PIB Summary- 24th March, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S MESSAGE ON THE EVE OF WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY

Context

The President of India emphasized the National TB Elimination Programme’s achievements and urged collective efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, aligning with the global theme for 2025.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

• TB is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can impact other organs.
• World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about TB and efforts to eliminate it globally.

Prevalence in India:

• India accounts for the highest TB burden globally, contributing to nearly 27% of global TB cases (WHO Global TB Report 2023).

Government Initiatives:

• National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global 2030 target.
• Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative encourages community participation to support TB patients.

Challenges:

• Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB) is rising.
• Malnutrition, poverty, and lack of awareness hinder control efforts.

Recent Progress:

• TB incidence in India has declined by 13% from 2015 to 2022.
• Free diagnosis and treatment provided under Ayushman Bharat and PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Prime Minister pays tributes to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary

Context

The Prime Minister paid tributes to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, honoring his contributions to freedom and social justice.

Freedom Struggle

• Played a key role in the Quit India Movement (1942) and was imprisoned multiple times by the British.
• Worked with Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj and spread anti-British propaganda through underground radio.

Social Justice and Socialist Ideology:

• A prominent socialist leader who advocated for economic equality and upliftment of marginalized communities.
• Championed reservations for backward classes in government jobs and education.

Political Contributions:

• One of the prominent leaders of the Praja Socialist Party (1952) and later strengthened the Samyukta Socialist Party.
• Opposed Congress hegemony, promoting an alternative socialist political structure.

Women’s Rights & Governance:

• Advocated gender equality and representation of women in politics.
• Promoted decentralized governance and empowerment of local bodies.

Legacy:

• His ideas influenced the Mandal Commission (1990s) and India’s social justice policies.

Inspired leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan and Lalu Prasad Yadav in socialist movements.