• 24 Sep 2025

Birth Anniversary of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on his birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to Hindi literature and his inspiring, patriotic poems that continue to ignite the spirit of nationalism.

Key Points

• Early Life and Education: He was born on 23rd September 1908, in the village of Simaria, Begusarai, Bihar. 
  • He pursued studies in philosophy, politics, and history at Patna University and became well-versed in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Urdu, Bengali, and English.
• Contribution to Hindi Literature: Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, also known by his pen name Dinkar, was a prominent Hindi and Maithili poet, freedom fighter, and academic.
  • His literary contributions, especially the epic Rashmirathi, which recounts the life of Karna from the Mahabharata, remain a vital and influential part of Hindi literature.
• Influences on Dinkar’s Work: Dinkar was influenced by a blend of Rabindranath Tagore's poetic style, Mahatma Gandhi’s political philosophy, and Karl Marx’s revolutionary ideas, creating a unique poetic voice that resonated with the masses.
• Role in India's Freedom Struggle: Dinkar’s poetry, especially his fiery verses in Veer Rasa (the emotion of bravery), played a pivotal role in igniting a nationalist spirit during India’s struggle for independence.
• Political and Academic Engagement: Dinkar made significant contributions to both politics and academia, serving as a Rajya Sabha member from 1952 to 1964.
  • He also served as Vice-Chancellor of Bhagalpur University in the 1960s, reinforcing his influence in the academic sphere.
• Recognition and Honour: In 1959, Dinkar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his exceptional contributions to literature, solidifying his place as one of India's greatest literary figures.
  • Renowned as a Rashtrakavi (national poet), Dinkar earned recognition for his patriotic and inspiring compositions that captured the essence of his era.
  • In 1999, Dinkar was featured among prominent Hindi writers on a series of commemorative postal stamps released by the Government of India, marking 50 years since Hindi became the official language.
  • On 22nd May 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the golden jubilee celebrations of Dinkar's significant works, Sanskriti ke Chaar Adhyaye and Parshuram ki Pratiksha, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Establishment of Ayurveda Institute in Varanasi

Why in News? 

On National Ayurveda Day, the Uttar Pradesh government announced that a premier Ayurveda institute will be set up in Varanasi.

Key Points

• The government is establishing an Ayurveda institute in Varanasi, similar to AIIMS, to promote the research and development of Ayurveda and strengthen the traditional practice.
• The facility will span 10 acres, featuring educational and treatment amenities, including a medical college for Ayurveda and both indoor and outdoor patient care services.
• New Ayush dispensaries will also be established across the state with a budget of Rs 104 crore to meet growing demand.
• New Ayush medical colleges will also be established in key cities like Gonda, Basti, Mirzapur, Agra, and Meerut, focusing on higher studies and research in Ayurveda to promote traditional medicine nationwide.

National Ayurveda Day

• Ayurveda Day, first observed in 2016, was celebrated on 23 September this year, replacing the earlier practice of celebrating it on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras).
• The theme for 2025 was "Ayurveda for People & Planet," emphasising global wellness and environmental sustainability through Ayurveda.

UP Leads in Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Implementation

Why in News?

Uttar Pradesh leads in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, covering 87% of eligible families, marking a milestone in universal health coverage.

Key Points

• About: In Uttar Pradesh, 87% of eligible families now possess an Ayushman card, with a total of 5.38 crore cards distributed, positioning the state at the forefront of the Ayushman Bharat scheme's implementation. 
  • Over 50% of the nine crore target beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh have already been enrolled in the scheme. 
  • This milestone was highlighted during an event celebrating the seventh anniversary of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
• Healthcare Access and Expenditure: Since its inception, 74.4 lakh beneficiaries in Uttar Pradesh have received free treatment at empanelled hospitals under the scheme, totalling an expenditure of Rs 12,283 crore. 
  • Of this, Rs 4,200 crore has been allocated for tertiary care services like cancer treatment, cardiology, organ transplants, and pediatric oncology.
• Empanelled Hospitals: Currently, Uttar Pradesh boasts 6,099 empanelled hospitals, the highest in the country, including 2,921 government hospitals and 3,088 private hospitals. This extensive network ensures wide access to healthcare for the state’s population.

Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Scheme

• Overview: Launched on 23rd September 2018, Ayushman Bharat is recognised as the world’s largest universal health coverage initiative, covering approximately 45% of India’s population.
  • It aims to provide free and high-quality healthcare to economically disadvantaged families.
• Funding: It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a cost ratio of 60:40 for the Centre and states and 90:10 for the north-eastern states, Himalayan states and Union Territories. States have the option to opt out of the scheme.
• Target Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries are selected based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 and other state-specific initiatives. 
  • These include construction workers, Antyodaya cardholders, accredited journalists, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, Kumbh workers, senior citizens above 70 years, and vulnerable tribal groups. Recently, the scheme has also been extended to include teachers.

Scope of CM Housing Scheme (Rural) Expanded

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has expanded the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme (Rural) to include marginalised OBC sub-castes, ensuring more inclusive housing benefits for rural populations.

Key Points

• About:  
  • Launched in 2018, the Chief Minister’s Rural Housing Scheme has been instrumental in providing shelter to homeless and economically backward families, including those affected by natural disasters, leprosy, Kala-azar, and disability.
  • The scheme operates alongside the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Gramin) but specifically covers those excluded from central housing initiatives.
  • In 2024, the government included widowed women between the ages of 18 to 50 years in the priority list, recognising their vulnerability and need for special support.
• Expansion of Beneficiary List: 
  • The government has added the 'Sapera' and 'Jogi' sub-castes to the priority list of beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme (Rural). 
  • The 'Sapera' community, residing in Mathura, Prayagraj, and Saharanpur districts, and the 'Jogi' community, with approximately 200 families in the Maitha development block of Kanpur Dehat district, are now eligible for the scheme.
  • Previously, the Chero tribe from Sonbhadra and Varanasi districts was also added to the priority list.

Bihar Displays Folk Art Treasures at PM Mementos

Why in News?

The 7th edition of the Prime Minister’s Mementos e-Auction showcases Bihar’s rich cultural heritage, with 40 unique items, including stunning examples of Madhubani and Sikki Art, now available for public bidding. 

Key Points

• About: The PM Mementos e-Auction, organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi, invites citizens to acquire mementos gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi since its inception in 2019.
  • The proceeds from this auction support the Namami Gange project, dedicated to the rejuvenation of the Holy River Ganga.

Bihar’s Artistic Highlights:

• Madhubani Painting: This intricate Madhubani painting captures Lord Krishna with the Gopis, reflecting divine love and spiritual harmony.
  • Known for bold lines, intricate patterns, and natural colours, this painting represents the Mithila region's deep-rooted folk traditions.

• Mithila Painting: A vibrant Mithila painting, featuring a woman holding a lotus flower and a Shiva Lingam, symbolising Lord Shiva, this artwork is a beautiful representation of Bihar’s folk art.
  • Done in poster colours on paper, the painting is framed in a traditional brown textured frame, showcasing the intricate and vibrant line drawings characteristic of Mithila art.
  • This piece reflects the rich tradition of Mithila painting, which is deeply connected to Hindu deities, nature, and daily life.

• Sikki Art Frame: This frame depicts Lord Ram and Sita in golden hues, showcasing the couple’s divine grace.
  • Executed in the traditional Sikki art style of Bihar, the piece contrasts the divine couple’s golden portrayal against a dark background, emphasising their power and elegance.
  • Sikki art is known for its intricate craftsmanship, and this artwork reflects Bihar’s cultural richness, particularly the portrayal of divine figures in folk traditions.

World Food India 2025

Why in News?

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the 4th edition of World Food India on 25th September 2025 in New Delhi, with over 90 countries, 2,000+ exhibitors, and thousands of stakeholders participating in the largest edition yet.

Key Points

• About: World Food India 2025, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries from  25th to 28th September 2025, will highlight India’s potential as the ‘Global Food Hub’ for food processing and supply.
  
  • India is the largest producer of milk, onions, and pulses, and the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, tea, fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
  • The food processing sector has attracted USD 7.33 billion in FDI equity inflows over the past decade.
• Partner & Focus Countries: New Zealand and Saudi Arabia will participate as Partner Countries, while Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia will participate as Focus Countries.
• International Events:
  • 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)– providing a unique platform for global regulators to deliberate on harmonisation of food safety standards and strengthen international regulatory cooperation.
  • 24th India International Seafood Show (IISS) by the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) – focusing on India’s growing seafood export potential and global market linkages.
• Core Focus Pillars: