Daily Prelims Notes 14 March 2025

  • March 14, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN
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Daily Prelims Notes

14 March 2025

Table Of Contents

  1. What is Hantavirus and how does it spread?
  2. ISRO Successfully Undocks SpaDeX Satellites in First Attempt
  3. Hubs for Quantum Technology Development Made Operational
  4. PMJAY Fraud and Regulatory Concerns
  5. Guterres visits Bangladesh to assess state of Rohingyas

 

 

1. What is Hantavirus and how does it spread?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

  • The recent passing of Betsy Hackman, wife of renowned American actor Gene Hackman, has brought global attention to the dangers of hantavirus infections.

What is Hantavirus?

  • Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause serious and potentially fatal diseases in humans, such as:
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): A severe respiratory illness with high fatality rates.
  • Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): Characterized by internal bleeding, kidney failure, and flu-like symptoms.
  • Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through rodents, particularly species such as: Deer mice, White-footed mice, Rice rats and Cotton rats.
  • Modes of Transmission:
    • Aerosolization: The most common way humans contract the virus, occurring when infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva mix with dust and become airborne. This typically happens when cleaning or disturbing rodent-infested areas.
    • Direct Contact: Handling infected rodents or their waste.
    • Bites: Though rare, rodent bites can transmit the virus.
  • High-risk groups include:
    • Farmers, construction workers, and campers exposed to rodent habitats.
    • Children under five, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should avoid handling pet rodents, as per CDC guidelines.

Is There a Cure?

  • Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections. However, supportive care is essential:
    • Oxygen therapy to assist with breathing difficulties.
    • Mechanical ventilation in severe cases.
    • Early detection and immediate hospitalization can improve survival rates.

2. ISRO Successfully Undocks SpaDeX Satellites in First Attempt

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully undocked two satellites under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission in its first attempt. This marks another major milestone after the successful docking operation in January 2024, making India the fourth country to achieve this feat after the U.S., Russia, and China.

About SPADEX:

  • SPADEX or Space Docking Experiment is a twin spacecraft mission being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation to mature technologies related to orbital rendezvous, docking, formation flying, with scope of applications in human spaceflight, in-space satellite servicing and other proximity operations
  • The SPADEX mission involves a spacecraft with two components – Chaser and Target. 
  • SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg, will demonstrate in-orbit docking and undocking capabilities.
  • These satellites will rendezvous in low Earth orbit and perform intricate manoeuvres to dock and undock, showcasing advanced space docking technology.
  • The ‘Chaser’ and ‘Target’ will initially maintain a 10-20 km separation, eventually reducing it to 3 meters for docking. Post-docking, the mission will demonstrate power transfer and undocking procedures.
  • ‘Chaser’ carries a high-resolution camera.
  • ‘Target’ is equipped with a miniature multispectral payload and a radiation monitor.
  • The mission is a precursor to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and Chandrayaan-4, laying the foundation for advanced in-orbit operations.
  • Payloads on POEM-4:
    • Relocatable Robotic Manipulator: Demonstrates a robotic arm using an inchworm walking technique, a key innovation for space operations.
  • Biological Experiments:
    • Growth of cowpea seeds and spinach cells in microgravity to study plant physiology.
    • Measurement of gut bacterium growth to enhance understanding of astronaut health.
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Payloads like GLX-SQ and Varuna aim to demonstrate high-resolution imaging technologies for earth monitoring.

3. Hubs for Quantum Technology Development Made Operational

Sub: Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT and Computer

Why in News

  • The Indian government has established four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) to advance quantum computer technology as part of the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

National Quantum Mission (NQM):

  • The National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to foster the development of quantum computing, communication, measurement, and sensing technologies.
  • Implementation: By the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology.
  • Timeline: 2023–2031.
  • Focus Areas: Development of Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Materials.
  • Building infrastructure for high-performance quantum computers (up to 1,000 qubits) and satellite-based secure quantum communications across India.

Establishment of Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs):

  • Four T-Hubs set up in leading institutions:
  1. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru – Quantum computing.
  2. IIT Bombay – Quantum communication.
  3. IIT Delhi – Quantum sensing and metrology.
  4. IIT Madras – Quantum materials and devices.
  • IIT Kanpur designated as the management coordinating centre for these hubs.
  • T-Hubs comprise 14 technical groups covering 17 States and 2 Union Territories.
  • Total allocation for FY 2024-25: ₹1,500 crore.
  • Top recipient states:
    • Uttar Pradesh: ₹28.7 crore (highest allocation).
    • Maharashtra: ₹3.34 crore.
    • Karnataka: ₹3.7 crore.

