Recently, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Hyderabad, a scientific society functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with Reliance Foundation, launched the e-SafeHER Initiative.

The initiative has been introduced to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among women in rural India, especially at a time when digital platforms are increasingly being used for financial transactions, livelihoods, education, and access to essential services.

About e-SafeHER Initiative

The e-SafeHER Initiative is a cyber-security awareness and training programme designed to empower women across rural India with essential digital safety skills.

The programme aims to create awareness about:

• Cyber frauds

• Online scams

• Digital privacy

• Safe online financial practices

• Cyber hygiene and responsible internet usage

Objectives of the Initiative

The major objective of the programme is to strengthen last-mile cybersecurity awareness among women in villages and remote regions.

The initiative seeks to:

• Build confidence among women in using digital platforms safely

• Protect rural users from cyber fraud and financial scams

• Promote secure digital participation

• Create digitally aware rural communities

It also aims to develop women as “Cyber Sakhis”, who can further spread awareness within their local communities.

Target and Duration

Under this initiative, the government aims to empower one million women, referred to as Cyber Sakhis, across rural India over the next three years.

These trained women will act as local digital safety ambassadors and help educate others about cyber security practices.

Implementation Strategy

The implementation of the programme will involve collaboration between C-DAC and Reliance Foundation.

Role of C-DAC

Centre for Development of Advanced Computing will:

• Develop cybersecurity training modules

• Localize content in regional languages

• Continuously update awareness material under the ISEA Project

Role of Reliance Foundation

Reliance Foundation will use its strong grassroots network and women empowerment platforms in rural India to deliver the programme through a peer-led and community-based model.

States Covered Initially

The initiative will first be launched in:

• Madhya Pradesh

• Odisha

After the initial phase, the programme will be expanded gradually across the country.

About Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA)

The e-SafeHER Initiative is being implemented under the Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Programme of MeitY.

The ISEA programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology aimed at promoting cybersecurity education and awareness in India.

Key Facts about ISEA Programme

• The programme was launched in 2005.

• It is currently operating in its third phase, which began in October 2023.

• The programme focuses on generating human resources in information security.

• It also spreads awareness regarding cyber hygiene and cyber security among the general public.

The Supreme Court of India recently clarified that it would not make “any structural changes” to the existing arrangement related to religious practices at the famous Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The observation came during proceedings concerning the management and functioning of the temple, which witnesses a very large number of devotees throughout the year.

About Bankey Bihari Temple

The Bankey Bihari Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is situated in the sacred town of Vrindavan in the Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh, a region deeply associated with the life and legends of Lord Krishna.

The name “Banke” means bent, while “Bihari” refers to the enjoyer or supreme enjoyer. The deity in the temple is depicted in the unique ‘tribhanga’ posture, where Lord Krishna’s body is gracefully bent at three places. This distinctive posture gives Him the beloved name “Banke Bihari.”

Establishment of the Temple

The temple was established by Swami Haridas, a renowned saint and the guru of the legendary musician Tansen.

Swami Haridas was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and played an important role in spreading Krishna bhakti traditions in Vrindavan.

Religious Importance

The Bankey Bihari Temple is considered one of the most sacred shrines in Vrindavan. It is among the seven famous temples collectively known as the “Thakur of Vrindavan.”

Architecture of the Temple

The present temple complex housing the idol of Banke Bihari was constructed in 1864. It is regarded as an excellent example of traditional Indian craftsmanship.

The architecture of the temple is heavily influenced by the Rajasthani style, which is visible in its beautifully designed arches, pillars, and decorative elements.

Another remarkable feature of the temple is the extensive use of oil paintings. Images of deities are painted across the walls and ceilings, adding to the temple’s spiritual and artistic beauty.

Unique Features of the Temple

One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bankey Bihari Temple is that bells and conch shells are not used within the temple premises. This makes the temple traditions different from many other Hindu temples where bells and conches are commonly part of worship rituals.

Role in India’s Freedom Struggle

During India’s freedom movement, the Bankey Bihari Temple also served as a center for revolutionary activities. A revolutionary newspaper named “Bundelkhand Kesari” was reportedly published secretly from the temple premises.

Recent investigations have revealed a worrying rise in the counterfeit market for Keytruda, a widely used cancer immunotherapy drug. The spread of fake versions of the medicine has been linked to the high cost of treatment, limited patient access, and the use of standardized high-dose regimens that significantly increase expenses for patients.

About Keytruda

Keytruda is the brand name of pembrolizumab, an advanced immunotherapy drug used for treating several types of cancer. It was developed and manufactured by the US-based pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., also known as MSD outside the United States.

The drug belongs to a class of medicines known as “checkpoint inhibitors.” These drugs help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Keytruda is also categorized as a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules specifically designed to bind to certain targets in the body. By attaching to these targets, they help the immune system identify and destroy cancerous cells.

In simple terms, Keytruda enables the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

How Keytruda Works

Pembrolizumab works by targeting immune cells called T cells, which play a major role in defending the body against diseases.

Normally, cancer cells escape immune attack by using proteins called PD-L1, which bind to PD-1 receptors present on T cells. This interaction suppresses the immune response and prevents T cells from attacking cancer cells.

Keytruda blocks this mechanism by attaching to the PD-1 receptors on T cells. As a result:

• Cancer cells are no longer able to hide from the immune system.

• T cells can recognize the abnormal cells.

• The immune system becomes activated and attacks the cancer.

Thus, Keytruda removes the “brakes” on the immune system and strengthens the body’s anti-cancer response.

Approval and Development

Keytruda was first approved in 2014 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of advanced skin cancer (melanoma).

Since then, its use has expanded globally, and it is now considered one of the most important drugs in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

Cancers Treated with Keytruda

Today, Keytruda is used worldwide for the treatment of several cancers, including:

• Lung cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)

• Aggressive breast cancer

Significance of Keytruda

Keytruda is regarded as a major breakthrough in modern cancer treatment because it provides a more targeted approach compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Its major significance includes:

• Boosting the body’s natural immune response

• Improving survival rates in many cancers

• Providing treatment options for advanced-stage cancers

• Reducing dependence on conventional chemotherapy in some cases