First meeting of PCC of Ministry of Ayush was held recently.

About PCC

• Constitution of PCC is one of the functions allocated to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
• Objectives: To create awareness among the Members of Parliament about the working of Government.
  • To promote informal consultation between the Government and the Members of Parliament on policies and programmes of the Government 
• The Government will decide the composition of these Committees.
• A Consultative Committee will have a Minimum membership of ten and a maximum membership of thirty.
• The membership of Consultative Committees is voluntary.

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), under the QCI, has launched a new Medical Application Portal.

About QCI

• Genesis: Established in 1996 as an autonomous non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act.
  • Jointly set up by the Government of India and industry bodies—ASSOCHAM, FICCI, and CII.
• Nodal Department: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Governance: Its Governing Council has 39 members led by a Chairperson nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Role: QCI promotes quality through national campaigns, ensures third-party assessment, and works to improve citizens’ quality of life in line with global standards.

President appointed Additional Judge to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Additional Judges

• Reasons for appointment: If it appears to the President that the number of the Judges of that Court should be increased due to any temporary increase in the business or arrears of work. 
  • Any High Court judge (except Chief Justice) cannot perform duties due to absence or other reasons.
• Appointed by: President of India under Article 224 (1).
  • The Supreme Court Collegium approves the proposal for appointment.
• Tenure: Not exceeding 2 years, as the President may specify.
  • Shall not hold office after attaining the age of 62 years.

CBIC has notified exemption of all customs duties on the import of raw cotton.

About CBIC (HQ: New Delhi)

• Genesis: CBIC, formerly known as the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), is a statutory body under Central Boards of Revenue Act, 1963. 
• Purpose: Formulation and implementation of policy concerning levy and collection of Customs duties, Central Excise duties and Goods & Services tax.
• It also deals with prevention of smuggling and administration relating to Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) and narcotics.

Palmyra palm trees are proving beneficial by reducing lightning-related deaths and serving as a food source for elephants during lean seasons.

About the Tree

• Origin & Status: Native to tropical Africa. It is also the state tree of Tamil Nadu.
• Climatic Requirements:
  • Soil: Grows in diverse soils, including sandy, red, black, and alluvial, as well as arid and wasteland areas.
  • Rainfall: Suited to semi-arid regions with less than 750 mm annual rainfall.
  • Altitude: Thrives from sea level up to 800 m.
• Uses: Every part of the tree is useful—for housing, medicine, shade, and food—making it one of the most resourceful trees in India.

CSSR to issue notice to Centre for the Study of Developing Societies over ‘manipulation’ of Maharashtra poll data.

About ICSSR

• It is the apex body of the Government of India for research in the social and human sciences. 
• Founded in 1969, ICSSR operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. 
• It plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and understanding of various social issues and challenges, and providing research-based solutions to policymakers and stakeholders in the development of the nation through initiatives and schemes.

Private sector achieved a record 22.56% share in defence production (FY 2024-25) , an increase in the third consecutive year.

• Largest share: In FY 2024-25, defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) accounted for 57.50% of the total defence production.
• To foster private sector participation, the government has introduced several schemes, including 
  • Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), 
  • the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), 
  • the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) Scheme, and 
  • the Technology Development Fund (TDF) along with Make in India and the Positive Indigenisation Lists.