The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges in the country.
About National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
Details
Initiated in 1982 and restructured in 2003, the NMHP aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric wings in medical institutions.
Features and Signficance
The program has 3 components:
1. Treatment of mentally ill
2. Rehabilitation
3. Prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
Aims and Objectives
Prevention and treatment of mental and neurological disorders and their associated disabilities.
Use of mental health technology to improve general health services.
Application of mental health principles in total national development to improve quality of life.
Structural Mandate
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), based on the Bellary Model, focuses on community mental health services at the primary healthcare level, spanning 716 districts.
DMHP provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders.
Priority given to mental morbidity and treatment.
Primary healthcare services at village and sub-center levels.
Services at the Primary Health Center (PHC) and District Hospital levels.
Facilities at Mental Hospitals and Teaching Psychiatric Units.
Back2Basics: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
It replaced the Mental Healthcare Act, 1987, which was criticized for failing to recognize the rights of mentally ill individuals.
It ensures the Right to Access to Healthcare and aims to ensure the rights and dignity of those with mental illness.
It decriminalized suicide, stating that attempts are presumed to be under severe stress and shall not be punished.
Indian and Nicaragua has signed an umbrella agreement on Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
The agreement aims at socio-economic development by implementing QIPs in Nicaragua, which will directly benefit local communities.
About Nicaragua: Quick Facts
Nicaragua is located in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north, Costa Rica to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
The capital of Nicaragua is Managua; official language spoken in Nicaragua is Spanish; currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO).
Nicaragua operates as a unitary presidential republic.
The country’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, including coffee, bananas, and sugar, along with manufacturing and mining.
Geographical Features:
Nicaragua’s topography is predominantly mountainous in the interior, with lowland plains along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
The country is home to over 20 volcanoes, with active ones such as Masaya and San Cristóbal.
The largest lake in Nicaragua is Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua, which is one of the largest lakes in Latin America.
Nicaragua is also known for its significant rivers, including the San Juan River, which flows into the Caribbean Sea, and the Río Coco, the longest river in Central America.
India- Nicaragua Relations:
Diplomatic relations were established in March 1983, and the Indian Embassy in Panama is concurrently accredited to Nicaragua.
Nicaragua’s embassy in India was closed in 1990, and currently, Nicaragua is represented in India through its Embassy in Tokyo.
What are Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)?
QIPs are initiatives designed to deliver rapid and visible benefits to local communities, especially in areas with critical infrastructure and social development needs.
These projects are often implemented in a short time frame.
They are focused on addressing urgent and immediate issues that can have a significant positive impact on the community.
The term is commonly used by organizations like the UNHCR to describe such initiatives in crisis or displacement situations.
Examples of QIPs may include:
Building roads in remote areas to improve connectivity.
Establishing community centers that serve as hubs for local services.
Improving healthcare facilities with basic medical equipment and services.
Upgrading educational infrastructure by building schools or providing learning materials.
In February 2018, the Centre had launched the initiative to establish 1,50,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), formerly known as Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), by December 2022.
As of 31st July 2024, 1,73,881 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been set up and are fully operational, exceeding the original target.
About theAyushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs):
Details
Launched to provide comprehensive health services covering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for all age groups.
First AAM was launched in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh on April 18th, 2018.
In FY 2018-19, over 17,000 AAMs were operationalized, surpassing the target of 15,000.
Currently, there are 1.6 lakh such centres across India.
National Health Policy of 2017 envisioned AAMs as the cornerstone of India’s health system.
In 2023, the Union Health Ministry renamed AB-HWCs as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with the tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.
Aims and Objectives
To provide universal, free-of-cost, and accessible primary healthcare services to both rural and urban populations.
Features and Significance
Services provided include preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care.
AAMs offer a comprehensive 12-package set of services.
Sub-Health Centres (SHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHC) are being transformed to offer broader healthcare services.
