9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 17th March, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

India faces challenges in public health education

Source: The post India faces challenges in public health education has been created, based on the article “The challenges of public health education in India” published in “The Hindu” on 17th March 2025. India faces challenges in public health education.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses challenges in India’s public health education and job market. It highlights job shortages, poor training quality, and lack of regulation. It suggests creating more public health jobs, improving training, and setting quality standards to strengthen India’s health system.

How has the U.S. decision to cut global health aid affected India?

1. The U.S. withdrew from the WHO and reduced USAID funding, impacting many low- and middle-income countries.
2. India was largely unaffected because international aid makes up just 1% of its total health expenditure.
3. However, this decision reduced funding for public health development in India.
4. It also shrunk job opportunities for MPH graduates and public health professionals.

How has public health education evolved in India?

1. Public health education in India dates back to the colonial era.
2. The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata was established in 1932.
3. Preventive and social medicine, now called community medicine, became part of medical education.
4. Earlier, most students pursued MPH abroad due to the lack of institutions in India.
5. The number of MPH institutions grew from just one in 2000 to over 100 today.
6. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) (2005) increased demand for public health roles.
7. However, after an initial rise, government recruitment slowed down, making jobs scarce.

What challenges do public health graduates face?

1. Mismatch between supply and demand – many MPH graduates, but few job openings.
2. Entry-level jobs (e.g., research/programme assistants) attract a large number of applicants, making competition tough.
3. The private sector favors hospital and business management graduates over public health professionals.
4. Public sector job opportunities are shrinking, limiting options for graduates.
5. Research and development (R&D) jobs depend on foreign grants, but India is no longer a priority country for global funders.
6. The development sector is underfunded, and the situation is worsening due to the U.S. funding cuts.

Why is the quality of public health education a concern?

1. MPH courses lack mandatory regulation from bodies like NMC or UGC.
2. No uniform curriculum or quality standards despite the Health Ministry’s model course framework.
3. Public health schools compete for students, often lowering admission standards.
4. Many students join without clear knowledge or passion for the field.
5. Public health faculty lack proper training and real-world experience.
6. Some large and populous states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Assam have few or no MPH institutions.

What steps can improve public health jobs and education?

1. Create public health jobs in primary care, state, and national health systems.
2. Develop a dedicated public health workforce at the state level.
3. Set up a regulatory body under NMC or UGC to improve education standards.
4. Ensure practical learning is integrated into all public health programs.
5. Expand public health institutions in states with low availability of courses.
6. India must strengthen its own health development funding instead of depending on global aid.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by public health graduates in India and their impact on employment opportunities.

India’s Health Policies Need Better Primary Care

Source: The post India’s Health Policies Need Better Primary Care has been created, based on the article “From insurance-driven private health care to equity” published in “The Hindu” on 17th March 2025. India’s Health Policies Need Better Primary Care.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses India’s health policies and budget. It highlights how Ayushman Bharat focuses on hospital care but neglects primary health care. It warns against over-reliance on private insurance and suggests investing in community health services to reduce costs and improve accessibility.

For detailed information on Public Health Sector read this article here

How does Ayushman Bharat impact health care in India?

1. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) helps reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) by covering hospitalisation, surgeries, and procedures.
2. However, it focuses on tertiary care while neglecting primary health care (PHC), which is essential for cost-effective health care.
3. PHC reduces long-term costs and prevents diseases, but AB-PMJAY shifts attention away from preventive and community-based health care, increasing reliance on private hospitals.
4. This contradicts the Bhore Committee’s vision of a pyramid-shaped health system, with PHC as the foundation tapering to secondary and tertiary care.

How is the health budget allocated, and what are its challenges?

1. The 2025 Budget allocates ₹9,406 crore to AB-PMJAY, which is ₹2,000 crore more than the previous year.
2. The total health budget includes ₹95,957.87 crore for the Department of Health and Family Welfare and ₹3,900.69 crore for the Department of Health Research.
3. The National Health Mission (NHM), which supports grassroot health care, receives a declining share, indicating the government’s reduced focus on universal health care.
4. The Budget prioritises medical digital infrastructure and medical education expansion rather than strengthening primary health care.

How does the increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) affect health care?

1. The government increased the FDI cap in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%, following a previous increase from 49% to 74% in 2021.
2. The goal is to increase insurance penetration, especially in rural areas, and support the vision of “Insurance for All” by 2047.
3. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) expects more capital and expanded coverage.
4. However, informal workers and marginalised urban populations may struggle with insurance literacy and access to insurance benefits.
5. Without strict regulations, private insurance could lead to rising OOPE due to inflated medical costs and uncovered consumables.

