Daily Current Affairs 

To The Point Notes

1.NIRF 2024

In News

The Ministry of Education Monday announced the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024.

Key Highlights

• IIT Madras topped overall and engineering categories for the sixth and ninth consecutive year respectively.
• IISc Bengaluru retained top position in universities and research institutions categories.
• IIM Ahmedabad continued its leadership in management.
• AIIMS Delhi remained the best medical institution.
• Hindu College dethroned Miranda House as the top college.

NIRF Framework

• Launched in 2015 by Ministry of Education.
• Ranks Indian higher education institutions.
• Uses five parameters: Teaching, Learning & Resources; Research and Professional Practice; Graduation Outcome; Outreach and Inclusivity; Perception.
• Each parameter has sub-parameters for a total of 18 parameters.
• Overall score based on weightage of parameters.

 

2.Lymphatic Filariasis

Overview

• Also known as elephantiasis, caused by parasitic worms.
• Transmitted by Culex mosquito.
• Leads to lymphatic system damage, causing swelling and disability.
• Targeted for elimination by 2027.
• India has 90% of the country’s burden.

Government Initiative

• Second phase of Bi-annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign launched.
• Targets 63 endemic districts in six states.
• Revised guidelines for elimination efforts released.

Key Points

• No vaccination available.
• Disease often acquired in childhood, symptoms appear later.
• Impacts quality of life and causes economic burden.
• Prevention through mosquito control and drug administration is crucial.

 

 

3.UNESCO Kalinga Prize

Overview

• Established in 1951 by Bijoyanand Patnaik.
• Oldest UNESCO prize.
• Recognizes contributions to science popularization.
• Awarded by UNESCO Director-General based on jury recommendation.
• Ceremony held in Budapest or India.

Details

• Eligibility: Individuals, institutions, NGOs.
• Donors: Kalinga Foundation Trust, Odisha Government, Indian DST.
• Prize: US$40,000 cash, UNESCO-Albert Einstein silver medal, Kalinga Chair with US$5,000.
• Aims to bridge science-society gap.
• Includes various media forms for science communication.

Recent Development

• Indian government withdrew annual contribution.
• Odisha CM protested the decision.

 

 

4.AYUSH Inclusion in Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

AYUSH

• Stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
• Traditional Indian healthcare systems promoting holistic well-being.
• Ministry of AYUSH established in 2014 for their revival and promotion.
• National Ayush Mission (NAM) drives development and accessibility.
• Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) offers integrated AYUSH services.

AB PM-JAY

• Launched in 2018, provides health insurance for secondary and tertiary care.
• ₹5 lakh cover per family per year for hospitalization.
• Covers pre- and post-hospitalization expenses.
• Eligibility based on socio-economic deprivation.
• Targets 55 crore beneficiaries (bottom 40% of population).
• Aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve access.

Integration

• Government is exploring integrating AYUSH packages into AB PM-JAY.
• This would expand healthcare options and potentially improve affordability.
• Discussions are ongoing regarding package design, costs, and implementation.

Benefits

• Increased access to AYUSH services for a wider population.
• Potential for cost-effective healthcare solutions.
• Broader healthcare approach, focusing on preventive and holistic well-being.

 

 

6.Collision Avoidance System (CAS)

Overview

• Technology to prevent vehicle collisions.
• Requires real-time location data of vehicles.

Kavach (Automatic Train Protection System)

• India’s indigenous CAS for trains.
• Uses electronic devices and RFID tags.
• Communicates via ultra-high radio frequencies.
• Automatically controls brakes to prevent collisions.
• Alerts drivers of potential hazards.
• Prevents signal passing at danger.

 

 

 

6.Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana

Overview

• Aims to promote bioethanol production from non-food biomass.
• Implemented by Centre for High Technology (CHT).
• Envisages 12 commercial and 10 demonstration scale 2G bioethanol projects.

Objectives

• Increase farmer income.
• Reduce environmental pollution.
• Create local employment.
• Enhance energy security.
• Achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2070.
• Support ethanol blending program.

Implementation

• Two-phase Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support.
• Phase I (2018-19 to 2022-23): supported 6 commercial and 5 demonstration projects.
• Phase II (2020-21 to 2023-24): supported remaining projects.

Recent Changes

• Extended implementation period to 2028-29.
• Expanded scope to include various lignocellulosic feedstocks.
• Allowed participation of bolt-on and brownfield projects.

Key Points

• Focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly biofuel production.
• Encourages investment in advanced biofuel technology.
• Contributes to India’s energy independence and climate goals.

 

 

7.Consumer Price Inflation (CPI)

Overview

• Measures the rate of increase in prices of goods and services over time.
• Reflects changes in purchasing power.
• Key economic indicator affecting budgets and planning.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• Measures changes in price levels of goods and services consumed by households.
• Used for inflation measurement, policymaking, and indexation of allowances.
• Base year in India is 2012.
• Calculated by Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Impact

• Rising CPI erodes purchasing power.
• Government and central banks use CPI to monitor inflation.
• Influences monetary policy decisions.
• Affects wage negotiations and social welfare programs.