India Steps up Efforts to Eliminate Hepatitis as a Public Health Threat by 2030

India is systematically strengthening its efforts to combat hepatitis, with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030. The programme has adopted a health systems approach and has been integrated with various national health initiatives to prevent infections and provide free diagnostics and treatment to affected people.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses, other infections, toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs, or autoimmune diseases. The five main hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D and E, with Hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

About National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme

Launched in 2018 to provide hepatitis screening and treatment services in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Focuses on preventive, promotive and curative interventions through:

• Creating awareness.
• Improving healthcare access.
• Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
• Provides free diagnostics and medicines for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
• Integrated with various national health programmes to strengthen hepatitis prevention and control.
• Utilisation of local funding.
• Affordable generic medicines.
• Existing healthcare delivery platforms.
• Services are being decentralised from district hospitals to local health centres to bring testing and treatment closer to communities.

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) Cabinet Approves Scheme for Floating Solar Plants

The Union Cabinet recently approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY), a major initiative aimed at promoting Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects integrated with Energy Storage Systems (ESS), with a total financial outlay of T 5,070 crore. The projects under the scheme will be sanctioned during FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with disbursement of financial support continuing up to FY 2032-33.

Aim and Objectives: Development of 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects with co-located Energy Storage Systems having a minimum storage capacity of two hours, i.e., 10,000 MWh. The scheme supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India's renewable energy ecosystem and clean energy manufacturing capabilities.

Financial Incentives: Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs. 1 crore per MW will be provided for eligible Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects after successful commissioning. In addition, CFA of up to T 50 lakh per project will be available for undertaking feasibility studies, including bathymetry and hydrography assess­ments, environmental studies, and other preparatory activities required for de-risking the project development.

Expected Outcome

• Nationwide Coverage: Benefits all States and Union Territories by promoting floating solar capacity across the country.
• Capacity Expansion: Increases India's floating solar PV capacity by 5,000 MW from the existing capacity of around 700 MW.
• Efficient Land Use: Enables utilisation of reservoirs and industrial ponds, reducing competition for scarce land resources.
• Grid Stability: Integration of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) will improve renewable energy mana-gement and enhance grid reliability.
• Climate Benefits: Expected to reduce around 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
• Employment Generation: Likely to create approxi-mately 16,000-17,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the project value chain.
• Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: Promotes indigenous production of floating structures, solar PV cells and modules, energy storage systems and related components.

National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)

Gujarat State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (GUJCOMASOL) in Gujarat, the Lahoul Potato Growers Cooperative Society in Himachal Pradesh, the Jharkhand Women’s Self-Supporting Poultry Cooperative Federation, and the Vitthalrao Shinde Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana in Maharashtra - these successful cooperative models exemplify the strength and reach of India’s cooperative movement.

Behind their success stands the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, established in 1963. The objectives and functions of NCDC include:

• Promoting, strengthening and developing farmer cooperatives for increasing production, productivity and instituting post-harvest facilities
• Providing assistance for development of cooperatives in sectors of processing, storage, cold chain and marketing of agriculture produce and the supply of seeds, fertilizer and other agricultural inputs etc.
• In addition to agricultural initiatives, NCDC supports income-generating cooperatives across various non-farm sectors such as weaker section activities which include dairy, livestock, handloom, sericulture, poultry, fishery, scheduled caste & scheduled tribes, women cooperatives etc.
• NCDC provides financial assistance to the cooperative sector for their economic development and social upliftment through NCDC Sponsored schemes and various GoI schemes implemented by NCDC

Over the years, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to strengthening India’s cooperative ecosystem through continuous financial support. The Corporation’s disbursements have grown impressively from Rs.5,735.51 crore in 2014-15 to Rs.95,182.88 crore in 2024–25, reflecting its expanding outreach across sectors. Continuing this upward trajectory, during 2025–26, NCDC has already disbursed Rs.49799.06 crore till October 2025, signalling robust progress in the current financial year. In addition, to promote inclusivity and equity, NCDC has extended Rs.57.78 crore in loans over the last four years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2024-25) to SC/ST cooperatives, ensuring that the benefits of cooperative development reach every section of society.

