~2% of GDP, balanced by equivalent capital inflows, showcasing its status as an attractive investment destination.

India’s deficit – not a sign of weakness

• Composition of India’s Current Account Deficit: Goods and Services
  • India’s current account deficit arises because it imports more than it exports in total.
  • However, this deficit is influenced by the country's comparative advantage in different sectors.
  • India excels in services, making it a net exporter of services. This includes sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, where India holds a significant edge globally.
  • As a result, India is able to offset the higher import bills by exporting services.
  • Since India is a net exporter of services, it must inevitably be a net importer of goods to maintain the overall current account deficit.
  • This means India imports manufactured goods, but its export strength in services helps to keep the deficit within manageable levels.
• Manufacturing and Comparative Advantage
  • India’s manufacturing exports, especially in pharmaceuticals and auto components, are sufficient to maintain the current account deficit.
  • This success is tied to India’s comparative advantage in these sectors, not necessarily a lack of productivity in manufacturing compared to countries like Vietnam or Bangladesh.
  • India’s advantage in services simply outweighs its advantage in manufacturing.
• Scope for Faster Manufacturing Growth
  • While India’s manufacturing sector is performing well, there is room for faster growth.
  • However, achieving this requires stronger domestic demand.
  • If domestic consumption rises and the current account deficit remains stable, this increased demand would drive greater domestic production, leading to faster manufacturing growth.
  • This highlights that the expansion of India’s manufacturing sector is closely tied to internal market dynamics rather than solely relying on export markets.

Q.1. Why does India run a trade deficit despite its strong economic sectors?

India’s trade deficit arises from importing more goods than it exports, but it offsets this through strong service exports like IT, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, where it has a global edge, keeping the overall deficit manageable.

Q.2. How can India boost its manufacturing sector despite a trade deficit?

Faster growth in manufacturing depends on increasing domestic demand. By improving internal consumption while maintaining a stable current account deficit, India can drive greater production in manufacturing, beyond just relying on exports.

News: Expert Explains: Why India’s trade deficit is not necessarily a weakness

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
• The Terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in the Preamble
• Highlights of the SC Judgment in Dr Balram Singh Case
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court of India dismissed petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 42nd Amendment Act, which added the words 'secular' and 'socialist' to the Preamble of the Constitution in 1976 during the Emergency.
• In its verdict (Dr Balram Singh and ors v Union of India), the court emphasised the widespread acceptance of these terms and their clear understanding by the people of India.

What is the Preamble to the Constitution of India?

• The Preamble is an introductory statement of the Constitution that explains its philosophy and objectives. It lays down the basic principles and goals of the Constitution.
• The objectives were first laid in the Objective Resolution (adopted in 1947), and after much debate and deliberation, the Preamble was drafted and adopted on November 26, 1949.
• The Preamble indicated that the source of authority of the Constitution lies with the "people of India".
• It is an "integral part and scheme" of the Constitution. It is non-justiciable - a violation of any principle mentioned in the Preamble cannot be a reason to go to the courts in India.
  • However, judges can use it as an additional factor in their reasoning and judgements.

The Terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in the Preamble:

• History: The two terms were inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976, which is also called "mini-Constitution" because of the number and expanse of the changes introduced.
• Meaning:
  • Socialist:
    • Western concept: Socialism supports government/ collective ownership of the means of production in order to achieve economic equality.
    • Indian concept: Emphasises democratic socialism by distributing resources fairly and permitting a mixed economy that includes both the public and private sectors.
  • Secular:
    • Western concept: Secularism primarily refers to the absolute separation of religion and state.
    • Indian concept: No strict division between religion and the state. Highlights the importance of the state in fostering religious harmony and the equal respect for all religions.

