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- Why in News?
- The first Assembly of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was held in New Delhi, where India's Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, was endorsed as the President of the IBCA.
- Key Provisions:-
- This Assembly, the alliance’s highest decision-making body, will meet at least once every two years to guide its efforts.
- Formed in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary of India's Project Tiger, the IBCA is a collaborative coalition of 95 countries, including both big cat range nations and supportive non-range countries. The alliance focuses on conserving seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
- IBCA aims to foster global cooperation and share best practices in big cat conservation. India serves as both the host country and the Secretariat. Protecting big cats helps preserve biodiversity, mitigates climate change by conserving vital ecosystems, and supports local economies through ecotourism and livelihoods.
- Why in News?
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the Telecommunication Tariff Order, 2025, outlining retail broadband tariffs for Public Data Offices (PDOs) operating under the PM-WANI scheme.
- Key Provisions:-
- Launched in 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications, the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) aims to accelerate the spread of public Wi-Fi across India, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
- The initiative enables small businesses, local shops, and entrepreneurs to act as PDOs, offering affordable last-mile internet access without needing a telecom license or paying a registration fee.
- By simplifying access and encouraging community participation, the PM-WANI scheme seeks to strengthen the digital ecosystem and bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
- TRAI's latest tariff framework supports this vision by ensuring transparent, affordable pricing for broadband services delivered via PM-WANI, making internet connectivity more accessible and fostering digital inclusion across the country.
- Why in News?
- The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has awarded grants to 18 startups under its innovative ‘Samarth’ Program, aimed at boosting India's telecom and IT ecosystem.
- Key Provisions:-
- C-DOT, the telecom R&D arm of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, launched Samarth as a dynamic startup incubation initiative. The program supports startups working on transformative solutions in telecommunications and digital technologies.
- Each selected startup is eligible for grants of up to ₹5 lakh, along with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities.
- The program is implemented in collaboration with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)—an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)—and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), a global network fostering entrepreneurship.
- By nurturing early-stage innovation, the Samarth Program plays a key role in strengthening indigenous capabilities and driving forward the vision of a self-reliant digital India.