PRAGATI Platform: PIB Notes
In News
- PM Narendra Modi chaired the 52nd PRAGATI meeting at Seva Teerth on June 24, 2026.
- Four critical infrastructure projects worth ₹30,000 crore across Road, Power, Industrial Corridor, and Metro Rail sectors were reviewed.
- PM emphasised e-Zero FIR mechanisms for faster cyber fraud registration and response by states.
About: PRAGATI Platform
- PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
- It was launched in 2015 as an ICT-enabled, multi-modal governance platform.
- It integrates accountability, transparency, and timely decision-making into the administrative process.
- PRAGATI meetings are chaired by the Prime Minister with direct engagement from State and Central Ministries.
Objectives of PRAGATI
- Fast-tracking critical infrastructure projects facing bottlenecks.
- Improving outcomes of flagship welfare schemes showing sub-optimal performance.
- Resolving citizen grievances across sectors.
About e-Zero FIR
- The e-Zero FIR system enables automatic FIR registration for high-value cyber financial crimes without territorial jurisdiction barriers.
- It aims to enable faster tracking and action against cybercriminals and facilitate swift recovery of lost money.
About Zero FIR
- A Zero FIR can be lodged at any police station, regardless of where the crime occurred or victim resides.
- A victim can provide information orally or by electronic communication to the officer in-charge.
- The receiving police station registers the complaint without assigning a regular FIR number and forwards it to the concerned police station for investigation.
- Zero FIR was recommended by the Justice Verma Committee after the 2012 Nirbhaya case to prevent delays due to jurisdictional issues.
- It ensures immediate registration and timely action, avoiding bureaucratic hurdles for the victim.
APEDA BHARATI Programme: PIB Notes
In News
- APEDA successfully concluded the first cohort of the BHARATI Programme, supporting 100 startups from 22 States and 2 Union Territories.
- The cohort was selected from over 700 applications received through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process.
- Entrepreneurs ranged in age from 17 to 75 years, reflecting India’s diverse innovation ecosystem.
About BHARATI Programme
- BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Innovation.
- It is a flagship export enablement and acceleration programme of APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It aims to identify, nurture, and support high-potential startups in India’s agri-food export sector.
- The programme targets achieving USD 50 billion in APEDA-scheduled product exports by 2030.
About APEDA
- APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It is responsible for development and promotion of agricultural and processed food exports from India.
Key Achievements of BHARATI Cohort
- Two agri-tech startups exported approximately 37 MT of GI-tagged Jardalu mangoes to Dubai.
- A startup achieved the first-ever sea shipment of millet functional food products to Auckland, New Zealand, using millet from Karnataka-based FPOs.
IPC Training on EG/DEG Detection: PIB Notes
In News
- The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) conducted the 2nd Hands-on Training Programme on EG and DEG determination in oral liquid preparations by Gas Chromatography.
About EG and DEG Contamination
- Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) are highly toxic substances not permitted in pharmaceutical formulations.
- These contaminants may enter through adulterated excipients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol.
- Even trace quantities can cause acute kidney injury, central nervous system depression, and death.
- Gas Chromatography (GC) is used for their accurate detection and quantification in oral liquid preparations.
About the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
- IPC is the national body responsible for publishing the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and setting pharmaceutical quality standards in India.
- It is located in Ghaziabad and functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- IPC supports State and UT Drug Testing Laboratories through technical training and capacity building.
- It ensures implementation of Indian Pharmacopoeia standards across regulatory laboratories nationally.
Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026: PIB Notes
In News
- Six youth-led startups won the 8th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2026 at T-Hub, Hyderabad.
- More than 40% of selected ventures are women-led.
About Youth Co:Lab
- Youth Co:Lab was co-created in 2017 by UNDP and the Citi Foundation.
- It aims to establish a common agenda for Asia-Pacific countries to empower youth to accelerate the implementation of SDGs through leadership, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- The 2026 challenge was co-led by UNDP India and Citi Foundation, in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), and implemented by T-Hub Foundation.
- Three thematic areas covered: Sustainable Textiles and Fashion, Circular Economy Innovations, and Sustainable Food Systems and Water Conservation.
About Key Bodies
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
- AIM including SETU (Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation) is the Government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
- It serves as a platform for world-class innovation hubs, grand challenges, start-up businesses, and self-employment activities in technology-driven areas.
- T-Hub:
- T-Hub is described as the world’s largest startup hub, supporting founders from ideation to scale through programmes, partnerships, and global access.
- UNDP:
- UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, supporting efforts to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities.
