TGPSC Daily Current Affairs 13th February 2026
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Agriculture, GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Digital Public Infrastructure)
For Prelims:
- Numaish Masnuat-e-Mulki, All India Industrial Exhibition, Nampally Exhibition Grounds, Regional Handicrafts, Urban Footfall, Cultural Festivals, Informal Economy, Metro Connectivity
For Mains:
- Urban Cultural Economy, Local Industrial Promotion, Informal Sector Linkages, Regional Connectivity, Urban Mobility Management, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Public Event Governance, City Branding
Why in News?
The 85th edition of the All-India Industrial Exhibition, popularly known as Numaish, witnessed a surge in youth participation, with nearly 19.94 lakh visitors recorded so far in 2026. Organisers expect total attendance to cross 23 lakh, surpassing last year’s numbers. The changing visitor demographics and rising footfall have once again highlighted the exhibition’s cultural and economic relevance for Hyderabad.
What is AgriStack?
The 85th edition of the All-India Industrial Exhibition, popularly known as Numaish, witnessed a surge in youth participation, with nearly 19.94 lakh visitors recorded so far in 2026. Organisers expect total attendance to cross 23 lakh, surpassing last year’s numbers. The changing visitor demographics and rising footfall have once again highlighted the exhibition’s cultural and economic relevance for Hyderabad.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Meaning of the Name:
- Numaish Masnuat-e-Mulki translates to “Exhibition of Local Products.”
- Originally aimed at promoting indigenous industries and local handicrafts.
Evolution Over Time:
- Began as a platform for regional products.
- Gradually evolved into a national-level consumer and cultural exhibition.
- Now attracts exhibitors and visitors from across India.
In-House Radio Tradition:
- Before private FM channels, the exhibition operated its own radio station.
- Played classic Hindi songs by legends such as:
- Lata Mangeshkar
- Mohammed Rafi
- Kishore Kumar
- Announcements for missing visitors were made between songs.
- Created a nostalgic experience for older generations.
Closing-Time Tradition:
- Every evening, the song “Chalte Chalte Yunhi Koi” from Pakeezah is played.
- Shop lights are gradually dimmed during the song.
- Symbolically marks the end of the day’s festivities and preserves emotional continuity.
Scale and Visitor Trends (85th Edition – 2026)
The 85th edition of the All India Industrial Exhibition has witnessed remarkable public participation.
- 19.94 lakh visitors attended as of February 11, 2026.
- Daily footfall averages 35,000–50,000 on weekdays.
- Holidays and extended weekends see up to 75,000 visitors per day.
- February 11 alone recorded 59,000 visitors.
- Organisers expect total attendance to exceed 23 lakh, surpassing last year’s 21.5 lakh.
Changing Demographics
A notable shift this year has been the surge in visitors from the 14–29 age group, deviating from the usual dominance of families, children, and those above 40 years.
However, some regular attendees observed that this year’s edition featured more food and clothing stalls, with fewer innovative exhibits compared to previous years. The absence of the T-Hub stall—once popular among youth—was particularly noted.
Economic and Commercial Diversity
Numaish functions as a national marketplace showcasing India’s diverse craftsmanship and consumer products:
- Dry fruits and handicrafts from Jammu & Kashmir
- Handmade garments from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh
- Handicraft items from across India
- Electronic goods from leading brands
- Special stalls by women’s self-help groups and prison convicts
Until 2011, the exhibition also featured carpets from Iran and select stalls from Pakistan. Due to diplomatic considerations, these were discontinued from 2012 onward.
The exhibition is equally famous for its food offerings. The iconic Hyderabadi haleem is sold by Pista House, drawing large crowds.
Connectivity and Urban Impact
As the exhibition nears its conclusion each year, visitor numbers increase significantly, often causing traffic congestion between Nampally crossroads and Mozamjahi Market crossroads.
To ease congestion, many visitors opt for Metro connectivity, alighting near the exhibition’s Ajantha Gate. This highlights how large-scale cultural events influence urban mobility and infrastructure planning.
Social and Emotional Value
For Hyderabad’s residents, Numaish represents more than commerce:
- A multi-generational family outing tradition
- A nostalgic memory tied to radio songs and evening walks
- A winter ritual in the city’s cultural calendar
As one senior citizen reflected, the joy of listening to classic songs while shopping with family and friends remains unmatched.
Contemporary Relevance
Even in an era of e-commerce and modern malls, Numaish continues to thrive due to:
- Its blend of tradition and entertainment
- Affordable shopping options
- Regional craft promotion
- Cultural familiarity and emotional attachment
Committee members remain confident that the exhibition’s iconic image will continue attracting visitors from across Hyderabad and neighbouring regions.
