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Review of PMBJP

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers has held a comprehensive review meeting of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya...

04 Nov 2020 Health
ASER Survey 2020

Why in News Recently, the Annual State of Education Report (ASER) survey has been released which provides a glimpse into the levels of learning loss...

29 Oct 2020 Health
PLACID Trials

Why in News Recently, the PLACID Trial, a multicentre randomized controlled trial, has shown that the use of convalescent plasma (CP) as a...

27 Oct 2020 Health
World Polio Day 2020

Why in News Every year, 24th October is observed as World Polio Day in order to call on countries to stay vigilant in their fight against the...

27 Oct 2020 Health
New Abortion Laws in Poland

Why in News Recently, women in Poland have been protesting a court ruling that drastically restricts their right to access safe and legal...

26 Oct 2020 Health
Deworming in India

Why in News As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, states in India have witnessed reduction in worm prevalence. Regular deworming as...

24 Oct 2020 Health
State of Global Air 2020: HEI

Why in News Recently, a global study, State of Global Air 2020 (SoGA 2020) has been released by the Health Effects Institute (HEI). It highlights...

22 Oct 2020 Health
Ayushman Sahakar Scheme

Why in News The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched Ayushman Sahakar, a scheme to assist cooperatives in creation of healthcare...

20 Oct 2020 Health
Nobel Prize 2020

The Nobel Prizes regarded as the most prestigious awards given for intellectual achievement in the world are awarded annually from a fund bequeathed...

19 Oct 2020 Health
Report on Food Consumption: WWF

Why in News Recently, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has published the report “Bending the Curve: The Restorative Power of Planet-Based...

17 Oct 2020 Health
World Food Day

Why in News World Food Day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on 16th...

17 Oct 2020 Health
Global Hunger Index 2020

Why in News India has been ranked at 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020. Global Hunger Index Annual Report: Jointly...

17 Oct 2020 Health
First 'Har Ghar Jal' State: Goa

Why in News Recently, Goa has become the first 'Har Ghar Jal' State in the country as it successfully provided 100% Functional Household Tap...

17 Oct 2020 Health
Saviour Sibling

Why in News Recently, doctors successfully conducted India’s first ‘saviour sibling’ experiment. The Saviour Sibling named...

16 Oct 2020 Health
Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna

Why in News The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the second phase of “Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna” for the underprivileged...

15 Oct 2020 Health
World Mental Health Day 2020

Why in News World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues...

14 Oct 2020 Health
Malnutrition and Covid-19

This article has been taken from ‘Malnutrition - the silent pandemic‘ which was published in ‘The Indian Express’ on...

10 Oct 2020 Health
Nobel Prize for Peace 2020

Why in News The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP), a United Nations (UN) agency, for its efforts to combat...

10 Oct 2020 Health
Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI

Why in News The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has transferred its High Flow Rate Fluoride & Iron Removal technology...

09 Oct 2020 Health
Concerns Related to ART Bill, 2020

Why in News Recently, the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. Key Points Assisted...

