11 February 2024

• Health policy: The World Unani Day was observed on 11 February, the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan.
• Economy: India's fisheries sector developments: PM-MKSSY formalisation scheme covers around 40 lakh micro-enterprises.
• International: The Intuitive Machines Nova-C lander Odysseus was preparing for its Moon mission, targeting the lunar south pole.
• Governance: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana received Cabinet approval, with a 75,021 crore rupee outlay for one crore households.

GS area: Science and Technology (Health, Traditional Medicine)

World Unani Day is observed on 11 February every year to mark the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868-1927), a prominent Unani practitioner and Indian nationalist.

• Unani system: Originated in ancient Greece. Based on the humoral theory developed by Hippocrates (460 BC) and later elaborated by Galen and Ibn Sina (Avicenna). The system identifies four humours: blood (dam), phlegm (balgham), yellow bile (safra), and black bile (sauda). Health is maintained when these humours are in balance.
• Four temperaments: Sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic, corresponding to the four humours.
• In India: Unani is one of the six officially recognised traditional medicine systems under the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homoeopathy).
• Hakim Ajmal Khan: Founded the Jamia Millia Islamia (as a trustee) and the Tibbia College in Delhi. He was a prominent Congress leader and a campaigner for Hindu-Muslim unity.
• CCRUM: The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine conducts research under MoAYUSH.

Static linkage: Science and Technology (traditional medicine, AYUSH, Unani), History (Indian nationalist movement).

GS area: Economy (Energy, Government Schemes)

The Union Cabinet approved PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana on 15 February 2024 (formally announced; rooted in the Interim Budget announcement). Key scheme details:

• Target: One crore households to get rooftop solar installations.
• Free electricity: 300 units per month per household, funded through the scheme.
• Subsidy structure: 60 per cent central subsidy for installations up to 2 kW. An additional 40 per cent subsidy for capacity from 2 to 3 kW.
• Financing: Concessional loans at approximately 7 per cent interest through nationalised banks.
• Total outlay: 75,021 crore rupees.
• Portal: Registration via the National Online Portal integrated with DISCOMs.
• Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The scheme is distinct from the earlier Rooftop Solar Phase-II, which was industry-focused. This scheme is residential.

Static linkage: Economy (solar energy, renewable energy targets, government schemes), Environment (clean energy transition).

GS area: Science and Technology (Space)

The Intuitive Machines Nova-C lander Odysseus was in transit toward the Moon during this period, targeting the Malapert A crater near the lunar south pole.

• Significance: This would be the first American lunar landing since Apollo 17 in December 1972 and the first-ever private sector soft landing on the Moon.
• Lunar south pole: The target for multiple upcoming missions because permanently shadowed craters near the poles are believed to contain water ice in significant quantities. Water ice is essential for future long-duration habitation and as a source of propellant (hydrogen and oxygen).
• ARTEMIS Programme: NASA's programme to return humans to the Moon. Intuitive Machines is one of the commercial lunar payload services providers contracted under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programme.
• India's Chandrayaan-3: India's Chandrayaan-3 mission landed near the lunar south pole on 23 August 2023, also targeting this scientifically significant region.

Static linkage: Science and Technology (space missions, lunar exploration, ISRO, NASA).

GS area: Economy (Energy, Consumer Rights)

The Ministry of Power notified the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Amendment Rules 2024. Key changes:

• Single connection option: Apartment owners in a housing society can choose a single building-level electricity connection or individual flat connections. Previously, the norm was mandatory individual connections.
• Small solar systems: Rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW are exempted from technical feasibility studies, reducing barriers for small-scale adoption.
• Meter complaints: Distribution companies (DISCOMs) must resolve meter complaints within 30 days. Delays entitle the consumer to compensation.
• Relevant Act: These rules are framed under the Electricity Act 2003, which governs the entire electricity sector including generation, transmission, distribution, and trading.

Static linkage: Economy (energy regulation, consumer rights, Electricity Act 2003, solar energy).

GS area: Social Policy, Governance (Legislative)

The government notified amended rules under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021.

• Key change: A couple with a medical condition that prevents use of their own gametes can now use one donor gamete. Previously, both gametes had to be from the intending couple.
• Medical certification: The District Medical Board must certify the medical condition.
• Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021: Prohibits commercial surrogacy; allows only altruistic surrogacy (where the surrogate receives no payment beyond medical expenses). Covers Indian couples, OCI cardholders, and single women (widows and divorcees).
• Gamete: The reproductive cell. In humans, sperm (male gamete) and egg/ovum (female gamete). A donor gamete means using sperm or egg from a third party.

Static linkage: Social Policy (surrogacy, reproductive rights), Governance (health legislation).

• IBSA Fund: India contributed one million US dollars to the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Fund for the Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger. The fund was established in 2004 and has been operational since 2006. It supports development projects in the Global South with contributions from the three IBSA members.
• IT Interception Rules amendment: The government amended the IT Rules 2009 to require the Home Secretary to destroy records of intercepted communications every six months (previously this obligation applied only to security agencies). This brings broader accountability to surveillance activities under the Information Technology Act 2000.