Current Affairs 9 July 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

NITI Aayog Released 2nd Edition of NER District SDG Index (2023-24); Mizoram’s Hnahthial district topped In July 2025, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog released the 2nd edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Index (SDG) Report (2023-24). Hnahthial district in Mizoram emerged as the top-performing district with a score of 81.43, followed by Champhai district in Mizoram with 79.86, and Gomati district in Tripura with 78.79.

• The report was launched by Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of NITI Aayog; Chanchal Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER); and Dr. Angela Lusigi, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in India, in the presence of Rajib Kumar Sen, Programme Director (SDGs) at NITI Aayog, along with other senior officials.
• The index is developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the MoDoNER), with technical support from UNDP.

Key Points:
i.The latest edition of the index has covered 121 out of 131 (92%) districts of the NER compared to 103 of 120 districts covered in previous edition.
ii.The index has categorised districts into 4 different categories:Achiever (100); Front-Runner (65-99); Performer (50-64) and Aspirant (<50).
iii.Out of 121 districts covered in the index, 103 are in the ‘Front Runner’ category, and 18 districts are in the ‘Performer’ category in the composite score and ranking.
iv.As per NITI Aayog’s index, Arunachal Pradesh (AR)’s Longding district with the score of 58.71, ranked as the lowest-scoring district in the entire region.
>>Read Full News

Startup Policy Forum Unveils ‘#100DesiDeepTechs’ Initiative to Drive India’s Deep-Tech LeadershipIn July 2025, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) launched the #100DesiDeepTechs, a first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder initiative aimed to identify and empower India’s top 100 deep-tech startups.

• The programme is being run in collaboration with Startup India – Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras.
• The Government of India(GoI) has allocated another Rs. 10,000 crores to promote deep-tech startups through the Fund of Funds (FoF) scheme.

About #100DesiDeepTechs Initiative:
i.The #100DesiDeepTechs programme targets startups working in semiconductors, defence, quantum technology, green hydrogen, space, drones, electric vehicles, biotechnology, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and communications.

• Applications are open nationwide until August 17, 2025, inviting startups from across India to be part of this exclusive deep-tech cohort.

ii.The process of selecting the startups will be led by IIT-Madras, the Policy Whitepaper will be drafted by SPF’s knowledge partner, Ikigai Law, and policy consulting firm Kaio will manage the initiative.
iii.The policy whitepaper will be unveiled at “Deeptech Baithak,” a high-level gathering of 100 stakeholders, including founders, investors, and government representatives.
>>Read Full News

GoI Awards Seven-Star Ratings to Three Mines for Green PracticesOn July 7, 2025, the Ministry of Mines (MoM) conferred seven-star ratings, the highest recognition for sustainable mining practices, for the first time to three mines: Naokari Limestone Mine of UltraTech Cement, Noamundi Iron Ore Mine of Tata Steel, and Kammatharu Mine of Sandur Manganese and Iron Ore Limited.

• In total, 98 mines, (7-star rating for 3 mines, 5-star rating for 95 mines) were recognized at the felicitation ceremony, organized by Indian Bureau of Mines(IBM), MoM, held at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan, for their performance in 2023-24.
• Several Dignitaries including Union Minister Gangapuram Kishan Reddy, MoM, Ministry of Coal, Minister of State(MoS) Satish Chandra Dubey, MoC, MoM and Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma were also present at the event.

Highlights of Star Rating Awards for Sustainable Mining (2023-24)
i.Thirteen of UltraTech Cement’s Limestone Mines were recognized for excellence in sustainable mining. Among the 13 limestone mines, 12 of Ultratech ‘s Limestone mines were awarded a 5-star rating.
ii.Naokari Limestone Mine, part of Awarpur Cement Works, an integrated manufacturing unit of UltraTech, located in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, was conferred the highest distinction of being awarded a 7-star rating for exceptional work towards ‘Green Mining’.
iii.The Noamundi Iron Mine in Jharkhand achieved the rare distinction of receiving a 7-Star Rating. Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited’s Kammatharu Iron Ore Mine, located in Sandur, Karnataka, was also honoured with the Seven-Star Rating.
>>Read Full News

IISc Bengaluru Launched ‘BHARAT Study’ to Build India’s Ageing Biomarker Baseline
In July 2025, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka), under its Longevity India Programme, formally launched the ‘BHARAT (Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions) study’ to to create India’s first comprehensive aging database by integrating multiparametric analyses, advanced clinical assessments, and lifestyle factors.