Conclusion
Numaish Masnuat-e-Mulki stands as a rare example of continuity in India’s urban cultural landscape. It is not just a consumer exhibition but a living institution reflecting Hyderabad’s socio-economic evolution.
From handcrafted goods and regional delicacies to nostalgic music and youthful energy, Numaish remains a vibrant confluence of commerce, culture, and community—an annual celebration that connects generations under one illuminated roof.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Numaish Masnuat-e-Mulki (Numaish):
- It is an annual consumer exhibition held in Hyderabad at a permanent venue in Nampally.
- It is organized continuously for a 46-day period and is unique in the world for its duration.
- It exclusively features products manufactured within Telangana state.
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 – Correct Numaish Masnuat-e-Mulki, commonly known as Numaish, is an annual consumer exhibition held in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is conducted at its permanent venue in Nampally, spread over about 23 acres. The exhibition has become a landmark cultural and commercial event in the city and is organized every year without interruption.
Statement 2 – Correct The exhibition is held continuously for 46 days, which makes it unique globally. It is recognized as the only exhibition of its kind in the world to be organized at a stretch for such a long duration at a permanent venue. This long duration allows participation from traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs from across the country and attracts large public footfall. Statement 3 – Incorrect The exhibition does not exclusively feature products from Telangana. Instead, it showcases a wide range of goods from different parts of India, including handicrafts from Jammu & Kashmir, garments from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, and various electronic goods and specialty products. Earlier, it also featured international products such as carpets from Iran and stalls from Pakistan (until 2011). Hence, it is national in scope rather than state-exclusive.
Relevance:
Prelims: Government schemes, AI in education, Samagra Shiksha, FLN Mission, Digital governance.
Mains (GS II): Issues relating to Education, Government Policies & Interventions, Use of Technology in Governance, AI in Public Service Delivery.
Why in News?
- Andhra Pradesh’s technology-driven education reforms received national recognition at an Artificial Intelligence Conclave held in New Delhi.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised the state for integrating Artificial Intelligence into school education to improve learning outcomes, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
Key Highlights
National Recognition
- Andhra Pradesh showcased its education reforms through a special stall under Samagra Shiksha.
- The stall attracted policymakers, educationists, and officials from multiple states.
- Several states expressed interest in replicating the AP model.
Focus on AI Integration
- The state is systematically embedding Artificial Intelligence into mainstream school education.
- Objectives include:
- Improving learning outcomes
- Expanding digital access
- Ensuring measurable academic progress
- Enhancing governance and transparency
Major Initiatives Displayed
- PAL (Programme for Academic Learning) Labs – Strengthen conceptual understanding.
- Strengthened Mid-Day Meal Programme – Supports student nutrition and attendance.
- “Clicker” Classroom Response System – Enhances student engagement through real-time feedback.
- Guaranteed FLN Mission – Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
- AI-enabled Chatbot – Provides academic support to students.
- AI-driven Face Recognition System – Tracks attendance and improves administrative efficiency.
Government Response
- Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commended Andhra Pradesh for adopting forward-looking, tech-enabled reforms.
- Senior officials highlighted tangible improvements at the district level.
- Other states indicated plans to visit Andhra Pradesh to study implementation.
Conclusion
Andhra Pradesh’s AI-driven education reforms demonstrate how technology can enhance learning outcomes, improve governance, and expand digital access in schools. The national recognition highlights the state’s emerging role as a model for tech-enabled educational transformation in India.
CARE MCQ
The main purpose of “Clicker” in Andhra Pradesh schools is…………..?
A. Digital attendance monitoring
B. Real-time classroom engagement
C. Online exam proctoring
D. Mid-day meal tracking
Answer: B
Clicker is a classroom response system for engagement.
Relevance:
GS Paper II (Governance & Regulatory Framework), GS Paper III (Energy, Infrastructure, Disaster Management)
For Prelims:
- SHANTI Act, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA) 2010, Nuclear Fission, Supplier Indemnity, Right of Recourse, Liability Cap, Special Drawing Rights (SDR), Atomic Energy Act 1962, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
For Mains:
- Nuclear Liability Regime, No-Fault Liability, Absolute Liability Principle, Moral Hazard, Regulatory Independence, Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Energy, Energy Security vs Public Safety, Disaster Compensation Framework, International Nuclear Conventions, Governance and Accountability in Hazardous Industries
Why in News?
Parliament recently passed the SHANTI Act, which opens India’s nuclear power sector to private participation and significantly amends the liability framework under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010. The changes — particularly on supplier indemnity and liability caps — have triggered debate on safety, accountability, and economic feasibility.
