Pavement Condition Index (PCI)

• Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is a scientific metric ranging from 0 to 100, reflecting pavement conditions from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Failed’.
• PCI will be calculated based on 6 functional parameters that include roughness, potholes, cracking, Ravelling, Rut Depth and Patchwork.
• The data for PCI value will be calculated using the latest technology such as Laser Crack Measurement Systems through Network Survey Vehicles (NSV).
•  PCI will be surveyed and processed through centrally deployed agencies by NHAI under supervision of a dedicated team.

PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan (NMP)

• PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) was launched on October 2021 for providing multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) accorded approval for the implementation of PM Gati-Shakti National Master Plan on 21st October 2021.
• The Union Government in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs).
• All the NHs development projects of MoRTH are planned in line with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) Principles.
• PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. The approach is driven by 7 engines, namely:
  1. Railways
  2. Roads
  3. Ports
  4. Waterways
  5. Airports
  6. Mass Transport
  7. Logistics Infrastructure
• All 7 engines will pull forward the economy in unison.
• electronic Detailed Accident Report (e- DAR) Project – Is a central repository for reporting, management and analysis of road accidents data across the Country.
• It is administered by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)

• The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) aims to transition India's harbour tug fleet from conventional diesel-powered vessels to greener alternatives.
• The GTTP was launched on August 16, 2024.
• This is achieved through a phased approach spanning 5 phases from 2024 to 2040.
• The transition is designed to be seamless, allowing for a gradual phasing out of traditional tugs.
• Four major ports have been selected in Phase 1 of GTTP with the target of procuring/hiring at least two green tugs by each port.
• The GTTP is directly aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to reduce GHG emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.
• To know more about Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 click here
• The GTTP's focus on reducing emissions from harbour tugs contributes significantly to this broader goal.
• Green Tug Transition Program is a part of Panch Karma Sankalp.
• Panch Karma Sankalp – The ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ includes 5 major announcements which are:
  1. MoPSW to provide 30% financial support for the promotion of Green Shipping.
  2. Under the Green Tug Transition Programme Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Paradip Port and Deendayal Port, Kandla will procure two tugs each.
  3. Deendayal Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin to be developed as Green Hydrogen Hub.
  4. Single Window Portal to facilitate and monitor river and sea cruises.
  5. Jawaharlal Nehru Port and VO Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin to become smart port by next year.

Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)

• The Malayan Sun bear, or the Sun bear is the smallest member of the bear family.
• They are easily distinguishable by their bib-shaped golden or white patch on their chest.
• Sun bears are primarily nocturnal, but daytime activity has been observed in this species.
• The Malayan Sun Bear do not hibernate.
• Range – It can be found from southern China to eastern India and as far south as Indonesia.
• Habitat – Tropical forest, shrub lands and artificial/terrestrial lands.
• Protection – They listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s red list.
• Threat – Sun bear currently faces multiple threats on a regional and national level that include habitat loss, population fragmentation, illegal hunting and trading for traditional medicine and delicacies.

Fleming Fund

• Fleming Fund is a U.K. Department of Health and Social Care program to help low- and middle-income countries to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• It provides supports for training of trainers on infection prevention and control (IPC).
• It also strengthens AMR surveillance networks and conducts surveys on antibiotic use in tertiary hospitals.
• Fleming Fund is part of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Collaborations.
• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Collaborations – NCDC collaborates with global organizations and countries to address AMR, focusing on AMR surveillance, capacity building, and specialized lab testing.
• Notable international collaborations include:
  • India-US CDC Partnership – Focused on AMR surveillance, SOP development, and data management using WHONET (World Health Organization (WHO) Network) software.
  • USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Collaboration – Focused on strengthening AMR containment in six states.
  • Indo-Netherlands Collaboration – Pilot project in Andhra Pradesh integrating AMR surveillance with a One Health approach.
  • India-Denmark Collaboration – A recent technical collaboration plan to address AMR.