State PCS - Jharkhand (JPSC)

• 18 Dec 2025

Ranchi to Host Five National-Level School Sports Events

Why in News? 

Ranchi will host five national-level school sports events as part of the 69th National School Games Championship 2025–26. 

Key Points 

• Events Hosted: Ranchi will organise five national school sports competitions including football, archery, chess, cycling and hockey. 
• Organising Bodies: These events are part of the 69th National School Games Championship 2025-26, conducted by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). 
• JEPC’s Role: The Jharkhand Education Project Council will ensure quality accommodation, food, security, medical support and sports infrastructure for players, coaches, managers and guardians. 
• Duration & Venues: Competitions will take place between December and January across multiple venues in Ranchi city.  
• Significance: Hosting these competitions boosts Ranchi’s as a sports hub and promotes youth sports development regionally. 

White Spot diseases in Andhra Pradesh

Why in News? 

The Government of India informed about White Spot Disease outbreaks in aquaculture in Andhra Pradesh and the measures taken under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to monitor and control aquatic animal diseases. 

Key Points 

• White Spot Disease: In Andhra Pradesh, field teams collected aquaculture samples; 4 samples tested positive under passive surveillance and 23 under active surveillance for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV).  
• Disease Surveillance: The National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) is being implemented under PMMSY with a ₹33.78 crore outlay to detect and manage aquatic diseases nationwide. 
• Sample Analysis: Samples are analysed at the State Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Kakinada. 
• Insurance Support: Under the Aquaculture Crop Insurance Scheme, 85 aquafarmers in Andhra Pradesh are covered; in 2025, ₹5.21 lakh in claims were disbursed. 
• Prevention Guidelines: The Coastal Aquaculture Authority has issued guidelines for SPF shrimp or broodstock centres, hatcheries, farms, health monitoring and SPF certification to prevent WSSV outbreaks.  
• Biosecurity Measures: Mandatory quarantine of imported shrimp broodstock and registration of shrimp hatcheries and farms with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority are enforced to limit disease spread.  
• Laboratory Surveillance: PCR‑based disease surveillance of shrimp and water samples supports early detection and disease control. 
• Alternative Farming: The Government promotes Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to reduce disease risk and improve biosecurity and sustainability. 

North East Investors Summit, 2025

Why in News?  

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) highlighted the aims and key focus area of the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025. 

Key Points 

• Event: Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025, organised by MDoNER to attract investments to the North Eastern Region.  
• Focus Sectors: Tourism & Hospitality, Agro‑Food Processing & allied sectors, Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts, Healthcare, Education & Skill Development, IT/ITeS, Entertainment & Sports, Infrastructure & Logistics, and Energy.  
• Investment Interest: The summit and its roadshows collectively garnered investment interests of ₹4.48 lakh crore through MoUs, letters of intent, and investor leads from private and public sector entities. 
• Renewable Energy Projects: Renewable energy schemes in the region, including PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, PM KUSUM, Solar Park projects, off‑grid electrification (PM JANMAN), Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA) houses, and bio‑gas plant installations across the North East.  

Prestigious National Awards 2025

Why in News? 

The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture has been conferred with two prestigious National Awards 2025 by the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) for excellence in communication and public engagement. 

Key Points 

• Awards Received: NCSM won two PRSI National Awards 2025 — one for the “Har Ghar Museum” initiative in the Best Use of Social Media in a Corporate Campaign category and another for the “Waste to Art” publication in the Special/Prestige Publication category. 
• Har Ghar Museum Campaign: A nationwide campaign inviting people to share photos, videos, and stories of personal collections to create a digital archive of everyday heritage and boost public engagement. 
• Waste to Art Publication: Demonstrate the transformation of 1,250 kg of waste into art installations at NCSM, promoting circular economy and public engagement in sustainable creativity. 
• Public Engagement: The Har Ghar Museum campaign has achieved over 10 million views on social media, over 1 million individual engagements, and 150+ curated entries, reflecting strong nationwide participation.  
• Award Ceremony: The awards were presented at the 47th All India Public Relations Conference held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand from December 13 to 15, 2025. 

OTT Sector as India’s Soft Power

Why in News?

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting highlighted the growing role of the OTT (Over-The-Top) sector as a key driver of India’s soft power and global cultural outreach.  

Key Points 

• OTT Platform : OTT (Over-The-Top) refers to digital platforms that deliver video, audio, or media content directly to users via the internet, without relying on traditional cable or satellite television networks (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar). 
• Soft Power Role: The OTT sector promotes Indian stories, culture, creativity, and heritage to audiences within India and across the world. 
• Revenue Growth: Video subscription revenues in India grew by 11% in 2024, reaching ₹9,200 crore. 
• User Base: Estimated 9.5–11.8 crore individuals in India pay for OTT streaming services.  
• WAVES OTT Platform: Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT platform recorded over 80 lakh downloads in its first year and provides free access to Doordarshan and All India Radio archives, regional arts, documentaries and multilingual content. 
• Support for Creators: WAVES OTT has created a framework to support emerging filmmakers and content creators with global distribution opportunities. 
• Anti-Piracy Measure: The newly added Section 7(1B)(ii) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 empowers the government to take action against intermediaries hosting pirated films online.