UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January (2025)
• Rupee Depreciation
Rupee Depreciation
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• A Signal of Change
A Signal of Change
• PRABHAAV Factbook
PRABHAAV Factbook
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Planet Parade
Planet Parade
• World Economic Forum Reports
World Economic Forum Reports
• SVAMITVA Scheme
SVAMITVA Scheme
• Kuka Rebellion
Kuka Rebellion
• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2024
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2024
• PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
Mapping:
• Satish Dhawan Space Center
Satish Dhawan Space Center
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
Rupee Depreciation
Syllabus: Economics
Source: TH
Context: The Indian rupee recently experienced a sharp decline in value against the US dollar after a period of relative stability.
What is Devaluation?
Devaluation refers to the deliberate downward adjustment of a country’s currency value against foreign currencies, typically carried out by the central bank. It is used to enhance export competitiveness and reduce trade deficits but may increase the cost of imports and domestic inflation.
What is Depreciation of Rupee?
Depreciation of the rupee occurs when its value declines relative to foreign currencies in the open market. Unlike devaluation, which is a policy-driven move, depreciation is influenced by market forces such as supply-demand dynamics, capital flows, and global economic conditions.
Reasons Behind the Recent Decline in Rupee Value:
• Internal Factors:
• Rising Inflation: Higher domestic prices reduced the real value of the rupee. And inflation-driven production costs made Indian exports less competitive. Widening Trade Deficit: Increased imports, particularly of crude oil, led to higher demand for foreign currencies. Fiscal Deficit: Persistent fiscal imbalances put downward pressure on the rupee. Policy Ambiguity: Frequent shifts in RBI’s exchange rate policy led to market uncertainty.
• Rising Inflation: Higher domestic prices reduced the real value of the rupee. And inflation-driven production costs made Indian exports less competitive.
• Widening Trade Deficit: Increased imports, particularly of crude oil, led to higher demand for foreign currencies.
• Fiscal Deficit: Persistent fiscal imbalances put downward pressure on the rupee.
• Policy Ambiguity: Frequent shifts in RBI’s exchange rate policy led to market uncertainty.
• External Factors:
• Capital Outflows: Foreign investors withdrew funds amid global economic uncertainties and rising US interest rates. Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war affected global energy prices, increasing India’s import bill. Global Economic Slowdown: Lower global demand for exports added to the rupee’s woes. US Dollar Strength: Aggressive rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve strengthened the dollar, making the rupee weaker.
• Capital Outflows: Foreign investors withdrew funds amid global economic uncertainties and rising US interest rates.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war affected global energy prices, increasing India’s import bill.
• Global Economic Slowdown: Lower global demand for exports added to the rupee’s woes.
• US Dollar Strength: Aggressive rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve strengthened the dollar, making the rupee weaker.
• Consequences of Falling Rupee: Increased Import Costs: The weakening rupee makes crude oil, electronics, and raw materials costlier, worsening India’s current account deficit. Inflationary Pressures: Rising import costs elevate domestic inflation as businesses pass on increased input costs to consumers. Export Competitiveness: While cheaper rupee benefits exports initially, high input costs due to inflation negate these advantages over time. Capital Flight: A depreciated rupee reduces investor confidence, prompting foreign investors to withdraw capital from Indian markets. Impact on Borrowing: External debt denominated in foreign currencies becomes more expensive, increasing repayment burdens on the government and businesses.
• Increased Import Costs: The weakening rupee makes crude oil, electronics, and raw materials costlier, worsening India’s current account deficit.
• Inflationary Pressures: Rising import costs elevate domestic inflation as businesses pass on increased input costs to consumers.
• Export Competitiveness: While cheaper rupee benefits exports initially, high input costs due to inflation negate these advantages over time.
• Capital Flight: A depreciated rupee reduces investor confidence, prompting foreign investors to withdraw capital from Indian markets.
• Impact on Borrowing: External debt denominated in foreign currencies becomes more expensive, increasing repayment burdens on the government and businesses.
