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GS Paper: GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

  • Setubandha Scholar Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division at Central Sanskrit University, has launched the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme.

    About the Setubandha Scholarship Scheme:

    • Objective: Acts as a bridge between traditional Gurukul learning and modern research, enabling the mainstreaming of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education.
    • Target Group: Students trained under Gurus or in Gurukul systems for a minimum of 5 years.
    • Focus: Encourages postgraduate and doctoral research across disciplines rooted in IKS.
    • Institutions Involved: Provides access to mentorship and research facilities at top institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

    Key Features:

    • Financial Support:
      • Postgraduate Scholars: Up to ₹1 lakh.
      • PhD Candidates: Up to ₹2 lakh.
      • Monthly Scholarships: Starting from ₹40,000.
    • Eligibility:
      • Age limit: Below 32 years.
      • Minimum 5 years of Gurukul-based learning.
      • No formal degree required—classical knowledge proficiency is the key criterion.
    • Scope of Research:
      • Supports 18 disciplines rooted in IKS, including:
        • Vedic philosophy, Jyotisha, Ayurveda, Rasa Shastra
        • Vastu Shastra, Dandaniti (political science), Indian arts and education
        • Traditional law, linguistics, agriculture, and astronomy
    • Broader Impact:
      • Fosters integration of ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.
      • Recognizes and rewards excellence in traditional systems of knowledge.

  • Five years of National Education Policy (2020)

    Why in the News?

    It has been five years since the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which replaced the 1986 National Policy on Education.

    About the National Education Policy, 2020:

    • Origin: Drafted by a committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan under the Ministry of Education.
    • 5 Core Pillars: Based on Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability.
    • Vision: Seeks to build a knowledge society by unlocking every learner’s potential.
    • Global Link: Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Education for All).

    Key Provisions:

    • [A] School Education:
      • Curriculum Structure: Introduces 5+3+3+4 design (Foundational to Secondary), replacing 10+2.
      • ECCE Focus: Early Childhood Care and Education via Jaadui Pitara kits and play-based learning.
      • Vocational Training: Begins from Grade 6 with internships.
      • Basic Literacy & Numeracy: Achieved through National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy.
      • Language Medium: Emphasis on mother tongue/regional language up to Grade 5.
      • Assessment Reform: Launch of Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) as a national evaluation centre.
    • [B] Higher Education:
      • Four-Year Degree: Multidisciplinary courses with multiple exit points.
      • Credit Bank: Academic Bank of Credit ensures credit mobility across institutions.
      • Research Boost: National Research Foundation supports innovation and research.
      • Single Regulator: Higher Education Commission of India proposed (pending law) to replace multiple bodies.
      • Language Promotion: Establishment of Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation for Indian languages.

    Implementation Initiatives:

    • Foundational Mission: NIPUN Bharat aims to achieve basic literacy and numeracy by Class 3.
    • Unified Credit System: Rollout of Academic Bank of Credit and National Credit Framework.
    • Common Entrance: Common University Entrance Test introduced for fair UG admissions.
    • Early Prep: Vidya Pravesh – a 3-month play-based module for Grade 1 entrants.
    • Tech Education in Regional Languages: Promoted by the All-India Council for Technical Education.
    • Digital Backbone: National Digital Education Architecture launched to support e-learning.
    • SAFAL Assessments: Structured competency-based testing in Grades 3, 5, and 8 by Central Board of Secondary Education.

    Key Achievements:

    • Curriculum and Textbooks: NCERT released new content for Classes 1–8.
    • ECCE Adoption: Early childhood curriculum implemented in several states.
    • Language Expansion: Regional language instruction expanded at foundational levels.
    • Academic Flexibility: Credit-based transfer systems in use via Academic Bank of Credit and National Credit Framework.
    • Global Presence: Indian Institutes such as Indian Institute of Technology (Zanzibar) and Indian Institute of Management (Dubai) now abroad.
    • International Collaboration: Foreign universities invited to set up campuses under new regulations.
    [UPSC 2016] “SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

    Options:

    (a) promoting the Self-Help Groups in rural areas

    (b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

    (c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls

    (d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free*

     

  • The medical boundaries for AYUSH practitioners

    Why in the News?

