Prelims Current Affairs includes World Ngo Day, Vitamin B3 , Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Raising and Accelerating Msme Performance (Ramp) Programme, National Arogya Fair 2026, Cm Shri Schools & Rail Parcel App

IMPORTANT DAY

1. WORLD NGO DAY

Observed annually on 27 February

Aim : to recognise the contributions of non-governmental organisations and non-profit institutions worldwide.

• Focus: Social development, humanitarian work, and community welfare.

SCIENCE

2. VITAMIN B3

Current Context: Scientists reported that Vitamin B3 supplementation successfully treated NAXD deficiency in experimental studies on mice.

ABOUT VITAMIN B3

• Common Name: Niacin
• Nature: Water-soluble vitamin
• Main Forms: Nicotinic acid and niacinamide (nicotinamide)
• Sources: Obtained through diet; small amounts synthesised from tryptophan.
• Biological Role: Functions as an essential coenzyme in metabolic reactions.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Energy Production: Helps convert nutrients into usable energy
• Metabolic Role: Involved in fat and cholesterol synthesis
• Genetic Function: Supports DNA formation and repair
• Cell Protection: Provides antioxidant effects

MAJOR FOOD SOURCES

• Animal Sources: Red meat, poultry, fish, liver
• Plant Sources: Brown rice, fortified cereals, nuts, legumes, bananas

DEFICIENCY DISORDER

• Condition: Severe deficiency causes pellagra
• Symptoms: Skin rash, tongue inflammation, digestive problems
• Other Effects: Fatigue, depression, memory disturbances

About NAXD DEFICIENCY

• Full Form: NAD(P)HX Dehydratase Deficiency
• Nature: Rare neurometabolic genetic disorder
• Cause: Defect in NAD(P)HX repair enzyme
• Clinical Features: Developmental regression, seizures, muscle weakness
• Trigger Factors: Often worsens during infections or fever
• Significance: Vitamin B3 supplementation shows potential therapeutic role in experimental models.

ORGANISATION

3. EMPLOYEES’ STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION (ESIC)

Current Context: Employees’ State Insurance Corporation began celebrations of its 75^th Year of Service in New Delhi.

ABOUT ESIC

• Legal Status: Statutory body under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948
• Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment
• Core Role: Administers Employees’ State Insurance Scheme
• Coverage: Provides medical and financial security to workers

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Medical Benefit: Healthcare services for insured persons
• Cash Benefits: Support during sickness, maternity, disability
• Social Security: Protection for employees and dependents

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• Genesis: Based on social insurance recommendations
• ESI Launch: Scheme inaugurated in Kanpur on 24 February 1952
• Administrative Head: Chaired by Union Minister of Labour

COMPOSITION

• Leadership: Chairman and Director General
• Representation: Includes employers, employees, governments, Parliament, medical experts

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

4. RAISING AND ACCELERATING MSME PERFORMANCE (RAMP) PROGRAMME

Current Context: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises reviewed progress of the World Bank-supported RAMP Programme.

ABOUT RAMP PROGRAMME

• Launched: 2022
• Supported By: World Bank
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
• Duration: Financial Year 2022–23 to 2026–27

OBJECTIVES

• Market Access: Improve MSME participation in markets
• Credit Access: Enhance financing opportunities
• Governance: Strengthen institutional capacity
• Delayed Payments: Address payment-related challenges
• Sustainability: Promote green MSME practices

IMPLEMENTATION FEATURES

• Institutional Body: National MSME Council
• State Support: Grants for Strategic Investment Plans

SUB-SCHEMES

• MSME GIFT Scheme: Encourages adoption of green technologies
• MSE SPICE Scheme: Supports circular economy initiatives
• MSE ODR Scheme: Online dispute resolution for delayed payments
• Significance: Strengthens MSME competitiveness, sustainability, and financial resilience

POLICY AND PROGRAMME

5. NATIONAL AROGYA FAIR 2026

Current Context: The President of India inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharashtra.

ABOUT NATIONAL AROGYA FAIR

• Location: Shegaon, Maharashtra
• Organised By: Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with All India Ayurvedic Congress
• Duration: Four-day national event
• Participants: Policymakers, researchers, practitioners, farmers, industry representatives
• Objective: Promote Ayush systems and holistic healthcare

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Event Description: Referred to as ‘Mahakumbh of Indian traditional medicine systems’
• Activities: Free medical consultations, medicine distribution, expert lectures
• Focus Areas: Strengthening Ayush systems, traditional medicine, wellness promotion

AWARDS CONFERRED

• Award Name: Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman
• Presented By: President of India
• Purpose: Honour contributions to Ayurveda and traditional medicine
• Awardees included : Devendra Triguna, Rakesh Sharma, Ashutosh Gupta, Manisha Kotekar, M. Varier,Ramdas.

STATE IN NEWS

6. CM SHRI SCHOOLS

Current Context: Haryana announced the launch of CM Shri Schools based on the PM Shri Schools model.

ABOUT CM SHRI SCHOOLS

• State: Haryana
• Model Basis: Inspired by PM Shri Schools initiative
• Academic Pattern: Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum
• Objective: Improve quality of government school education
• Focus: Modern infrastructure and better learning environment

RTE ACT RESERVATION

• Provision: Twenty-five percent seats reserved in private schools
• Beneficiaries: Economically Weaker Sections and Disadvantaged Groups
• Implementation Basis: Right to Education Act
• Recent Data: Large number of student admissions under reservation policy

ABOUT PM SHRI SCHOOLS

• Full Form: Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India
• Objective: Develop selected government schools as model institutions
• Focus Areas: Smart classrooms, modern facilities, experiential learning
• Policy Linkage: National Education Policy 2020

E-GOVERNANCE

7. RAIL PARCEL APP

Current Context: South Central Railway launched a next-generation Rail Parcel App to modernise parcel booking services.

ABOUT RAIL PARCEL APP

• Launched By: South Central Railway
• Location of Launch: Secunderabad
• Platform Role: Digital freight and parcel booking system
• Purpose: Simplify and digitise parcel logistics

KEY FEATURES

• Online Services: Digital booking of parcel shipments
• Customer Convenience: Doorstep pickup and scheduling
• Tracking System: Real-time consignment tracking
• Transparency: Automated delivery updates
• Significance: Enhances efficiency and user experience in railway logistics

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