PM chairs First meeting of Governing Body of Anusandhan National Research Foundation

Key highlights

Focus Areas:

• Science and Technology Landscape: Discussion on redesigning research and development programs.
• Removing Obstacles: Identifying and eliminating barriers in the research ecosystem.
• Setting Targets: Emphasizing ambitious goals and path-breaking research focusing on solving existing problems with localized solutions.

Key Decisions and Proposals:

• Institutional Upgradation: Need for upgradation and standardization of research institutions.
• Expert List and Dashboard: Creation of a list of domain experts and a dashboard to track research and development activities.
• Resource Utilization: Scientific monitoring of resource use for research and innovation.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation 

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been established to promote research and development and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s Universities, Colleges, Research Institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• ANRF acts as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy. 
• ANRF forges collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions.

Functions of ANRF include:

• Preparing the roadmap for short, medium, and long-term research and development.
• Facilitating and funding the expansion of Research and Development and related infrastructure in universities, colleges, and research institutions.
• Funding competitive peer-reviewed grant proposals to eligible individuals.
• Assisting in the transformation of research into capital-intensive technology.
• Enhancing India''s role and engagement in significant national and global areas.
• Encouraging private and public sector entities to invest in the foundation.
• Carry out annual surveys of scientific research, outcomes, and spending.

Governing Board:

• NRF will have a Governing Board headed by the Prime Minister of India. The Board will provide strategic direction to the Foundation and monitor the implementation.

Other members of the Board are:

• the Union Ministers of Science and Technology, Education as Vice Presidents,
• the Principal Scientific Advisor as Member Secretary, and
• Secretaries to the Departments of Science and Technology, Biotechnology, and Scientific and Industrial Research.
• The President of the Board may appoint or nominate additional members to the Board.  

These may include:

• up to five members from business organisations or industries,
• one member from the fields of social sciences and humanities, and
• up to six experts from natural sciences, engineering, and technology.  
• The President may appoint a Chief Executive Officer, who should be of the rank of an Additional Secretary, or above.

Limitations of the National Research Foundation

• Less funding by government:  An amount of Rs 50,000 crore has been earmarked for priority areas in research over 2023-2028. It is stated that approximately 70% will be raised from the private sector. There is no mechanism in the NRF Act to ensure this support.
• Enhance Centralisation: It does not follow the principle of cooperative federalism and has no place for the representatives of state governments in the decision-making structure.
• Exclusion of important stakeholders: It does not enunciate the role and contribution of the relevant actors operating under the economic and social ministriesin the NRF decision-making structures.
• No role of the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in decision making: The CPSEs should play a pivotal role in being vehicles for the transfer of R&D benefits from academic institutions to application to strategic areas of manufacturing.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023

• The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act of 2023 provides for the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF).
• It also repealed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsumed it into NRF.

Union Minister to launch Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna and release Standard Operating Procedure on Production & Processing Clusters in Fisheries Sector

Key highlights

• 4th Anniversary Celebration of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

New Launches:

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna (PM-MKSSY): A sub-scheme under PMMSY to support fishers and fish farmers with an investment of Rs. 6,000 crore for the year 2024-25.
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): On Production & Processing Clusters in the Fisheries Sector.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana

• PM-MKSSY, a Central Sector Sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada (PMMSY) for formalisation of the fisheries sector and supporting fisheries micro and small enterprises with an investment of over Rs. 6,000 crores over a period of next four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 in all States/Union Territories.

Aims and objectives of PM-MKSSY:

• Gradual Formalization of the unorganized fisheries sector through self-registration of fishers, fish farmers and supportive workers under a National Fisheries Sector Digital Platform including creation of work based digital identifies of fish workers for improved service delivery.
• Facilitating access to institutional financing fisheries sector micro and small enterprises.
• Providing one-time incentive to beneficiaries for purchasing aquaculture insurance.
• lncentivizing fisheries and aquaculture microenterprises through performance grants for improving fisheries sector value-chain efficiencies including creation and maintenance of jobs.
• Incentivising micro and small enterprises through performance grants for adoption and expansion of fish and fishery product safety and quality assurance systems including creation and maintenance of jobs.

Intended Beneficiaries:

• Fishers, Fish (Aquaculture) Farmers, Fish workers, Fish Vendors or such other person directly engaged in fisheries value chain.
• Micro and Small enterprises in the form of Proprietary Firms, Partnership Firms and Companies registered in India, Societies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Cooperatives, Federations, Village Level Organizations like Self Help Groups (SHGs), Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) and Startups engaged in fisheries and aquaculture value chains.
• FFPOs also include Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs).
• Any other beneficiaries that may be included by the Department of Fisheries, Gol as targeted beneficiaries.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana Overview

• Launched: May 2020
• Investment: 20,050 crore (highest-ever investment in the fisheries sector)
• Duration: 2020-21 to 2024-25

Objectives:

• Enhance fish production and productivity.
• Improve post-harvest infrastructure and quality.
• Foster innovation and technology in the sector.
• Strengthen fisheries management and fishers'' welfare.

Key Achievements:

• Infrastructure Development: Modernization of fishing harbours and vessels, establishment of cold chains, and post-harvest facilities.
• Support for Fishers: Livelihood support during lean periods, insurance coverage, and financial assistance through Kisan Credit Cards.

