• 10 Jan 2026

India to Host IICDEM-2026

Why in News? 

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)-2026 in New Delhi.  

Key Points 

• Organiser: The conference is being organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the Election Commission of India (ECI). 
• Purpose: A platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations in election management and democratic governance 
• Theme: The conference will carry forward the agenda of “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world”. 
  • It reflects India’s role as Chair of the Council of Member States of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for 2026. 
• Sessions: The conference will feature the Election Management Body (EMB) Leaders’ Plenary, working group meetings, launch of ECINet, and thematic discussions on global electoral standards and innovations. 
• Leadership: The conference will be led by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar.

Election Management Body (EMB): An authority responsible for conducting, managing, and supervising elections in a country.

• Read More: 
• International IDEA 
• Election Commission of India (ECI) 

Healthcare Skill Development Centre in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has signed an MoU to set up a healthcare skill development centre in Chhattisgarh under its CSR initiative. 

Key Points 

• Agreement: SECL has entered into an MoU with Sri Sathya Sai Health & Education Trust to develop the centre focused on healthcare skills training.  
• Project Location: The centre will be set up at Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh. 
• Financial Support: The project will be backed with ₹35.04 crore in financial assistance for infrastructure and operations. 
• Skill Development Focus: The institute will offer free, job-oriented training in key healthcare domains such as nursing assistants, technicians, and allied healthcare roles to enhance employability. 
• SECL: A subsidiary of Coal India Ltd. 
  • Headquarter: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.  
• Social Impact: The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare service delivery in underserved coal belt areas while boosting skills and employment opportunities among socio-economically disadvantaged youth. 

NBA Releases ABS Funds in Maharashtra

Why in News? 

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed ₹68 lakh to Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework. 

Key Points 

• ABS Framework Disbursement: The NBA released ₹68 lakh as part of benefits accrued from the commercial utilisation of soil microorganisms under the ABS mechanism. 
• Source of Benefits: The disbursement stems from the access and commercial use of soil bacteria (Bacillus genus) for developing probiotic products. 
• Fair and Equitable Sharing: The initiative ensures that local communities and custodians of biodiversity receive a share of benefits derived from utilisation of biological resources, aligning with ABS principles. 
• Microorganism Applications: About 15 % of ABS applications involve microorganisms, highlighting their significance in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and biotechnology.

Read More: 

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework. 

 National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) 

Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) 

25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet in Odisha

Why in News? 

The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 was officially inaugurated at Jayadev Sadan, Paradip Port in Odisha.  

Key Points 

• Organising Authority: The event is organised by the Paradip Port Authority under the Major Ports Sports Control Board. 
• Objective: The event aims to promote cultural exchange, participation, camaraderie, and talent display among port employees, strengthening social bonds in the maritime sector. 
• Role: Fostering unity and harmony. 
• Participants: Over 200 participants from 9 major ports 
• Ports Involved: Chennai, Cochin, Deendayal, JNPA, Kolkata, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, V.O. Chidambaranar, and the host Paradip Port, are taking part in the cultural events.

Read More: 

Major Ports in India 

Uttar Pradesh Tops Deregulation 1.0 Rankings

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh has been ranked first among Indian states in the ’Deregulation 1.0’ report released by the central government. 

Key Points 

• Objective of Deregulation: The initiative focuses on simplifying regulations, streamlining processes, and improving Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) by removing unnecessary compliance burdens on businesses and investors. 
• Reform Areas: The report evaluates performance across 23 priority reform areas identified by the central government, including key sectors such as land, building and construction, labour, utilities, and permissions. 
• Comprehensive Implementation: Uttar Pradesh is the first state to fully implement all 23 priority reforms. 
  • Reforms include digitisation of land records, flexible zoning, simplified licensing, and eased compliance requirements, aimed at reducing delays and enhancing investor confidence. 
• Significance: The top ranking under the Deregulation 1.0 report reflects Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to attract investment and strengthen its position as a preferred destination for businesses and industries in India.