Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025

Every year, March 7th is celebrated as 'Jan Aushadhi Diwas' to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Week-long events are organized across the country from March 1st to 7th to support this initiative. This year, the celebration was flagged off on March 1 to disseminate information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR). The "Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)" was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings. The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).

Key Activities of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

With an objective of making quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) aims to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices. Some of the activities under this initiative include:

• Raising Awareness: One of the primary goals is to educate the public about the benefits of generic medicines, emphasizing that affordability does not compromise quality. The initiative aims to dispel the misconception that higher prices indicate better quality.
• Encouraging Prescriptions of Generic Drugs: PMBJP aims to inspire healthcare professionals, particularly those in government hospitals, to prescribe generic alternatives, thereby promoting cost-effective treatment options.
• Enhancing Accessibility: The initiative seeks to provide a wide range of commonly used generic medicines across various therapeutic categories, ensuring that essential healthcare products are available to everyone, especially the marginalized.

Despite the country being one of the leading exporters of generic medicines to the world, the majority of Indians lack sufficient access to affordable medicines. Branded medicines are sold at significantly higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, though they are identical in their therapeutic value.

Major Initiatives under PMBJP

Suvidha Sanitary Napkins- As an important step in ensuring the health security for Indian women, Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkins were launched on 27th August 2019 to be made available at Rs.1/- per pad only. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Napkins are being made available for sale in more than 15000 PMBJP Kendras across the country. The cumulative sales of Suvidha Napkins as on 31.01.2025 is 72 Crores.

The Jan Aushadhi SUGAM mobile application was launched the month of August 2019. The App has various user-friendly features like - to locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendra through Google map, search Jan Aushadhi generic medicines, compare prices of Generic v/s Branded medicines in terms of MRP, overall savings, etc.

Features of PMBJP

A unique feature of the scheme is that it is operated by government agencies as well as by private entrepreneurs.

• Prices of the Jan Aushadhi medicines are 50%-80% less than those of branded medicines available in the open market.
• Medicines are procured only from World Health Organization – Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) certified manufacturers to ensure the quality of the products.
• Each batch of the drug is tested at laboratories accredited by the ‘National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories’ (NABL) to ensure the best quality.
• The incentive up to Rs. 20,000/- per month is given @ 20% of monthly purchases made and subject to the stocking mandate.
• A one-time incentive of Rs. 2.00 lakh is provided to PMBJP Kendras opened in North-Eastern States, Himalayan areas, Island territories, and backward areas mentioned as aspirational district by NITI Aayog or opened by women entrepreneurs, Ex-servicemen,n Divyang, SC & ST.

Source: pib.gov.in

Shri Ajay Bhadoo Appointed as CEO of Government e Marketplace

The Government of India has appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Shri Ajay Bhadoo, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government e Marketplace (GeM) with effect from March 3, 2025. He will assume this role in addition to his existing responsibilities in the Department of Commerce.

His appointment as CEO of GeM, India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, comes at a pivotal time as the platform transitions to a next-generation digital marketplace powered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Currently, GeM has recorded a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹4.58 lakh crore, reflecting a 28.65% year-on-year growth.

An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1999 batch from the Gujarat cadre, Shri Bhadoo brings over two decades of experience in policy formulation and implementation across diverse sectors, including urban infrastructure development.

In August 2024, Shri Bhadoo was appointed as Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce. Previously, he served as the Deputy Election Commissioner at the Election Commission of India. His extensive career also includes a tenure as Joint Secretary to the former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, and leadership roles such as CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board and Commissioner of Rajkot and Vadodara Municipal Corporations. Shri Bhadoo holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Law from the prestigious National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.

Cabinet approves development of Ropeway Project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 4,081.28 crore.

The ropeway is planned to be developed in a public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide an environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.

The development of the ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last - mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth. The journey to the Kedarnath temple is a challenging 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund and is currently covered on foot or by ponies, palanquins and helicopter. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the temple and ensure all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath.

Kedarnath is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas situated at an elevation of 3,583 m (11968 ft) in the Rudraprayag district of the State of Uttarakhand. The temple is open for pilgrims for about 6 to 7 months in a year, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), and is visited by about 20 lakh pilgrims annually during the season.

