PIB Summary- 26th February, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Chief Justice of India Inaugurates Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre at Supreme Court

Context
In a notable development, the Chief Justice of India inaugurated the ‘Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre (AYUSH HWC)’ at the Supreme Court, marking a significant milestone in promoting holistic health within the judiciary.

Inauguration of Ayush Holistic Wellness Centre at Supreme Court

• Partnership: A joint effort between the Supreme Court and the All-India Institute of Ayurveda under the Ministry of Ayush.

Cutting-edge Holistic Care:

• Furnishing: The center is equipped to provide state-of-the-art holistic care aligned with Ayurvedic principles.
• Objectives: Aims to enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellness, focusing on comprehensive health promotion.

Integration with National AYUSH Mission:

• Inclusion: AYUSH HWC is integrated into Ayushman Bharat under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM).

Key Facts about Ayushman Bharat (AB):

• In 2018, the Union government introduced two pivotal health sector initiatives as part of the Ayushman Bharat program.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY):

• Focuses on curative care, providing coverage of up to 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization at private hospitals.

Health and Wellness Centres (HWC):

• Aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, AB-HWCs are integral to the Ayushman Bharat program’s primary care component.

National Health Authority (NHA):

• Tasked with the implementation of PMJAY, the National Health Authority plays a crucial role in the successful execution of the health initiatives.

MakhaBucha

Context
The sacred MakhaBucha (Magh Puja) ceremony, one of the five most revered events for Buddhists in Thailand, was gracefully conducted by the esteemed Somdet and other senior monks of Thailand.

MakhaBucha: Religious Celebration in Theravada Buddhism

• Religious Observance: Marks Lord Buddha’s teachings to disciples.
• Timing: Celebrated on the full moon of the third lunar month in the traditional lunar calendar.

Etymology and Meaning:

• Makha: Derives from the Pali word “Magha,” signifying the third lunar month.
• Bucha: Translates to “to worship” in Pali language.
• Combined Term: MakhaBucha refers to a day dedicated to worship during the third lunar month.

Purpose and Practices:

• Aim: Purification of the mind and the commitment to doing only good deeds.
• Observances: Some participants offer food to monks, and candlelight processions are attended in the evening.

Cultural and Regional Celebration:

• First Important Festival: Marks the initial significant religious festival in the Buddhist calendar.
• Regional Observance: Celebrated in countries such as Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, predominantly practicing Theravada Buddhism, also known as “Buddhism of the south.”