India planning to launch 50 satellites

GS Paper 3: Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenization of technology, Awareness in the fields of Space.

Context:
At `Techfest', an annual science and technology event organized by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India announced that it will launch 50 satellites in the next five years.

The current satellite appears to be a type of military satellite that will be used for detecting troop movement.

Purpose/ Need:
It is aiming to launch 50 satellites in the next five years for geo-intelligence gathering.
It will include the creation of a layer of satellites in different orbits with the capacity to track the movement of troops and image thousands of kilometres of area.
For releasing India's aspiration to become a strong nation, the current size of its satellite fleet is not enough and it should be "ten times what we have today".

What is a Military satellite:-
The satellite is specifically designed and utilized by a country's military or defence forces to support various military operations, surveillance, intelligence gathering, communication, navigation, reconnaissance, and other strategic purposes.

Current Status of India in terms of Military satellite:
With 239 military satellites, the United States is the country with the most in the world.
China with 140 and Russia with 105 also have a significant number of military satellites.
India comes in 7th position in this list.
With the launch of these 50 satellites there is a chance to gain the 4th position provided other countries don't engage in such activity.
According to their size, France, Italy & and Israel are most unlikely to launch any big number of satellites.

Satellite position:
ISRO has found a way by which a layer of satellites can be launched starting from GEO (geostationary equatorial orbit) to LEO (lower earth orbit).
It is also (in) very low earth orbit where our country needs a very critical assessment of some situations.

Different Orbits:-
There are several types of orbits in space, each serving specific purposes. Here are some common ones:-

Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Closest to Earth's surface, commonly used for Earth observation satellites and the International Space Station. It is normally at an altitude of less than 1000 km but could be as low as 160 km above Earth
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Between LEO and GEO, used for navigation satellites like those in the GPS constellation.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Directly above the equator, satellites in GEO orbits appear stationary relative to a fixed point on Earth, often used for communication and weather satellites. Its height is around 36000 KM.
Polar Orbit: Passes over Earth's poles, suitable for Earth observation and reconnaissance satellites. They are at low altitudes between 200 to 1000 km.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO): Maintains a constant angle relative to the Sun, used for Earth observation satellites to capture consistent lighting A satellite in a Sun-synchronous orbit would usually be at an altitude of between 600 to 800 km
Transfer orbits and geostationary transfer orbit (GTO): Transfer orbits and
GTO are a special kind of orbit used to get from one orbit to another
Very low Earth Orbit: Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) refers to orbits that are extremely close to Earth's surface. While there isn't a strict definition for VLEO, it generally includes altitudes below 450 kilometres. Satellites in VLEO experience more atmospheric drag, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain their orbits.

Benefits of having a good satellite network:

Global Communication: Enables seamless and instant communication across vast distances, fostering international connectivity.
Remote Internet Access: Provides reliable internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide.
Disaster Management: Facilitates real-time monitoring and quick response during disasters, aiding in evacuation, relief, and recovery efforts.
Navigation and GPS: Supports accurate navigation systems, essential for transportation, logistics, and military operations.
Earth Observation: Enables continuous monitoring of the planet, aiding in environmental studies, agriculture, and natural resource management.
National Security: Enhances defence capabilities through secure communication, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strategic intelligence gathering.
Weather Forecasting: Assists in accurate and timely weather predictions, vital for agriculture, aviation, and disaster preparedness.
Telemedicine: Enables remote healthcare services, connecting patients and healthcare professionals, especially in remote or inaccessible areas.

Related Search:
GPS
GSLV
ISRO

Prelims Specific:
Purpose/ Need of launch of 50 satellites
What is a Military satellite?
Current Status of India in terms of Military satellite
Satellite position
About Different Orbits
Benefits of having a good satellite network

India’s Lithium Deal with Argentina

GS Paper 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements

Context:
India is on the brink of securing a significant deal for five lithium blocks in Argentina, with negotiations reportedly in the final stages.