09 Oct 2020 Health

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		'article_id' => (int) 6919,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Review of PMBJP',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers has held a <strong>comprehensive review meeting of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/janaushadhi-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana</a></strong> (PMBJP).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>PMBJP has <strong>achieved sales of Rs. 358</strong> crores worth of pharma products through 6600 Janaushadhi Kendras during the<strong> first seven months of the fiscal year 2020-21</strong> (up to 31<sup>st</sup> October) and is <strong>likely to surpass sales of Rs. 600 crore</strong> for the entire year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sales figure</strong> has seen a<strong> jump from Rs 7.29 crore in 2014-15 </strong>to<strong> Rs. 433 crore in 2019-20.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/janaushadhi-sugam-mobile-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Janaushadhi Kendras</strong></a> have grown from mere <strong>99 stores in 2014-15 to around 6600 stores in 2019-20.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India</strong> (BPPI) was appraised for <strong>ensuring the supply of medicines and other pharma products like masks</strong> to people at affordable rates during <strong>Covid-19.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BPPI is the<strong> implementing agency of the PMBJP.</strong></li>
<li>It was <strong>established in December 2008</strong> under the <strong>Department of Pharmaceuticals</strong> and has been registered as an <strong>independent society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions on Improvement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BPPI should take measures to <strong>reduce out of pocket expenditure of citizens on medicines,</strong> especially of marginalised sections of the society<strong> by strengthening supply chains and adopting innovative measures.</strong></li>
<li>There is a <strong>need to work on increasing awareness of people regarding efficacy and quality of Janaushadhi medicines, increasing coverage</strong> with a focus on remote and rural areas, and for <strong>making sure availability of medicines</strong> at each Janaushadhi shop.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a campaign <strong>launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals</strong> in <strong>2008</strong> under the name <strong>Janaushadi Campaign,</strong> which was<strong> revamped as PMBJP in 2015-16.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To extend the coverage of quality generic medicines so as to reduce the out of pocket expenditure on medicines and thereby redefine the unit cost of treatment per person.</li>
<li>To create awareness about generic medicines through education and publicity so that quality is not synonymous with an only high price.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also called Janaushadhi Kendras, these were set up across the country under PMBJP to <strong>provide generic drugs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Generic drugs</strong> are marketed under a <strong>non-proprietary or approved name rather than a brand name.</strong> These are <strong>equally effective and inexpensive</strong> compared to their counterparts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All drugs procured under this scheme are tested for quality assurance at the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/star-rating-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> National Accreditation Board Laboratories</strong></a> (NABL) accredited laboratories and are compliant with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-1st-november-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good Manufacturing Practices</a> (WHO GMP) benchmarks.</li>
<li>Government<strong> grants of up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs</strong> are provided for setting up of PMBJKs, which<strong> can be set up by</strong> doctors, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Self Help Groups</strong> </a>(SHGs), NGOs, charitable societies, etc. at any suitable place or outside the hospital premises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/janaushadhi-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Janaushadhi Week:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was celebrated across the country from <strong>1<sup>st</sup> to 7<sup>th</sup> March 2020,</strong> to<strong> inform and educate the general public</strong> about the price benefits and quality of the medicines being sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/janaushadhi-sugam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Janaushadhi Sugam Application:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This <strong>mobile application was launched in August 2019</strong> to help people in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Locating</strong> nearby Janaushadhi Kendra through Google Maps.</li>
<li><strong>Searching</strong> for Janaushadhi generic medicines.</li>
<li><strong>Analysing</strong> product comparison of generic versus branded medicine in form of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and overall savings, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1669797" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6876,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'ASER Survey 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Annual State of Education Report</strong> (ASER) survey has been released which provides a glimpse into the <strong>levels of learning loss that students in rural India are suffering,</strong> with varying levels of access to technology, school and family resources resulting in a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-statistical-organisation-survey-on-digital-education-divide" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>digital divide</strong></a> in education.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This year, in the wake of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, the survey was<strong> conducted via phone calls</strong>, reaching 52,227 rural households with school-age children in 30 States and Union Territories (UTs).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Annual Status of Education Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is <strong>a nationwide survey of rural education and learning outcomes</strong> in terms of <strong>reading and arithmetic skills</strong> that has been conducted by the <strong>NGO Pratham</strong> for the last 15 years.</li>