Structural Mandate
Implemented via 2 Components:
Comprehensive Primary Health Care: The mission plans to establish 1,50,000 AAMs in rural and urban areas to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): The scheme provides a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakh per year to more than 10 crore vulnerable families for secondary and tertiary care.
PYQ:
[2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:
Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
It has seamless portability across the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Ministry of Steel unveiled the world’s first Taxonomy of Green Steel, setting a benchmark for decarbonizing the steel industry.
About theGreen Steel Taxonomy:
What is it?
A formal framework introduced by India to define and promote the production of steel with reduced carbon emissions.
It sets clear standards for what constitutes green steel, aiming to help the Indian steel sector transition to low-carbon production methods.
The taxonomy defines greenness percentages based on the steel plant’s carbon emission intensity.
Seeks to ensure that production aligns with India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Key Features
Emissions Threshold: Green Steel is defined based on emissions intensity, with steel plants needing to keep emissions below 2.2 tCO2 per tonne of finished steel (tfs) to be classified as green.
Star Rating System:
Five-star: Emission intensity lower than 1.6 t-CO2e/tfs.
Four-star: Emission intensity between 1.6 and 2.0 t-CO2e/tfs.
Three-star: Emission intensity between 2.0 and 2.2 t-CO2e/tfs.
Steel exceeding 2.2 t-CO2e/tfs does not qualify as green steel.
Emissions Scope: Includes Scope 1, Scope 2, and limited Scope 3 emissions, covering production, agglomeration, beneficiation, and emissions from raw materials and intermediates.
Certification: NISST will oversee Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), issuing greenness certificates and star ratings annually.
Review Period: The thresholds for green ratings will be reviewed every 3 years.
Significance
Environmental Sustainability: Aims to reduce carbon footprint in line with national climate goals.
Market Creation: Promotes innovation in low-carbon steel products.
Global Competitiveness: Ensures Indian steel meets international sustainability standards.
Guidance for Industry: Encourages adoption of greener practices.
Other Key Initiatives
National Mission on Green Steel (NMGS): Policy support, funding, and incentives for low-carbon technologies.
Electrification of Steelmaking: Use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) to reduce reliance on coal.
Hydrogen-based Steelmaking: Exploring hydrogen as a clean fuel.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Technologies to capture CO2 emissions.
Public Procurement Policies: Promotes green steel use in public infrastructure.
Research and Development: Investments in low-carbon technologies and materials.
PYQ:
[2020] Steel slag can be the material for which of the following
1. Construction of base road
2. Improvement of agricultural soil
3. Production of cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q) Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have previously ‘India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UNSC’ (in 2015).
Pakistan will join the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member for a two-year term, starting January 1, 2025. This is Pakistan’s eighth term. Half of the 10 elected members for 2025-26 will be from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia will replace Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.
Today’s editorial underscores the implication of Pakistan as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On January 1, 2025, Pakistan will begin its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for two years.
Significance of Pakistan’s Election as a Non-Permanent Member of the UNSC
Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2025-2026 term is significant for several reasons:
Representation of OIC: With Pakistan’s entry, half of the elected UNSC members will be from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighting the bloc’s influence within the Council and potentially shaping discussions on issues pertinent to member states, particularly those related to Islamic nations.
Diplomatic Leverage: Pakistan aims to use its position to strengthen ties with the Taliban in Afghanistan, leveraging support from allies like Russia and China for diplomatic rehabilitation efforts. This could reshape regional dynamics and influence international responses to Afghanistan.
Focus on Key Issues: Pakistan intends to prioritize peacekeeping and humanitarian issues, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza and Kashmir, framing its agenda around combating terrorism while attempting to shift scrutiny away from its own challenges related to terrorism.
Pakistan’s Approach to Its Responsibilities in the UNSC
Pakistan is expected to approach its responsibilities in the UNSC with a clear agenda:
Anti-India Initiatives: Historically, Pakistan has utilized its UNSC membership to advocate against India, particularly regarding Kashmir. It is likely to continue this trend by pushing for discussions on Kashmir and presenting claims against India’s actions in the region.