Major Highlights:
The Ministry of Mines, represented by the state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), has initiated a preliminary exploration and development agreement with the Argentinean miner CAMYEN.
This agreement is aimed at the potential acquisition and development of around five lithium blocks.
Additionally, the company has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Chilean miner ENAMI, exploring opportunities for mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and commercialization.
Furthermore, they have engaged the consultancy firm PwC to identify viable investment projects in Australia.

Acquisitions in Argentina:

In the past year, India has intensified its search for critical minerals, particularly focusing on lithium, which plays a crucial role in India's transition to green energy, thereby reducing its carbon emissions.
Argentina, renowned for its vast lithium reserves and cost-effective production, stands as an ideal supplier for this demand.
Currently, Argentina hosts two active lithium mines, with an additional 14 lithium projects either under construction or in an advanced exploration stage.
Once these projects are operational, Argentina is poised to become one of the world's leading lithium producers.
The KABIL board previously sanctioned the 'Draft Exploration and Development Agreement,' and subsequently, the Ministry approved a proposal to establish a Branch Office in Catamarca, Argentina.
This move signifies India's proactive steps toward securing a stable lithium supply.

About Lithium-:
Lithium is a soft, shiny grey metal found in the earth’s crust. It is a highly reactive and alkaline metal.
Lithium is a key element for new technologies and finds its use in ceramics, glass, telecommunication, and aerospace industries.
The well-known uses of Lithium are in Lithium-ion batteries, lubricating grease, high energy additive to rocket propellants, optical modulators for mobile phones, and as a convertor to tritium used as a raw material for thermonuclear reactions (fusion).
It is also used to make alloys with aluminium and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter e.g., Magnesium-lithium alloy – for armour plating, Aluminium-lithium alloys – in aircraft, bicycle frames, and high-speed trains.
Due to its utility in diverse applications, it is also referred to as ‘White Gold’.

Status of India’s lithium industry-:
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market was valued at $383.5 million in 2021 and is expected to expand to $152.21 billion in 2030.
India imported 450 million units of lithium batteries valued at $929.26 million (₹6,600 crores) in 2019-2020, which makes the development of the country’s domestic lithium reserves a matter of high stakes.
Scholars have argued that the ongoing global transition to low-carbon economies, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G networks will greatly reshape global and regional geopolitics.
Access to and control over rare minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, will play a crucial role in these epochal changes.

Lithium Reserves in India-:
Lithium ‘inferred’ resources(G3) of 5.9 million tonnes in the Salal-Haimana area of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
Revant Hill in Degana in Rajasthan's Nagaur district.
Around 1,600 tonnes of lithium reserves were found in Mandya, Karnataka.
In addition to that, the government is also running a Lithium exploration program in several other states including Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan.
Pegmatite belts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Rann of Kutch in Gujrat.

Related Search-:
What is ‘inferred’ resources
UNFC-1997
Challenges in the extraction of Lithium
Geological Survey of India
India/ Argentina relations

Prelims Specific-:
About lithium
Applications of Lithium
Where is Lithium Found Naturally?
Lithium reserve in India.
Who owns India's Lithium?
About Acquisitions in Argentina

‘Lakhbir Singh Sandhu’ declared an ‘individual terrorist'

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions

Context:
Canada-based gangster and Babbar Khalsa International leader Lakhbir Singh Langa has been declared an “individual terrorist" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Details:
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it stated that Landa was closely associated with Canada-based pro-Khalistan elements including Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, and Khalistan Tiger Force leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar among others.
He is the 55th individual to be designated as a terrorist under UAPA.
Though present Canadian Government has not been very supportive in recent times in issues related to Khalistani terrorists.

CHARGES AGAINST LAKHBIR SINGH:

Lakhbir Singh/ Landa is a resident of Tarn Taran in Punjab. Now, it is believed that Landa is residing in Canada's Alberta. He fled to Canada in 2017, as per reports.
He is a close aide of Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh.
After settling down in Canada, Landa joined hands with the pro-Khalistan terror organization ‘BKI’(Babbar Khalsa International, a designated Terrorist Organisation)
In July 2011, the first case was registered against Landa for a murder under the Arms Act at Harike Pattan.
Since then, a total of 18 criminal cases have been registered against him including murder, drug smuggling, etc
Some media reports stated that Lakhbir Singh was a main conspirator of the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack at the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali.
Besides this, it is also believed that Landa is a key conspirator in planting an improvised explosive device (IED) under a sub-inspector’s car in Amritsar.