• Measures to Restore the Value of Rupee Monetary Policy Measures: Foreign Exchange Intervention: RBI can sell forex reserves in the market to manage demand-supply imbalances and stabilize the rupee. Interest Rate Hikes: Higher repo rates make Indian investments attractive, encouraging foreign inflows and strengthening the rupee. Currency Swap Agreements: Bilateral agreements with other countries can reduce reliance on the dollar and stabilize foreign currency flows. Fiscal Policy Measures Reducing Import Dependency: Enhance domestic production of high-demand imported goods, such as crude oil substitutes, to lower import bills. Boosting Exports: Offer incentives and subsidies to exporters to increase foreign currency earnings and improve the trade balance. Infrastructure Development: Develop efficient logistics and supply chains to reduce production costs, enhancing overall competitiveness. Encouraging Foreign Investments: Implement policies to attract long-term FDI, creating a stable environment for investors. Way Ahead: Comprehensive Policy Framework: Introduce a well-defined and stable exchange rate policy to reduce volatility and build investor confidence. Strengthening Domestic Production: Support programs like ‘Make in India’ to reduce reliance on imports and improve self-reliance. Managing Inflation: Use targeted fiscal and monetary tools to maintain price stability and control inflation. Diversified Forex Reserves: Accumulate a mix of currencies in forex reserves to minimize dependence on the US dollar and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Monetary Policy Measures: Foreign Exchange Intervention: RBI can sell forex reserves in the market to manage demand-supply imbalances and stabilize the rupee. Interest Rate Hikes: Higher repo rates make Indian investments attractive, encouraging foreign inflows and strengthening the rupee. Currency Swap Agreements: Bilateral agreements with other countries can reduce reliance on the dollar and stabilize foreign currency flows.
• Foreign Exchange Intervention: RBI can sell forex reserves in the market to manage demand-supply imbalances and stabilize the rupee.
• Interest Rate Hikes: Higher repo rates make Indian investments attractive, encouraging foreign inflows and strengthening the rupee.
• Currency Swap Agreements: Bilateral agreements with other countries can reduce reliance on the dollar and stabilize foreign currency flows.
• Fiscal Policy Measures Reducing Import Dependency: Enhance domestic production of high-demand imported goods, such as crude oil substitutes, to lower import bills. Boosting Exports: Offer incentives and subsidies to exporters to increase foreign currency earnings and improve the trade balance. Infrastructure Development: Develop efficient logistics and supply chains to reduce production costs, enhancing overall competitiveness. Encouraging Foreign Investments: Implement policies to attract long-term FDI, creating a stable environment for investors.
• Reducing Import Dependency: Enhance domestic production of high-demand imported goods, such as crude oil substitutes, to lower import bills.
• Boosting Exports: Offer incentives and subsidies to exporters to increase foreign currency earnings and improve the trade balance.
• Infrastructure Development: Develop efficient logistics and supply chains to reduce production costs, enhancing overall competitiveness.
• Encouraging Foreign Investments: Implement policies to attract long-term FDI, creating a stable environment for investors.
• Way Ahead: Comprehensive Policy Framework: Introduce a well-defined and stable exchange rate policy to reduce volatility and build investor confidence. Strengthening Domestic Production: Support programs like ‘Make in India’ to reduce reliance on imports and improve self-reliance. Managing Inflation: Use targeted fiscal and monetary tools to maintain price stability and control inflation. Diversified Forex Reserves: Accumulate a mix of currencies in forex reserves to minimize dependence on the US dollar and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Comprehensive Policy Framework: Introduce a well-defined and stable exchange rate policy to reduce volatility and build investor confidence.
• Strengthening Domestic Production: Support programs like ‘Make in India’ to reduce reliance on imports and improve self-reliance.
• Managing Inflation: Use targeted fiscal and monetary tools to maintain price stability and control inflation.
• Diversified Forex Reserves: Accumulate a mix of currencies in forex reserves to minimize dependence on the US dollar and reduce vulnerabilities.
Conclusion:
A stable rupee is vital for economic growth, fiscal stability, and global competitiveness. While immediate interventions are essential, long-term strategies focusing on domestic production, export growth, and robust policy frameworks will ensure sustained economic resilience.
