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- The Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the Sansad Bhashini initiative.
- About the Sansad Bhashini Initiative:
- This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) aimed at developing a comprehensive in-house AI solution.
- Its primary goal is to introduce AI-powered tools that will enhance multilingual accessibility, streamline documentation processes, and improve the efficiency of parliamentary functions.
- The project will integrate state-of-the-art AI technologies such as real-time speech-to-text transcription, speech-to-speech translation, and AI-driven interactive chatbots.
- These tools will help facilitate the translation of parliamentary proceedings, committee reports, and legislative documents into a wide range of Indian languages, promoting inclusivity and greater public involvement.
- AI will also be used to transcribe spoken debates into text in real-time, making it easier for citizens to access and reference parliamentary discussions.
- Key features of the transcription system will include noise reduction, adaptable vocabulary, and advanced documentation capabilities to improve both precision and user-friendliness.
- Additionally, the AI-powered automatic summarization of lengthy debates will aid in faster decision-making and efficient record maintenance.
- India is making significant strides toward eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through strong political will, active community engagement, and regional collaboration.
- About Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):
- NTDs are a broad group of diseases caused by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins, and they lead to severe health, social, and economic challenges.
- These diseases predominantly affect impoverished communities in tropical regions, although some have a much wider geographic reach.
- NTDs thrive in areas where people live in vulnerable conditions, with inadequate water safety, sanitation, and healthcare access.
- The term "neglected" refers to the historical lack of attention and funding these diseases have received in global health priorities.
- NTDs include diseases like Guinea worm, Chikungunya, Dengue, Kala Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), and Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis), with India being home to around 12 different NTDs.
- The spread of NTDs is complex, as some are transmitted by animals or humans, many are vector-borne, and most involve intricate life cycles, making prevention or elimination particularly difficult.
- It is estimated that over 1 billion people are affected by NTDs, with 1.5 billion individuals requiring both preventive and curative interventions.
- Every year, the global community comes together on January 30th to observe World NTDs Day, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating the burden of these diseases worldwide.
- The India-Bangladesh naval exercise 'Bongosagar 2025' and 'Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)' were recently conducted in the Bay of Bengal.
- About Exercise Bongosagar:
- Exercise Bongosagar is a bilateral naval drill between India and Bangladesh.
- Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability and operational proficiency through a wide range of maritime operations.
- Launched in 2019, Bongosagar 2025 marks the fifth edition of the exercise.
- The exercise saw the participation of INS Ranvir from the Indian Navy and BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.
- It focused on boosting the cooperation between the two navies, promoting joint responses to common maritime security challenges.
- The exercise included various advanced operations such as surface firing, tactical maneuvers, underway replenishment, Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) cross boarding, communication drills, quizzes for operational teams and junior officers on professional topics, and a steam past.
- It provided an excellent platform for both navies to strengthen their ties in tactical planning, coordination, and information exchange, ensuring smooth and effective maritime operations.