UPSC Prelims 2016 Q32: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to
- (a) immunization of children and pregnant women
- (b) construction of smart cities across the country
- (c) India's own search for the Earth - like planets in outer space
- (d) New Educational Policy
Answer: (a) immunization of children and pregnant women
Explanation
Mission Indradhanush
Launched in December 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It aims to fully immunize children and pregnant women who were missed or only partly covered.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Target groups | Children under two years and pregnant women |
| Goal | Full immunization coverage of 90 percent |
| Original seven diseases | Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, hepatitis B |
| Name | Indradhanush (rainbow) for the seven vaccines |
| Later | Intensified Mission Indradhanush from 2017 |
The other options:
| Option | Actual programme |
|---|---|
| (b) Construction of smart cities | Smart Cities Mission |
| (c) Search for Earth-like planets | Not an Indian mission |
| (d) New Educational Policy | National Education Policy |
Answer: (a) immunization of children and pregnant women.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Mission Indradhanush is for the immunization of children and pregnant women.
- (b) Incorrect. Smart cities are built under the Smart Cities Mission.
- (c) Incorrect. It is a health programme, not a search for Earth-like planets.
- (d) Incorrect. It has no link with the New Educational Policy.
Key point
Mission Indradhanush (December 2014): full immunization of children under two and pregnant women against seven (now more) vaccine-preventable diseases.
Remember
Mission Indradhanush = immunization, seven vaccines.
Common mistakes
- Guessing a space mission from the word 'Mission' and the rainbow name.
- Confusing it with Indradhanush for banks, the 2015 plan to revamp public sector banks.
- Thinking it covers only children; pregnant women are also covered.
Exam tip
Seven colours of the rainbow = seven vaccines.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare — Mission Indradhanush operational guidelines
- Press Information Bureau — Mission Indradhanush launched (25 December 2014)