Nalanda University: History and Revival Background: Prime Minister commended Nalanda University for reviving the ancient Indian tradition of 'Shastrarth' (intellectual debate). About Shastrarth Shastrarth is an ancient Indian tradition involving the discussion and exchange of ideas regarding sacred texts and philosophical concepts. It was a key method for teaching, learning, and testing knowledge through logical debate at the ancient universities of Nalanda and Vikramshila. This tradition was revived through the 'Shastrarth 2026' event, held prior to the third convocation ceremony of the modern Nalanda University. About Nalanda University Nalanda University was the world's first residential university (where students lived and studied on campus). It was established in 427 CE by Kumaragupta I at Rajgir, Bihar. The university served as a major center of learning for over 800 years, until the 12th century CE. It is estimated to have had around 2,000 teachers and 10,000 students. Students and scholars came here from countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. The Chinese scholar Xuanzang provided significant accounts of Nalanda; he took numerous Buddhist texts back to China and translated them into the Chinese language. Revival of Nalanda In 2006, former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam proposed reviving this ancient university. The Indian Parliament passed the 'Nalanda University Act, 2010'; this paved the way for the establishment of the modern Nalanda University. Unified Health Interface (UHI) Background: Recently, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launched the Unified Health Interface (UHI). About UHI A digital health network operating under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Integrates various health applications and services onto a single platform. Helps people easily discover verified healthcare providers. Functions as a service layer of the ABDM. Functioning of UHI Operates through the ABDM gateway managed by the National Health Authority (NHA). Routes…
