Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Context: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare chaired a high-level review meeting with all States and Union Territories to assess the progress of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and chart the way forward towards achieving a TB-free India. About The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched this initiative to speed up India’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025. Objectives To give extra support to TB patients so that their treatment is more effective. To increase participation of the community in achieving the goal of ending TB. To make use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions for TB elimination efforts. Components Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative: Aims to provide additional help such as diagnosis, nutrition, and skill development support to TB patients during treatment. Ni-kshay Mitras (donors) can adopt: Health facilities (individual donors) Blocks, urban wards, districts, or even states Their role is to strengthen and support government actions in fighting TB. Ni-kshay Digital Portal: An online platform that connects donors and community members to support TB patients. Helps organize and track assistance provided to people undergoing TB treatment. REWARD Programme Context: The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) recently convened a meeting to discuss the draft National Technical Guidelines (NTG) for improved watershed management under the REWARD Programme. About REWARD Programme Rejuvenating Watersheds for Agricultural Resilience through Innovative Development is a watershed development initiative backed by the World Bank. Duration: 2021 to 2026. It is currently being carried out in the states of Karnataka and Odisha. Key Features The programme focuses on adopting advanced and scientific approaches for watershed management. It is implemented by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development. It follows the Program-for-Results (PforR) funding approach. Under this model, the World Bank releases funds only after specific…