Islamophobia Narrative: Pakistan has previously attempted to introduce Islamophobia into discussions on terrorism, seeking to frame it as a justification for violence. This narrative may resurface during its term, especially with support from OIC countries.
Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Efforts: As a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, Pakistan will likely emphasize its role in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance, attempting to position itself as a responsible global actor despite its contentious regional relationships.
Expectations for India
India should prepare for several outcomes as Pakistan assumes its role in the UNSC:
Increased Anti-India Rhetoric: India can expect Pakistan to leverage its UNSC platform for anti-India initiatives, including attempts to highlight alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and presenting dossiers against India concerning terrorism.
Limited Multilateral Cooperation: Despite any bilateral engagements that may occur outside the Council, enhanced multilateral cooperation is unlikely. Historical patterns suggest that countries aligned with Pakistan may support anti-India drafts within the UNSC.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism Issues: India should remain vigilant as Pakistan seeks to frame itself as a victim of terrorism while attempting to label India similarly. This could manifest in proposals aimed at listing Indian nationals or organizations under UN sanctions.
Way forward:
Strengthen Diplomatic Engagements: India should enhance its diplomatic outreach to UNSC members, particularly the P5 countries, to counter any anti-India initiatives by Pakistan. Building stronger alliances with like-minded countries can help mitigate any biased resolutions or discussions on Kashmir and terrorism.
Focus on Counter-Narratives and Humanitarian Diplomacy: India should actively engage in countering Pakistan’s use of Islamophobia and terrorism-related narratives. By promoting peacekeeping contributions, humanitarian assistance, and multilateral cooperation
The outbreak reported in the first week of December 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already claimed more than 400 lives and is yet to be classified, has sparked concerns that it might be an example of Disease X.
What is Disease X?
Definition: Disease X is a hypothetical term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 to represent an unknown pathogen that could potentially cause a global epidemic or pandemic.
Conceptual Origin: The term was created in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic (2014-2016) to emphasise the need for preparedness against unpredictable infectious diseases.
Nature of Disease X: It serves as a placeholder for both “known unknowns” (threats we are aware of but do not fully understand) and “unknown unknowns” (threats we are not yet aware of). This acknowledges the likelihood of future pandemics without specifying their characteristics.
Potential Pathogens: Disease X could originate from a variety of sources, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, helminths, or prions. Historical data indicates that about 70% of emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.
Emerging Disease Patterns: The emergence of new diseases is often linked to ecological disruptions caused by human activities such as deforestation and urbanisation, which increase contact between humans and wildlife.
Why is it Important to Prepare for Disease X?
Global Health Security: Preparing for Disease X is essential for protecting public health globally. The emergence of new pathogens can lead to widespread illness and mortality, as demonstrated by COVID-19.
Unpredictable Nature of Outbreaks: The unpredictable emergence of infectious diseases necessitates robust surveillance and rapid response systems. Being prepared helps mitigate the impact of unforeseen threats.
Increasing Frequency of Outbreaks: The frequency of novel outbreaks has significantly increased since the mid-20th century due to environmental changes, urbanization, and human encroachment on wildlife habitats.
Economic Impact: Pandemics can have devastating economic consequences, disrupting trade, travel, and healthcare systems. Preparedness can help minimize these impacts.
What should be done to prevent this? ( Way forward)
Advances in Science and Technology: Investments in research, genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, and public health infrastructure enhance our ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases quickly.
International Cooperation: Global collaboration is crucial for effective outbreak response. Initiatives like the WHO’s priority pathogen list and proposed Pandemic Treaty aim to foster a unified approach to health emergencies.
Equitable Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines across all countries is vital for effective pandemic response, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The ongoing debate on simultaneous elections, commonly referred to as One Nation One Election (ONOE), presents a valuable opportunity to highlight a fundamental aspect of local democracy: the need for elections to Urban Local Governments (ULGs).
What is the Significance of Urban Local Government elections?
Decentralized Governance: ULGs are crucial for decentralized self-governance, which is fundamental to democratic functioning at the grassroots level.
