• 13 Sep 2025

International Conference on Gyan Bharatam

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam in New Delhi and launched the Gyan Bharatam Portal, a dedicated digital platform aimed at advancing the digitisation, preservation, and public access to India’s vast manuscript heritage.

International Conference on Gyan Bharatam

• Objective: The conference sought to rejuvenate India’s manuscript heritage and position it at the heart of global knowledge discussions.
• Event Duration: The three-day conference, held from 11th to 13th September 2025, with the theme "Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy through Manuscript Heritage," concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration.
  • The inaugural international conference coincided with the 132nd anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.
  • An exhibition of rare manuscripts was held, alongside scholarly presentations on conservation and digitisation.
• Focus Areas: Working groups addressed key topics such as decipherment of ancient scripts, survey and documentation, digitisation tools, conservation and restoration, and legal and ethical issues.

Gyan Bharatam Project

• About: Launched as the Gyan Bharatam Mission, it will be headquartered in New Delhi under the Ministry of Culture.
• Objective: It aims to establish an institution similar to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) but for manuscript preservation and interpretation. 
  • It also aims to digitise over one crore manuscripts and establish regional centres across all states for seamless coordination.
• Replacement: Gyan Bharatam will succeed the National Manuscripts Mission, launched in 2003, with the goal of institutionalizing manuscript preservation in India and establishing a sustainable framework.
• Funding: Announced in the 2025-26 Union Budget, the project has an initial funding of Rs 400 crore.

IIM Ahmedabad Opens 1st Overseas Campus

Why in News?

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the first-ever overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).

• In another development, India’s Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi — the first-ever overseas AIC hosted by an Indian institution.

Key Points

• IIM-A Dubai will tentatively begin its academic activities by the end of September with a full-time one-year MBA for working professionals and entrepreneurs.
• India’s Union Education Minister also held a roundtable discussion with officials of Indian institutions, Manipal University, Symbiosis University, BITS Pilani, and Amity University, which have established their campuses in Dubai, and outlined the need to move research from papers to products. 
• He also interacted with principals of 109 Indian schools in the UAE (with others joining virtually) and announced that 12 UAE schools will set up Atal Tinkering Labs to promote innovation among students.

Note:

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India’s endeavor to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. 
  • Under its core objectives, AIM intends to support the establishment of new incubation centres called Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) that would nurture innovative start-up businesses in their pursuit to become scalable and sustainable enterprises. 
• Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are set up in schools to foster innovation in students (grades 6-12) using tools like 3D printing.

Birth Anniversary of Vinoba Bhave

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on the occasion of his birth anniversary, recalling his towering contributions to India’s spiritual, social, and political landscape.

Key Points

• About: Vinayak Narahari Bhave was born on 11th September 1895 in Gagode, Bombay Presidency (Maharashtra).
  • He was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and spiritual teacher, deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence and equality.
• Awards & Recognition: He was the first recipient of the international Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958.
  • He was also conferred with the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) posthumously in 1983.
• Association with Gandhi: Vinoba met Gandhi on 7th June 1916 and took residence at the Ashram.
  • The name Vinoba (a traditional Marathi epithet signifying great respect) was conferred upon him by Mama Phadke, another member of the Ashram.
  • On 8th April 1921, Vinoba, following Gandhi's directives, went to Wardha to take charge of a Gandhi Ashram and later published a monthly Marathi magazine, Maharashtra Dharma, featuring his essays on the Upanishads.
• Role in Freedom Struggle: He took part in programs of non-cooperation and especially the call for the use of Swadeshi goods instead of imported goods.
  • He was also chosen as the first Individual Satyagrahi (an Individual standing up for Truth instead of a collective action) by Gandhi himself.
  • He was given the honorific title “Acharya” (teacher).
• Bhoodan Movement: In 1951, Vinoba Bhave started his peace trek on foot through the violence-torn region of Telangana.
  • In 1951, the Harijans of the Pochampalli village requested him to provide them with around 80 acres of land to make a living.
  • Vinoba asked the landlords of the village to come forward and save the Harijans.
    • A landlord got up and offered the required land.
    • It was the beginning of the Bhoodan (Gift of the Land) movement.
  • The movement continued for thirteen years, and Vinoba toured the length and breadth of the country, a total distance of 58741 Km.
  • He was successful in collecting around 4.4 million acres of land, of which around 1.3 million was distributed among poor, landless farmers.
• Literary Work: His important books include Swarajya Sastra, Geeta Pravachane, Teesri Shakti, etc.

India Hosts 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference

Why in News?

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated the 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). 

Key Points

• The 1st Annual Green Hydrogen R&D Conference 2025 was held on 11th–12th September 2025 in New Delhi, featuring expert sessions, interactive roundtables, and a Start-up Expo with 25 pioneering companies driving India’s green energy revolution.
  • At the event, 25 start-ups showcased breakthroughs spanning electrolyser manufacturing, AI-driven optimisation, and biological hydrogen solutions.
• A ₹100 crore Call for Proposals to support start-ups driving innovation in hydrogen technologies was also launched.
  • The scheme will provide up to ₹5 crore per project for pilot initiatives in hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilisation. 

India’s Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

• Ports: India’s first port-based pilot project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu.
• Steel: Five pilot projects showcasing hydrogen-driven decarbonisation.
• Shipping: Retrofitted vessels and refuelling facilities at Tuticorin Port.
• Transport: Hydrogen buses and refuelling stations are operational.
• Fertilisers: First-ever green ammonia auction revealed a record low price with supplies starting at Paradeep Phosphates, Odisha.
• Hydrogen Hubs: Dedicated hydrogen hubs are under development at Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin Ports.
• Mission: National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) was launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore.