Current Affairs for 12 December 2025

Great Nicobar Project: Discovery of New Species

Why in News

Recently, more than 40 new species, including a new snake and a possible new bird species, have been discovered in the Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project area.

About the New Discoveries

• New snake species: Lycodon irwini
  • Named after Australian zookeeper Steve Irwin.
  • Only four recordings of this snake have been found so far, highlighting its rarity.
  • Due to its extremely limited regional distribution, it has been recommended for "Endangered" status on the IUCN Red List.
• New bird species: Great Nicobar Crake (Rallina group)
  • It has been camera-recorded only three times in the last 10 years.
  •  Its unique physical characteristics may make it a species new to science.
  • Little information is available about its biology, distribution, population, etc.
• Other Discoveries (2021–2025)
  • Approximately 40 new species: 2 frogs, 4 crabs, 2 geckos, and several insects: flies, moths, beetles, etc.
  • Nearly half of these species were discovered in 2025 alone.

Key Findings

• The Great Nicobar Island region is home to 650 plant species and over 1,800 animal species.
• Approximately 24% endemism has been recorded, meaning many species are found only here.
• Continuous new discoveries make it clear that this region is one of India's richest tropical rainforests.
• The scientific community believes that this area is highly sensitive and its protection should be a top priority.
• According to Asad Rahmani, former director of the Bombay Natural History Society, Great Nicobar is India's "finest tropical rainforest" and needs complete protection.

Significance

• Biodiversity Conservation: The discovery of new species demonstrates that this region is extremely important for scientific study and conservation.
• Ecologically Sensitive Zone: The rarity and endemism of its flora and fauna make it of national and global significance.
• Infrastructure vs. Environment: These discoveries have provided a stronger basis for environmental impact assessment (EIA) amid ongoing mega projects.
• Scientific Research: The continued discovery of new species makes this region a hotspot for biology, ecology, and conservation science.

IIMAD–PFI Report on the Population of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Why in News

A new national-level report by the International Institute for Migration and Development (IIMAD) and the Population Foundation of India (PFI) provides a detailed analysis of population growth in the Indian island groups of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

About the IIMAD–PFI Report

• Title: ‘Unravelling India’s Demographic Future: Population Projections for States and Union Territories 2021-2051’
• It presents future population projections for all of India’s states and union territories.
• The report adopts a different mathematical approach, particularly for smaller states and island union territories, as decadal population growth rates for these regions have been highly volatile and do not show a clear trend.

Key Findings

• According to the report, the population of Lakshadweep is expected to increase by 9.68% and that of Andaman and Nicobar by 5.73% by 2051.
• The population of Lakshadweep was 67,642 in 2016 and is projected to increase to 74,194 by 2051.
  • The male population is expected to increase from 34,716 to 37,785 and the female population from 32,926 to 36,319.
• The population of Andaman and Nicobar was 398,310 in 2016 and is projected to increase to 421,135 in 2051.
  • The male population is expected to increase from 213,467 to 226,139, and the female population from 184,843 to 194,996.
• Traditional SRS data is insufficient for small states and union territories, so mathematical methods, specifically logistic curve fitting, were used.

Significance

• This report is important for policymakers because planning for issues such as the limited geographical capacity of islands, resource management, health infrastructure, water conservation, and housing, depends on population projections.
• Population growth in small islands has a direct impact on environmental sustainability, tourism, employment, and living standards.
• The report helps understand India's overall demographic future and highlights the need for specific strategies in areas where data constraints and erratic growth rates make policymaking challenging.

SC Invalidates Forced Narco Tests

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court of India has set aside a Patna High Court order permitting a compulsory narco analysis test in Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025). The Court ruled that forced narco tests violate Articles 20(3) and 21, reaffirming earlier constitutional protections upheld in Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010).

Background & Context

Why Narco Tests Became Controversial in India

Narco analysis, along with polygraph tests and brain mapping, emerged as investigative tools in the early 2000s to solve complex crimes. However, repeated misuse—including coerced testing, custodial pressure, and lack of transparency—raised alarm regarding violations of personal liberty.

The Supreme Court’s landmark Selvi (2010) judgment attempted to regulate these tests by prohibiting involuntary administration. Despite this, some courts and investigating agencies continued to recommend narco tests in difficult criminal cases, which led to judicial confusion.

The Patna High Court’s 2025 order allowing an involuntary test revived concerns of:

• Police overreach
• Judicial inconsistency
• Violation of bodily integrity
• Erosion of due process

The Supreme Court’s fresh ruling clarifies and reinforces the constitutional safeguards governing investigative procedures.

Understanding Narco Analysis in Criminal Investigations

What Is a Narco Test?

A narco test uses sedatives such as Sodium Pentothal (a barbiturate) to:

• Diminish self-control
• Lower mental inhibitions
• Induce a semi-conscious state

Investigators believe that in such a state, the subject may involuntarily reveal concealed information.

Related Techniques

• Polygraph Test – measures physiological responses
• Brain Mapping – records brain activity patterns
• Narco Analysis – lowers cognition using drugs

None of these are considered scientifically foolproof, and all raise concerns of testimonial compulsion.

Why Forced Narco Tests Raise Constitutional Concerns

1. Right Against Self-Incrimination – Article 20(3)

• Protects a person from being compelled to provide testimonial evidence.
• Forced narco tests violate this protection because:
  • They produce oral statements in a chemically induced state.
  • The statements are involuntary, not freely made.
• SC held that any information obtained without free, informed consent is constitutionally invalid.

2. Personal Liberty & Mental Privacy – Article 21

• Article 21 covers bodily autonomy, cognitive freedom, and mental privacy.
• Forced narco analysis:
  • Interferes with mental processes
  • Violates personal liberty
  • Compromises dignity and privacy

The Court also invoked the Golden Triangle—Articles 14, 19 & 21, emphasising that investigative actions must be:

• Fair
• Reasonable
• Non-arbitrary

Judicial Precedents Governing Narco Tests

1. Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010) — Landmark Ruling

The Supreme Court held that:

• Involuntary narco tests, polygraph tests, and brain mapping are prohibited.
• Consent must be free, informed, voluntary, and recorded before a magistrate.
• Test results have no independent evidentiary value; they must be corroborated.

The Patna HC’s order violated these binding directions, leading to its dismissal.

2. Other Supporting Judgments

Manoj Kumar Saini v. State of MP (2023)

• Narco results cannot confirm guilt.
• Only investigative aids, never standalone proof.

Vinobhai v. State of Kerala (2025)

• Information extracted must be corroborated through independent evidence.
• Reaffirmed Selvi’s principles.

Consent & Ethical Principles in Criminal Justice

Importance of Informed Consent

• Narco tests may be conducted only when the accused voluntarily agrees.
• Even in BNSS (Section 253), while defence may request tests, courts must evaluate necessity.
• There is no absolute right for the accused or prosecution to demand such tests.

Ethical Principles Referenced by SC

Kantian Ethics (Autonomy Principle)

• An act is ethical only if performed with free consent.
• Forced narco analysis violates:
  • Human dignity
  • Physical integrity
  • Free will

Natural Justice

• No procedure affecting liberty can be coercive.
• Ethical policing requires respect for autonomy.

Implications for India’s Criminal Justice System

1. Reinforcing Rights-Based Policing

The judgment strengthens the rule of law and ensures that:

• Investigative convenience cannot override fundamental rights.
• Police must rely on scientific investigation, not coerced techniques.

2. Balancing Victim Rights & Due Process

• While victims seek swift justice, forced techniques may produce unreliable evidence.
• The ruling ensures that due process is not sacrificed.

3. Enhancing Judicial Consistency

• Reaffirms Selvi (2010) as controlling precedent.
• Prevents trial courts and High Courts from deviating.

India’s Organ Donation Gap Widens

Why in News ?

Recent data presented by the Union Health Ministry (2020–2024) shows a worsening organ transplant crisis in India, marked by:

• Long waiting lists
• Rising deaths during wait periods
• State-wise inequalities
• A troubling dependence on living donors

Despite being third globally in the number of transplants, India’s deceased organ donation rate remains among the lowest in the world.

Background & Context

Organ transplantation in India has grown rapidly over the last two decades due to advancements in surgical techniques and private healthcare expansion. However, this progress remains uneven because:

• Deceased organ donation is poorly institutionalised
• Brain death declarations are inconsistent across states
• Public awareness on organ donation remains minimal
• Transplant infrastructure is concentrated in a few urban centres

The result is a structurally unequal system, where access to life-saving transplants varies widely based on geography, affordability, and family circumstances.

