Daily Current Affairs 12 July 2026: AI Policy, Pink Saheli Card, GI Tags & Wildlife Centre

Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Inaugurated in Coimbatore

The Government of India inaugurated the Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict Management on 10 July 2026. The newly established centre is located at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) – SACON campus, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

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Human-wildlife conflict has become one of India’s biggest conservation challenges. Increasing interaction between people and wild animals affects both human lives and wildlife habitats. The newly established centre has been created to provide long-term scientific solutions for this growing concern.

Major Objectives of the Centre

• Develop scientific methods to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
• Support advanced wildlife research across India.
• Provide technical assistance for policy formulation.
• Train forest officials and wildlife professionals.
• Promote innovative conservation technologies.
• Strengthen coordination among different government agencies.

Modern Technology to be Used

The Centre will make extensive use of modern digital technologies to improve wildlife conflict management across the country.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Satellite Mapping
• Remote Sensing
• Predictive Analytics
• GIS-based Monitoring
• Real-time Data Collection

These technologies will help authorities predict possible conflict zones, monitor wildlife movement and prepare preventive measures before incidents occur.

National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal Launched

During the inauguration ceremony, the Government also launched the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal.

The portal will serve as a centralized digital platform for collecting information related to wildlife conflict incidents across India. It will improve data collection, monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision making.

Report Released

A comprehensive report highlighting the status, trends and challenges of human-wildlife conflict in India was also released during the event. The report is expected to assist policymakers, researchers and conservation agencies in preparing future strategies.

Why This Initiative is Important

• Protects both wildlife and local communities.
• Encourages sustainable conservation practices.
• Supports scientific policy making.
• Improves disaster preparedness in wildlife-sensitive areas.
• Promotes responsible environmental management.

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NABARD Facilitates GI Registration for 28 New Products Across India

On 10 July 2026, NABARD announced the successful facilitation of 28 new Geographical Indication (GI) registrations across different states of India.

The latest registrations increase the total number of GI products supported by NABARD to 176. These products represent India’s rich cultural traditions, handicrafts and indigenous craftsmanship.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?

A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right granted to products that originate from a particular geographical region and possess unique qualities, reputation or traditional production methods associated with that location.

GI registration in India is governed under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Products Included in the New GI Registrations

• Traditional Handicrafts
• Handloom Textiles
• Bamboo Crafts
• Pottery Items
• Traditional Paintings
• Metal Craft Products
• Musical Instruments

States Benefiting from the Initiative

• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Assam
• Himachal Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh

These registrations provide legal protection to local products while helping artisans secure better recognition in domestic and international markets.

NABARD’s Contribution to the GI Ecosystem

Over the years, NABARD has played a significant role in strengthening India’s GI ecosystem through financial support, awareness programmes and marketing assistance.

• Established dedicated GI Facilitation Centres.
• Created a specialized GI Store for product promotion.
• Provided marketing support to artisans.
• Helped improve branding of traditional products.
• Encouraged rural entrepreneurship.

Impact of the Initiative

• 176 GI products supported by NABARD.
• More than 13,000 artisans and producers benefited.
• Over 50,000 direct employment opportunities created.
• Better market access for traditional Indian products.
• Protection against imitation and misuse.

Why GI Registration Matters

GI certification increases the value of traditional products by ensuring authenticity and protecting regional identity. It also helps consumers identify genuine products while creating better income opportunities for rural communities.

Health Ministry Tightens Rules for Alcohol-Based Drug Formulations

The Government of India has introduced important amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 to strengthen the regulation of medicines containing a high percentage of ethyl alcohol.

The revised rules apply to medicinal formulations containing more than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol. Products exceeding the prescribed quantity will now be subject to stricter manufacturing, distribution and sales regulations.

What Has Changed?

• Medicines containing more than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol are covered under the revised rules.
• Products with a pack size of more than 30 ml will no longer receive exemption under Schedule K.
• Manufacturers must obtain valid licences for production and sale.
• These medicines have now been included under Schedule H1.
• They can only be sold on a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
• Pharmacies must maintain proper sales records for these formulations.

Purpose Behind the Amendment

Authorities observed that some alcohol-containing medicinal formulations were being misused as intoxicating substances instead of being used for medical treatment. The revised regulations are intended to curb such misuse without affecting patients who genuinely require these medicines.