Service Delivery: ULGs are responsible for delivering essential civic services such as water, sanitation, public health, and urban planning, which directly affect citizens’ quality of life.
Local Democracy: Regular elections to ULGs ensure democratic legitimacy, enabling citizens to participate in the governance process at the local level and hold local representatives accountable.
Economic and Social Impact: ULGs play a vital role in urban development, economic growth, and social well-being. As cities are responsible for a significant portion of the country’s GDP, well-governed local bodies contribute to national prosperity.
Why is Voter Turnout in Urban Local Elections Typically Lower?
Lack of Awareness: Voter awareness regarding local elections is often lower than that for state or national elections, leading to reduced participation.
Perceived Impact: Many voters feel that the impact of urban local elections is less significant compared to state or national elections, resulting in voter apathy.
Political Disengagement: In many cases, urban residents may feel disconnected from local governance, especially when local issues are not perceived as urgent or when political campaigns do not adequately address them.
Timing and Scheduling Issues: Elections to ULGs may be held at different times or not synchronized with other elections, causing confusion and disengagement.
Voter Fatigue: Frequent elections at different levels may contribute to voter fatigue, lowering participation rates in local elections.
What reforms are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of urban local governments?
Empower State Election Commissions (SECs): Strengthening SECs by granting them autonomy and resources for conducting timely and fair elections is essential. Currently, many SECs lack the authority to carry out ward delimitation effectively, which delays elections.
Regular Elections: Ensuring that ULGs hold regular elections every five years is crucial. The recent acceptance of recommendations by the High-Level Committee (HLC) for synchronizing local body elections with state and national polls is a positive step in this direction.
Decentralization of Powers: The 74th Constitutional Amendment aimed at decentralizing powers to ULGs; however, actual implementation has been inconsistent.
Public Participation: Encouraging greater public involvement in decision-making processes will enhance transparency and accountability within ULGs. This can be achieved through community engagement initiatives and participatory budgeting processes.
Way forward:
Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Autonomy: Empower State Election Commissions (SECs) with the necessary authority and resources to ensure timely and independent elections.
Promote Public Engagement and Accountability: Encourage active public participation through initiatives like community engagement, participatory budgeting, and transparency in governance. This will improve the responsiveness of ULGs to citizen needs and foster stronger local democracy.
Mains PYQ:
Q The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlightthe critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The DAE—Homi Bhabha Chair for Distinguished Scientists/Professors was launched in 2021 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
About DAE – Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme
Details
Aims and Objectives
To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies.
Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Focus on research in sensitive atomic energy technologies, benefiting strategic sectors.
Provisions and Features
Honorarium: Rs. 200,000 per month (capped at last drawn salary).
Contingency Grant: Rs. 76,000 per year for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, etc.
Equipment and Book Allowance: Rs. 1,25,000 for equipment and Rs. 10,000 for books.
Transport Allowance: Fixed monthly transport allowance for those without an official vehicle.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Eligibility: Open to distinguished scientists, including retirees involved in critical atomic technologies.
Tenure: 1 to 5 years, decided by a Selection Committee.
Implementation: Administered by DAE, providing research support and necessary infrastructure.
Present Challenges
Financial Constraints: Budget limitations can affect the scale of research.
Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape poses challenges.
Coordination across Stakeholders: Bureaucratic delays and communication issues can arise.
Who was Homi Bhabha?
Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a pioneering Indian physicist and the father of India’s nuclear programme.
He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC) in 1954.
Bhabha formulated India’s three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s and emphasized nuclear power for military and energy purposes.
He was the first Indian to receive the Adams Prize in 1942 and served as the President of the UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
Bhabha activated Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor, at BARC in 1956, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.
PYQ:
[2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?
The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Key facts aboutDurgadi Fort:
Historical Significance
It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan.
Mentioned in Britishdocuments since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures.
In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa.
After the Britishtook control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
Geographical Location
Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
Cultural and Religious Impact
The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims.
It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas.
The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.