Organ Donation in India

Overview

India ranks third globally with over 18,900 transplants in 2024, yet:

• Deceased donor rate < 1 per million population (pmp)
• Spain has ~48 pmp; US has ~36 pmp
• Only 1,000–1,200 deceased donors annually despite 1.6 lakh road accident deaths

India remains heavily dependent on living donors, especially for kidney and liver transplants.

Key Statistics

• 2024: 1,128 deceased donors vs. 15,000+ living donors
• Southern states contributed 70%+ of deceased donors
• Demand-supply gap:
  • Kidney: 63,000+ patients waiting
  • Liver: 22,000 waiting
  • Heart: 1,695
  • Lungs: 970
  • Pancreas: 306

The gap leads to thousands dying without receiving transplants.

Magnitude of the Crisis

Rising deaths while waiting

Between 2020–2024, 2,805 people died while awaiting organs.

Top states with highest waitlist deaths:

• Delhi: 1,425 deaths
• Maharashtra: 297
• Tamil Nadu: 233

Despite high transplant volume, Delhi shows the worst mortality, reflecting the mismatch between demand and deceased donor availability.

Growing waiting lists

As of December 2025, 82,285 individuals are on transplant waitlists:

• Kidney: 60,590
• Liver: 18,724
• Heart: 1,695
• Lungs: 970
• Pancreas: 306

State-wise Burden of Organ Demand

Highest Burden States (2025):

• Maharashtra: 20,553 (13,045 kidney)
• Gujarat: 9,592 (7,405 kidney; 2,019 liver)
• Tamil Nadu: 9,166 (6,448 kidney; 2,020 liver)
• Delhi: 8,853 (5,894 kidney; 2,835 liver)

Why Delhi has highest deaths

• Although it leads in overall transplants, over 80% are from living donors, not deceased donors.
• Long queues + shortage of cadaver organs = higher mortality.

Organ Allocation Systems in India

India lacks a uniform national allocation policy. States follow diverse models:

1. State-Specific Criteria (Fragmented Models)

• Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat use state-specific scoring
• West Bengal, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Kerala follow first-come-first-served

2. Zonal Allocation (Tamil Nadu Model)

• State divided into three zones
• Organs allocated zone-wise, then state-wide
• Considered the most efficient model in India

3. Priority-Based Allocation (MP, Chhattisgarh)

Preference for:

• Patients without a living donor
• Cases where donor availability is medically or socially impossible

Challenges in India’s Organ Transplant Ecosystem

1. Overreliance on Living Donors

Creates inequity for:

• Orphans
• Single adults
• Economically disadvantaged individuals
• Those whose relatives are medically unfit

2. Fragmented Allocation Policies

• No national standard
• Geographic inequity
• Unfair prioritisation across regions

3. Long Waiting Periods

Driven by:

• Blood group mismatch
• Organ shortage
• Limited deceased donor retrieval
• Low awareness of brain death

4. Uneven Infrastructure

• Few states dominate transplants
• Northeastern and central states lag behind

5. High Mortality on Waitlists

• Over 2,800 deaths show structural inefficiencies.

Government Measures to Improve Organ Donation

Institutional Reforms

• Strengthening NOTTO, ROTTO, SOTTO
• National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)
• Funding for infrastructure, retrieval, and coordination

Legal Reforms (2023–2025)

• Removed upper age limit for deceased donors
• Removed state domicile requirement
• Simplified documentation for brain death certification

Digital Platforms

• NOTTO-ID for unified registration
• Mandatory digital reporting of transplants

Policy Response & Way Forward

1. Toward Uniform National Allocation

NOTTO is developing:

• Standardised allocation model
• Centralised real-time waitlist
• Uniform scoring for all states

2. Strengthen Deceased Organ Donation

• Mandatory brain death audits
• Hospital incentives for organ retrieval
• Public awareness campaigns

3. Improve Infrastructure

• Dedicated transplant units in underserved regions
• Skilled personnel training
• Reliable organ transport logistics

4. Ethical Oversight

• Strong monitoring to prevent organ trafficking
• Transparent documentation for living donors

‘Your Money, Your Right’ Awareness Campaign Launched

Why in News ?

