International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

Galaxy JADES-GS-z14-0: Insights from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

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: JADES-GS-z14-0 Galaxy, JWST

Why in the News?

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched by NASA, has unveiled a groundbreaking find It has captured imagery of the universe’s earliest-known galaxy, revealing unexpected brightness and size given its formation during the universe’s infancy.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

JWST is a joint venture between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) launched in December 2021.
It is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.
Webb was formerly known as the “Next Generation Space Telescope” (NGST) and it was renamed in 2002 after a former NASA administrator, James Webb.
It will be a large infrared telescope with an approximately 6.5-meter primary mirror.
JWST is positioned at the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, 5 million km away.
It consists of a mirror, spanning 6.5 meters in diameter compared to Hubble’s 2.4 meters, as well as its specialized instruments optimized for infrared observations.

Key Objectives:

JWST observes deeper into the universe than Hubble.
Observes celestial objects from earlier epochs.
Enables the detection of light from the universe’s earliest stars, dating back over 13.5 billion years.

About JADES-GS-z14-0 Galaxy

Named JADES-GS-z14-0, this galaxy was formed approximately 290 million years after the Big Bang.
Spanning about 1,700 light-years across, it consists of a mass equivalent to 500 million stars akin to our Sun.
Despite its ancient age, the galaxy is actively generating stars at a rapid pace, producing around 20 new stars annually.

Scientific Insights:

Historical Context: Previously, the earliest-known galaxy was dated to approximately 320 million years post-Big Bang, indicating the significance of this new discovery.
Luminosity Theories: While hypotheses suggest various explanations for the galaxy’s luminosity, including supermassive black holes or unusually bright stars, further research is required to validate these theories.

PYQ:

[2012] Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidence for the continued expansion of the universe?

Detection of microwaves in space
Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
Movement of asteroids in space
Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(d) None of the above can be cited as evidence

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Tribes in News

Andhra’s Koya tribe faces brewing conflict over sacred Mahua flower

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Koya Tribe

Mains level: Legal Challenges and Rights

Why in the news?

The Koya tribe in Andhra Pradesh is facing a cultural crisis due to stricter liquor regulations enforced by the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).

About Koya tribe

Koya are one of the few multi-racial and multi-lingual tribal communities in India.
They live in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River which lies in Andhra Pradesh. Many also live in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
They believe their main deity still resides in a cave in the Bastar region.

Cultural Crisis (Disruption of Traditions):

Mahua liquor is brewed from the flowers of the Mahua tree which is integral to Koya cultural and religious ceremonies including naming ceremonies, weddings, and death anniversaries.
Police raids and seizures of Mahua liquor disrupt these traditions causing cultural shocks within the community. For example, recently the naming ceremony of Madakam Janakamma’s child was held without Mahua liquor due to SEB raids.

Tribal Rights (Legal Challenges and Rights):

The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, 1995, does not exempt the Koya tribe from brewing and storing Mahua liquor, despite its cultural significance.
The Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996 empowers the gram sabha to protect tribal traditions and culture but its implementation is questionable as SEB raids continue unabated.
Koya villagers are often coerced into paying bribes to avoid legal charges, highlighting the tension between law enforcement and tribal rights.

Impact on Collection(Economic Consequences):

Many Koya households have ceased Mahua flower collection due to fear of police raids, significantly affecting their primary source of income.
Destruction of freshly collected flowers during raids further disincentivizes collection, reducing the supply of Mahua flowers to weekly markets (shandies) where they are exchanged for essential goods.

Guardians of Culture (Preservation of Heritage):

The Koya tribe, especially those not displaced by the Polavaram irrigation project, are seen as custodians of their culture. However, displacement and integration with non-tribal communities threaten their cultural identity.
Local leaders and activists argue for the need to empower Koya women with training in producing value-added products from Mahua flowers, rather than undermining their traditional practices and economic activities.

Legal and Policy Measures

Amend the Andhra Pradesh Prohibition Act, 1995: Introduce exemptions or special provisions that recognize and protect the traditional brewing and usage of Mahua liquor for cultural and religious purposes by the Koya tribe.
Strengthen Implementation of PESA Act: Ensure that the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, is fully implemented. Empower Gram Sabhas to have a greater say in protecting tribal traditions, including the brewing of Mahua liquor.

Conclusion: The enforcement actions by the SEB, while aimed at regulating liquor, pose a significant threat to the Koya tribe’s cultural heritage and economic well-being. Balancing legal regulations with respect for tribal traditions and rights is crucial to preserving the Koya way of life.

Mains PYQ:

Q What are the two major legal initiatives by state since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (ST) ? (UPSC IAS/2017)

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz: Protecting Kerala’s Frog Species

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, Species mentioned

Why in the News?

