Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (12-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Union Cabinet approves health cover for all aged 70 and above |
| Cabinet approves construction of 62,500 km roads under PM Gram Sadak Yojana-IV |
| Cabinet approves ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’ |
| Economy: Govt launches PM E-Drive scheme |
| International: Afghanistan set to begin work on TAPI pipeline |
Union Cabinet approves health cover for all aged 70 and above
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS-2 Polity and Governance
Context: Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Expansion of Coverage for Senior Citizens
- This decision specifically benefits senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income or socio-economic status.
- Around 6 crore senior citizens from approximately 4.5 crore families will receive the benefits.
- The scheme provides each family a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.
Special Benefits for Existing Beneficiaries
- Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional ₹5 lakh cover per year specifically for themselves. This top-up is exclusive to them and doesn’t have to be shared with other family members below the age of 70.
- Senior citizens not previously covered by the scheme will receive the regular ₹5 lakh cover on a family basis.
Eligibility for Senior Citizens in Other Schemes
- Senior citizens who are already part of other public health schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman CAPF can either continue with those schemes or opt for AB PM-JAY.
- Those covered under private health insurance or the Employees’ State Insurance scheme (ESI) will also be eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.
Distinct Card for Senior Citizens
- Eligible senior citizens will be issued a distinct card under AB PM-JAY to facilitate access to the healthcare benefits.
Broader Context of AB PM-JAY
- AB PM-JAY is described as the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme, covering 12.34 crore families and providing free healthcare for over 55 crore individuals.
- Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% of beneficiaries being women.
- The total benefit under the scheme has surpassed ₹1 lakh crore.
Continuous Expansion
- Initially launched to cover 10.74 crore vulnerable families, the scheme was expanded in 2022 to include 12 crore families due to India’s population growth.
- Additional expansions included healthcare coverage for 37 lakh Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs).
- With this new expansion, senior citizens of 70 years and above are now included for free healthcare coverage under the scheme.
Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY
- PM-JAY is the world’s largest health insurance scheme fully financed by the government.
- Launched in 2018, it offers a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family for secondary care and tertiary care.
- Health Benefit Packages covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
Beneficiaries:
- It is an entitlement-based scheme that targets the beneficiaries as identified by latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
- The National Health Authority (NHA) has provided flexibility to States/UTs to use non- Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) beneficiary family databases with similar socio-economic profiles for tagging against the leftover (unauthenticated) SECC families.
Funding:
- The funding for the scheme is shared – 60:40 for all states and UTs with their own legislature, 90:10 in Northeast states and Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand and 100% Central funding for UTs without legislature.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2021)
(a) Department of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Employment (c) NITI Aayog (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Answer: C |
| Answer 1– B
Explanation –
|
Cabinet approves construction of 62,500 km roads under PM Gram Sadak Yojana-IV
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cabinet-approves-pm-gram-sadak-yojana-iv-9562693/
UPSC Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV)
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) for the construction of 62,500 km of new roads providing all-weather connectivity to 25,000 villages.
Key Agreements and Initiatives
- Civil Nuclear Cooperation MoU:
- Significance: This MoU marks a historic first in the cooperation between India and the UAE on civil nuclear energy. It involves the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC)-led Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Operations and Maintenance.
- Background: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, both countries agreed to collaborate on the “peaceful use of nuclear energy” covering safety, health, agriculture, and science and technology. The recent NPCIL-ENEC agreement is a formalization of this earlier commitment and reflects the UAE’s broader policy of expanding investments in nuclear energy.
- Trilateral Cooperation:
- Context: The MoU is part of a broader trilateral cooperation format involving France, India, and the UAE. This initiative was launched in September 2022 during a meeting at the UN General Assembly and further discussed in a phone call in February 2023.
- Focus: The trilateral forum aims to promote cooperation in energy projects, specifically in solar and nuclear energy, enhancing the strategic partnership between the three countries.
- LNG Supply Agreement:
- Details: A long-term agreement was signed between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the supply of LNG. This agreement reinforces energy security and strengthens economic ties between the two nations.
- Crude Oil Storage and Production Concession:
- Crude Oil Storage: An MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) was signed to explore additional opportunities for crude oil storage in India, building on existing storage agreements.
- Production Concession: Urja Bharat, a joint venture involving IOCL and Bharat PetroResources Ltd, signed a Production Concession Agreement with ADNOC for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1. This is the first such agreement for an Indian company in the UAE, contributing to India’s energy security.
- Food Parks Development:
- MoU Details: The Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) signed an MoU to develop food parks in Gujarat, extending the I2U2 grouping’s initiative, which also includes Israel and the United States. This agreement aims to boost food processing and infrastructure in India.