The Prime Minister has urged citizens to actively participate in the ‘Your Money, Your Right’ movement—an initiative designed to help people reclaim their unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, mutual fund payouts, dividends, and other forgotten financial assets.

This nationwide campaign aims to enhance financial awareness, strengthen consumer protection, and ensure that citizens can access funds lying unclaimed for years due to lack of information or procedural hurdles.

Background & Context

India’s Growing Burden of Unclaimed Financial Assets

In recent years, India has seen a sharp rise in unclaimed amounts across banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, and corporates.

Key reasons include:

• Death of account holders without nomination
• Lack of awareness among family members
• Dormant accounts due to migration or change in banks
• Financial illiteracy and poor documentation
• Difficulty in tracking multiple old accounts
• Ineffective communication from institutions

Scale of the Problem

• RBI holds thousands of crores in unclaimed bank deposits (accounts inactive for 10+ years).
• IRDAI reports large amounts of unpaid insurance claims.
• SEBI notes substantial unclaimed mutual fund payouts.
• IEPFA handles thousands of crores in unclaimed dividends and shares.

To address this, the government launched a consolidated citizen-centric initiative: “Your Money, Your Right.”

What is the ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Movement ?

Launched by the Central Government in 2025, the movement is a nationwide financial awareness and reclamation campaign aimed at helping citizens identify and recover:

• Unclaimed bank deposits
• Unpaid insurance claims
• Unredeemed mutual fund amounts
• Unpaid dividends
• Unclaimed shares
• Other dormant financial assets

It involves coordinated participation from:

• Government departments
• Financial regulators
• Banks and insurance companies
• Mutual fund houses
• Corporate entities
• Financial literacy institutions

The central idea is to ensure that citizens regain control over funds that rightfully belong to them.

Why are These Called “Unclaimed Deposits” ?

As per RBI norms, bank accounts not operated for 10 years become "unclaimed." Similar rules apply to:

• Insurance proceeds not claimed
• Mutual fund redemption amounts not withdrawn
• Dividends unclaimed for 7 consecutive years (transferred to IEPF)

Digital Infrastructure Under the Movement

The government has integrated multiple regulators through dedicated portals to assist people in tracing their unclaimed funds.

1. RBI – UDGAM Portal

Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information

• Helps users locate unclaimed bank accounts across multiple banks
• Centralised search using PAN, Aadhaar, mobile number, or name

2. IRDAI – Bima Bharosa Portal

• Provides information on unclaimed insurance policy amounts
• Covers life and general insurance

3. SEBI – MITRA Portal

• Helps track unclaimed mutual fund redemption amounts, dividends, and other unpaid dues

4. Ministry of Corporate Affairs – IEPFA Portal

• Helps reclaim unpaid dividends and unclaimed shares
• Includes procedures for transmission of shares and claim verification

Physical Outreach

• DFS conducts facilitation camps in rural and urban areas
• Banks and district authorities assist citizens with paperwork and verification
• Special campaigns focus on senior citizens and families with deceased members

Implementation Framework

Nodal Agency:

Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.

Coordination Mechanism:

• Central monitoring by DFS
• Regulator-level coordination with RBI, IRDAI, SEBI, and MCA
• District-level camps with banks & financial literacy centres
• Public awareness drives through Panchayats, CSCs, and media

Significance of the Movement

1. Financial Inclusion

Brings forgotten or inaccessible funds back into the banking system, boosting household financial stability.

2. Consumer Protection

Empowers citizens to reclaim their rightful assets through simplified processes.

3. Transparency and Accountability

Strengthens trust between citizens and financial institutions.

4. Digital Governance

Promotes the use of unified digital platforms across regulators.

5. Economic Impact

Unclaimed funds running into thousands of crores get returned to households, enhancing consumption and savings.

Challenges Ahead

• Low awareness among rural and elderly populations
• Incomplete KYC or missing documents
• Lack of nomination in old accounts
• Procedural delays due to multiple institutions
• Confusion caused by similar names, incorrect entries

The government aims to address these through ongoing awareness campaigns and simplified online claim procedures.

India’s Transport Systems Under Strain

Why in News ?

