1.DGFT Withdraws Export Track and Trace Rules

In January 2025, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) decided to withdraw provisions related to the Track and Trace System for pharmaceutical exports, aligning with the Health Ministry’s evolving regulations.

The withdrawal of the Track and Trace System provisions aims to streamline export regulations in the pharmaceutical sector by aligning with the Union Health Ministry’s guidelines.
The Track and Trace System, introduced in 2011, required barcoding at various packaging levels, with tertiary and secondary packaging successfully implemented in 2011 and 2013, respectively.
Despite efforts to implement primary-level barcoding, operational challenges led to repeated deferrals, with the latest extension valid until February 1, 2025.
The decision comes after the Health Ministry introduced barcode/QR code requirements for 300 drug brands under the Drugs Rules, 1945, which became effective on August 1, 2023, with plans for further expansion.
The move ensures that pharmaceutical exports remain compliant with international serialisation requirements, avoiding duplicative domestic regulations and enhancing ease of business.

The plea concerns the release of Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) in water bodies across various states to control mosquito populations.
The National Biodiversity Authority has classified both species as “invasive and alien” due to their negative impact on local aquatic ecosystems and the food sources of indigenous fish species.
The tribunal highlighted those countries like Australia and New Zealand have banned the Mosquitofish due to its harmful effects on native ecosystems.
The Invasive Species Specialist Group’s report listed Mosquitofish among the 100 worst invasive alien species globally, further supporting concerns over its use.
The NGT’s inquiry into this issue aims to address potential ecological risks posed by these non-native fish species.

Both players, tied at 8.5 points after the final round, faced off in a dramatic tiebreaker after suffering unexpected defeats in the last round of the tournament.
Gukesh lost to Arjun Erigaisi, while Praggnanandhaa was defeated by Vincent Keymer, but both managed to secure 5.5 points to stay joint leaders.
In the tiebreaker, Gukesh won the first game after Praggnanandhaa blundered and lost a full rook in the middle game.
Praggnanandhaa leveled the score at 1-1 by drawing the second game with the Trompowsky opening after capitalizing on an unforced error from Gukesh.

Key Points

Mission Scope: The Deep Ocean Mission includes mapping the ocean floor, developing technologies like a manned submersible with a 6000m depth rating, and exploring deep-sea mining for sustainable bioresources utilization.
Submersible Development: India plans to deploy a manned submersible, developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), to reach a depth of 500 meters later this year and 6,000 meters next year.
Energy Solutions: The mission also focuses on developing engineering designs for offshore thermal energy-driven desalination plants to address water scarcity.
Complementary Initiative: The Finance Minister also allocated Rs 1,329 crore for Mission Mausam, aimed at improving India’s weather forecasting capabilities.

Key Points

Flight Test Details: The VSHORAD system was tested against high-speed, low-altitude targets, with missiles intercepting and destroying targets simulating low-flying drones.
Deployment Configuration: The trials were conducted in the final deployment configuration with two field operators managing weapon readiness, target acquisition, and missile firing.
Advanced Capabilities: Flight data confirmed the missile’s pinpoint accuracy, demonstrating its unique capability to neutralize drones and other aerial threats using telemetry, tracking systems, and radar.
Witnessed by Officials: Senior DRDO officials, armed forces, and development and production partners observed the successful tests.
System Overview: The VSHORAD, developed by Research Center Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO labs, is a man-portable air defense system that serves all branches of the armed forces.