The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has organised the event “Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024”.

About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:

This program aims to document Kerala’s frog species during the monsoon season.
Objective: Cultivate scientific curiosity among the public and raise awareness about frog conservation through social media platforms, such as posters and articles.
- Bioblitz Definition: It’s an intensive survey conducted over time to identify and document as many species as possible within a designated area, a popular participatory survey method globally.

Project Details:

Participation: People of all ages can contribute by uploading frog photographs and sounds via the iNaturalist app.
Data Utilization: Scientific observations collected during the bioblits will contribute to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), facilitating biodiversity awareness, habitat conservation, and climate change research.

Need for such an event

Monsoon heralds a festive season for frogs, marking their peak activity and breeding period.
However, the survival of frogs, crucial indicators of ecosystem health, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, and water pollution.
As a result, 41% of the world’s frog species are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species, including those in Kerala.

Results of 2023:

In 2023, KFRI conducted the Monsoon Croaks project, witnessing enthusiastic participation from citizens across Kerala.
Highlights: Around 200 citizen scientists uploaded 1,223 observations, identifying approximately 80 amphibian species, including those listed on the IUCN Red List.
Notable Species: The top most observed species is the Wayanad Bush Frog (Pseudophilautus wynaadensis).
- Following closely is the Asian Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus).
- Other important amphibian species recorded in the bioblitz include:
- Critically Endangered Resplendent Shrub frog (Raorchestes resplendens).
- Endangered Malabar Torrent Toad (Blaira ornata).
- Small Tree Frog (Rhacophorus lateralis).
- Vulnerable Anaimalai Flying Frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus).
- Near Threatened Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis).

Back2Basics: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

	Details
Purpose	To provide free and open access to biodiversity data for research, conservation, and sustainable development
Establishment	Established in 2001
Headquarters	Copenhagen, Denmark
Members	Over 40 countries and economies, including government agencies, museums, research institutions, and NGOs
Mission	Facilitate the digitisation and mobilization of biodiversity data, making it accessible and usable for scientific research and policy-making
Core Functions	Promote and facilitate collaboration and data sharing among members Develop standards and tools for data mobilisation, quality, and interoperability Provide technical infrastructure for publishing, indexing, and accessing biodiversity data
Data Availability	GBIF provides access to over 2 billion occurrence records of species worldwide, contributed by thousands of data publishers
Legal Framework	GBIF operates under an intergovernmental treaty, the GBIF Agreement, and is governed by its members through an annual Governing Board
Funding	Funding for GBIF comes from member countries and economies, as well as international organizations and private sector partners
Contributions to Science and Policy	Contributes to global assessments such as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Supports the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other international initiatives related to biodiversity conservation

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

299th Birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 –1795)

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ahilyabai Holkar and her contemporaries

Why in the News?

The 299th birth anniversary of legendary ruler Ahilyabai Holkar was celebrated on 30th May.

About Ahilyabai Holkar

	Details
Birth	May 31, 1725; Chaundi village, Ahmednagar district, *Maharashtra*, India
Family	Daughter of Mankoji Shinde, a respected Dhangar family member
Education	Despite societal norms, her father taught her to read and write
Marriage	Married Khande Rao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar, in 1733
Rise to Prominence	Impressed by her piety and character, Khande Rao married Ahilyabai on the Peshwa’s advice
Leadership	Took control of Malwa after her husband’s death in 1754
Reign	Ruled Malwa from 1767 to 1795
Capital	Maheshwar became the capital of Malwa under her rule
Administrative Prowess	Known for her administrative acumen
Military Strategies	Personally led armies into battle and defended Malwa against intruders
Cultural Contributions	Established Maheshwar as the seat of the Holkar Dynasty
Temple Restorations	Led the reconstruction of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and built Somnath Temple
Economic Development	Promoted the production of Maheshwari Sarees and fostered trade and commerce
Social Inclusion	Advocated for marginalised communities and mainstreamed their inclusion
Legacy	Revered as “The Philosopher Queen” by historians like John Keay

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RBI Notifications

Surge in Indian Companies’ External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

Why in the News?

Indian companies “external commercial borrowings” nearly doubled in FY24, reaching $49.2 billion, according to RBI data.

Key Statistics:

Disbursements: ECB disbursements stood at $38.4 billion in FY24, a significant increase from $23.8 billion in FY23, underscoring the growing reliance on overseas markets for funding.
Domestic Pressure: High interest rates in the domestic system have led to increased pressure, prompting companies to explore ECBs as a viable funding alternative.

