Ayurveda Day 2024: PM Modi's Rs 12,850 Cr Health Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched health initiatives worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore, coinciding with the ninth Ayurveda Day and the festival of Dhanteras. Ayurveda Day, observed annually on Dhanteras, marks Dhanvantri Jayanti. The ninth Ayurveda Day is celebrated on October 29, 2024.

Historical Significance & Celebration

Ayurveda Day observed annually on Dhanteras, marking Dhanvantri Jayanti
9th Ayurveda Day celebrated on October 29, 2024
Dhanvantri, divine physician and Vishnu incarnation, depicted with four hands
Origins traced back to 5000-1000 BCE in Vedic texts
First formal Ayurveda course started in 1827 at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta
Knowledge spread internationally through ancient universities like Takshashila and Nalanda
Influenced Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems
Government initiated Ayurveda Day celebrations in 2016
Theme for 2024: "Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health"
Celebrations extended to over 150 countries worldwide

PM Modi's Major Health Initiatives

Launched projects worth Rs 12,850 crore

Inaugurated Phase II of All India Institute of Ayurveda, including:

- Dedicated Panchakarma hospital
- Ayurvedic pharmacy
- Sports medicine unit
- IT and start-ups incubation centre
- 500-seat auditorium

Established four Ayush Centres of Excellence at:

- IISc Bengaluru (diabetes research)
- IIT Delhi (sustainable solutions)
- CDRI Lucknow (fundamental research)
- JNU New Delhi (systems medicine)

Foundation stones laid for:

- Two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy (Odisha and Chhattisgarh)
- Five nursing colleges in Madhya Pradesh
- Three medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh

Ayurveda's Evolution and Modern Status

Developed into complete medical system around 1000 BCE
Key texts include Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita
Organized around eight medical specialties
Brhattrayi (Great Trio) formed basis of Ayurvedic literature
Significant contributions by scholar Nagarjuna in 9th century CE

Modern development includes:

- Structured educational framework
- Undergraduate to doctoral programs
- Strong practitioner and manufacturer network
- Improved infrastructure in public and private sectors
- Focus on women's health and workplace wellness
- Integration with modern healthcare systems
- Emphasis on global health innovation

Critical Mineral Recycling 2025

The Government of India has launched a new ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote critical mineral recycling. This initiative is part of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and was approv

SECL Korba Central Store Unit

In a remarkable stride towards women-led development in India’s industrial sector, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), inaugurated its fi

NHAI QR Code Sign Boards

In a major step towards digital transformation and commuter convenience, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced NHAI QR Code Sign Boards across various stretches of Nationa

India ICAO Part II Re-Election

India has been re-elected to India ICAO Part II, reaffirming its position as a major contributor to international civil aviation. The announcement was made during the 42nd ICAO Assembly 2025 held

MSP Increase for Rabi Crops 2025

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the National Pulses Mission and announced a significant MSP Increase for Rabi Crops 2025. These initiatives are part of th

RSS Centenary Celebrations

The RSS Centenary Celebrations mark a historic milestone in the journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which completed 100 years in 2025. To commemorate this achievement, Prime Minister

National Security Act 1980

Recently, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act 1980 (NSA Act) for leading demonstrations demanding statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule protections. This

Women in Agriculture India

The role of Women in Agriculture in India has been gaining attention, especially with the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 highlighting a significant increase in female participa

AVAS System for EVs in India

The Indian government is taking a significant step to improve EV safety with the introduction of a mandatory AVAS system for EVs. From October 1, 2027, all electric vehicles (EVs) in India will be

ECINET Portal ECI and Voter Updates

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently taken a significant step toward ensuring the integrity of voter rolls by introducing Aadhaar-based e-sign verification in its ECINET Portal ECI