• 06 Feb 2025

Garbhini-Drishti

Why in News? 

India took a major step forward in its commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation by inaugurating the nation’s first Ferret Research Facility, launching the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository, and finalizing a key technology transfer agreement. 

• The event was held at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana. 

 Key Points 

• THSTI Ferret Research Facility: 
  • India inaugurated the THSTI Ferret Research Facility, a state-of-the-art establishment adhering to the highest biosafety and research standards. 
  • The facility plays a crucial role in vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research on emerging infectious diseases. 
  • It strengthens India's pandemic preparedness strategy and enhances its position in global scientific research. 
• GARBH-INi-DRISHTI: 
  • GARBH-INi-DRISHTI is a pioneering DBT Data Repository and Information Sharing Hub at THSTI. 
  • The platform provides clinical data, images, and biospecimens from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers. 
    • As one of South Asia's largest maternal and child health databases, it enables researchers to conduct transformative studies to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. 
  • This initiative represents a collaborative effort among India's leading research institutions and hospitals, fostering a strong research ecosystem. 
• Technology Transfer Agreement: 
  • THSTI signed a Technology Transfer Agreement with M/s Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. to commercialize its innovative microbial consortium, Lactobacillus crispatus. 
    • Isolated from the reproductive tracts of women enrolled in the GARBH-INi cohort, this synthetic microbial consortium holds immense potential for nutraceutical applications. 
  • The agreement facilitates the translation of research into real-world health solutions through targeted microbiome-based interventions. 

 Garbh-Ini 

• Garbh-Ini (Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes—DBT India Initiative) was initiated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), in 2014 as a collaborative interdisciplinary program. 
• This program is led by Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech cluster, Faridabad. 
• It aims to elucidate biological and non-biological risks of preterm birth (PTB) to create important knowledge-driven interventions and technologies that can be sustainably implemented in clinical practice and in the community for this disease. 

Mahri Laado Radio Programme

Why in News? 

The Haryana government launched the flagship initiative "Mahri Laado" Radio Programme, which has become an exemplary success story under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme. 

 Key Points 

• Mahri Laado Radio Programme: 
  • It was launched on 16^th August 2024 as a key initiative under BBBP. 
  • This community-driven programme aims to address gender inequality, empower girls, and promote the value of daughters in Haryana. 
  • Broadcast Schedule: Every Wednesday and Thursday on All India Radio (AIR) stations- Chandigarh, Hisar, Rohtak, and Kurukshetra. 
  • Content Format: The 15-minute segments include stories, interviews, and discussions to engage communities on gender equality and empowerment. 
• Mobilization Strategies for Maximum Outreach: 
  • The Government of Haryana adopted a comprehensive approach to extend the programme’s reach. 
  • Key stakeholders mobilized communities: 
    • District Programme Officers (DPOs) and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs). 
    • Anganwadi Workers and staff from One Stop Centers (OSCs), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), and POSHAN Abhiyaan. 
    • Listening sessions were organized at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), involving both men and women in discussions. 
• Digital Accessibility: 
  • Participants were encouraged to download the "News on AIR" app for easy access. 
  • Guidelines on app usage were shared via WhatsApp, telephone, and email. 
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme:  
  • The Government of India launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme on 22^nd January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. 
  • This initiative aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and ensure that girls and women receive equal opportunities, care, and dignity. 
  • Objectives of the BBBP Scheme: 
    • Increase sex ratio at birth through awareness and interventions. 
    • Improve institutional deliveries for maternal and child health. 
    • Enhance girls' enrolment in secondary education and curb dropout rates. 
    • Encourage early Antenatal Care (ANC) registration for maternal well-being. 
    • Promote awareness on safe Menstrual Hygiene and Management (MHM). 

 Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) 

• It is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1^st January, 2017. 
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme being executed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. 
• Cash benefits are provided to pregnant women in their bank account directly to meet enhanced nutritional needs and partially compensate for wage loss. 

 Poshan Abhiyan 

• POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) was launched by the government on March 8, 2018. 
• The Abhiyaan targets to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively. 
• The target of the mission is to bring down stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022. 
• POSHAN 2.0: 
  • The government has amalgamated various programmes with similar objectives such as Supplementary Nutrition Programme and POSHAN Abhiyaan under one umbrella–Mission POSHAN 2.0—for creating synergies in operations and adopting an integrated approach in the nutrition services mechanism. 