Context and Broader Implications
- India-GCC Relations: The agreements come against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic engagement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The first India-GCC Foreign Ministers’ meeting took place in Riyadh recently, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the strategic importance of the GCC in global energy supply and India’s role as a major and growing market for energy.
- Strategic Impact: The agreements underscore a strengthened strategic partnership between India and the UAE, enhancing cooperation across energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors. The focus on nuclear energy and food security aligns with broader regional and global strategic interests, particularly in energy security and sustainable development.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
- The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was initially launched in 2000 as a 100% centrally funded scheme aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to eligible rural habitations.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
- The eligibility criteria require a population size of more than 500 in plain areas and more than 250 in hilly or difficult terrains.
- In 2015-16, the scheme’s funding structure was revised to a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and the States, while Northeastern and Himalayan States receive funding in a 90:10 ratio.
The scheme is divided into four components:
- PMGSY I (2000), aimed at providing single all-weather road connectivity to eligible habitations as per Census 2001.
- PMGSY II (2013), which focused on upgrading 50,000 km of roads across States and Union Territories.
- Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) (2016), intended for constructing and upgrading roads in regions affected by left-wing extremism.
- PMGSY III (2019), launched to consolidate 1,25,000 km of roads connecting key rural links, such as Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to the government’s welfare schemes, consider the following statements. (2002)
1. Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, the food grains are available to the poorest of the families at 2 per kg for wheat and 3 per kg for rice. Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, the 2. old and destitute are provided 75 per month as central pension, in addition to the amount provided by most State Government 3. Government of India has allocated 25 kg food grain per below poverty line family per month, at less than half the economic cost. Which of these statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1,2 and 3 Ans. (d) |
| Answer 2– D
Explanation –
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Cabinet approves ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Mission Mausam
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet approved Mission Mausam with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years.
Overview of Mission Mausam
- Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved “Mission Mausam,” with a budget allocation of ₹2,000 crore over two years.
- This mission will focus on advancing research and development in atmospheric sciences and enhancing weather-related technologies for improved forecasting and management.
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal body responsible for its implementation.
Key Goals of Mission Mausam
The primary aim of Mission Mausam is to strengthen India’s capacity in:
- Weather Surveillance: Improve real-time observation of atmospheric conditions.
- Weather Modelling: Develop advanced systems to model weather patterns with precision.
- Forecasting and Management: Enhance accuracy in weather prediction and efficient management of weather-related issues.
Technological Integration
Mission Mausam will leverage state-of-the-art technologies to achieve its goals:
- Next-Generation Radars and Satellites: Deployment of advanced observation systems equipped with modern sensors.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): Use of powerful supercomputers to process massive data sets and improve forecasting models.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Integration of AI and ML to refine predictions and optimize decision-making processes.
- GIS-Based Decision Support System: A geospatial information system for real-time data dissemination and analysis.
Implementation Agencies
Three key institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences will spearhead the mission:
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
- National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
These institutes are already involved in core activities related to weather monitoring and forecasting and will now focus on elevating their efforts under Mission Mausam.
Sectors Benefiting from Mission Mausam
Mission Mausam is expected to have a far-reaching impact across multiple sectors:
- Agriculture: More accurate weather predictions will aid farmers in planning their activities, thereby improving crop yield and minimizing weather-related losses.
- Disaster Management: Enhanced weather forecasting will enable better preparedness and response to natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.
- Defence: Real-time weather data will support military operations, particularly in challenging environments.
- Environment and Health: Data-driven environmental monitoring will help mitigate pollution, and better weather data will benefit public health planning.
- Aviation, Shipping, and Transport: Improved weather predictions will enhance safety and efficiency in aviation, shipping, and road/rail transport.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Mission Mausam:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. Department of Border Management is a Department of which one of the following Union Ministries? (2008)
(a) Ministry of Defence (b) Ministry of Home Affairs (c) Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways (d) Ministry of Environment and Forests Ans: (b) |
| Answer 3 B
Explanation
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Govt launches PM E-Drive scheme
Source: Economic Times
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Economy
Context: PM Electric Drive Revolution In Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE).
Why in News
The Union Cabinet approved a new scheme called PM Electric Drive Revolution In Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE).
Overview of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- Recently the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution In Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.
- This scheme is designed to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in India, replacing the earlier FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) programme, which ended in March 2024 after running for nine years.
- The scheme aims to boost the use of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, hybrid ambulances, and electric trucks, but does not include electric or hybrid cars.
Key Features of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- Budget Allocation:
- The government has allocated ₹10,900 crore over two years for the scheme.
