Supreme Court Requests Centre to Examine Appropriateness of a Model Menstrual Leave Policy
The court, while acknowledging the importance of the issue, emphasized that it was a policy matter best addressed by the government and not the judiciary. The Supreme Court has asked the Ministry of Women and Child Development to consult with states and other stakeholders before finalizing the policy.
BIS Invests in R&D to Drive Standardisation
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the sanction of 82 research and development (R&D) projects to bolster its standardisation efforts. These projects, awarded to faculty members from institutions like IITs and NITs, will focus on cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, medical devices, renewable energy, and sustainability.
India Launches Report On Adolescent Well-being
The Indian government has unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Economic Case for Investment in the Well-being of Adolescents in India.” The report highlights the country’s progress in adolescent health and well-being while emphasizing the need for continued investment in this critical age group.
Food Processing Sector in India Witnesses Significant Growth
The food processing industry has emerged as a key driver of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and exports. The government has approved projects worth crores of rupees under PMKSY for developing food processing infrastructure, including mega food parks, cold chains, and agro-processing clusters.
India Takes Strong Steps Against Single-Use Plastics
The Indian government has made significant strides in its fight against single-use plastic pollution. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 implemented from July 1, 2022, have led to a ban on several high-littering plastic items, including plastic carry bags below a certain thickness. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) has issued a press release dated July 25, 2024, on current status of this ban.
India Disputes Global Air Quality Report, Highlights Domestic Efforts
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised concerns over the methodology used in the World Air Quality Report 2023, which ranked Indian cities among the most polluted globally. The ministry emphasized that the report relied heavily on data from low-cost sensors, which are not officially recognized for regulatory purposes by many countries.
New Vendor Rating System Introduced For Rooftop Solar Industry
The Vendor Rating Programme (VRP) will assess vendors on various parameters, including workmanship, component quality, installation practices, and safety standards. The ratings will be displayed on a national portal, enabling consumers to make informed choices when selecting vendors.
New Hand Transplant Registry System on NOTTO Web Portal
The National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has announced the registration for hand transplant recipients on its web portal. OTTO has authorized hand transplant centers and hospitals to register hand transplant recipients under the “BONE” category within the tissue section.
Government Enhances Recognition for Deceased Organ Donors and Families
In addition to the funeral assistance, the MoHFW has authorized a felicitation ceremony for deceased organ donors and their families. This involves presenting a shawl, certificate with frame, and flowers to the deceased donor’s family member(s) at the time of donation. The maximum cost per donor is Rs. 1,000.
NMC Warns Against Attendance Fraud in Medical Colleges
The NMC has observed instances where faculty members have been marking attendance using fake fingerprints. The NMC emphasizes that any such practice is viewed as a serious offense. Any violation of this mandate will result in strict action against the concerned medical institution.
