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Type: Prelims Only

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    BRCA Testing

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: BRCA1Testing

    Why in the News?

    Angelina Jolie’s case highlighted hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) after she underwent preventive surgeries due to a BRCA1 gene mutation.

    What is BRCA Testing?

    • BRCA testing is a genetic test that looks for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
    • These genes normally help repair DNA, but when they are mutated, they increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancers.
    • BRCA testing identifies whether a person has inherited these mutations, which can lead to Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and other cancers.
    • The test is done using a blood or saliva sample, which is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
    • In the lab, next-generation DNA sequencing or other genetic analysis methods are used to examine the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for harmful mutations.
    • The test results can show whether a person has inherited a harmful mutation in these genes.
      • If the result is positive, it means they are at a higher risk for developing certain cancers.

    Issues with BRCA Testing

    • BRCA testing in India is expensive, costing between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, which makes it unaffordable for many, particularly in lower-income populations.
    • Testing is often only offered to individuals with a family history of cancer, which misses about 50% of people who may have the mutations but no known family history.

    Significance for India

    • Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for 27% of all cancer cases.
    • Women with BRCA mutations have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer.
      • Early identification allows for preventive measures, such as regular screenings or surgeries, which can reduce cancer incidence by up to 100%.
    • By increasing access to population-wide BRCA testing, India can improve early detection and reduce the burden of cancer on its healthcare system.
      • Early identification can also lower treatment costs and improve outcomes.

    PYQ:

    [2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
    2. It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
    3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
    4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 1 and 4 only

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    In news: Arun River 

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Arun River, Isostatic Rebound

    Why in the News?

    The Arun River, which flows across Nepal and Tibet, is eroding rock and soil in its basin, leading to the rise of Mount Everest by up to 2 mm a year.

    How is Arun River making the Everest taller?

    The Arun River is contributing to the rise of Mount Everest through a process called isostatic rebound. Here’s how it works:

    1. River Incision:

    • The Arun River, which flows about 75 km from Mount Everest, is eroding large amounts of rock and soil from the surrounding landscape.
    • This process of erosion reduces the weight on the Earth’s crust in the Arun River basin.
    • A study by UCL suggests that the Arun River’s ability to carve out large amounts of rock and other materials may be due to it capturing another river or water system in Tibet.
    • This process is known as River Incision, where the river cuts downward into its bed, deepening its channel.
    • The erosion began to accelerate around 89,000 years ago when the Arun River merged with the Kosi River, removing large amounts of landmass and further reducing the weight on the region’s crust.

    2. Isostatic Rebound:

    • When the weight of the land (due to rocks, soil, or even ice) decreases, the Earth’s crust rises to balance the change.
    • This is similar to how a boat rises in water when heavy cargo is removed.
    • The removal of landmass in the Arun River basin allows the crust underneath Mount Everest to rise.

    About Arun River 

    • The Arun River originates in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, where it is known as Phung Chu or Bum-chu in Tibetan.
    • It flows into Nepal and confluences with the Sun Koshi and Tamur River at Tribenighat, forming the Sapta Koshi River.
    • Tributaries:
      • Left tributaries: Yeru Tsanpo, Trakar-chu.
      • Right tributary: Barun River.
    • At the Nepal border, the Arun River is approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) above sea level.
    • The river drains into the Koshi River, significantly contributing to the Sapta Koshi River system in Nepal.
    • It is the largest trans-Himalayan river in Nepal, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s hydrology and ecosystems.
    • It provides around 37% of the total water in the Sapta Koshi system, following the Sun Koshi which contributes 44%.
    • Recently, the Arun-III Hydro Power Project (900 MW), which constructed with $6.95b Indian assistance, achieved a milestone with a tunnel breakthrough.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Annular Solar Eclipse

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Physical Geography (Annular Solar Eclipse)

    Why in the News?

    An annular solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South America on October 2, 2023.  It, however, will not be visible from India.

    What is a Solar Eclipse?