<li>It uses <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Census</a> 2011</strong> as the sampling frame and continues to be <strong>an important national source of information about children&rsquo;s foundational skills</strong> across the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASER 2018</strong></a> surveyed children in the age group of 3 to 16 years and included almost all rural districts in India and generated estimates of foundational reading and arithmetic abilities of children in the age group 5 to 16 years.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASER 2019</strong></a> reported on the pre-schooling or schooling status of children in the age group 4 to 8 years in 26 rural districts, focused on the &ldquo;early years&rdquo; and laid emphasis on &ldquo;developing problem-solving faculties and building a memory of children, and not content knowledge&rdquo;.</li>
<li><strong>ASER 2020</strong> is the<strong> first ever phone-based</strong> ASER survey and it was conducted in <strong>September 2020</strong>, the sixth month of national school closures.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969737_image3.webp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969737_image3.webp" style="float: right;" width="483" height="311" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Enrollments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>5.5%</strong> of rural children are <strong>not currently enrolled for the 2020</strong> school year, up from 4% in 2018.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This <strong>difference is the sharpest among the youngest children</strong> (6 to 10) where 5.3% of rural children had not yet enrolled in school in 2020, in comparison to just 1.8% in 2018.</li>
<li>Due to the <strong>disruptions caused by the pandemic, families are waiting for the physical opening of schools</strong> to enrol their youngest children, with about 10% of six-year-olds not in school.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Among 15-16 year-olds,</strong> however, <strong>enrollment levels are slightly higher</strong> than in 2018.</li>
<li>The <strong>proportion of boys</strong> enrolled in government schools<strong> has risen</strong> from 62.8% in 2018 to 66.4% in 2020, while <strong>for girls, that number has gone up</strong> from 70% to 73% in the corresponding period.</li>
<li>Patterns show a <strong>slight shift toward government schools</strong>, with private schools seeing a drop in enrolment in all age groups.</li>
<li>The <strong>Centre has now permitted States to start reopening schools</strong> if they can follow Covid-19 safety protocols but the majority of the country&rsquo;s 25 crore students are still at home.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Availability of Smartphones:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Among enrolled children,<strong> 61.8% live in families that own at least one smartphone</strong> which was merely 36.5% in 2018.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>About <strong>11% of families bought a new phone</strong> after the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown</strong></a>, of which 80% were smartphones.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WhatsApp is by far the most popular mode of transmitting learning materials</strong> to students, with 75% of students receiving input via this app.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Availability of Learning Material:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Overall more than 80%</strong> of children said they <strong>had textbooks for their current grade</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This proportion was<strong> higher among students enrolled in government schools</strong> (84.1%) than in private ones (72.2%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In Bihar, less than 8% got such materials from their schools, along with 20% in West Bengal, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>More than 80% of rural children in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Gujarat received such input.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Learning Activities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Most children (70.2%) did some form of a learning activity</strong> through material shared by tutors or family members themselves, with or without regular input.</li>
<li>11% had access to live online classes, and 21% had videos or recorded classes, with much higher levels in private schools.</li>
<li>About 60% studied from their textbooks and 20% watched classes broadcast on TV.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Fluid Situation:</strong> When schools reopen, it will be important to continue to <strong>monitor who goes back to school</strong> as well as to understand <strong>whether there is learning loss</strong> as compared to previous years.</li>