Encounter in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Recently, security forces killed a Maoist in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district. The gunfight erupted in a forest along the Kanker-Narayanpur border during an anti-Naxal operation. 

 Key Points 

• Anti-Naxal Operation: 
  • A joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF) launched the operation based on intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres from the North Bastar and Maad divisions in the area. 
  • Since January 2025, 50 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters across Chhattisgarh. 
  • The Bastar division recorded the highest toll, with 34 Maoists killed. 
• Annual Maoist Casualties: 
  • In 2024, security forces neutralized 219 Maoists in various encounters across the state. 

 District Reserve Guard (DRG) 

• The District Reserve Guard (DRG) is a specialized police unit in Chhattisgarh, established in 2008 to combat Maoist violence. 
• It consists of specially trained personnel operating in affected districts, conducting anti-Maoist operations, search and seizure, and gathering intelligence. 
• The DRG collaborates with other security forces, like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to counter the Maoist insurgency. 

 Border Security Force (BSF) 

• The BSF was raised in 1965, after the India-Pakistan war. 
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 
  • Other Central Armed Police Forces are: Assam Rifles (AR), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Security Guards (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). 
• The 2.65-lakh force is deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. 
  • It is deployed on the Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and Line of Control (LoC) along with the Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations. 
• BSF has been defending Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea and the Sundarbans delta in the Bay of Bengal with its state of the art fleet of Water Crafts. 
• It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained manpower every year. 

Badrinath Temple

Why in News? 

The Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district will open its sacred portals for devotees on 4^th May 2025. 

 Key Points 

• Decision on Badrinath Temple Opening: 
  • On the occasion of Basant Panchami, priests decided the auspicious time for opening the Badrinath temple after performing special prayers. 
• Annual Closing and Reopening of Char Dhams: 
  • After Diwali, authorities close the Char Dhams—Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—for devotees. 
    • The portals reopen in April-May the following year. 

 Char Dham Yatra 

• Yamunotri Dham: 
  • Location: Uttarkashi district. 
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna. 
  • River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga. 
• Gangotri Dham: 
  • Location: Uttarkashi district. 
  • Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga. 
  • Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers. 
• Kedarnath Dham: 
  • Location: Rudraprayag district. 
  • Dedicated to: Lord Shiva. 
  • Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River. 
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India. 
• Badrinath Dham: 
  • Location: Chamoli district. 
  • Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple. 
  • Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu. 
  • One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites. 

Zero LoC Infiltration

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Home Minister conducted an extensive review of the ongoing anti-terror operations and the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). 

 Key Points 

• Meeting on Counter-Terrorism: 
  • The Union Home Minister chaired a meeting with top Army and Police officials to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the Valley. 
  • The meeting also aimed to secure the Line of Control (LoC), especially during the monsoon, when rivulets from the Himalayas swell, creating gaps in the fencing along the Pakistan border. 
• Security Challenges Along the LoC and Border: 
  • The LoC spans 749 km, primarily under the Army’s jurisdiction, while India and Pakistan share a 198 km long international border in the Jammu sector, where Border Security Force (BSF) is in charge. 
    • In 2024, Jammu experienced a surge in terrorist attacks due to infiltrators from Pakistan. 
• Zero Infiltration Goal and Terrorism Elimination: 
  • The Minister directed security agencies to intensify efforts with a 'zero infiltration' goal, instructing forces to adopt a strict approach towards infiltration and terrorism. 
  • The primary objective emphasized was to eliminate the presence of terrorists in the region. 
  • The Minister acknowledged the role of narco-networks in supporting infiltrators and terrorists, urging immediate action against terror funding linked to the narcotics trade. 

 Border Security Force (BSF) 

• The BSF was raised in 1965, after the India-Pakistan war. 
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 
  • Other Central Armed Police Forces are: Assam Rifles (AR), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), National Security Guards (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). 
• The 2.65-lakh force is deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. 
  • It is deployed on the Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, and Line of Control (LoC) along with the Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations. 
• BSF has been defending Sir Creek in the Arabian Sea and the Sundarbans delta in the Bay of Bengal with its state of the art fleet of Water Crafts. 
• It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained manpower every year. 

Bundelkhand: Center of Solar Energy

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh is progressing rapidly in the field of solar energy and Bundelkhand has emerged as a major centre of energy , playing an important role in this progress . 

Key Points 

• Development of Solar Energy in UP:  
  • The government has implemented a comprehensive solar energy policy , under which various incentives are being provided to solar energy projects.  
  • In 2024, 17 solar power plants with a capacity of about 1100 MW have become operational in the state..  
  • These solar plants have created direct employment opportunities, underlining the significant economic impact of renewable energy expansion in Uttar Pradesh.  
• Role of Bundelkhand:  
  • Bundelkhand has emerged as a major region in the field of renewable energy and is promoting regional development and employment. 
  • The abundant sunlight and climatic conditions in this region make it ideal for solar energy production.  

• Major projects:  
  • Solar power units of 4 thousand MW have been installed in Bundelkhand. Out of the 10 new solar plants installed in this region , 995 MW have started operating. 
    • Jhansi Solar Power Project 600 MW project by TUSCO Limited commissioned in January 2025. 
    • Along with this, a 100 MW solar plant by Fourth Partner Energy started in  Babina, Jhansi with an investment of Rs1200 crore in mid-2024. 
    • Another significant development in Bundelkhand is the Sun Source Energy Solar Open Access Project, which contributes an additional 135 MW to the state's energy grid. 

Bundelkhand 

• Bundelkhand is a geographical and cultural region located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. 
• It is a semi-arid region comprising seven districts of Uttar Pradesh (Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda and Chitrakoot).  
• It is also a mountain range. Jhansi is  the largest city of Bundelkhand . 
• Bundelkhand was earlier known as Jejabhukti or Jejakabhukti , but from the time of the Bundelas in the 14th century it came to be known as Bundelkhand. 

New Director of Minority Affairs

Why in News? 

On 5^th February 2025, Matadeen Meena, an  Indian Administrative Service officer, took charge as Director of  the Department of Minority Affairs . 

Key Points 

• After assuming charge, the officer visited the Madrasa Board to observe the functioning of various sections.  
• During this, he took feedback from the officers and employees of the Directorate and instructed them to work with honesty, dedication, discipline and spirit of service. 

 

Department of Minority Affairs 

• The Government of Rajasthan established a new Minority Department in 2009 for the all-round development and socio-economic and educational upliftment of the  minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists and Parsis) of the state. 
• This department reviews and coordinates policies, schemes and development programmes for the benefit of minority communities. This department is headed by the Minister of Minority Affairs and Wakf.

Madhya Pradesh: New Hub for IT Investment

Why in News? 

According to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, the state is emerging as a major investment hub in the Information Technology (IT), ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) and ESDM (Electronics System Design and Manufacturing) sectors. 

Key Points 

• Attractive Centre:  
  • The state government's IT and ESDM policy, development of data centre parks, IT parks and start-ups have made Madhya Pradesh an attractive destination for technology investments.  
  • Madhya Pradesh is a leader in adopting cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, Blockchain and Cyber Security under the Digital India Mission. 
• Major cities:  
  • Cities like Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior have now become the new hubs of IT companies. 
  • Global Investors Summit will be organized in Bhopal on 24-25 February 2025 , in which IT and technology investors are likely to get an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the vast possibilities of the state. 

Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) 

• It refers to the use of information technology to provide various services to businesses and organizations.  
• It includes services such as data processing, customer support, technical support, and consulting.  
• Some common examples of ITES include: 
  • KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) 
  • BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) 
  • LPO (Legal Process Outsourcing) 
  • GPO (Game Process Outsourcing) 
  • EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) 

 Electronics System Design and Manufacturing 

• ESDM is a process that covers all aspects of the design, development, and manufacturing of electronic devices and systems. 

Kiul River

Why in News? 

Recently, the Bihar Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a bridge to be built on the Kiul River at a cost of Rs 49 crore. 

Key Points  

• About the Bridge: 
  • The length of this bridge is 390 meters and width is 12 meters. 
  • This bridge connecting Kiul-Lakhisarai is completely constructed by the Road Construction Department . 
• Kiul River:  
  • The Kiul River is a tributary of the Ganges, whose origin is the mountain of northern Chhota Nagpur.  
  • This river falls from the ranges located in Giridih district of Jharkhand and reaches Lakhisarai through Jamui and merges with the Haruhar River. 
    • After this it merges with the Ganges in Munger distric