UAPA:
UAPA was first enacted in 1967 to deal with secessionist movements and anti-national activities.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA):
It was passed in 1967.
The Act provided for more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations, and for dealing with terrorist activities.
It was amended in the years 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2019 to add certain provisions relating to various facets of terrorism.

Other Features:

It defines unlawful activity as any action that supports or incites the cession or secession of any part of India, or that questions or disrespects its sovereignty and territorial integrity
Terrorism:- It defines terrorism as any act that causes or intends to cause death or injury to any person, or damage or destruction to any property, or that threatens the unity, security or economic stability of India or any other country.
It was amended several times, most recently in 2019, to include provisions related to terrorist financing, cyber-terrorism, individual designation, and seizure of property.
It empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate and prosecute cases under UAPA across the country.
It provides for the death penalty and life imprisonment as the highest punishments for terrorist acts.
It allows for the detention of suspects without charge or trial for up to 180 days, and for the denial of bail to the accused unless the court is satisfied that they are not guilty.

Who may commit terrorism:
Under the Act, the central government may designate an organisation as a terrorist organisation if it:-
(i) commits or participates in acts of terrorism,
(ii) prepares for terrorism,
(iii) promotes terrorism, or
(iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism.

CONCERN RELATED TO UAPA:
Concerns regarding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) include:

Broad Definitions: Critics argue that the act's definitions of "unlawful activities" and "terrorist acts" are overly broad and can be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to misuse or targeting of dissent.
Preventive Detention: The UAPA allows for preventive detention of individuals based on suspicion of terrorist activities, raising concerns about the violation of due process and individual rights.
Designation of Organizations: There are concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential for arbitrary designation of organizations as unlawful, which can have serious consequences for individuals associated with them.
Limited Judicial Review: The act places restrictions on judicial review, making it challenging for individuals to challenge their detention or the designation of organizations in a timely and effective manner.
Impact on Free Speech: Critics argue that the UAPA can be used to stifle free speech and dissent, as individuals may fear being labeled as supporters of unlawful activities for expressing their opinions.
Confessions to Police: The act allows confessions made to police officers to be admissible in court, which raises concerns about the reliability of such confessions, given the potential for coercion.
Lack of Safeguards: Some argue that the act lacks adequate safeguards to prevent its misuse and that there is a need for stricter oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.

These concerns highlight the ongoing debate about finding a balance between national security measures and safeguarding individual rights within the legal framework of the UAPA.

Note:- In Feb.2023 the Central Government also declared Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF) two organization as terrorist organizations under the provisions of the UAPA.

Related Search:
National Investigation Agency
Improvised explosive device/ Rocket Propelled Grenade

Prelims Specific:
Definition of unlawful activity.
Powers of Centre under the act.
Is judicial review applicable in such cases?
Changes brought about by amendments in 2004 and 2019.
Can foreign nationals be charged under the act?

Interest hike on 2 small savings schemes

GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning.

Context:
The government has increased interest rates on two small savings schemes for January-March 2024, making it the sixth consecutive quarterly hike since October- December 2022.

The rate of interest on the three-year Time Deposit Scheme has been increased by 10 basis points to 7.1 per cent from 7 per cent.
The rate of interest on the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme has been hiked by 20 basis points to 8.2 per cent for January-March 2024.
All other small savings schemes will continue to offer the same rate of interest as the previous quarter.

What are Basis points:-
Basis points, often abbreviated as “bps” are a unit of measure used in finance to describe interest rates, bond yields, and other percentage-based financial metrics.
One basis point is equivalent to one-hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%) Means 100 basis point = 1 %.
For example, if an interest rate increases from 3% to 4%, it has risen by 100 basis points or if it increases from 3% to 3.75% then there is an increase of 75 basis points.