What are the risks of relying on private insurance for health care?

1. The U.S. model of private insurance-driven health care has led to high treatment costs, inequalities, and limited access for uninsured individuals.
2. Claim denials and corporate control over health care have sparked public criticism.
3. India risks similar issues if it relies too much on private insurance without strong government oversight.
4. ASHA workers and grassroots health-care providers may not receive sufficient coverage under current insurance models.

What can India learn from global health care models?

1. Thailand provides universal health coverage using tax revenue and strong public health investments.
2. Costa Rica’s system mandates insurance (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) while prioritising PHC and community-based services.
3. These models show that public investment in PHC reduces long-term health costs and ensures better access to care.
4. India needs to reassess its priorities, ensuring health policies focus on preventive and community-based health care instead of tertiary private care.
5. The government must implement safeguards to prevent private insurance from inflating costs and ensure that UHC (Universal Health Coverage) remains a reality, not just a slogan.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s reliance on private insurance impacts health care accessibility and affordability.

GS PAPER - 3

Starlink faces challenges launching satellite internet in India

Source: The post Starlink faces challenges launching satellite internet in India has been created, based on the article “What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th March 2025. Starlink faces challenges launching satellite internet in India.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology

Context: The article discusses Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to introduce satellite internet in India. Starlink uses low-earth orbit satellites for internet access. It faces challenges in India, such as licensing, security clearances, and spectrum allocation. Pricing and availability details are still uncertain.

For detailed information on Satellite Internet: Working, Advantages and Challenges read this article here

What is Starlink and how does it work?

1. Starlink is a satellite internet service by SpaceX.
2. It uses over 7,000 low-earth orbit satellites to provide internet.
3. Users need a ground terminal to connect.
4. Speeds are around 100 Mbps, but latency is higher than wired broadband.
5. It works best in remote areas where fiber or 5G is unavailable.

For detailed information on Space internet (Starlink project) read this article here

Why is Starlink important for India?

1. It is not very useful in cities where 5G and broadband are strong.
2. It is helpful for rural and remote areas with poor internet access.
3. It can provide instant connectivity without the need for extensive infrastructure.

How much does Starlink cost?

1. A residential kit costs $149 in the U.S. (₹17,000–₹40,000 in India, including taxes).

2.,A portable “roaming” kit costs $349.

3. Monthly plans in the U.S. range from $120 to $165.
4. In Bhutan, prices are ₹4,200–₹8,400 per month, which may be similar in India.

A “mobile priority” plan costs ₹21,000 per month for premium users.

What are the regulatory hurdles in India?

1. SpaceX needs a GMPCS license under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
2. The government requires corporate ownership details for approval.
3. A security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs is pending.
4. Ground stations in India need lawful interception systems for security.
5. Satellite spectrum allocation remains unclear, as telecom companies want it auctioned.

When will Starlink be available in India?

1. There is no official launch date due to pending approvals.
2. Regulatory delays include spectrum allocation and security clearances.
3. Airtel and Jio have signed deals, but final approvals are awaited.
4. Political and trade factors, including U.S. pressure, may speed up approvals.

Question for practice:

Examine the regulatory challenges that SpaceX’s Starlink faces in launching its satellite internet services in India.

GS PAPER - 4

Ambedkar drives social transformation using pragmatic force and energy

Source: The post Ambedkar drives social transformation using pragmatic force and energy has been created, based on the article “What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th March 2025. Ambedkar drives social transformation using pragmatic force and energy.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper4-Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

Context: The article discusses Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophy through the ideas of force and energy. It highlights his engagement with John Dewey’s pragmatism and its influence on his fight against caste and inequality. It explains Ambedkar’s rhetorical strategies and his reconstruction of Buddhism.

How did Ambedkar’s philosophy reflect force and energy?

1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas were driven by the principles of force and energy, which he applied to his fight for social justice.
2. He believed in action and change, not just theory.
3. His philosophy combined pragmatism, social reform, and intellectual rigor to challenge caste and inequality.

What was Ambedkar’s connection with John Dewey’s pragmatism?

1. Ambedkar studied under John Dewey at Columbia University.
2. He deeply engaged with Dewey’s ideas, especially pragmatism and ethics.
3. His copies of Dewey’s books had markings, showing careful reading.
4. Dewey’s concept of moral laws based on consequences influenced Ambedkar’s approach to social reform.

How did Ambedkar use pragmatism to analyze caste oppression?

1. In Annihilation of Caste, Ambedkar argued that caste destroys individual agency.
2. He saw caste as a system that denies people the freedom to make choices.
3. Inspired by Deweyan pragmatism, he explained how caste laws are rigid and based on outdated customs, preventing progress.

