MoU between AYUSHEXCIL and Zepto
Event & MoU Signing:
- The Ministry of Ayush signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ayush Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL) and Zepto Limited.
- Aim: To provide structured online access to AYUSH medicines and wellness products across India.
Inaugural Remarks:
- Union Ayush Minister, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the role of innovation-driven startups in improving access to trusted wellness products.
- Emphasized alignment with PM Modi’s vision: integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern digital infrastructure.
- Goal: Empower consumers with informed choices and open new market opportunities while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
Signatories:
- Shri Anurag Sharma, Chairman, AYUSHEXCIL
- Shri Kaivalya Vohra, Co-Founder & CEO, Zepto
- Presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
Key Features of the MoU:
- Dedicated AYUSH Storefront on Zepto: Consumers can easily access verified AYUSH medicines and wellness products.
- Promotion of AYUSH Quality Mark (AQM): Ensures certified standards, authenticity, and consumer trust.
- Digital Onboarding of AYUSH Manufacturers: AYUSHEXCIL will identify eligible manufacturers, with a focus on MSMEs.
- Consumer Awareness Initiatives: Joint campaigns to promote authentic, science-backed information on AYUSH products.
- Educational Content Development: AYUSHEXCIL validates content; Zepto hosts and disseminates it on its platform.
Expected Impact:
- Strengthen digital discovery and consumer trust in AYUSH products.
- Enable MSMEs and AYUSH manufacturers to access India’s growing digital marketplace.
- Encourage compliance with regulatory standards and adoption of the AYUSH Quality Mark.
- Contribute to Digital India, Ease of Doing Business, Make in India, and global positioning of AYUSH.
Background on AYUSHEXCIL:
- Launched at Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, April 20, 2022.
- Oversees exports of Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Sowa/Rigpa, and Unani systems.
- Supports trade facilitation for AYUSH sectors under Ministry of Ayush and Commerce.
Overall Significance:
- Marks a step towards digitally transforming AYUSH distribution.
- Ensures quality, compliance, and consumer trust in traditional health products.
- Strengthens India’s position as a global health and wellness hub.
Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026
General Overview
- The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the SWM Rules, 2026, superseding the 2016 rules.
- Rules are under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and come into effect from 1st April 2026.
- Emphasis on Circular Economy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and efficient waste segregation and management.
- Introduces “Polluter Pays” principle: environmental compensation for non-compliance, including false reporting, improper waste handling, or operating without registration.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issues guidelines; State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) enforce penalties.
Four-Stream Segregation of Waste
Mandatory segregation of solid waste at source into four streams:
- Wet waste: kitchen waste, fruit/vegetable peels, meat, flowers → composted or processed via bio-methanation.
- Dry waste: plastic, paper, metal, glass, wood, rubber → sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for sorting and recycling.
- Sanitary waste: used diapers, sanitary towels, tampons, condoms → securely wrapped and stored separately.
- Special care waste: paint cans, bulbs, mercury thermometers, medicines → collected by authorised agencies or at designated centres.
Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs)
- Defined as entities generating ≥100 kg/day, or with ≥20,000 sq. m area, or ≥40,000 litres/day water consumption.
- Includes government departments, local bodies, PSUs, commercial establishments, residential societies.
- Introduces Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR): BWGs must:
- Process wet waste on-site, or
- Obtain EBWGR certificate if on-site processing isn’t feasible.
- Expected to reduce the burden on urban local bodies.
Waste Processing & Monitoring
- Graded criteria for land allocation for solid waste processing/disposal facilities.
- Buffer zones mandated for facilities >5 tonnes/day.
- Centralised online portal to track all stages: generation → collection → transportation → processing → disposal.
- Online registration, authorisation, and reporting for waste processing facilities.
- Mandatory audits of all waste processing facilities.
Roles of Local Bodies and MRFs
- Responsible for collection, segregation, and transportation of waste.
- MRFs formally recognised for sorting of solid waste and may act as collection points for e-waste, sanitary waste, special care waste.