    A recent controversy on X (Twitter) between a hepatologist and an Indian chess Grandmaster has reignited the long-standing debate over whether practitioners of traditional medicine (such as Ayurveda and Unani) can legitimately claim the title of “doctor” and prescribe modern medicine.

    What are the concerns with Ayurvedic doctors prescribing modern drugs?

    • Lack of scientific training: Ayurvedic doctors often lack formal training in modern pharmacology and diagnostic methods, which may result in inappropriate prescriptions. For instance, there have been cases where Ayurvedic practitioners prescribed steroids or antibiotics without understanding their side effects or dosage.
    • Violation of legal norms: According to the Supreme Court judgment in Dr. Mukhtiar Chand case, non-MBBS practitioners are not permitted to prescribe allopathic medicines. However, several states have passed conflicting executive orders, creating legal ambiguity.
    • Consumer deception and litigation: When Ayurvedic doctors prescribe modern drugs, patients may assume they are consulting an MBBS-qualified doctor, leading to misrepresentation. This has led to consumer lawsuits, such as a case in Delhi where the doctor’s qualification was challenged in court.
    • Endangerment in critical care: Some private hospitals employ Ayurvedic doctors in emergency wards to cut costs, risking patient safety. There have been cases where treatment by BAMS doctors during emergencies led to worsened outcomes due to delayed or incorrect interventions.
    • Undermining rational drug use: The unregulated prescription of allopathic drugs by Ayurvedic doctors contributes to antibiotic resistance and irrational drug use. A Uttar Pradesh health audit found significant instances where AYUSH doctors prescribed modern medicines without oversight.

    How has traditional medicine regulation evolved in India?

    • Establishment of AYUSH systems: Post-independence, India formally recognized traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) was established in 1995, later upgraded to the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 to promote and regulate these practices.
    • Legal and institutional frameworks: The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 set up the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) to regulate education and professional standards. This was later replaced by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the NCISM Act, 2020, to enhance transparency and accountability.
    • Integration with mainstream healthcare: Over time, traditional medicine has been increasingly integrated into public health policies, like the National Health Policy (2017), and programs such as AYUSH Health and Wellness Centresunder Ayushman Bharat. This reflects a shift toward pluralistic healthcare governance while ensuring regulation and quality control.

    Why is Rule 2(ee) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules debated?

    • Rule 2(ee) defines “registered medical practitioners” who may prescribe modern drugs. It allows State governments discretion to include non-MBBS practitioners under certain conditions. This loophole is used to let Ayurvedic and Unani doctors prescribe modern medicine.
    • The Supreme Court judgment (Dr. Mukhtiar Chand case) clarified this as unconstitutional, yet many states persist. The Indian Medical Association frequently contests such misuse in courts.

    What is the impact of AYUSH on public health insurance?

    • Inclusion in Ayushman Bharat: The AYUSH systems have been included under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), allowing beneficiaries to access treatments in AYUSH hospitals. This expanded the coverage of services, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional medicine is widely trusted.
    • Cost-effective care delivery: Treatments under AYUSH are often less expensive than allopathic interventions. For instance, Panchakarma therapy for lifestyle disorders or Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis are cost-efficient, thus reducing the financial burden on insurance providers and the government.
    • Increased utilisation and trust: With AYUSH covered under insurance, more people are opting for traditional medicine. This has led to higher utilisation rates of AYUSH healthcare facilities and promoted medical pluralism, contributing to a broader public health reach in India.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Evidence-Based Integration: Establish an independent regulatory body for traditional medicine that ensures scientific validation, clinical trials, and safety monitoring before public endorsement or inclusion in health schemes. This helps maintain credibility and public trust.
    • Depoliticise Health Governance: Formulate traditional medicine policies through expert-driven committees with representation from all health systems, free from political interference. This ensures balanced development, equitable support, and harmonised integration into the national health framework.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.