How often does these changes occur:-
The interest rates on small savings, determined by the government.
The government periodically reviews the interest rates of small savings schemes on a quarterly basis.
The Shyamala Gopinath Committee proposed the methodology for determining these rates.
In line with the committee's suggestions, interest rates for different schemes are advised to be set within a range of 25 to 100 basis points above the yields of government bonds with corresponding maturities.
The interest rates of small savings schemes are intricately tied to the yields of 10-year Government Securities in the secondary market

Small Savings schemes:
India offers various small savings schemes to encourage individuals to save and invest. Some popular ones include:-
Public Provident Fund (PPF): A long-term savings scheme with a lock-in period of 15 years, offering tax benefits.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Aimed at the girl child, it provides long-term savings with a higher interest rate and tax benefits.
National Savings Certificate (NSC): A fixed-income investment with a maturity period of 5 or 10 years, offering a fixed interest rate.
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): Designed for senior citizens, offering regular income through quarterly interest payments.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): Provides monthly income with a fixed interest rate, and the investment period is 5 years.
Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): A savings scheme with a fixed interest rate, doubling the investment in a predetermined period.
Post Office Time Deposit (POTD): Similar to bank fixed deposits, with different tenure options and fixed interest rates.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): A pension scheme for unorganized sector workers, ensuring a fixed monthly pension after retirement.
Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): A pension scheme for senior citizens, offering regular pension payouts.

Benefits of Small Savings Schemes:-
Small savings schemes in India offer several benefits, making them attractive options for individuals looking to save and invest:

Safety and Security: Government-backed schemes, such as PPF, NSC, and SCSS, provide a high level of safety and security for invested funds.
Fixed Returns: These schemes offer fixed interest rates, providing a predictable and stable source of returns over the investment period.
Tax Benefits: Many small savings schemes offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Contributions made to schemes like PPF and SSY are eligible for tax deductions.
Long-Term Savings: Schemes like PPF and SSY encourage long-term savings, helping individuals build a corpus for future financial needs, such as education, marriage, or retirement.
Regular Income: Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) provide regular income through interest payments, making them suitable for retirees.

Related Search:
Funds of Govt.
Shyamala Gopinath Committee

Prelims Specific:
About Interest on Small Savings schemes
What are Basis points
Calculation of bps
How often does changes in interest occurs?
About Small Savings schemes
Benefits of Small Savings Schemes

PM SVANidhi scheme

Context:
A total of 57.83 lakh street vendors have benefitted from the PM SVANidhi scheme which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide affordable loans to hawkers.

Overview:
Around 45% (25.78 lakh) of women street vendors have received loans and 72% of the beneficiaries are from marginalized sections.
The scheme, apart from disbursing substantial loans, has also facilitated digital transactions.
This has not only provided financial assistance but has also expanded the market reach for our street vendors.

PM SVANidhi Scheme:

PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) is a special micro-credit facility launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on June 1, 2020, for providing affordable loans to street vendors.
Facilitates collateral-free working capital loans of up to Rs 10,000 for a one-year tenure.
It is a central sector scheme with an entire contribution from the central government.
It Facilitates collateral-free working capital loans up to ₹10,000, of 1-year tenure, with
enhanced loans of ₹20,000 and ₹50,000 in the second and third tranches respectively, on repayments of earlier loans.
Incentivize regular repayment, through interest subsidy @ 7% per annum; and It also rewards digital transactions, by way of cashback up to ₹1,200 per year.
Currently, the scheme has been extended till December 2024.

Key features of the scheme:

Financial Assistance: Street vendors can avail of a working capital loan of up to ₹10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments.
Interest Subvention: Beneficiaries who make timely repayments are eligible for an interest subsidy at 7% per annum.
Digital Payments: Encourages the use of digital payment methods for transactions to promote a cashless economy.
Identification of Beneficiaries: The scheme prioritizes the inclusion of street vendors in urban areas, especially those who are particularly vulnerable.
Help in a difficult time: This scheme was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, hence helping the street vendors to start their work afterwards.
Collateral-Free Loans: No collateral or guarantors are required to avail of the working capital loan, making it more accessible to street vendors.
Mobile App: The scheme utilizes a mobile app for seamless implementation, helping in the identification of beneficiaries and the disbursement of loans.
Credit Facility Enhancement: Vendors who repay their loans on time can become eligible for a higher loan amount in the subsequent cycle.

