Nayanamritham 2.0

The Kerala government has launched an AI-powered eye screening initiative called Nayanamritham 2.0, aimed at detecting serious eye diseases at an early stage. Launched in collaboration with health-tech company Remidio, the program is the world's first government AI-assisted screening program to identify diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Through this initiative, the Kerala government is integrating artificial intelligence into the public health system.

How did Nayanamritham 2.0 improve eye screening in Kerala?

First version: Nayanamritham's first initiative focused on screening for diabetic retinopathy at Family Health Centers (FHCs). Potential patients were referred to secondary and tertiary medical centers, where ophthalmologists conducted further investigations.

New version (2.0):

scope of screening has increased - diseases like glaucoma and AMD will also be identified.

AI-enabled fundus cameras - can instantly classify cases as "referrable" or "non-referrable", making faster diagnosis and treatment possible.

Expansion of health centers - Now this service is not limited to FHCs only, but will also be available in community health centers, taluk hospitals and district hospitals.

Why is this AI-integrated eye screening program of Kerala important globally?

With this initiative, Kerala has become the first state to integrate AI-based eye screening into the public healthcare system.

The focus is on enhancing convenience, efficiency and cost-effectiveness by incorporating Remidio’s AI technology into the healthcare system.

Experts Opinion: Importance of AI in Public Eye Health

According to Dr Bipin Gopal (Deputy Director, Kerala Health Services Department), AI is not replacing doctors but empowering them. AI empowers medical service providers, helping in faster diagnosis and reducing preventable blindness

Optometrists can now identify common cases with AI-enabled cameras, allowing ophthalmologists to focus on complex cases.

This initiative will increase the efficiency of the healthcare system, making eye screening more accessible and effective for people across all sections of society.

Kerala’s move: An example for other states and countries

Through Nayanamritham 2.0, Kerala has shown how AI can transform public health screening programmes.

This strategy of the government will ensure early detection of eye diseases, better treatment and access to healthcare for all sections.

This initiative can become an inspirational model for other states and countries, promoting AI-enabled healthcare services globally.

Why in News?

The Kerala government launched Nayanamritham 2.0, the world's first government AI-powered eye screening program.

The initiative was launched by the Kerala government in collaboration with Remidio, a health-tech company.

Objective

Early detection of diseases like diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To reduce preventable blindness and provide appropriate treatment by early identification of high-risk cases.

Technology used

AI-enabled fundus cameras, which classify cases as referable or non-referable.

Expanded Scope

It has now been implemented in community health centers, taluk hospitals and district hospitals as well.

Global significance

Kerala became the first public health system to adopt AI-based eye disease screening.

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Mauritius National Day celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mauritius next month to attend Mauritius' National Day celebrations as the chief guest. This was announced by Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who described the visit as a symbol of the deep and historic bilateral ties between the two countries.

Mauritius National Day: A historic occasion

Mauritius celebrates its National Day every year on March 12, which marks the anniversary of independence from British rule in 1968. The day is of immense significance for Mauritius as it marked the beginning of the country's journey to sovereignty.

PM Modi's visit: Strengthening bilateral ties

Speaking at the Mauritius National Assembly on Friday, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi's visit. He said it was a "great honour" for Mauritius that a global leader who has a busy schedule internationally would be present on this important occasion in our country.

A testimony to India-Mauritius ties

Ramgoolam described the visit as a testimony to the strong diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between India and Mauritius. He said India has been playing a key role in Mauritius' development work, infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships over the years.

He also noted PM Modi's recent visits to France and Mauritius Modi also mentioned his visits to the US and said that Modi is constantly meeting global leaders to strengthen international ties. Despite this, his visit to Mauritius reflects the special relationship that exists between the two countries.

Previous Indian Dignitaries at Mauritius National Day Celebrations

India has always been an important partner in Mauritius' development and partnership. Indian leaders have often been invited to Mauritius' National Day celebrations.

In 2023, President Draupadi Murmu attended Mauritius' National Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, reaffirming India's strong diplomatic ties.