Highlights of the SC Judgment in Dr Balram Singh Case:

• Context of the 42nd amendment:
  • The petitioners argued that the amendment was introduced during the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government, questioning its legitimacy.
  • The SC pointed out that this issue was deliberated during the Constitution Forty-Fourth Amendment Bill, 1978, which retained the terms after extensive parliamentary discussion.
• Parliament's power to amend the Preamble:
  • A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ruled that Parliament's power under Article 368 extends to amending the Preamble.
  • Hence, the argument against retrospective amendments was rejected.
  • The bench stated that accepting the retrospectivity argument would undermine all constitutional amendments, despite Parliament's unquestioned authority to amend the Constitution.
• Constitution as a ‘Living’ document: The court noted that while the Constituent Assembly had initially excluded the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble, their inclusion aligns with India's evolving democratic and social framework.
• Delay in filing the petitions: The court questioned the petitions filed in 2020, 44 years after the amendment, noting the widespread acceptance of these terms in India.
• Interpretation of key terms:
  • Secularism: The State remains neutral, neither endorsing nor opposing any religion. This principle is enshrined in Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.
  • Socialism: The term 'socialist' does not constrain economic policies but reflects the State's commitment to being a welfare state.
• Significance of addition of 'secular' and 'socialist':
  • It has not impeded legislation or governance, provided they align with constitutional rights and the basic structure doctrine.
  • Reinforces India's commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance.

Conclusion: The Supreme Court's verdict reaffirms the constitutional validity of the 42nd Amendment, emphasising the dynamic nature of the Constitution and the power of Parliament to adapt it to India's evolving societal and democratic needs.

Q.1. What is the Indian Constitution's 44th Amendment?
The purpose of the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 provided sufficient protections against the future recurrence of the tendency for the transient majority (governments) to take over fundamental rights of the citizens.

H2: Q.2.What is the significance of the Kesavananda Bharati case?

The 1973 Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case established that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and that Parliament cannot amend its fundamental features.

News: Supreme Court upholds ‘secular, socialist’ in Preamble of the Constitution

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What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Counting of farm fires
• Controversy around counting method
• Controversial role of CAQM
• Can Indian satellites help?

Why in News?

The air quality in Delhi remains severely compromised post-Deepavali, despite stringent measures like GRAP Stage IV, Supreme Court intervention, and efforts by the Delhi government.

The issue has drawn significant attention to farm fires in nearby states, where farmers burn paddy stubble to prepare for wheat sowing. While not the sole cause of Delhi's pollution, these fires have sparked a controversy over their extent, reflecting the scrutiny they face as a contributing factor.

Counting of farm fires

• Monitoring of farm fires
  • Given the widespread occurrence of these fires, satellite monitoring is deemed most effective. India relies on data from two NASA satellites: Aqua and Suomi-NPP.
  • Aqua (Launched 2002): Equipped with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument, it tracks changes in the lower atmosphere, especially over land, through time.
  • Suomi-NPP (Launched 2011): Features the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument, and the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite, which tracks aerosols and smoke contributions to pollution.
• Operational Details
  • Aqua’s and Suomi-NPP’s overpass at each location happens at 1.30 pm local time in the day and at 1.30 am local time at night.
  • Their MODIS and VIIRS instruments collect visible and infrared images of the earth at around these intervals and are capable of spotting fires and smoke in a small window centred on the overpass time.
  • The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite onboard Suomi NPP can also identify aerosol loads in the atmosphere, which is useful to track smoke from fires and their eventual contribution to air pollution.

