UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 September 2024 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 September 2024)
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Health Coverage for All senior citizens aged 70
GS Paper 3:
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Prime Minister unveils Vision for India as Green Hydrogen Hub
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AI-Powered Primary-Care Physician for Every Indian
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
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Great Stupa of Sanchi
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Popular election of judges
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Rangeen Machhli app
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Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation
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Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 September 2024
GS Paper 2:
Health Coverage for All senior citizens aged 70
Syllabus: Schemes for the Vulnerable sections
Source: TH
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
More about Health Cover for Senior Citizens under AB PM-JAY:
| Description | |
| Eligibility Criteria | All senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. |
| Beneficiaries | Approximately 6 crore senior citizens. |
| Benefits Offered | Family-based cover of Rs 5 lakh annually. |
| An additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh annually for those already covered by AB PM-JAY. | |
| Ease of Access | Eligible seniors will receive a distinct AB PM-JAY card. |
| Option to choose between existing public health schemes or AB PM-JAY. | |
| Other Eligible Groups | Senior citizens under private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance schemes. |
| About AB PM-JAY Scheme | |
| Ministry | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
| Type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Ayushman Bharat Mission |
| Target | 12 crore families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) |
| Purpose | To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) |
| Benefits | Health cover of Rs 5 lakh/family/year for secondary and tertiary care |
| Covers up to 3 days pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses. | |
| Significance | World’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme |
| Other Schemes for Senior Citizens | |
| Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana | To improve the quality of life of senior citizens. |
| SAGE Initiative | To promote and incentivize senior care products and services. |
| SACRED Portal | To connect senior citizens with job providers in the private sector. |
Health Care Concerns for Senior Citizens:
- Rise in Chronic Illness: 1 in 5 elderly persons has mental health issues, with 75% suffering from chronic diseases (LASI, 2021).
- Need for Geriatric Care: Increased expenses for treating non-communicable diseases and conditions like cataracts and hearing loss create financial challenges.
- Low AB PM-JAY Penetration: Limited reach in smaller cities and towns hampers universal health coverage.
- Lack of Outpatient Care: No coverage for outpatient services and medicines, despite high elderly spending on chronic diseases.
- Limited to Hospitalization: Focus on secondary and tertiary care; inadequate primary health care for seniors.
- Functional Issues: Misinformation, overburdened staff, and limited role of Arogyamitras affect AB PM-JAY’s effectiveness.
- Insurance Model Limitations: Over-reliance on insurance schemes, unlike models focusing on primary care, can lead to higher costs.
Measures to Rejuvenate India’s Insurance Sector:
- Parametric Insurance: Use data analytics and IoT for quick payouts based on triggers like rainfall for crop insurance.
- Employer-Driven Group Insurance: Promote group insurance for informal sectors, inspired by Germany’s Bismarck Model.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborate with government agencies for affordable, need-based insurance in underserved areas.
- Awareness Campaigns: Large-scale efforts to improve insurance literacy and dispel myths.
- Improve AB PM-JAY: Empower Arogya mitras for better claim support.
- Expand Healthcare Infrastructure: Increase health centers to reduce doctor-patient imbalance.
- Strengthen Primary Care: Enhance primary and secondary care to reduce tertiary hospital loads.
