Swachh Bharat Mission Completes 10 Years
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) marks a significant step in India’s journey towards improved sanitation and hygiene. As the mission celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains one of the country’s most impactful campaigns.
SBM was envisioned as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary in 2019, with a core focus on making India Open Defecation-Free (ODF), improving waste management, and driving behavioral changes towards cleanliness. The initiative, divided into SBM-Gramin (rural areas) and SBM-Urban (urban areas), has achieved substantial milestones, including the construction of over 10 crore toilets and declaring more than 6 lakh villages ODF.
SBM 2.0, launched in 2021, aims to create garbage-free cities and manage liquid waste, further enhancing India’s sanitation landscape.
NITI Aayog Proposes Comprehensive Pandemic Preparedness Framework
In response to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, NITI Aayog has recommended a robust framework to prepare for future health emergencies. The proposed Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) aims to provide a stronger legal foundation for managing pandemics.
Additionally, the creation of an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) to oversee pandemic preparedness, governance, R&D, surveillance, and response strategies is suggested. Strengthening disease surveillance through a national biosecurity network and establishing an emergency vaccine stockpile are crucial components of the framework.
These measures aim to enhance coordination between central and state governments and improve early warning systems for better management of health crises.
BRCA1 Testing Gains Attention for Cancer Prevention
The significance of BRCA1 testing, highlighted by celebrity cases like Angelina Jolie, continues to grow in India. This genetic test identifies mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
However, the high cost of testing (₹15,000-₹30,000) makes it inaccessible for many. BRCA testing is often limited to individuals with a family history of cancer, which means nearly 50% of those who may carry mutations are missed.
Early detection through BRCA testing can enable preventive measures, such as regular screenings or surgeries, significantly reducing cancer incidence and healthcare costs. Expanding access to BRCA testing could have a profound impact on India’s healthcare system.
Surat’s Diamond Industry Struggles Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Surat, the diamond hub of India, is facing a severe economic crisis due to global geopolitical tensions. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict have disrupted the global supply chain of diamonds.
Sanctions on Russian-origin diamonds by the U.S. and the European Union have significantly restricted the flow of diamonds into India, leading to a dramatic decrease in diamond exports from $23 billion in 2022 to an expected $12 billion by 2024. Over 50,000 workers have lost their jobs, and the financial distress has led to a rise in suicides.
Despite repeated requests for aid, government support has been inadequate, leaving many families in dire situations.
OCI Cardholders: Special Privileges for Foreign Nationals of Indian Origin
The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, introduced in 2005, offers significant benefits to foreign nationals of Indian origin, including multiple-entry life-long visas and exemption from local registration, regardless of their length of stay.
As of 2023, over 4.5 million OCI cardholders worldwide enjoy benefits similar to those of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), except for restrictions on purchasing agricultural and plantation properties. Recent amendments require OCI cardholders to obtain special permits for activities like research, missionary work, and journalism.
Despite some concerns raised on social media, the Indian government has confirmed that no recent changes have been made to the rules governing OCI cardholders.
Annular Solar Eclipse: The “Ring of Fire” Phenomenon
On October 2, 2024, the world witnessed the spectacular “Ring of Fire” eclipse. This annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around the Moon’s silhouette.
Unfortunately, this eclipse was not visible in India but captivated viewers in regions like Argentina, Chile, and parts of the U.S. The phenomenon is a fascinating spectacle for skywatchers, and the next solar eclipse is expected in 2026.
How Mars’ Atmosphere Went Missing: New Study Offers Clues
A new study published in Science Advances on September 24, 2024, proposes that Mars’ atmosphere was lost due to reactions between its surface rocks and atmospheric carbon dioxide, forming methane. Geologists Joshua Murray and Oliver Jagoutz from MIT suggest that this methane was trapped in a type of clay called smectite, which effectively removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
This discovery has implications for future Mars missions, as the trapped methane could become a valuable resource for sustaining human life and developing energy systems.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Reward for Mithun Chakraborty’s Versatility
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on September 30, 2024, in recognition of his versatile career. Starting with Mrinal Sen’s Mrigayaa in 1976, Mithun transitioned seamlessly between arthouse films and mainstream blockbusters.
His roles in movies like Disco Dancer gained international recognition, while his contribution to serious cinema earned him multiple National Awards. Mithun’s ability to adapt and evolve has made him one of the most enduring and beloved actors in Indian cinema.
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News Source: PIB
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