Controversy around counting method

• NASA Scientist Observations on Farm Fires
  • On October 2, a senior scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre, reported a 40% reduction in farm fires for 2023 and expressed optimism for a continuing decline in 2024.
  • By October 24, he noted that fires in 2024 appeared to be the “lowest in the last decade.”
  • He suggested this could be due to successful anti-burning efforts or fires being lit after the Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites’ overpass at 1:30 pm.
• Investigation Using Additional Satellite Data
  • To verify this, he compared data from Aqua and Suomi-NPP with South Korea's GEO-KOMPSAT 2A (Cheollian 2A) satellite, a geostationary weather satellite launched in 2018.
  • This satellite offers continuous monitoring from its fixed position at 128.2º E.
• Findings of Late-Day Stubble Burning
  • Visuals from the three satellites showed a thicker smoke cover over Punjab and Haryana croplands after Aqua and Suomi-NPP’s overpass, suggesting an increase in fires later in the day.
  • This supports the hypothesis that farmers may be burning stubble outside the observation windows of the NASA satellites.
• Contradiction in Aerosol Data
  • Despite Aqua and Suomi-NPP indicating fewer fires, experts found that aerosol levels in the atmosphere were comparable to previous years.
  • This anomaly implies that more ground-level validation is necessary to reconcile satellite data with actual burning activities.
• Not a foolproof method
  • NASA satellites only capture instances of farm fires during the limited period when they are passing over the region, which takes them 90 seconds.
  • They therefore only capture any blaze visible at that time or lit in the previous half hour.
  • Experts suspect that farmers have, over time, become aware of this surveillance period and shifted the time of burning their crop waste to evade the NASA satellites.

Controversial role of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• Creation and Mandate of the CAQM
  • The CAQM is tasked with identifying and resolving air quality issues in the NCR and adjoining areas.
  • Various media reports indicated that the CAQM knew farmers were burning paddy stubble after the overpass of NASA satellites to evade detection.
• Disputed Decline in Farm Fires
  • Despite evidence of post-overpass burning, the CAQM publicly maintains that the number of farm fires has decreased.
  • It defends this claim with alternate formulae, despite contradictions from other data sources.

Can Indian satellites help?

• CAQM’s Satellite Data Evaluation Initiative
  • Recently, in an affidavit to the Supreme Court, CAQM revealed ISRO is assessing the utility of various satellites for identifying farm fires.
  • These include INSAT-3DR (India), GEO-KOMPSAT 2-AMI (South Korea), Meteosat-9, Feng Yun-4A/4B (China), and HIMAWARI-8 (Japan).
  • However, ISRO experts believe these satellites can’t accurately count fires, with final assessments expected in a month.
• Limitations of INSAT-3DR
  • The INSAT-3DR satellite has coarse resolution:
    • 1 km in visible and short-wave infrared.
    • 4 km in middle and thermal infrared.
    • 8 km for water vapor.
  • This resolution is insufficient for precise fire detection.
• GISAT-1 Mission Failure
  • In August 2021, ISRO attempted to launch GISAT-1, which could have enhanced monitoring capabilities, but the GSLV-F10 mission failed when the rocket’s upper stage malfunctioned.
• RESOURCESAT Satellites
  • ISRO operates three RESOURCESAT satellites (launched in 2003, 2011, and 2016), with RESOURCESAT-2A offering superior features:
  • LISS-4 Camera: 5.8 m spatial resolution for visible and near-infrared radiation.
  • LISS-3 Camera: 23.5 m spatial resolution for similar radiation.
  • AWiFS Camera: 56 m resolution for wide-area monitoring.
• Conclusion
  • These instruments provide improved capabilities for observing farmland but are still less optimal for detecting individual fires.

Q.1. Why do satellite data on farm fires sometimes not match actual air pollution levels?

Satellite data, like from Aqua and Suomi-NPP, only captures farm fires during specific overpass windows, often missing late-day burning. Despite fewer detected fires, aerosol levels remain high, indicating more widespread burning that is not captured during satellite passes.

Q.2. Can ISRO satellites accurately track farm fires in India?

ISRO satellites like INSAT-3DR have low resolution, making them less effective for precise fire detection. While ISRO is assessing other satellite options, current data suggests limitations in accurately monitoring farm fires compared to NASA's system.

News: The discrepancy between satellite data of farm fires and air pollution | Explained | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• What are Cooperatives?
• History of Cooperatives in India
• Features of Cooperatives
• Types of Cooperatives
• Legal Framework & Regulations for Governing Cooperatives
• Challenges Faced by Cooperatives
• Successful Cooperatives in India
• About International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Conference
• News Summary

What are Cooperatives?