Other Suggested measures for Elderly:
| Measures | Description |
| Ensure comprehensive Social Security Systems | E.g., Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is a women’s rights grant scheme just rolled out in Tamil Nadu aimed at providing financial support to eligible women recognized as heads of families |
| Karnataka Gruha Lakshmi Scheme supports women heads of families by providing eligible women will receive financial assistance of ₹2000 per month. | |
| Intergenerational programs: Programs that promote intergenerational bonding, such as mentorship programs and community service projects | |
| Access to Healthcare | Improve access to healthcare services, including geriatric care, preventive screenings, and mental health support, to address the specific health needs of older women. |
| Social Inclusion | Promote social inclusion and active participation of older women through community-based programs, intergenerational activities, and support networks. |
| Civil Society Engagement | Community-based initiatives and CSO engagement through Senior citizen clubs and programs, can provide social support and help prevent social isolation among the elderly |
| E.g. Asha Deep Foundation provides Day Care Centre for the elderly members of our community who are either neglected, have no children or are abandoned by their families. | |
| Demographic Stability | Focus on policies and programs that address population ageing and the needs of older women, such as promoting family planning, women’s empowerment, and intergenerational solidarity. |
| Community-based care system for elders | ASHA program could be used for building a community-based workforce to support the diverse health and social care needs of elders |
| Age-friendly cities | Cities can be designed to be age-friendly, with infrastructure and public spaces that are accessible to all, including elderly citizens. |
Government Scheme for Old Age:
| Scheme | About |
| National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) | Offers non-contributory pensions for the elderly, widowed women, and disabled individuals. Administered by the Ministry of Rural Development. |
| Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) | Exclusive pension scheme for senior citizens aged 60 and above. Extended up to 2023 for three more years beyond 2020. |
| Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP) | Aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens by providing basic amenities such as food, shelter, medical care, and entertainment opportunities. |
| Rashtriya Vayoshree Yojana | Central sector scheme funded by the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. Provides aids and assistive living devices to elderly BPL individuals with age-related disabilities. |
| SAMPANN Project | Launched in 2018, an online pension processing system for Department of Telecommunications pensioners. Direct credit of pension into bank accounts of pensioners. |
| SACRED Portal for Elderly | Developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Citizens above 60 can register to find jobs and work opportunities, and access information and guidance on various issues. |
| Elder Line: Toll-Free Number for Elderly | Provides information, guidance, emotional support, and immediate assistance for elderly citizens, particularly on pension, medical, and legal matters. |
| SAGE (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) Initiative | A platform offering access to elderly care products and services by credible start-ups, supporting entrepreneurship in the field of elderly care. |
Conclusion:
By recognizing the specific needs of older persons and providing targeted support, we can create a society that values and empowers them, ensuring their well-being and active participation in all spheres of life.
Insta Links:
Prelims Links:
Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (UPSC 2017)
(a) Resident Indian citizens only
(b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
(c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
(d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Ans: (c)
- Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
- It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers.
- Only one member of a family can join the scheme.
- Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after the subscriber’s death.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 September 2024 GS Paper 3:
Prime Minister unveils Vision for India as Green Hydrogen Hub
Syllabus: Energy/ Environment Conservation
Source: PIB
Context: The Prime Minister has unveiled an ambitious vision to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export.
Vision for India as a Green Hydrogen Hub:
- Ambitious Plans: Aims to lead in the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen, making India a global leader.
- Government Initiatives: Policies, research, and international collaborations to drive the green hydrogen industry forward.
- Investment and Job Creation: Targets ₹8 lakh crore investment and 6 lakh jobs.
- Production Goals: By 2030, aims for a $100 billion investment and production of 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: Focus on decarbonizing sectors like refineries, fertilizers, and steel.
- Energy Targets: 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.
In August 2023, the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, provided a definition for green hydrogen, specifying it as having a well-to-gate emission (encompassing water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen) not exceeding 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg H2. In contrast, grey hydrogen (produced using fossil fuels), on average, emits 10 kg of CO2 per kg of H2 produced.
Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) (under the Union Ministry of Power) is the nodal authority responsible for accrediting agencies for monitoring, verifying and certifying green hydrogen production projects.
Initiatives for Green Hydrogen:
- Oil India Limited (OIL) recently commissioned India’s first 99% pure green hydrogen plant in eastern Assam’s Jorhat
- NTPC (in Kawas, Surat)has started India’s 1st Green Hydrogen Blendingoperation in the Piped Natural gas (PNG) Network.
- The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)has given approval for a 5% blending of green hydrogen with PNG (later to be scaled to 20%)
- Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)has collaborated with business management consultant
- The Green Billions (TGBL) to manage its waste and generate it into useable green hydrogen (under the waste-to-hydrogen project)
- Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)to mobilise finance and speed up green energy development
- The Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched India’s inaugural Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus in New Delhi in September 2023.
Significance of Green Hydrogen energy:
- Emission reduction: IEA (International Energy Agency) points out, that the method of obtaining green hydrogen would save the 830 million tonnes of CO2 that are emitted annually when Hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels.
- Viable alternative: With green hydrogen, if the production costs fall by 50 % by 2030, it could certainly evolve as one of the fuels of the future. Also, hydrogen is easy to store, which allows it to be used subsequently for other purposes and at times other than immediately after its production.
- Energy Security and Independence: As fossil fuels are finite and susceptible to global supply fluctuations, green hydrogen fosters energy independence.
- Creating New Industries and Jobs: According to IRENA, the green sector employed 11 million people in 2018, with projections of over 42 million jobs by 2050.
- Decarbonizing Difficult-to-Decarbonize Sectors: Sectors like heavy industry and aviation, hard to decarbonize, can benefit from green hydrogen substitution. This helps mitigate their significant carbon emissions.
