Daily filter — 24 August 2026
3 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚕️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Medical Devices Rules 2017 Amended for Ease of Business
The **Ministry of Health and Family Welfare** has amended the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, simplifying regulatory requirements.
- Amendments remove loan licensing for outsourced sterilization of medical devices.
- Manufacturers outsourcing sterilization no longer need a separate loan licence.
- Rule 44 simplifies compliance for outsourced sterilization facilities.
- Rule 63 includes European Union (EU) for clinical investigation waiver.
- A six-month transition period is provided for new labelling requirements.
💡 For the exam: Remember Rule 44 (sterilization) and Rule 63 (EU waiver) amend Medical Devices Rules, 2017 for 'Ease of Doing Business'.
Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · PIB PRID 2302665
🌳 Environment · UPSC track
India restores 21.76 mn ha land, generates 1.22 bn person-days employment
Union Minister **Shri Bhupender Yadav** highlighted India's significant land restoration efforts and commitment at **UNCCD COP17** in Mongolia.
- India restored 21.76 million hectares of land from 2011–2020.
- This generated approximately 1.22 billion person-days of employment.
- India committed to restore 26 million hectares by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge.
- The Green India Mission and Nagar Van Yojana support these efforts.
💡 For the exam: Remember India's 21.76 mn ha restoration (2011–2020) and 1.22 bn person-days employment, enhancing its Bonn Challenge commitment.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2302676
🌱 Environment · UPSC track
India Advocates for Global Land Restoration Finance at UNCCD CoP17
India emphasized the need for diversified, predictable, and sustained international finance for land restoration and drought resilience at the **UNCCD CoP17** in **Ulaanbaatar**.
- Union Minister highlighted India's blended green-finance framework for climate adaptation and sustainable land use.
- Mentioned Sovereign Green Bonds as a capital mobilization avenue for land restoration.
- Showcased India’s Green Credit Programme for public and private financing of degraded forest land restoration.
- Credits are issued after five years of restoration with 40 per cent canopy density.
💡 For the exam: Remember India's multi-pronged approach to land restoration finance, including Green Bonds and Green Credit Programme, advocated at UNCCD CoP17.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2302615