CONTENTS BharatGen International Day of Older Persons 2024 BharatGen Context: Recently, the Ministry of Science & Technology launched BharatGen, a generative AI initiative designed to enhance public service delivery.  Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions BharatGen BharatGen is an initiative aimed at developing core models in the domains of language, speech, and computer vision, with a focus on India’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. It stands as the world’s first government-supported project to create a Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) specifically for Indian languages. LLMs are advanced AI models that can comprehend and generate human languages by analyzing extensive text datasets. This initiative is spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), working in collaboration with prestigious academic institutions, including several IITs and IIM Indore. A key focus of this project is on developing frameworks that curate India-specific datasets, giving the country greater control over its digital resources. The initiative has several defining features: Development of multilingual and multimodal models, Training based on datasets that reflect Indian languages and contexts, A commitment to using an open-source platform, Establishing a research ecosystem focused on generative AI within India. International Day of Older Persons 2024 Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment observed International Day of Older Persons 2024 on 1st October 2024. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interventions International Day of Older Persons 2024 Overview: Theme for 2024: “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.” Purpose of the International Day of Older Persons: This day honors the contributions of older adults to society and emphasizes the necessity for inclusive and age-friendly environments globally. It was officially established by the UN General Assembly on 14th October 1990, drawing from the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing (1982) and the UN Principles for Older Persons. Global Commitments and Framework: The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), which focuses on good health and well-being. India established the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) in 1999, and it is part of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (2002). Elderly Population Data: As of December 2023, India has 153 million people aged 60 and above, with this figure expected to rise to 347 million by 2050, representing 20.8% of the nation’s total population. Globally, the population of older persons increased from 260 million in 1980 to 761 million in 2021, with projections indicating this will rise to 17% of the total global population by 2050.

Contents: A Learning Curve: Evaluating the PM Internship Scheme’s Pilot Project A Defeat Foretold: Why Maoists Must Abandon Armed Struggle and Embrace Democracy A Three-Tier War in West Asia with No Endgame A Learning Curve: Evaluating the PM Internship Scheme’s Pilot Project Context: On October 3, the Centre launched an online portal for the operationalization of the PM Internship Scheme, a key initiative announced in the Budget for 2024-25. The scheme aims to provide 4.1 crore youth with internships over five years, bridging the gap between theoretical education and practical skills needed in the job market. As a pilot project, 1.25 lakh interns will be matched with companies starting December 2024, providing an opportunity to assess and refine the scheme based on real-world feedback and outcomes. Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (Governance) Mains Question: Critically analyze the potential of the PM Internship Scheme in addressing youth unemployment in India. What challenges are expected in its implementation, and how can these be overcome? (250 words) Understanding the PM Internship Scheme: The PM Internship Scheme is part of a broader five-scheme initiative to address skill gaps and enhance youth employability. It aims to create one crore internships by March 2029, with the first phase targeting 1.25 lakh interns for a year-long, on-the-job training program. This scheme is primarily Centre-funded and seeks to match young job-seekers with companies willing to provide practical skills training. Potential Benefits of the Scheme: Bridging Skill Gaps: The program seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical job skills. By collaborating with firms, the scheme can address the issue that employers often cite: graduates lack real-world skills. Certification and Job Market Readiness: Firms will issue certifications to interns, making them more attractive candidates for future job roles. This could significantly improve youth employability, especially in sectors like manufacturing and services. Support for Job Creation: With 4.1 crore internships planned, the scheme has the potential to absorb a substantial portion of unemployed youth, reducing overall unemployment rates. Challenges in Implementation: Regional Disparities in Job Availability: Placement of interns within or near their district may not be feasible in less industrialized states such as Bihar or Jharkhand, where job opportunities are limited. This could lead to disparities in participation and outcomes. High Dropout Rates: Ensuring that interns complete their full tenure and transition smoothly into the job market will require continuous monitoring and mentorship. Soft Skills Training: Beyond technical training, modern workplaces demand soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and digital literacy. The scheme must integrate these into its design. Industry Collaboration: Sustained partnerships with private firms are essential. However, voluntary participation may limit the number of companies willing to engage, especially in low-growth sectors. Recommendations for Effective Implementation: Localized Adaptation: Tailor the scheme’s implementation strategy based on regional industrial profiles. For less-developed regions, focus on sectors like agriculture, micro-enterprises, and local industries. Incorporate Mentorship Programs: Pair interns with experienced professionals to guide them through the internship, ensuring they gain meaningful insights and skills. Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms: Establish a robust feedback mechanism to track dropout rates, intern satisfaction, and skill acquisition, allowing for mid-course corrections. Expand Industry Involvement: Provide incentives for more companies, especially MSMEs, to participate. This could include tax benefits, reduced compliance burdens, or shared training costs. Expected Outcomes and Scalability: The pilot project’s success will be measured by the employability and retention of interns post-training. If the scheme can demonstrate value to both youth and employers, scaling it to one crore internships by 2029 will be feasible. The lessons learned from the pilot phase should be used to refine the design, ensuring that the program is sustainable and impactful. Latest Data and Numbers: Target: 4.1 crore internships over five years. Pilot Phase: 1.25 lakh internships starting December 2024. Youth Unemployment Rate: Currently higher in states like Bihar and Jharkhand, which lack industrial presence. Conclusion: The PM Internship Scheme is a timely initiative to address India’s growing youth unemployment. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, industry collaboration, and addressing regional disparities. With continuous evaluation and a dynamic approach, the scheme can be a game-changer in enhancing India’s human capital and creating a skilled, employable workforce. By ensuring a focused and adaptable strategy, the PM Internship Scheme can transform the employment landscape, making India’s youth more competitive and job-ready. A Defeat Foretold: Why Maoists Must Abandon Armed Struggle and Embrace Democracy Context: In a significant setback to Maoist insurgency in India, 31 cadres, including senior members, were killed in a security operation in Abujhmadh, Chhattisgarh — a stronghold considered the last bastion of left-wing extremism. The operation is part of intensified efforts by security forces and paramilitary groups to eliminate Maoist influence in central and eastern India. The movement’s diminishing power can be attributed to several factors, including loss of local support, strategic miscalculations, and an over-reliance on militant tactics. With weakening strength and alienation from tribal communities, the Maoists are at a crossroads where they must consider abandoning violence and engaging in the democratic process. Relevance: General Studies Paper 3 (Internal Security, Left-Wing Extremism) Mains Question: Analyze the factors leading to the decline of the Maoist movement in India. What role can democratic engagement play in addressing the issues faced by affected communities? (250 words) Background of the Maoist Insurgency: The Maoist movement, also known as Naxalism, began as an armed struggle against perceived state exploitation and neglect of tribal areas. Over the decades, the insurgency spread across several states, primarily in central and eastern India, earning the region the label of the ‘Red Corridor’. At its peak, it controlled significant territories and had considerable support among marginalized tribal communities. Current Decline and Setbacks: The recent encounter in Chhattisgarh is indicative of the movement’s ongoing decline. Coordinated operations by security forces have led to heavy casualties and numerous surrenders. The Union Home Ministry’s focused strategy, including better coordination among paramilitary units, increased intelligence inputs, and targeted operations, has significantly reduced the Maoists’ operational capability. Loss of Local Support: One of the critical reasons for the Maoists’ weakening is the erosion of support from tribal communities, who were once their primary base. Decades of violent struggle have brought little to no tangible benefits to these communities, leading to disillusionment and alienation. As tribal groups distance themselves from the movement, the Maoists are losing the grassroots support necessary for sustaining a guerrilla war. Strategic and Ideological Failures: The Maoists’ adherence to a rigid, anachronistic ideology, rooted in 1920s China, has not resonated in a diverse, democratic India. Their over-dependence on militaristic tactics, at the expense of political engagement, has alienated potential supporters. Unlike movements in other countries that adapted to political realities, the Indian Maoists have been unable to transition to a strategy of peaceful engagement. Comparative Global Examples: Similar insurgencies in countries like Peru, Colombia, and Malaysia failed when they failed to adapt to changing political landscapes. The inability to recognize democratic avenues for achieving political goals has been a common thread in the collapse of these movements. The Need for Democratic Engagement: Despite its flaws, Indian democracy provides ample space for dialogue, negotiation, and addressing grievances. By continuing to pursue violent means, the Maoists are undermining their stated objective of representing the tribal people. Entering the political mainstream would allow them to advocate for tribal rights within the framework of law and governance. Role of the State and Civil Society: While security operations are essential to curbing violence, the state must complement them