In the past too, many Indian dignitaries have attended Mauritius' Independence Day celebrations, reflecting the historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

India-Mauritius Relations: A Strong Partnership

India and Mauritius' relations are based on shared history, culture and economic cooperation. The two countries cooperate in various areas, the major ones being:

1. Economic and Trade Cooperation

India is one of the largest trade and investment partners of Mauritius. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) has been signed between the two countries, which has increased trade and investment opportunities.

2. Infrastructure Development

India has been an active participant in Mauritius' infrastructure projects. Some of the major projects are as follows:

Metro Express Project – To improve urban transport in Mauritius.

Renovation of Supreme Court Building – To strengthen the justice system.

Social Housing Project – To provide affordable residential facilities to citizens.

3. Defence and Security Cooperation

India and Mauritius cooperate in maritime security, defence training and joint military exercises. The Indian Navy is playing an important role in enhancing Mauritius' maritime security capabilities.

4. Cultural and Historical Ties

Mauritius has a large number of people of Indian origin, which is about 70% of the total population there. This has led to deep cultural and linguistic ties between the two countries. Indian languages ​​such as Bhojpuri, Hindi and Tamil are widely spoken in Mauritius.

Conclusion

This visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will play an important role in further strengthening the historical and close ties between India and Mauritius. It is not just a formal visit but also a sign of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and India's growing role in global diplomacy.

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First edition of SOUL Leadership Conclave inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the SOUL (School of Ultimate Leadership) Conclave 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, which is an important step in leadership development for a developed India (Viksit Bharat). The program focuses on preparing future leaders in various fields, enabling them to develop strategic decision making, adaptability, and problem-solving approach. A dedicated campus of SOUL will be set up near GIFT City, Gujarat, which will provide world-class leadership training.

Key points of PM Modi's address

1. Leadership development and developed India

Leadership development is the foundation of developed India.

Effective leadership is required in every field including politics, business, technology, sports and administration.

2. India as a global power

India is emerging as a global power and needs leaders with vision and grounded thinking.

Special focus has to be given to strategic decision making, crisis management and future thinking.

3. Role of SOUL in leadership development

SOUL aims to train leaders in scientific and structured methods, which include:

Critical thinking

Risk taking ability

Solution-oriented approach

Adaptability in changing situations

Initial leadership training:

Training for implementation of New Education Policy (NEP) to education secretaries and project directors of states.

The workshop was given to the staff of Chief Minister's Office (CMO) of Gujarat.

4. Key Leadership Areas

New emerging areas:

Deep-Tech

Space

Biotechnology

Renewable Energy

Traditional Sectors:

Sports

Agriculture

Manufacturing

Social Service

5. Leadership in Public Policy and Governance

Need to establish new Global Institutions of Excellence.

Policies should incorporate global best practices.

Leaders must prioritise national interests while facing global challenges.

6. Shared purpose and team spirit

A shared goal connects people and strengthens leadership.

Learning from India's freedom struggle, solidarity and long-term commitment will be encouraged.

7. Developing SOUL as a Leadership Training Centre

This institution will function as a Leadership Laboratory.

Will identify key challenges and opportunities for future leaders.

Will train young leaders of the “Amrit Generation”.

Background of SOUL Leadership Conclave 2025

Dates: 21-22 February 2025

Participants: Leaders from politics, sports, arts-media, public policy, business, social sector and spirituality.

Objective: To create an ecosystem of collaboration and thought leadership.

Focus: To inspire young minds by learning from successes and failures.

Conclusion

SOUL is a vision for the future of India SOUL will play an important role in preparing leaders. This initiative is in line with India's vision of a developed India. SOUL's leadership training will accelerate India's global effectiveness and national progress.

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Rajasthan Government's 'Green' Budget

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Diya Kumari presented the state's first Green Budget for the financial year 2025-26. The total provision of this budget is ₹5.37 lakh crore, in which priority has been given to health and agriculture along with electricity, roads, water. This budget is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. The government has planned to create 2.75 lakh jobs (1.25 lakh government and 1.5 lakh private) and has fulfilled 73% of the announcements of the first budget.

