PIB Snippets
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UPSC Prelims & Mains
PIB Snippets — August 20, 2026
Today’s official releases — a “smart” cancer drug from Indian labs, the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit, SC fellowship support, MY Bharat’s global youth outreach, and India’s booming makhana sector
💊 RK-251 “Smart” Cancer Drug
🚢 Coast Guard Global Summit
🎓 National Fellowship for SC Students
🌏 Friends of MY Bharat
🌾 India’s Makhana Sector
💊
RK-251 “Smart” Cancer Drug
News Context
- Indian scientists developed RK-251, a “smart” cancer drug designed to activate primarily inside cancer cells while sparing healthy cells — a targeted alternative to chemotherapy.
How It Works — Key Facts
- Cancer cells produce high levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which trigger RK-251’s activation.
- Once activated, it releases “NBDHEX,” which blocks proteins cancer cells use to survive and resist treatment.
- In normal (low-ROS) cells, the drug stays inactive — avoiding damage to healthy tissue.
Showcases indigenous Indian R&D in precision drug design, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat in health innovation, and offers hope for hard-to-cure cancers like TNBC.
Source: PIB
🚢
Coast Guard Global Summit & Indian Coast Guard
News Context
- India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in New Delhi in February 2027, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Coast Guard (Bharatiya Tatrakshak).
- As preparation, the ICG hosted the Working Level Meeting (WLM) of the 5th CGGS in hybrid mode.
About the Indian Coast Guard — Key Facts
- Established 1 February 1977; formally constituted under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
- An Armed Force of the Union under the Ministry of Defence; idea traced to the Rustamji Committee.
- Motto: “Vayam Rakshamah” (We Protect); headed by the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.
MAHASAGAR Vision
“Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” — India’s updated maritime vision, evolved from SAGAR.
Significance for India
Enhances India’s role as a net security provider in the IOR; advances SLOC protection and the blue economy.
Source: PIB
🎓
National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC)
News Context
- Featured by PIB showcasing an SC research scholar who completed a PhD in Agriculture Microbiology with the fellowship’s support.
About the Scheme — Key Facts
- A 100% funded Central Sector Scheme providing financial assistance to SC students pursuing M.Phil/PhD.
- Earlier known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF), later restructured and renamed.
- Nodal Ministry: Social Justice and Empowerment; Implementing Agency: University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Constitutional backing: Article 15(4)/15(5) and Article 46 (DPSP); aligned with SDG-4 and NEP 2020.
Source: PIB
🌏
‘Friends of MY Bharat’ & Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)
News Context
- The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched ‘Friends of MY Bharat’ — a digital module engaging Indian-origin youth worldwide in India’s development journey — announced at the BRICS Youth Summit 2026 in Gandhinagar.
About Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) — Key Facts
- A national youth platform launched by PM Modi on 31 October 2023 (National Unity Day).
- Guiding Pillars: Seva (Service), Kartavya (Duty), Jan Bhagidari (People’s Participation).
- A “phygital” platform empowering youth (age 15–29) to “learn, lead, and contribute” towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
Source: PIB
🌾
India’s Makhana Sector
News Context
- Makhana, traditionally grown in Bihar’s Mithila region, is emerging as a high-value global superfood — boosted by its GI tag (2022) and new government support.
About Makhana — Key Facts
- Scientific name: Euryale ferox; an aquatic crop grown in shallow ponds and wetlands.
- India is the world’s largest producer; Bihar accounts for ~75% of national and 80–85% of global supply.
- Production: 63,910 MT (2024-25); estimated 80,590 MT (2025-26).
National Makhana Board
Announced in Union Budget 2025-26; formally launched in Bihar on 15 September 2025.
Central Sector Scheme
Outlay of ₹476.03 crore (2025-26 to 2030-31) for research, quality seeds, branding and exports.
Export Profile
Separate HSN code (2025); top markets USA (40%), Canada (20%), UAE (17%).
Nutritional Value
Low-sodium, cholesterol-free, ~95% protein digestibility — considered superior to nuts like almonds and walnuts.
Source: PIB
