UPSC PT Pointers

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 women entrepreneurs through trade facilitation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Focus

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, according to a source in the Union Health Ministry. What is the ONDLS Portal? The ONDLS is a si

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) BIS is the National Standard Body of India, established under the BIS Act, 2016. It plays a key role i

NCRB Data on Road Accidents

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released its road accident data for 2023, revealing some alarming statistics. Here's an overview of the key findings: Key Statistics from 2023 Total Accidents: A total of 464,029 road accidents occurred across India in 2023, which is an increase of 17,261 accidents from 2022. Fatalities: 173,000 people were killed in road accidents, marking a significant toll on human life. Injuries: Over 447,000 people were injured

National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL)

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a significant development in India’s agricultural export landscape. About National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) Background Established by the Ministry of Cooperation, NCEL is set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. It serves as an umbrella org

Unified Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act,

The Unified RERA Portal was launched by the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs at the 5th meeting of the Central Advisory Council in New Delhi. This initiative consolidates the various state-level RERA portals into a single, integrated platform, offering a centralized database for real estate projects across India. RERA, introduced in 2016, was initially aimed at addressing issues like project delays, lack of transparency, and safeguarding homebuyers' interests. Until now, each sta

Unique Disability ID

The Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is a critical initiative to provide Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in India with easier access to government services and benefits. , only less than 40% of India’s projected population of PwDs currently holds the UDID card, indicating a significant gap that needs to be addressed. Key Points to Understand About the UDID Card: Single Document for All PwDs: The UDID card is designed to serve as a universal ID that can be used

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)

Latest News More than 500,000 people in Gaza are trapped in famine, according to the latest IPC analysis. This crisis is characterized by widespread starvation, destitution, and preventable deaths. What is Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)? An independent global system funded by Western countries, widely recognized as the principal tool for measuring hunger crises worldwide. Established to raise early warnings to prevent famine and mass sta

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) recently issued a show cause notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS). The notice asks CSDS to disclose the source of funding for its studies related to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the Maharashtra Assembly polls. About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) The ICSSR is the apex body of the Government of India for research in the social and hum

Huntington's Disease

The Union and State Governments have yet to include Huntington's Disease (HD) in the rare disease category under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, a demand that was raised by patients and caregivers in 2024.. About Huntington's Disease (HD) Huntington's Disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects the brain cells. It is a progressive disease, meaning its symptoms worsen over time. HD is inherited, which means that it can be passed down f