How did Ambedkar use rhetoric for social reconstruction?

1. Ambedkar used rhetoric (persuasive communication) to challenge caste and gender discrimination.
2. He turned the 1818 Battle of Bhima Koregaon into a symbol of Dalit resistance.
3. His 1943 lecture on Ranade, Gandhi, and Jinnah used dialectical debate to challenge dominant narratives.
4. He strategically used history and logic to empower the oppressed.

How did Ambedkar redefine Buddhism through pragmatism?

1. Ambedkar rejected traditional, theological Buddhism and reinterpreted it to focus on social justice.
2. In The Buddha and His Dhamma, he argued that Buddha left his palace to prevent war, not for enlightenment.
3. His Navayana Buddhism promoted liberty, equality, and fraternity, challenging caste and gender oppression.

What was the broader impact of Ambedkar’s ideas?

1. Ambedkar’s philosophy was influenced by Buddha, Kabir, Phule, and many others.
2. Scholars like Sharmila Rege and Gail Omvedt explored his role in class and gender struggles.
3. His ideas remain crucial for modern debates on social justice, caste, and democracy.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Dr. B.R. Ambedkar applied pragmatism to his fight against caste oppression and social justice.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

PM-YUVA 3.0

News: The Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education has introduced PM-YUVA 3.0, the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors. PM-YUVA 3.0

About PM-YUVA 3.0

• Launched by:  Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education to nurture young literary talent in India.
• Aim: To train budding authors under the age of 30 to promote a strong reading, writing, and book culture across the country.
• PM-YUVA 3.0 aims to highlight the perspectives of young writers on the following themes:
  • Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building;
  • Indian Knowledge System; and
  • Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)

PM-YUVA 3.0 Features

• Contestants must submit a 10,000-word book proposal, including a 2,000-3,000-word synopsis, chapter plan, 7,000-8,000 words of sample chapters, bibliography, and references.
• 50 authors will be selected by a committee constituted by the National Book Trust (NBT).
• Applicants from PM-YUVA 1.0 and 2.0 are ineligible for PM-YUVA 3.0.
• Selected young authors will interact with renowned writers, participate in literary festivals, and contribute to literature reflecting India’s heritage and progress.
• The National Book Trust (NBT), India, will publish the selected books and translate them into other Indian languages, promoting ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
• Authors will receive a scholarship of ₹50,000 per month for six months (₹3 lakh in total) under the Mentorship Scheme.
• A 10% royalty will be provided on successful publication.
• Authors will be given a platform to promote their books and encourage a reading and writing culture nationwide.

Heatwave

News: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a high likelihood of heatwave conditions in isolated areas of Odisha from March 13-17, Jharkhand from March 14-17, and Gangetic West Bengal from March 15-17. Heatwave

About Heatwave

• A heatwave is a period of unusually high temperatures over a region.
• The threshold for declaring a heatwave depends on the normal temperature in that area at a specific time of the year.
• Heatwaves mainly occur from March to June and sometimes extend into July.
• Regions affected:
  • Interior Odisha, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, South Rajasthan, North Gujarat.
  • Coastal regions also experience heat waves under specific conditions.
• Parameters measured:
  • Maximum temperature
  • Relative humidity
  • Wind speed & direction
  • Atmospheric pressure
• Climatology of maximum temperatures (1991-2020 data) is used to determine normal temperature trends. Heatwaves are then declared based on daily maximum temperature data.
• A heatwave is declared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) when:
  • Plains: Maximum temperature reaches 40°C or more.
  • Hilly regions: Maximum temperature reaches 30°C or more.
  • Coastal areas: Temperature departure is 4.5°C or more from normal, and the actual maximum temperature is 37°C or more.

Heatwave vs. Severe Heatwave

• Based on departure from the normal temperature
  • Heatwave: When temperature departure is 4.5°C to 6.4°C from normal.
  • Severe heatwave: When departure is more than 6.4°C from normal.
• Based on actual maximum temperature:
  • Heatwave: Above 45°C.
  • Severe heatwave: Above 47°C.
• A heatwave is declared if the above conditions persist for at least two consecutive days in two or more stations of a meteorological sub-division.

UN80 Initiative

News: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has unveiled the UN80 Initiative to enhance efficiency within the nearly 80-year-old organization and make it more cost-effective. UN80 Initiative.