The year 2025 witnessed major disruptions across India’s transportation systems—severe train overcrowding, widespread flight cancellations, aviation safety concerns, and growing road congestion. These events highlight long-standing structural challenges of underinvestment, market concentration, and weak regulation, putting India’s mobility network under severe stress. These disruptions underscore the mismatch between rising travel demand and inadequate infrastructure capacity, amplified by neoliberal economic policies and fragmented planning.

Background & Context

India’s transport network—one of the world’s largest—carries millions daily. However:

• Demand for travel has risen sharply due to urbanization, migration, tourism, and economic expansion.
• Investment levels in core transport infrastructure have not kept pace.
• Market-led models in aviation, logistics, and urban mobility have produced oligopolistic behaviour, safety compromises, and uneven service quality.
• Climate-related disruptions (storms, floods, heatwaves) now increasingly affect mobility.

The 2025 aviation meltdown, frequent metro breakdowns, and continued rail safety concerns reflect systemic stress in India’s mobility ecosystem.

What’s in Today’s Article ?

• Challenges Confronting India’s Transport System
• Importance of Transport for India’s Economy
• Government Initiatives
• Measures Needed for Resilient and Safe Mobility
• FAQs

What Are the Challenges Hindering India’s Transport System ?

1. Infrastructure Gaps and Outdated Capacity

• Major metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata) face severe congestion and lack integrated last-mile connectivity.
• Railways suffer from overcrowding, especially suburban systems, leading to unsafe travel conditions.
• Many national and state highways remain bottlenecked; average freight speed is 30–40 km/h.
• Outdated road designs, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and insufficient maintenance worsen delays.

2. Neoliberal Constraints & Market Imbalance

India’s economic approach has increasingly favoured private players while restricting large-scale public sector investment.

Consequences include:

• Under-funded public transport (buses, rail) → overcrowded, slow, unsafe.
• Private sector dominance (e.g., IndiGo’s 60% market share) → limited competition, fare spikes, poor service accountability.
• Deregulation without strong oversight → weak consumer protection, especially visible in aviation.

3. Persistent Safety Failures

• India has one of the highest road fatality rates globally.
• Railway accidents and track failures persist despite technology upgrades.
• The 2025 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, killing 200+ people, renewed scrutiny on aviation oversight.

4. Environmental Unsustainability

• Transport accounts for 14% of India’s energy-related CO₂ emissions.
• EV transition remains slow; charging infrastructure is uneven.
• Roads, airports, and rail tracks increasingly face damage from extreme weather.

5. Weak Data-Driven Mobility Management

• Cities lack real-time traffic systems, predictive modelling, integrated transport data, or AI-enabled analytics.
• Smart transport solutions exist only in select urban pockets.

6. Logistical Inefficiencies

• High logistics cost (13–14% of GDP), driven by:
  • Inefficient warehousing
  • Customs delays
  • Poor multimodal integration
  • Road-dependent freight movement

7. Governance & Corruption Challenges

• Delays in procurement, land acquisition, and project execution.
• Lack of transparency in tenders contributes to budget overruns and abandoned projects.

8. Social Equity & Accessibility Gaps

• Public transport often inaccessible for:
  • Elderly
  • Women
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Low-income migrants
• Overcrowding, unsafe footpaths, and unreliable bus services worsen social exclusion.

Importance of India’s Transport Sector

• Economic Growth: Enables movement of goods and people, reducing costs and boosting industrial competitiveness.
• Social Integration: Connects remote regions and marginalized communities.
• Employment: Generates millions of direct & indirect jobs (drivers, logistics workers, aviation crew, rail staff).
• Supply Chain Stability: Essential during emergencies—pandemics, disasters, or agricultural crises.
• National Integration: Strengthens defence preparedness and remote-area connectivity.

Government Initiatives for Transport Sector Development

What Measures Can Strengthen India’s Transport System ?

1. Modernize Public Transport

• Use Gati Shakti & NIP to expand multimodal mobility.
• Upgrade suburban rail networks and bus fleets.
• Enhance rural–urban connectivity.

2. Increase Government Investment

• Adopt N. K. Singh Committee recommendations for flexible fiscal space under FRBM to increase capital expenditure.
• Prioritize long-term mobility infrastructure.

