PCPNDT Act, 1994. Context: Highlighting concerns regarding prevailing gender discrimination in society and the persistent preference for male children, the Supreme Court recently emphasized the need for the strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act. About the PCPNDT Act The 'Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994' was enacted in India to curb sex selection and female foeticide, which were contributing to the decline in the sex ratio. Objectives The objectives of this Act are to completely prohibit pre-conception and post-conception sex selection, protect the girl child, and ensure that medical technologies are used solely for legitimate health purposes. Key Provisions Techniques such as ultrasound are permitted only for detecting medical abnormalities. Determining or disclosing the sex of the fetus is strictly prohibited. Advertising sex-determination services is prohibited. All diagnostic centers must be registered under this Act. Violations can lead to imprisonment (up to 3 years) and fines. Offenses Sex determination and sex selection are punishable offenses. Medical professionals found guilty of these offenses may face imprisonment, fines, and the suspension or cancellation of their medical licenses. 'Oilseeds Kisan Mitra' Context: To assist oilseed farmers, ICAR has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based WhatsApp service called 'Oilseeds Kisan Mitra'. It provides farmers with accessible, research-based advice in multiple Indian languages at any time to enhance cultivation and productivity. About 'Oilseeds Kisan Mitra' A free AI-based WhatsApp chatbot service has been launched for oilseed farmers. Farmers can ask questions at any time and receive immediate, research-backed responses. Development Developed by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Key Features Operates via WhatsApp by saving a specific contact number. Supports multiple Indian languages. Provides guidelines on seeds, sowing, irrigation, pest control, and post-harvest practices. Covers crops such as groundnut, mustard, sesame, sunflower, soybean,…