Through this sustained increase in financial support, NCDC has broadened its developmental footprint, enabling cooperatives to upgrade infrastructure, strengthen value chains, and diversify into high-growth sectors. The notable rise in disbursements reflects not only growing demand for cooperative-led development but also NCDC’s enhanced institutional capacity to deliver timely and targeted credit. Collectively, these interventions demonstrate NCDC’s pivotal role in advancing an inclusive, market-responsive, and self-reliant cooperative ecosystem in India.

The cooperative sector forms a strong pillar of the Indian economy, playing a key role in social and economic development, rural infrastructure, and employment generation. Cooperatives are active in a wide range of fields such as credit and banking, fertilisers, sugar, dairy, marketing, consumer goods, handloom, handicrafts, fisheries, and housing. India today has more than 8.44 lakh cooperatives with a membership of over 30 crore people, and nearly 94% of farmers are linked with cooperatives in some capacity. Given their crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods, it is important to strengthen cooperatives in sectors such as dairy, poultry, livestock, fisheries, sugar, textiles, processing, storage, and labour. Extending long-term and working capital loans to these cooperatives will help them expand their operations, improve income generation, and ensure sustainable growth in rural areas.

Shri Sanjay Garg, IAS assumes the charge of Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Shri Sanjay Garg, a senior civil servant of IAS-1994 batch from the Kerala cadre, has assumed charge as the Director General of the Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India, with effect from 1 November 2025. Shri Garg brings vast and diverse administrative experience spanning over three decades with expertise in strategic planning, policy formulation and implementation across various sectors including agriculture, food logistics, defence industry sector, industrial promotion, finance and various social sectors at State and National levels. Prior to joining BIS as DG, he served as Additional Secretary, DARE (Department of Agriculture, Research and Education) and Secretary, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR). In DARE and ICAR, he spearheaded the digital transformation through application of IT in Research Management and Administration. He also played a pivotal role in scaling up and expansion of Kisan Sarathi portal which connects farmers directly to agricultural scientists.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

India celebrates Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day) on November 15 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the tribal freedom fighter and anti-colonialist Birsa Munda, born in 1874. The year 2024-25 is being celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to commemorate 150 years of his birth. As part of the countrywide, yearlong celebrations, the fortnight November 1-15 is being celebrated in a special way to honour the sacrifices and struggles of Birsa Munda and other Indian tribal leaders in India’s anti-colonial struggle and to celebrate the rich diversity of the country’s tribal cultures and heritage.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs various schemes promoting tribal histories and cultures. As part of the ongoing Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations, many workshops, events, and cultural performances are being held across the country. One of the major initiatives of the Government is also establishing 11 museums to commemorate the contributions of our historical tribal freedom fighters.

Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum Initiative

Tribal leaders of India played a pivotal role in resisting oppressive British rule and the feudal system. Many of these uprisings, revolts, and movements remain underrepresented in mainstream Indian history even though these movements have gone a long way in shaping the India of today. The Government has decided to set up museums to preserve, document, and disseminate information on tribal leaders, and enlighten the public about these movements.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, under the scheme Support to Tribal Research Institutes, provides funds to state governments for establishing these tribal museums.

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in at Raipur in Chhattisgarh, which was recently inaugurated on 1st November by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, depicts the struggles of Chhattisgarh’s tribal communities against colonial rule.

Narayan Singh of the Binjhwar tribe was the zamindar of Sonakhan in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh. In 1856, when a famine struck Odisha due to the hoarding of food grains by the British, he broke open the locks of British grain stores to feed the starving people. The British arrested him and imprisoned him in Raipur Jail. Veer Narayan Singh escaped from there and formed his own army.

On November 29, 1856, British forces were defeated by Narayan Singh’s troops. However, the British later returned with a larger force, and Narayan Singh was captured. On December 10, 1857, he was brutally executed at a crossroads.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum

Bhagwan Birsa Munda Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum, Ranchi, Jharkhand, was inaugurated on November 15, 2021, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Born in Ulihatu village, Jharkhand, Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan or “Great Tumult” (1899 - 1900), a fierce movement for tribal self-rule and the restoration of Khuntkatti (community land rights). As a spiritual reformer and freedom fighter, he united the Munda tribes against British land laws and feudal exploitation. Known as Dharti Aaba (“Father of the Earth”), Birsa Munda envisioned a moral, self-governed society free from colonial influence. He was captured and martyred in Ranchi Jail at the age of 25.