• The project is headed by Professor DK Saini from the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc.

i.The BHARAT study utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to analyze complex physiological, molecular, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data.
ii.Its goal is to identify crucial biomarkers and establish the Bharat Baseline, setting normal health parameters tailored specifically to the Indian population for predicting healthy aging outcomes.
Note: In 2024, IISc Bengaluru inaugurated the Longevity India Initiative to promote pioneering research in ageing.

MapmyIndia’s Mappls App Integrates DIGIPIN to Generate Digital Addresses
In July 2025, MapmyIndia (formerly C.E. InfoSystems Private Limited), partnered with India Post also known as Department of Posts (DoP) under the Ministry of Communications (MoC), to integrate the DIGIPIN (Digital Personal Identification Number) platform into its Mappls app (application), introducing India’s first comprehensive last-mile digital addressing system.

• This collaboration enables users to generate unique 10-character alphanumeric digital addresses with 3.8(meters) x 3.8m grid-level accuracy directly within the Mappls app.

i.The system enables individuals and institutions to generate and access precise, shareable, and verifiable digital addresses for any location across India via the Mappls app.
ii.This integration is expected to revolutionise services like logistics, delivery, emergency response, fintech, and e-governance, especially in rural and unorganised regions.
Note: DIGIPIN, developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad (Telangana) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s 5-Nation Visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil & Namibia  – Part-IThe Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi undertook a 5-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil & Namibia from July 02 to 09, 2025, to bolster India’s bilateral ties and global partnerships. This tour marked PM Modi’s longest diplomatic visit in nearly 10 years.

• During his 8-day tour to these 5 countries, PM Modi held a wide range of discussions on key focus areas such as: rare earth earth minerals, cooperation on counter-terror and south-south cooperation.

Highlights of the visit:
i.PM Narendra Modi commenced his extensive 5-nation tour from Ghana from July 02 to 03, 2025. This marked the 1st bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the West African nation in 30 Years.

• During his visit to Ghana, India and Ghana signed 4 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to bolster bilateral cooperation in key areas such as: culture, health, standardisation, and institutional dialogue.
• He was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ by John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana.

ii.He was on a two-day official visit to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) from July 03 to 04, 2025 as 2nd leg of his 5-nation tour, at the invitation of T&T’s PM Kamla-Persad Bissessar. This marked his 1st visit to the country and the 1st Indian PM visit to T&T since 1999.

• During his PM Modi visit to T&T, India signed 6 MoUs with Trinidad and Tobago to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure and pharmaceuticals.
• He was conferred with ‘The Order of the Star of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago (ORTT)’, the highest honour of the Caribbean nation by Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of T&T.

iii.PM Modi was on a two-day official visit to Argentina from July 04 to 05, 2025 as part of his 5-nation tour, at the invitation of Javier Milei, President of Argentina. This visit marked the 1st Indian bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level in 57 years.

• Leaders of both countries agreed to diversify bilateral trade and ramp up cooperation in areas like: defence, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, energy, agriculture, science & technology, among others.
• He was conferred with the ‘Key to the City of Buenos Aires’ by Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government of Buenos Aires.

About Argentina:
President- Javier Gerardo Milei
Capital- Buenos Aires
Currency- Argentine Peso (ARS)
>>Read Full News

BANKING & FINANCE

ADB Launches UHC PEERS Network to Accelerate Health Coverage in Asia-PacificIn July 2025, Masato Kanda, President of Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the launch of the Universal Health Coverage Practitioners and Experts Knowledge Exchange and Resources (UHC PEERS), a regional peer-to-peer learning network to drive UHC across Asia and the Pacific region.

• The announcement was made during ADB’s INclusive, Sustainable, Prosperous, and REsilient (INSPIRE) Health Systems in Asia and the Pacific Health Forum, organised at ADB’s headquarters i.e. in Manila, the Philippines from July 07 to July 11, 2025.

About UHC PEERS:
i.THE UHC PEERS network aims to address gap in regional health cooperation by offering a structured platform for countries to exchange solutions for extending coverage to underserved populations.
ii.The network will complement the existing UHC Knowledge Hub in Tokyo (Japan) and enable countries to learn from health financing reforms, service delivery innovation, expansion of coverage to vulnerable groups.
iii.It will also facilitate exchanges on reaching remote populations, integration of private healthcare providers, and sustainable health financing mechanisms.

