Notifiable Diseases

Source:  TH  Context: The Government of India has urged States and Union Territories to classify snakebite cases and deaths as “notifiable diseases” to enhance surveillance and improve public health interventions. This move aligns with the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), which aims to reduce snakebite-related deaths and disabilities by …

Animal Quarantine and Certification Services

Source:  PIB Context: Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) recently facilitated its first successful import of a pet under the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) certification. About Animal Quarantine and Certification Services: Established: Initiated during the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-70) under a central sector scheme by the Government of India. AQCS certification under central animal …

Eklavya Platform

  Context: General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), launched the Eklavya online learning platform for the Indian Army. This initiative aligns with the Army’s vision of a “Decade of Transformation” and the 2024 theme, “Year of Technology Absorption.” About Eklavya Platform: Developed by: Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), …

Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

Source:   BS Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog as AIM 2.0, with an allocated budget of ₹2,750 crore until March 31, 2028. About Atal Innovation Mission 2.0: Ministry/ Department: NITI Aayog. Budget: ₹2,750 crore till March 2028. Aim: To strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship …

One Nation One Subscription

Source:  Live Mint Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme to provide universal access to international scholarly research articles and journals. This initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047, fostering a robust research and development culture in India. About One Nation One Subscription (ONOS): Ministry: …

National Mission on Natural Farming

Source:  PIB  Context: The Union Cabinet, approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming to improve soil health, cut input costs, and ensure nutritious food. About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF): Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Central Sponsored Scheme: Total outlay of ₹2481 crore (GoI share ₹1584 crore; …

Marine Fisheries Census 2025

Source:  TH Context: On World Fisheries Day 2024, the Centre launched transformative initiatives in the fisheries sector, including the Marine Fisheries Census 2025 and the National Plan of Action on Sharks About Marine Fisheries Census: History of Census: 1948-49: Initial survey by CMFRI on village-wise fishing data. 1980 Census: Covered 2132 villages, 333,038 households, and …

VISION Portal

Source:   PIB  Context: Union Minister launched the VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network) to democratize startup skills and innovation among underprivileged children. About VISION Portal: Launch: Inaugurated on November 21, 2024. Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Aim: Promote education, skill development, and innovation for underprivileged children. …

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

Source:  TH Context: On November 6, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved PM Vidyalaxmi, a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing financial support to meritorious students pursuing higher education. The scheme offers collateral-free and guarantor-free loans to cover tuition fees and related expenses for students admitted to select quality institutions ranked by the National Institutional Ranking …

“Waves” OTT Platform

Source:  DD News  Context: Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, launched its OTT platform “Waves” during the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024. About Waves OTT Platform: Developer: Prasar Bharati, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Launch Event: Inaugurated at IFFI 2024. Tagline: “Waves – Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar.” …

“Bhu-Neer” Portal

Source:  PIB Context: The Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal during the ceremonial conclusion of India Water Week 2024. About the “Bhu-Neer” Portal: Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti, developed by Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with NIC. Aim: To regulate, manage, and monitor groundwater resources transparently and efficiently, promoting sustainability. …

Chhattisgarh Cattle Marking

Context: Chhattisgarh reported 231 road accident deaths from stray cattle in 2.5 years, exceeding Maoist-related fatalities. The government is addressing this with awareness drives and marking cattle horns. Initiatives Taken: Painting Cattle Horns: Stray cattle horns are painted with reflective, high-quality paint to help drivers spot them at night. Collar Belts for Cattle: Collar belts …

Operation Dronagiri

Source:  PIB Context: The Operation Dronagiri, launched under the National Geospatial Policy 2022 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to integrate geospatial technologies into key sectors like agriculture, livelihoods, and logistics. About Operation Dronagiri: Launched by: Department of Science and Technology (DST). Date: November 13, 2024. Objective: Demonstrate the applications of geospatial …

Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR)

Source:  New Indian Express Context: The Government of India has launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program to strengthen the research and innovation capabilities of universities. About Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR): Launched In: November 2024 Ministry/department: Department of Science and Technology (DST) Aim: Boost research capabilities and innovation in …

Fingerling

Source:  TH Context: As part of the artificial reef project under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the State Fisheries Department in Kerala launched a sea ranching initiative by releasing 20,000 pompano fingerlings off the Vizhinjam coast. About Fingerlings: Scientific name: Pompano: Trachinotus blochii Cobia: Rachycentron canadum Ministry involved: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, …

CISF All Women Battalion

Source:  India Today Context: The Indian Home Ministry has approved the establishment of the first all-women battalion in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), comprising 1,025 personnel. About Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Overview: A Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) established on March 10, 1969 under an Act of Parliament. Became an armed force of …

Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative

Source:  IE Context: The Government of India has launched the “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” initiative to bolster animal health security as a preventive measure against future pandemics About the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ Initiative: Launched in: October 25, 2024 The project …