Insta Links:
• The-depreciation-of-the-Indian-rupee
• How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
A Signal of Change
Anecdote: In the heart of Hyderabad, amidst the cacophony of bustling traffic and honking horns, a story of resilience and transformation shines brightly. Srivalli, a transgender woman, has journeyed from the depths of rejection, societal abuse, and stigma to standing tall as a traffic assistant at the busy Mahankali junction. Clad in the crisp white and khaki uniform that symbolizes authority and duty, Srivalli now commands respect and admiration from those who once dismissed her. Her life was once confined to the margins of society, where survival often meant begging at the same traffic signals she now oversees with confidence and pride. Every morning, she stands at her post, her presence a powerful reminder of how determination, opportunity, and the will to reclaim dignity can change the trajectory of one’s life. Reflecting on her journey, Srivalli shares, “The people who once looked down on me now greet me with smiles and respect. This uniform has given me a new identity and purpose.” Her words resonate with the profound sense of empowerment she has found, fueled by the Telangana government’s groundbreaking initiative to induct transgender individuals into public service roles. For Srivalli, the uniform is more than just clothing; it is a badge of honor, a testament to her courage, and a symbol of hope for countless others in her community. Her journey encapsulates the essence of breaking barriers, not just for herself, but for the entire transgender community, as she proudly paves the way for a more inclusive society.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• Ethics and Integrity (GS Paper IV): Highlights the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and ethical governance in promoting social justice and uplifting marginalized communities.
• Social Justice (GS Paper II): Reflects affirmative action policies and welfare schemes aimed at ensuring equality and representation for marginalized sections of society.
• Indian Society (GS Paper I): Demonstrates the intersection of gender identity, societal norms, and the transformative potential of government policies.
• Essay: Offers a compelling example of empowerment, inclusion, and the role of social reforms in reshaping narratives for disadvantaged communities.
• Governance (GS Paper II): Illustrates innovative governance models promoting inclusivity in public administration and addressing systemic exclusion.
PRABHAAV Factbook
Context: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, marked the 9th Foundation Day of Startup India by launching the PRABHAAV Factbook and the Bharat Startup Challenge.
About PRABHAAV Factbook:
• What it is: The PRABHAAV Factbook is a comprehensive guide detailing the growth and achievements of India’s startup ecosystem from 2016 to 2024.
• Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Aim: To highlight the transformational journey of Indian startups and provide key insights into their contributions to economic growth and innovation.
• Features:
• Regional Insights: Captures startup achievements across all regions of India. Data-Driven Analysis: Provides an in-depth understanding of the funding, growth, and sectoral impact of startups. Sectoral Highlights: Focuses on emerging areas like fintech, health tech, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Government Support: Showcases the impact of policy initiatives like the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and Women Entrepreneurship Platform. Success Stories: Highlights contributions of Tier II and Tier III city startups, fostering inclusivity.
• Regional Insights: Captures startup achievements across all regions of India.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Provides an in-depth understanding of the funding, growth, and sectoral impact of startups.
• Sectoral Highlights: Focuses on emerging areas like fintech, health tech, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
• Government Support: Showcases the impact of policy initiatives like the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) and Women Entrepreneurship Platform.
• Success Stories: Highlights contributions of Tier II and Tier III city startups, fostering inclusivity.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 3 (Economic Development): Topics: Indian Economy, Startup Ecosystem, Innovation and Technology. Key Subtopics: Government schemes like Startup India, Fund of Funds, and their impact on entrepreneurship.
• Topics: Indian Economy, Startup Ecosystem, Innovation and Technology.
• Key Subtopics: Government schemes like Startup India, Fund of Funds, and their impact on entrepreneurship.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance and Policy): Topics: Policy initiatives and their effectiveness in promoting inclusive growth.
• Topics: Policy initiatives and their effectiveness in promoting inclusive growth.
• Essay Writing: Themes like innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
• Themes like innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
• Ethics and Case Studies: Role of startups as change agents in solving societal challenges like sustainability and healthcare.
• Role of startups as change agents in solving societal challenges like sustainability and healthcare.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Planet Parade
Source: TOI
Context: In January 2025, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars have aligned spectacularly in the night sky, creating a rare celestial phenomenon known as a “planet parade.”
About Planet Parade:
• What is a Planet Parade?
• A planet parade occurs when several planets in the solar system are visible simultaneously in the night sky. It is not an official astronomical term but describes the alignment of planets along the plane of the solar system. These alignments can occur in either the morning or evening sky.
• A planet parade occurs when several planets in the solar system are visible simultaneously in the night sky.
• It is not an official astronomical term but describes the alignment of planets along the plane of the solar system.
• These alignments can occur in either the morning or evening sky.
• How does a planet parade occur?
• Planets orbit the Sun on approximately the same plane, known as the ecliptic plane, making them appear aligned in the sky. Due to their varying orbital speeds and distances, this alignment is temporary and visible only for specific periods. The current alignment features Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune, forming a curved arc across the sky.
• Planets orbit the Sun on approximately the same plane, known as the ecliptic plane, making them appear aligned in the sky.