    • A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light either fully or partially, casting a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
    • There are four types of solar eclipses:
      1. Total Solar Eclipse: When the Moon completely blocks the Sun, turning the sky dark. People in the path of a total solar eclipse can witness the Sun’s corona (its outer atmosphere), which is normally hidden by the bright sunlight.
      2. Annular Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth. The Moon does not fully cover the Sun, leaving a visible ring of fire around the Moon. This is what people in parts of South America will witness on October 2, 2023.
      3. Partial Solar Eclipse: Happens when the Moon blocks only a part of the Sun, giving it a crescent shape. During both partial and annular eclipses, areas outside the Moon’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow) experience a partial eclipse. It is the most common type of solar eclipse.
      4. Hybrid Solar Eclipse: The rarest type, where the eclipse shifts between total and annular as the Moon’s shadow moves across the Earth. Some places see a total solar eclipse, while others see an annular one.

    Frequency of Solar Eclipses

    • A solar eclipse can only occur during the new moon, when the Moon and Sun are aligned on the same side of the Earth.
    • A new moon happens approximately every 29.5 days because that is the time it takes for the Moon to orbit the Earth.
    • However, solar eclipses don’t happen every month. They occur two to five times annually, but not every new moon results in an eclipse.
    • Why don’t they occur every month:
      • The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees compared to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
      • This means the Moon’s shadow usually misses the Earth.
      • A solar eclipse only occur when the Moon crosses specific points in its orbit, called nodes, where the Moon’s orbit intersects the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
      • When a new moon occurs at one of these nodes, a solar eclipse is possible.

    PYQ:

    [2019] On 21st June, the Sun

    (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

    (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle

    (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator

    (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Why in the News?

    Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty will be conferred with the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

    Mithun Chakraborty to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award 

    • Mithun Chakraborty has played a wide range of roles throughout his career, from a tribal in ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976) to an action hero and a dancing star, becoming one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema.
    • His performance in ‘Disco Dancer’ (1982) made him an international sensation, with the movie being a massive hit across Asia, then Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and other regions after Raj Kapoor.
    • He has worked in more than 350 films across multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Punjabi, demonstrating his wide-ranging influence.
    • Mithun has won three National Film Awards for his outstanding performances in films like ‘Mrigayaa’ (1976), ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992), and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
    • He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2023, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
    • As the chairperson of the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union (FSSAMU) for three decades, Mithun has been actively involved in improving the welfare of film industry workers.

     

    About Dadasaheb Phalke Award

    Details
    Organized by
    • Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
    • Presented by the President of India.
    First Presented 1969
    Purpose To honor individuals (filmmakers, actors, singers etc.) for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”
    Named After
    • Dadasaheb (Dhundiraj Govind) Phalke, “Father of Indian Cinema”.
    • He directed and produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.
    • This landmark film is considered the starting point of the Indian cinema.
    Notable Recipients Devika Rani (1969), Prithviraj Kapoor (1971), Satyajit Ray (1985), Raj Kapoor (1987), Lata Mangeshkar (1989), Asha Bhosle (2000), Yash Chopra (2001), Rajinikanth (2019), Amitabh Bachchan (2018) , Waheeda Rehman (2021).
    Components of the Award
    • ₹1,000,000 (US$12,000) cash prize;
    • Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl.
    Selection Criteria Awarded to individuals for their “great and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema”.
    Selection Committee A committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

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  • Indian Army Updates

    [pib] Exercise KAZIND-2024

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Exercise KAZIND

    Why in the News?

    The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND-2024 has commenced in Uttarakhand.

    About Exercise KAZIND-2024

    • Exercise KAZIND is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan.
    • It was first initiated as Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK in 2016 and later renamed Exercise KAZIND after the second edition.
    • The exercise involves Army contingents from both countries and, since 2023, also includes Air Force personnel, making it a Bi-service Exercise.
    • Focus Areas:
      • It focuses on Counter Terrorism operations in sub-conventional environments under the United Nations mandate.
      • Tactical drills practiced include Raid, Search and Destroy Operations, Small Team Insertion and Extraction, and Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations.
    • Significance:
      • The exercise aims to develop skills, resilience, and coordination for joint military operations in semi-urban and urban environments.
      • It allows both countries to share best practices, enhance mutual cooperation, and strengthen military ties.

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 4

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Who is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)?

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

    Why in the News?

    Following complaints from Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders about being reclassified as “foreigners,” the Ministry of External Affairs clarified, that no changes have been made to the rules governing OCI status.