<li><strong>Building on and Strengthening Family Support:</strong> Parents&rsquo; increasing levels of education can be integrated into planning for learning improvement, as advocated by <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Education Policy, 2020</strong></a>. <strong>Reaching parents at the right level</strong> is essential to understand how they can help their children and <strong>older siblings also play an important role</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Hybrid Learning:</strong> As children do a variety of different activities at home, effective ways of hybrid learning need to be developed which <strong>combine traditional teaching-learning </strong>with <strong>newer ways of &ldquo;reaching-learning&rdquo;</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Assessment of Digital Modes and Content:</strong> In order <strong>to improve digital content and delivery</strong> for the future, an <strong>in-depth assessment</strong> of what works, how well it works, who it reaches, and who it excludes is <strong>needed</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Mediating the Digital Divide:</strong> Children from families who had<strong> low education</strong> and also <strong>did not have resources</strong> like smartphones had<strong> less access to learning opportunities</strong>. However, even among such households, there is evidence of effort with family members trying to help and schools trying to reach them. These children <strong>will need even more help than others when schools reopen</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Covid-19 has left the nation with deep economic distress and uncertainty over school-reopenings and thrown open new challenges in every sector.</li>
<li>The nationally representative sample highlighted the role played by the families where everyone in the family supported children regardless of their education levels.</li>
<li>This strength needs to be leveraged by reaching out to more students and reducing the distance between schools and homes.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/coronavirus-20-of-rural-school-children-had-no-textbooks-due-to-covid-19-impact-finds-aser-survey/article32966299.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6855,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'PLACID Trials',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>PLACID Trial, a multicentre randomized controlled trial,</strong> has shown that the use of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kerala-gets-nod-for-trial-of-plasma-therapy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> convalescent plasma</strong></a> (CP) as a therapeutic for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>patients showed no positive effects and did not improve the outcome of the patients.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The randomised controlled trial (RCT) is a trial in which<strong> subjects are randomly assigned to one of two groups:</strong> one (the <strong>experimental group</strong>) receiving the intervention that is being tested, and the other (the<strong> comparison group or control</strong>) receiving an alternative (conventional) treatment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Convalescent Plasma Therapy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Convalescent Plasma, extracted from the blood of patients recovering from an infection, is a<strong> source of antibodies</strong> against the infection.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kerala-gets-nod-for-trial-of-plasma-therapy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>therapy</strong> </a>uses blood from people who have recovered from an illness to help others recover.</li>
<li>Blood <strong>donated by people who have recovered from Covid-19</strong> has antibodies to the virus that causes it. The donated blood is<strong> processed to remove blood cells, leaving behind liquid</strong> (plasma) <strong>and antibodies.</strong> These can be given to people with Covid-19 to boost their ability to fight the virus.</li>
<li>The plasma donor would <strong>have to be a documented case</strong> of Covid-19 and<strong> healthy for 28 days since the last symptoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PLACID Trial:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was conducted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong> </a>(ICMR) and its aim was to <strong>investigate CPT&rsquo;s effectiveness for the treatment of Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>first and largest randomised control trial</strong> to be completed in the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The trial results indicate that there was <strong>no difference in the 28-day mortality</strong> (estimates of deaths in the 28 days after entering the hospital for a specific condition) or <strong>progression of Covid-19 from moderate to severe</strong> in patients treated with CP along with basic standard care compared to basic standard care alone.</li>
<li>While the use of<strong> CP seemed to improve the resolution of shortness of breath and fatigue</strong> in patients with moderate Covid-19, this <strong>did not translate into a reduction in 28-day mortality</strong> or progression to severe disease.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of the Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ICMR is now considering <strong>removing the option of CPT from the national guidelines.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CPT as a treatment for Covid-19 in India has<strong> led to questionable practices</strong> such as calls for donors on social media, and the sale of convalescent plasma on the black market.</li>