- Local bodies encouraged to generate carbon credits.
- Rural and peri-urban areas receive special attention for sanitation and waste management.
Use of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)
- RDF: fuel from non-recyclable plastic, paper, textiles.
- Industries, including cement and waste-to-energy plants, must replace solid fuel with RDF.
- Fuel substitution rate increased from 5% to 15% over six years.
Landfilling and Legacy Waste Dumpsites
- Landfills limited to non-recyclable, non-energy recoverable, inert waste.
- Higher fees for unsegregated waste disposal.
- Mandatory audits of landfills; overseen by District Collectors.
- Mapping, biomining, and bioremediation of legacy dumpsites with quarterly progress reporting online.
Special Provisions
- Hilly areas and islands:
- User fees on tourists.
- Regulate tourist inflow based on waste management capacity.
- Collection points for non-biodegradable waste.
- Hotels and restaurants to process wet waste locally.
Governance & Oversight
- State and Central Committees established for effective implementation.
- State-level committee chaired by Chief Secretary; provides recommendations to CPCB.
Key Highlights & Innovations
- Integration of Circular Economy principles.
- Strengthening EPR for waste generators.
- Emphasis on digital monitoring and online reporting.
- Promotion of RDF and reduced landfilling.
- Focus on decentralised waste management, especially in rural, peri-urban, and sensitive areas.
This update represents a major overhaul of India’s waste management framework, making it technology-driven, accountable, and sustainable, with active participation of bulk waste generators, local bodies, and citizens.
Amendments to NDCT Rules 2019
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified key amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019.
- These amendments are aligned with the Prime Minister’s directions to reduce regulatory burden and promote Ease of Doing Business in the pharmaceutical sector.
Key reforms:
- Replacement of Test Licence with Prior-Intimation Mechanism
- Previously, pharmaceutical companies needed a test licence from CDSCO to manufacture small quantities of drugs for research/examination purposes.
- Now, companies can proceed with drug development by submitting an online intimation, except for high-risk drugs (cytotoxic, narcotic, psychotropic).
- Expected to save ~90 days in the drug development life cycle.
- Reduction of Processing Timeline for Test Licences
- For drugs still requiring a licence, processing time reduced from 90 days to 45 days.
- CDSCO handles 30,000–35,000 test licence applications annually, so this reform reduces regulatory delays substantially.
- Simplification of BA/BE Studies Approval
- Prior permission is no longer required for low-risk Bioavailability/Bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies.
- Studies can commence via online intimation to CDSCO.
- CDSCO processes around 4,000–4,500 BA/BE applications yearly, and this change accelerates study initiation, particularly for generic drugs.
- Digital Implementation
- Intimations and approvals to be facilitated through National Single Window System (NSWS) and SUGAM portal.
- Ensures transparent, hassle-free, and efficient submission processes.
- Expected Benefits
- Faster initiation of clinical research and drug testing.
- Significant reduction in procedural delays across drug development and approval.
- Optimized manpower utilization at CDSCO.
- Encourages R&D-led growth in the Indian pharmaceutical sector.
- Aligns India’s drug regulations with global best practices.
- Supports public health and safety while promoting innovation and industry efficiency.
OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2025 & India’s Energy Role
Event Context:
- The World Oil Outlook 2025 was presented by Dr. Abderrezak Benyoucef, Head of Energy Studies, OPEC, at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa (27–30 Jan 2026).
India’s Role in Global Oil Demand:
- India is projected to be the largest contributor to global oil demand growth till 2050.
- Expected to add 8.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil demand by 2050.
- Growth driven mainly by transportation, petrochemicals, and industrial activity.
Global Oil Demand Projections:
- Global oil demand to reach 123 million bpd by 2050.
- Demand growth primarily in non-OECD regions.
Primary Energy Demand:
- India’s total primary energy demand to nearly double: from ~22 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day in 2024 to 43.6 million boe/day by 2050.