Applications of Green Hydrogen:
| Applications | Details |
| Agriculture Sector | Green hydrogen can replace traditional fertilizers in agriculture by producing carbon-free ammonia. |
| Ammonia production currently relies on fossil fuels, but green ammonia offers improved efficiency and reduced soil acidity. | |
| Green hydrogen-powered farm machinery, such as tractors and harvesters, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. | |
| Water Management | Green hydrogen can power desalination plants, converting saltwater into freshwater for sustainable water management. |
| Transport Sector | Hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles produce zero emissions and offer a longer range and faster refuelling compared to battery electric vehicles. |
| Industrial Sector | Green hydrogen production using excess renewable energy can reduce energy costs and promote sustainable development. |
| On-site production and storage make green hydrogen a reliable energy source, reducing dependence on the electricity grid. | |
| Green hydrogen production from waste materials like municipal solid waste and agricultural waste can reduce waste and promote sustainability. | |
| Using green hydrogen to power fuel cells increases energy efficiency compared to traditional combustion engines, reducing overall energy consumption. |
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Production:
| Not Sufficient | Green hydrogen constitutes less than 1 per cent of the world’s hydrogen production and usage (as per the Global Hydrogen Review 2023 by the IEA) |
| Green hydrogen production needs to grow significantly to align with Net Zero Emissions goals. | |
| Energy Inefficient | 30% of renewable energy is lost while producing hydrogen |
| Carbon Emissions | Existing methods involve fossil fuels with high carbon emissions. |
| Low Adoption | Low-emission hydrogen adoption in various sectors is slow. |
| Economic Sustainability | Low economic sustainability of extracting green hydrogen. |
| For transportation fuel cells, hydrogen must be cost-competitive with conventional fuels and technologies on a per-mile basis | |
| Access to Critical Minerals | Access to critical minerals such as nickel, platinum group metals and rare earth metals could hinder scaling up electrolyser manufacturing capability in India |
| Safety Issues | Green hydrogen is highly flammable, requiring specialized handling and storage. Establishing safety protocols and regulations is essential for ensuring its safe management. |
Government Initiatives for Bio and Green Hydrogen:
| Initiative | Key Points |
| Global Biofuel Alliance | Leading efforts to establish global standards for hydrogen from biomass. |
| National Hydrogen Mission | Targeting a production increase to 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, meeting 40% of domestic requirements. |
| Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme | Proposing a Rs 15,000-crore PLI scheme for electrolysers. |
| Green Hydrogen Mission | Development of Green Hydrogen Production Capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum; Renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country by 2030 |
| Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT): Funding domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production. | |
| Green Hydrogen Hubs: Identifying and developing states/regions for large-scale hydrogen production/utilization. | |
| Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP): Under this Public-private partnership framework R&D will be facilitated under the mission. | |
| International Collaboration | Actively partnering with other countries, research institutions, and private entities for expertise and technology development. |
| Renewable Energy Integration | Integrating green hydrogen production with India’s expanding renewable energy capacity for improved efficiency and sustainability. |
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) (In collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways) in India has launched a new pilot project for the production of Green Hydrogen with the following components:
- Funding Allocation: Rs 496 crore allocated until 2025-26.
- Pilot Project Support: Focus on testing green hydrogen as a vehicle fuel.
- Infrastructure Development: Establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations.
- Project Execution: Selected company or consortium as executing agency.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF): Approval by MNRE based on project appraisal.
- Timeframe: Completion of pilot projects within two years.
To learn about Bio-hydrogen Click here
Way forward:
- Reduce Production Cost: Develop efficient technologies for electrolysis. Integrate green hydrogen production with renewable energy.
- Implement Regulatory Incentives: Offer tax credits and subsidies to promote adoption.
- Improve Infrastructure: Establish dedicated infrastructure and supply chains. Develop efficient and cost-effective supply chains.
- Coordinate Among Stakeholders: Ensure alignment of policies, standards, and regulations.
- Raise Awareness and Capacity: Educate potential users and producers about benefits. Demonstrate safety and feasibility in various sectors.
- Develop skills and competencies for production and utilization.
Insta Links:
India’s green hydrogen challenge
Mains Links:
What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (UPSC 2020)
AI-Powered Primary-Care Physician for Every Indian
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: TH
Context: The ambition to provide an “AI-powered primary-care physician for every Indian” in five years raises concerns about the feasibility, sustainability, and readiness of India’s healthcare system.
Benefits of an AI-Powered Primary-Care Physician for Every Indian:
- 24/7 Accessibility: Provides round-the-clock access to healthcare services.
- Increased Efficiency: Automates routine tasks, reducing wait times and streamlining care.
- Cost-Effective: Potentially lowers healthcare costs by minimizing the need for in-person visits.