• Cooperatives are autonomous associations of people united voluntarily to meet common economic, social, and cultural needs through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
• In India, cooperatives play a vital role in fostering inclusive economic development, particularly in rural areas.

History of Cooperatives in India

• Pre-Independence Era:
  • 1904: The Cooperative Credit Societies Act was passed to address rural indebtedness by enabling the formation of credit cooperatives.
  • 1912: The Cooperative Societies Act extended the scope of cooperatives to non-credit sectors, encouraging their establishment across various industries.
  • Early cooperatives focused on agricultural credit, marketing, and consumer goods.
• Post-Independence Era:
  • Cooperatives were integrated into India’s Five-Year Plans to support rural development and self-reliance.
  • The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) was established in 1963 to provide funding and promote cooperatives.
  • The White Revolution (1970s) spearheaded by Amul, a dairy cooperative, demonstrated the transformative potential of cooperatives in rural economies.

Features of Cooperatives

• Democratic Structure: Each member has an equal say, irrespective of their capital contribution.
• Member-Owned: Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members.
• Profit Sharing: Profits are distributed equitably among members or reinvested for the organization’s benefit.
• Community-Oriented: They aim to serve the interests of members and improve local economies.

Types of Cooperatives

• Agricultural Cooperatives: Provide credit, inputs, and marketing support to farmers. Examples include Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Marketing Cooperatives.
• Credit Cooperatives: Facilitate affordable loans to members, often in rural and semi-urban areas. Examples are Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) and Cooperative Credit Societies.
• Consumer Cooperatives: Operate stores to supply essential goods at reasonable prices.
• Housing Cooperatives: Help members acquire affordable housing.
• Worker Cooperatives: Owned and managed by workers, they provide employment and equitable income distribution.
• Dairy Cooperatives: Promote milk production and marketing. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is a prominent example.

Legal Framework & Regulations for Governing Cooperatives

• Legal Framework:
  • Cooperative Societies Act, 1912: The first comprehensive law for cooperative societies in India.
  • State Cooperative Acts: Since cooperatives are a state subject, individual states have their own legislation for regulating cooperative societies.
  • Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002: Governs cooperatives operating in more than one state.
• Regulatory Bodies:
  • Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS): Oversees registration, administration, and functioning at the state level.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Regulates Urban Cooperative Banks and credit cooperatives.
  • Ministry of Cooperation: Established in 2021 to strengthen and streamline the cooperative movement at the national level.

Challenges Faced by Cooperatives

• Lack of Professional Management: Limited expertise often hampers operational efficiency.
• Political Interference: Over-reliance on government support can lead to external control.
• Limited Access to Capital: Difficulty in raising funds restricts growth and diversification.
• Inefficient Governance: Internal conflicts and weak leadership impact decision-making.
• Lack of Modernization: Many cooperatives lag in adopting technology and innovative practices.

Successful Cooperatives in India

• Amul: A world-renowned dairy cooperative that transformed rural livelihoods through the White Revolution.
• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO): One of the largest fertilizer cooperatives in the world.
• Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA): Empowering women through cooperative-led initiatives.

About International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Conference

• The ICA Global Conference is organized by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), founded in 1895 to promote and unite cooperatives worldwide.
• The conference is held periodically to discuss global cooperative challenges, opportunities, and strategies for growth and sustainability.
• It has evolved as a key platform for knowledge sharing and policy advocacy in the cooperative sector.
• Objectives:
  • To strengthen the global cooperative movement by fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.
  • To align cooperative initiatives with global goals, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • To address emerging issues like climate change, digital transformation, and economic inequality through cooperative frameworks.
• Members:
  • The ICA represents over 315 cooperative organizations from more than 110 countries.
  • Members include cooperatives from diverse sectors like agriculture, banking, housing, consumer services, and worker cooperatives.
  • Participants in the global conference include cooperative leaders, policymakers, academics, and representatives from international organizations.