- Globally, primary energy demand to increase by 23%, from ~308 million boe/day to ~378 million boe/day.
- Non-OECD countries will account for 72% of global energy demand by 2050.
Economic Growth & Global Influence:
- India projected as the fastest-growing major economy (avg. GDP growth ~5.8% annually, 2024–2050).
- India’s global GDP share to rise from 8% (2024) to 17% (2050).
- Increasing influence on global energy markets.
Demographics & Urbanisation:
- India, as the most populous country, will continue to anchor population growth and energy consumption.
- Global population expected to grow by ~1.5 billion by 2050, with almost all growth in non-OECD countries.
- Urbanisation and improving living standards will further drive energy demand.
Investment Requirements:
- Sustained investment needed to meet demand and offset natural decline in oil production.
- Global cumulative oil-related investments estimated at USD 18.2 trillion (2025–2050), including ~USD 15 trillion in upstream investment.
India Energy Week (IEW):
- IEW is India’s flagship global energy platform, promoting secure, sustainable, and affordable energy.
- Provides a neutral forum for investment, policy alignment, and technological collaboration in the energy sector.
Karnataka Constituted Gig Workers Welfare Development Board
Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Development Board
- The Karnataka government has officially constituted the Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Development Board under the 2025 Act.
- The objective is to implement welfare and social security measures for gig and platform-based workers in the State.
Composition of the Board
- The Labour Minister will serve as the ex-officio President of the Board.
- Ex-officio members include senior officials from:
- Labour Department
- Department of Information Technology
- Commercial Taxes Department
- The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board will act as the Member Secretary.
Representation and Inclusivity
- The Board includes equal representation from both stakeholders:
- Four representatives from gig worker unions
- Four representatives from aggregator platforms
- Major aggregator companies represented include:
- Zomato
- Uber
- Amazon
- Porter
- Labour organisations such as:
- All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
- App-based transport and delivery worker unions
are part of the Board, ensuring worker representation.
Registration Requirements
- Mandatory registration introduced for:
- All aggregator platforms
- All gig workers
- Aggregators must:
- Complete registration within 45 days
- Submit details of all gig workers engaged through their platforms
- Each registered gig worker will receive a unique identification number.
Welfare Delivery Mechanism
- The unique ID will be used by the Board to:
- Track workers
- Disburse social security and welfare benefits
- The welfare fund will be financed through:
- Welfare fee collected from aggregators
- Contributions from gig workers
- Grants from State and Union governments
Welfare Fee on Aggregators
- The State will levy a welfare fee of 1% to 1.5% on aggregator platforms.
- The levy will:
- Vary by sector and business model
- Be subject to a cap to limit the burden on platforms
- The fee is designed to create a sustainable welfare fund for gig workers.
Policy Rationale
- Labour Minister Santosh Lad stated that:
- The levy has been kept low initially
- The aim is to ensure steady fund mobilisation without imposing an immediate financial strain on aggregator platforms
- The approach reflects a balanced regulatory framework between worker welfare and platform viability.
Overall Significance
- The Board institutionalises social security for gig workers, a traditionally unprotected workforce.
- Karnataka becomes one of the early movers among Indian States in formalising gig worker welfare through legislation and a dedicated board.
- The initiative strengthens the State’s role in regulating the platform economy while promoting inclusive labour protections.
8th-century CE Telugu inscription
Discovery of the Telugu Inscription
- An 8th-century CE Telugu inscription has been discovered at Pitikayagulla village, Bestavaripeta mandal, in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh.
- The inscription was found engraved on a stone slab placed in front of the historic Pitikesvara temple.
- The find adds to the limited corpus of early Telugu epigraphical records.
Physical and Linguistic Features
- The inscription consists of four lines written in Telugu language and script as used in the 8th century CE.
- The text reads:
- “Svastisri Nandelu Vari, Chensinavanthu Prani, Milli Achari,”
- “Padasina Nava Katta”
- Its language and script make it valuable for epigraphical and palaeographical studies.