External Commercial Borrowing (ECBs) in India:

	Details
Definition	Loans provided by non-resident lenders in foreign currency to Indian borrowers.
Usage	Widely used by Indian corporations and PSUs to access foreign funds.
Instruments Covered	Commercial bank loans, buyers’ credit, suppliers’ credit, securitised instruments (floating rate notes, fixed-rate bonds), credit from official export credit agencies, and commercial borrowings from multilateral financial institutions.
Regulation	Monitored and regulated by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, along with the Reserve Bank of India.
Contribution	Contributed between 20 and 35% of total capital flows into India in 2012.
Recent Changes	RBI raised ECB limit for infrastructure finance companies from 50% to 75% of owned funds.
Guideline Changes	RBI allowed all eligible borrowers to raise ECB up to USD 750 million per financial year under the automatic route (2019).
Utilisation of Funds	25% of ECB can be used to repay rupee debt; 75% should be allocated for new projects.
Regulatory Framework	Governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
Routes for Raising ECBs	Automatic Route and Approval Route. Automatic Route: Cases examined by AD (Authorized Dealer) Category-I Banks. Approval Route: Borrowers submit requests to RBI through their AD banks for examination.
Maturity Period	ECBs can only be raised for a specific period known as the Minimum Average Maturity Period (MAMP).
Advantages Offered	ECBs offer the opportunity to secure substantial funding. These funds typically come with longer-term repayment options. Interest rates on ECBs are generally lower compared to domestic borrowing rates. ECBs are denominated in foreign currencies, providing corporations with access to foreign currency to fulfil import needs such as machinery procurement.

PYQ:

[2019] Consider the following statements :

Most of India’s external debt is owed by governmental entities.
All of India’s external debt is denominated in US dollars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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

NIMHANS bags WHO’s Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nelson Mandela Award, NIMHANS

Why in the News?

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India’s premier mental health institution, has been honoured with the “Nelson Mandela Award” for Health Promotion by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024.

About National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS)

	Details
Location	Bangalore, India
Affiliation	Autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
Ranking	Ranked 4th best medical institute in India by the “*National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)”*
History	Founded in 1847 as the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum. Renamed as the Mental Hospital in 1925. Amalgamated with the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH) in 1974 to form NIMHANS. Conferred with deemed university status by the University Grants Commission in 1994. Declared an Institute of National Importance by an act of parliament in 2012.
Governance	Operates with academic autonomy under the “Societies Registration Act”. Prioritises service, manpower development, and research in mental health and neurosciences. A multidisciplinary integrated approach was adopted for translating research results into practice.
Funding	Receives resources for academic and research activities from national and international funding organisations.
Outreach	Engages in mental health outreach initiatives including critiquing mental health reports and collaborating with government agencies for training and counseling. Known for diagnosing and treating various mental health conditions including depression and neurobiological disorders.

Back2Basics: Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

Aspect	Details
Establishment Year	1995
Presented by	World Health Organization (WHO)
Purpose	Recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements in health promotion worldwide
Namesake	Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa
Criteria for Recognition	Innovative approaches Sustainable Impact Dedication to health equity and social justice
Recipients	Individuals, organisations, institutions, or communities
Selection Process	Based on significant strides in health promotion Consideration of efforts in disease prevention and well-being improvement, especially among disadvantaged populations
Presentation	Occurs during special ceremonies or events Often coincides with key health promotion initiatives or milestones
Significance	Symbolises recognition and encouragement for ongoing efforts in health promotion Highlights the importance of collective action and collaboration in addressing health challenges and achieving public health and sustainable development goals

PYQ:

[2021] We can never obtain peace in the outer world until and unless we obtain peace within ourselves.

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Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

40 Years since Operation Blue Star

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Op Blue Star, Golden Temple, Khalistani Movement

Mains level: Separatists activism and threat to internal security

Why in the News?

June 1, the day Punjab votes in the last phase of the Lok Sabha election, happens to be the anniversary of “Operation Blue Star” which has influenced the recent history and politics of the state.

Operation Blue Star

Operation Blue Star was a military operation carried out by the Indian Army in June 1984 to remove Khalistani group-based militants who were hiding inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab.
The militants, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, had fortified the temple complex and were advocating for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.
The operation aimed to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple complex and restore law and order in the region.
However, it resulted in significant casualties and damage to the sacred shrine.
The operation began on June 1, 1984, and lasted for 10 days

The operation was highly controversial and led to widespread outrage among Sikhs, both in India and abroad. It also had political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards later that year, which sparked anti-Sikh riots across India.

What is the Khalistan movement?

