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NAVYA Initiative

Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) informed the Lok Sabha about the NAVYA Initiative.

About NAVYA Initiative:

The NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational training for Young Adolescent Girls) aims to empower adolescent girls (AGs) aged 16–18 years in aspirational districts by equipping them with relevant skills for socio-economic independence.
It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Women & Child Development.

Objective of NAVYA Initiative

Provide demand-driven vocational training aligned with traditional and non-traditional sectors.
Facilitate holistic development through modules on health, nutrition, hygiene, financial literacy, life skills, and legal awareness.
Promote employability, self-employment, and forward linkages such as internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.
Strengthen gender-inclusive skilling and create a safe, supportive training environment.
Bridge the gap between education and livelihood, particularly for girls in underserved and remote areas.
Under the NAVYA initiative, it has been decided to train 3850 adolescent girls under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0) in non-traditional and modern job roles such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, AI-enabled services, green jobs, and other emerging sectors.
Further, training in life skills, financial literacy, and digital competence is to be provided to equip them for both current and future workforce demands.
Under the NAVYA initiative, 19 States and 27 districts have been covered.

e-Jagriti Platform

Over two lakh users, including NRIs, have registered on the e-Jagriti platform since its launch.

About e-Jagriti Platform:

e-Jagriti is a flagship initiative by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.
It is aimed at strengthening the consumer dispute redressal system across the country.
The project focuses on the computerization and networking of all Consumer Commissions at the national, state, and district levels to ensure transparency, efficiency, and speedy resolution of consumer disputes.

Features of e-Jagriti Platform

e-Jagriti enables consumers to file complaints, track case statuses, and access judgments online.
The platform plays a vital role in digitizing consumer commissions and empowering citizens by providing easy access to legal remedies.
It provides simple, fast and a more cost-effective consumer disputes redressal software solution at all levels.
It is envisaged to integrate consumer grievance platforms, namely, Online Case Monitoring System (OCMS), E-Daakhil, NCDRC Case Monitoring System, CONFONET website, mediation application, in a single platform.
It has case filing, online fee payment, case monitoring modules for seamless disposal of cases by all the Commissions, has Smart search facility on archived consumer complaints / cases / judgements using AI technology for metadata and keyword creation, and Voice-to-text conversion of judgements, case history and other details using AI / ML technology.
With its user-friendly interface and real-time updates, e-Jagriti ensures accountability, reduces paperwork, and fosters a more transparent and accessible justice system for consumers nationwide.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

India’s largest refiner and fuel retailer Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) expects to start producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on commercial scale at its Panipat refinery by December.

About Sustainable Aviation Fuel:

It is a biofuel, also known as bio-jet fuel produced from sustainable feedstocks.
It has chemistry similar to conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or jet fuel, which is derived from crude oil.
This means that existing aircraft engines can easily use the SAF-ATF blend.
It is made from renewable biomass and waste resources have the potential to deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel.
Various Indian airlines have already operated successfully a few test and demonstration flights using jet fuel doped with SAF in various proportions.
Production: It can be produced from a number of sources (feedstock) including waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste and non-food crops.
It can also be produced synthetically via a process that captures carbon directly from the air.

Significance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Its carbon footprint is significantly lower than aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
It is ‘sustainable’ because the raw feedstock does not compete with food crops or water supplies, or is responsible for forest degradation.
It remains the major mature and viable pathway to decarbonise the aviation sector. At the same time, SAF only accounts for 0.3% of the current fuel use for aviation.

SWAYAM Portal

The Ministry of Education is offering free Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses on the Swayam Portal to help students stay updated with the rising demand for AI skills.

About SWAYAM Portal:

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active–Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is India’s own MOOCs (Massive Open Online Course) platform of the Ministry of Education (MoE) initiative and was launched during 2017.
It seeks to bridge the digital divide for students who have hitherto remained untouched by the digital revolution and have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy.
It is an indigenously developed IT platform that facilitates hosting of all the courses taught in classrooms from Class 9 till post-graduation to be accessed by anyone, anywhere, at any time.
All the courses are interactive, prepared by the best teachers in the country, and are available, free of cost, to the residents in India.

What is offered in SWAYAM?

