UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 March 2024

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina 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. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina 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. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

• Universal Health Coverage in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount)

• Kalyana Chalukya dynasty

• Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)

• Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine Communications

• Magnetic fossils

• MeerKAT radio telescope

• Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024

• National Disaster Response Fund

Mapping

• Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road

Universal Health Coverage in India

#### GS Paper 2

Syllabus: GS2/ Health, Management of Social Sector, Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger

Context: Expanding Universal Health Coverage is a complex endeavour, but leveraging data and digital technology can streamline the process.

What is UHC?

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) refers to a healthcare system where all individuals and communities have access to the quality health services, they need without facing financial hardship. Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals, rather than a privilege reserved for a few.

Status:

• The Indian Constitutional provisions (Art. 39E, 42, 47) mandate the State to secure workers’ health, improve living standards, and enhance public health.

• The United Nations designated December 12th as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day) in 2017

• Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 aims to achieve universal health coverage

• India aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by expanding the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), its flagship publicly financed health insurance (PFHI) scheme

Challenges in Implementing UHC in India:

Challenges | Description

Inequitable Access to Health Insurance | Lowest health insurance coverage among households under the underprivileged sections.

NFHS-5 results show only about 36% coverage among lowest lowest-wealth households.

Poor Finance | India’s current health expenditure stands at approximately 3.2% of its GDP, significantly lower than the average of around 5.2% observed among Lower- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC).

Lack of Financial Protection | Despite schemes like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, high out-of-pocket expenditure for deliveries, particularly in urban areas

Inclusion and Exclusion Errors | Government Schemes are prone to inclusion and exclusion errors, potentially including ineligible households and excluding eligible ones.

Inadequate Availability of Services | 56% of PMJAY empanelled hospitals in the public sector, and 40% in the private for-profit sector, indicating unequal service availability

Inadequate Infrastructure | Lack of proper infrastructure, including health facilities, equipment, and medical supplies, hinders UHC

The shortfall of over 79% specialists at Community Health Centers compared to the requirement.

Lower bed density: (number of hospital beds per 1000 population) in India is 1.0 while in low-income countries it is 1.2, in middle-income countries it is 2.4 while in the world it is 2.7. 72 per cent of hospital beds in India are available in urban areas, while 28 per cent are in rural areas.

Poor Health Education | Lack of education and awareness about healthy lifestyles and preventive measures contributes to preventable illnesses and conditions.

72 per cent of hospital beds in India are available in urban areas, while 28 per cent are in rural areas.

In line with the objectives of UHC, the government has taken the following measures:

• Ayushman Bharat: Launched in 2018. It consists of two components: Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). PMJAY provides health insurance coverage. A study in 2021 found the scheme is associated with a 21% decline in out-of-pocket health expenditure.

• A study in 2021 found the scheme is associated with a 21% decline in out-of-pocket health expenditure.

• National Health Mission (NHM): aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to rural and underprivileged populations. Utilization of public health facilities for institutional deliveries increased from 56% to 69% in rural areas by 2019.

• Utilization of public health facilities for institutional deliveries increased from 56% to 69% in rural areas by 2019.

• National Ambulance Service-102: Setup as part of the National Health Mission, operates 20,990 Emergency Response Service Vehicles. The ‘108’ service aims at responding within the ‘golden hour’.

• The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and the Essential Diagnostics Lists have been notified and are periodically updated to ensure the availability of more essential, The National Phrama Pricing Authority (NPPA) is set up to monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and to take remedial steps.

• The National Nutrition Mission has set an objective of reducing the undernutrition, problems of stunting by 2%.

• Under India’s G20 presidency, WHO launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health to boost investments and facilitate international health exchange.

• Increasing doctor population ratio: 1:854 is better than the World Health Organisation’s standard of 1:1000. The number of UG (undergraduate) seats has increased from 51,348 before 2014 to 91,927 in 2022, which is an increase of 79 per cent. Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved and undergraduate courses have started in 19 AIIMS.

• Under the Central Sector Scheme for setting up new AIIMS, 22 AIIMS have been approved and undergraduate courses have started in 19 AIIMS.

Technology can be leveraged in the following ways to further augment it:

• Telemedicine: allows remote consultation and diagnosis, enabling patients in rural and remote areas to access healthcare services. National telemedicine service of India, eSanjeevani achieved 8 crore teleconsultations in 2022.

• National telemedicine service of India, eSanjeevani achieved 8 crore teleconsultations in 2022.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery. The health ID provided for each patient will be a repository of his health-related information. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure.

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure.

