Context: India Post Payments Bank enter into MoU with Hindustan Zinc to offer financial inclusion services to its CSR beneficiaries.

Significance of the MOU:

• The collaboration will ensure in creating a lasting impact on the lives of community beneficiaries around Hindustan Zinc’s operational areas. 
• The key services provided by the IPPB will ensure Financial Inclusion and ensure aid for opening bank accounts, access to pension products, long-term savings, and investment schemes.
• It will further aid in providing support and Empowering 3.5 Lakhs+ beneficiaries covering SHG women, farmers, and youth to become Individual Business Correspondents for various IPPB services.
• It will additionally promote government social welfare Schemes through the IPPB  banking channels and assisting beneficiaries in availing income-generating loans through IPPB’s lending partners.
• With this collaboration IPPB, a public limited company under the Department of Posts, reinforce its commitment to reach out to the last mile with best-in-class digital banking services.
• The partnership also underscores Hindustan Zinc’s unwavering commitment to its social responsibility, contributing to the sustainable development of the regions it operates in, and solidifies its reputation as a leader in driving positive change.

About India Post Payments Bank

• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India.
• The IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018. The bank has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India.
• The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising ~1,65,000 Post Offices (~140,000 in rural areas) and ~3,00,000 Postal employees.
• The IPPB’s reach and its operating model is built on the key pillars of India Stack – enabling Paperless, Cashless and Presence-less banking in a simple and secure manner at the customers’ doorstep, through a CBS-integrated smartphone and biometric device.
• Leveraging frugal innovation and with a high focus on ease of banking for the masses, IPPB delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13 languages to more than 8 Crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages & towns in India.

About Hindustan Zinc

• Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company in Zinc-Lead and Silver business is world’s 2^nd largest integrated Zinc producer and 5^th largest Silver producer.
• The company governs about 80% of the growing Zinc market in India with its headquarters at Udaipur along with Zinc-Lead mines and smelting complexes spread across the state of Rajasthan.

Context: The Supreme Court Thursday asked the Centre to formulate a policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles and to replace them with BSVI vehicles.

News:

• The Supreme Court directed the Centre to formulate a policy within six months regarding the use of the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Tughlaqabad, Delhi, to address air pollution concerns.
• The order followed a plea by the Container Corporation of India challenging the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) directive from March 8, 2019.
• The NGT had instructed the corporation to ensure a phased shift from diesel vehicles to electric, hybrid, and CNG vehicles at the ICD, citing their contribution to air pollution in the Delhi NCR area.

The Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards

• They are regulations established by the Indian Government to control the emission of air pollutants from automobiles.
• The determination of fuel standards in the country falls under the jurisdiction of the Environment Ministry, while the Central Pollution Control Board oversees the implementation of these standards.
• These regulations are modeled after the European emission standards. Manufacturers have the option to introduce vehicles adhering to BS VI fuel standards even before the April 2020 deadline, but post-deadline, non-compliant vehicles will not be eligible for registration.
• The enforcement of these new norms is expected to significantly reduce pollution levels by decreasing particulate matter (PM) emissions, with vehicles being a significant contributor to air pollution.

BS-VI emission norms

• The implementation of BS-VI emission norms has been announced by the Union Environment Minister, slated to begin in 2020, with the aim of significantly reducing vehicular pollution.
• Vehicle manufacturers are required to adopt new technologies to ensure compliance with the BS-VI standards.
• Originally scheduled for 2022, the transition to BS-VI vehicles has been expedited by four years due to the alarming air quality conditions.
• Starting from April 1, 2020, all vehicles, including four and two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, must adhere to the new BS-VI standards.
• Currently, India utilizes BS IV and BS III fuels, contributing to increased levels of hazardous air pollutants associated with health issues like asthma, bronchitis, heart diseases, and cancer.

Context: The Art Institute of Chicago is radiating with the spirit of enlightenment as it celebrates Vivekananda Jayanti 2024, also known as National Youth Day, transforming its historic staircase into a beacon of unity adorned with the immortal words of Swami Vivekananda’s iconic 1893 speech. 

About Swami Vivekananda:

• Swami Vivekananda, initially named Narendra Nath Dutta, was born on January 12, 1863, in  Kolkata.
• He became the chief disciple of the 19th-century mystic and yogi Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
• Ramakrishna Paramhansa founded the Ramakrishna Math, a monastic order, and the Ramakrishna Mission, a worldwide spiritual movement based on Vedanta philosophy. Both are located in Kolkata.
• Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in enlightening the Western world about Hinduism and promoting the ancient Hindu philosophy of Vedanta.
• As a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, he advocated for national integration in colonial India.
• Credited with reviving Hinduism in the nation, Swami Vivekananda's teachings left a lasting impact on spiritual and philosophical thought.

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening

• Swami Vivekananda showed an early interest in Western philosophy, history, religion, and spirituality, displaying a broad range of knowledge. He meditated in front of Hindu deities’ images.
• Met Guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa, adopting the name 'Vivekananda' in 1893 at the request of Maharaja Ajit Singh. He was previously known as 'Sachidananda.'
• Authored books like Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga, contributing to spiritual literature.
• Passed away on July 4, 1902, leaving a significant impact on society.

Contributions:

• Swami Vivekananda introduced the world to Indian philosophies, particularly Vedanta and Yoga, promoting the harmony between spirituality and material progress.
• Emphasis on Education: Advocated for holistic, character-building education as a means of regenerating India and shaping morally upright individuals.
• World Parliament of Religions: Gained global recognition for his 1893 speech in Chicago, emphasizing religious tolerance, harmony, and the unity of humanity.
• Pathways to Liberation: Expounded on the four paths to liberation - Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga - providing practical insights for spiritual journeys.
• Influence on Modern India: Deeply influenced modern India; Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose referred to him as the "maker of modern India."

