PIB Summary- 20th August, 2024 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Bhavishya Software

Context

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) introduced a unique innovative centralized pension processing software called ‘Bhavishya’ for all central government Ministries/Departments

Bhavishya Software

• Bhavishya Software serves as an online system for sanctioning and tracking pension payments, developed by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare.
• As of January 1, 2017, its use has been mandated across all central civil ministries and departments.
• Launched to tackle delays and clerical mistakes in pension processing that cause financial losses and grievances among retirees.

Key Features of Bhavishya Software:

• Directly integrates with payroll systems to automatically capture and populate essential data of employees nearing retirement, enhancing the management information system (MIS) across departments.
• Implements stringent deadlines for each pension processing phase to ensure timely operations.
• Proactively issues alerts to both pensioners and stakeholders to adhere to set timelines.
• Ensures clear visibility and accountability in the pension processing workflow, simplifying identification and resolution of delays.
• Electronic Pension Payment Order (e-PPO): Integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for seamless electronic processing and distribution of pension payments through the Central Pension Accounting Office (CGA) to banks.

Green Tug Transition Program

Context

Recently, the Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).

Green Tug Transition Program:

• The program was initiated on May 22, 2023, as part of the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ initiative.
• Aimed at phasing out traditional fuel-based harbor tugs in favor of environmentally friendly tugs that utilize sustainable alternative fuels across major Indian ports.

Implementation Strategy:

• Phase 1 Duration: From October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027.
• Participating Ports: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, each will acquire or lease a minimum of two green tugs adhering to the specifications provided by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).

Administrative and Future Goals:

• The National Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) is designated as the lead agency.
• Vision for 2030: India’s ambition to become a global leader in green shipbuilding by the end of the decade, facilitated by the innovations from the Green Tug Transition Programme.
• The new tugs will incorporate Green Hybrid Propulsion systems and plan to transition to non-fossil fuel sources like Methanol, Ammonia, and Hydrogen in future iterations.