Courses that are taught in classrooms from 9th class till post-graduation.
The courses hosted on SWAYAM are in 4 quadrants:
video lecture
specially prepared reading material that can be downloaded/printed
self-assessment tests through tests and quizzes and
an online discussion forum for clearing the doubts.
Categories of courses include - Engineering, Science, Humanities, Management, Language, Mathematics, Arts and Recreation, Commerce, General, Library, Education.
Courses delivered through SWAYAM are available free of cost to the learners.
Students wanting certifications need to register and shall be offered a certificate on successful completion of the course, with a little fee.
At the end of each course, there will be an assessment of the student through a proctored examination, and the marks/grades secured in this exam could be transferred to the academic record of the students.
UGC and AICTE have already issued the UGC (Credit Framework for online learning courses through SWAYAM) Regulation 2016 advising the Universities to identify courses where credits can be transferred on to the academic record of the students for courses done on SWAYAM.

Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal

Recently, on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, the President of India awarded seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals (SYSM) to the leaders of Operation Sindoor.

About Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal:

It was instituted on 26 Jun 1980 to recognize the distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war/conflict/hostilities.

Features of Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal

Medal:Circular in shape, 35 mm in diameter and fitted to a plain horizontal bar with standard fittings. The medal shall be of gold gilt.
The medal shall have on its obverse the State Emblem and the inscriptions "SARVOTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL" (in English). On its reverse, it shall have a five pointed star.
Ribbon:Golden colour with one red vertical stripe in the centre dividing it into two equal parts.
Bar:If a recipient of the medal is subsequently awarded the medal again, every such further award shall be recognised by a Bar to be attached to the riband by which the medal is suspended.
For every such Bar, a miniature insignia of a pattern approved by the Government shall be added to the riband when worn alone.
Personnel Eligible: All ranks of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force including those of Territorial Army Units, Auxiliary and Reserve Forces and other lawfully constituted Armed Forces when embodied.
And also Nursing officers and other members of the Nursing Services in the Armed Forces.
The medal may be awarded posthumously.

UN Women

Recently, the UN Women celebrated its 15th anniversary.

About UN Women:

It is the United Nations (UN) entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
It was created in July 2010 by the UN General Assembly.

The main roles of UN Women are:

To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards, and norms.
To help member states implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society.
To lead and coordinate the UN system’s work on gender equality as well as promote accountability, including through regular monitoring of system-wide progress.
It works globally to make the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) a reality for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life.
Within countries that request its assistance, UN Women works with government and non-governmental partners to help them put in place the policies, laws, services, and resources that women require to move towards equality.
Grant-making Funds: UN Women provides grants to fuel innovative, high-impact programmes by government agencies and civil society groups through two funds—the Fund for Gender Equality and the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women.
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW): A global policy-making body, the CSW is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the advancement of women.
It maintains the UN Secretary-General’s database on violence against women, which tracks measures to end violence taken by UN Member States and UN organizations.

UN World Food Programme

Recently, India launched a new collaborative initiative with the support of the UN World Food Programme to strengthen Rice Fortification and Supply Chain Management in Nepal.

About UN World Food Programme:

It is a branch of the United Nations that deals with hunger eradication and promotes food security in the world.
It is the world’s largest humanitarian agency and was established in 1961.
The organization’s work is guided by Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
It operates in more than 120 countries, provides food assistance during emergencies and works with communities to enhance nutrition and generate resilience.
Funding: WFP is funded by voluntary donations from governments, corporates and private donors.
It is a member of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
India is a member of this organization and WEF has been functioning in India since 1963.
WEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
Reports by WEF: Report released by the WFP is the Global Report on Food Crisis which describes the scale of acute hunger in the world.
Headquarters: Rome, Italy.

El Salvador

Recently, El Salvador's ruling party passed a bill that will allow indefinite presidential reelection and extend presidential terms to six years.

About El Salvador:

It is a small mountainous Central American nation.
Bordered by: It is bordered by Honduras to the northeast; Guatemala to the northwest and by the Pacific Ocean to the south.
It is the only Central American nation without a coast on the Caribbean.
Topography: The Central Region of El Salvador is characterized by a mix of mountains, valleys, and a volcanic plateau.
The region is dominated by the volcanic chain, part of the larger Sierra Madre mountains, which includes several volcanoes such as San Salvador, Ilopango, and San Vicente.
Highest Point: The highest point in the country, Cerro El Pital, stands at 2,730 meters (8,957 feet) and is located on the border with Honduras in the northern part of this region.
River: Lempa River plays a significant role in the geography of the country.
Major Lakes: Lake Ilopango, Lake Coatepeque , Lake Güija
Climate: The climate of El Salvador is tropical but is moderated by elevation in the interior; in general it is warm rather than hot
Capital City: San Salvador.

UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

Recently, the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

About UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries:

The LLDC3 conference, held once every ten years, brings global attention to the 32 landlocked developing countries, which collectively house over 600 million people.
The primary objective of LLDC3 is to facilitate coordinated international efforts to bridge these development gaps.
The conference will explore actionable solutions through partnerships, smarter investment frameworks, and the development of efficient, flexible transport corridors that enhance the movement of goods and services across regions.
Due to lack of direct access to seaports, landlocked countries face disproportionate barriers to trade, economic diversification, and infrastructure development.
This year’s conference, themed “Driving Progress through Partnerships,” serves as a crucial platform to address structural challenges, mobilize investment, and implement the newly adopted Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034).

Key facts about The Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034)

A central focus of LLDC3 is the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) for the Decade 2024–2034.
The APoA was adopted by consensus at the UN General Assembly on 24 December 2024 and offers a comprehensive framework to tackle persistent development challenges faced by LLDCs.

UNDP Equator Initiative Award

Recently, a Self-Help Group (SHG) from a small village in Kundgol taluk of Dharwad district, Karnataka has bagged the ‘Equator Initiative Award’ given by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

About UNDP Equator Initiative Award:

It is presented under the Equator Initiative of the United Nations Development Programme.
It is awarded biennially to recognize outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
It is also referred to as the Nobel Prize for Biodiversity Conservation.
Prize money: The award includes a cash prize of $10,000.
This year’s award selection was based on the theme Women and Youth Leadership for Nature-Based Climate Action”.

Eligibility Criteria

The initiative must have been in existence for at least three years, and/or the actions taken must have been in place for at least three years.
The nominee must be either a local community-based group, operating in a rural area, based in a country receiving support from the United Nations Development Programme or an Indigenous Peoples’ community in any country, operating in a rural area.
The actions taken must be nature-based, and must deliver benefits related to two or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Inter State Transmission System (ISTS)

About 26 gigawatt of renewable energy (RE) projects are expected to be impacted with the end of waiver on inter-State transmission system (ISTS) charges provided for solar and wind projects, according to Crisil Ratings.

About Inter State Transmission System (ISTS):

It is a high-voltage power transmission network that enables electricity to flow seamlessly across state borders in India.
It connects power-rich regions with energy-deficient areas.
This ensures a balanced and efficient distribution of electricity.
It is managed by the Central Transmission Utility of India Limited (CTUIL), a 100% subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) under the Ministry of Power.
ISTS operates at voltages above 132 kV and reduces transmission losses and enhances grid stability.
This system allows solar and wind power to be transmitted nationwide and plays a crucial role in large-scale ISTS renewable energy projects.
ISTS eliminates state-wise transmission restrictions and creates a unified energy market where electricity can be supplied based on demand.
Overcoming geographical constraints, ISTS makes the power sector more reliable and efficient.

Working:

Power Generation: Electricity is generated from various sources, including solar farms, wind parks, hydro plants, and thermal stations.
Grid Connection: The generated power is transmitted to ISTS substations, which are high-voltage facilities managed by the Central Transmission Utility (CTU). These substations step up the voltage to reduce transmission losses.
High-Voltage Transmission: The electricity is transported through a network of 132 kV and above transmission lines that span multiple states, ensuring minimal energy loss over long distances.
Load Management: The Regional Load Dispatch Centers (RLDCs) and the National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC) monitor and regulate electricity flow, ensuring supply matches demand.
Distribution to Consumers: Power is stepped down at state-level substations and supplied to industries, businesses, and residential areas via the State Transmission Utility (STU) and local distribution networks.

National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)

The traffic from Sikkim and Kalimpong to Siliguri and vice versa on NH10 remained suspended because of repairs by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited on a 30 km-long stretch following a landslide and cave-ins.