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launches Phase III of capacity-building initiatives under Digital India vision

These initiatives focus on critical areas such as 

• Digital Public Infrastructure, Contract and Procurement Management
• The Application of AI & ML
• Managing Large Digital Transformation Projects, Digital Governance
• Data Management

Digital India

• Digital India, was launched on 1st July 2015 by the Indian Government.
• This program builds upon earlier e-governance efforts that began in the mid-1990s but lacked cohesion and interactivity.
• Digital India Programme envisions comprehensive digital infrastructure, increased digital literacy, and widespread digital access across all sectors, from governance and education to health and financial services.
• The Digital India initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide, promote digital inclusion, and leverage technology to enhance the quality of life for all citizens while promoting economic growth and innovation

Objective:

• Narrowing the Digital Divide: The initiative works to lessen the disparity between tech-savvy individuals and those with limited digital access.
• Promoting Digital Participation: It strives to ensure equitable access to digital technology benefits for all citizens, encompassing areas like education, healthcare, and government services.
• Stimulating Economic Development: By tapping into technological advancements and innovative solutions, Digital India aims to drive economic growth across the country.
• Elevating Living Standards: The program seeks to enhance citizens'' overall quality of life through the strategic application of technology in various aspects of daily living.

Various Digital India Initiatives Taken for Digital India

• Aadhaar: A biometric identification system that assigns unique12-digit identity numbers to residents.
• BharatNet: A project aimed at providing high-speed broadband connectivity to villages, enabling digital services in rural areas.
• Startup India: An initiative to promote entrepreneurship and support startups through incentives, funding, and mentoring.
• e-NAM: An online trading platform that connects agricultural markets, facilitating efficient sale of produce.
• Digital Locker: A cloud-based platform for securely storing and accessing important documents digitally.
• BHIM UPI: A digital payment system that enables secure peer-to-peer transactions using smartphones.
• eSign Framework: Allows online signing of documents using digital signatures.
• MyGov: A citizen engagement platform that facilitates participation in governance and policy discussions.
• e-Hospital: Digitised hospital services, including online registration and access to health records.
• Digital India Act (DIA), 2023: The proposed act aims to replace the outdated IT Act of 2000, adapting to India''s growing internet user base, technological advancements, and new digital challenges. The DIA provides guidelines for responsible adoption of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, encouraging innovation while maintaining ethical standards.

Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju to inaugurate six initiatives/portals as part of 100 Days Achievements

• Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, will inaugurate following Six Initiatives/Portals:

1. National e-Vidhan Application- NeVA 2.0
2. NeVA Mobile App version 2.0
3. Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS)
4. Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS)
5. NYPS Portal 2.0
6. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs)

Integrated Portal for Subordinate Legislation:

• Purpose: Create a single-window interface to streamline the process of framing subordinate legislation.
• Stakeholders:
  • All Ministries/Departments under the Government of India
  • Cabinet Secretariat
  • Legislative Department
  • Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
• Objective: Enhance decision-making and expedite the framing of subordinate legislation by integrating these key entities on one platform.

Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS):

• Purpose: Facilitate better management and communication for Consultative Committees.
• Stakeholders:
  • Hon’ble Members of Parliament
  • Ministries of the Government of India
  • Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
• Features:
  • Real-time access to all information/documents related to Committees.
  • Digital interaction among members and ministries to ensure effective communication and informed decision-making.

NYPS Portal 2.0:

• Purpose: Increase participation in the National Youth Parliament Scheme.
• Scope: Open to all citizens, including students from recognized educational institutions.
• Participation Modes:
  • Institution Participation
  • Group Participation
  • Individual Participation
• Objective: Promote democratic values and engage a broader audience, including youth, in democratic processes.

National Youth Parliament Competition for EMRSs:

• Purpose: Strengthen democratic values and parliamentary understanding among tribal students.
• Target Group: Students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
• Aims:
  • Foster democratic roots and tolerance for diverse views.
  • Encourage discipline and familiarity with parliamentary functioning.
  • Conduct annual National Youth Parliament Competitions to achieve these objectives.

National e-Vidhan Application

• Under the Digital India initiative, the Government of India has launched the centrally sponsored ''National e-Vidhan Application'' scheme to transition all Legislative Assemblies of the country to a paperless format and unify them on a single platform.
• The scheme implementation costs will be shared with 60% funded by the Government of India and 40% by the state governments.

Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

• EMRS started in the year 1997-98 to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas to enable them to access the best opportunities in education and to bring them at par with the general population.
• EMRS are established in the States/UTs from the grants received under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.

Features:

• EMRS are co-educational residential schoolsfrom Class VI to XII.
• Eklavya schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalayas and will have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development.
• Each school has a capacity of 480 students with equal number of seats for boys and girls.
• Non-ST students can be admitted in these schools on seats up to 10% of the total seats.
• CBSE curriculumis followed in these schools, and education is completely free.

Understanding ovarian cancer: its causes, symptoms, and screening methods

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer, often referred to as a "silent killer" due to its non-specific symptoms, leading to late diagnosis. In India, it ranks among the top three cancers affecting women.

Statistics:

In 2022, India reported 47,333 new cases and 32,978 deaths due to ovarian cancer, underscoring the severity of the disease.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, back pain, and postmenopausal bleeding. These are often mistaken for other conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Subtypes:

• Type I: Less common, detected earlier, better prognosis.
• Type II: More aggressive, diagnosed at later stages, responsible for most deaths.

Treatment & Survival: 

Around 20% of patients with advanced ovarian cancer may achieve disease-free status with surgery and chemotherapy. There are no effective screening tests for ovarian cancer, unlike breast or cervical cancer.

Risk Factors:

• Genetic Links: Ovarian cancer is highly heritable, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increasing risk.
• Endometriosis: Linked to certain types of ovarian cancer but the overall risk remains low.
• Lifestyle Factors: Use of talcum powder, hair dyes, and chemical hair straighteners may increase risk, though more research is needed.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Alternatives should be considered.

Genetic Counseling: Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer can benefit from genetic counseling for early detection and preventive measures.

Conclusion:

Awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, genetic risks, and lifestyle factors can lead to early detection and better outcomes.