Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala (Coal) Transparently in India (SHAKTI), 2017
All the Power Generating companies are eligible for coal linkage under SHAKTI Policy, subject to terms and conditions mentioned in the Policy. The SHAKTI Policy has various mechanisms of coal allocation to the power plants in a transparent manner.
Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates, Commission Invokes Emergency Measures
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has been steadily rising, reaching a concerning 379 by 4 PM on December 16, 2024. Forecasts predict the AQI to remain in the “Very Poor” to “Severe” category in the coming days due to unfavorable weather conditions. This has prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas to invoke emergency measures under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
C-DOT and Trois Infotech Sign Agreement to Develop “Face Recognition Using Drone” Under TTDF Scheme
This project focuses on developing advanced drone-based solutions equipped with industrial-grade, long-range cameras optimized for facial recognition, high-accuracy edge processing, and seamless real-time data transmission. The drones will leverage cutting-edge computer vision and AI technologies to address challenges such as camera and target movement, low-light conditions, and power constraints.
Central Government Amends Wheat Stockholding Limits for Traders and Processors
The amended order applies to all States and Union Territories. The stockholding limit for wheat has been extended until March 31, 2025. Traders, wholesalers, retailers, big chain retailers, and processors are required to declare their current wheat stockholdings on the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD) portal. Entities exceeding the prescribed limits must bring their stocks within the limit by December 26, 2024.
MSE-SPICE Scheme
The MSE SPICE scheme encourages recirculation of resources in the MSMEs through the strategies of reducing, reusing and recycling of resources, which includes re-processing waste materials in the eleven sectors.
Mobile app PMJVK Bhuvan developed for Geo-tagging of assets created under PMJVK and capturing project specific attributes for better implementation/ monitoring of projects under PMJVK
A mobile app PMJVK Bhuvan has been developed for Geo-tagging of all the assets created under PMJVK and capturing the project specific attributes including photographs of different stages of construction/completion of projects for better implementation/ monitoring of the projects under PMJVK.
FSSAI Publishes Latest List of Accredited Food Testing Laboratories
The list specifies a total of 218 FSSAI Notified NABL Accredited Food Testing Laboratories with valid accreditation. Additionally the list also specifies, 24 FSSAI notified laboratories whose NABL accreditation validity has expired or are under suspension or under process of denotification or have shifted premise without Integrated assessment.
New Process for Verification of Additional Medical Qualifications in India
Previously, NMC verified qualifications directly with issuing institutions. However, NBEMS has implemented a new online system called the “Credential Verification Online Portal (CVOP)” to streamline this process. The online CVOP system is expected to improve the efficiency and transparency of the verification process for medical practitioners seeking NMC’s AQ certificates.
NMC Warns Against Misleading Communications
The NMC has clarified that only communications formally published on its official website and Twitter handle (@NMC_BHARAT) are considered authentic and enforceable. Any other communications circulating in the public domain, including social media, should be treated with caution and verified through official channels.
