Rare Donor Registry (RDRI) & e-Rakt Kosh

The Union Health Ministry is integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh to enable real-time access to rare blood types such as Bombay, Rh-null, and P-null, and to improve coordination among blood banks across the country.

What is the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)?

The Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) is a national database that maintains information about donors with rare blood groups.
It has been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Immunohaematology (ICMR-NIIH) in collaboration with leading medical institutions.

Purpose and Need:

RDRI supports patients who require specially matched blood, such as those suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and other rare conditions.

• The registry includes information on more than 4,000 screened donors, tested for over 300 rare blood markers.

Features:

• It focuses on blood groups that either lack high-frequency antigens or have uncommon antigen combinations.

Importance for Rare Blood Group Patients:

• Matching rare blood types is difficult.
• Transfusing incompatible blood may cause alloimmunisation, a condition where the recipient’s immune system develops antibodies against transfused blood, complicating future treatment.

What is e-Rakt Kosh?

e-Rakt Kosh is a centralized digital blood bank management system, developed by CDAC under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Features:

• Provides real-time information on blood availability, donation camps, and blood banks.
• Connects donors, hospitals, and blood banks to ensure safe and efficient transfusions.

What is Blood?

Blood is a vital fluid that transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Origin:

• Blood is produced in the bone marrow and also helps in immunity, healing, and the removal of toxins via the liver and kidneys.
• An average adult has about 5 liters of blood.

Components:

• 45% Cells: Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), and Platelets
• 55% Plasma: A fluid that carries proteins, vitamins, and minerals

🔹 Types of Blood

There are 4 major blood groups: A, B, AB, and O.

🔹 What is the Bombay Blood Group?

The Bombay blood group, also known as HH blood group or a rare ABO blood group, is an extremely rare blood type.
It was discovered in 1952 in Mumbai (then Bombay) by Dr. Y.M. Bhende.

Key Feature:
It lacks the H antigen, which is essential for forming A, B, or O blood groups, making it very rare and difficult to match.

1. Simple-type Question:

Q1. What is the main objective of integrating the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh?
(a) To identify universal blood donors
(b) To promote blood donation in urban areas
(c) To enable real-time access to rare blood types and improve coordination among blood banks
(d) To replace manual blood donation records with blockchain technology

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The integration aims to provide real-time access to rare blood groups like Bombay, Rh-null, and P-null and enhance coordination among blood banks nationwide.

2. List-type Question:

Q2. Which of the following are true regarding the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI)?

1. It is managed by CDAC under the National Health Mission.
2. It includes donors screened for over 300 rare blood markers.
3. It supports patients suffering from rare conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
4. It maintains data exclusively for the Bombay blood group.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect (CDAC manages e-Rakt Kosh, not RDRI), and Statement 4 is incorrect because RDRI includes multiple rare blood types, not just Bombay blood group.

3. Assertion-Reason Type Question:

Q3.
Assertion (A): Transfusion of incompatible rare blood types can lead to alloimmunisation.
Reason (R): Alloimmunisation occurs when a patient develops antibodies against transfused blood.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Alloimmunisation is a real risk in transfusing mismatched rare blood, as the body develops antibodies in response.

4. Match-the-Following:

Q4. Match the following systems with their respective features:

Options:
(a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
(b) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
(c) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
(d) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: RDRI = national rare donor registry (2); e-Rakt Kosh = real-time digital platform (1); CDAC developed e-Rakt Kosh (3); ICMR-NIIH developed RDRI (4).

5. Simple-type (Factual) Question:

Q5. Who discovered the Bombay blood group, and in which year?
(a) Dr. Har Gobind Khorana, 1965
(b) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, 1982
(c) Dr. Y.M. Bhende, 1952
(d) Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay, 1978

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Bombay blood group was discovered in 1952 in Mumbai by Dr. Y.M. Bhende.

NAVYA Initiative

Source: PIB

The Government of India is launching a pilot initiative called ‘NAVYA’ to skill adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh, under the Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision.

What is NAVYA?

Full form: Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls

It is a new government pilot scheme aimed at providing vocational training to girls aged 16–18 years.