    Linakge: The article highlights the consequences for public health when state governments allow registered Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners to prescribe modern medicine or perform surgeries, leading to friction with modern medical associations. This question directly addresses the role of the state in the public healthcare system and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.

  • ANRF unveils PM Professorships Program

    Why in the News?

    To bridge the research capability gap in India’s state universities, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the Prime Minister Professorships.

    What is PM Professorships?

    • Objective:  A program to leverage retired experts and professionals to mentor emerging state universities.
    • Relocation: Selected Professors must shift to host universities and offer sustained support.
    • Goal: Democratize quality research across all regions and institutions.
    • Eligibility:

    Key Features:

    • Host Institution Requirement
      • Placement: At Category A “spoke” institutions under ANRF’s PAIR programme
      • Type: Mainly state universities with limited research capacity
    • Scope of Work:
      • Mentor faculty and students; Promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
      • Enable 6-month internships in top institutions.
    • Funding and Support:
      • ₹30 lakh annual fellowship
      • ₹24 lakh annual research grant
      • ₹1 lakh overhead to host university
    • Terms of Engagement:
      • Tenure: Up to 5 years based on performance
      • Full-time presence required
      • No dual fellowship/salary
      • IP rights per host institution norms
    [UPSC 2015] Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?

    1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.

    2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    a) 1 Only * b) 2 Only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic

    Why in the News?

    The National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has launched a community-driven initiative to promote awareness and encourage the adoption of low-sodium salt substitutes.

    About the Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic:

    • What is it: The epidemic refers to the widespread, unmonitored intake of excess salt leading to chronic diseases.
    • Silent Nature of the Problem: It remains “silent” as its health impacts like hypertension and heart ailments develop gradually over time.
    • Cultural and Behavioral Factors: Cultural dietary habits and low public awareness contribute to its persistence.
    • Public Health Recognition: ICMR-NIE has termed it a public health crisis, prompting intervention projects in selected states.

    Salt Consumption in India:

    • Urban-Rural Disparity: Urban Indians consume about 9.2 grams of salt per day, while rural populations consume around 5.6 grams—both above safe limits.
    • Gender-Based Consumption Data: A national survey (2023) revealed men consume 8.9 grams and women 7.1 grams daily.
    • Dietary Practices and Salt Intake: The excessive intake is tied to Indian cooking styles, snack consumption, and processed food habits.

    WHO Directives on Salt Consumption:

    • Recommended Salt Intake: WHO recommends a maximum daily salt intake of 5 grams per person.
    • Global Average Consumption: The global average salt consumption stands at 10.8 grams/day, highlighting a universal public health challenge.
    • Suggested Interventions: WHO encourages the use of low-sodium salt substitutes and public education campaigns to reduce consumption.

    Issues with High Salt Consumption:

    • Health Impact: Linked to kidney stones, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes.
    • Mortality Burden: Globally, excess salt intake is responsible for around 5 million deaths annually.
    • Limited Access to Low-Sodium Salt: Only 28% of retail outlets in Chennai had low-sodium salt; just 4% availability in small grocery shops.
    [UPSC 2005] Assertion (A): The person with diabetes insipidus feels thirsty. Reason (R): A person with diabetes insipidus suffers from excess secretion of vasopressin.

    Options: (a) A is true but R is false* (b) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A (c) A is false but R is true

    (d) A is false but R is false

     

  • [pib] 10 Years of Skill India Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a week-long celebration to commemorate 10 years of the Skill India Mission.

    About Skill India Mission:

    • Launch: It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to empower India’s youth with employable skills.
    • Training Target: The mission aims to train 40 crore individuals by 2022 across various economic sectors and make them job-ready.
    • Progress Achieved: Over 2.27 crore people have been trained under the programme, including rural youth, women, and marginalized communities.
    • Standardization and Quality Assurance: All training and certifications are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring uniform standards and industry relevance.
    • Digital Integration: The courses are digitally integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for secure storage and seamless academic and career progression.
    • Employment and Education Linkages: It promotes formal recognition of skills, enhances industry alignment, and ensures better linkages with employment and higher education.