4. PMJAY Fraud and Regulatory Concerns

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Health

Key Points:

  • Fraudulent Activities in PMJAY:
    • 600 hospitals to be suspended due to fraudulent activities.
    • 1,113 hospitals removed from the panel.
    • Penalties of ₹122 crore to be imposed on 1,504 hospitals.
    • Recommendations were made by the National Health Authority’s anti-fraud unit.
  • Need for Regulation:
    • Stronger regulatory measures are needed to tackle fraud in the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
    • The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare highlighted the necessity of addressing systemic fraud and unethical practices.
  • Government Response:
    • The National Health Authority (NHA) follows a zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and abuse.
    • Measures are being taken to prevent, detect, and categorize different fraud types.
  • AB-PMJAY Benefits:
    • Provides annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospital treatment.
    • Benefits 12.37 crore families, covering about 40% of India’s population.
  • Future Recommendations:
    • A proactive, data-driven monitoring system is required to identify fraud early.
    • Adoption of AI-based technologies, digital tools, and analytics to prevent fraud.
    • The NHA should take corrective measures to address regulatory shortcomings.

National Health Agency (NHA)

  • National Health Agency was restructured as the “National Health Authority” for better implementation of Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
  • It is an attached office to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
  • It replaced multi-tier decision making structure of National health Agency and has been replaced with the Governing Board chaired by the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India which will enable the decision making at a faster pace, required for smooth implementation of the scheme.
  • It will have due representations from the Government, domain experts, etc. Besides, the States shall also be represented in the Governing Board on rotational basis.
  • It will have full accountability, authority and mandate to implement PM-JAY through an efficient, effective and transparent decision-making process.

Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This initiative has been designed to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its underlining commitment, which is to “leave no one behind.”

Ayushman Bharat is an attempt to move from sectoral and segmented approach of health service delivery to a comprehensive need-based health care service. This scheme aims to undertake path breaking interventions to holistically address the healthcare system (covering prevention, promotion and ambulatory care) at the primary, secondary and tertiary level. 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)

Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)

  • In February 2018, the Government of India announced the creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming the existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres. These centres are to deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) bringing healthcare closer to the homes of people. They cover both, maternal and child health services and non-communicable diseases, including free essential drugs and diagnostic services.
  • Health and Wellness Centers are envisaged to deliver an expanded range of services to address the primary health care needs of the entire population in their area, expanding access, universality and equity close to the community. The emphasis of health promotion and prevention is designed to bring focus on keeping people healthy by engaging and empowering individuals and communities to choose healthy behaviours and make changes that reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases and morbidities.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)

  • AB-PMJAY was launched by the Prime Minister on 23rd September, 2018.
  • It is the “world’s largest government funded healthcare program” targeting more than 50 crore beneficiaries.
    • Over 10.74 crore vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits.
  • It provides a cover of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
    • The family cap is of five members.
  • It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days of post- hospitalization expenses such as diagnostics and medicines.
  • PMJAY provides cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.
  • NHA is the apex implementing agency of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
  • PM-JAY offers 1,949 treatment procedures across 27 medical specialties.
  • Eligibility:
    • The households included are based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas respectively.
    • The coverage mentioned under PM-JAY, therefore, also includes families that were covered in RSBY but are not present in the SECC 2011 database.
  • Cover Under PM-JAY-includes all expenses incurred on the following components of the treatment.
    • Medical examination, treatment and consultation
    • Pre-hospitalization
    • Medicine and medical consumables
    • Non-intensive and intensive care services
    • Diagnostic and laboratory investigations
    • Medical implantation services (where necessary)
    • Accommodation benefits.
    • Food services
    • Complications arising during treatment
    • Post-hospitalization follow-up care up to 15 days

5. Guterres visits Bangladesh to assess state of Rohingyas

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

  • Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh to assess the situation of the Rohingya refugees.
  • This visit comes at a time of growing concern over the potential reduction of aid to the refugees, following the United States’ decision to shut down USAID operations in the region.

Background:

  • The Rohingya crisis emerged after a military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017, forcing over 700,000 Rohingya refugees to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.
  • The refugees have since lived in crowded camps like the one in Cox’s Bazar, one of the world’s largest refugee settlements. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with limited resources and growing dependency on international aid.
  • The UN has condemned Myanmar for ethnic cleansing. Myanmar is facing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for genocide.

About Rohingyas:

  • The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority ethnic group, primarily from the Rakhine state of Myanmar, who have faced persecution due to their religion and ethnicity.
  • The Rohingyas are stateless due to Myanmar’s 1982 Citizenship Law, which denies them citizenship.
  • They have been subjected to violence, discrimination, and forced displacement, especially during the 2017 military crackdown, which led to over 700,000 refugees fleeing toBangladesh.

UN Secretary-General (UNSG):

  • The UNSG is the chief administrative officer of the United Nationsand plays a crucial role in promoting peace, security, and international cooperation.
  • The UNSG is appointed by the UN General Assemblyon the recommendation of the UN Security Council.
  • To be selected as a UN Secretary-General, a candidate must receive the votes of at least 9 members of the United Nations Security Council, with no vetoes from permanent members (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China).
  • The current term of the Secretary-General is five years, with a possibility to be re-appointed for a second five-year term.
  • The UNSG operates under the principles of neutrality and impartiality, as outlined in the UN Charter, ensuring that decisions and actions are not influenced by member states.
Prelims Notes