[Newsbits] 1-14.08.2024: Neelakurinji, Africa Mpox Outbreak & more


The e-Sankhyiki Portal, launched by India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on June 29, 2024, is a major step in modernizing data management and sharing. It provides users with easy access to comprehensive and time-series data, along with improved tools for data filtering, visualization, and analysis. The portal emphasizes data security through cloud storage, regular audits, and cybersecurity measures supported by CERT-In. Designed to enhance transparency and efficiency, it allows real-time data access across various sectors, supports online submissions, and encourages collaboration among government agencies, ultimately aiding in evidence-based policy-making.

The Indian government has declared two new Peacock Sanctuaries in Adichunchanagiri, Karnataka, and Choolannuar, Kerala, to protect peafowl and their habitats. This initiative, announced by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, aims to preserve India’s national bird, contributing to biodiversity and cultural heritage. The sanctuaries will offer legal protection, restrict human activities, and implement conservation measures like breeding centers and habitat restoration to counter threats like habitat loss and hunting. While the move enhances peafowl protection, it also presents challenges, such as managing human-wildlife interactions and ensuring effective long-term conservation.

The 5th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting, held from July 29 to August 1, 2024, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, aimed to review and update the AITIGA to enhance economic ties between ASEAN countries and India. Established in 2009, AITIGA seeks to reduce trade barriers and promote free trade. The recent meeting, attended by delegates from all ASEAN countries and India, focused on fitting the agreement to current trade conditions, with eight sub-committees addressing critical areas. The event also included bilateral talks and discussions with Indian businesses to ensure practical outcomes for stakeholders.

On August 2, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the introduction of the Boilers Bill 2024 in the Rajya Sabha to replace the outdated Boilers Act of 1923. The new Bill modernizes boiler regulations to align with current industry and safety standards, decriminalizes three out of seven offences by replacing them with penalties, and simplifies compliance for businesses, particularly MSMEs. The Bill emphasizes safety by requiring only qualified professionals to conduct boiler repairs and structures the regulations into six clear chapters for better understanding. The goal is to enhance safety, reduce the administrative burden, and expedite issue resolution while maintaining strict oversight.

The Upasthiti Portal, introduced by Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is a new biometric system designed to track daily attendance of health department staff, including doctors and paramedical workers. This initiative aims to improve accountability and healthcare service efficiency in Jharkhand. The government is committed to enhancing medical facilities, ensuring district hospitals operate 24/7 with specialist doctors, and improving communication between primary health centers and district hospitals. This will ensure comprehensive care within districts and reduce patient referrals. The portal is part of broader efforts to implement private hospital management practices in public healthcare facilities.
If you like this post, please share your feedback in the comments section below so that we will upload more posts like this.