BHARATI
News-BHARATI to Support 100 Agri-Food Startups, Target $50 Billion Exports by 2030.
- Event – APEDA launched new initiative BHARATI in New Delhi.
- Chaired by – Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan, and UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
- Objective – To support 100 agri-food startups, promote innovation, and boost agri-food exports.
- Target – Achieve $50 billion agri-food exports by 2030.
- Full form of BHARATI – Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement.
- Alignment – Part of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Startup India vision.
- Outcome expected – Acceleration of exports, fostering innovation, and strengthening India’s global agri-food trade position.
- About APEDA –
- Full Form – Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
- Established – 1986 (under APEDA Act, 1985).
- Ministry – Commerce and Industry.
- HQ – New Delhi.
- Role – Promote, develop and regulate export of scheduled agri and processed food products.
World Coconut Day
News- World Coconut Day: Kerala’s Coconut Development Board Announces Increased Financial Aid for Farmers.
- Occasion – World Coconut Day (2nd September).
- Organisation – Coconut Development Board (CDB), Kerala.
- Announcement – Significant increase in financial aid for coconut farmers.
- Targets – Production of 2.5 lakh coconut saplings this year.
- Financial Aid –
- Sapling aid increased from ₹4 to ₹45 (50% support).
- Replanting aid raised from ₹40 to ₹350.
- Coconut Technology Mission aid increased sixfold.
- About World Coconut Day –
- Observed on – 2nd September every year.
- Objective – Promote awareness of coconut benefits and industry growth.
- Established by – International Coconut Community (ICC) in 2009.
- ICC – Founded in 1969 under UNESCAP; India is a founder member.
Badminton World Championships
News- New Delhi to Host Badminton World Championships 2026 After 17 Years.
- Host City – New Delhi (August 2026).
- Announcement by – Badminton World Federation (BWF) at closing of 2025 Paris Championships.
- Return after – 17 years to India (last in Hyderabad, 2009).
- Asia gap – Returning to Asia after 4 years (last in Nanjing, China – 2018).
- About Badminton World Championships –
- Organiser – Badminton World Federation (BWF).
- First Edition – 1977, hosted in Malmö, Sweden.
- Frequency – Annual (except in Olympic years, to avoid clash).
- Events – Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles.
E-Scholarships for Afghan Students
News- India Announces 1,000 E-Scholarships for Afghan Students for 2025-26.
- Initiative – Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN).
- Announced by – Government of India through Indian Council for Cultural Relations ICCR.
- Academic Year – 2025–26.
- Scholarships Offered – 1,000 e-scholarships.
- Mode – Online UG and PG courses via e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal.
- Eligibility – Afghan nationals aged 18–35 years.
- Universities Covered – 9 Indian institutions, including–
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- IGNOU
- Anna University
- Kurukshetra University
- Background – Continuation of similar grants in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
- Significance – Strengthens India’s educational outreach and support to Afghan youths.
Rajit Punhani
News- Rajit Punhani, takes charge as CEO, FSSAI
- Person – Rajit Punhani, 1991-batch IAS officer (Bihar cadre).
- Position – Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- Predecessor – Replaced GKV Rao, who retired on 31 August 2025.
- About FSSAI–
- Full Form – Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Established – 2008 (under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006)
- Ministry – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Headquarters – New Delhi
- Role – Apex food regulatory body in India
National Wild Life Day
News-National Wild Life Day 2025.
- Founded – 2005 by Colleen Paige (American animal advocate and pet lifestyle expert).
- Purpose – Highlight challenges faced by endangered species and encourage conservation initiatives.
- Theme 2025 – “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
- Celebrated – Twice a year: September 4 and February 22.
- World Wildlife Day – Celebrated on March 3 every year.
MCQs
Q1. BHARATI initiative was launched by which authority?
a) FSSAI
b) APEDA
c) ICCR
d) CDB
Q2. How many e-scholarships has India announced for Afghan students in 2025–26?
a) 500
b) 750
c) 1,000
d) 2,000
Q3. Who took charge as CEO of FSSAI in September 2025?
a) Rajit Punhani
b) GKV Rao
c) Piyush Goyal
d) R. S. Sharma
Q4. World Coconut Day is observed on ?
a) August 15
b) September 2
c) October 5
d) March 3
Q5. Which city will host the 2026 Badminton World Championships?
a) Hyderabad
b) Tokyo
c) New Delhi
d) Paris
Q6. Who founded National Wildlife Day?
a) Colleen Paige
b) Jane Goodall
c) Wangari Maathai
d) Greta Thunberg