• Through peer learning, countries will be able to adapt successful approaches that will further help them to avoid financial mistakes.

About INSPIRE Health Systems in Asia and the Pacific Health Forum:
i.The 5-day long forum is hosted by ADB as part of its expanding commitment to regional health engagement.

• It brings together over 25 developing member countries including the health ministers from 9 countries.

ii.INSPIRE is a flagship event of ADB, aims to promote innovation and drive the transformation of health systems in Asia and the Pacific region.
iii.The forum presents ADB’s solutions working groups approach in health systems strengthening and UHC, climate and health, and pandemic preparedness and response.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President – Masato Kanda (Japan)
Headquarters – Mandaluyong City, Manila, the Philippines
Members Nations – 69 (50 members nations are from Asia-Pacific region)
Established – 1966

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

AirAsia Berhad Signs USD 12.25 billion Agreement with Airbus for 50 A321XLR Jets
On July 7, 2025, AirAsia Berhad, a wholly owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, has signed a USD 12.25 billion agreement with Airbus to purchase 50 A321XLR aircraft, with purchase rights for additional 20, marking a strategic shift towards creating the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier.

• The agreement was signed by Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Capital A Berhad, and Christian Scherer, CEO, Airbus Commercial Aircraft, in the presence of Prime Minister (PM) of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Paris, France.

i.The aircraft’s performance offers up to 20% lower fuel burn per seat and supports both operational efficiency and its environmental goals.
ii.Deliveries of the aircraft are planned to begin in 2028 and continue through to 2032.
iii.AirAsia intends to set up new hubs in the Middle East and Europe, considering locations such as Ras Al Khaimah(United Arab Emirates, UAE) and Bahrain, to support its global expansion plans.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

BMW Group India Appointed Hardeep Singh Brar as President and CEO
On July 8, 2025, Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) Group India, a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW Group, has appointed Hardeep Singh Brar as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 1 September 2025.

• He will succeed Vikram Pawah, who will lead BMW Group’s operations in Australia and New Zealand as CEO.

i.Hardeep Singh Brar earlier served as Senior Vice President, overseeing Sales & Marketing at Kia India.
ii.He holds vast expertise with over three decades of experience in the Indian automotive sector. He held senior leadership roles across brands, including Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, General Motors, Nissan Motor, and Great Wall Motor Company.
iii.Vikram Pawah joined BMW Group since 2017, leading the company’s operations in India during two separate tenures (2017-18 and 2020-25) as well as heading BMW Group Australia and New Zealand from 2018 to 2020.

Eternal Appointed Aditya Mangla as Food Delivery CEO
In July 2025, Zomato’s parent company, Eternal Limited has appointed Aditya Mangla as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its food delivery business effective from 6th July 2025. He will also be designated as Senior Management Personnel (SMP) of the company.

• His appointment is pursuant to the approval of company’s Board of Directors on July 06, 2025 for a period of 2 years.
• He will take over from Rakesh Ranjan, who was appointed as CEO of the company in 2023 and had stepped down from this post in April 2025 and will also cease to be designated as SMP with effect from July 06, 2025.

i.Mangla, who has been associated with Eternal since March 2021, earlier served as head of product for the food delivery division of the company.
ii.Since then, he has held multiple leadership roles within the company such as: Head of Supply and Head f Customer Experience.
iii.Prior to joining Eternal, Mangla held senior roles  across various start-ups and tech-driven businesses, managing product, marketing and P&L  responsibilities.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Space TS and Synergy Quantum Partner to Develop India’s first Indigenous Quantum-Secure Satellite In July 2025, Space Transportation System (TS) and Synergy Quantum India Private Limited have partnered to build India’s first indigenous quantum-secure satellite, with an aim to strengthen national space infrastructure against emerging quantum threats.

• This initiative aims to integrate Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) payloads onboard a satellite, marking a pivotal step towards India’s space-based quantum-secure communications.
• Aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission, which includes satellite-based QKD as a key focus.