News Summary

• India inaugurated the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi on November 25, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the event alongside Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
• The five-day conference, hosted by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, has brought together 3,000 delegates, including 1,000 representatives from over 100 countries.
• Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Speech:
  • Global Cooperative Movement: PM Modi emphasized the role of cooperatives in addressing global challenges, noting that India has over eight lakh cooperatives active across the country.
  • Global Financing for Cooperatives: He advocated for the creation of large international financial institutions to fund cooperatives worldwide.
  • Circular Economy and Startups: He called for linking cooperatives to the circular economy and promoting startups within the cooperative framework to ensure innovation and climate resilience.
  • Opportunities in Crisis: Highlighting current global challenges, he stated that these crises offer significant opportunities for the cooperative movement to thrive and adapt.
• Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City: Bhutanese PM Tobgay highlighted the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a 2,500 sq. km zero-carbon smart city project. The city aims to embody cooperative values, with all Bhutanese citizens as shareholders.
• India-Bhutan Collaboration: The project seeks Indian investments in sectors like infrastructure, IT, hospitality, and wellness, with active discussions involving Indian companies such as the Adani Group.

Q1. What are Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)?

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are collective entities formed by farmers to improve their bargaining power, enhance their income, and strengthen their overall position in the agricultural value chain. FPOs are registered as legal entities, typically as cooperatives or companies, and are owned and managed by farmers themselves.

Q2. What is IFFCO?

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, also known as IFFCO, is a multi-state cooperative society engaged in the manufacture and marketing of fertiliser.

News: ‘Cooperatives part of India’s culture and lifestyle, not just a model’: PM Modi at ICA Global Conference | PIB

The One Nation One Subscription Scheme has been approved by the cabinet, with an allocated budget of Rs. 6,000 Crore for the year 2025-27. The scheme will provide seamless access to high-impact scholarly articles and journals for students, researchers and faculty members across government managed higher education and R&D institutions. The initiative has been launched in alignment with the vision of ViksitBharat@2047, NEP 2020 and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to foster a research driven learning environment. 

One Nation One Subscription Key Objectives

Following are the key objectives of One Nation One Subscription Scheme: 

1. The initiative will provide access to subscription to more than 13,000 international e-journals from around 30 publishers.
2. The aim is to encourage detailed interdisciplinary research that particularly benefits Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. 
3. The scheme will be used to streamline the digital process through a unified portal for faster and easier usage by various students, researchers and faculty members. 

One Nation One Subscription Implementation Authority

The department of Higher Education and associated ministries will be responsible for conducting informative, educational and communicative campaigns to ensure maximum awareness and adaptation by the users. 

ANRF will be managing the periodic reviews related to resource utilization and Indian Authorship Contributions. 

One Nation One Subscription Significance

One Nation One Subscription Scheme is significant for the following reasons- 

1. The scheme aligns with the goals of our National Education Policy 2020 leading to research synergy. 
2. The initiative will support India in becoming a global research hub through collaboration and fostering innovation. 
3. Access to journal subscriptions, would bring quality sources to rural and backward regions bridging the knowledge gap. 

One Nation One Subscription FAQs

Q1. What is the one nation one card scheme? 

Ans. It is a nationwide interoperable mobility card enabling seamless travel, retail purchases, and payments across India using a single card.

Q2. What is the one nation one health scheme?

Ans. The One Nation One Health Card is a digital health card that allows individuals to access healthcare services across different states and hospitals.

Q3. What is the one nation one subscription circular?

Ans. The One Nation One Subscription circular is a government initiative to streamline subscription-based services across various Journals and research based platforms.

Q4. What is the one nation one standard scheme? 

Ans. The One Nation One Standard scheme aims to standardize benchmarks in alignment with global benchmarks for various products and services across the country to improve quality and reduce costs.

Q5. What are the benefits of one nation one card? 

Ans. Benefits of One Nation One Card include seamless travel, easy payments, and reduced paperwork.