What is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is the use of controlled atomic reactions to produce power. At its core, it relies on splitting atoms in a process called fission, which releases large amounts of heat. This heat is then used to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases. Globally, nuclear energy is valued as a clean, dependable source that complements renewable options like solar and wind.
Salient Provisions of the Act
1. Participation of the Private Sector
The Act allows private entities — including companies, joint ventures, or any person specifically authorised by the Central Government — to engage in India’s nuclear energy sector.
They may undertake activities such as:
- Operation of nuclear power plants and generation of electricity
- Manufacturing of nuclear equipment
- Fabrication of nuclear fuel, including conversion processes
- Refining and enrichment of Uranium-235 up to a prescribed limit
- Production, handling, processing, or disposal of other notified radioactive substances
However, any activity involving radiation exposure requires prior safety clearance from the designated regulatory authority.
2. Activities Reserved for the Central Government
Strategically sensitive components of the nuclear fuel cycle remain under the exclusive control of the Central Government or its wholly owned entities.
These include:
- Enrichment of radioactive materials beyond specified limits
- Management and disposal of spent nuclear fuel
- Other critical fuel-cycle operations deemed sensitive
This ensures national security and strategic oversight.
3. Statutory Status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
The Act grants statutory backing to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to enhance its autonomy and regulatory authority.
- Originally constituted in 1983 under the Atomic Energy Act
- Now accountable to Parliament rather than functioning solely under executive control
- Responsible for nuclear safety, radiation protection, emergency response planning, and quality assurance in civilian nuclear facilities
This provision strengthens institutional independence in nuclear regulation.
4. Introduction of a New Civil Liability Framework
The legislation establishes a structured and graded liability mechanism for nuclear operators.
Liability Limits:
- ₹3,000 crore for large nuclear power plants
- ₹1,500 crore for medium-sized plants
- ₹100 crore for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Any liability exceeding these limits will be covered by the Government through a dedicated Nuclear Liability Fund.
Importantly, the Act eliminates supplier liability, unlike the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA), which allowed claims against suppliers for defective equipment.
5. Regulation of Non-Power Nuclear Applications
The Act also regulates the peaceful use of nuclear and radiation technologies in:
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Scientific research
- Other civilian applications
This ensures safety compliance beyond electricity generation.
6. Licensing and Safety Regulation
A comprehensive framework is introduced for:
- Granting licences
- Suspending licences
- Cancelling licences
- Issuing safety authorisations
Limited exemptions may be provided for research, development, and innovation activities under defined conditions.
7. Acquisition Powers of the Central Government
The Central Government is vested with exclusive rights to acquire assets or facilities in specific circumstances related to nuclear activities, ensuring strategic control where required.
8. Dispute Resolution Framework
The Act establishes:
• Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council
To facilitate settlement of disputes relating to nuclear operations.
• Nuclear Damage Claims Commission
To adjudicate cases involving major nuclear damage and ensure timely compensation.
9. Territorial Scope of Compensation
Compensation provisions extend to nuclear damage occurring outside India if the incident originates within Indian territory, subject to prescribed conditions.
10. Appellate Mechanism
Appeals against decisions under the Act will lie before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003).
Evolution of India’s Nuclear Legal Framework
India’s nuclear energy programme has evolved through key legislative milestones aimed at ensuring the peaceful use of atomic energy, while maintaining strong state oversight and public safety. Over time, these laws have reflected India’s increasing institutional capacity and strategic confidence in managing nuclear technology.
Atomic Energy Act, 1962
- Replaced the Atomic Energy Act of 1948.
- Established the legal foundation for India’s nuclear programme.
- Empowered the Central Government to regulate atomic energy strictly for peaceful purposes.
- Ensured state control over research, development, production, and use of nuclear materials.
Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (1986, 1987, 2015)
- Gradually broadened participation in nuclear power generation beyond direct Central Government control.
- Enabled government-owned companies and joint ventures to engage in nuclear energy production.
- Reflected India’s objective to expand nuclear capacity while retaining strategic and regulatory oversight.
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010
- Introduced a no-fault liability framework for nuclear accidents.
- Clearly defined responsibility for compensation in case of nuclear damage.
- Strengthened public confidence by embedding principles of safety, accountability, and victim compensation into the nuclear regime.
Why Supplier Indemnity Is Controversial
Historical nuclear disasters show that design defects often contribute to catastrophic accidents:
- Fukushima (2011): Flaws in containment design worsened the disaster.