<li>Although CP is a safe form of treatment when transfused in accordance with the regulations, it<strong> involves resource-intensive processes</strong> such as<strong> plasmapheresis</strong> (separating plasma from the blood cells), <strong>plasma storage, and measurement of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/neutralising-antibodies-against-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">neutralising antibodies</a></strong> and a limited number of institutes have the capacity to undertake these procedures in a quality-assured manner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, experts have held that <strong>guidelines are not necessarily binding</strong> and it is too <strong>early to dismiss convalescent plasma therapy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Covid-19 is a new virus and global evidence is still emerging on the best therapeutic options so it is too early to take a firm step.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, remdesivir has been sanctioned as a drug of choice by the USA drug regulator, while the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-join-solidarity-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Health Organization&rsquo;s Solidarity Trial</strong> </a>has found it had little or no effect on 28-day Covid mortality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Care for Covid-19 is individualised care and the use of the right drugs in the right patient does work. Some of the therapies can be continued on compassionate grounds and the results of one or two trials should not lead to the elimination of an entire treatment or therapy.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-plasma-therapy-debate-6888258/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6849,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'World Polio Day 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Every year, <strong>24<sup>th</sup> October</strong> is observed as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-polio-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Polio Day</strong></a> in order to call on countries to stay vigilant in their fight against the disease.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established to <strong>commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk,</strong> who developed an <strong>Inactivated</strong> (killed) <strong>Polio Vaccine</strong> (IPV).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In the last three decades, the <strong>Global Polio Eradication Initiative</strong> (GPEI), led by national governments and the<strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=46af3b128c215065822d363716461e3bda556ba2-1603783779-0-AQqcs23ihmqDWEzYzOTw2ZLATgIFQrHLyN5UDI9GBGfKb9Nw6xIYXLD0XnsFATPLOkfD2ZIVKdPR85H55F206a0f9GZts0saMxAhtaEPfgrhVvdmt1OJXAitkoMUI1kseMQy2zf139HzrBNbjXjnkjBU32U9ZV4g6ZcJqRi9mMAB561nxsXTYQ0xvOeMKpygwOvzDwD6cY1egBaUEjw3iJqc0WkEBOK4028DSYOwSuMjadzLHFPyVwpmZfyb84dZ_dr_kapwYLQirV2MCCF_91vIO2eij1RpbJ84rCBMDccLERI_E41MmQ2Hyi8VIBPaivX75tTOX_KkU7jr1AiSBqM7_RWVPUCfXAZ1yOgXbbm9CrULYC20iLnBLuT4Svbjp8gM0xv_EFdmeQkDb7czMzhwQ1HyOsQDEG8WcmiBLdGEAdOptYKzCFHncq_6M6AK4kfz2ej8Z0A-FaqgYwTTguS-w7zQBxsYYuEqzXHLCZvQyaPk0J0L7oTP3t_7TlORsOWGsOmAKQ_ElyvspVavQfhx4e2CZca_3TK39T_rJuhMzKO4vZLIXkgIapT95fY5bq6P-bXz035wlU6WxMOy9lwYci1ShV8wMuy4ZWv5gJ6M8N_FYuwbkYHRpSRvLq1CWWQtrwb6ov9nCCg8AQrexBc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> World Health Organisation</a></strong> (WHO), has been monitoring the disease situation globally.</li>
<li>As per the WHO,<strong> since 1980,</strong> the cases of wild poliovirus have<strong> decreased by over 99.9%</strong> as a result of vaccination efforts made around the world.</li>
<li><strong>Polio Eradication:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For a country to be declared polio-free, the <strong>wild transmission of all three kinds of Polioviruses</strong> has to be stopped.</li>
<li>For <strong>eradication, cases</strong> of both wild and vaccine-derived polio infection <strong>have to be reduced to zero.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eradication</strong> of a disease refers to the <strong>complete and permanent worldwide reduction to zero new cases</strong> through deliberate efforts. If a disease has been eradicated, <strong>no further control measures are required.</strong></li>
<li>However, <strong>elimination</strong> of a disease refers to reduction to zero or a very low defined target rate of new cases in a defined geographical area. It requires<strong> continued measures to prevent re-establishment</strong> of disease transmission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Outbreaks:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2019,</strong> polio outbreaks were <strong>recorded in the Philippines, Malaysia, Ghana, Myanmar, China, Cameroon, Indonesia and Iran,</strong> which were mostly <strong>vaccine-derived</strong> in which a <strong>rare strain of the virus genetically mutated</strong> from the strain in the vaccine.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to the WHO, if the oral vaccine-virus is excreted and allowed to circulate in an unimmunised or under-immunised population for at least 12 months, it can mutate to cause infections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Afghanistan and Pakistan</strong> are the two countries that are the<strong> last stronghold of the wild poliovirus.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Polio in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India received polio-free certification by the WHO in 2014,</strong> after three years of zero cases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This achievement has been spurred by the successful <strong>pulse polio campaign</strong> in which all children were administered polio drops.</li>
<li>The <strong>last case</strong> due to wild poliovirus in the country was <strong>detected on 13<sup>th</sup> January 2011.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Polio</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Polio is a <strong>crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease</strong> that affects the nervous system.</li>
<li>There are <strong>three individual and immunologically distinct wild poliovirus strains:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Wild Poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)</li>
<li>Wild Poliovirus type 2 (WPV2)</li>
<li>Wild Poliovirus type 3 (WPV3)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptomatically,</strong> all three strains are identical, in that they cause irreversible paralysis or even death.</li>