    About Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

    Details
    About
    • OCI scheme, introduced in August 2005, allows Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India after January 26, 1950 or were eligible for Indian citizenship on that date, to register for OCI status.
    • Serves as a form of dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora.
    • The Ministry of Home Affairs defines an OCI.
    OCI Card Benefits OCI cardholders receive a multiple-entry, life-long visa to visit India and are exempt from registering with local authorities for extended stays.
    Population (as of 2023) USA: 16.8 lakh > UK: 9.34 lakh > Australia: 4.94 lakh> Canada: 4.18 lakh
    Recent Rules (2021 Notification)
    • OCI card holders need permission to visit protected, restricted, or prohibited areas.
    • Special permits are also required for activities such as conducting research, undertaking missionary or journalistic work, and visiting areas like Jammu & Kashmir.
    OCI vs NRI Rights Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 2003, OCI card holders are now on par with foreign nationals regarding economic, financial, and educational rights, reversing earlier parity with NRIs.
    Significant Changes to OCI Rules
    • 2005: Lifelong visas and exemption from FRRO registration
    • 2007: Parity with NRIs for inter-country adoption and domestic airfare
    • 2009: Parity with NRIs for entry fees to monuments and professions like doctors and architects
    Eligibility Restrictions
    • Individuals with parents or grandparents from Pakistan or Bangladesh cannot apply for an OCI card.
    • Foreign military personnel (retired or active) are also not eligible.
    Spouse Eligibility Spouses of Indian citizens or OCI card holders, whose marriage has been registered for at least two years, can apply for an OCI card.
    OCI Card Restrictions
    • OCI card holders cannot vote, hold constitutional positions, or be elected as a members of Parliament or Legislative Assembly.
    • They are also restricted from holding government employment in India.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)

    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
    2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
    3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Neutrino Fog

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Neutrino Fog

    Why in the News?

    The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment revealed that as we continue to push the boundaries of dark matter detection, the issue of neutrino fog becomes increasingly significant.

    What is the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment?

    • The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is a cutting-edge dark matter detection project located deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, USA.
    • It is one of the most sensitive experiments in the world designed to detect dark matter particles, which are believed to make up about 85% of the matter in the universe but have not yet been directly observed.
    • The heart of the LZ experiment is a tank filled with 10 tonnes of liquid xenon, a very dense and pure material.
    • The idea is that if a dark matter particle collides with a xenon atom, it will produce a tiny burst of light and free electrons.
    • These interactions are then detected by sensitive equipment surrounding the xenon.
    • The experiment is located 1.5 km below the Earth’s surface.

    What is Neutrino Fog?

    • Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge. 
    • “Neutrino Fog” refers to the interference caused by neutrinos—subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter—in dark matter detection experiments.
    • Neutrinos are produced naturally in the Sun’s core, supernovae, and even Earth’s atmosphere.
    • Though they pass through most matter undetected, their weak interactions can cause small disturbances in highly sensitive detectors.
    • As dark matter detectors become larger and more sensitive, they are more likely to detect neutrinos, leading to a “fog” of signals that can obscure or mimic potential dark matter interactions.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.

    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter

    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)

    Why in the News?

    Recent research indicates that pigs may act as a transmission vehicle for a strain of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) commonly found in rats, known as Rocahepevirus ratti, or rat HEV.

    Role of Pigs in Transmission

    • HEV Reservoir: Pigs naturally carry hepatitis E virus (HEV), particularly strains that can infect humans.
    • Transmission via Pork: Humans can contract HEV by consuming raw or undercooked pork from infected pigs.
    • Environmental Contamination: Infected pigs shed HEV in faeces, contaminating the environment and water sources, potentially spreading the virus to humans.
      • Poor sanitation in pig farms facilitates HEV transmission between pigs and increases the risk of human infection through the food chain.
    • Cross-Species Transmission: Pigs may also act as intermediaries for rat HEV, transmitting the virus from rats to humans in farm environments.

    About Hepatitis E Virus (HEV):

    • Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), which is a positive-sense, single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus.
    • HEV is classified under the family Hepeviridae, genus Orthohepevirus.
    • It was first identified during an outbreak among Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan in 1983.
    • The earliest well-documented HEV epidemic occurred in New Delhi, India, in 1955, retrospectively identified as HEV.
    • Transmission:
      • The primary route of transmission is fecal-oral, especially through contaminated water and food.
      • Zoonotic transmission is possible with genotypes 3 and 4, commonly spread through undercooked meat or direct animal contact.
    • Symptoms:
      • Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes.
      • Severe cases can lead to liver failure, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
    • Prevention and Cure:
      • A vaccine, HEV 239, is approved for use in China, but no vaccine is widely available or approved in most countries, including the United States.
      • There is no specific antiviral treatment for acute HEV.
      • Prevention relies on improved sanitation, safe drinking water, and proper food handling.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.