• Mobile Health (mHealth): mHealth is an emerging concept involving the utilization of mobile devices and technology for health services, such as appointment scheduling, remote monitoring, and medication reminders.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): analyses large amounts of health data, identifies patterns and trends, and provides insights for developing new treatments and therapies thus reducing the workload of healthcare professionals and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

• IoT: The Internet of Things connects vital monitoring equipment giving a composite picture of the health of patients

Conclusion:

Ensuring healthcare as a right for all citizens is not only a moral imperative but also a key driver for social development and economic progress. WHO recommends reorienting health systems using the primary healthcare (PHC) approach, which can deliver 90% of essential UHC interventions. India should build on existing systems, implementing reforms and best practices incrementally for a healthier, more prosperous future.

Insta Links:

Moving forward with a newer concept of Universal Healthcare

Prelims Link:

With reference to the National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker? (UPSC 2012)

• Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care check-up

• Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy

• Providing information on nutrition and immunisation.

• Conducting the delivery of the baby

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Th

Context: India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for rights to explore the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount), a cobalt-rich region in the Indian Ocean.

This move, motivated partly by Chinese activity in the area, aims to secure strategic resources. The AN Seamount, located about 3,000 km from India’s coast, is rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper deposits.

Issues:

The application faces challenges due to overlapping claims by Sri Lanka and international regulations governing seabed exploration. Also, the cost of exploration and extraction is very high.

India is also seeking permission to explore the Carlsberg Ridge for polymetallic sulphides.

The AN Seamount is a structural feature (400 km long and 150 km wide) in the Central Indian Basin, located about 3,000 km away from India’s coast. From an oceanic depth of about 4,800 km, it rises to about 1,200 metre

Note: Seamounts are underwater mountains formed through volcanic activity and are recognized as hotspots for marine life.

ISA: It is a Jamaica-based intergovernmental body established under the UNCLOS. It holds authority over the ocean floors outside of its 167 member states’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ)

Kalyana Chalukya dynasty

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: A 900-year-old Kannada inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty was discovered in a neglected state at Gangapuram, Mahabubnagar district.

Archaeologists found it near Chowdamma temple during a heritage preservation campaign. The inscription, dated June 8, 1134 CE, records toll tax remission for a temple lamp.

About the dynasty:

Topic | Details

About Chalukya Dynasty | Ruled the central Indian plateau of Deccan between 6th and 12th centuries.

Consisted of three closely related but distinct dynasties: 1. Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th centuries); 2. Chalukyas of Kalyani (Western Chalukyas); 3. Chalukyas of Vengi (Eastern Chalukyas)

About Chalukyas of Kalyani | The Western Chalukya Empire, also known as the Kalyani Chalukyas, ruled the western Deccan and South India from the 10th to 12th centuries

Primarily the Kannadiga dynasty, named after the capital city of Kalyani (modern-day Bidar, Karnataka).

The empire was founded by Tailapa II during Rashtrakuta rule, governing Tardavadi in the Bijapur district. They defeated Rashtrakuta in 973.

Reached peak under Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE), considered the ‘Chalukya Vikrama era’

Expanded into Deccan and southern India, defeating Cholas and gaining vast territories from the Kaveri River to the Narmada River.

Administration: Hereditary, power passed to a male heir or brother. Feudatories managed territories

The Western Chalukya minted punch-marked gold coins called pagodas with Kannada legends.

Art and Architecture: Contributed to Kannada and Telugu literature. Their architecture is a link between the Badami Chalukya architecture of the 8th century and the Hoysala architecture of the 13th century. Known for ‘Gadag style’ temples in Tungabhadra-Krishna doab region.

Temples depict religious and secular themes. Notable temples include the Mallikarjuna temple of Bellary, Siddeshvara temple in Haveri, and Kallesvara temple in Davangere district.

For Badami Chalukya temples: Click Here

Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) was recently inaugurated by Agriculture ministry as a technological solution aimed at revolutionizing agricultural practices.

• It leverages state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect and process extensive data on various agricultural parameters like temperature, rainfall, crop yields, and production estimates.

Features of ICCC:

• One of the primary objectives of the ICCC is to enable efficient decision-making in the agricultural sector by providing comprehensive monitoring and visualization of geospatial information.

• Aims to generate individual farmer-specific advisories through apps like Kisan e-mitra, leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms to customize recommendations based on farmer data, historical crop sowing information, and weather forecasts.

• The practical applications of the ICCC include providing soil health advisories, facilitating drought management actions, identifying regions for crop diversification, and serving as a repository for agricultural data.

