Category Policy Update

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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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India’s Updated 2026 Nationally Determined Contribution (2031–2035): Charting the Next Phase of Climate Action

India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035 sets out next phase of climate action under the Paris Agreement, building on earlier commitments while balancing economic growth, energy security and climate resilience. The Union Cabinet approved the updated NDC on 25 March 2026, and India subsequently submitted it to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The updated framework strengthens three measurable mitigation targets covering emissions intensity, non-fossil electricity capacity and carbon sinks, alongside broader commitments on adaptation, sustainable lifestyles, climate resilience and inclusive development (Press Information Bureau [PIB], 2026; United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC], 2026).

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GST Reverse Charge Mechanism (2017): Rationale, Implementation and Challenges

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on 1 July 2017 to create a more unified indirect tax system and reduce the cascading effect of taxes. Under the normal GST system, the supplier of goods or services collects tax from the recipient and deposits it with the government. However, in certain specified transactions, the responsibility for paying GST is shifted from the supplier to the recipient. This arrangement is known as the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs [CBIC], 2017).

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BRICS Summit 2026: New Delhi, August 2026

The BRICS Summit 2026, hosted in New Delhi under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the summit emphasized digital transformation, sustainable development, and multilateral reform. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, enhancing global governance, and promoting inclusive growth. India’s leadership highlighted the importance of digital public infrastructure, climate action, and equitable trade frameworks. The summit also underscored BRICS’ role in shaping a multipolar world order, balancing geopolitical tensions, and advancing the interests of the Global South. By integrating ministerial tracks, bilateral engagements, and civil society dialogues, the New Delhi summit consolidated BRICS as a platform for resilience and innovation. Furthermore, the summit showcased BRICS’ determination to institutionalize cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital governance, ensuring that commitments translate into tangible outcomes for citizens.

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Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA), 2026: Advancing Multimodal Connectivity

India’s expanding economy has increased the need for efficient transportation networks and a well-coordinated logistics system. Roads, railways, ports, shipping, aviation and inland waterways play an important role in the movement of goods and passengers. However, when these transport systems are planned separately, gaps in connectivity, coordination and infrastructure utilisation can arise.

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