<li>However, there are <strong>genetic and virological differences,</strong> which make these three strains separate viruses which must each be eradicated individually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>WPV2 and WPV3 have been eradicated globally</strong> but<strong> WPV1 remains in circulation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>WPV2 was <strong>eradicated in 1999.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>World Polio Day<strong> 2019</strong> marked a milestone in polio eradication as the independent <strong>Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication</strong> (GCC) declared <strong>WPV3 to be globally eradicated.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spread:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The virus is<strong> transmitted by person-to-person</strong> mainly<strong> through the faecal-oral route</strong> or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, through contaminated water or food).</li>
<li>It largely <strong>affects children under 5 years of age.</strong></li>
<li>The virus<strong> multiplies in the intestine,</strong> from where it can<strong> invade the nervous system</strong> and can<strong> cause paralysis.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most people with polio <strong>do not feel sick.</strong> Some people have only <strong>minor symptoms,</strong> such as fever, tiredness, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs.</li>
<li>In<strong> rare cases,</strong> polio infection causes <strong>permanent loss of muscle function (paralysis).</strong></li>
<li>Polio can be <strong>fatal if the muscles used for breathing are paralysed</strong> or if there is an infection of the brain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention and Cure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is <strong>no cure,</strong> but it can be <strong>prevented through immunisation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccines:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-initiates-probe-into-type-2-polio-virus-contamination" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oral Polio Vaccine</a> (OPV):</strong> It is given orally as a birth dose for institutional deliveries, then primary three doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks and one booster dose at 16-24 months of age.</li>
<li><strong>Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV):</strong> It is introduced as an <strong>additional dose along with the 3<sup>rd</sup> dose of DPT</strong> (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) under the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-indradhanush-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Universal Immunisation Programme</a> </strong>(UIP).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-is-world-polio-day-observed-where-india-stands-6882895/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6845,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'New Abortion Laws in Poland',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> women in Poland</strong> have been protesting a court ruling that drastically restricts their <strong>right to access safe and legal <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/abortions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">abortions</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Poland&rsquo;s Abortion Laws:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The existing <strong>1993 abortion law permits the termination of pregnancy on the grounds of foetal defects.</strong></li>
<li>These are <strong>already considered some of the strictest laws in Europe</strong> and after the enactment of the court&rsquo;s decision, <strong>abortions will only be permitted in cases of rape, incest, or if there is a threat to the mother&rsquo;s life.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poland&rsquo;s Constitutional Tribunal</strong> ruled that an <strong>existing law</strong> was <strong>unconstitutional</strong> because the<strong> Polish constitution assures a right to life</strong> and the abortion based on a foetal malfunction was a directly forbidden form of discrimination.</li>
<li>Tribunal held that <strong>permitting abortions</strong> in the case of foetal deformities <strong>legalised &ldquo;eugenic practices</strong> with regard to an unborn child, thus denying it the respect and protection of human dignity.&rdquo;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eugenics</strong> is the<strong> practice or advocacy of improving the human species</strong> by selectively mating people with specific desirable hereditary traits.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to reduce human suffering</strong> by &ldquo;breeding out&rdquo; disease, disabilities and so-called undesirable characteristics from the human population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Similar Instances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Earlier in 2016</strong> too, thousands of women went on strike in <strong>protest against a draft law for a complete ban on abortions.</strong></li>