• It aims to validate yield estimates and assist in evidence-based decision-making for efficient agricultural practices.

Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine Communications

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on the ‘Usage of Embedded SIM for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications’ following a request from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

• The recommendations aim to streamline the regulatory framework for M2M embedded SIM (eSIM) in India, especially for applications in various sectors like agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is a government agency that regulates the telecommunications sector in India.

TRAI was established by an Act of Parliament on February 20, 1997, and its headquarters are in New Delhi.

TRAI’s mission is to create conditions for the growth of telecommunications in India, and its objectives include: Providing a fair and transparent environment, facilitating fair competition in the market, and increasing broadband penetration in India.

Magnetic fossils

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Scientists from the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, have discovered a 50,000-year-old giant magneto fossil in the Bay of Bengal, making it one of the youngest magneto fossils found to date.

• Magneto fossils are fossilized remains of magnetic particles created by magnetotactic bacteria, which align themselves along Earth’s magnetic field.

• These bacteria, first described in the 1960s, create tiny iron-rich crystals of magnetite or greigite, aiding navigation in changing oxygen levels.

• Using magnetic analyses and electron microscopy, scientists examined a sediment core from the Bay of Bengal, revealing needle, spindle, bullet, and spearhead-shaped magnetofossils, alongside conventional ones.

• The sediment’s origin was traced to river discharge, which supplied reactive iron, combining with organic carbon in low-oxygen conditions to foster magnetotactic bacteria growth.

The presence of these fossils indicates prolonged suboxic conditions in the Bay of Bengal, supporting bacterial proliferation.

MeerKAT radio telescope

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Astronomers using the MeerKAT radio telescope, initially aiming to detect hydrogen gas in a specific galaxy, made a surprising discovery by identifying 49 previously unknown galaxies.

• The MeerKAT telescope, a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), showcased its potential in this discovery.

The MeerKAT radio telescope is a 64-antenna telescope in the Northern Cape region of South Africa that was launched in 2018

It’s operated by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and is part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) initiative

Scientists use the MeerKAT to study hydrogen activity and pulsars, and the telescope could help deepen our understanding of how the universe formed.

Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: New rules for elephant transfers, called the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, have been introduced by the Centre, liberalizing conditions for elephant transfers.

What are Captive Elephants?

Captive elephants are elephants that are owned and kept by humans, often for various purposes such as historical roles in forest management, timber transport, religious ceremonies, or entertainment. They are distinct from wild elephants and are subject to regulations regarding their care and management.

Background:

Captive elephants, regulated by the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), are classified as Schedule 1 species, prohibiting their capture or trade. However, they can be translocated for specific reasons such as education, research, population management, or zoo specimens.

Previously, strict rules governed the transfer of captive elephants under the Wildlife Protection Act, with permission required from the Chief Wildlife Warden. Amendments in 2021 allowed transfers for religious or other purposes.

What are the updated Rules?

The updated rules now allow transfers when the owner can’t maintain the elephant or for better upkeep as deemed fit by the Chief Wildlife Warden. Health and habitat suitability assessments are required before transfers within or between states, with simplified permissions for interstate transfers.

Concerns:

These changes have raised questions about wildlife trafficking and the treatment of elephants, particularly with the establishment of large private zoos like the one in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

National Disaster Response Fund

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Karnataka government, facing severe drought conditions, has taken an unprecedented step by approaching the Supreme Court against the Union government for the delayed release of drought relief funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

• The state, grappling with extensive crop loss and water scarcity, had submitted a memorandum to the Centre requesting monetary aid.

• The petition filed in the Supreme Court cites violations of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, particularly Articles 14 and 21, pertaining to equality under the law and protection of life and personal liberty respectively.

The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is a governmental fund set up in India to specifically tackle situations arising out of natural calamities or disasters.

It was established based on the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission in 2010, replacing the erstwhile Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) and the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF). The NDRF is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road

#### Mapping

Source: PIB

Context: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently completed the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh.

About the Road:

The Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road (NPDR) (298km), also known as the Zanskar Highway, is under construction, linking Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh via Zanskar valley. It connects Nimmu in the Indus Valley to Padum in Zanskar and Darcha village in Lahul and Spiti. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), it serves as an alternative to the Leh–Manali Highway, enhancing connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of India.

The road, along with the Atal Tunnel and proposed Shingo La Tunnel, aims to provide all-weather connectivity and shorten the Manali to Kargil distance by 522 km.

Significance:

The road’s strategic significance lies in its shorter distance and the crossing of only one pass. This all-weather connectivity enhances defence preparedness and boosts economic development in the Zanskar Valley.