2nd December 2025

Norovirus is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact, as well as through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Norovirus is highly resistant to common disinfectants, allowing it to survive on surfaces for an extended period. As of now, there is no vaccine available to prevent norovirus infections, and the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms.

The BLOs are representatives of the Election Commission of India (ECI) at the grass-root level who assist in updating the electoral roll using their local knowledge. They are local government officials who are familiar with the local electors and enrolled as voters in the same polling area. Teachers, Anganwadi workers, Panchayat Secretary, Village Level Workers, Electricity Bill Readers, etc are mainly appointed as BLOs. BLOs are not full-time electoral officials. Section 13B (2) of the Representation of People Act, 1950 provision paved the way for the introduction of appointing a BLO for the first time in August 2006. Roles of Booth Level Officer — They play a significant role in the process of roll revision and collecting actual field information with regard to the roll corresponding to the polling area assigned to them. They maintain accuracy and fidelity of the electoral roll at the polling booth level. Distribution of Voter Slips: An important role of the BLO is the distribution of Voter Slips to the voters' households before the poll day. Informing eligible voters for Postal Ballot: BLOs inform the eligible Electors (senior citizens above 85 years & PwDs with benchmark certificate) about availing Home Voting Facility and Postal Ballot Facility by filling Form 12D. Promote use of Election Commission's IT applications: BLOs promote applications launched by the ECI to facilitate voting and ensure an accurate electoral roll. The popular voter oriented apps like Voter Helpline App, e-VIGIL app, Know you candidate app, Saksham-ECI.

The BLOs are representatives of the Election Commission of India (ECI) at the grass-root level who assist in updating the electoral roll using their local knowledge. They are local government officials who are familiar with the local electors and enrolled as voters in the same polling area. Teachers, Anganwadi workers, Panchayat Secretary, Village Level Workers, Electricity Bill Readers, etc are mainly appointed as BLOs. BLOs are not full-time electoral officials. Section 13B (2) of the Representation of People Act, 1950 provision paved the way for the introduction of appointing a BLO for the first time in August 2006. Roles of Booth Level Officer — They play a significant role in the process of roll revision and collecting actual field information with regard to the roll corresponding to the polling area assigned to them. They maintain accuracy and fidelity of the electoral roll at the polling booth level. Distribution of Voter Slips: An important role of the BLO is the distribution of Voter Slips to the voters' households before the poll day. Informing eligible voters for Postal Ballot: BLOs inform the eligible Electors (senior citizens above 85 years & PwDs with benchmark certificate) about availing Home Voting Facility and Postal Ballot Facility by filling Form 12D. Promote use of Election Commission's IT applications: BLOs promote applications launched by the ECI to facilitate voting and ensure an accurate electoral roll. The popular voter oriented apps like Voter Helpline App, e-VIGIL app, Know you candidate app, Saksham-ECI.

Key Features of the New Seeds Bill, 2025 - The Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 aims to overhaul India's seed laws by replacing the Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds Control Order, 1983. The government says it will improve seed quality, curb counterfeits, and protect farmers. Mandatory Registration of Seed Varieties — All seed varieties (except traditional farmers' varieties and export-only seeds) must be registered. Varieties must undergo Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) testing at multiple locations. Only seeds meeting minimum germination and purity standards can be sold. Stronger Market Controls and Traceability — Seed dealers must obtain a state registration certificate for selling, importing or exporting seeds. Each seed container must carry a QR code generated through the central Seed Traceability Portal. Easier Compliance for Large Companies — A new Central Accreditation System allows nationally accredited firms to operate across states without additional approvals — a move critics say benefits big agribusinesses. Higher Penalties — Minor offences attract fines starting at ₹1 lakh. Major offences, including selling spurious or unregistered seeds, carry penalties of up to ₹30 lakh and three years' imprisonment. Farmers' Rights — Farmers may grow, save, exchange, share and sell farm-saved seeds (but not under a brand name). New central and state seeds committees will oversee implementation.

Key Features of the New Seeds Bill, 2025 - The Draft Seeds Bill, 2025 aims to overhaul India's seed laws by replacing the Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds Control Order, 1983. The government says it will improve seed quality, curb counterfeits, and protect farmers. Mandatory Registration of Seed Varieties — All seed varieties (except traditional farmers' varieties and export-only seeds) must be registered. Varieties must undergo Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) testing at multiple locations. Only seeds meeting minimum germination and purity standards can be sold. Stronger Market Controls and Traceability — Seed dealers must obtain a state registration certificate for selling, importing or exporting seeds. Each seed container must carry a QR code generated through the central Seed Traceability Portal. Easier Compliance for Large Companies — A new Central Accreditation System allows nationally accredited firms to operate across states without additional approvals — a move critics say benefits big agribusinesses. Higher Penalties — Minor offences attract fines starting at ₹1 lakh. Major offences, including selling spurious or unregistered seeds, carry penalties of up to ₹30 lakh and three years' imprisonment. Farmers' Rights — Farmers may grow, save, exchange, share and sell farm-saved seeds (but not under a brand name). New central and state seeds committees will oversee implementation.