About National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL):

It is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India.
The company was incorporated on the 18th of July, 2014, under the Companies Act, 2013.
It is a wholly owned Government entity.
It is dedicated exclusively to the task of constructing/upgrading/widening National Highways in parts of the country which shares international boundaries with neighbouring countries in order to promote regional connectivity on a substantial basis.
NHIDCL’s domain extends across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands; the state of Uttarakhand; and the entire Northeastern Region (NER).
Its ambit includes tunnels, logistics hubs, interstate and international road linkages, and advanced mobility facilities - all serving as the arteries of India’s economic and geopolitical aspirations.
As the executing arm of the Government of India’s vision to realize the “Act East Policy,” NHIDCL plays a pivotal role as the nodal agency in the Northeastern region.

Assets Under Management (AUM)

The Asset Under Management (AUM) of India’s Mutual Fund (MF) industry was estimated at ₹74.40 lakh crore, marking a more than sevenfold growth in 10 years, according to a recent report.

About Assets Under Management (AUM):

AUM is a crucial metric in the financial industry, particularly in mutual funds.
AUM refers to the total market value of the assets that a financial institution or investment company manages on behalf of its clients.
These assets can include stocks, bonds, and other financial investments.

AUM is affected by:

Market fluctuations
Net investor inflows (new investments)
Redemptions or withdrawals
Dividend reinvestments
AUM is an essential measure of the size and success of a mutual fund, as it provides investors with insight into the fund's popularity and credibility.
It also indicates the financial institution's expertise and ability to attract and retain clients.
Additionally, investors often use AUM to assess the fund's liquidity and stability.
The larger the AUM, the more resources and diversification potential the fund may have, which can attract investors seeking long-term growth and stability.
A mutual fund’s AUM can have a large impact on the fees that an investor usually pays to invest in the mutual fund. For example, some larger funds might have a very high minimum investment.

Ayurveda Aahara

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, has released a definitive list of Ayurvedic food preparations under the category of “Ayurveda Aahara”.

About Ayurveda Aahara:

Ayurveda Aahara refers to food products developed in line with the holistic dietary principles of Ayurveda, one of the world's oldest systems of health and wellness.
These preparations emphasise balance, seasonal suitability, and using natural ingredients and herbs known for their therapeutic benefits.
This significant step brings India’s time-honoured food wisdom into the mainstream, following the introduction of the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations in 2022. These regulations recognise foods based on recipes, ingredients, and processes from authoritative Ayurvedic texts, and the new list brings unprecedented clarity and confidence to consumers and businesses alike.
The list, issued under Note (1) of Schedule B of the regulations, draws directly from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A, ensuring the authenticity and traditional basis of these food formulations.
This initiative aims to assist Food Business Operators (FBOs) by providing a clear and credible reference for the manufacture of Ayurveda Aahara products.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in enhancing regulatory clarity for industry stakeholders while promoting the widespread adoption of Ayurveda-based nutrition for better public health outcomes.

Market Coupling

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has proposed implementation of market coupling in the Day Ahead Market (DAM) segment of power exchanges.

About Market Coupling:

Market coupling is an economic model used in energy markets to create a single, uniform price for electricity across different trading platforms or exchanges.
India has three power exchanges—Indian Energy Exchange (IEX), Power Exchange India Limited (PXIL), and Hindustan Power Exchange Limited (HPX).
These are voluntary markets, and each of them collects buy and sell bids on their own and, thus, comes up with their own market clearing prices (MCPs).
In simple terms, currently, each power exchange has a different cost of electricity, even though they usually differ from each other only by a few paisa.
Market coupling is a model where buy bids and sell bids from all power exchanges in the country will be aggregated and matched to discover a uniform MCP.
It means there will be only one price for the electricity that is to be traded at any point of time through these exchanges.
If implemented, power exchanges will be rendered as a platform where only buy and sell bids will be received and power dispatched to the buyer.

Advantages:

It can be used to improve the efficiency and integration of multiple interconnected markets in the electricity sector.
This could potentially enable higher utilisation and reduce energy loss.
It can help enhance market liquidity by allowing participants to trade electricity across borders.
This also helps boost the number of participants and the overall trading volumes in the power market.

Ambergris

The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) recently seized 2.97 kg of ambergris, commonly known as sperm whale vomit, worth nearly ₹2.97 crore in the international market and arrested two people.