Benefits of the New Rules

• Prevents misuse of medicinal formulations.
• Improves patient safety.
• Strengthens pharmaceutical regulation.
• Ensures responsible sale of prescription medicines.
• Enhances monitoring by drug authorities.

When Will the Rules Come into Effect?

The amended provisions will become effective six months after their publication in the Official Gazette, which is expected to be around January 2027.

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India Launches Largest Rural Telecom Network Performance Survey

To strengthen rural digital infrastructure, the Department of Posts (DoP) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct a nationwide telecom performance survey.

The survey is considered the largest rural telecom network assessment ever undertaken in the country.

Coverage of the Survey

• More than 5.68 lakh villages across India will be covered.
• The survey will include all States and Union Territories.
• Network quality of leading telecom operators will be evaluated.
• Real-time data will be collected using digital tools.

Telecom Operators Included

• Airtel
• Reliance Jio
• Vodafone Idea (Vi)
• BSNL

Who Will Conduct the Survey?

The survey will be carried out by Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDSs), who have a strong presence in rural areas. They will collect field data using an Android-based mobile application, ensuring faster and more accurate reporting.

Main Objectives

• Identify areas with weak or no mobile connectivity.
• Measure network performance in rural regions.
• Improve the quality of telecom services.
• Support evidence-based policy decisions.
• Strengthen the Digital India initiative.
• Enhance consumer experience in remote locations.

Why This Survey Matters

Reliable mobile connectivity has become essential for education, healthcare, banking, agriculture and digital governance. By identifying connectivity gaps, the survey will help authorities improve telecom infrastructure and deliver better digital services to rural citizens.

Delhi Government to Launch Pink Saheli Smart Card for Free Bus Travel

In a major step towards digital public transport, the Delhi Government has announced the rollout of the Pink Saheli Smart Card. The initiative aims to simplify free bus travel for women while improving transparency and reducing misuse of the existing paper ticket system.

From 1 August 2026, eligible women travelling on DTC and DIMTS (Cluster) buses will be required to use the new smart card to continue availing free travel benefits.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Launch Date: 1 August 2026
• Replaces the existing paper-based pink ticket.
• Applicable on DTC and Cluster buses.
• Passengers must tap the smart card on the electronic card reader while boarding.
• Women without the card will need to purchase a regular ticket.

Objectives of the Pink Saheli Smart Card

• Digitise Delhi’s free bus travel scheme.
• Reduce paper consumption.
• Promote environmentally sustainable transport.
• Improve transparency and accountability.
• Enable quick ticket verification.
• Prevent misuse of free travel facilities.

Registration Process

To ensure smooth implementation, the Delhi Government has established 50 registration centres across the city. Eligible women can complete the registration process and obtain their Pink Saheli Smart Card before the scheme becomes mandatory.

Why This Initiative is Important

The introduction of a digital smart card will improve passenger convenience while helping transport authorities monitor ticket usage more efficiently. It also supports the government’s vision of adopting technology-driven public services and promoting sustainable urban transport.

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Jharkhand Unveils AI Policy 2026-31 to Drive Digital Growth and Employment

The Jharkhand Government officially unveiled its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026-31 during the National Stakeholder Consultation 2026 held in New Delhi.

The roadmap is designed to accelerate digital transformation across governance, industry, education and public services while creating new employment opportunities for skilled professionals.

Major Investment Plans

• Government investment of ₹1,150 crore.
• Target to attract over ₹10,000 crore in private investment.
• Promotion of advanced digital infrastructure.
• Expansion of AI-driven public services.

Key Targets Under AI Policy 2026-31

• Establish more than 50 Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
• Support 1,000 AI startups.
• Create over 1 lakh AI-enabled employment opportunities.
• Strengthen digital governance across departments.
• Develop a skilled AI workforce through training programmes.

Important AI-Based Governance Projects

• CM-DIP
• HNVS
• CMAS

These projects are expected to improve administrative efficiency, enhance public service delivery and encourage data-driven governance.

Expected Benefits

• Boost investment in the technology sector.
• Create high-quality employment opportunities.
• Support innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Promote digital governance.
• Strengthen Jharkhand’s startup ecosystem.
• Improve economic diversification.

Why This Policy Matters

Artificial Intelligence is becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. By investing in AI infrastructure, startups and digital governance, Jharkhand aims to become a competitive technology destination while improving public service delivery and economic growth.