• 21 Oct 2024

PM Inaugurates Airports Under the UDAN Scheme

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated three new airports which are situated in Surguja (Chhattisgarh), Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).

• The development of these airports has been carried out under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), which aims to enhance air connectivity in remote and underserved regions across India.

Key Points

• The inauguration took place virtually from Varanasi, marking the 8^th anniversary of India's National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), which was launched on 21st October, 2016.
• Ambikapur Airport (Surguja, Chhattisgarh):
  • Flights from this airport will connect to key destinations like Raipur, Jagdalpur, Jabalpur, Kolkata, and Delhi, promoting regional connectivity and development.
  • The inauguration is a critical step toward integrating tribal communities and remote areas of the state into the mainstream development framework.
• Rewa Airport (Madhya Pradesh):
  • The new Rewa airport is the sixth Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-a licensed airport in Madhya Pradesh, developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
  • This airport will improve connectivity in the state's Vindhya region.
• Saharanpur Airport (Uttar Pradesh):
  • Saharanpur's civil airport lacks its own runway but is now ready for operations.
  • The local administration is working on finalising the flight operation schedule, which is expected to start soon, facilitating economic growth and travel convenience in the region.
• RCS-UDAN:
  • It was launched as part of the NCAP in 2016 with a 10-year vision to improve air travel infrastructure, especially in remote and underserved areas of India.
    • Since the scheme's inception, the first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi.
  • Several iterations of the UDAN scheme (UDAN 1.0 to 5.4) have been implemented over the years, each focusing on different aspects like including more airports, connecting helipads, integrating tourism routes, and targeting regional challenges such as hilly terrains and remote locations.
• Key Versions of the UDAN Scheme:
  • UDAN 1.0: Awarded 128 routes to 70 airports, operationalizing 36 new airports.
  • UDAN 2.0: Introduced 73 new airports and included helipad connectivity.
  • UDAN 3.0: Incorporated tourism routes and seaplane connectivity, with an emphasis on the North-East region.
  • UDAN 4.0: Focused on improving connectivity in the North-East, hilly states, and islands. Added helicopter and seaplane operations.
  • UDAN 5.0 to 5.4: Enhanced routes for larger aircraft, removed distance restrictions, and prioritized quick operationalization.
    • The latest iterations emphasize helicopter connectivity, operational flexibility for small aircraft, and reopening discontinued routes.

Note:

• NCAP: It includes a goal of developing a sustainable aviation framework that promotes the use of alternative fuels, energy-efficient aircraft, and infrastructure, among others.

Kashmir Hosts its First-Ever International Marathon

Why in News?

Recently, Kashmir added another achievement by hosting its first-ever international marathon in Srinagar, attracting over 1,700 runners from across India and 12 foreign countries.

• The total registrations included 469 runners for the 42-km full marathon and 666 for the half marathon, with participants from nations such as Kenya, Denmark, Norway, and the UAE.

Key Points

• The marathon served as a platform not only for showcasing sporting prowess but also for promoting the region's rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, and famous cuisine on a global scale.
• The restoration of peace and harmony has played a key role in enabling the area to host major international events such as G20 meetings, Formula-4 races, and International Yoga Day, highlighting the region's growing capability to attract global attention and participation.
  • To showcase the potential of J&K as a destination for tourism and investment, the government hosted the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar.
    • This was the first significant international event in J&K to integrate the region with the rest of the country and the world.
  • The city hosted its first-ever Formula-4 racing event, with the aim of promoting tourism and providing diverse career opportunities for local youth.
  • Prime Minister celebrated the 10^th International Day of Yoga in Srinagar, emphasising yoga's global impact on health and societal harmony.
• The government has also hosted other business meetings in J&K to attract investment and promote industrial development.
  • In June 2022, the government also held a Global Investors Summit in J&K, which witnessed participation from more than 200 domestic and foreign companies.
  • The summit showcased various sectors and opportunities for investment in J&K, such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, IT, renewable energy, etc.
• These events have demonstrated the government’s commitment to boost the economy and livelihood of J&K. They have also helped to change the global perception of J&K as a conflict-ridden region and highlight its potential as a peaceful and prosperous destination.

Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in J&K

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also a nationally renowned Diabetologist, today released the Jammu related data of the ‘first of its kind’ world's largest survey 'ICMR-India Diabetes 'INDIAB' Study to assess the prevalence of Diabetes in India.