Main Budget Announcements

Green Initiatives

5. ₹27,854 crore (11.34% of planned expenditure) for green projects.
5. Climate Change Adaptation Plan – 2030 announced.
5. Centre of Excellence for Climate Change – ₹150 crore.
5. Scheme to plant 10 crore trees.
5. Subsidy to 2.5 lakh farmers for natural farming.
5. Water conservation structures in 4,700+ villages (₹2,700 crore).
5. Rajasthan Circular Economy Incentive Scheme and Vehicle Scrap Policy.
5. ‘Waste to Wealth’ park in every district.
5. Clean and Green Technology Development Center – ₹250 crore.
5. Green Aravali Development Project – ₹250 crore.

Water & Sanitation

5. New water connections in 20 lakh houses.
5. Rural Drinking Water Project – ₹425 crore.
5. Chief Minister Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) – ₹5,830 crores.
5. 1,000 new tube wells and 1,500 new hand pumps.
5. Appointment of 1,050 contract technical officers under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Energy & Power

5. 6,400 MW additional power generation.
5. 5,700 MW government + 10 GW private generation.
5. 50,000 new agricultural power connections.
5. 5 lakh domestic electricity connections.

Infrastructure & Transport

5. ₹5,000 crores – for national highways, bypasses, flyovers and bridges.
5. 9 Greenfield Expressways (₹60,000 crores) (Hybrid Annuity Model/BOT).
5. ₹6,000 crore – for improvement of 21,000 km of non-repairable roads.
5. ₹500 crore – Atal Pragati Path for 150 villages.

Agriculture

5. Ram Jal Setu Link Project – ₹9,300 crore.
5. Rajasthan Water Grid Corporation – ₹4,000 crore (redesign of ERCP).
5. ₹1,250 crore subsidy on drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
5. ₹900 crore for solar pumps and agricultural ponds.
5. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi increased to ₹9,000 per year.
5. ₹150 per quintal MSP bonus on wheat.
5. Announcement of Global Rajasthan Agri-Tech Meet.

 Tourism & Culture

5. ₹975 crore – for tourism infrastructure development.
5. 10 sites will be developed as 'Iconic Tourist Destination'.
5. Announcement of conservation of Shekhawati Havelis.
5. ₹100 crore – Tribal tourism circuit.
5. ₹20 crore – to promote rural tourism.
5. Air-conditioned train and air pilgrimage to 50,000 senior citizens.

Youth & Employment

5. Rajasthan Employment Policy – ​​2025 launched.
5. Vivekanand Employment Assistance Fund – ₹500 crore.
5. Promotion of 1,500 new startups.
5. More CCTVs in schools, 1,500 Atal Tinkering Labs, Digital Planetariums, Innovation Centres, Open Gyms.

Industry & Business

5. 149 online permissions included in single window system.
5. Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy implemented.
5. Rajasthan Trade Promotion Policy announced.

Social Security & Welfare

5. ₹1,250/month social security pension.
5. ₹350 crore – Gig and Unorganized Workers Development Fund.
5. ₹20,000 assistance for artificial limbs to 1 lakh disabled persons.
5. 35,000 girl students will be given scooties.
5. Milk for Anganwadi children (3-6 years) increased from 3 to 5 days a week.
5. 10 lakh new beneficiaries under National Food Security Act.
5. 5,000 new fair price ration shops.

Law & Order

5. Rajasthan Civil Security Act implemented.
5. Recruitment of 3,500 new police posts.
5. Sardar Patel Cyber ​​Control Center and War Room – ₹350 crores.

Health & Wellness

5. Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya (MAA) Scheme – ₹3,500 crores.
5. Facility of inter-state benefits under MAA scheme.
5. ₹1,300 crores to strengthen tertiary health services.
5. Appointment of 750 new doctors and 1,500 paramedics.
5. Diabetes clinics in all district hospitals.
5. Fit Rajasthan Campaign – ₹50 crores.
5. Announcement of new AYUSH policy.

