International Manuscript Heritage Conference

Context: The Ministry of Culture will host the first-ever international Manuscript Heritage Conference from 11-13 September 2025 in New Delhi.

About the Conference

• It is a global event organized by the Ministry of Culture, aimed at reviving, preserving, and promoting India’s ancient manuscript tradition.
  • It is being organised as part of the launch of the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’.
  • It will mark the anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address (1893)
• Key Participants: Global scholars, researchers, cultural custodians, and thought leaders.
• Focus Areas
  • Preservation, digitisation, and dissemination of ancient manuscripts
  • Integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology
  • Support for research, education, and capacity building in manuscript studies

About Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM)

• Announced in Union Budget 2025–26
• Aim:  To survey, document, and conserve India’s vast manuscript heritage.
• Focus Areas: This mission primarily targets manuscripts held by academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors to ensure their systematic preservation.
• Objective: To cover over one crore manuscripts, guaranteeing their long-term preservation and accessibility for future generations.
• Revival of NMM: Through this initiative, the government is making a significant effort to revive the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), which was launched in 2003 but remained largely inactive.
• Budget Allocation: The financial allocation for the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) has seen a significant increase from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26 to accommodate the Gyan Bharatam Mission.
• Implementing Ministry: The Ministry of Culture is responsible for implementing and overseeing the execution of this initiative.

Status of India’s Manuscript

• Estimated 10 million ancient manuscripts
• Cover diverse subjects:
  • Philosophy, Vedic rituals, Literature, Science, Mathematics, Medicine, Astrology, Arts, Darśana, Vāstu, etc.
• Found in temples, mathas, monasteries, Jaina Bhandāras, archives, libraries, and private collections.

Earth Intelligence

Context: Experts  predict Earth Intelligence will grow into a $20 billion market by 2030, with enterprises overtaking governments in spending on Earth observation solutions.

What is Earth Intelligence?

• Earth Intelligence refers to the use of AI-driven analytics applied to Earth observation data (from satellites, sensors, drones) to derive actionable insights.
• Components: It includes data collection (via satellites), data transformation and insight generation using AI and domain-specific applications.
• Use Case Examples: Monitoring global metal refinery temperatures, identifying storm-related obstructions on rail tracks, analyzing traffic patterns, and tracking maritime cargo.

Sectors Impacted by Earth Intelligence

• Geospatial Technology: Earth Intelligence relies heavily on geospatial mapping, real-time imaging, and spatial analytics for infrastructure, logistics, and agriculture.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI enhances predictive modelling used in disaster response, climate forecasting, urban planning, and resource management.
• Satellites and Remote Sensing: Satellites provide the foundational data, enabling surveillance of terrain, climate variables, crop health, and infrastructure development.
• Industry use : Industries such as mining, shipping, manufacturing, agriculture, urban planning, and insurance are adopting Earth Intelligence to improve efficiency and resilience.

Sanchar Mitra Scheme

Context: Recently,  DoT expanded the Sanchar Mitra Scheme nationwide, with the Assam licensed service area (LSA) partnering with 18 top engineering colleges in its first outreach.

About the Sanchar Mitra Scheme

• Sanchar Mitras will conduct digital literacy and awareness campaigns in their communities.
• Objective: To raise grassroots awareness about telecom services, cybersecurity, digital frauds, EMF radiation, and responsible mobile usage.
• Nodal Body: Implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), with training support from National Communications Academy – Technology (NCA-T) and DoT’s Media Wing.
• Target Group: Students from disciplines like telecom, electronics, computer science, and cybersecurity nominated by participating institutions.
• Three Pillars: Connect, Educate and  Innovate to build bridges between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.

Opportunities for Sanchar Mitras

• They will get Structured training in emerging technologies like 5G, 6G, AI, and Cybersecurity, and 
• Performance-based incentives such as internships, participation in India Mobile Congress, and exposure to international telecom forums.

Astra Missile

Context: Recently, DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully test-fired the Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Astra Missile in Odisha.

About Astra Missile

• Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) designed for engaging enemy aircraft even when they are not visible to the pilot.
• Developed by: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Key Features of Astra Missile

• Range: Over 100 km
• Technology: Indigenous seeker, advanced guidance and navigation system
• Purpose: Designed to engage enemy aircraft at extended ranges, Beyond Visual Range (BVR)

Operation SHIVA 2025

Context: Recently, the Indian Army has launched ‘Operation SHIVA 2025’.

About Operation Shiva

• Refers: A high-intensity security operation launched by the Indian Army to secure the Amarnath Yatra 2024.
• Conducted: Indian Army, in coordination with civil authorities and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
  • Over 8,500 troops deployed to ensure pilgrim safety in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Routes Under Constant Vigil: The 38-day yatra spans from July 3 to August 9. Covers two main routes:
  • Nunwan-Pahalgam route (48 km) – Anantnag district.
  • Baltal route (14 km) – Ganderbal district.
  • Both routes are under continuous surveillance.

Key Features of Operation Shiva

• Technology-Driven Counter-Terror Measures: Multi-tier counter-terror framework in place post-Operation Sindoor.
  • Key components:
    • Counter-UAS Grid: 50+ drone neutralising systems & electronic warfare tech.
    • Surveillance: Live drone feeds & high-resolution PTZ camera monitoring.
    • Convoy Tracking: Real-time monitoring from Jammu to shrine.
• Disaster Preparedness & Pilgrim Support- Engineering Task Forces: Route widening, bridge construction, rapid response for landslides.
  • Medical Infrastructure: 150+ doctors/paramedics, 100-bed hospital, 26 oxygen booths (2 lakh litres), 9 aid posts.
  • Emergency Logistics: Bomb squads, seamless comms, tech units, bulldozers, rations for 25,000 pilgrims.
• Air & Ground Contingency Measures- Helicopters on standby for emergencies.
  • Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), water points, tent cities, and signal companies deployed.

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