with developmental initiatives and democratic outreach. Improved governance, protection of tribal rights, and local-level political inclusion are necessary to address the root causes of alienation and prevent any resurgence of extremism. Latest Data and Numbers: Recent Casualties: 31 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh operation. Current Strongholds: Limited to remote areas in states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Conclusion: The recent setbacks to the Maoist insurgency signal a critical juncture for the movement. Persisting with armed struggle will only lead to further isolation and eventual collapse. The Maoists must recognize that democratic engagement, rather than violence, is the only viable path forward for achieving the interests of the tribal communities they claim to represent. By transitioning to political participation, the Maoists can transform their struggle into a constructive movement that genuinely benefits the communities they aim to serve. A Three-Tier War in West Asia with No Endgame Context: The ongoing conflict in West Asia is characterized by a complex, multi-layered struggle involving multiple actors—Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and their respective international backers. The situation has recently escalated following Hamas’s deadliest attack on Israel in decades, leading to a brutal Israeli response. The conflict now encompasses not only the Israel-Palestine confrontation but also a broader geopolitical struggle that includes regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia and global actors such as the U.S. and Russia. Relevance: General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations) Mains Question: Analyze the evolving dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the context of broader West Asian geopolitics. How do the actions of regional and global powers shape the conflict, and what are the implications for peace in the region? (250 words) Background of the Conflict: The Israel-Palestine conflict is rooted in historical disputes over territory, statehood, and national identity. The recent attack by Hamas, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 200 hostages, marked a significant escalation in hostilities. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign in Gaza, triggering widespread destruction and displacement. Two Diverging Narratives: Israel perceives the conflict as an “existential war” against terrorism, aimed at securing its borders and eliminating militant threats. For Palestinians, the conflict is a struggle for liberation from Israeli occupation and recognition of their rights. The divergent narratives complicate any peace efforts, as both sides view the conflict through fundamentally different lenses. Geopolitical Dimensions: The conflict is not limited to Israel and Hamas. Iran-backed Hezbollah has ramped up its military activities in northern Israel, creating a second front. Saudi Arabia, which was on the brink of normalizing relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords, has been drawn into the conflict. The U.S. is involved in supporting Israel’s military efforts, while Russia and China have been manoeuvring diplomatically to increase their influence in the region. The “Octopus Doctrine” and Iran’s Strategy: Israel’s “Octopus Doctrine” aims to decapitate Iranian influence by targeting its proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. This strategy is based on the assumption that destabilizing Iran’s regional allies will weaken its broader geopolitical influence. Iran, in turn, has used Hezbollah and Hamas to keep Israel embroiled in protracted conflicts, preventing it from projecting power beyond its borders. The Regional Security Quagmire: West Asia has become a conflict loop where various actors, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, are locked in a continuous cycle of confrontation. The Abraham Accords, which sought to normalize ties between Israel and several Arab nations, have been overshadowed by the resurgence of violence. This has reinforced the perception that true peace in West Asia cannot be achieved without addressing the Palestinian issue. Implications for Global Stability: The conflict has broader ramifications for global security, particularly given its potential to draw in major powers. The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the region, and any miscalculation could escalate into a wider war involving multiple state actors. The Israeli-Hamas conflict also risks spilling over into neighboring Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf, destabilizing an already fragile region. Recommendations for a Peaceful Resolution: Address Core Grievances: Sustainable peace will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Involve Regional Stakeholders: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other key players must be engaged in peace talks to ensure that any agreement has regional backing. Reform International Mediation Efforts: The UN and other international bodies need to adopt a more assertive role in mediating peace, going beyond traditional diplomatic statements. Latest Data and Numbers: Casualties in Recent Hostilities: Over 1,200 Israelis killed, 200 hostages taken by Hamas. Impact on Palestinians: More than 41,000 Palestinians killed in the past year, with over 1,000,000 displaced. Conclusion: The ongoing war in West Asia is a multi-tiered conflict with no clear endgame. Without a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate hostilities and the deeper political issues, the region will remain trapped in a cycle of violence and instability. Global and regional powers must act decisively to break the deadlock, or the conflict risks spiraling into a broader geopolitical confrontation with devastating consequences. By focusing on inclusive and sustainable peace processes, the international community can hope to break the conflict loop and bring stability to a region that has seen decades of turmoil.