About Ambergris:

Ambergris, also known as ‘whale vomit’ is a solid, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
It is extremely valuable and has been called the ‘treasure of the sea’ and ‘floating gold’.
It is highly valued in the perfume industry as a fragrance enhancer.
It is also used in traditional medicines and sometimes even as a spice in eastern cultures.
There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia, and India.
In India, the sale and trade of ambergris are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Formation:

It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds (mostly the beaks of squid).
Once released, it initially floats on the ocean's surface and is black and sticky.
Exposure to sun, air, and salt water oxidizes it, and eventually it becomes grey and waxy, often still embedded with small squid beaks. and losing its unpleasant odour.
Ambergris is found in lumps of various shapes and sizes, ranging from 15 grams up to 420 kilograms.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Recently, Kerala’s health department has sounded an alert in Kozhikode district after three back to back cases of the rare Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported in the region.

About Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis:

It is an infection of the brain and the membranes covering the brain.
Cause: It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain eating amoeba”.
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm, fresh water and soil, and infects people when it enters the body through the nose.
This is a very rare, but serious disease with a mortality rate of more than 95%.
It affects mainly young, active people.
It is classified into two main types: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) and Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis (GAE).
PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, while GAE is typically associated with Acanthamoeba species and Balamuthia mandrillaris.
PAM tends to progress rapidly and is often fatal within a few days, whereas GAE develops more slowly but is equally deadly if not treated promptly.
Transmission: The amoeba that causes the infection occurs in shallow surface waters and incorrectly maintained swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, particularly in warm climates.
Infection occurs when infected water enters the nose. This can happen when diving, jumping, or swimming in freshwater.
The amoeba then invades the brain and meninges through the nose.
Symptoms: sore throat, headache and pain in the forehead, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, high fever etc.
Treatment: Swift diagnosis and treatment with specific antibiotics may be useful, but recovery is rare.

Jellyfish

Recently, one of the largest nuclear power plants in France was forced to temporarily shut down due to a slimy and spineless adversary: jellyfish.

About Jellyfish:

It is a resilient gelatinous zooplankton of the phylum Cnidaria.
It is a highly adaptable marine organism with simple anatomy, stinging tentacles and efficient jet propulsion.

Characteristics of Jellyfish

It is a simple invertebrate, members of the phylum Cnidaria, which includes creatures such as sea anemones, sea whips, and corals.
The body parts of a jellyfish radiate from a central axis. This “radial symmetry” allows jellyfish to detect and respond to food or danger from any direction.
They are pretty simple, lack brains, blood, or even hearts.
Anatomy: They are composed of three layers: an outer layer, called the epidermis; a middle layer made of a thick, elastic, jelly-like substance called mesoglea; and an inner layer, called the
Jellyfish have the ability to sting with their tentacles.
Ecological Impact: These blooms disrupt marine ecosystems by reducing biodiversity, outcompeting native species and collapsing fish and invertebrate populations.
Reasons for Jellyfish’s Bloom
Global warming has led to higher ocean temperatures, which, in turn, has resulted in the surge of plankton — the primary food source of jellyfish. With an abundance of food available, jellyfish have been able to increase their population substantially.
Overfishing: Recently various kinds of species, such as tuna and sea turtles, that prey on jellyfish have been removed from the ecosystem. These species also feed on plankton, and with their reduced population, jellyfish have more plankton to consume and thrive unchecked.
Plastic Pollution: Unlike other marine creatures, jellyfish can tolerate low oxygen levels in water, which is a consequence of pollution. This has also contributed to the increase in their population in recent years.

Golden Dome

Recently, the US President has announced a 175 billion Golden Dome missile defence shield for the United States.

About Golden Dome:

It is a ground- and space-based missile defense systemdesigned to safeguard the United States from advanced missile threats.
Golden Dome aims to create a network of satellites to detect, track and potentially intercept incoming missiles. The shield could deploy hundreds of satellites for missile detection and tracking.
It will protect the US from long-range missiles, including those launched from space or other continents, and will integrate with current defense systems.

Key Features of the Golden Dome:

Space-Based Interceptors: The system aims to deploy interceptors in space to detect and neutralize incoming missiles at various stages of their trajectory.
Advanced Tracking Technologies: Utilizing space-based radars and sensors, the Golden Dome will provide real-time tracking of missile threats.
Laser Weapons: The integration of laser technology is intended to enhance the system's capability to intercept and destroy missiles mid-flight.
Components of the Golden Dome will be drawn from existing American missile defence assets, including Patriot missile batteries, THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence), Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence, and Ground-based Midcourse Defence (GMD).