DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th September 2024

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context:  The Union Cabinet cleared the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their income.

Background: –

• Ayushman Bharat was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

About Ayushman Bharat

• Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related components, which are –
  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

About AB PM – JAY:

• Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a flagship health insurance scheme launched by the Government of India in 2018 under the broader Ayushman Bharat Mission.
• It aims to provide financial protection to economically vulnerable families by offering free healthcare services through a health insurance model.

Key Features

• AB PM-JAY is the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme globally, aiming to cover over 12 crores poor and vulnerable families (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries) that form the bottom 40% of the Indian population.
• PM-JAY is fully funded by the Government and cost of implementation is shared between the Central and State Governments.
• Insurance Coverage: Each eligible family receives annual health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• Cashless and Paperless Access: The scheme provides cashless treatment at public and empaneled private hospitals, covering over 1,500 procedures, including critical illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and kidney ailments.
• It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines. There is no restriction on the family size, age or gender.
• Nationwide Implementation: The scheme is implemented across all states and union territories, with both urban and rural poor beneficiaries identified based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
• Empanelment of Hospitals: Public and private hospitals are empaneled to deliver services, making quality healthcare accessible even in remote areas.
• Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country i.e. a beneficiary can visit any empanelled public or private hospital in India to avail cashless treatment.
• Public hospitals are reimbursed for the healthcare services at par with the private hospitals.

Objectives

• Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): AB PM-JAY is designed to reduce the financial burden on poor families by covering expensive treatments that often push households into poverty.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: By empaneling private hospitals and offering treatment for a wide range of diseases, the scheme aims to ensure access to quality healthcare for all beneficiaries.
• Strengthen Health Infrastructure: The scheme incentivizes investment in healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, by promoting the empanelment of private hospitals.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): It is a step towards achieving UHC by ensuring financial protection for healthcare services, in line with the global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – POLITY

Context: Effectuation of fundamental duties is and will always be a continuing task, calling for duty-specific legislations, schemes and supervision, Attorney General R Venkataramani told the Supreme Court recently.

Background: –

• The top court was hearing a plea filed by lawyer Durga Dutt which sought direction to the Centre for enacting well defined laws/rules to ensure adherence to the fundamental duties as enshrined in the Constitution.

Key takeaways

• The Fundamental Duties were introduced into the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.
• They are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Constitution under Article 51A.
• These duties are a set of moral obligations that every citizen is expected to follow.

Key Features:

• Not Justiciable: Unlike Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties are not enforceable by law and cannot be claimed or defended in a court of law. However, Parliament has the authority to enact laws to enforce specific duties.
• Moral Obligations: They represent a set of guidelines that aim to remind citizens of their moral and civic duties toward the nation.
• Inspiration: The concept of Fundamental Duties in India is inspired by the Constitution of the former Soviet Union.
• As per Article 51A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
  • To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
  • To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
  • To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  • To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
  • To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
  • To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
  • To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
  • To develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
  • To safeguard public property and abjure violence.
  • To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
  • (Added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002): To provide opportunities for education to children between the ages of six and fourteen years and ensure that they receive education.

Examples of laws that effectuate Fundamental Duties:

• Duty to Abide by the Constitution and Respect National Symbols (Article 51A(a)):
  • Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: This law ensures respect for the National Flag, National Anthem, and the Constitution. It penalizes acts of disrespect, such as burning or defacing the National Flag or disrupting the National Anthem.
• Duty to Uphold and Protect Sovereignty, Unity, and Integrity of India (Article 51A(c)):
  • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA): UAPA is aimed at preventing unlawful activities and associations that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India.
• Duty to Defend the Country (Article 51A(d)):
  • National Service Act, 1972: This act allows the government to call citizens for compulsory national service in times of emergency to defend the country.
  • Territorial Army Act, 1948: Encourages citizens to voluntarily join the Territorial Army to support the defense forces when required.
• Duty to Promote Harmony and Renounce Practices Derogatory to Women (Article 51A(e)):
  • Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: Provides protection to women from domestic violence, a major issue that goes against gender equality and dignity.
  • Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Prohibits the giving and taking of dowry, a practice derogatory to women’s dignity.
  • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Prevents child marriages, protecting the rights and dignity of young girls.
  • Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: Protects women from sexual harassment in the workplace.
• Duty to Preserve the Rich Heritage of India’s Composite Culture (Article 51A(f)):
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958: Provides for the preservation of ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
• Duty to Protect the Environment (Article 51A(g)):
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims – POLITY

Context:  The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has told the Supreme Court that madrasas are unsuitable or unfit places for children to receive proper education.

