On 13th February, we observe World Radio Day annually. First established by the United Nations (UN) on the same date in 1946, UN Radio was recognized as a valuable source of information and an important tool for raising awareness.
During the 36th session of UNESCO on 3rd November 2011, it was declared that this day would celebrate the significance of radio broadcasting. This declaration was later adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2012, cementing World Radio Day as an internationally recognized event.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Radio and Peace”, highlighting the role of this medium in promoting harmony and understanding. In India, which boasts around 479 radio stations reaching approximately 99.19% of its population, World Radio Day has special importance. All India Radio is among the most extensive broadcasters globally, signifying the widespread influence of radio in the country.
Mobile Application for Reporting Illegal Coal Mining
In an effort to combat unauthorized coal mining activities, the Indian government launched a mobile app named “KhananPrahari” and a web app called Coal Mine Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS). Developed by the Ministry of Coal, these tools allow citizens to report illegal coal mining incidents using geo-tagged photos and location-based textual information.
The government has also implemented statutory measures such as the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, Colliery Control Rules, 2004, and Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957. Preventive actions like erecting concrete walls at the entrances of abandoned mines and training security personnel to monitor illegal activities have been put in place.
37 Years Journey of APEDA
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established in 1986 by Indian Parliament. Operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, APEDA is responsible for promoting agricultural commodity exports and monitoring sugar imports.
Embracing the ‘vocal for local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, APEDA has focused on exporting locally sourced Geographical Indications (GI) tagged and indigenous, ethnic agricultural products. India now ranks as the world’s eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products, registering a record USD 24.77 billion worth of exports in 2021-22, according to WTO trade data.
ESIC’s Nirman Se Shakti Initiative
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) introduced an initiative named ‘Nirman Se Shakti’ aimed at modernizing infrastructure. This scheme includes the upgradation of ESI Scheme (ESIS) hospitals and dispensaries, formulation of standard designs for various capacity hospitals, and the implementation of an online real-time dashboard for project monitoring.
New building technologies are adopted to ensure quality construction, eliminate delays, and avoid cost overrun. It also includes digitization of land and property documents. The Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI) is a comprehensive social insurance program designed for workers and their immediate dependents or families, established under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.