Ministries Involved:

• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD)
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

Objectives:

• To equip adolescent girls with market-relevant vocational skills
• Promote gender equality in non-traditional job sectors
• Build self-confidence, career goals, and economic independence

Key Features:

• Target group: Girls aged 16–18 years, with a minimum education of Class 10
• Implementation across 27 districts in 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and Northeastern states
• Utilizes platforms like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma Yojana
• Institutional convergence between MWCD and MSDE
• Certification under PMKVY to enhance employability
• Pilot launch will include interaction with trainees and certificate distribution

Significance:

• Addresses gender gap in emerging skill sectors
• Targets underserved and vulnerable communities
• Contributes to women-led development under Viksit Bharat@2047
• Promotes a self-reliant and inclusive India
• Increases girls’ participation in nation-building and economic growth

1. Simple-type Question:

Q1. What is the primary objective of the Government of India's NAVYA initiative?
(a) To provide scholarships to underprivileged girls
(b) To offer vocational training to adolescent girls aged 16–18 years
(c) To promote school enrollment in tribal districts
(d) To provide free nutrition kits to rural households

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: NAVYA aims to provide vocational training to adolescent girls (16–18 years) to make them economically independent and skilled for market-relevant jobs.

2. List-type Question:

Q2. Which of the following statements are correct about the NAVYA initiative?

1. It is a scheme under the National Education Policy 2020.
2. It focuses on girls with at least a Class 10 education.
3. It includes certification under PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
4. It targets only the Northeastern States.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3 only

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect (NAVYA is not under NEP 2020), and Statement 4 is incorrect (It targets 27 districts including but not limited to the Northeastern States).

3. Assertion-Reason Type Question:

Q3.
Assertion (A): NAVYA will help bridge the gender gap in non-traditional job roles.
Reason (R): It promotes career aspirations and economic independence among adolescent boys.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: NAVYA is designed for adolescent girls, not boys. It promotes gender equality in emerging sectors, helping reduce gender disparity.

4. Match-the-Following:

Q4. Match the following components of the NAVYA initiative with their features:

Options:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
(c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: MWCD = Women & Child Ministry (1); MSDE = Skill & Entrepreneurship Ministry (2); PMKVY = Certification for skilling (3); Viksit Bharat@2047 = India’s long-term vision (4).

5. Factual-type Question:

Q5. What is the full form of NAVYA, the new pilot initiative for girls?
(a) National Alliance for Vocational Youth Advancement
(b) Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls
(c) New Age Vocational Youth Awareness
(d) Nationwide Adolescent Vocational Youth Assistance

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.

Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme

Source: DD News

Context:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme in partnership with IIM Ahmedabad, under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), to enhance the Own Source Revenue (OSR) capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

About the ToT Programme:

What is it?
A new training initiative to strengthen the financial independence of Panchayats by improving their ability to generate their own revenue (OSR).

Ministry and Partners:

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
• Partner institutions: IIM Ahmedabad and Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)

Objectives:

• Empower Panchayats to become financially self-reliant
• Train trainers with sustainable OSR generation strategies
• Promote leadership, innovation, and accountability at the Panchayat level

Key Features:

• Implemented under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
• Focuses on behavioural insights, strategic revenue planning, and local innovation
• Trains Master Trainers from 16 States/UTs
• Lays the foundation for a Model OSR Rules Framework and Digital Tax Collection Portal

What is Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)?

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across rural India.

Launched in: 2018, and revamped for the period 2022–23 to 2025–26

Objectives:

• Build governance capacity of PRIs to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Empower Panchayat representatives for effective leadership roles
• Enhance OSR generation and financial planning
• Promote inclusive local governance through optimum resource utilization and scheme convergence
• Strengthen Gram Sabhas as platforms for citizen participation

Key Features:

• Capacity building for elected representatives
• Encourages decentralization and devolution of powers under PESA Act 1996
• Promotes technology-driven governance solutions
• Recognizes and rewards top-performing Panchayats
• Facilitates knowledge exchange through national and international partnerships

1. Simple-type Question:

Q1. What is the primary objective of the Training of Trainers (ToT) programme launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
(a) To train teachers for rural schools
(b) To enhance the digital literacy of Gram Sabha members
(c) To build Panchayat capacity for Own Source Revenue (OSR) generation
(d) To replace state taxes with central revenue sharing

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The ToT programme aims to make Panchayats financially self-reliant by training them in sustainable Own Source Revenue (OSR) generation strategies.

2. List-type Question:

Q2. Which of the following statements about the ToT Programme are correct?

