August 27, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 | Explained
Explore India's journey towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) - ensuring health and well-being for all. Discover key health statistics, government initiatives, programs, and challenges faced in improving healthcare. Learn how India's commitment to SDG3 is shaping a healthier future for its citizens through policies and collaborative efforts.
Highlights of the Day
1. Chandrayaan Landing Sites, National Space Day, and Scientific Pursuits
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the landing site of Chandrayaan-3's moon lander will be known as "Shiv Shakti," symbolizing resolution and strength. The location where Chandrayaan-2 left its mark will now be called "Tiranga," signifying inspiration and resilience. Modi announced August 23 as National Space Day, celebrating science, technology, and innovation following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing. He praised women scientists' contributions and hailed India's rise to the top economies. He urged ISRO to conduct space technology hackathons and encouraged students to participate in a Chandrayaan quiz competition. He called on the youth to validate India's ancient astronomical knowledge scientifically [1].
2. India Secures WHO Traditional Medicine Center, Plans Climate Change Health Hub
India secures WHO's first Global Traditional Medicine Center in Gujarat. A climate change and health hub in Delhi, partnered with ADB, is also in the works. The Jamnagar WHO outpost will lead in global traditional medicine, while the new hub targets climate change impacts on health, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration, especially for developing countries beyond G-20. India emphasizes climate-resilient health systems in the G-20 outcome document, highlighting the threat of climate change to health systems and infectious disease emergence. The G-20 Health Ministers' meeting raised concerns about zoonotic spill overs and endorsed collaborations with WHO initiatives [2].
3. PM Jan Dhan Yojana Crosses 50 Crore Accounts, ₹2 Lakh Crore Deposits in Nine Years
The PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) marks nine years with over 50 crore bank accounts and ₹2 lakh crore deposits. From 48.65 crore accounts with ₹1.98 lakh crore deposits in March, there are now 50.09 crore accounts with ₹2.03 lakh crore deposits as of August 16. The average deposit is ₹4,063. The government encourages micro insurance adoption, collaborates with ministries for awareness campaigns, and considers using databases like E-Shram portal for extended coverage. Efforts to offer micro-credit and flexible recurring deposits are also underway. Zero balance accounts dropped to 8%, and digital payment usage surged, with nearly 34 crore Rupay cards issued. Overdraft facilities were availed by 32 lakh account holders [3].
4. Manipur Offers Autonomy to Hill Councils Amid Ethnic Conflict, Focus on State Unity Manipur proposes increased autonomy for existing hill councils to address the ethnic conflict, aiming to maintain state integrity. The Kuki community demands separate administration, alleging state complicity in targeted harm. Manipur's CM N Biren Singh offers greater freedom for hill council administration, hoping for resolution. The Ministry of Home Affairs and AK Mishra engage with community representatives, while dialogue is ongoing for solutions to the hill-valley divide. The state establishes a committee for talks, but it's uncertain if Kukis will accept autonomy due to existing tensions. Manipur's ADCs seek empowerment, as tribal representation in development has been historically inadequate [4].
5. Global Biodiversity Framework Fund Ratified at GEF Assembly to Address Biodiversity Loss
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been ratified and launched at the GEF Assembly in Canada. Governments, non-profits, and the private sector can contribute to meet Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets by 2030. Canada and the UK have donated $200 million CAD and £10 million respectively. The fund aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030, prioritizing Indigenous-led initiatives and supporting Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. Initial donations align with GEF's decision, but $40 million more is needed by end-2023. The first GBFF Council meeting is set for January 2024 to launch conservation projects [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements about "UNESCO World Heritage Sites":
I. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural or natural landmarks considered to have outstanding value to humanity.
II. The Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza are examples of natural heritage sites.
III. Being listed as a World Heritage Site guarantees full protection from any potential threats.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements about "Economic Growth" and "Economic Development":
I. Economic growth refers to an increase in the output of goods and services in an economy.
II. Economic development includes improvements in living standards, poverty reduction, and access to education and healthcare.
III. Economic growth and economic development always occur simultaneously and at the same pace.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q3: Examine the following statements about "Biodiversity Hotspots":
I. Biodiversity hotspots are areas with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism.
II. The "Coral Triangle" is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, known for its rich marine biodiversity.
III. The term "biodiversity hotspot" was first introduced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q4: Examine the following statements about "Climate Change":
I. Climate change refers to long-term alterations in Earth's average weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns.
II. The primary driver of recent climate change is natural variability in solar radiation.
III. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a United Nations body that assesses scientific information on climate change and its impacts.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q5: Examine the following statements about "Parliamentary Committees" in India:
I. Parliamentary Committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing government policies and administration.
II. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is responsible for examining the government's expenditure and financial transactions.
III. The Committee on Estimates prepares estimates of the annual budget for various ministries.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess India's progress in meeting SDG3 health targets. Highlight effective initiatives, challenges in healthcare delivery, and strategies for better well-being. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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