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Capitalizing Community Action: A Policy Review of Kerala’s Kudumbashree Micro-Enterprise Loan Framework (1998)

The State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) of the Government of Kerala institutionalized the Kudumbashree Mission on 17 May 1998 as a localized response to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, synchronized with the state's pioneering People's Plan Campaign (Government of Kerala, 1998). While Kudumbashree initially functioned as a neighbourhood-based network centred on basic thrift and consumption credit, the operational landscape underwent a significant structural transformation between 2005 and 2010 (Kudumbashree, 2026).

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West Bengal IT & Electronics Policy 2018: Assessing Growth and Emerging Gaps

The West Bengal Information Technology and Electronics Policy, 2018 was introduced on 13 August 2018 following Cabinet approval on 27 July 2018. The policy was designed to strengthen West Bengal’s information technology (IT), IT-enabled services (ITeS), information and communication technology (ICT), and electronics ecosystem while promoting employment, innovation, digital governance and social welfare. It also identified emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Blockchain, Cyber Security, Data Science, Drones, FinTech, Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Industry 4.0, Quantum Computing and 5G as areas of future growth (Government of West Bengal, 2018).

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Reaffirming International Unity, Peace, and Multilateral Cooperation on United Nations Day (October 24) 

The United Nations was established in 1945 in the aftermath of World War II, when the world was reeling from unprecedented destruction and loss of life. Leaders recognized the urgent need for a global institution that could prevent future wars, foster cooperation, and uphold peace. Representatives of 50 countries participated in the San Francisco Conference (25 April-26 June 1945), where they drafted and signed the UN Charter. Although Poland did not attend because its government had not yet been formed, it signed the Charter on 15 October 1945 and subsequently became one of the 51 original Member States of the United Nations. The Charter entered into force on 24 October 1945 following ratification by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and a majority of the other signatory states. In 1947, the UN General Assembly officially designated 24 October as United Nations Day through Resolution 168 (II), and in 1971, Resolution 2782 (XXVI) recommended its observance as a public holiday to promote awareness of the aims and achievements of the United Nations.

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Vahli Dikri Yojana (2019): Can Financial Support Improve Outcomes for Girls in Gujarat?

Gujarat introduced the Vahli Dikri Yojana on 2 August 2019 to address concerns about the status of girls and their access to education. The state had faced challenges related to an unfavourable child sex ratio, gender discrimination and early marriage. Census 2011 recorded Gujarat’s child sex ratio at 890 girls (0-6 years of age group) per 1,000 boys, below the national figure of 919. The government introduced this scheme to encourage families to value their daughters and support their future. It provides financial assistance at different stages of a girl’s life, including school entry and adulthood. The main aim is to improve girls’ education, reduce school dropouts and discourage child marriage.

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Punargeham (2019): Evaluating Coastal Erosion Rehabilitation and Climate-Induced Displacement in Kerala

Punargeham is Kerala's flagship relocation programme for fisher families living within 50 metres of the High Tide Line (HTL). Implemented by the Fisheries Department under the broader LIFE Mission housing framework, its core premise is simple: where the sea keeps taking land, the state should help families move rather than rebuild in the surf zone.

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Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme for Electronics and IT (2014): Assessing India’s Efforts to Build a Skilled R&D Workforce in Emerging Technologies (2014–2023)

Technological innovation, industrial competitiveness and economic growth rely on a skilled workforce in the knowledge-driven global economy, which includes the research and development (R&D) sector. The development of indigenous technologies and the conversion of scientific knowledge into practical applications demand highly trained researchers to build emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Semiconductors Design, Cybersecurity, Big Data Analytics, Quantum Computing and Advanced Communication systems.

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Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers Released but Not Rehabilitated: The Bonded Labour Rehabilitation Scheme

India is reported to have at least 11 million people in modern slavery, highest in the world, according to Walk Free’s Global Slavery Index 2023. Bonded labour is a form of modern slavery where a person is forced to work, often for little or no pay, to repay a loan or advance. India banned it in 1976 under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.

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