1. It is implemented under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
2. It includes training for Master Trainers from various states/UTs.
3. It is a joint initiative of MoPR, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIPA.
4. It only focuses on urban municipalities and local bodies.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Statement 4 is incorrect as the programme is designed for rural Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), not urban municipalities.

3. Assertion-Reason Type Question:

Q3.
Assertion (A): The ToT Programme aims to promote innovation and leadership at the Panchayat level.
Reason (R): It seeks to develop a Model OSR Rules Framework and a Digital Tax Collection Portal.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Model OSR Rules and digital tools support leadership, innovation, and financial planning in Panchayats, aligning with the objectives of the programme.

4. Match-the-Following:

Q4. Match the following institutions and components with their respective roles in the ToT Programme:

Options:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
(c) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
(d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: MoPR launched ToT (1); IIM Ahmedabad = academic partner (2); IIPA = training & implementation support (3); RGSA = central umbrella scheme (4).

5. Factual-type Question:

Q5. In which year was the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) originally launched?
(a) 2016
(b) 2018
(c) 2020
(d) 2022

✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: RGSA was launched in 2018 and later revamped for the period 2022–23 to 2025–26.

India’s First Comprehensive Household Income Survey (2026)

Source: ET

Context:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced that India will conduct its first-ever comprehensive Household Income Survey in 2026.

About the 2026 Household Income Survey:

What is it?
A nationwide household income survey aimed at generating detailed and reliable data on income distribution across India for the first time.

Ministry & Institutions:

• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• National Sample Survey (NSS)
• Technical Expert Group (TEG) led by Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla

Historical Background:

• 1950: NSS was established and began large-scale surveys
• 1955–1970: Several experimental income surveys (Rounds 9, 14, 19, 24) faced underreporting issues
• 1983–84: Another pilot study failed to provide scalable data
• Income estimates consistently underreported compared to actual consumption and savings, discouraging full-scale surveys

Features of the 2026 Survey:

• India’s first national survey focused solely on household income distribution
• Guided by TEG to ensure global best practices
• Focuses on conceptual clarity, sampling design, and estimation methodology
• Incorporates digital tools to enhance accuracy and assess the impact of technology on wages and income
• Builds on recent innovations by MoSPI (unincorporated sector surveys, services sector, private capital expenditure, tourism statistics)

Significance:

• Fills a crucial data gap on income distribution in India
• Provides evidence-based insights for welfare policies and inclusive growth
• Strengthens India’s statistical infrastructure to match global standards
• Supports effective economic planning and targeted fiscal interventions

1. Simple-type Question:

Q1. What is the primary purpose of India's first Household Income Survey to be conducted in 2026?
(a) To assess employment generation by the private sector
(b) To estimate India’s foreign investment trends
(c) To collect reliable data on household income distribution across India
(d) To update GDP data using consumption patterns

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: The 2026 survey is the first-ever comprehensive national effort focused solely on income distribution among households in India.

2. List-type Question:

Q2. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the 2026 Household Income Survey?

1. It will be conducted by MoSPI in coordination with the NSS.
2. It will be India’s second income survey after the 1983–84 pilot.
3. It will incorporate digital tools to enhance data accuracy.
4. It will replace the Census of India as the main income data source.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect (multiple earlier pilots existed, not just one), and Statement 4 is incorrect (this survey is separate from the Census).

3. Assertion-Reason Type Question:

Q3.
Assertion (A): The 2026 Household Income Survey is expected to support more targeted welfare policies.
Reason (R): The survey will provide data on employment levels among unorganized workers.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: While the assertion is correct, the reason is inaccurate — the survey focuses on income distribution, not employment alone.

4. Match-the-Following:

Q4. Match the following institutions with their roles in the 2026 Household Income Survey:

Options:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
(c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
(d) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: MoSPI is the nodal ministry (1), NSS handles data collection (2), TEG provides methodological guidance (3), and Dr. Bhalla heads TEG (4).

5. Factual-type Question:

Q5. Why were India’s previous income surveys (1955–1984) not scaled up to a national level?
(a) They were deemed too costly
(b) They lacked political approval
(c) They consistently underreported income compared to consumption and savings
(d) They were conducted only in urban areas

✅ Answer: (c)
Explanation: Past surveys failed because the income data collected did not align with consumption and savings estimates, making them unreliable.