PIB Summary- 13th April, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Shri Sanjay Kumar addresses the First Alumni meet of the Prerana Program

Context

Secretary of Department of School Education and Literacy addressed Prerana Program alumni, highlighting their positive impact and fostering continued involvement for program sustainability.

Additional information on this news

• Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Shri Sanjay Kumar, virtually addressed the first alumni meeting of the Prerana Program, along with Joint Secretary Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi and other officials.
• The alumni meet aimed to assess and exchange insights among participants, who shared their experiences and highlighted positive changes in their lives.
• Prerana began its journey in the pilot phase from January 15, 2024, to February 17, 2024, in a Vernacular school in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
• Five batches of 20 participants each from Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and UT of Daman and Diu participated, focusing on 9 value-based themes.
• The Alumni Meet aimed to reconnect, celebrate accomplishments, and inspire each other for future journeys, fostering mentorship and support.
• It provided a platform for alumni to share academic and career journeys post-Prerana, showcasing their impact as program ambassadors.
• Strengthening the alumni network is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of Prerana, promoting continued involvement and collaboration.
• The event signifies a significant opportunity to chart a course for continued impact and innovation within the Prerana community.

More about Prerana Program:

• Program Objective: Prerana aims to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to selected students (class IX to XII), empowering them with leadership qualities.
• Philosophy: It integrates principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Duration & Format: Prerana is a week-long residential program held in Vadnagar, Gujarat, with a batch of 20 students attending each week.
• Curriculum: Rooted in nine value-based themes, prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar, including aspects like self-respect, courage, dedication, compassion, unity, truthfulness, curiosity, faith, and freedom with responsibility.
• Activities: The schedule includes yoga, mindfulness, experiential learning, thematic sessions, hands-on activities, visits to ancient sites, film screenings, talent shows, and more.
• Application Process: Students register through the portal, undergo selection based on criteria aligned with Prerana’s ethos, including activities conducted at the School/block level.
• Participant Selection: 20 participants (10 boys, 10 girls) are selected per week to embark on the Prerana journey.
• Impact: Participants carry the ethos of Prerana into their communities, becoming change makers and inspiring positive change.
• Vision: To foster respect for India’s diversity and contribute towards a developed India, guided by mentors from prestigious institutions.
• Legacy: Participants become flame holders for Viksit Bharat, embodying the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” in their future endeavours.

IREDA Celebrates Legacy: Past Leaders Share Vision for Future

Context

IREDA celebrated Public Sector Day by honoring predecessors and retired employees, fostering inclusivity and collaboration, featuring a Hasya Kavi Sammelan, and senior official presence.

Additional information on this news:

• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) celebrated “Public Sector Day” on April 10, 2024, by hosting a gathering of predecessors and retired employees.
• The event highlighted IREDA’s rapid growth and management’s holistic approach to business success and employee well-being.
• CMD, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, emphasised the event’s significance in honouring contributions and fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
• Held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, the event showcased IREDA’s commitment to community and continuity.
• Virtual participation was facilitated for IREDA officials from branch offices, ensuring widespread involvement in the celebration.

More about IREDA:

• It serves as a leading financial institution dedicated to promoting and financing renewable energy projects in India.
• IREDA provides various financial assistance schemes such as term loans, refinancing, project financing, and bridge loans to renewable energy projects.
• The agency supports a wide range of renewable energy sources including solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, and energy efficiency projects.
• Its mission is to facilitate the sustainable development of renewable energy projects across India by providing financial support and technical assistance.
• IREDA plays a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.
• The agency also offers advisory services, project development assistance, and consultancy services to promote renewable energy initiatives.
• It collaborates with various stakeholders including state governments, financial institutions, developers, and technology providers to drive the growth of the renewable energy sector in India.
• IREDA’s efforts contribute to India’s national energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic development goals by harnessing clean and renewable energy sources.