Content and Interpretation
- Epigraphists interpret the record as documenting the construction of a new embankment (nava katta).
- The work is attributed to Pranimilli Achari, identified as a sculptor or craftsman.
- This suggests that artisans played an active role in public infrastructure projects, not just royal authorities.
Administrative and Historical Context
- The inscription is believed to date to a period when the Renadu region was under royal administration.
- Notably, the text does not mention the ruling king, indicating recognition of local contributors or artisans.
- It reflects organised public works, likely related to irrigation or water management.
Linguistic and Cultural Significance
- According to K. Muniratnam Reddy, Director (Epigraphy), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
- The inscription represents a new epigraphical discovery.
- Such early Telugu records are crucial for understanding the evolution of Telugu.
- The inscription provides evidence of:
- Telugu transitioning from Prakrit influence to an independent literary and administrative language.
- Early use of Telugu in official and functional contexts, not merely oral or literary forms.
Overall Importance
- The discovery enriches knowledge of:
- Early Telugu language development
- Role of artisans in medieval society
- Public infrastructure practices in early historic Andhra region
- It is significant for historians, linguists, and epigraphists studying South Indian history and language evolution.
Population Census 2027
Key Features
- Census 2027 will be India’s first-ever fully digital census.
- The first phase will be conducted from April 1 to September 30, 2027.
- Enumerators will collect data using mobile applications on their personal smartphones.
- The initiative aims to enable the fastest possible release of Census data.
Engagement of Private Technical Staff
- For the first time, private technical manpower will be hired to assist government officials during the Census.
- The move is intended to support the technologically intensive nature of Census 2027.
- Assistance will be provided through short-term contractual staff, not permanent government employees.
Technological Systems Used
- Digital tools and platforms include:
- Mobile applications for field data collection
- Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS)
- Houselisting Block Creator (HLBC) Web Application
- Self-enumeration portal
- The goal is to obtain digitised data directly from the field, reducing processing delays.
Manpower Deployment
- Technical Assistants and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) will be hired at multiple administrative levels:
- State
- District
- Municipal Corporation
- Tehsil (Charge) level
- Approved staffing pattern:
- State level: 4 Technical Assistants + 2 MTS
- District level: 2 Technical Assistants + 1 MTS
- Municipal Corporations: 2 Technical Assistants + 1 MTS
- Tehsil level: 1 Technical Assistant
- With over 700 districts, this implies large-scale deployment of technical support staff nationwide.
Duration and Nature of Employment
- Hired personnel will be engaged for a maximum of 18 months, starting January 2026.
- Employment will be:
- Purely short-term and contractual
- Without any right to regularisation or future government employment
- Engagement will be done only through outsourcing agencies, not by direct appointment.
- Retired government officials may also be hired if suitably qualified.
Remuneration Details
- Maximum monthly remuneration:
- Technical Assistant: ₹25,000
- MTS: ₹18,000
- No additional financial benefits or liabilities will be borne by the Union government.
- Payments will be routed only through the outsourcing agency.
Enumerator and Census Workforce
- Around 31 lakh enumerators will be engaged for fieldwork.
- All enumerators will be government officials, mostly government school teachers.
- Each enumerator will survey 750–800 persons.
- Each enumerator will receive an honorarium of ₹25,000.
- Honorarium for other Census officials (nodal officers, clerks, etc.) ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹75,000.
Financial Support to States
- States will receive one-time grants for:
- Procurement of computer hardware and software
- IT infrastructure
- Hiring vehicles
- Contingency expenses
- Grant amounts:
- State level: ₹10 lakh each
- District and tehsil levels: ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh
Overall Significance
- Census 2027 marks a major shift towards digital governance in India’s largest administrative exercise.
- The use of private technical manpower reflects the need for specialised digital expertise.
- The approach aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, monitoring, and speed of data release, while limiting long-term fiscal and administrative liabilities for the government.