India Unveils Ayushman Bhav Campaign to Achieve Universal Healthcare Coverage
In a momentous virtual ceremony hosted from the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar on September 14, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu introduced the Ayushman Bhav campaign and the Ayushman Bhava portal. This initiative seeks to streamline healthcare services by ensuring easy access to Ayushman cards for citizens and the issuance of ABHA IDs.
The Ayushman Bhav initiative stands as a flagship government program, offering comprehensive health insurance coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family annually. Its primary objective is to provide accessible and high-quality healthcare to every Indian citizen, regardless of their income or social status.
The rollout of the Ayushman Bhav campaign will occur in phases across the nation. The initial phase will encompass 100 districts spread across 25 states and Union Territories. Subsequently, the campaign will expand to cover the remaining districts nationwide.
The Ayushman Bhav portal serves as a comprehensive resource hub for all matters related to the Ayushman Bhav program. It offers information on program registration, benefits utilization, and the claims process.
The inauguration of the Ayushman Bhav campaign marks a significant stride toward realizing universal healthcare coverage in India, promising affordable and quality healthcare for millions of uninsured individuals.
India Takes the Lead as Bangladesh’s Top Export Partner
India has ascended as Bangladesh’s primary export partner, witnessing exports to the neighboring nation surging to $15.8 billion during the fiscal year 2022-23, reflecting a remarkable 37% increase compared to the previous year.
The principal commodities flowing from India to Bangladesh encompass petroleum products, machinery, iron and steel, and pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, Bangladesh predominantly exports garments, leather goods, and jute products to India.
The burgeoning trade relationship between India and Bangladesh signifies a mutually beneficial trend poised to bolster economic growth and create job opportunities in both countries.
Rajnath Singh Unveils 90 Border Roads Organization (BRO) Infrastructure Projects
On September 14, 2023, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 90 Border Roads Organization (BRO) infrastructure projects, collectively valued at over Rs 2900 crore. This momentous event unfolded through a virtual ceremony hosted from the BRO headquarters in New Delhi.
These projects encompass the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and various other infrastructure developments along the India-China border. Their purpose is to enhance the infrastructure and connectivity in the border regions, thereby fortifying the nation’s security.
Mansi Singh of India Falls Short to Chiu Pin-Chian of Chinese Taipei in Badminton Asia Championships
India’s Mansi Singh faced a defeat in the women’s singles quarter-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships on September 14, 2023, against Chiu Pin-Chian of Chinese Taipei. Mansi yielded to her opponent with scores of 19-21 and 16-21.
This marks Mansi’s best performance in the Badminton Asia Championships to date, surpassing her previous achievement of reaching the tournament’s second round in 2021.
International Monetary Fund and Financial Stability Board Advocate Global Collaboration and Information Sharing for Consistent Crypto Asset Regulation
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) have jointly recommended global cooperation and the exchange of information as essential components in achieving uniform regulation of crypto assets.
Both organizations assert that crypto assets pose potential risks to financial stability and necessitate coordinated regulatory efforts. They also emphasize the importance of establishing global standards for the regulation of crypto assets.
India to Host G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in October
In October 2023, India will host the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting. The event is scheduled to take place in New Delhi and will be attended by finance ministers and central bank governors from the G20 member countries.
Topics of discussion at the meeting will include the global economic outlook, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and the regulation of crypto assets.
Kerala Government Launches ‘1108’ Helpline for Mental Health Support
The Kerala government has launched a 24×7 helpline number, ‘1108’, for people with mental health issues. The helpline will provide counseling and support to people who are struggling with mental health problems.
The helpline is being operated by the Kerala State Mental Health Authority (KSMHA) and is staffed by a team of qualified mental health professionals. The helpline is available in Malayalam, English, and Hindi.
People who call the helpline can speak to a counselor about their mental health concerns. The counselor will assess the caller’s needs and provide them with the necessary support. The helpline can also provide referrals to other mental health services, such as therapy or medication.
The launch of the ‘1108’ helpline is a significant step towards improving mental health care in Kerala. The helpline will provide much-needed support to people who are struggling with mental health problems.