About the Partnership:
i.The partnership with Space TS, a leader in space systems engineering, and Synergy Quantum, renowned for its expertise in post-quantum cryptography, marks a significant stride towards realizing the Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision.
ii.The collaboration aims to create a sovereign, quantum-resilient space infrastructure, ensuring both national security and strategic autonomy.
iii.The alliance will see the development of quantum-secure satellite payloads, encrypted communications, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven mission planning systems.
Key Points:
i.Satellite QKD leverages quantum mechanics to exchange encryption keys securely which attempt to disrupt the quantum state, making the intrusion detectable.
ii.Synergy Quantum is blending satellite-based QKD with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to create hybrid, future-proof encryption suited for long-range communications.
iii.The advanced optical payloads, miniaturized photonic chips, entanglement-based protocols, and free-space optics are under development.
About Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan:
i.Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on May 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a recovery and resilience package valued at Rs. 20 lakh crores.
ii.It is defined by five foundational pillars, including Economy, Infrastructure, System, Demography, and Demand.
iii.The objective is to develop India into a global supply chain hub, build the government’s trust in the private sector capabilities and prospects, establish good force multipliers for Indian manufacturers, enter the global markets to export goods including agriculture, textiles, clothing, and jewellery.
About Synergy Quantum India Private Limited:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Jaswinder Singh Oberai & Mukesh Kumar
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – 2018

ENVIRONMENT

Pethia dibrugarhensis, A New Fish Species Discovered in Brahmaputra, Named after Dibrugarh in Assam
In June 2025, the researchers from Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) and Manipur University have identified a new species of freshwater fish, Pethia dibrugarhensis in the Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh, Assam.

• The name of the species was inspired by the location of its discovery, Dibrugarh. It is usually found in moderately flowing waters with a mixture of mud, sand, and stones as the riverbed.

i.The species, Pethia dibrugarhensis, belongs to the cyprinid family, which includes carps and minnows, which are some of the most diverse freshwater fish in the world.
ii.The fish has been identified based on its unique physical features such as incomplete lateral line, a prominent black spot that extends across the caudal peduncle (the narrow part of the fish’s body before the tail).
iii.The research findings have been published in the peer-reviewed international journal National Academy Science Letters, under Springer Nature.

SPORTS

Asian Para Archery Championships 2025: China Tops Medal Tally; India Finishes 2ndThe 2025 Asian Para Archery Championships was held from 2nd to 7th July 2025 at the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities Centre in Beijing, China. China topped the overall medal tally with a total of 17 medals (10 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze).

• India secured second position with 9 medals (3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze) followed by Singapore.

Highlights:
i.The 8th edition of the biennial continental tournament featured 94 athletes and 69 officials from 13 countries and regions, serving as a qualifier for the 2028 Summer Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, United States of America (USA).
ii.India’s Harvinder Singh, World No. 1, Paralympic gold medallist, and recipient of Padma Shri (2025), set the new competition record with 663 points in the Recurve Men’s qualifier.

• Won Individual Recurve Men’s Open gold, defeating Thailand’s Hanreuchai Netsiri with a 7–1 score.
• Partnered with Bhawna to win Recurve Mixed Team gold, defeating China 5–4 in a shoot-off.

iii.India’s women’s compound team of Sheetal Devi and Jyoti won gold by defeating China’s Lu Zhang and Jing Zhao with a score of 148–143.
>>Read Full News

Indian Sprinter Animesh Kujur First Indian to run 100m in less than 10.2 seconds
In July 2025, Indian sprinter Animesh Kujur secured first place in the Men’s 100 metre(m) (Final B) at the Dromia International Sprints and Relays in Vari, Greece, with a record-setting time of 10.18 seconds, making him the first Indian to break the 10.20-second mark and surpassing Gurindervir Singh’s previous national record.

• In the final, he outpaced Greece’s Sotirios Garagagnis, who recorded 10.23 seconds, and Samueli Samuelson, who secured third place with a time of 10.28 seconds.

i.In the overall standings, he secured third place, behind Benjamin Richardson (10.01) of South Africa and Ali Anwar Al-Balushi (10.12) of Onam.
ii.He also ran in the men’s 200m race in Greece and logged a modest 20.73 seconds to finish 7th. Manikanta Hoblidhar crossed the finish line in 21.28 to finish in 11th position.
iii.Animesh Kujur, Lalu Bhoi, Jayaram Dondapati and Gurindervir Singh also teamed up for the men’s 4x100m relay event in Greece and clocked 39.99 seconds to finish behind Turkey.
Note: He is also the national record holder for the 200m, having recorded a time of 20.32 seconds at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Bioproduct Day 2025 – July 7World Bioproduct Day is observed annually across the globe on July 7 to raise awareness about the importance of bioproducts and their contribution to environmental sustainability and climate action.

