PIB Summary- 4th April, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Union Health Ministry launches myCGHS iOS app

Context

The news is about the launch of the myCGHS app for iOS devices, enhancing access to healthcare services for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries with features like appointment booking and lab report access.

Additional information on this news:

• Shri Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched the myCGHS app for iOS devices.
• The app aims to improve access to Electronic Health Records and resources for Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) beneficiaries.
• Union Health Secretary expressed enthusiasm for the launch, emphasizing its role in enhancing healthcare services.
• Developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) Himachal Pradesh and NIC Health Team, the app offers various features.
• Services include appointment booking, downloading CGHS card, accessing lab reports, medicine history, claim status, referral details, and locating wellness centers, hospitals, labs, and dental units.
• The app prioritizes security with features like 2-factor authentication and mPIN.
• This marks a milestone in digital healthcare for CGHS.
• The app will be available for free on both iOS and Android platforms.

Digital governance in Healthcare:

• Enhances accessibility and affordability of healthcare services to remote and underserved areas.
• Improves efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery through digital health records and telemedicine.
• Facilitates data-driven decision-making for public health interventions and policy formulation.
• Enables better coordination among healthcare providers and enhances patient outcomes.
• Empowers individuals with access to health information and self-management tools.

Challenges in Implementing Digital Governance:

• Ensuring data privacy and security to protect sensitive healthcare information.
• Bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to digital healthcare services.
• Building and maintaining robust digital infrastructure in resource-constrained settings.
• Addressing interoperability issues to enable seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems.
• Overcoming resistance to change and ensuring buy-in from healthcare professionals and stakeholders.

Way Forward:

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks to safeguard data privacy and security.
• Investing in digital infrastructure and capacity building, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.
• Promoting public-private partnerships to leverage technology innovations for healthcare delivery.
• Encouraging adoption of interoperable standards to facilitate data exchange and integration.
• Continuous monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact of digital governance initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

Launch of the report on energy transitions to achieve India’s net-zero targets

Context

IIM Ahmedabad launches a report on India’s path to net-zero emissions by 2070, emphasizing diverse energy pathways, continued coal use, and substantial reliance on nuclear and renewables, requiring Rs 150-200 lakh Crore investment.

Additional information on this news:

• The report “Synchronizing Energy Transitions towards Possible Net-Zero for India” was launched in New Delhi on April 3rd, 2024, spearheaded by IIM Ahmedabad and supervised by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, funded by NPCIL.
• It aims to analyze India’s journey towards net-zero emissions by 2070, emphasizing a comprehensive strategy.
• Key findings of the report are as follows:
  • Net-zero requires multiple pathways with diverse technologies.
  • Coal will remain integral for the next two decades.
  • Substantial nuclear and renewable energy are essential for net-zero by 2070.
  • Electricity sector must decarbonize well before 2070.
  • Emissions in 2070 estimated between 0.56 and 1.0 btCO2, with sequestration to fill the gap.
  • Coal phase-down necessitates active policies on critical minerals and carbon removal.
  • Clean, affordable electricity achievable with nuclear and renewables.
  • Widespread electrification crucial, aiming for 47-52% electricity share in TFEC.
  • Financial requirements: Rs 150-200 lakh Crore during 2020-2070, with international funding needed.
• Financially, Rs 150-200 lakh Crore is estimated for the transition during 2020-2070, necessitating international funding support.
• Achieving net-zero involves providing clean, affordable electricity through nuclear and renewables, coupled with widespread electrification aiming for a 47-52% electricity share in TFEC.

India’s transition towards net zero emissions:

• Increasing non-fossil fuel capacity by 500GW by 2030.
• 50 per cent of its energy requirements to come from renewable energy by 2030.
• Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
• Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent by 2030, over 2005 levels.
• Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.

Challenges in India’s Transition towards Net Zero Emissions:

• Energy Transition: Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources poses challenges due to infrastructure requirements and intermittency issues.
• Industrial Emissions: Addressing emissions from heavy industries like steel, cement, and chemicals requires technological advancements and policy interventions.
• Agricultural Practices: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices to reduce emissions from livestock, rice cultivation, and fertiliser use presents challenges due to traditional farming methods.
• Urbanization: Managing emissions from rapidly growing urban areas entails addressing transportation, waste management, and building efficiency challenges.
• Socio-Economic Impacts: Balancing economic growth with emission reduction goals while ensuring social equity and job creation poses challenges.

Way Forward for India’s Transition towards Net Zero Emissions:

• Policy Framework: Strengthening regulatory frameworks, setting ambitious emission reduction targets, and incentivizing green investments are crucial.
• Technological Innovation: Investing in research and development for clean energy technologies, carbon capture, and storage is essential.
• Renewable Energy Deployment: Scaling up renewable energy capacity and integrating storage solutions to ensure reliable and sustainable power supply.
• Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture, circular economy principles, and eco-friendly urban planning can reduce emissions.
• International Cooperation: Collaborating with global partners for technology transfer, finance, and capacity-building supports India’s transition efforts.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of emission reduction and fostering behavioral changes towards sustainable lifestyles can drive societal transformation.