UPSC Prelims Facts - 26 April 2025 - Gokulam Seek IAS Academy

Table of Contents

AI Kiran

AI Kiran, an initiative to empower women in Artificial Intelligence, has been launched.

Aims to foster a vibrant AI community where women can thrive as innovators, changemakers, and leaders.
Led by – Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
Focus Areas – Highlights contributions of over 250 women driving advancements in AI across critical sectors such as education, healthcare

India achieved breakthrough in gene therapy for Haemophilia at BRIC-inStem.

Part of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), which consolidates multiple autonomous biotech research institutions in India.
Focuses on stem cell research and regenerative medicine, contributing to advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.
Aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, promoting self-reliance in biotech innovation.
Fosters collaborative research across institutions to maximize scientific impact

CCS takes measures against Pakistan on Pahalgam.

Highest decision-making body in India for matters related to national security and defense.
Chaired by the Prime Minister and includes key ministers such as Defense, Home, Finance, and External Affairs.
Oversees strategic policies, including nuclear security, defense acquisitions, and counter-terrorism measures.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign, on the occasion of World Immunization Week.

Highly contagious viral diseases, with Measles causing severe complications and Rubella leading to birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
India launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign to eliminate both diseases by 2023.
The MR vaccine is administered to children aged 9 months to 15 years to prevent outbreaks.
The initiative is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), aiming for disease eradication.

Indian government has announced that Pakistan nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).

Launched in 1992 to facilitate visa-free travel for select categories of dignitaries within SAARC member states.
Covers 24 categories, including judges, parliamentarians, senior officials, businessmen, journalists, and sportsmen.
Visa stickers are issued by respective SAARC member states, valid for one year.
The scheme aims to enhance regional cooperation and promote people-to-people connectivity