- Chernobyl (1986): Reactor design deficiencies were central to the accident.
- Three Mile Island (1979): Control room design flaws and supplier communication failures were identified.
Despite such precedents, the SHANTI Act shields suppliers from civil and criminal liability in India. Critics argue that this lacks scientific and ethical justification.
International pressure — particularly from U.S. suppliers — reportedly influenced India to align liability norms with global conventions favourable to equipment manufacturers.
Liability Cap vs. Potential Damage
The liability ceiling under the Act is about ₹3,900 crore, while:
- Fukushima’s estimated cost may reach ₹46 lakh crore.
- Chernobyl-related losses in Belarus alone were about ₹21 lakh crore.
Thus, the cap is roughly one thousand times lower than potential damage. Even with supplementary international compensation mechanisms, total payouts may not exceed 1% of actual losses in a worst-case scenario.
Moral Hazard and Safety Concerns
Capping liability and indemnifying suppliers may create moral hazard — reducing incentives to invest in safety.
Additionally:
- The Act exempts operators from liability for accidents caused by “grave natural disasters,” even though Fukushima was triggered by a tsunami.
- This weakens India’s earlier “absolute liability” principle for hazardous industries.
Nuclear Energy’s Limited Role in India
- Nuclear power contributes only about 3% of India’s electricity generation.
- Targets have consistently been missed:
- 10 GW by 2000 → achieved only 2.86 GW
- 20 GW by 2020 → achieved 6.78 GW
- High capital costs and safety concerns remain systemic obstacles.
- Proposed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are largely untested and expensive.
- The new 100 GW by 2047 target appears ambitious and potentially unrealistic.
Economic Implications
Nuclear reactors present significant commercial opportunities. For example, two AP1000 reactors in the U.S. cost around $18 billion each.
The SHANTI Act creates a framework in which:
- Private Indian and multinational corporations can enter the nuclear market.
- Liability risks are significantly reduced for suppliers and operators.
- Regulatory oversight may be constrained.
Conclusion
The SHANTI Act represents a structural shift in India’s nuclear energy policy. While it aims to attract private investment and expand capacity, critics argue that supplier indemnity, liability caps, and regulatory dilution may compromise safety and accountability.
Given nuclear energy’s modest contribution to India’s power mix and past capacity shortfalls, the debate centres on whether the economic benefits justify the potential risks to public safety and environmental security.
UPSC PYQ
Basic scientific principle behind a nuclear reactor is: (NDA–I, 2019)
- Nuclear fusion
- Controlled nuclear fusion
- Uncontrolled nuclear fission
- Controlled nuclear fission
- In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus such as Uranium-235 splits into smaller nuclei.
- This process releases:
- A large amount of heat energy
- Additional neutrons
- The released neutrons sustain a chain reaction.
- The chain reaction is carefully controlled using control rods (made of neutron-absorbing materials like cadmium or boron).
- This ensures steady heat production, which is used to generate electricity.
CARE MCQ
Match the following Nuclear Power Plants with their respective Locations:
| Nuclear Power Plant | Location |
| 1. Tarapur Atomic Power Station | A. Rajasthan |
| 2. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station | B. Tamil Nadu |
| 3. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station | C. Maharashtra |
| 4. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant | D. Gujarat |
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1–C, 2–A, 3–D, 4–B
1–A, 2–C, 3–D, 4–B
1–C, 2–D, 3–A, 4–B
1–D, 2–A, 3–C, 4–B
Answer: A
Explanation:
1. Tarapur Atomic Power Station – Maharashtra
- Located in Maharashtra.
- One of India’s oldest nuclear power plants.
2. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station – Rajasthan
- Located at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan.
3. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station – Gujarat
- Located in Gujarat.
4. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant – Tamil Nadu
- Located in Tamil Nadu.
- Uses Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) technology.
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Agriculture, GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Digital Public Infrastructure)
For Prelims:
- Digital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack components, Farmer Registry, Crop Sown Registry, Geo-referenced village maps, AI in agriculture
For Mains:
- Inclusive growth, governance, DBT reforms
Why in News?
- In the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described AgriStack as “one of the next UPI” initiatives, highlighting its transformational potential for Indian agriculture.
- She announced Bharat-VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources) — a multilingual AI platform that will integrate AgriStack portals with agricultural best-practice packages developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
- The government plans to phase-wise connect AgriStack with major schemes such as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement to improve efficiency and transparency.
What is AgriStack?
- AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India’s agriculture sector.
- It was launched in 2024 under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
- Its goal is to consolidate farmer and agricultural data onto a single digital platform.
