Key Highlights
- Sacred Buddha relics will be displayed in Kalmykia, Russia, for the first time outside India.
- Three major Indian ports—Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Paradip—have been designated as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- India and the UK inaugurated the India‑UK Connectivity & Innovation Centre with a joint investment of £24 million to advance AI‑driven telecom and 6G research.
- The National e‑Governance Division partnered with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative to launch Bharat Taxi, a cooperative‑driven, citizen‑first ride‑hailing platform.
- The 3rd International Purple Fest 2025 in Goa celebrated inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Detailed Insights
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, National Museum, and IGNCA, will host an exhibition of Buddha’s relics in Elista, Kalmykia, from 11 to 18 October. The event aims to bless local Buddhist devotees and is expected to culminate in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists and the International Buddhist Confederation.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the designation of Deendayal Port (Gujarat), V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), and Paradip Port (Odisha) as Green Hydrogen Hubs marks a strategic step toward India’s net‑zero target by 2070. The hubs will facilitate integrated hydrogen production, utilisation, and export.
The India‑UK Connectivity & Innovation Centre, backed by a £24 million investment, focuses on AI‑driven telecom transformation, non‑terrestrial networks, and cybersecurity. It seeks to foster industry‑academic partnerships and shape the next generation of 6G technologies under the 2035 Vision.
In December 2025, the National e‑Governance Division will launch Bharat Taxi, a cooperative‑driven ride‑hailing platform that integrates with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu. Supported by major cooperatives such as IFFCO, AMUL, and NABARD, the platform aims to provide secure, inclusive mobility services across India.
The 3rd International Purple Fest 2025, inaugurated by Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, highlighted India’s commitment to inclusive governance. The festival showcased talent and empowerment of persons with disabilities through active participation of government officials, NGOs, and disability rights advocates.
Key Concepts
- Green Hydrogen Hub: A port or facility designated to support the production, storage, and export of hydrogen produced via renewable energy sources.
- Connectivity & Innovation Centre: A bilateral research hub focused on advancing AI‑driven telecommunications, non‑terrestrial networks, and cybersecurity between two nations.
- Bharat Taxi: A cooperative‑driven, citizen‑first ride‑hailing platform that integrates with government digital services to provide secure mobility solutions.
- Purple Fest: An international festival celebrating inclusion, talent, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
- Carrier Strike Exercise: A joint naval drill involving aircraft carriers and allied ships to test interoperability and maritime combat readiness.