    Components of Skill India Mission:

    [A] Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)

    • Focus: It provides short-term training, reskilling, and upskilling opportunities for the youth.
    • Target Age Group: The scheme targets individuals aged 15 to 59 years.
    • Courses Offered: More than 400 new courses have been introduced in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, cybersecurity, green hydrogen, and drones.
    • Recognition and Mobility: It emphasizes international mobility and recognition of prior learning (RPL) to certify existing skills.
    • Alignment with Flagship Missions: It is aligned with flagship government missions like PM Vishwakarma, Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    [B] Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)

    • Objective: PM-NAPS aims to promote apprenticeship training across industries by providing financial support.
    • Incentive Structure: It offers 25% of the stipend (up to ₹1,500 per month) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to apprentices.
    • Sectoral Expansion: The scheme has expanded apprenticeship opportunities in sectors like AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
    • Special Focus Areas: It gives special attention to small establishments, MSMEs, Aspirational Districts, and the North-East region.
    • Target Age Group: The scheme targets individuals in the age group of 14 to 35 years.

    [C] Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme

    • About: It is a community-based vocational training initiative.
    • Target Beneficiaries: It focuses on empowering women, rural youth, and economically weaker sections through low-cost, flexible skilling programmes.
    • Target Age Group: The scheme is designed for individuals aged 15 to 45 years.
    • Integration with National Initiatives: The scheme is integrated with inclusive national initiatives like PM JANMAN and ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.

    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • PARAKH Survey reveals deficits in Student Learning

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Education recently released the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) Report, an extensive nationwide student performance assessment for Grades 3, 6, and 9.

    About PARAKH:

    • Full Form: PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
    • Establishment: It was established in 2023 as an autonomous institution under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
    • Vision and Role: PARAKH functions as India’s national assessment regulator, aiming to standardize school-level assessments across states and boards.
    • Policy Alignment: The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes competency-based, equitable, and inclusive learning.
    • Core Objective: Its main objective is to develop norms, standards, and guidelines for assessing learning outcomes at the national level.
    • Key Functions:
      • Standardization of Boards: PARAKH seeks to ensure equivalence in academic standards across various state and central school boards.
      • Assessment Focus: It designs and implements competency-based assessments, moving away from rote learning.
      • Progress Tracking: The unit is responsible for developing Holistic Progress Cards across the Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages.
      • Survey Execution: It conducts Large-Scale Achievement Surveys, such as the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) (formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS) launched in 2021) to track student learning outcomes at scale.

    Key Highlights of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) Report – 2024:

    • Scale of the Survey: Assessed over 21.15 lakh students from Grades 3, 6, and 9, across 74,229 schools in 781 districts.
    • Top performers: Punjab, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu; low-performing districts were concentrated in Meghalaya, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
      • In Grade 3, around 60–70% of students demonstrated basic reading, vocabulary, and early math skills, though many struggled with geometry and spatial reasoning.
      • In Grade 6, fewer than 40% could solve real-life arithmetic problems or understand fractions, indicating gaps in conceptual understanding and application.
      • In Grade 9, only 28–31% applied percentages or understood number systems; less than half grasped core civic and scientific concepts such as the Constitution, biodiversity, or electricity.
    [UPSC 2017]  With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct?

    1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. 2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • [8th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Fostering a commitment to stop maternal deaths

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

    Linkage: The article on maternal mortality highlights various deficiencies in healthcare delivery and infrastructure (e.g., lack of specialists, blood banks, operation theatres, and trained personnel) that contribute to maternal deaths, indicating the critical need for sound policies. This question is most directly relevant as it specifically names “maternal health care” as a crucial area for sound and adequate healthcare policies to enhance social development.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  Despite progress, India still loses 93 mothers for every 1,00,000 births due to problems that could be prevented during childbirth. Although the number has come down from 103 (2017–19) to 93 (2019–21), there are still huge differences between states. For example, Kerala has brought the number down to 20, but in states like Madhya Pradesh (175) and Assam (167), the numbers are very high.