Badal Bhoi State Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum

Badal Bhoi State Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, inaugurated on November 15,2024, in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

Badal Bhoi was born in 1845 in Chhindwara district. Under his leadership, thousands of tribals staged a demonstration at the Collector’s bungalow in 1923. The protest was met with a lathi charge, and Bhoi was arrested. A few years later, in August 1930, he was again arrested by the British authorities at Ramakona for breaking forest laws. He spent his final years in prison and was reportedly poisoned by the British in 1940.

Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum

Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, inaugurated on November 15, 2024, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, descendants of King Nizam Shah of the Gond Kingdom, actively opposed British rule during the events of 1857. Despite their commitment to non-violence, these skilled poets utilised their verses as a powerful means to resist the British influence. Raja Shah, along with his son Kunwar Raghunath Shah, was captured and executed by the British on September 18, 1858.

Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh Celebrations

This special fortnight of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh is being celebrated nationwide to showcase tribal identity, indigenous knowledge systems, and raise awareness about government initiatives for tribal empowerment.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025, the nation’s highest recognition for outstanding and inspiring contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators in diverse fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation, is announced.

The Government of India instituted to recognise and promote pathbreaking research and inspiring achievement, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is conferred under four categories:

• Vigyan Ratna (VR) award will recognize lifetime achievements & contributions made in any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Shri (VS) award will recognize distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award will recognize & encourage young scientists up to the age of 45 years who have made an exceptional contribution in any field of science and technology.
• Vigyan Team (VT) award to be given to a team comprising three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made an exceptional contribution working in a team in any field of science and technology.

Awards are conferred across 13 domains: Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and other allied fields. The Puraskar affirms India’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence and technological leadership for national development.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar for the year 2025 in any field of Science and Technology is announced. The names of the awardees are as follows:

• Vigyan Ratna: Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (Physics) Posthumously
• Vigyan Shri: Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science); Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Seikh (Atomic Energy); Dr. K Thangaraj (Biological Sciences); Prof. Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry); Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering Sciences); Dr. S Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science); Prof. Mahan Mj (Mathematics and Computer Science); Shri Jayan N (Space Science and Technology)
• Vigyan Yuva: Dr. Jagdis Gupta Kapuganti (Agricultural Science); Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (Agricultural Science); Shri Debarka Sengupta (Biological Sciences); Dr. Deepa Agashe (Biological Sciences); Dr. Dibyendu Das (Chemistry); Dr. Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science); Prof. Arkaprava Basu ((Engineering Sciences); Prof. Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Mathematics and Computer Science); Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal (Mathematics and Computer Science); Dr. Suresh Kumar (Medicine); Prof. Amit Kumar Agarwal (Physics); Prof. Surhud Shrikant More (Physics); Shri Ankur Garg (Space Science and Technology); Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Technology & Innovation)
• Vigyan Team: Team- Aroma Mission CSIR (Agricultural Science)

By honouring the nation’s visionaries in science and technology, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar aims to motivate the next generation, strengthen the research ecosystem, and accelerate India’s journey as a global leader in S&T innovation. The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Award ceremony shall be held in due course and will be notified separately to the awardees.

DRDO develops new generation Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for mine countermeasure missions

A new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) has been successfully developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for mine countermeasure missions. The system comprises multiple AUVs equipped with Side Scan Sonar and Underwater cameras as primary payloads for real-time detection & classification of Mine-Like Objects. The onboard deep learning based target recognition algorithms enable autonomous classification, significantly reducing operator workload and mission time.

Additionally, a robust underwater acoustic communication has been integrated to facilitate inter-AUV data exchange during operations ensuring enhanced situational awareness.

The recently-concluded field trials at NSTL/Harbour have successfully validated salient systems parameters and critical mission objectives. Multiple industry partners are involved in system realization and the system will be ready for production in next couple of months.