- The system aims to:
- Improve farm productivity
- Enable data-driven decision-making
- Provide customised advisory services
- Reduce risks for farmers
Why is it called the “next UPI”?
- Like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transformed digital payments, AgriStack aims to digitally transform agriculture.
- It will connect farmers with:
- Government schemes
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Procurement systems
- Advisory platforms
Three Foundational Registries of AgriStack
1. Farmer Registry
- Provides each farmer with a unique digital Farmer ID (similar to Aadhaar).
- Linked to:
- Land records
- Crops grown
- Livestock ownership
- Demographic & family details
- Benefits and schemes availed
- Target: 11 crore farmers (about 8.62 crore already created).
- Reduces paperwork and minimizes physical visits to offices.
2.Crop Sown Registry
- Contains season-wise data on crops planted.
- Data collected through mobile-based digital crop surveys.
- Target: 30 crore farm plots across 604 districts by Kharif 2026.
- Over 70% coverage already in several states.
3.Geo-referenced Village Maps
- Maps land records with precise geographic coordinates (latitude & longitude).
- 5.4 lakh villages mapped so far out of 6.75 lakh.
- Target completion: March 2027.
How AgriStack Will Help Farmers
- Integration with major services such as:
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement
- Fertiliser distribution
- Crop loans
- Insurance
- Storage
- Advisory services
Expected benefits:
- Faster approvals
- Leak-proof subsidy transfers
- Reduced documentation
- Better access to credit and insurance
- More equitable fertiliser distribution
Other Outcomes of Digital Agriculture Initiatives
1. Digital Crop Survey (DCS)
- Provides plot-level crop visibility.
- Helps estimate sowing patterns across seasons.
- Supports evidence-based planning for:
- Procurement
- Input supply
- Logistics
- Kharif 2025: Conducted in 604 districts, covering 28.5+ crore plots.
State-Level Success Examples
Maharashtra
- Used AgriStack for:
- Scheme delivery
- Disaster relief
- AI-based advisory
- Credit access
- ₹14,000+ crore transferred to 89 lakh farmers for crop losses.
Chhattisgarh
- Institutionalized Farmer ID + DCS for MSP-based paddy procurement.
- Covered 32+ lakh farmers in one season.
- Improved:
- Transparency
- Crop verification
- Timeliness of payments
2. Krishi Decision Support System
- Geo-spatial platform integrating:
- Satellite imagery
- Weather data
- Soil data
- Crop data
- Uses GIS to support agricultural planning and decision-making.
- Provides targeted advisories on crops, soil, and weather.
3. Kisan e-Mitra
- Voice-based AI chatbot for farmer queries (initially PM-KISAN).
- Supports 11 regional languages.
- Handles 8,000+ queries daily.
- 95 lakh+ queries answered so far.
4. National Pest Surveillance System
- Uses AI & Machine Learning to detect pest infestations.
- Enables timely intervention to reduce crop losses.
- Used by 10,000+ extension workers.
- Covers 65 crops and 400+ pests.
- Farmers can upload pest images for guidance.
5. Namo Drone Didi
- Central Sector Scheme to provide 15,000 drones to Women SHGs.
- Outlay: ₹1,261 crore (2023–26).
- Goals:
- Promote advanced agricultural technology
- Improve crop yield
- Reduce operational costs
- Empower rural women
- 500 drones already distributed.
- Study shows:
- Diversified SHG activities
- Improved farm practices
- Increased income opportunities
6.Seed Authenticity Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI)
- Digital platform for:
- Seed production
- Quality certification
- Distribution
- Traceability
- Establishes a National Seed Grid integrating all seed stakeholders into one system.
Current Use Cases
- Farmer ID used for registration under PM-KISAN.
- Some states use it for Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance) enrollment.
- Pilot projects have enabled:
- Faster MSP procurement
- Streamlined fertiliser supply
- KCC loan disbursement
UPSC PYQ
What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme? (2017)
- It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
- It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (c)
CARE MCQ
With reference to AgriStack, consider the following statements:
- AgriStack is a Digital Public Infrastructure aimed at integrating farmer-related data on a single platform.
- Each farmer is assigned a unique digital identity similar to Aadhaar.
- Bharat-VISTAAR is a blockchain-based platform for agricultural exports.
- AgriStack is expected to support DBT and MSP procurement systems.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) All of the above
Answer: A
Explanation:
- Statements 1 and 2 are core features of AgriStack.
- Statement 3 is incorrect — Bharat-VISTAAR is an AI-enabled multilingual integration tool, not blockchain-based.
- Statement 4 is correct since scheme convergence is a major objective.