    Today’s editorial analyses the issues related to India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Women-related Issues) and GS Paper II (Social Justice and Health) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio is going down, but some states still need to work on solving basic problems and improving their healthcare systems.

    What do MMR trends reveal about regional disparities in India?

    • Declining National MMR: India’s MMR dropped from 103 (2017–19) to 93 (2019–21), showing slow but consistent improvement.
    • Kerala leads with an MMR of 20, indicating robust institutional care and maternal health awareness.
    • Southern States (like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) show better performance (MMR under 50–60), while EAG States such as Madhya Pradesh (175) and Assam (167) remain critical zones.
    • “Other” States: Maharashtra (38) and Gujarat (53) have made notable progress, while Punjab (98) and Haryana (106) still struggle.

     

    Why is India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio still high despite better healthcare access?

    • Regional Disparities in Healthcare Infrastructure: MMR is significantly higher in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states like Assam (167) and Madhya Pradesh (175), compared to Kerala (20). Eg: States like Bihar and UP face shortages in skilled staff and poor facility access, despite national programmes.
    • Inadequate Functioning of FRUs (First Referral Units): Many FRUs lack specialists, blood banks, and operating theatres. Over 66% of specialist posts remain vacant. Eg: In 2,856 designated FRUs, many lack anaesthetists or functional surgical units, risking lives in emergencies.
    • Three Delays in Maternal Care: Delays in seeking care, reaching hospitals, and receiving treatment result in avoidable deaths.  

    How are the three key delays contributing to maternal deaths?

    • Delay in Decision-Making at Home: Families often fail to recognise danger signs during pregnancy or childbirth and delay seeking medical help. Eg: A pregnant woman showing signs of excessive bleeding may not be taken to a hospital promptly due to family neglect, financial constraints, or the belief that delivery is natural.
    • Delay in Reaching a Healthcare Facility: Lack of timely transportation from remote or rural areas hinders access to skilled birth attendants or emergency care. Eg: A woman in a tribal village may take hours to reach a hospital due to poor roads or lack of ambulances, resulting in delivery en route.
    • Delay in Receiving Adequate Care at the Facility: Even after reaching a hospital, care may be delayed due to absence of doctors, operation theatres, or blood supply. Eg: A woman experiencing uterine rupture may not get immediate surgery because the anaesthetist is unavailable or the OT isn’t ready.
    What are First Referral Units (FRUs)?

    First Referral Units (FRUs) are designated health facilities equipped to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC). These units serve as the first-level referral centres for maternal and child health emergencies, especially in rural and underserved areas.

     

    How can FRUs be made more effective in reducing maternal deaths?

    • Ensure Availability of Specialist Medical Staff: FRUs must be equipped with qualified obstetricians, anaesthetists, and paediatricians to handle maternal emergencies. Eg: In many districts, over 60% vacancies in specialist posts mean pregnant women cannot access timely surgeries like C-sections, leading to avoidable deaths.
    • Establish Fully Functional Emergency Infrastructure: FRUs must have operational operation theatres, blood banks, and 24×7 emergency care to address complications like postpartum haemorrhage. Eg: A woman suffering massive bleeding after childbirth can be saved if a blood transfusion and surgery are available within two hours.
    • Strengthen Referral and Transport Systems: Ensure robust ambulance networks and clear referral protocols to reduce delays in reaching FRUs from rural or remote areas. Eg: The 108 ambulance service, when linked efficiently with FRUs, can reduce deaths caused by obstructed labour during long-distance travel.

    What lessons does the Kerala model offer for reducing MMR nationwide?

    • Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths: Kerala uses a systematic review process to study every maternal death to identify medical and systemic gaps. Eg: Led by Dr. V.P. Paily, Kerala’s Confidential Review Committee analyses causes like hemorrhage, embolism, or surgical delay, enabling precise interventions.
    • High-Quality Emergency Obstetric Care: Kerala emphasizes emergency preparedness, with trained obstetricians, well-equipped operation theatres, and availability of blood banks.  
    • Holistic Maternal Health Approach: Kerala addresses not only physical but also mental health aspects of pregnancy, like antenatal depression and postpartum psychosis.  

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen FRUs and Emergency Care Infrastructure: Ensure that all First Referral Units (FRUs) are fully staffed with specialists, equipped with blood banks, operation theatres, and essential medicines to manage obstetric emergencies swiftly.
    • Scale Up Kerala’s Model Nationwide: Implement confidential maternal death reviews, train healthcare personnel in advanced obstetric practices, and integrate mental health support into maternal care programs across all States.

  • National Sports Policy, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet recently approved the National Sports Policy, 2025.

    About the National Sports Policy, 2025:

    • It is a comprehensive policy approved by the Union Cabinet to transform India into a leading sporting nation.
    • It replaces the earlier 2001 policy and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
    • The policy envisions India as a global sporting powerhouse and strengthens its bid to host international events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
    • It was developed through extensive consultations involving central ministries, NITI Aayog, state governments, national sports federations, athletes, and experts.
    • The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 serves as the operational framework for NSP 2025.

    Key Features of the National Sports Policy, 2025:

    1. Excellence on the Global Stage
      • Talent identification and athlete development from grassroots to elite level.
      • Expansion of leagues, rural-urban infrastructure, and high-performance training.
      • Adoption of sports science, medicine, and technology.
      • Reforms in governance and functioning of National Sports Federations.
    1. Sports for Economic Development
      • Promotion of sports tourism and hosting of global events.
      • Support for indigenous manufacturing, startups, and PPP investments.
      • Encouragement of CSR in sports development.
    1. Sports for Social Development
      • Inclusive participation of women, tribals, PwDs, and marginalised groups.
      • Revitalisation of traditional and indigenous games.
      • Dual-career pathways and diaspora engagement.
    1. Sports as a People’s Movement
      • Nationwide campaigns for fitness and community participation.
      • Launch of fitness indices and public access to sports infrastructure.
    1. Integration with Education (NEP 2020)
      • Sports embedded in school curricula.
      • Training for educators and promotion of sports education.

  • Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions (BHARAT)

    Why in the News?

    IISc Bengaluru has launched BHARAT (Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity, and Transitions), a pioneering study exploring the biology, lifestyle, and environment behind Aging.

    About the BHARAT Project:

    • Scientific Launch: It is a nationwide research initiative by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
    • Primary Goal: It aims to build India’s first scientific baseline on how Indians age—biologically, environmentally, and socially.
    • Project Leadership: The project is led by Professor DK Saini from IISc’s Department of Development Biology and Genetics.
    • Addressing Global Gaps: It fills a major research void by offering Indian-specific data, unlike most global ageing studies based on Western populations.
    • Redefining Normal: It will challenge international health standards (e.g., for cholesterol, vitamin D) that may misclassify Indian health parameters.
    • Biological Age Focus: Instead of using chronological age, the project will study biomarkers of biological ageing for early disease risk detection.

    Key Features of the Project:

    • India-Centric Baseline: The database will offer reference biomarker cut-offs tailored to Indian genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
    • Wide Biomarker Range: It will include genomic, metabolic, and environmental indicators to detect organ ageing and resilience early.
    • AI-Driven Analysis: Machine learning tools will be used to find ageing patterns, simulate health interventions, and forecast risks.
    • Holistic Ageing Model: The study will include nutrition, pollution, infections, and social factors that influence how Indians age.
    • Equity for Global South: It corrects global biases that misdiagnose Indians as deficient by using locally validated health data.
    • Healthspan Focus: The emphasis is on quality of life—living healthier for longer—rather than just extending life years.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following countries: 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa

    Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

    Options: (a) 1,2 and 4 * (b) 1,3 and 5 (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 5 only