Thursday, 3 September 2026

Why in news?

The World Bank is considering financing Telangana's 'Strategic Vision for Attaining Sustainable Transformation in Health Care Program' to improve healthcare services.

Key points

1. 1The program aims to enhance the utilization and quality of priority health services in Telangana.
2. 2The World Bank Group's potential financing is US $477 million out of a total program cost of US $1,641 million.
3. 3It focuses on shifting to an integrated, person-centered model of care, strengthening responses to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and addressing needs of adolescents, women, and the elderly.
4. 4The initiative also seeks to foster economic growth through a healthier workforce and generate employment in the healthcare sector.
5. 5Emphasis will be placed on governance, regulation, and accountability across public and private healthcare providers.

Background & context

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a global goal aimed at ensuring all people and communities can use the promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services they need, when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship. Telangana has been focusing on improving its healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.

Why in news?

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to recognize Tamil as the principal language of the Madras High Court.

Key points

1. 1The resolution calls for facilitating the use of Tamil as the principal language in the High Court of Madras.
2. 2It cites the Tamil Nadu Official Language Act, 1956, which declares Tamil as the official language of the state and allows its use in lower courts.
3. 3The resolution refers to Article 348(2) of the Constitution, which allows the use of the state's official language in High Court proceedings with the President's consent.
4. 4Section 7 of the Official Languages Act, 1963, also provides for the use of a state's official language in High Court judgments, decrees, and orders.

Background & context

Article 348 of the Constitution of India deals with the language to be used in the Supreme Court and in High Courts. It generally stipulates that until Parliament otherwise provides, the language of the Supreme Court and every High Court shall be English. However, Article 348(2) allows for the use of Hindi or any other language in proceedings of a High Court with the Governor's authorization and the President's prior consent.

Why in news?

A conflict is ongoing at Jadavpur University between students painting graffiti and the administration whitewashing it, following a directive from the Chief Minister.

Key points

1. 1Students have been painting graffiti on university walls with various political and ideological messages.
2. 2The university administration, under the Chief Minister's directive, has repeatedly whitewashed these graffiti.
3. 3The graffiti included slogans related to Maoist leader Kishenji, Palestine, Kashmir, and political dissent.
4. 4Students claim whitewashing is an attempt to suppress their voice and 'reclaim' the walls.
5. 5The administration's actions are seen as an attempt to curb 'anti-national' expressions on campus.

Background & context

Jadavpur University has a history of student activism and political expression through various means, including wall writings. This incident highlights the tension between freedom of expression on campus and administrative control.