    (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

    (c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.

    (d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Dead Coral Skeletons hinder Reef Regeneration

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Coral Bleaching and Coral Regeneration

    Why in the News?

    A study conducted at Moorea, French Polynesia, has revealed that the network of dead coral skeletons left behind by bleaching events prevents reefs from regenerating.

    About Corals

    • Corals are marine invertebrates made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
    • Polyps have a mutualistic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues.
    • Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, providing the corals with carbohydrates, while the corals offer compounds needed for photosynthesis.
    • Corals have calcium carbonate skeletons, which help in building the reef structure.
    • Thousands of polyps combine to form coral colonies, which multiply and grow over time.
    • Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons from corals.
    • Known as the “rainforests of the seas”, they provide habitat and protection for a wide variety of marine life.
    • Coral reefs are built by both hard and soft corals and grow over time as more corals attach to the reef structure.
    • They are the largest living structures on the planet, vital for marine biodiversity.

    Challenges due to Dead Corals

    • Shelter for Seaweed: Dead coral skeletons create a complex structure that offers protection to macroalgae (seaweed) from herbivores. This allows seaweed to colonize the reef quickly, outcompeting young coral.
    • Impeded Herbivory: The complex landscape of dead corals prevents herbivores, which normally graze on algae, from accessing the macroalgae effectively. This leads to unchecked algae growth.
    • Increased Competition: Macroalgae grow faster and reproduce more frequently than coral, leading to increased competition for space, light, and nutrients, which further inhibits young coral from settling and growing.
    • Annual Coral Reproduction: Coral typically spawns only once a year, while algae reproduce continuously. This gives algae a competitive advantage in newly available spaces left by dead coral skeletons.
    • Altered Ecosystem Balance: The presence of dead coral shifts the balance between herbivores, algae, and coral, making it difficult for the reef to regenerate naturally.

    Conditions for Reef Regeneration

    • Flat Substrate: After events like cyclones, which remove coral but leave behind a flat surface, reefs tend to recover more easily, as young coral can settle and regrow without much competition from macroalgae.
    • Herbivore Activity: Active herbivory is crucial for reef recovery, as herbivores control the growth of macroalgae, allowing space for coral recruits to settle and thrive.
    • Clear Space for Coral Recruits: To regenerate effectively, coral needs open space free from excessive algae. Removing dead coral skeletons might help create these conditions.
    • Frequent Disturbances: Coral reefs are better adapted to recover from frequent but non-lethal disturbances like storms, which scrape off coral and allow for fresh regrowth, compared to bleaching events, which leave the dead coral structure intact.
    • Water Quality and Temperature: Coral recovery depends on optimal water conditions, including the absence of pollutants and suitable temperatures.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements

    1. Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
    2. More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
    3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Arogya Sanjeevani Policy

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Arogya Sanjeevani Policy

    Why in the News?

    The “Arogya Sanjeevani Policy” serves as a reference point for choosing health insurance for hospitalisation.

    About Arogya Sanjeevani Policy:

    Details
    Launch Date April 2020
    Issued by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
    Objective To provide basic and affordable health insurance coverage to all citizens
    Sum Insured ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per policy year
    Coverage Hospitalization, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, daycare procedures, AYUSH treatments, COVID-19 coverage
    Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage after 4 years of continuous policy renewal
    Co-Payment 5% co-payment on all claims
    Premium Varies based on age, sum insured, and insurer
    Waiting Period 30 days for new policies; 48 months for pre-existing diseases
    Daycare Procedures Covers over 50+ daycare treatments
    Room Rent Limit Up to 2% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹5,000 per day)
    ICU Room Rent Up to 5% of the sum insured per day (maximum ₹10,000 per day)
    AYUSH Treatments Covers Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy treatments
    Maternity Coverage Not covered
    Network Hospitals Cashless facility in network hospitals
    Eligibility Individuals aged 18 to 65 years

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the policy process – Discuss.

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