3. Build Safer Mobility Networks

• Implement Kavach 5.0 on all high-density railway routes.
• Enforce the National Road Safety Policy (2010).
• Mandate safety audits for metros, buses, and highways.

4. Promote Sustainable, Low-Carbon Transport

• Expand EV charging infrastructure.
• Promote cycling, walking, and green mobility.
• Integrate climate resilience into all transport designs.

5. Strengthen Data-Driven Governance

• Real-time traffic management systems for major cities.
• GPS-enabled public transport and integrated mobility cards.
• Use AI for congestion prediction and logistics optimization.

6. Improve Social Equity & Accessibility

• Implement accessibility provisions under the RPwD Act 2016.
• Ensure women’s safety through CCTV, panic buttons, last-mile shuttles.

Swasthya Portal: Tribal Health Monitoring Platform Explained

Why in News ?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha that there is currently no proposal to expand the Swasthya Portal to integrate national health databases, district-level dashboards, or AI-driven analytics. This has renewed attention on the functioning, scope, and limitations of the Swasthya Portal — a key digital platform tracking tribal health and nutrition indicators in India.

Background & Context

India’s tribal population (over 10.4 crore people, ~8.6% of the population) faces persistent challenges:

• Higher levels of malnutrition
• Significant disease burden (especially anaemia, malaria, tuberculosis, and Sickle Cell Disease)
• Low access to quality healthcare
• Geographic isolation and infrastructural gaps
• Poor health-related data availability

To address the information gap, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Swasthya Portal under the larger digital knowledge initiative TRI-ECE (Tribal Research Information, Education, Communication & Events). The portal aims to consolidate health-related data for tribal communities, serve as a research repository, and support evidence-based policy interventions.

What is the Swasthya Portal ?

The Swasthya Portal is a centralised digital platform providing real-time information on the health and nutrition status of India’s tribal population.

Key Functions:

• Acts as a one-stop repository on tribal health indicators
• Shares district-level dashboards for priority tribal areas
• Documents innovative practices, case studies, research insights
• Supports policymakers, researchers, NGOs, and state departments working in tribal health

Core Features of the Swasthya Portal

1. Unified Tribal Health Dashboard

• Displays curated data from multiple sources
• Covers high-priority tribal districts
• Tracks indicators linked to nutrition, maternal health, child health, communicable diseases, etc.

2. Knowledge Repository

• Research papers
• Best practices
• Policy briefs
• Case studies from tribal regions

3. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Corner

• India has a high burden of SCD among tribal groups
• The portal provides:
  • Awareness resources
  • Screening support information
  • State-level SCD initiatives

4. Partner & Collaboration Section

• Engages state governments
• Tribal research institutes
• NGOs and academic institutions

5. Hosted and Managed by NIC Ecosystem

• Developed under the TRI-ECE central sector scheme
• Hosted on NIC servers
• Managed by Centre of Excellence for Knowledge Management in Health & Nutrition

What Data Does the Portal Provide ?

• Health indicators from tribal-dominated districts
• Nutritional metrics (stunting, wasting, anaemia)
• Disease prevalence and programme coverage
• Case studies and innovations across states
• Government schemes related to tribal health

Why the Portal Matters (Significance)

1. Bridges Tribal Health Data Gaps

Reliable tribal health statistics are often unavailable — this platform centralises and standardises them.

2. Improves Policymaking

Helps ministries, state departments and district administrations plan targeted interventions.

3. Supports Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Elimination Mission

Acts as a knowledge base to support the National SCD Elimination Programme.

4. Enhances Transparency & Governance

Digitised dashboards create accountability and encourage inter-state learning.

5. Evidence-Based Decision Making

Researchers and NGOs can design interventions based on verified data.

Limitations Highlighted in Parliament

The government clarified that the Swasthya Portal will not be expanded to include:

• National health database integration
• District dashboards under the National Health Mission
• AI-enabled analytics or predictive tools

This means the platform remains primarily informational, not analytical.

TRI-ECE Scheme: Key Facts (Prelims Focus)

• Type: Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Purpose: Promote knowledge creation, research, digital governance, and innovative models in tribal development
• Support Provided: Financial assistance to:
  • Tribal Research Institutes
  • Universities
  • Reputed research organisations
• Areas Covered:
  • Education
  • Health
  • Livelihood
  • Digital governance
• Documentation of tribal culture