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- ONDC has appointed eight interim executive committee members to oversee operations until a new CEO takes charge.
- About ONDC
- Ministry: Operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Objective: ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) aims to establish an open and inclusive digital commerce ecosystem by seamlessly connecting buyers, sellers, and platforms across electronic networks.
- Framework: Built on an open-source model, ONDC adopts open standards and interoperable protocols, ensuring it remains platform-agnostic and accessible to all stakeholders.
- Importance: The initiative seeks to streamline e-commerce operations, empower small and local sellers, enhance logistics efficiency, and ultimately deliver greater value and choices to consumers.
- A Project Management Unit (PMU) is being planned to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).
- Established under the MMDR Act, 1957, DMFs operate in mining-affected districts as non-profit entities to benefit affected communities.
- Their composition and functions are state-determined, and funding comes from a portion of mining royalties paid by leaseholders.
- So far, 645 DMFs exist across 23 states. Funds are utilized locally under PMKKKY, which mandates at least 70% of spending on high-priority areas such as drinking water, healthcare, education, and pollution control.
- However, issues persist: over half of DMF funds remain unspent, a significant portion is misallocated to general infrastructure rather than priority sectors, and affected communities have limited representation.
- Moreover, the absence of structured annual planning hinders effectiveness. The proposed PMU aims to address these challenges and ensure better governance, planning, and fund utilization.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its first-ever comprehensive guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of meningitis, contributing to the broader Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Roadmap, introduced in 2020.
- About Meningitis
- Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, posing a significant global public health threat. It can be caused by infectious or non-infectious factors, with infections stemming from various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Transmission: The transmission method depends on the specific organism. Many of the bacteria responsible for meningitis, such as meningococcus, pneumococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae, are carried in the human nose and throat.
- Prevention: Vaccines against common bacterial types and the use of antibiotics play a crucial role in preventing the spread of meningitis.