Regulation of India’s Pharmaceutical Sector

Why in News The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently expressed concern over India’s drug safety regulations after at least 20 children died due to consuming contaminated cough syrups. The contaminated syrups identified were Coldrif (Sresan Pharmaceuticals), Respifresh (Rednex Pharmaceuticals), and ReLife (Shape Pharma). This tragedy highlighted critical gaps in regulatory enf

Tribal Governance in India

Special Gram Sabhas have been organized across over 1 lakh tribal-dominated villages and tolas under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, where the Tribal Village Vision 2030 Declaration was adopted. These declarations serve as a blueprint for holistic tribal development, identifying village-level priorities in areas such as education, health, livelihood, social and financial inclusion, and infrastructure.

We Rise Initiative

The We Rise Initiative, recently launched by NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in collaboration with DP World, is a significant step in empowering women entrepreneurs in India. About the We Rise Initiative: Objective: The Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises (We Rise) initiative aims to scale businesses globally by empowering w

DRAVYA Portal

The DRAVYA portal has launched its first phase, aiming to catalogue information on 100 key medicinal substances used in Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems. About DRAVYA Portal The DRAVYA portal, which stands for Digitized Retrieval Application for Versatile Yardstick of AYUSH Substances, is a state-of-the-art platform aimed at consolidating vast information on Ayurvedic ingredients and me

Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) Portal

The Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) is a significant digital initiative aimed at streamlining the licensing process for drugs and pharmaceutical products in India. Recently, it's been reported that although 18 state drug control authorities have adopted the platform, no state has yet fully complied with the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) guidelines for the portal, a

PM-SETU Scheme

At the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme. This initiative aims to overhaul India's technical training landscape and create a robust skill development infrastructure. About the PM-SETU Scheme The PM-SETU scheme is a centrally sponsor

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently issued 84 Quality Control Orders (QCOs), based on recommendations from various ministries and departments. These orders are aimed at ensuring that products meet quality standards, reinforcing BIS's role in regulating and promoting product safety and quality across various sectors in India. About the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) BI

International Social Security Association (ISSA)

The Union Labour Ministry of India recently highlighted the significant expansion of social protection in the country, rising from just 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025. This development was showcased at a conclave of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) held in Kuala Lumpur. The ISSA meeting provided an international platform for discussing best practices in social security and

Digital Maha Kumbh 2025: A Fusion of Spirituality and Technology

Digital Maha Kumbh 2025: A Fusion of Spirituality and Technology The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, scheduled to take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is set to be a groundbreaking event that merges spiritual traditions with modern technology. The integration of cutting-edge technology aims to enhance devotee safety, efficiency in management, and cyber security during the event, while providing an imm

High-Risk Food Category

High-Risk Food Category Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has categorized packaged drinking water as a 'high-risk food'. This classification highlights the importance of maintaining strict safety standards in the production, packaging, and distribution of such food products to ensure public health. What Are High-Risk Food Categories? High-risk fo

Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023

Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P) has launched the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 to evaluate and enhance the grievance redressal systems of various central ministries and departments in India. Key Features of GRAI 2023: Purpose: GRAI 2023 aims to assess and im

What is the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Overview: In a coordinated operation at sea, the Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently apprehended a suspicious vessel carrying almost 3300 Kgs of contraband. About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): The NCB was created in March 1986 in terms of Section 4(3) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which envisages a Central Authority for the purpos

Ministry of Finance Year Ender 2023: Department of Economic Affairs

The Year 2023 marks the beginning of ‘Amrit Kaal’ - the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15th August 2022, leading up to the centenary of its Independence, towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core. India continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies of

Prerana program

Context: Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India has launched ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning program’, aiming to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to all participants, thereby empowering them with leadership qualities. About Prerana Program: The 'Prerana: An Experiential Learning Program' is an en

India’s First Healthy & Hygienic Food Street

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated India’s first Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, ‘PRASADAM,’ at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.  Objectives of the Initiative: The primary goal of the Prasadam initiative is to establish a connection among people across the nation by providing access

Health Ministry Steps Up Fight Against Zoonotic Diseases

Context: As per the Union Health Ministry, 75% of new infectious diseases that have emerged over the past three decades have been zoonotic, and the Ministry is increasing its focus on zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases They are the infections transmitted between humans and animals. These infections result from various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, an

Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry-Year review

The Ministry was carved from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare in 2019. Departments Department of Fisheries Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department of Fisheries Fisheries sector plays an important role in the Indian economy as it contributes to the national income, exports, food and nutritional security as well as employment gen

Illegal migration

Context: The farming crisis is forcing youths to take to illegal migration. The people affected by distress in their homeland seek opportunities in the developed world despite the enormous risks during their journeys. The recent episode of the forced return of 303 Indians who were detained at a French airport is suspected to be another such instance, or worse, trafficking. B

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment-Year review

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has its origin from the erstwhile Ministry of Welfare. Two departments have been under the Ministry Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (Samajik Nyaya and Adhikarita Vibhag) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) The Ministry is entrusted with the welfare, social justice and em

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – YEAR REVIEW

The Ministry is charged with health policy in India, which is also responsible for all government programs relating to family planning in India. Departments Department of Health and Family Welfare Department of Health Research Union Minister- Mansukh L. Mandaviya Health Missions National Health Mission (NHM) – It was launched in 2005 to provide accessible, affor

National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI)

National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) was registered on 1970 under the Bombay Cooperative Societies Act (VII of 1925). Headquarters - New Delhi. NCDFI is an apex body of cooperative dairies. Members - NCDFI members include federal dairy cooperatives of states and union territories.

DIGITAL  INDIA  ACT TO SHAPE INDIA’S CYBER LANDSCAPE

DIGITAL  INDIA  ACT TO SHAPE INDIA’S CYBER LANDSCAPE     Why in the News? The Digital India Act 2023 (DIA) has been recently announced by the government to establish a future-ready legal framework for the country’s growing digital ecosystem. Digital India Act 2023 (DIA): It seeks to replace the two-decade-old Information Technology Act o

Push for more women, this time in the police

Push for more women, this time in the police     Reservation, actual availability in the police: Through horizontal reservation policy present in many states, 30% or 33% of the vacant posts (of direct recruitment) can be filled up by women in the police forces. Horizontal reservation — if the minimum reserved vacant posts are not filled up in eac