- Enhanced Diagnosis: This can assist in early detection and diagnosis through advanced pattern recognition.
- Personalized Care: Offers tailored health recommendations based on individual data.
- Wider Reach: Extends healthcare access to remote and underserved areas.
- Support for Healthcare Professionals: Acts as a support tool, aiding doctors in decision-making.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilizes health data to provide insights for population health management.
Challenges in AI-Driven Health Care:
- Data Privacy: AI requires vast amounts of personal data, raising privacy and ethical concerns.
- Human-Centric Care: AI lacks the empathy and nuanced understanding needed in patient care.
- Transparency Issues: AI’s decision-making is often a “black box,” making it hard for healthcare providers to understand and trust.
- Need for Regulation: India lacks comprehensive AI regulation, unlike the EU, making ethical use of AI in healthcare critical.
While AI can automate tasks, it lacks the human-centric approach necessary in healthcare, such as empathy, cultural understanding, and complex reasoning. AI’s reliance on extensive data collection conflicts with privacy and ethical concerns, and the scattered nature of health data complicates its application.
India’s diversity further necessitates extensive and context-specific data for AI models. AI tools can aid specific tasks like predicting hospital needs or aiding in medical education, but the “black box” nature of AI decision-making poses transparency and trust issues.
Conclusion:
While AI promises to enhance healthcare, India must first address foundational issues in its health system and adopt a measured approach to ensure ethical and effective integration.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Great Stupa of Sanchi
Source: IE
Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the replica of the East Gate of Sanchi’s Great Stupa displayed outside the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin.
About Sanchi Stupa:
- The stupa, located in Sanchi, India, is a large hemispherical structure believed to contain Buddha’s relics.
- It is part of a complex of Buddhist monuments dating up to the 12th century CE, supported by the mercantile community of Vidisha and constructed under the supervision of Ashoka’s wife, Devi.
- The toranas (gateways) of the Great Stupa, particularly the East Gate, are ornately carved with scenes from the Jataka Tales and Buddhist iconography.
- These gateways were added during the Satavahana dynasty in the 1st century BCE.
- Although the stupa itself is simple, the four toranas (positioned in cardinal directions) are celebrated for their artistic beauty, showcasing Buddhist and cultural motifs.
Popular election of judges
Source: Dawn
Context: Mexico has become the first country in the world to allow voters to elect judges at all levels.
- The reform was championed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who criticized the existing judicial system as serving the elite.
- The reform, which faced significant protests and opposition, mandates that around 1,600 judges, including Supreme Court justices, will stand for election in 2025 or 2027.
- Critics argue that this system may expose judges to criminal influence, particularly in a country where drug cartels hold significant power.
- Despite warnings from the Supreme Court chief justice, the reforms were passed both in the upper house and the lower house.
Rangeen Machhli app
Source: The Print
Context: The Union Government launched the ‘Rangeen Machhli’ mobile app to support India’s growing ornamental fisheries sector.
- Developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), the app provides comprehensive guidance for both novice and professional fishers.
- It offers multilingual information on popular ornamental fish species in eight Indian languages, along with features like a “Find Aquarium Shops” tool for connecting users to local businesses.
- The app includes educational modules, such as “Basics of Aquarium Care” for beginners, covering aquarium types, fish care, water filtration, and maintenance.
- Another module, “Ornamental Aquaculture,” focuses on breeding and rearing ornamental fish.
Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation
Source: PIB
Context: The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, a framework aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and addressing emerging challenges in the aviation sector.
- Hosted by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the two-day conference saw participation from 29 countries, ministers, and international organizations.
- Prime Minister emphasized India’s transformation into an “aviation inclusive” nation, noting that 15% of India’s pilots are women, compared to the global average of 5%.
Key highlights included ICAO’s presentation on supporting Pacific Small Island Developing States and the commemoration of ICAO’s 80 years of shaping international aviation standards.
Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)
Source: TH
Context: The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) plays a crucial role in standardizing scientific and technical terminology in Indian languages.
- Established in 1961, it aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting technical education, including engineering and medicine, in Indian languages.
- CSTT publishes bilingual, trilingual, and multilingual glossaries, dictionaries, and journals, such as ‘Vigyan Garima Sindhu’ and ‘Gyan Garima Sindhu’.
- The “Shabd” website, launched in March 2024, hosts 322 glossaries with over 18 million headwords across various disciplines like Humanities, Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Agriculture.
The CSTT aims to accelerate its work using AI in the future to promote Indian languages and enhance accessibility.
Tags: GS3, Science, Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 September 2024
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