• Due to their varying orbital speeds and distances, this alignment is temporary and visible only for specific periods.
• The current alignment features Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune, forming a curved arc across the sky.
• Significance of a Planet Parade:
• Astronomical Education: Encourages public interest in astronomy and celestial mechanics. Cultural Relevance: Historically interpreted as celestial omens or inspiration for folklore. Visibility of Planets: Provides a unique opportunity to view multiple planets, including distant ones like Uranus and Neptune. Scientific Exploration: Alignments offer researchers better opportunities to study planetary light emissions and trajectories. Public Engagement: Sparks curiosity, with astronomers using it as an outreach tool to promote space science.
• Astronomical Education: Encourages public interest in astronomy and celestial mechanics.
• Cultural Relevance: Historically interpreted as celestial omens or inspiration for folklore.
• Visibility of Planets: Provides a unique opportunity to view multiple planets, including distant ones like Uranus and Neptune.
• Scientific Exploration: Alignments offer researchers better opportunities to study planetary light emissions and trajectories.
• Public Engagement: Sparks curiosity, with astronomers using it as an outreach tool to promote space science.
Insta links:
• Formation-of-planets
World Economic Forum Reports
Source: WEF
Context: The World Economic Forum has recently released two reports named “Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025” and “Global Risks Report 2025.”
About Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025:
• Published by: World Economic Forum (in collaboration with Accenture).
• Aim: To examine the cybersecurity trends impacting economies, societies, and organizations.
• Key Features:
• Escalating Cyber Threats: Highlights the sophistication of cybercrime amid geopolitical tensions and emerging technologies.
• Widening Cyber Resilience Gap: Smaller organizations face seven times higher struggles compared to 2022, while larger organizations show improvement.
• Regional Disparities: 42% in Latin America and 36% in Africa lack confidence in cybersecurity preparedness, compared to 15% in Europe and North America.
• Public vs. Private Sector: 38% of public-sector entities report inadequate resilience versus 10% of private organizations.
• Workforce Gap: Nearly 49% of public-sector organizations lack sufficient cybersecurity talent.
About Global Risks Report 2025:
• Published by: World Economic Forum.
• Aim: To analyze and prioritize global risks across immediate, short-to-medium, and long-term horizons for informed decision-making.
• Key Features:
• Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS): Insights from over 900 global experts.
• Timeframe Analysis:
• Immediate (2025): Focuses on urgent risks like cyber threats and geopolitical instability. Short-to-Medium Term (2027): Examines risks tied to technological adoption and resource scarcity. Long Term (2035): Considers emerging risks such as climate resilience and demographic shifts.
• Immediate (2025): Focuses on urgent risks like cyber threats and geopolitical instability. Short-to-Medium Term (2027): Examines risks tied to technological adoption and resource scarcity. Long Term (2035): Considers emerging risks such as climate resilience and demographic shifts.
• Immediate (2025): Focuses on urgent risks like cyber threats and geopolitical instability.
• Short-to-Medium Term (2027): Examines risks tied to technological adoption and resource scarcity.
• Long Term (2035): Considers emerging risks such as climate resilience and demographic shifts.
• Sectoral Impact: Highlights the vulnerabilities of public infrastructure, supply chains, and critical services.
• Regional Variances: Identifies differences in preparedness across continents, emphasizing the need for localized strategies.
• In-depth Risk Themes: Provides focused analyses on selected high-priority risk categories.
Insta links:
• World-economic-forum
SVAMITVA Scheme
Source: News on Air
Context: Prime Minister is set to distribute over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme via video conferencing.
About SVAMITVA Scheme:
• Full Form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
• Launched: In 2020 as a Central Sector Scheme.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).
• To empower rural property owners by providing Record of Rights for properties.
• Facilitate the economic growth of rural India by enabling property monetization and access to financial resources.
• Features:
• Advanced Technology: Drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) for accurate surveying and mapping of rural inhabited areas.
• Property Cards: Official documents provided to property owners for financial and legal uses.
• Reduction in Disputes: Minimize property-related disputes by creating precise land records.
• Financial Inclusion: Property cards can be used as collateral for loans, promoting rural financial stability.
• Development Planning: GIS maps generated under the scheme aid in better Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) preparation.
• Coverage: Drone surveys have been completed in over 17 lakh villages, with saturation achieved in six states and UTs, including Puducherry and Tripura.