The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement aiming to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan (Land of the Khalsa) in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

Factors Contributing to Khalistan’s Rise:

Partition of India (1947): The division of Punjab and the loss of Sikh holy sites in Pakistan led to a sense of displacement and marginalisation among Sikhs.
Linguistic Reorganization of States (1966): The creation of a Sikh-majority Punjab but with reduced territorial size and economic potential further fueled the desire for greater autonomy and cultural rights.
Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973): The demand for greater autonomy and cultural rights for Punjab was seen as a secessionist threat by the central government, leading to increased tensions.
External Support: The involvement of external forces, such as Pakistan, which have supported and funded some Khalistani groups for their strategic interests, has also played a significant role in the movement’s persistence.

PYQ:

[2016] Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?

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Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: K-9 Vajra, Super Sukhoi Project

Why in the news?

Several critical ‘Make in India’ defence projects, including acquisitions of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, are pending final approval from the Centre post-elections.

About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers:

It is a self-propelled howitzer.
Technology: It incorporates technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based on its K9 Thunder.
Development: The K9 gun has been developed under the ‘Buy Global’ programme of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) where foreign companies are allowed to participate.
Features: The platform boasts all-welded steel armour protection. Initially intended for desert use, it has been deployed in mountainous regions due to the India-China standoff.
Winterisation: To ensure optimal performance in extreme cold conditions, the Army procured winterisation kits for the regiment deployed in mountainous areas.

About Su-30MKI:

- The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, twinjet multirole air superiority fighter. It is built under license by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Design:

- It was designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- The first squadron was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2002.
Characteristics:
- It is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter with a highly integrated twin-finned airframe.
- The construction materials include titanium and high-strength Aluminium alloy.

Engine Upgrade:

India’s “Super Sukhoi” Program aims to enhance the performance and longevity of AL-31F engines, addressing long-standing engine failure issues and deficiencies.

PYQ:

[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Agnibaan SOrTeD, PS4 Engine

Why in the News?

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota.

About 3D Printed PS4 Engine

The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), comprises two Earth-storable liquid engines.
It uses a bipropellant combination of nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel, both developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
This same engine is employed in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV.
ISRO redesigned the PS4 engine for production using 3D printing technology.
The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.

PYQ:

[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

[pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: World Health Assembly (WHA)

Why in the News?

India hosted a side event on Digital Health during the 77th World Health Assembly.The event saw participation from Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and the United States of America) and delegates from over 100 countries.

Key Highlights of the 7th WHA:

Transformative Role: India highlighted digital health’s role in ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare services, contributing to Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3.
India’s Advancements: WHA noted India’s success in implementing digital public infrastructure at scale, including Aadhaar for digital identities, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for financial transactions, and Co-WIN for health service delivery during the pandemic.
Transition to UWIN: Co-WIN is being transformed into UWIN for the National Immunization Programme, facilitating immunization records for millions of newborns and mothers, as well as Anganwadi and school health records.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): India highlighted efforts under ABDM to create a robust national digital health ecosystem, with over 618 million Unique Health IDs (ABHA IDs) generated, 268,000 registered health facilities, and 350,000 healthcare professionals enlisted.
National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX): GoI is launching NHCX as part of ABDM to transform the insurance payments ecosystem, enabling real-time settlements with auto adjudication of claims through public-private partnerships leveraging digital public infrastructure.

About World Health Assembly (WHA):

	Details
Establishment	Established in 1948 as the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO)
Frequency	Typically meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland
Membership	Includes all 194 member states of the WHO, as well as certain international organizations as observers
Role and Functions	Setting Health Policies Adoption of Resolutions Reviewing Reports Collaboration and Partnerships
Decision-Making Process	Decisions made by a simple majority vote of member states present and voting
Themes and Agendas	Each session focuses on specific global health priorities, addressing a wide range of health topics
Notable Achievements	Development and adoption of international health instruments and initiatives, including: International Health Regulations (IHR), Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health.
Challenges	Resource constraints, geopolitical tensions, need for greater inclusivity and transparency in decision-making

PYQ:

[2016] ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is

(a) A division of World Health Organization.

(b) A non-governmental international organization.

(d) A specialized agency of the United Nations.

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Key Objectives:

About JADES-GS-z14-0 Galaxy

Scientific Insights:

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About Koya tribe

Cultural Crisis (Disruption of Traditions):

Tribal Rights (Legal Challenges and Rights):

Impact on Collection(Economic Consequences):

Guardians of Culture (Preservation of Heritage):

Legal and Policy Measures

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:

Project Details:

Need for such an event

Results of 2023:

Back2Basics: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Ahilyabai Holkar

Why in the News?

Key Statistics:

External Commercial Borrowing (ECBs) in India:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS)

Back2Basics: Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Operation Blue Star

What is the Khalistan movement?

Factors Contributing to Khalistan’s Rise:

PYQ:

Why in the news?

About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers:

Engine Upgrade:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About 3D Printed PS4 Engine

What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Key Highlights of the 7th WHA:

About World Health Assembly (WHA):

PYQ: