Here are the Daily Current Affairs Article of 22 August 2025

Here are the Daily Current Affairs Article of 22 August 2025

The IAS Gazette: A UPSC-Centric Analysis of Current Affairs

Date: 22nd August 2025

1. Policy & Governance: Cabinet Approves "PM-JAY SEHAT" for Universal Health Coverage

In News: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the "PM-JAY SEHAT" (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - Social Empowerment and Health Assurance for All) scheme, marking a paradigm shift in India's public health architecture.

Key Details:

• Objective: To transition from the existing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which covers the bottom 50% of the population, to universal health coverage for all Indian citizens.
• Funding: A centrally sponsored scheme with a 90:10 fund-sharing model between the Centre and States (special category states follow an 80:20 model).
• Coverage: The health insurance cover remains at ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• Implementation: To be rolled out in a phased manner over the next three years, integrating with the existing National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) infrastructure for seamless operation.

Analysis for UPSC:

• GS Paper II (Governance, Welfare Schemes): This move aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3) of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. It addresses the criticism of exclusion errors in the targeted approach of the old scheme.
• GS Paper III (Resource Mobilization): The fiscal implications are massive. Questions arise on the sustainability of funding, managing the insurance risk pool, and preventing the scheme from becoming a fiscal burden. It will test India's capacity for efficient health financing.
• Challenges: The success hinges on strengthening the public health system (primary, secondary, and tertiary care), managing hospital empanelment, preventing fraud, and managing the influx of claims. Mere insurance without quality infrastructure is insufficient.
• Ethics (GS Paper IV): The policy embodies the ethical principles of Equity and Justice by providing an equal safety net to all citizens, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.

2. Internal Security: Multi-Agency Operation "Dhvast" Dismantles Cross-Border Drone Network in Punjab

In News: A joint operation by the Border Security Force (BSF), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Punjab Police has led to the dismantling of a sophisticated drone network used for smuggling arms, ammunition, and narcotics across the India-Pakistan border.

Key Details:

• The Operation: Based on technical intelligence and surveillance, agencies conducted coordinated raids in the border districts of Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, arresting 12 individuals.
• Seizures: Includes 20 advanced long-range drones (with night vision and GPS-guided drop mechanisms), 15 kg of heroin, AK-47 rifles, and counterfeit currency.
• The Modus Operandi: Drones were launched from near the international border in Pakistan, programmed to drop consignments at pre-determined GPS coordinates inside Indian territory, which were then collected by local modules.

Analysis for UPSC:

• GS Paper III (Internal Security): This highlights the evolving non-traditional threats to national security. It underscores the challenges of cyber-physical systems being used for terrorism and narco-terrorism.
• Linkages: The narco-terror nexus is clear. Profits from narcotics smuggling fund terror activities and destabilize the youth in border states. This is a classic "Drugs for Arms" model.
• Way Forward: The operation underscores the need for:
• 1. Technological Upgradation: Anti-drone systems (e.g., drone guns, jammers, radar systems) along the entire border.
  2. Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC): The success of this operation is a model for future MAC efforts.
  3. Community Policing: Engaging border villages to act as the "eyes and ears" of the security forces.

3. International Relations: India Abstains on UNGA Vote Concerning South China Sea

In News: India was among the 35 nations that abstained from a vote at the UN General Assembly on a resolution concerning the "Preservation of Peace and Stability in the South China Sea." The resolution, backed primarily by ASEAN members and the Philippines, called for adherence to the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that rejected China's expansive claims.

Analysis for UPSC:

• GS Paper II (International Relations): India's abstention is a calculated diplomatic move reflecting its complex strategic balancing act.
• Why Abstain?
• • Strategic Autonomy: A direct vote for or against could have been seen as aligning too closely with either the US-led bloc or China.
  • Bilateral Relations with China: While tensions persist along the LAC, India is engaged in dialogue to resolve border issues. A confrontational vote could derail these talks.
  • Focus on Indo-Pacific, not South China Sea: India's core interest lies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). While it supports freedom of navigation (UNCLOS), it prefers to address the South China Sea issue through ASEAN-led forums like the East Asia Summit, not the UNGA.
• Implications: This decision will be viewed carefully by Quad partners (US, Japan, Australia) and ASEAN. It demonstrates the limitations of the Quad as an anti-China bloc and highlights India's independent foreign policy.

4. Economy: Core Sector Growth Slows to 3.8% in July 2025

In News: As per data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the growth of the Eight Core Industries slowed to 3.8% in July 2025, compared to 5.2% in June 2025 and 6.7% in July 2024.

Key Details:

• The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) measures the output of key industries: Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity.
• Worst Performers: Cement production contracted by (-)1.2%, and Steel growth slowed to 2.1%, indicating a potential slowdown in construction and infrastructure activity.
• Best Performers: Coal (8.5%) and Electricity (6.2%) showed robust growth.

Analysis for UPSC:

• GS Paper III (Indian Economy): The core industries have a combined weight of 40.27% in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making them a leading indicator of industrial and economic health.
• Reasons for Slowdown: Monsoon disruptions, global commodity price volatility, and a perceived tempering of public capital expenditure in the first quarter are cited as potential reasons.
• Macroeconomic Impact: This slowdown suggests that the IIP growth for July could also be muted, potentially influencing the RBI's stance on interest rates in its next monetary policy committee meeting.
• Stay updated and continue your preparation diligently. Regular revision of current affairs for 22 august 2025 will enhance your performance in the General Awareness section of competitive exams.

Today's Key Terms for Prelims:

• PM-JAY SEHAT
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
• Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV)
• Narco-Terrorism
• Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC)
• Eight Core Industries
• Strategic Autonomy
• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)