Background:

• The submissions by NCPCR were in response to petitions challenging an Allahabad High Court judgment which struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004. The High Court had ordered the transfer of madrasa students to regular schools. The apex court stayed the implementation of the High Court decision in April.

About National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is a statutory body established in 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005.
• The commission works under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
• NCPCR’s mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms are aligned with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).  A child is defined as a person falling in the age group of 0 to 18 years.

Functions:

• Examine and Review Laws: Examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for theprotection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation.
• Inquiries into Child Rights Violations: It can inquire into violations of child rights, either through complaints received or suo motu (on its own).
• Monitor Implementation of Laws: NCPCR monitors the implementation of laws like the Right to Education Act, 2009, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• Conduct Research and Studies: The commission conducts studies and research on issues related to child rights.
• Spread Awareness: NCPCR undertakes initiatives to spread awareness about child rights among various stakeholders including schools, civil society, and the general public.

Composition:

• The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government, preferably a person with experience in child welfare.
• It has six members, of whom at least two should be women. These members are also appointed by the Central Government.
• NCPCR enjoys powers akin to a civil court. It can:
  • Summon individuals and examine them on oath.
  • Demand documents and public records.
  • Issue recommendations for action against violators of child rights.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims – GEOGRAPHY

Context: Nearly 40 per cent of the areas of the Amazon rainforest most critical to curbing climate change have not been granted special government protection, as either nature or indigenous reserves, according to an analysis by nonprofit Amazon Conservation.

Background: –

• Those parts of the Amazon have the biggest, densest trees and the most continuous canopy cover, meaning that the areas hold the most carbon.

Key takeaways

• The Amazon Rainforest, also known as Amazonia, is a vast tropical rainforest that covers much of the Amazon Basin in South America.
• Location: The Amazon spans across nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
• Weather: The Amazon experiences high rainfall, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures throughout the year.
• Size: It covers approximately 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles), making it the largest rainforest in the world
• Biodiversity: The Amazon is home to about 10% of all known species of flora and fauna.
• Carbon Sink: The rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by absorbing 2 billion tons of CO2 annually, making it one of the largest carbon sinks in the world.
• River System: The Amazon River, the second-longest river in the world, flows through the rainforest and discharges more water than any other river, contributing 20% of Earth’s freshwater supply.
• Climate Regulation: As the largest rainforest, it plays a significant role in regulating global climate patterns and producing 20% of the Earth’s oxygen.
• Brazil’s Role: Brazil holds the largest portion of the Amazon and is critical for any global conservation efforts. It has seen fluctuating government policies regarding deforestation.

Source: Deccan Herald

 Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT

Context: Recently, the Centre approved the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, for building rental housing for slum dwellers.

Background: –

• In a rapidly expanding city, the salt pans are among the last few crucial natural belts that maintain a delicate balance in the ecosystem.

About Mumbai’s Salt pans

• Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater flows in and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals.
• According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, the ecologically sensitive salt pans fall under CRZ-1B category, where no economic activity is allowed with the exception of salt extraction and natural gas exploration.
• Mumbai Salt Pan Lands:
  • 5,378 acres, nearly nine times the size of Dharavi.
  • 31% located in residential/commercial belts; 480 acres encroached upon.
  • 1,672 acres considered “developable” (State Govt. study, 2014).
• National Distribution: 60,000 acres spread across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
• Andhra Pradesh (20,716 acres) boasts the largest expanse of such land, followed by Tamil Nadu (17,095 acres) and Maharashtra (12,662 acres).

Risk to Mumbai’s Salt Pan Lands

• Land Demand: Salt pans are among the last undeveloped lands in Mumbai, making them a target for development projects.
• State Governments’ Proposals: State government is proposing to use the salt pan lands for slum relocation, rehabilitation and affordable housing.

Importance of Salt Pans

• Flood Prevention: Salt pans collect rainwater and seawater, preventing flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.
• Ecological Role: Host various species of birds and insects, and complement mangroves in flood prevention.

Source: Indian Express

Q1.) Consider the following statements regarding the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR):

1. NCPCR can conduct suo motu inquiries into violations of child rights.
2. The Chairperson of NCPCR is appointed by the President of India and must be a retired supreme court judge.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2.) Consider the following statements regarding Salt Pan Lands:

1. Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater flows in and evaporates, leaving behind salt and minerals.
2. Salt pans play an important role in flood prevention by collecting rainwater and seawater, particularly in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. a) 1 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) Both 1 and 2
4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q3.) Consider the following statements regarding Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):

1. AB PM-JAY is the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme globally.
2. The scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for both primary and tertiary healthcare services.
3. Beneficiaries can avail cashless treatment in empaneled public and private hospitals across India, regardless of the state they belong to.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  13th September 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  a

Q.2) – a

Q.3) – a