• This annual observance was launched in 2021 by the World BioEconomy Forum (WBEF) and the World Bioeconomy Association (WBA) to highlight the role of bio-based innovations in reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

What are Bioproducts?
i.A bioproduct is a commercially produced item derived from renewable biological resources, commonly referred to as biomass. These include plants, trees, aquatic plants, and wood waste.
ii.Bioproducts are sustainable alternatives to conventional products made from fossil fuels and are essential in reducing environmental degradation.
Types and Examples of Bioproducts:
i.Conventional Bioproducts:

• Wood, paper, and natural fibres form the base of traditional sustainable industries.

ii.Emerging Innovations:

• Bioplastics: Compostable bags made from cardoon plants.
• Bio-based Chemicals: Surfactants derived from food waste used in household cleaning products.
• Bio-Textiles: Swimwear and automotive carpets produced from bio-nylon.

iii.These innovations reduce plastic pollution, cut GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and valorize waste, aligning with United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action)
2025 Events:
On 7th July 2025, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T) participated in the global observance of World Bioproduct Day through its dedicated campaign, “The BioE3 Way 2025.”

• The celebration was organized by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under MoS&T and its associated agencies: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and Indian Biotechnology Research Innovation Council Plus (iBRIC+).

i.During the event, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS&T, announced a USD 300 billion bioeconomy target by 2030, backed by the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy linking bioeconomy with environmental sustainability, economic growth, and equity.
ii.India hosted “Voices Across the Cities,” a synchronized national dialogue connecting institutions in hourly sessions on marine biomass, agri-residues, and forest resources.
iii.India’s biotech startup ecosystem has expanded from 50 startups to 11,000 within a decade, supported by initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

STATE NEWS

AP Govt Approves Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration
On July 7, 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) approved the Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration(AQVD) , which will be the guiding framework for the government’s efforts to advance quantum technologies and build a vibrant innovation ecosystem, including attracting USD 1 billion investments by January 1, 2029.

• The declaration follows deliberations held during the Quantum Valley Workshop, held in Vijayawada, AP.

About Amaravati Quantum Valley Declaration(AQVD):
i.It shows a joint commitment from the state government, global tech leaders like International Business Machines(IBM), Tata Consultancy Services(TCS), and Larsen & Toubro(L&T), along with universities and startups, to create a strong and dynamic quantum innovation ecosystem.
ii.The AQV will set up a Living Lab Infrastructure (LLI) to drive innovation. A dedicated Rs.1,000 crore Quantum Fund, along with access to the LLI, will support at least 20 quantum hardware and security startups in 2026, growing to 100 by 2030.
iii.It includes setting up of QChipIN, India’s largest open testbed, within a year.
iv.International Business Machine (IBM) is expected to install its Quantum System Two at AQV, with a target of testing 100 quantum algorithms by January 1, 2026.
>>Read Full News

HP Became First State in India to Launch Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication for Ration Distribution
In July 2025, Himachal Pradesh (HP) became the first state in India to implement Aadhaar-based facial authentication (FaceAuth) for the distribution of ration under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

• The initiative was launched by the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDTG), Government of HP.

i.The new FaceAuth mechanism enables real-time facial authentication of eligible PDS beneficiaries through a mobile application installed on smartphones of Fair Price Shop (FPS) owners.
ii.Unlike earlier methods that relied on One-Time Passwords (OTPs), fingerprint, or iris scans, the FaceAuth system uses a mobile camera to authenticate beneficiaries using their Aadhaar-linked facial data.
iii.The facial authentication system has significantly improved the success rate of verification and reduced processing time, ensuring faster and smoother ration distribution.

AP Government Set to Launch AI-powered SMoSS to Tackle Mosquito Menace
In July 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) is set to launch an advanced mosquito control initiative named Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS) which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) tools, will help to track and control the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.

Note:This initiative makes AP the first state in India to adopt an AI-integrated smart surveillance and control system for mosquito management on such a large scale.

i.The Municipal Administration and Urban Development(MA&UD) Department, Government of AP, will implement the SMoSS project in 66 locations across six municipal corporations.

• This includes 16 locations in Greater Visakhapatnam, 28 in Vijayawada, 7 in Nellore, 6 in Kurnool, 5 in Rajamahendravaram, and 4 in Kakinada.

ii.The pilot project aims to use AI-based smart sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, heat maps, mosquito traps, and drone-based larvicide spraying to monitor and control mosquito populations.
iii.The system will detect mosquito species, density, gender, and local environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature to generate real-time data. This information will be integrated into a central digital dashboard for data-driven decision-making.

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