Daily Current Affairs
To The Point Notes
Health / Economy
1.National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)
Health
Aim: Streamlined healthcare access and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Function: A digital platform for seamless exchange of health claim information between:
- Patients
- Hospitals
- Insurance companies (Payers)
- Third-party administrators (TPAs)
- Government health schemes
Benefits:
- Patients: Faster claim processing and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs.
- Hospitals: Reduced administrative burden by eliminating multiple insurer portals.
- Insurance Industry: Increased efficiency and transparency through interoperable claims processing.
Overseen by:
- Ministry of Health
- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) (Established in 1999)
Polity
2.Cabinet Committees in India
Why in News?
- After cabinet ministers are allocated portfolios, high-level cabinet committees are formed.
Structure:
- Prime Minister’s Decision: The PM decides the number and functions of these committees.
- Membership: 3-8 members, usually cabinet ministers only.
- Types: Currently eight committees exist:
- Appointments Committee
- Economic Affairs
- Political Affairs
- Investment & Growth (Introduced by Modi govt. in 2019)
- Security
- Parliamentary Affairs
- Employment & Skill Development (Introduced by Modi govt. in 2019)
- Accommodation
- Leadership: PM heads all committees except Accommodation and Parliamentary Affairs.
Functions:
- Discuss and propose solutions for complex issues.
- Make decisions on assigned matters (subject to cabinet review).
Additional Information:
- The Cabinet Secretariat manages the smooth functioning of these committees and the cabinet itself.
Environment
3.Green Ammonia Production under SIGHT Programme
Why in News ?
- Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is seeking bids to select Green Ammonia producers in India.
- This initiative falls under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme, a part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
SIGHT Programme – Mode 2A:
- Aims to promote domestic production of Green Ammonia through cost-competitive bidding.
- Green Ammonia produced will be directed towards fertilizer companies.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM):
- Launched in 2023 with a focus on establishing a Green Hydrogen ecosystem in India.
- Targets 5 million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
- Aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, decarbonize the economy, and make India a leader in Green Hydrogen technology.
SIGHT Programme Funding:
- Allocates ₹17,490 crore to support domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and Green Hydrogen production.
Benefits:
- Promotes clean energy production.
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuel imports.
- Contributes to India’s leadership in Green Hydrogen technology.
Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?
Polity
4.Cabinet Secretary and National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)
Why in News?
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met today under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba to review preparedness for the impending cyclone in Bay of Bengal
About National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)
NCMC: Apex body for crisis management coordination
- Headed by Cabinet Secretary, highest-ranking civil servant
- Convenor from Cabinet Secretariat facilitates meetings
- Coordinates among agencies for timely decision-making
- Allocates resources efficiently, prioritizes needs
- Disseminates accurate information to stakeholders
- Contributes to disaster management policies
Cabinet Secretary: Top executive official in Indian government
- Ex-officio head of Civil Services Board, Cabinet Secretariat, IAS
- Senior-most IAS post, 11th on Indian order of precedence
- Term extended to maximum 4 years since 2010
- Cabinet Secretariat evolved from Viceroy’s Private Secretary
- Functions and Powers of Cabinet Secretary
- Chief coordinator of central government
- Chairs Civil Services Board, Committee of Secretaries on Administration, Conference of Chief Secretaries, Senior Selection Board
- Keeps President, Vice-President, and Ministers informed of departmental activities
The Cabinet Secretary, as the senior-most civil servant, plays a crucial role in crisis management through the NCMC. This committee ensures efficient coordination among agencies, timely decision-making, and effective resource allocation during emergencies. The Cabinet Secretary’s multifaceted responsibilities include chairing various committees and keeping top officials informed, contributing to effective governance and crisis response.
Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2023266
IR
5.Strategic Importance of Mongla Port for India
Why in News?
- Mongla Port is crucial for Bangladesh’s maritime trade due to its strategic location.
More Information
- Strategic Positioning: Located at the confluence of the Pasur and Mongla Rivers, near the Sundarbans.
- Access to Northeastern India: Provides vital access to isolated northeastern Indian states like Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
- Reduced Transportation Costs: Significantly cuts down transportation costs and distances for goods to and from India’s northeastern regions.
- Economic Ties: Operation by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) reflects growing India-Bangladesh economic relations.
- Enhanced Trade Cooperation: IPGL’s involvement highlights potential for improved trade and infrastructure development.
- 2015 MoU: India and Bangladesh signed an MoU to use Chattogram and Mongla ports, enhancing connectivity and trade.
- Transit Streamlining: MoU aims to facilitate goods transit from Mongla Port to northeastern India via waterways, roads, and railways.
- Counterbalance to China: Part of India’s strategy to counter China’s strategic presence in the region.
Geography
6.Tanzania Loses Conservation Grant over Maasai Evictions
Why in News?
- The European Commission (EC) rejected Tanzania’s application for an €18 million conservation grant due to evictions of the Maasai people.
More Information
- Land Rights Violations: The Tanzanian government is accused of forcibly removing Maasai communities from their ancestral lands in Loliondo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Rights Groups Applaud Decision: Survival International and Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) support the EC’s move, highlighting human rights concerns and criticizing Tanzania’s use of conservation as a reason for land grabs.
- Similar Actions by Others: This follows funding suspensions by the World Bank and the German Development Cooperation in 2023 over the same issue.
About the Maasai
- Nilotic People: The Maasai are an ethnic group inhabiting parts of Kenya and Tanzania.
- Unique Culture: Despite outside influences, the Maasai maintain their traditions, language (Maa), and religious beliefs centered around a monotheistic deity, Enkai.
- Pastoralist Lifestyle: Their culture revolves around cattle herding, with milk and meat as primary food sources.
- Cultural Practices: Traditional ceremonies like circumcision and earlobe stretching are significant. Jewelry signifies social status and age.
- Distinctive Attire: Maasai wear shúkà, draped fabric, and adorn themselves with symbolic jewelry.
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