National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI):

NASVI is an organization working for the protection of the livelihood rights of thousands of street vendors across the country.
Beginning as a Network in 1998, NASVI was registered in 2003 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
The main objective behind establishing NASVI was to bring together the street vendor organizations in India.
It is to collectively struggle for macro-level changes which had become imminent to support the livelihood of around 10 million vendors which stand severely threatened due to outdated laws and changing policies, practices and attitudes of the powers that be.
The Union Minister also appreciated NASVI for providing training to 1,50,000 street vendors in food safety and hygiene and noted the establishment of two Regional Street Food Vendors Training Institutes (SVTI) which will be launched by NASVI in 2024 in Delhi and Patna.

Ayodhya Development Projects

Context:
PM’s visit to Ayodhya comes ahead of the much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new airport in Ayodhya
The Prime Minister inaugurated the redeveloped railway station, which will now be called Ayodhya Dham.
The three-storey structure, redeveloped at Rs 240 crore, is a certified green building and is equipped with lifts, escalators, waiting halls, cloakrooms and food plazas.

DETAILS :
Vande Bharat & Amrit Bharat Trains Launched:
Prime Minister flagged off six Vande Bharat and two new Amrit Bharat trains.
The Amrit Bharat trains, which are a new category of superfast passenger trains, feature the 'push-pull' technology, which increases their speed as well as passenger comfort.
They also have improved amenities, including better seats, roomier luggage racks, LED lights, CCTV cameras and a public information system.

Vande Bharat Trains:

The Vande Bharat Express, earlier known as Train 18, is an electric multiple-unit train designed and manufactured by the government-owned Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
The Vande Bharat Express can run up to a maximum speed of 160 km/hr.
The first ‘Vande Bharat Express’ train was flagged off by Shri Narendra Modi on the New Delhi – Kanpur – Allahabad – Varanasi- route in February 2019.

Amrit Bharat trains:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first two Amrit Bharat Express trains from Ayodhya, equipped with jerk-free technology.
With the help of semi-coupler technology, a unique innovation in train operations, Amrit Bharat trains offer a smooth journey across various destinations running at a maximum speed of 130 km.
This technology helps join two coaches in such a way that it negates the jerk effect when the train starts and stops.

New Airport :
The Ayodhya airport, which is called the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, has been developed at a cost of over Rs 1,450 crore.
The airport's terminal has an area of 6,500 sq m and will be equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually.
Colourful murals depicting different stages of the Ramayana and Lord Ram's life adorn several sections of the airport.
Airlines will offer flights to and from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Ahmedabad to cater to the thousands of people who are expected to visit the Ram Temple every day after the consecration ceremony.

OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS:
Out Of the total development works, projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore are for Ayodhya and its surrounding areas.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate four widened and beautified roads in the city.
The other projects include a medical college, the Ayodhya bypass, solid waste treatment and five parking and commercial facilities.

Litchi cultivation in India

Context:
Litchi is no longer restricted to Muzaffarpur in Bihar, it is now being cultivated across 19 Indian states.
Litchi cultivation for commercial purposes is going on in 19 states.

About Litchi cultivation:

The fruit mainly grows in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
Litchi cultivation is spread across over 32,000 hectares in Bihar alone.
This accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India’s litchi production. Bihar is followed by West Bengal (12 per cent of the total) and Jharkhand (10 per cent).
Litchi cultivation for commercial production has started in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Manipur, Assam, Punjab, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram.
More than 0.1 million hectares of land are under litchi cultivation in India as per the latest official data.

Varieties:
The NRCL is preparing thousands of litchi saplings at its nursery each year.
It is doing so to supply them to farmers in different states.
The centre provides saplings of its famous Shahi litchi, besides popular varieties like China, Gandki Lalima, Gandki Sampada and Gandki Yogita, to farmers in other states.

Agro-climatic requirements:

Litchi, a sub-tropical fruit, thrives best in moist sub-tropical climates, typically favoring lower elevations and can grow up to 800 meters above sea level.
For optimal growth, litchi requires deep, well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter and with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.0.
Temperature plays a vital role; extreme conditions, such as temperatures exceeding 40.5 degrees Celsius in summer or dropping below freezing in winter, can negatively impact litchi cultivation.
Excessive rainfall, especially during flowering, can disrupt pollination and harm the crop.
Young litchi trees need protection from frost and hot winds during initial years to establish themselves. However, some temperature variation is necessary for proper fruiting.

Challenges:
Like winter frost and intense summer heat can limit successful litchi cultivation, requiring careful management and protection for sustained growth.

Warli Paintings

Context:
The triangles, circles and lines in austere white against a mud brown background align to tell stories of village life and the customs and traditions there on walls and canvasses.

About Warli Paintings:
Warli art, originating from the tribal communities of the North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra, has roots dating back to the 10th century AD.
However, its distinctive style gained recognition and appreciation only in the early 1970s.
Suvasini women from the Warli tribe traditionally practiced this art, adorning the Lagna Chowk, also known as the wedding square.

Themes:
Warli art serves as a portrayal of everyday rural life, encapsulating the relationship between tribal communities and nature, their deities, myths, traditions, customs, and celebrations.
Using elementary geometric shapes—circles, triangles, and squares—Warli paintings primarily revolve around the central motif of the square, referred to as "chauk" or "chaukat."
This square often appears in two forms: Devchauk and Lagnachauk.
A prevalent theme within Warli's paintings is the depiction of the tarpa dance, a significant aspect of many compositions.
During this dance, a trumpet-like instrument called tarpa is played in succession by various village men.
Meanwhile, men and women join hands and move in a circular formation around the tarpa player, a scene often depicted in Warli art.

Technique and materials:

The Warli painting process begins with the selection of a design.
Without tracing, artists directly draw the chosen design onto paper or cloth.
Cleverly adapted bamboo sticks serve as paintbrushes, enabling the creation of these intricate paintings.
For colours, Warli artists utilize natural sources like henna for brown and orange hues, dye for indigo, bricks for red tones, and thick rice paste for white, maintaining the paintings' organic essence through materials derived from nature.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri — Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

Context:
Health Ministry released data on the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri — Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

Highlights of Data:

As of December 2023, women represent approximately 49% of the total Ayushman cards issued and around 48% of the total authorized hospital admissions.
Since the launch of the scheme, about 28.45 Crore Ayushman Cards have been generated, with roughly 9.38 crore cards created in the year 2023 alone.
Under this healthcare initiative, around 55 crore individuals from 12 crore families receive coverage.
Several states and union territories implementing AB PM-JAY have expanded the beneficiary base at their expense.
Regarding hospital admissions, a total of 6.11 crore admissions, accounting for Rs 78,188 crores, were authorized.
Specifically, during the year 2023 (Jan-Dec), 1.7 crore hospital admissions worth over Rs 25,000 crores were sanctioned.

About PM-JAY:-

PM-JAY stands as the world’s largest government-financed health insurance scheme.
Launched in 2018, it provides a Rs. 5 lakh sum insured per family for secondary and tertiary healthcare needs.
The Health Benefit Packages cover various treatments, including surgeries, medical care, day care procedures, as well as the expenses for medicines and diagnostics.
Targeting beneficiaries identified through the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, the scheme operates on an entitlement-based model.
The National Health Authority (NHA) allows States/UTs to use databases with comparable socio-economic profiles to tag leftover (unauthenticated) SECC families.

Funding for PM-JAY is divided:-
A 60:40 ratio for all states and UTs with legislatures, a 90:10 split in Northeast states, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and full 100% funding by the Central government for UTs without legislatures.