Cabinet approves development of ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore.

Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and the tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers and will ensure all-weather last mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji.

The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), seamlessly integrated with the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day. The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations, as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, food & beverage (F&B), and tourism throughout the year.

The development of the ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last-mile connectivity for pilgrims and fostering rapid economic growth of the region. Hemkund Sahib Ji is a highly revered pilgrimage site situated at an elevation of 15,000 ft in Chamoli district of the State of Uttarakhand. The Gurudwara established at the holy site is open for about 5 months in a year, between May and September and is visited by about 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually. The trek to Hemkund Sahib Ji also serves as the gateway to the famous Valley of Flowers, a national park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as 11th chairman of Sebi

Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed charge as the 11th chairman of capital markets regulator SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ended on 28th February 2025. Pandey, a career bureaucrat who was serving as the Finance Secretary till now, was appointed chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) by the government on 27th February 2025. 

His appointment comes at a crucial time for SEBI, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing India's securities and capital markets. As Sebi Chairman, Pandey will play a key role in strengthening market regulations, ensuring investor protection, and overseeing reforms in the capital markets. His extensive experience in finance and economic policy is expected to aid in the effective functioning of the regulatory body.

Nano Bubble Technology: Revolutionizing Industries with Microscopic Marvels

Nano bubble technology is an emerging field that has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from water treatment and agriculture to healthcare and energy. Nano bubbles, which are tiny gas-filled cavities with diameters on the nanometer scale (typically less than 200 nanometers), exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that make them highly effective in a wide range of applications. This article delves into the science behind nano bubbles, their unique characteristics, and the transformative impact they are having across multiple sectors.

What Are Nano Bubbles?

Nano bubbles are ultrafine gas bubbles that are typically less than 200 nanometers in diameter. They are so small that they remain suspended in liquid for extended periods, sometimes for months or even years. Unlike larger bubbles, which rise to the surface and burst quickly, nano bubbles are stable and can remain in solution due to their small size and high internal pressure.

Key Characteristics of Nano Bubbles

• Size and Stability: Nano bubbles are extremely small, with diameters ranging from 70 to 200 nanometers. Their small size allows them to remain suspended in liquid for long periods, making them highly stable.
• High Internal Pressure: Due to their small size, nano bubbles have extremely high internal pressure, which can be several times greater than atmospheric pressure. This high pressure enhances their ability to dissolve gases in liquids.
• Large Surface Area to Volume Ratio: Nano bubbles have a very large surface area relative to their volume. This property makes them highly efficient in gas transfer and chemical reactions.
• Longevity: Nano bubbles can remain stable in liquid for extended periods, sometimes for months or even years, due to their small size and high internal pressure.
• Zeta Potential: Nano bubbles often carry a negative charge, known as zeta potential, which helps prevent them from coalescing and enhances their stability in solution.

Generation of Nano Bubbles

Nanobubbles can be generated using various methods, including:

• Pressurization-Depressurization: This method involves pressurizing a gas-liquid mixture and then rapidly depressurizing it, causing the formation of nano bubbles.
• Ultrasonic Cavitation: High-frequency ultrasonic waves are used to create cavitation bubbles in a liquid, which then collapse and form nano bubbles.
• Electrolysis:Passing an electric current through a liquid can generate nano bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen gases.
• Membrane Diffusion: Gas is forced through a porous membrane into a liquid, creating nano bubbles as the gas exits the pores.

Applications of Nano Bubble Technology

Water Treatment

Nano bubble technology is transforming water treatment processes by improving the efficiency of oxygenation, disinfection, and pollutant removal.

• Oxygenation: Nano bubbles can significantly enhance the oxygen content in water, which is crucial for aerobic biological processes in wastewater treatment. The high solubility and stability of nano bubbles ensure that oxygen is delivered more efficiently to microorganisms, improving the breakdown of organic matter.
• Disinfection: Nano bubbles of ozone or hydrogen peroxide can be used for water disinfection. The high reactivity of these gases in nano bubble form enhances their ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
• Pollutant Removal: Nano bubbles can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals and organic compounds from water. The high surface area and reactivity of nano bubbles facilitate the adsorption and breakdown of contaminants.

