State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

• 08 Apr 2026

Karnataka Leads in Training Women Drone Pilots Under Namo Drone Didi Yojana

Why in News? 

Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in training women Self‑Help Group (SHG) members as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana. 

Key Points 

• Scheme: The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is a central sector initiative to empower women‑led SHGs by providing training and access to agricultural drone technology. 
  • Karnataka has trained the highest number of women SHG members as drone pilots under this scheme. 
  • The scheme is implemented jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Rural Development, and Department of Fertilisers. 
• Implementation: The scheme operates under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY‑NRLM) and promotes precision farming through drone technology. 
  • The DAY-NRLM program is executed by the Ministry of Rural Development. 
• Agricultural Services: Trained SHGs can provide drone rental services to farmers, especially for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, improving efficiency and reducing labour. 
• Targets: The government aims to distribute around 15,000 drones to women SHGs during 2024–25 and 2025–26. 
• Financial Assistance: Central financial aid covers 80% of the drone cost up to ₹8 lakh, while the remaining 20% can be financed through loans with interest subvention. 
• Training Programme: Each SHG member undergoes a 15‑day training programme that includes mandatory drone pilot certification and specialised agricultural applications.  

Read More: Self‑Help Group (SHG), DAY‑NRLM, Namo Drone Didi Yojana 

World Health Day 2026

Why in News? 

World Health Day was observed on 7 April 2026 with the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science”, highlighting the importance of science-based solutions to strengthen global health systems. 

Key Points 

• Observance: World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April to mark the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. 
• Theme 2026: Together for Health: Stand with Science.. 
• Objective: The day aims to raise awareness about key global health issues and encourage governments, institutions, and communities to support science-driven health policies. 
• Campaign: The campaign highlights how scientific cooperation helps protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet. 
• Focus: The campaign strongly promotes the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. 
• Major Global Events: 
  • International One Health Summit 2026 (7 April) – Hosted by the Government of France under the French G7 Presidency. 
  • Inaugural Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres 2026 (7–9 April) – Brings together nearly 800 scientific institutions from over 80 countries. 
• Campaign Goals: 
  • Stand with science by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health. 
  • Rebuild trust in science and public health. 
  • Support science-led solutions for a healthier future. 
• World Health Organization (WHO): 
  • The WHO was established on 7 April 1948. 
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. 

Read More: WHO, G7