PIB Summary- 5th November, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

9th Ayurveda Day

Context

The Ministry of Ayush marked the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, under the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.” The event showcased significant advancements and initiatives, with the Prime Minister launching various health projects. These efforts highlight India’s ongoing commitment to making Ayurveda accessible and integral to global health solutions.

Introduction to Ayurveda

• Ayurveda, a traditional form of medicine, emphasizes balance in physical, mental, and spiritual health to promote overall wellness.
• The name originates from the Sanskrit words “ayu” (life) and “veda” (knowledge), collectively meaning ‘the science of life.’

Historical Development:

• Originating in the Vedic period around 5000 to 1000 BCE, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems.
• It features in ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which document early medicinal and surgical practices.
• Foundational texts such as the Caraka and Susruta Samhitas were penned around 1000 BCE, which were further elaborated in Vagbhata’s works like Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hridaya.

Modernization and Recognition:

• Ayurveda saw formal education structures develop in India during the 19th and 20th centuries, integrating into both public and private healthcare sectors.
• Recognized internationally, Ayurveda influences global traditional medicine practices, particularly in regions like Tibet and China.

Globalization and Policy Support:

• The international spread of Ayurveda is supported through trade and cultural exchanges, leading to its recognition in over 24 countries.
• Platforms such as SCO, BIMSTEC, and BRICS enhance its global policy integration.
• The WHO’s recognition of Ayurveda in the ICD-11 TM Module 2 facilitates the documentation of Ayurvedic interventions and sets international standards for practice and training.

Significance of Current Themes in Ayurveda

• Ayurveda contributes to combating global health issues like non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the impacts of climate change on health.
• It addresses specific areas such as mental health, aging, and nutrition, aligning with preventive healthcare principles.

Focused Areas of Application:

• Ayurveda offers holistic approaches to address health issues unique to women.
• It applies Ayurvedic principles to improve physical and mental health in professional settings.
• Promotes children’s health by enhancing immunity through Ayurvedic practices.
• Integrates traditional dietary practices with modern culinary techniques to enhance nutritional health.

Sustainable Development and Health Coverage:

• By promoting preventive health and holistic wellness, Ayurveda supports broader global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage, specifically contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Nabhmitra Application

Context

Recently, the Nabhmitra application helped fishermen in the sea during cyclone Dana using the Vessel Communication and Support System.

Nabhmitra Application

• Nabhmitra allows real-time tracking vessel positions, course and speed, which enables fishermen to turn up safely to shore during Cyclone weather conditions.
• Indigeneous transponder technology initiative of the ministry of Fisheries, Animal husbandry, and Dairying.
• It empowers two-way communication that couldn’t be done before implementation of this technology beyond Mobile coverage range.
• Developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) being executed through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO
• Traditionally, Very High Frequency Radio Waves and phone calls were used as mediums of communication by authorities to vessels, but tracking a fishing boat in the deep seas was not easy as they were not covered by the mobile networks.