- LAPIS LAZULI : EARTH’S BEST BLUES
SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY
- A semi-precious gemstone known for its striking blue color, prized historically in art and jewelry.
- Cultural Significance: Used since ancient times, including in Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures.
- Geographic Relevance: The highest-quality Lapis Lazuli comes from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan region.
- Economic Significance: Important for understanding the historical trade in precious stones and minerals.
2. THE NEED FOR UNIVERSAL AND EQUITABLE HEALTH COVERAGE
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- TB incidence down by17.7%(2015–2023); deaths reduced by21.4%.
- Key strategies:BPaLM regimen,Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, TB preventive therapy rollout.
- Integration & Decentralization of Health Services
- Ayushman Bharat, PM-JAY, and AAMs(Ayushman Arogya Mandirs) aim at UHC.
- TB services integrated into primary health; focus on early detection, treatment at first contact.
- Challenges in Private Sector & Health Equity
- 50% TB patients use private care, causingdelays, higher out-of-pocket expenditure.
- TB-MAAY: Insurance support for private care seekers.
- Recommendations & Technology Use
- Use of AI for TB diagnosis, BMI monitoring, linking with NCD screenings.
- Strengthen data systems, reduce cost barriers, promote public-private models.
3. CJI SEEKS DETAILS OF GUARDS AT JUSTICE VARMA’S HOUSE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- CJI Sanjiv Khanna seeks details of security personnel posted at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence overlast 6 months.
- Triggered by discovery of sacks of half-burnt currency notes post a fire in the judge’s storeroom.
- Call and IP details of Justice Varma’s mobile phone from Sept 1, 2024handed to the CJI; judge instructed not to delete/modify data.
- Documents and visuals related to incident made public by Supreme Court, indicating push for transparency.
- Records show delayed police action; Police Commissioner informed17 hours post-incident.
- Three-member probe panel including Chief Justices of two High Courts & one Karnataka judge to examine matter
4. TOWARDS BETTER TB CONTROL
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- India contributes25% to global TB burden;2.8 million new cases/year.
- Over50% seek private care; public sector lacks comfort, private sector lacks standard protocols.
- Modified Care Model & PPP Benefits
- Collaboration enables standard protocols, better compliance and follow up.
- Diagnostics, medicine access, and afford ability addressed through regulated partnerships.
- Drug Resistance & Regulation Needs
- Anti-TB drugs for resistance only in govt hospitals; strict admission protocols.
- Need for lab regulation, standardized reporting, and unregistered practitioners oversight
5. INDIA IMPOSES ANTI DUMPING DUTY ON CHINESE GOODS FOR UP TO 5 YEARS
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- Anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products(Soft Ferrite Cores, aluminum foil, Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid, vacuum flasks, Poly Vinyl Chloride Paste Resin).
- Duties range from$276/tonne to $986/tonne, valid for up to 5 years.
- Imposed to protect domestic industries from cheap imports at below normal prices.
- Based on recommendations from Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
- Coverage & Global Impact Duties apply on imports fromChina, Japan, Korea RP, Malaysia, Taiwan, Norway, Thailand.
- Measures include CIF-based pricing, ensure level playing field for Indian industries.