About UN80 Initiative

• It is a newly launched effort by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
• It aimed at improving efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and strategic alignment within the 80-year-old global organization.
• The initiative seeks to optimize the UN’s operations while ensuring it remains fit for purpose in addressing international challenges.
• To oversee the UN80 Initiative, Guterres has appointed Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder to lead a dedicated internal task force.
  • This team comprises representatives from across the UN system, working together to drive reform and efficiency improvements.
• The initiative focuses on three key areas:
  

  Enhancing Operational Efficiency Identifying areas where resources can be used more effectively. Improving coordination across different UN agencies. Streamlining processes to maximize impact while minimizing costs.

  Mandate Review and Implementation: Assessing the increasing number of responsibilities given to the UN by its 193 member states. Evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs and policies. Aligning mandates with current global priorities to prevent duplication of efforts.

  Structural and Programmatic Reforms: Conducting a strategic review of the UN’s structure. Implementing deeper, long-term organizational changes to improve governance.

Balochistan

News: The Balochistan train hijacking on March 11, 2025, has drawn global attention as a deadly escalation in Pakistan’s longest-running insurgency.

About Balochistan

• Balochistan is the largest and most sparsely populated province of Pakistan.
• It lies in the southwestern region of the country.
• It is bordered by Iran to the west, Afghanistan to the northwest, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to the northeast, Sindh to the southeast, and the Arabian Sea to the south.
• Capital: Quetta
• History and Ethnic Composition: 
  • The region has a rich history dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages, with civilizations like Mehrgarh (7000 BCE) flourishing in ancient times.
  • Although it was part of Alexander the Great’s empire, the Baloch people themselves migrated to the region around the 14th century CE.
  • Today, the province is home to two major ethnic groups—Baloch and Pashtuns (Pathans)—along with a mixed population of Sindhi origin. The major languages spoken include Balochi, Brahui, Pashto, and Sindhi.
  • Balochistan was officially recognized as a separate province in 1970.
• Geography and Climate
  • Balochistan is characterized by rugged mountain ranges, arid deserts, and coastal plains.
  • The province is divided into four major physical regions:
    • Upper Highlands – Includes the Sulaiman Range in the east and the Toba Kakar Range in the northwest.
    • Lower Highlands – Covers the Makran, Kharan, and Chagai ranges in the west and Pab and Kirthar ranges in the southeast.
    • Plains – Found along the coastal region and extending northward into the mountains.
    • Deserts – The Chagai, Kharan, and Makran deserts, along with the Lora and Mashkel swamps.
  • Balochistan experiences an arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Most of the region remains dry due to its limited exposure to the Asian monsoon system.
  • Rivers & Water Bodies:
    • Hingol River: Largest River in Balochistan, draining into the Arabian Sea.
    • Dasht River: Major River in southwestern Balochistan.

UNESCO Tentative List

News: India has added six new properties to its UNESCO Tentative List on March 7, 2025. With these additions, India now has 62 sites on the tentative list. UNESCO Tentative List

About UNESCO Tentative List

• The UNESCO Tentative List is an official inventory of sites that a country intends to nominate for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
• It serves as a preliminary step in the nomination process, allowing State Parties to identify and prepare potential heritage sites for future consideration.
• A site must be listed on the Tentative List before it can be officially nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Newly Added Sites

1. Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh)
   • It is located in the Bastar region of Chattisgarh.
   • This park is known for its dense forests, biodiversity, and limestone caves like Kotumsar and Kailash caves.
   • It is home to unique flora and fauna, including the Bastar Hill Myna, which is the state bird of Chhattisgarh.
2. Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Telangana)
   • It is a site containing prehistoric megalithic structures, mainly menhirs (upright stones) that were likely used for ritualistic or astronomical purposes.
   • These structures date back to the Iron Age and provide insights into early funerary practices and social structures.
3. Ashokan Edict Sites along the Mauryan Routes (Multiple States) (Serial Nomination)
   • It includes several sites where Emperor Ashoka’s edicts were inscribed on rock surfaces and pillars, promoting Dhamma (Buddhist principles).
   • These sites spread across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka, reflecting Mauryan governance and Buddhist teachings.
4. Chausath Yogini Temples (Multiple States) (Serial Nomination)
   • These are unique circular-shaped temples that house 64 Yoginis (female deities) and are often located on hilltops.
   • They reflect Tantric traditions, Shakti worship, and intricate stone carvings, found in states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh.
5. Gupta Temples in North India (Multiple States) (Serial Nomination)
   • These temples, dating back to the Gupta Empire (4th-6th century CE), showcase early Hindu temple architecture.
   • Known for their shikhara (towers), intricate carvings, and structural precision, they represent a golden age of art and culture in India.
6. Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh)
   • Grand fortified palaces built by the Bundela Rajputs in places like Orchha, Datia, and Chanderi.
   • These structures exhibit a mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture, featuring intricate frescoes, chhatris (domed pavilions), and water systems.