Key Points

Key Highlights from the ICMR-INDIAB Study:

• Survey Scope and Methodology:
  • The Jammu phase of the ICMR-INDIAB study included 1,520 participants from both urban and rural areas, providing critical insights into the region’s health landscape.
  • The survey was conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research.
• Diabetes Prevalence in Jammu Region:
  • The study reveals that the overall prevalence of diabetes in the Jammu region, covering 10 districts, is 18.9%.
  • Urban areas show a higher prevalence at 26.5%, while rural areas report a rate of 14.5%, both surpassing the national average.
  • Additionally, 10.8% of the population in the region is affected by prediabetes, indicating a significant risk of developing diabetes in the future.
• Other Health Indicators:
  • The survey found the prevalence of hypertension to be 27.1%.
  • Generalised obesity affects 41.7% of the population, while 62.7% suffer from abdominal obesity, which is a known risk factor for diabetes.
• Significance of the Study:
  • The findings are expected to guide policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders in developing targeted interventions for the prevention and management of diabetes and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Jammu, as well as across India.
• Focus on Early Detection and Maternal Health:
  • There is a need for early detection of diabetes to control the spread and recommended measures to prevent the intergenerational transmission of the disease, particularly through managing diabetes in pregnant women.
  • The need for a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the community, and individuals to curb the rising cases of diabetes and other NCDs was also emphasised while highlighting the findings
• Health and Wellness Centres Initiative:
  • The government is setting up nearly 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres across India, focusing on the prevention and control of NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.

Diabetes

• Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a medical disorder characterised by insufficient insulin production or an abnormal response to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels.
• While 70–110 mg/dL fasting blood glucose is considered normal, blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher is defined as diabetes.

Types of Diabetes
	Type 1 Diabetes	Type 2 Diabetes
Causes	In this, the pancreas does not make insulin, because the body’s immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that make insulin.	In this, the pancreas makes less insulin and the body becomes resistant to insulin
Prevalence	Type 1 diabetes affects about 5-10% of people with diabetes, typically developing before age 30, though it can occur later in life.	Type 2 diabetes is more common but typically begins after age 30 and increases with age
Prevention	Cannot be prevented.	Can be prevented with lifestyle changes.

• Initiatives to Tackle Diabetes:
  • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
  • World Diabetes Day
  • Global Diabetes Compact

Kashi to Emerge as a Big Centre of Healthcare

Why in News?

Recently, during his visit to Varanasi, the Prime Minister inaugurated the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital.

• Kashi, traditionally known as a hub of religion and spirituality, is now also emerging as a significant healthcare center. The hospital's establishment represents a fusion of modern healthcare and spiritual heritage.

Key Points

• The newly inaugurated hospital will conduct 30,000 free eye surgeries annually for patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, following a cross-subsidization model where 75% of surgeries will be free and funded through the revenue generated from paying patients who constitute 25% of the beneficiaries.
• The facility will cater to the eye care needs of elderly individuals, children, and people from 20 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as residents of nearby states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Other Launched Projects:
  • PM’s visit to Varanasi included launching several development initiatives valued at over ₹6,700 crore, including multiple airport projects.
  • At the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, he laid the foundation for the expansion of the runway, a new terminal building, and associated infrastructure at an estimated cost of ₹2,870 crore.

Note

• Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
• The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shivatemples.
• The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning “Ruler of The Universe”.

UCC in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, expected to be enacted on the state's foundation day, 9^th November, will introduce several new legal requirements and penalties concerning marriage and live-in relationships.

Key Points

• The proposed UCC aims to modernise legal practices in Uttarakhand, addressing issues related to marriage registration, inheritance, and legal procedures while also simplifying processes through the use of technology.
• Key Aspects of the Proposed Law Include the Following:
  • Marriage and Live-in Relationship Registration:
    • It will be mandatory for married couples to register their marriages within six months of the UCC's implementation.
    • Couples in live-in relationships must register their relationship within one month of the notification.
    • Failure to comply with these requirements will result in penalties. Couples who do not register their marriages within the stipulated time will be ineligible for government welfare schemes.
    • Those who have already registered their marriage in other states must update their records in Uttarakhand.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • If couples fail to register their live-in relationship within one month, they could face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both.
  • Providing false information will result in penalties of up to three months in jail, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
  • Complete failure to register a marriage or live-in relationship may lead to a jail term of up to six months, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
  • Landlords who rent properties to unregistered couples and deliberately conceal information may also face legal action.
• Provisions for Children and Maintenance:
  • Under the UCC, any child born out of a live-in relationship will be considered legitimate.
  • In cases of desertion, the woman will be entitled to claim maintenance from her partner.
  • Although the UCC ensures confidentiality for live-in couples, it requires that parents of individuals aged 18 to 21 be informed about their live-in relationship.
• Property Rights and Inheritance:
  • The UCC proposes changes to inheritance laws to address concerns raised by elderly parents, who often find themselves alone in villages after their children migrate to cities.
  • The law suggests that the deceased's movable and immovable property be divided into four parts, with shares allocated to the wife, children, and parents, treating each as a separate unit.
  • Thousands of suggestions regarding inheritance were considered, including issues where elderly parents were left without support after the death of their son.
• Simplifying Legal Procedures:
  • A new mobile app will facilitate the registration process for marriages and live-in relationships. The app will allow couples to register without needing to visit government offices.
  • Additionally, the app will simplify the process of drafting and updating a will, making it possible for individuals to make changes to their will at any time.