CONTENTS Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission Salt Pan Land Cholera Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Geographical Indication (GI) tags Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan  Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission Context: The Government will soon roll out the next version of the livelihood mission for urban poor and vulnerable sections – National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM 2.0). This will focus on six groups, including construction workers, gig workers, waste management workers, care workers, domestic workers and transportation workers. Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) DAY-NULM 2.0 About Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) is a program launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in India. Here are the key features of the mission: Implementation: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning that both the central government and state governments contribute to its funding. The funding ratio between the Centre and the States is 75:25, except for the North Eastern and Special Category states, where the ratio is 90:10. Mobilization and Self-Help Groups: DAY-NULM has successfully mobilized more than 8.4 million urban poor women across India. It has formed over 831,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in over 4,000 towns as of 2023. Objectives and Focus: The mission focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship among the urban poor, particularly women. It aims to enhance their capacity to access financial services and create sustainable livelihoods. The mission aims to uplift the urban poor by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development and access to credit. Components: The mission includes various components such as skill training, self-employment, social mobilization and institution development, and street vendor rehabilitation. DAY-NULM 2.0 The DAY-NULM 2.0 (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission) is a revamped initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of the urban poor through financial support and infrastructure development. Scheme Overview: The government will help eligible urban poor individuals or groups access microcredit up to Rs 4 lakh for individuals and Rs 20 lakh for groups. This microcredit will come with a subsidised interest rate of 5%. Key Benefits: The microcredit will assist beneficiaries in: Starting small enterprises. Developing social infrastructure, like setting up labour chowks. Providing innovation grants for activities like purchasing sanitation machinery. Pilot Exercise: To launch the NULM 2.0, the government will conduct a pilot exercise in 25 cities to: Identify urban poor. Ensure the correct targeting of schemes to enhance the beneficiaries’ earnings and living standards. -Source: The Hindu Salt Pan Land Context: The Maharashtra government has issued a GR (Government Resolution) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land, distributed over three land parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs, for the construction of rental houses in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project through a lease agreement. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: What are salt pans? What are the terms for allocation of land? What are the concerns? What lies ahead? What are salt pans? Salt pan lands are ecologically important salt marshlands. They are low-lying areas around the shore that are used for salt cultivation. They act as holding ponds and work as a sponge for the absorption of rain. They are a coastal area’s natural defence against flooding. They help intertidal activity, and are home to diverse flora and fauna. What are the terms for allocation of land? Four conditions have been put forth for the allocation of the land which will be given at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing rate. The State government will collect the land revenue from the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), the special purpose vehicle (SPV), and pay it to the Central government. The DRPPL will bear the cost of resettlement of the labourers working on the land, and other incidental costs for the acquisition of the land. But the court cases and other legal matters will be handled through the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), a government body. The land will be used for rental housing, slum rehabilitation, and affordable housing for economically weaker sections. The DRPPL is an SPV in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake. The land will be leased to the Maharashtra government for a period of 99 years, and it cannot be used for commercial activities. What are the concerns? Urban planners and environmentalists say that an impact assessment study needs to be done before opening up large packs of land for intensive activities like housing. They also say that the salt pan lands on the Eastern Express Highway have played an important role in keeping the eastern suburbs free from flooding. The most important demand with respect to the Dharavi project has been for in-situ rehabilitation. Urban planners point out that handing over land parcels in different parts of the city for a developer will lead to formation of ghettos. They also say that the impact of hyperactivity on ecologically sensitive areas needs to be studied. What lies ahead? Land Transfer: The Centre will transfer land ownership to the State government. Project Approval: The State government will give the go-ahead to DRPPL once the project plans are approved. DRPPL must secure approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change before moving forward. Legal Concerns: Environmentalists anticipate potential legal challenges, suggesting the process can be contested in court. Litigation: As per a Government Resolution (GR) issued by Maharashtra, any litigation related to this matter will be handled by DRP, a government body. -Source: The Hindu Cholera Context: Recently, Cholera, a preventable and treatable disease, has experienced a resurgence, leading to approximately 4,000 deaths in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).  Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: What is cholera? Global Distribution and Burden of Cholera Factors Leading to Cholera Resurgence What is cholera? Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholera and is usually spread through contaminated drinking water or food. It causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal, even in healthy people. The deadly effects of the disease are due to the toxin produced in the small intestine which causes the body to secrete enormous amounts of water which results in diarrhea and a rapid loss of fluids and salts or electrolytes. Cholera bacteria might not cause illness in all the people who are exposed to them, but they still pass the bacteria in their stool, which can contaminate food and water sources. While modern sewage systems have been known to have eliminated cholera in most countries, there is a potential risk in situations of inadequate sanitation and unnatural circumstances like war and poverty. Symptoms While most people exposed to the cholera bacterium might not know they have been infected, they can still infect others through contaminated water as they shed cholera bacteria in their stool for seven to 14 days. Some of the symptoms are diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting and dehydration. Signs of cholera include fatigue, sunken eyes, dry mouth, extreme thirst, dry skin, little or no urination, low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance which can cause muscle cramps and lead to rapid loss of salts such as chloride, sodium and potassium. Global Distribution and Burden of Cholera The Global Distribution and Burden of Cholera has worsened significantly between 2022 and 2024, with a notable increase in cases and deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 22 countries experienced ongoing cholera outbreaks, and as of August 2024, 2,400 deaths had been recorded globally. Cholera’s impact primarily affects Africa and Asia, though imported cases have been seen in Europe. By 2023, global cholera cases increased by 13%, and deaths rose by 17%, totaling 4,000 fatalities. The geographic spread of cholera has shifted, with a decline in Asia but a doubling of cases in Africa, primarily due to healthcare inequities. India reported 3,805 cholera cases by August 2024 in a multi-country outbreak that affected neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Factors Leading to Cholera Resurgence: Impact on Water Quality: Floods, monsoonal rains, and extreme weather events cause sewage overflows into water sources, while droughts and heatwaves concentrate cholera bacteria, leading to outbreaks. Water and Sanitation: According to UNICEF (2019), 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, and 3.6 billion have inadequate sanitation facilities, creating conditions ripe for cholera spread. Microplastic Adaptation: Research from 2023 shows Vibrio pathogens (cholera-causing bacteria) can attach to microplastics, potentially adapting to thrive in ocean environments. Conflict Zones: Areas impacted by conflict face major disruptions in health and sanitation services, increasing vulnerability to cholera outbreaks. Displaced Populations: Overcrowded conditions among displaced individuals without access to clean water increase cholera risks. Vaccine Shortages: In 2023, only 36 million doses of cholera vaccines were produced—far less than the demand. A single-dose regimen was introduced due to this shortage, replacing the usual two-dose standard. Limited Health Infrastructure: The lack of robust health services in the most affected regions severely limits effective outbreak response and containment measures. Currently, there is only one manufacturer producing Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs), resulting in a 40-million dose shortage annually. -Source: The Hindu Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Context: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) completed its three-year journey on 27th September, aiming to revolutionize the nation’s digital healthcare ecosystem by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in healthcare. Relevance: GS II- Health Dimensions of the Article: About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will help connect digital health solutions across the country. All Indians will get a digital health ID under this scheme. Every citizen’s health record will now be digitally secure. The health ID will be used as health account. Personal health records can be linked to this account and viewed with the help of a mobile application. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will provide reliable data, leading to better treatment and savings for patients too. The National Health Authority (NHA) will be the implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is the flagship scheme of the Union government as a part of the Indian government’s National Health Policy. AB-PMJAY provides a health cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh a family a year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, to India’s bottom 40% poor and vulnerable population. The programme was launched in September, 2018. AB-PMJAY is under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The PM Jan Arogya Yojana beneficiaries get an e-card that can be used to avail services at an empanelled hospital, public or private, anywhere in the country, with which they can walk into a hospital and obtain cashless treatment. The scheme has certain pre-conditions by which it picks who can avail of the health cover benefit. While in the rural areas the list is mostly categorized on lack of housing, meagre income and other deprivations, the urban list of PMJAY beneficiaries is drawn up on the basis of occupation. Key Features of AB-PMJAY PM-JAY is a health assurance scheme that covers 10.74 crores households across India or approximately 50 crore Indians. It provides a cover of 5 lakh per family per year for medical treatment in empanelled hospitals, both public and private. It provides cashless and paperless service to its beneficiaries at the point of service, i.e., the hospital. E-cards are provided to the eligible beneficiaries based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011). There is no restriction on family size, age or gender. All previous medical conditions are covered under the scheme. It covers 3 days of hospitalisation and 15 days of post hospitalisation, including diagnostic care and expenses on medicines. The scheme is portable and a beneficiary can avail medical treatment at any PM-JAY empanelled hospital outside their state and anywhere in the country. The Central government has decided to provide free testing and treatment of Coronavirus under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. -Source: The Hindu, PIB Geographical Indication (GI) tags Context: Recently, the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has granted the GI tag to eight products from the Assam region, including traditional food items and several unique varieties of rice beer. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy Dimensions of the Article: About New GI Tagged Products Geographical Indications (GI) Tag About New GI Tagged Products Different Types of Rice Beer Unique in their Way: Bodo Jou Gwran: It is mainly said to contain the maximum amount of alcohol amongst Bodo rice beers, nearly 16.11%. Maibra Jou Bidwi: It is also famous as Maibra Jwu Bidwi or Maibra Zwu Bidwi; it is considered a prestige drink of welcome amongst the Bodo tribes. Half-cooked rice is taken for brewing and then fermented with ‘amao’ – a source of yeast. Bodo Jou Gishi: The fermented rice-based alcoholic beverage is traditionally fermented in a traditional Bodo way. Traditional Food Products: Bodo Napham: Fermented fish is prepared anaerobically inside a sealed container for 2-3 months, which is a favourite dish among them. Bodo Ondla: Rice powder curry preparation, aromatic with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali. Bodo Gwkha: Known as Gwka Gwkhi, this is a traditional preparation among themselves during the time of the Bwisagu festival. Bodo Narzi: Semi-fermented food prepared with jute leaves, Corchorus capsularis, is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals. Bodo Aronai: It is a small, traditional cloth of 1.5-2.5 meters long and 0.5 meters wide, symbolizing Bodo heritage. Geographical Indications (GI) Tag Definition and Importance: Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product. They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality. GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS. Administration and Registration: Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each. Significance and Examples: GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin. The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea. Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39. Ownership and Proprietorship: Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag. The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product. Protection and Enforcement: Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin. Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions. Location of the Geographical Indications Registry: The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India. -Source: The Hindu, PIB Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan Context: Recently, the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses was launched by the World Health Organisation Relevance: GS II: Health About Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP): The goals of the Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan also include reducing the global burden of diseases caused by Aedes-borne arboviral infections, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. It encourages coordination and integration in the global response for managing outbreaks. Key Components: Emergency Coordination: To provide leadership and coordination for an effective response. Collaborative Surveillance: Developing and using surveillance tools for early detection, control, and field investigations of outbreaks. Community Protection: Engaging local communities in adopting preventive measures, including mosquito population control. Safe and Scalable Care: Ensuring health services can manage and prevent deaths through necessary care. Access to Countermeasures: Promoting research and development of new treatments and vaccines. Implementation and Alignment: The plan will be implemented until September 2025. It integrates with global efforts, including the Global Vector Control Response (2017–2030) and the Global Arbovirus Initiative (2022), focused on strengthening vector control and addressing arboviruses with epidemic consequences. -Source: The Hindu