United Nations Road Safety Financing Initiative Context: The United Nations has initiated a road safety financing initiative in collaboration with four Indian states. Funding support for the project will come from the UN Road Safety Fund. The programme will be carried out in Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam under the supervision of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office. Its primary aim is to strengthen both national and state-level capabilities to effectively implement road safety action plans. The initiative also seeks to lower the number of road crash fatalities and serious injuries that often result in long-term disabilities. India records the highest number of road accident deaths globally, with approximately 153,972 fatalities each year and a mortality rate of 15.4 per 100,000 people, as reported by the World Health Organization. Families often lose primary earners, while the country as a whole suffers economic losses estimated to exceed 3% of GDP each year. SUJVIKA Context: On the occasion of its 40th Foundation Day, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) introduced SUJVIKA. About SUJVIKA SUJVIKA is an AI-powered biotechnology product data portal created by DBT in partnership with Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE). It functions as a digital trade statistics and intelligence platform, offering verified and well-organized data on biotechnology product imports. The portal presents detailed, sector-specific information covering biochemical products, industrial enzymes, and various other biotech-related imports. By delivering structured and reliable insights, SUJVIKA helps researchers and startups pinpoint high-value imported products, evaluate import dependence, and focus on strengthening domestic research and development efforts. MeitY Launches Blockchain India Challenge Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced the Blockchain India Challenge, a nationwide programme designed to promote blockchain-driven digital governance solutions. The Blockchain India Challenge seeks to motivate Indian startups to design permissioned blockchain solutions tailored…
