PRELIMS
International Manuscript Heritage Conference
Why in News: The Ministry of Culture will host the first-ever International Manuscript Heritage Conference in New Delhi from 11–13 September 2025, as part of the launch of the Gyan Bharatham Mission (GBM).
Organised by: Ministry of Culture
Occasion: Marks the anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s Chicago Address (1893)
Associated with: Launch of Gyan Bharatham Mission (GBM) announced in Union Budget 2025–26
Aim of GBM:
- To survey, document, and conserve India’s vast manuscript heritage
- To cover over 1 crore manuscripts ensuring their long-term preservation
Revives: National Manuscripts Mission (NMM) (launched in 2003, remained inactive)
Focus Areas of Conference:
- Preservation, digitisation, dissemination of ancient manuscripts
- Integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology
- Support for research, education, and capacity building in manuscript studies
Key Participants: Global scholars, researchers, cultural custodians, thought leaders
Estimated Manuscripts in India: 10 million
Subjects Covered: Vedas, Philosophy, Literature, Science, Medicine, Astrology, Arts, etc.
Found in: Temples, mathas, monasteries, Jaina Bhandāras, archives, libraries, private collections
Budget Allocation: Increased from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore (2025–26 Budget)
Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Culture
Sanchar Mitra Scheme
Why in news: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has expanded the Sanchar Mitra Scheme nationwide.
Objective: Promote digital literacy, telecom awareness, and responsible telecom usage.
Who are Sanchar Mitras?
Student volunteers trained to act as digital ambassadors on issues like:
- Cyber fraud prevention
- EMF radiation myths
- Mobile etiquette
- Responsible telecom use
Target Audience: Citizens, especially in educational institutions and rural areas.
Coverage: Now scaled up nationwide from earlier pilot mode.
Training Partners: Local DoT field units and institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs.
Future Opportunities: Top performers may get internships, project roles, and event participation (e.g., India Mobile Congress).
Nodal Body : Implemented by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), with training support from National Communications Academy– Technology (NCA-T) and DoT’s Media Wing.
President Nominates New Members to Rajya Sabha
Why in news: President Droupadi Murmu has nominated four distinguished individuals, including former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, to the Rajya Sabha.
Constitutional Provision: Under Article 80(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, the President can nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha.
Purpose of Nomination: These nominated members are chosen for their special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, culture, social service, and law.
12 nominated by the President
Eligibility for Nomination: Special knowledge or experience in literature, science, art, or social service
Tenure:
- Rajya Sabha is a permanent House, not subject to dissolution
- One-third members retire every 2 years
Eligibility Criteria (Article 84):
- Citizen of India
- Minimum 30 years of age
- Additional qualifications as prescribed by Parliament
Voting Rights:
- Can vote in Vice-President election
- Cannot vote in President election
Political Affiliation Rules:
- May join a political party within 6 months of taking seat
- Disqualified under Tenth Schedule if joined after 6 months
Significance:
- Add expertise, dignity, and diversity to the House
- Enhance quality of debates and discussions
Notable First:
- Rukmini Devi Arundale – First woman nominated to Rajya Sabha (1952–56, 1956–62); renowned classical dancer & theosophist