- Types of Vehicles Supported:
- Electric Two-Wheelers: The scheme will subsidize 24.79 lakh e-two-wheelers.
- Electric Three-Wheelers: Support will be extended to 3.16 lakh e-three-wheelers.
- Electric Buses: 14,028 e-buses will receive financial support.
- Hybrid Ambulances: The scheme will support the procurement and use of e-ambulances.
- Electric Trucks: Subsidies will be provided for electric trucks.
- No Support for Electric Cars and Hybrid Cars:
- Contrary to previous expectations, electric cars and hybrid cars are excluded from the scheme.
- E-Vouchers for EV Buyers:
- The scheme will offer e-vouchers to buyers of EVs to avail demand incentives. At the time of purchase, the buyer can generate an Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher through the scheme portal.
- Setting Up EV Chargers:
- 88,500 electric vehicle chargers will be installed across the country to enhance EV infrastructure.
Focus on Public Transport
- E-Buses:
- A sum of ₹4,391 crore has been allocated for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses by state transport undertakings and public transport agencies.
- The demand aggregation for these e-buses will be managed by CESL (Convergence Energy Services Limited) in nine major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad.
- Intercity and interstate e-buses will also be supported based on consultations with states.
- E-Ambulances:
- The scheme has allocated ₹500 crore for the deployment of electric ambulances. This is a new initiative aimed at providing more environmentally friendly and comfortable patient transport options.
- The scheme has allocated ₹500 crore for the deployment of electric ambulances. This is a new initiative aimed at providing more environmentally friendly and comfortable patient transport options.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following statements about the PM Electric Drive Revolution In Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme is/are incorrect?
Code: A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 only D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. Consider the following schemes launched by the Union Government. (2001)
1. Antyodaya Anna 2. Gram Sadak Yojana 3. Sarvapriya 4. Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana Which of these were announced in the year 2000? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (a) |
| Answer 4 C
Explanation
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Afghanistan set to begin work on TAPI pipeline
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: The TAPI pipeline, which stands for Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India, is a major infrastructure project.
Why in News
- Afghanistan announced the commencement of work on the $10 billion TAPI gas pipeline on its territory.
Overview of TAPI Pipeline Progress
- On September 11, 2024, Afghanistan announced the start of work on the TAPI gas pipeline within its borders, celebrating this milestone alongside officials from Turkmenistan.
- The pipeline will transport approximately 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, spanning 1,800 km.
- This project, initially planned to begin in Afghanistan in 2018, faced repeated delays due to security concerns.
- Economic and Strategic Impact on Afghanistan
- Economic Benefits: Afghanistan will gain approximately $500 million annually in transit fees and generate around 12,000 jobs, offering a boost to the economy and employment in a nation struggling with high unemployment rates.
- Strategic Role: The pipeline enhances Afghanistan’s position as a key player in regional cooperation between Central and South Asia, despite the Taliban government not being internationally recognized.
- Impact on Regional Cooperation and Energy Supply
- Regional Integration: The TAPI pipeline is seen as a significant step towards enhancing energy cooperation and connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia, fostering economic ties among the involved countries.
- Energy Supply: For Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, the pipeline promises a more reliable and cheaper gas supply compared to liquefied natural gas (LNG), addressing energy deficits in the region.
- Challenges and Future Prospects
- Challenges: Financing uncertainties and security issues in Afghanistan remain significant hurdles. Analysts predict that despite recent progress, the pipeline may not be operational until the next decade.
- Ongoing Projects: Alongside the TAPI pipeline, the Afghan government also launched other infrastructure projects, including a fiber-optic line, an electricity line, and a railway bridge, signaling efforts to revitalize the economy through large-scale energy and infrastructure developments.
- Impact on India
- Energy Security: For India, the TAPI pipeline represents a strategic avenue to diversify energy sources and enhance energy security by securing a consistent supply of natural gas.
- Economic and Geopolitical Considerations: While India’s participation in the project underscores its commitment to regional energy integration, it also faces geopolitical challenges due to strained relations with Pakistan and existing access to global LNG markets.
Conclusion
- The TAPI gas pipeline symbolizes a transformative infrastructure project with the potential to significantly impact the economies of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
- While it promises economic benefits and enhanced regional cooperation, challenges such as financing, security, and geopolitical dynamics may influence the project’s timeline and success.
- For India, the pipeline is a strategic asset for energy security, despite the complex regional dynamics at play.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||
Q5. Consider the following pairs regarding important gas pipelines in Asia:
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q3. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?(2017)
a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. b) India’s relations with oil producing Arab countries will be strengthened. c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India Answer: (c) |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
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