Insta links:
• Svamitva-scheme
Kuka Rebellion
Source: IE
Context: On January 17, the Punjab Chief Minister paid tribute at a function held at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla to commemorate Kuka Martyrs’ Day.
About Kuka Rebellion:
• What it is: The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British uprising led by the Namdhari sect, also known as Kukas, in Punjab. The movement combined religious reform and resistance to colonial authority.
• The Kuka Rebellion was an anti-British uprising led by the Namdhari sect, also known as Kukas, in Punjab. The movement combined religious reform and resistance to colonial authority.
• Occurred in: The rebellion reached its peak in January 1872, with significant clashes in Malerkotla and Malaudh Fort.
• Leaders: The rebellion was spearheaded by Satguru Ram Singh, founder of the Namdhari sect, along with leaders like Kuka Hira Singh and Lehna Singh.
• Reason behind the movement:
• Religious Reform: Opposition to social vices like meat consumption, alcohol, and foreign goods. Colonial Oppression: Discontent with British rule and native collaborators loyal to the colonizers. Cow Slaughter: Protests against cow slaughter, which deeply offended the sentiments of the Kukas.
• Religious Reform: Opposition to social vices like meat consumption, alcohol, and foreign goods.
• Colonial Oppression: Discontent with British rule and native collaborators loyal to the colonizers.
• Cow Slaughter: Protests against cow slaughter, which deeply offended the sentiments of the Kukas.
• Events during the movement:
• Attack on Malerkotla (January 13, 1872): Kukas clashed with officials following a cow slaughter incident. Assault on Malaudh Fort (January 15, 1872): A Kuka contingent attacked the fort under a pro-British ruler but faced strong resistance. Mass Executions: After their surrender, 49 Kukas were executed on January 17 and 17 more on January 18 by being blown up with cannons.
• Attack on Malerkotla (January 13, 1872): Kukas clashed with officials following a cow slaughter incident.
• Assault on Malaudh Fort (January 15, 1872): A Kuka contingent attacked the fort under a pro-British ruler but faced strong resistance.
• Mass Executions: After their surrender, 49 Kukas were executed on January 17 and 17 more on January 18 by being blown up with cannons.
• Suppression: The British, led by John Lambert Cowan, acted with extreme brutality. Thousands of people were forced to witness these executions to serve as a deterrent.
• Changes after the revolt:
• Exile of Leaders: Satguru Ram Singh and key leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma, marking the suppression of the movement. Legacy of Martyrdom: Stories of bravery, such as the sacrifice of 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh, inspired future resistance movements.
• Exile of Leaders: Satguru Ram Singh and key leaders were exiled to Rangoon, Burma, marking the suppression of the movement.
• Legacy of Martyrdom: Stories of bravery, such as the sacrifice of 12-year-old Bishan Singh and Waryam Singh, inspired future resistance movements.
Insta links:
• Kuka rebel
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2024
Source: PIB
Context: The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting accolade, was conferred on remarkable achievers who brought laurels to the nation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
About Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
• Started in: 1991-1992 (as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award).
• Renamed in: 2021, to honor legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
• Aim: To recognize outstanding performances in sports at the international level, motivate athletes, and inspire future generations.
• Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Exceptional international performance over four years. Clean anti-doping record. Achievements in major competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
• Exceptional international performance over four years.
• Clean anti-doping record.
• Achievements in major competitions like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
• Nomination and Selection Process:
• Nominating Authorities: National Sports Federations, Sports Authority of India (SAI), State Governments, and Indian Olympic Association. The Government can nominate up to two sportspersons if no nominations are received.
• National Sports Federations, Sports Authority of India (SAI), State Governments, and Indian Olympic Association.
• The Government can nominate up to two sportspersons if no nominations are received.
• Selection Committee: Includes government officials, Olympians, journalists, and experts. Points-based system considering medals in major events (Olympics, Commonwealth, Asian Games, etc.). Recommendations finalized by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Includes government officials, Olympians, journalists, and experts.
• Points-based system considering medals in major events (Olympics, Commonwealth, Asian Games, etc.).
• Recommendations finalized by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• 2024 Winners of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
Recipient | Sport
Manu Bhaker | Shooting
D Gukesh | Chess
Harmanpreet Singh | Hockey
Praveen Kumar | Paralympic High Jump
Insta links:
• Detail of 2024 Awards
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)
Source: IE
Context: The Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court’s directive for the Delhi government to sign an MoU with the Centre to implement the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM):
• What it is: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with some Central Sector components (CS), launched to develop and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across India.
• Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• Launched in: 2021-22, with a budget of ₹64,180 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Aim: To bridge critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure, strengthen surveillance systems, and enhance health research capabilities at all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
• Key Features:
• National Components: Establishment of 12 Central Institutions with 150-bedded Critical Care Blocks. Strengthening the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and creation of regional NCDCs and metropolitan health surveillance units. Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to link all public health labs. Setting up 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres, mobile hospitals, and specialized public health units at airports, seaports, and land crossings.
• Establishment of 12 Central Institutions with 150-bedded Critical Care Blocks.
• Strengthening the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and creation of regional NCDCs and metropolitan health surveillance units.
• Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to link all public health labs.
• Setting up 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres, mobile hospitals, and specialized public health units at airports, seaports, and land crossings.
• State Support: Construction of 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for better accessibility in rural and difficult areas. Establishment of 11,024 urban HWCs focusing on slum-like areas. Development of 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) and Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in 730 districts. Creation of Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in 602 districts with populations over 5 lakh, ensuring robust referral linkages.
• Construction of 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for better accessibility in rural and difficult areas.
• Establishment of 11,024 urban HWCs focusing on slum-like areas.
• Development of 3,382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) and Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) in 730 districts.
• Creation of Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in 602 districts with populations over 5 lakh, ensuring robust referral linkages.
• Pandemic Preparedness: Creation of One Health institutions, new National Institutes for Virology, and Biosafety Level III labs for research and disaster readiness.
• Creation of One Health institutions, new National Institutes for Virology, and Biosafety Level III labs for research and disaster readiness.
• Focus on Urban and Rural Areas: Specific health infrastructure targeting slum populations and hard-to-reach rural regions.
• Specific health infrastructure targeting slum populations and hard-to-reach rural regions.
Insta links:
• Ayushman-bharat-health-infrastructure-mission
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 January 2025 Mapping:
Satish Dhawan Space Center
Source: IE
Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
About Satish Dhawan Space Center Launchpad:
• Established in:
• The Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) became operational on October 9, 1971, with the launch of the sounding rocket ‘Rohini-125.’ It was initially known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).
• The Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) became operational on October 9, 1971, with the launch of the sounding rocket ‘Rohini-125.’
• It was initially known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).
• Located in: Sriharikota is a barrier island off the Bay of Bengal, located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It separates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal, ensuring a safe flight path over the sea for rocket launches.
• Sriharikota is a barrier island off the Bay of Bengal, located in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
• It separates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal, ensuring a safe flight path over the sea for rocket launches.
• Reasons for Location Selection
• East Coast Advantage: Launching rockets eastwards takes advantage of Earth’s rotation, adding velocity to the rocket and increasing payload capacity. Proximity to the Equator: Geostationary satellites require an equatorial plane. Being near the equator makes Sriharikota ideal for such launches. Largely Uninhabited Area: The site was sparsely populated, minimizing risks to human settlements during launches. Coastal Location: Proximity to the sea ensures rocket debris impacts occur over water, reducing constraints.
• East Coast Advantage: Launching rockets eastwards takes advantage of Earth’s rotation, adding velocity to the rocket and increasing payload capacity.
• Proximity to the Equator: Geostationary satellites require an equatorial plane. Being near the equator makes Sriharikota ideal for such launches.
• Largely Uninhabited Area: The site was sparsely populated, minimizing risks to human settlements during launches.
• Coastal Location: Proximity to the sea ensures rocket debris impacts occur over water, reducing constraints.
• Renamed in:
• In 2002, the facility was renamed Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in honor of Satish Dhawan, a pioneering rocket scientist and former ISRO chairman.
• In 2002, the facility was renamed Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in honor of Satish Dhawan, a pioneering rocket scientist and former ISRO chairman.
• Historical Significance:
• Spearheaded by Vikram Sarabhai, the location was identified in 1968, with support from Abid Hussain and extensive surveys. Approximately 40,000 acres were acquired by October 1968 for the establishment of the site. SDSC has been pivotal in hosting key missions, including the PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.
• Spearheaded by Vikram Sarabhai, the location was identified in 1968, with support from Abid Hussain and extensive surveys.
• Approximately 40,000 acres were acquired by October 1968 for the establishment of the site.
• SDSC has been pivotal in hosting key missions, including the PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.
Insta links:
• Third-launch-pad
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