21 Oct 2023 : PIB
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
21-Oct -2023
1. THIRD PROJECT 15B INDIGENOUS DESTROYER IMPHAL DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY
Topic: GS3 – defence sector
Context:
- Yard 12706 (Imphal), a Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October, 2023.
- It is the third ship in the Project 15B series and follows the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers.
About indigenous destroyer IMPHAL:
- Name: Indigenous destroyer “IMPHAL.”
- Type: Guided missile destroyer.
- Project: Part of Project 15B, a follow-on to the Kolkata class (Project 15A) destroyers.
- Builder: Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai.
- Displacement: 7,400 tons.
- Length: Approximately 164 meters.
- Speed: Capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h) with a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system.
- Weapons and Sensors: Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
- Significance: The delivery of IMPHAL represents the “AatmaNirbharBharat” (self-reliant India) initiative and enhances India’s maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
PROJECT 15B:
Project 15B refers to a class of guided missile destroyers being built for the Indian Navy. These destroyers are a follow-on to the Project 15A Kolkata-class destroyers and are part of India’s efforts to strengthen its naval capabilities. Here are some key points about Project 15B:
- Purpose: Project 15B aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s surface warfare capabilities by adding advanced guided missile destroyers to its fleet.
- Construction: The destroyers in Project 15B are constructed at Indian shipyards, emphasizing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
- Features: Project 15B destroyers are designed to be highly advanced and technologically sophisticated warships with a focus on stealth, firepower, and versatility.
- Armament: They are equipped with a variety of advanced weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and more.
- Indigenous Content: These ships typically have a significant indigenous content, including various weapon systems and components produced by Indian defense companies.
Multiple-choice question:Â
Which of the following statements is true regarding Project 15B?
Select the correct option from the following:
- Project 15B is a space exploration mission aimed at landing a rover on Mars.
- Project 15B is a flagship infrastructure development initiative for building highways in India.
- Project 15B is a naval warship construction program undertaken by the Indian Navy.
- Project 15B is a social welfare program designed to provide healthcare services in rural areas of India.
Answer:Â Option C – Project 15B is a naval warship construction program undertaken by the Indian Navy.
Explanation:
- Project 15B refers to the construction of guided-missile destroyers for the Indian Navy. These advanced warships are designed to enhance India’s naval capabilities and are part of the Indian Navy’s modernization and expansion efforts.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1969435
2. STPI sets up state-of-the-art incubation facility at its Gurugram campus to promote entrepreneurship in Blockchain Technology
Topic: GS3 – Science and technology
Context:
- The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary, Shri S Krishnan, inaugurated the Apiary Center of Entrepreneurship (CoE) at STPI-Gurugram, a state-of-the-art incubation facility.
- Apiary is one of the Centers of Excellence (CoEs) under Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) with a focus on Blockchain Technology.Â
What is Blockchain technology:
- Blockchain technology is a decentralized system of recording and verifying transactions across a network of computers.
- It utilizes cryptography for secure and immutable data storage. Each block in the chain contains a set of transactions, and they are linked chronologically.
- Each block in a blockchain contains a set of transactions, and these blocks are linked together in a chronological order, forming a chain.
- Transactions on a blockchain are transparent and can be viewed by all participants on the network while maintaining user privacy through encryption.
- It is often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, where the blockchain records all Bitcoin transactions.
Potential uses of Blockchain technology:
- Cryptocurrencies: Blockchain is the underlying technology for digital currencies like Bitcoin, enabling secure and transparent transactions.
- Supply Chain: It can track the origin and movement of products, enhancing transparency and reducing fraud in supply chains.
- Smart Contracts: Self-executing contracts automate agreement terms, ensuring trust and accuracy in various industries.
- Identity Verification: Blockchain can securely store and verify identities, reducing identity theft.
- Voting Systems: Enhances election security and transparency by recording votes immutably.
- Healthcare: Enables secure and interoperable health data sharing.
- Cross-Border Payments: Reduces costs and speeds up cross-border transactions.
- Intellectual Property: Protects intellectual property rights by recording ownership on the blockchain.
- Energy Trading: Supports peer-to-peer energy trading in decentralized grids.
- Notary Services: Authenticates documents and prevents tampering.
- Education: Verifies academic credentials and certifications.
Question: In the context of governance and technology, discuss the potential applications and challenges of blockchain technology in India.
Source: Â https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1969482
3. 26 crore Ayushman Cards created under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
Topic: GS2 – Government initiatives.
Context:
- The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) achieved a significant milestone by issuing 26 crore Ayushman cards on 19th October 2023.
 Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):
- Launched:September 23, 2018
- Objective:To provide health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 10.74 crores poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) that form bottom 40% of the Indian population.
- Coverage:The scheme covers a wide range of secondary and tertiary care procedures, including:
- Inpatient care
- Emergency care
- Day care procedures
- Pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses
- Transport allowance
- Eligibility:To be eligible for the scheme, a family must have an annual income of less than ₹1 lakh. Families that are already covered under any other government health insurance scheme are also eligible.
- Benefits:The scheme provides cashless benefits to beneficiaries at empanelled hospitals across the country. Beneficiaries can avail of the benefits by simply presenting their Ayushman Bharat card at any empanelled hospital.
- Implementation:The scheme is being implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Multiple-choice question:
Which of the following statements about Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) are correct?Â
- AB PM-JAY is a healthcare scheme providing coverage of Rs. 10 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- It is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) in India.
- The scheme is exclusively designed for urban populations.
- The primary focus of AB PM-JAY is on preventive healthcare services.
Select the correct option from the following:
- Only one statement is correct
- Only two statement are correct
- Only three statement are correct
- All statements are correct.
Answer:Â Option A – Only one statements is correctÂ
Explanation:
- SAB PM-JAY provides healthcare coverage of Rs. 10 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
- AB PM-JAY is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) in India.
- AB PM-JAY is not exclusively for urban populations.
- Its primary focus is on providing financial protection and healthcare services, rather than preventive healthcare.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1969429
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