The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, hosted the Second BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group Meeting and the Second BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery in Hyderabad under India's BRICS Presidency 2026. The meetings focused on strengthening international cooperation against corruption, including tracing fugitive offenders, asset recovery, and leveraging technology for ethical governance. Key outcomes included an in-principle agreement on a BRICS Network of Law-Enforcement Practitioners, a BRICS Repository on Informal Cooperation, and a Directory of Focal Points and Experts. Discussions also covered the use of AI, ML, and big data for preventive vigilance, and addressing the misuse of FinTech and Virtual Digital Assets in concealing illicit proceeds, emphasizing the need for robust regulatory frameworks and cross-border cooperation.
The article details the comprehensive and coordinated institutional framework established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, MeitY, and MHA to prevent, detect, and combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. It highlights key legislations such as the POCSO Act, 2012, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, IT Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, including recent amendments addressing deepfakes and AI-generated content. The framework also includes awareness initiatives like ISEA, advisories from CERT-In, and institutional mechanisms such as the Sahyog Portal, National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, I4C, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken stringent action against the concessionaire (M/s PNC Infratech Ltd.), Independent Engineer (M/s Theme Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.), and its own officials for identified quality issues and a 300-meter slippage on the Kanpur–Lucknow Expressway. Actions include issuing a non-performer notice to the concessionaire (making them ineligible for future bids), directing rectification at their cost, debarring the Independent Engineer, and initiating disciplinary actions against NHAI project officials for negligence. NHAI has also deployed Laser Profilometer technology and engaged an expert team from IIT Kharagpur for a comprehensive technical assessment, and suspended toll collection until rectification, with recovery of toll loss from the concessionaire.
The article discusses the implementation challenges of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) across various State/UT Legislatures. These challenges include diverse procedural rules, varying ICT infrastructure, and differing digital capacities. To overcome these, measures such as application configurations, financial assistance for infrastructure and technical manpower, capacity building, and continuous coordination are being employed. This information was provided in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Law and Justice and Minister of State of Parliamentary Affairs.
The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) project aims to transform State/UT Legislatures into digital Houses. So far, 33 out of 37 Legislatures have signed MoUs, and 21 have successfully transitioned to digital platforms, receiving central financial assistance. The NeVA public portals integrate AI-driven multilingual translation tools developed by BHASHINI, supporting all 22 Scheduled Indian Languages and English, and incorporate robust security measures for legislative business.
The article states that the government has approved the Central Sector Scheme, Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme, for the modernization and upgradation of Prasar Bharati's infrastructure until March 2027. It highlights that no grievances regarding editorial autonomy or functioning of public broadcasters were received in the last year, though some complaints about appointments were noted. The article also mentions the wide reach of Akashvani and the free availability of DD Free Dish, emphasizing Prasar Bharati's continuous efforts to improve content based on audience feedback. This information was provided in a Lok Sabha reply by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.
The article details the multi-layered fire safety measures implemented by Indian Railways across its stations and coaches. These measures encompass mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery for fire incidents. Key initiatives include provision of fire extinguishers, fire detection and suppression systems, use of fire-retardant materials, electrical safety upgrades, staff training by IRIDM, public awareness campaigns, emergency communication protocols, and coordination with external agencies like NDRF and SDRF. The article also highlights the infrastructure for emergency response, such as Accident Relief Trains and Medical Equipment, and the importance of regular mock drills.
The article details the Government of India's (GoI) comprehensive strategy to combat Left Wing Extremism (LWE) through its 'National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE' approved in 2015. It highlights the multi-pronged approach involving security measures, development interventions, and ensuring rights for local communities, leading to the eradication of LWE. While LWE is considered eradicated, 38 'Legacy & Thrust' districts still require support. The GoI's focus on development in tribal and remote areas, along with specific initiatives like the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme, Civic Action Programme, and Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy, has been crucial. Post-LWE, the focus shifts to rehabilitation, welfare saturation, strengthening local governance, and converting security camps into Jan Suvidha Kendras to provide public services.
The Government has approved the 'Scheme for Modernization of Forensic Capacities' with an outlay of ₹496.66 crore to provide Mobile Forensic Vans (MFVs) to all districts and State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) across the country. These vans are equipped with modern forensic tools for crime scene examination, evidence collection, and digital documentation. While the Centre funds the capital expenditure, the operational costs and manpower recruitment are to be borne by the respective State/UT. This information was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha.
The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) is a national project designed for the real-time collection, updation, and analysis of crime and criminal data. It provides significant benefits to State/UT Police, Central Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens through platforms like the Digital Police Portal and Central Citizen Services Portal, offering various mandated citizen services. As of June 1, 2026, all 17,762 police stations across the country are utilizing CCTNS, as confirmed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Rajya Sabha.
The article details several government initiatives aimed at strengthening public grievance redressal and digital pension reforms. Key systems include CPGRAMS for general public grievances, with reforms like reduced redressal timelines and a new AI-enabled chatbot 'Samadhan Didi'. For central government civilian employees, 'Bhavishya' is an online pension sanction and payment tracking system, 'Jeevan Pramaan' facilitates digital life certificate submission via Aadhaar, and 'CPENGRAMS' addresses pension-related grievances. These reforms emphasize efficiency, transparency, accountability, and the use of emerging information technologies to improve public service delivery.
Mission Karmayogi, approved in September 2020, is India's National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), aiming to shift from 'rule-based' to 'role-based' HR systems and foster globally-minded civil servants rooted in Indian ethos. The iGOT Karmayogi platform, central to this mission, has rapidly expanded, onboarding all Union Ministries/Departments, States, and UTs. Key entities like Karmayogi Bharat (SPV) and the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) facilitate its implementation through MoUs with states. The platform boasts over 1.70 crore registered users, offers 5600+ courses in 23 Indian languages, and includes 218 courses on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. AI-powered features like iGOT AI Tutor and AI-CBP Tool enhance personalized learning. From 2025-26, mandatory course completion on iGOT will be linked to Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR) for Central Government employees and All India Services officers, integrating capacity building with HR management.