Agriculture

In agriculture, nano bubble technology is being used to enhance crop growth, improve soil health, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

• Improved Oxygenation: Nano bubbles can increase the oxygen levels in irrigation water, promoting healthier root systems and more robust plant growth. This is particularly beneficial in hydroponic and aquaponic systems.
• Nutrient Delivery: Nano bubbles can be used to deliver nutrients more effectively to plants. The small size and high stability of nano bubbles ensure that nutrients are evenly distributed and readily absorbed by plant roots.
• Pest Control: Nano bubbles of ozone or other gases can be used to control pests and diseases in crops. The high reactivity of these gases in nano bubble form makes them effective at killing pathogens without the need for chemical pesticides.

Healthcare

Nano bubble technology is finding applications in healthcare, particularly in drug delivery, imaging, and cancer treatment.

• Drug Delivery: Nano bubbles can be used as carriers for targeted drug delivery. The small size and stability of nano bubbles allow them to penetrate tissues and deliver drugs directly to specific cells or organs, reducing side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes.
• Ultrasound Imaging: Nano bubbles can enhance the contrast in ultrasound imaging, making it easier to visualize tissues and organs. This is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
• Cancer Treatment: Nano bubbles can be used in conjunction with ultrasound to enhance the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells. The ultrasound causes the nano bubbles to oscillate and collapse, creating micro-jets that can disrupt cancer cell membranes and improve drug uptake.

Energy

In the energy sector, nano bubble technology is being explored for applications in hydrogen production, fuel cells, and carbon capture.

• Hydrogen Production: Nano bubbles can enhance the efficiency of electrolysis, a process used to produce hydrogen gas from water. The high surface area and reactivity of nano bubbles improve the rate of gas evolution, making hydrogen production more efficient.
• Fuel Cells: Nano bubbles can be used to improve the performance of fuel cells by enhancing the transport of reactants and products within the cell. This can lead to higher efficiency and longer-lasting fuel cells.
• Carbon Capture: Nano bubbles can be used to capture and store carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The high solubility and stability of nano bubbles make them effective at absorbing CO2, which can then be stored or converted into useful products.

Environmental Remediation

Nano bubble technology is being used to clean up contaminated soil and water, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.

• Soil Remediation: Nano bubbles can be used to deliver oxygen and nutrients to contaminated soil, promoting the growth of microorganisms that break down pollutants. This can accelerate the remediation process and reduce the need for chemical treatments.
• Water Remediation: Nano bubbles can be used to remove pollutants such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and pathogens from contaminated water. The high reactivity and stability of nano bubbles make them effective at breaking down and removing contaminants.

Challenges and Future Directions

While nano bubble technology holds great promise, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize its potential.

• Scalability: One of the main challenges is scaling up the production of nano bubbles for industrial applications. Current methods of generating nano bubbles are often energy-intensive and may not be suitable for large-scale use.
• Cost: The cost of generating and maintaining nano bubbles can be high, particularly for applications that require large volumes of nano bubble-infused liquids. Reducing the cost of production will be crucial for widespread adoption.
• Regulatory Hurdles: As with any new technology, regulatory approval can be a significant barrier. Ensuring that nano bubble technology meets safety and environmental standards will be essential for its adoption in industries such as healthcare and agriculture.
• Understanding Mechanisms: While the benefits of nano bubbles are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Further research is needed to elucidate how nano bubbles interact with different materials and biological systems.

Despite these challenges, the future of nano bubble technology looks promising. Ongoing research and development are likely to lead to new applications and improved methods of production, making nano bubbles a key technology in the 21st century.

Conclusion

Nano bubble technology is a groundbreaking innovation with the potential to transform a wide range of industries. From improving water treatment and agricultural practices to advancing healthcare and energy production, nano bubbles offer a versatile and efficient solution to many of the challenges we face today. As research continues and the technology matures, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of nano bubbles, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrated once in two years on 9th January is a significant event that honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was first established in 2003 under the government of then Prime Minister Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as a platform to recognize and engage with the overseas Indian community.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs. It is held in different cities, to showcase the diversity and progress of different regions of India. Since 2015, it has evolved into a biennale event, with theme-based conferences held in the intervening years. This format allows for more focused discussions on specific areas of interest and provides opportunities for networking among the global Indian diaspora.