1. Vibrant Villages Programme is implemented by which ministry
Notes: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated a two-day workshop on Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) in New Delhi. Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme running from 2022-23 to 2025-26. It targets 2,967 villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts along India’s northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Union Territory of Ladakh. It aims to stop outmigration, strengthen border security, and encourage people to stay in native villages. Vibrant Villages Programme is implemented by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. Where was the first recent human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, reported?
Notes: The Department of Health and Human Services recently confirmed the first human case of the flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, in the United States. New World screwworm is a blue-grey blowfly usually found in South America and the Caribbean. Its larvae burrow screwlike into living tissue, causing dangerous infestations. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds or cavities, with up to 3,000 eggs in their lifespan. Symptoms include non-healing wounds, bleeding, foul smell, and sensation of movement. Infestation is extremely painful and can be fatal if untreated.
3. Where was the First International Pali Conference organized?
Notes: The First International Pali Conference was organized at Kandy, Sri Lanka, by India’s Assistant High Commission in Kandy in partnership with the University of Peradeniya, in August 2025. The conference focused on “The Future of the Pali Language”. The event brought together scholars from Sri Lanka, India, and other countries. Discussions focused on Theravada traditions, manuscript studies, and Pali’s journey from a classical medium to a living language. It was the first international Pali conference hosted by the University of Peradeniya. Pali is recognised as a classical language in India by the Government of India.
4. Which city is the venue of Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2025?
Notes: The Indian Army’s Territorial Army, with IIT Madras, Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) and CyberPeace, is conducting Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2025 in New Delhi. It is a national-level challenge under the Decade of Transformation to tackle real defence and cybersecurity threats. The event unites academia, industry, and government to address modern defence challenges using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Quantum Computing, and Drone Technology. The competition also explores drone anomaly detection and quantum-enhanced malware identification.
5. PM SVANidhi Yojana was launched by which ministry?
Notes: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the restructuring and extension of Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme till 31 March 2030. The total financial allocation for the scheme is ₹7,332 crore, aimed to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries. Since launch on 1 June 2020, the scheme disbursed over 96 lakh loans worth ₹13,797 crore to more than 68 lakh street vendors. PM SVANidhi, launched by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under Atma Nirbhar Bharat, provides micro-credit loans to street vendors.
