Initiatives / Schemes
Pharmacies to Display QR Code for Reporting Adverse Drug Events
- Context: Pharmacy outlets across Tamil Nadu have begun displaying a QR code to help the public report suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed all retail and wholesale pharmacies nationwide to display the QR code at a prominent location.
- The initiative aims to strengthen patient safety and pharmacovigilance.
- Tamil Nadu is the first State to implement this initiative.
Environment
First Phase of Nationwide Tiger Estimation Exercise
- Context: The first phase of the All India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 will begin in Tamil Nadu on January 5.
- AITE is the world’s largest wildlife monitoring exercise, conducted once every four years.
- It is carried out by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). In the state, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department conducts the survey work.
- The survey assesses
- Tiger populations
- Co-predators such as leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas
- Prey base including gaur, sambar deer, spotted deer, and barking deer.
- Tamil Nadu, which is home to five tiger reserves — Kalakad Mundanthurai, Anamalai, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, and Srivilliputhur-Megamalai.
- The State’s tiger population increased from 264 (2018) to 306 (2022).
- The main methods employed are pugmark analysis, scat analysis (DNA testing), camera trapping, radio-collaring, remote sensing, and data management through the M-STrIPES software.
- The final report of the 2026 census will be released in 2027.
