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PCS ParikshanNational Current Affairs Switch to Hindi
NEST Sanctioned to Boost Innovation in North East
Why in News?
The Government of India has sanctioned a project to establish the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) aimed at boosting research, innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship across the North Eastern Region (NER).
Key Points:
- Project Approval: The NEST project was sanctioned in July 2025 under the Schemes of the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Ministry of Development of North-East Region with an outlay of approximately ₹22.98 crore to strengthen science and technology infrastructure in the NER.
- Implementing Agency: The project will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.
- Four Thematic Verticals: NEST will operate through four key focus areas:
- Innovation Hub on Grassroots Technologies – to promote tech solutions for local challenges.
- Technology Hub for Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence – aligning with future technology trends.
- Centre of Excellence for Bamboo-Based Technology – leveraging regional strengths for product and process innovation.
- Skill Development & Innovation Centre for Biodegradable and Eco-friendly Plastics – encouraging sustainable technology and entrepreneurship.
- Objectives: The NEST Cluster aims to empower youth in the NER—especially SC/ST, women, and Divyangjan—towards self-employment and entrepreneurship, while strengthening MSMEs through capacity building, research interventions, and commercialization of products.
- It will adopt a hub-and-spoke approach connecting academia, research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to promote R&D interventions, innovation ecosystems, and skill development at the grassroots level.
- Significance: The sanctioning of the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) represents a strategic initiative by the Government of India to harness science, technology, and innovation for inclusive development, employment generation, and entrepreneurial growth in the North Eastern Region, aligning with broader goals of regional empowerment and technology-driven economic transformation.
| Read More: North Eastern Region (NER), North Eastern Council (NEC), Semiconductors , Artificial Intelligence, MSMEs |
National Current Affairs Switch to Hindi
Thanya Nathan to Become Kerala’s First Blind Woman Judge
Why in News?
Thanya Nathan is set to make history by becoming Kerala’s first visually challenged (completely blind) woman judge.
Key Points:
- Historic Achievement: Thanya Nathan will be the first fully blind woman to be appointed as a judge in Kerala’s judiciary.
- Success: She secured the top rank among persons with benchmark disabilities in the competitive Civil Judges (Junior Division) exam conducted for entry into the Kerala Judicial Service.
- She pursued law despite visual impairment and completed her legal education with the assistance of accessible learning tools and digital support systems.
- Judicial Inclusivity: Her achievement follows a landmark 2025 Supreme Court ruling affirming that visually impaired candidates cannot be excluded from eligibility for judicial service.
- Her appointment reflects the principles of equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring equal opportunity in public employment.
- Significance: Thanya’s success not only inspires persons with disabilities but also contributes to ongoing efforts to make India’s legal profession more accessible and inclusive for all.
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Read More: Supreme Court, Indian Constitution, Persons with disabilities |