Education & Research

5. Ambedkar Constitution Study and Research Institute in Jaipur.
5. ₹1,000 crore for district level offices in 8 new districts.
5. This budget is an important step towards making Rajasthan green, inclusive, and self-reliant.

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Suicide rate drops 30% in India in three decades

A recent study by Lancet, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, has highlighted a 30% drop in suicide mortality rate in India from 1990 to 2021. The study shows that globally, on average, one person commits suicide every 43 seconds. In India, there has been a significant reduction in suicide rates, especially among women, with various mental health initiatives and policy reforms playing a key role.

Key findings of the Lancet study

Global statistics

Globally, one person commits suicide every 43 seconds A person commits suicide.

Decline in suicide rate in India

Year 1990 Suicide death rate (per lakh population) 18.9

Year 2021 Suicide death rate (per lakh population) 13.0

Suicide rate for women declined more than for men.

Gender-based suicide rate

Gender                     1990 (per lakh)                2021 (per lakh)

Women                     16.8                                      10.3

Men                             20.9                                      15.7

Highest risk category

Educated women (2020) remained the group with the highest suicide rate in India.

Family problems were found to be one of the most prominent reasons for suicide.

Key initiatives behind decline in suicide rate

Decriminalisation of suicide

Suicide was decriminalised under the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, thereby providing mental health support instead of punishment to those who attempt suicide.

The Indian Justice Code (BNS) no longer has any provision criminalizing attempted suicide, which was earlier an offence under Section 309 of the IPC.

National Suicide Prevention Strategy (2022)

Target to reduce suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.

WHO's Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2030)

Mental health recognised as an important factor in overall well-being.

Key Government Initiatives

National Mental Health Policy (2014): Focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

Various programmes to promote mental health awareness.

Helpline for mental health support

Manodarpan: An initiative launched by the Ministry of Education for mental health of students.

Kiran Helpline: A national toll-free helpline for mental health support.

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New bat coronavirus

Chinese researchers have identified a new bat coronavirus, named HKU5-CoV-2, that has the ability to infect human cells. The virus uses the ACE2 receptor, which is the same pathway through which SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) enters human cells. The discovery has raised concerns about the possibility of zoonotic transmission (the spread of viruses from animals to humans) and highlighted the need for continued monitoring of viruses found in bats.

What is HKU5-CoV-2 and how was it discovered?

Researchers led by Shi Zhengli, a scientist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, identified HKU5-CoV-2 in bats. The virus belongs to the Merbecovirus subtype, which also includes the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. According to a Reuters report, laboratory tests found that the virus can bind to the ACE2 receptor, which enables it to enter human cells.

However, scientists have said that HKU5-CoV-2's ability to bind to human cells is less than that of SARS-CoV-2, which may reduce its chances of spreading on a large scale. But the virus contains a Furin Cleavage Site, which can increase its infectivity and make it potentially dangerous.

Can HKU5-CoV-2 cause the next pandemic?

The discovery of HKU5-CoV-2 is being compared to RaTG13, a bat coronavirus that was identified in 2013. RaTG13 had a 96.1% genetic similarity to SARS-CoV-2. Such research indicates that zoonotic spillover (when viruses spread from animals to humans) is likely to occur frequently.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, told Reuters that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect human cells, but previously developed immunity to viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 may limit its severity. Studies show that this virus has a low ability to bind to the ACE2 receptor, making it unlikely to become a large-scale epidemic at the moment.

What does this mean for public health?

Experts say that continued monitoring of bat coronaviruses is necessary to prevent future epidemics. The presence of HKU5-CoV-2 is an indication that there may be other unknown viruses that may have greater infectious potential.

This research makes it clear that global surveillance programs are needed, focused on early identification, genetic sequencing and international collaboration. Scientists recommend increasing biosecurity measures in areas where there is high contact between human and bat populations to reduce the risk of potential future epidemics.

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