Associated Organizations:

• Ramakrishna Mission (1897): Founded to focus on value-based education, cultural preservation, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth and tribal welfare, and relief efforts.
• Belur Math (1899): Established as Vivekananda’s permanent abode and the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
• Advaita Ashrama: Founded in Mayavati, Uttarakhand, concentrating on the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta philosophy, book printing, spiritual retreats, and educational and healthcare initiatives.
• Vedanta Society: Inspired the establishment of Vedanta Societies worldwide to improve understanding of Vedanta philosophy and provide a forum for spiritual seekers.
• Bharat Sevashram Sangha: Although not created by Vivekananda, he encouraged its formation. The group focuses on altruistic service to humanity through educational, medical, and relief efforts.

National Youth Day

• It is annually observed on January 12 in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata. The year 2024 marks the 161st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
• The decision to designate Vivekananda's birthday as National Youth Day was made in 1984, and it was first celebrated on January 12, 1985.
• In 1984, the government emphasized that Swami Vivekananda's philosophy and the ideals he lived and worked for could serve as a significant SOURCE of inspiration for the youth of India.

Context:  NITI Aayog organized a National Workshop on "Strengthening Mental Health Services and Care in India" at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore.

Objective:

The purpose of the workshop was to elicit the views of States and other stakeholders on existing gaps and challenges under the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) and also to learn from the States, their best practices, which can further be replicated in other States/UTs with their own contextualization.

Key highlights:

• The workshop was conducted as a part of the NITI–State workshop series, an initiative under the State Support Mission (SSM).
• A detailed presentation by MoHFW, highlighting the present scenario of the National and District Mental Health Program and the upcoming proposed strategies to strengthen its implementation. 
• A detailed presentation by Director, NIMHANS, elaborating the challenges, experiences and way forward under the recently introduced component of Tele-MANAS.
• The delegates brought forth views on strengthening the District Mental Health Program, especially with respect to Infrastructure, HR, Training, Treatment and IEC; developing and scaling-up Primary Mental Healthcare through Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs; and rights of persons with mental illness, including reintegration, rehabilitation and empowerment.
• The participants from 31 States and UTs were instrumental in sharing views from the ground and immediate challenges that need to be addressed.

Status of mental healthcare in India:

• In India, over 80% of individuals do not avail mental health services, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences.
• This lack of access is attributed to various factors, including limited awareness, societal stigma, and the substantial financial burden associated with mental healthcare.
• The economic impact of mental health conditions in India is projected to reach USD 1.03 trillion between 2012 and 2030, as per the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

Solutions:

Convergent Model of Mental Health:

• Shift from the medical model to a convergent approach, considering various life factors influencing well-being.
• Implement holistic models like the 'Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child' approach in the US, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health in schools.

Increased Mental Healthcare Infrastructure:

• Invest in building more mental health clinics and facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Train and recruit additional mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.
• Promote telemedicine and online mental health services to enhance accessibility, especially in remote areas.

Integration with Primary Healthcare:

• Integrate mental health services into the existing primary healthcare system for early detection and treatment.
• Provide training for primary care providers to identify and manage common mental health issues.

Inclusion of Mental Health in Education:

• Incorporate mental health education into school curricula to promote early awareness and reduce stigma.

Mental Health Insurance Coverage:

• Expand mental health coverage under health insurance policies gradually to enhance affordability and accessibility.
• Implement policies ensuring insurance parity for mental health services.

The way forward is to develop an overarching and holistic vision for inclusive and efficient service delivery, adopt an integrative approach by converging aspects of traditional medicine, and augment the mental healthcare workforce by optimizing post-graduate seats in psychiatry, psychiatric social work, and clinical psychology.

Context: India and the US are set to take up a number of sticky trade issues at the trade policy forum meet that begins today (January 12).

Importance of Trade Policy Forum Meeting:

• The US is India's largest trade partner, and India heavily relies on US demand for export earnings.
• India aims to benefit from the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to counter China's influence in the region.
• Closer trade ties with the US can attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amid the ongoing supply chain reset.
• The meeting provides a platform to resolve trade tensions and seek export growth in the absence of a free trade agreement (FTA).

Restoration of GSP as a Key Demand:

• GSP benefits were lost in 2019 due to Trump's trade measures, impacting India's $5.7 billion imports into the US.
• Despite expectations, GSP restoration has not occurred under the Biden administration.
• The demand for GSP restoration is crucial for Indian exporters to regain duty-free status and boost trade.

US Concerns about India's Laptop Import Monitoring System:

• The US questions India's proposed laptop import monitoring system, considering it a non-tariff measure.
• India clarifies its intention to ensure IT products come from "trusted geographies."
• This concern is likely to be discussed during the trade policy meeting.

Boosting Service Trade with the US:

• India seeks a liberal visa regime to enhance service trade, addressing concerns over visa delays during the pandemic.
• Services exports to the US have contributed to lowering India's current account deficit.

Totalisation Agreement Demand:

• India reiterates the demand for a totalisation agreement to provide social security to Indian professionals in the US.
• The agreement aims to eliminate dual social security deductions and benefit the Indian IT sector workforce.
• India has provided the US with necessary data about social security schemes for the proposed agreement.

Generalized System of Preferences

• It  stands as the oldest and largest trade preference program in the United States.
• Its primary objective is to encourage economic development by granting duty-free entry or reduced Most Favored Nations (MFN) tariffs for numerous products from specified beneficiary countries.
• This program operates as an overarching framework encompassing the majority of preferential schemes extended by developed nations to those in the process of development.
• Essentially, it facilitates the duty-free access or reduced tariffs for eligible products exported by beneficiary countries to the markets of donor countries.