<li>The draft law was<strong> proposed by an anti-abortion citizens&rsquo; group</strong> and was initially <strong>supported by the Catholic Church.</strong> It <strong>suggested stringent punishments</strong> like jail upto 5 years for the women and also the doctors performing the abortion.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>Church later backed out</strong> when bishops said they<strong> could not support the proposal to jail women who underwent an abortion.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications of the Latest Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fewer than 2,000 legal abortions are carried out in Poland each year, a <strong>majority of which are due to foetal defects.</strong> So the ruling <strong>essentially translates to a near complete ban</strong> on abortions in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Abortions in cases of rape, incest or where there is a threat to the mother&rsquo;s life account for <strong>merely 2% of all legal terminations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>An estimated <strong>80,000 to 1,20,000 Polish women either go abroad or seek illegal abortions every year</strong> due to the country&rsquo;s<strong> strict laws</strong> or the<strong> stigma</strong> assocoated with it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is feared that the<strong> number could surge even further</strong> if terminations due to malformed foetuses are outlawed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Reactions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Regional and global organisations like the <strong>Council of Europe, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suspension-of-amnesty-international-operations-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amnesty International</a>,</strong> the <strong>Center for Reproductive Rights and Human Rights Watch</strong> criticised the ruling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Abortion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is defined as the <strong>termination of pregnancy by various methods,</strong> including<strong> medical surgery</strong> before the fetus is able to sustain independent life.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Abortion Laws in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Abortions in India are regulated by the <strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971.</strong></li>
<li>Under the law (<strong>section 3</strong> of the MTP Act 1971), the<strong> doctor can perform an abortion in the following conditions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the pregnancy would be <strong>harmful to the life of the patient </strong>or <strong>affects her physical or mental health.</strong> The doctor will need to consider the circumstances of the patient to figure out if the pregnancy will harm her mental health, on a case to case basis.</li>
<li>If there is a good chance that the<strong> child would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities</strong> which would leave him or her seriously handicapped.</li>
<li>If pregnancy occurred as a <strong>result of a failure of contraception</strong> (only applicable to married women).</li>
<li>If pregnancy is a <strong>result of sexual assault or rape.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Termination of Pregnancy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the pregnancy has <strong>not exceeded 12 weeks, only one doctor</strong> is needed to sign-off.</li>
<li>If the pregnancy <strong>has exceeded 12 weeks and is below 24 weeks, two doctors</strong> are needed.</li>
<li>The <strong>gestation period does not matter</strong> if a doctor feels that an immediate abortion must be conducted<strong> to save the life of the patient.</strong></li>
<li>The doctor who determines if it is necessary to perform an abortion and performs it <strong>needs to be a &lsquo;registered medical practitioner&rsquo; under the law.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>January 2020,</strong> the Union Cabinet approved <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-to-raise-upper-limit-for-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">amendments to the MTP Act</a></strong>, allowing women to seek abortions as part of the reproductive right and gender justice.</li>
<li>The amendment <strong>raised the upper limit of MTP from 20 weeks to 24 weeks</strong> for women including rape survivors, victims of incest, differently-abled women and minors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-polish-women-are-protesting-a-recent-court-ruling-on-abortions-6883121/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6829,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Deworming in India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>As per the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, states</strong> in India have <strong>witnessed reduction in worm prevalence.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Regular deworming</strong> as advised by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)</strong> </a>eliminates worm infestation among children and adolescents living in areas with high <strong>Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) burden,</strong> thereby contributing to achieve better nutrition and health.</li>
<li><strong>Helminthiases</strong> is infestation with or disease caused by parasitic worms.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per <strong>WHO Report on STH</strong> published in<strong> 2012,</strong> in India there were an estimated<strong> 64% children</strong> in the age group (1-14 years) at risk of STH. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The risk was estimated based on the hygiene and sanitation practices and limited STH prevalence data at that point of time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>To <strong>assess the exact burden of STH</strong> in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare appointed the <strong>National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the nodal agency</strong> to coordinate and conduct <strong>nationwide baseline STH mapping.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The baseline STH mapping across the country was<strong> completed by the end of 2016.</strong> The data showed <strong>varied prevalence ranging from 12.5% in Madhya Pradesh to 85% in Tamil Nadu.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>To <strong>evaluate the impact of</strong> the consistently implemented high coverage<strong> National Deworming Day (NDD) programme,</strong> the Ministry <strong>recently initiated follow-up prevalence surveys led by NCDC and partners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Result of the Follow-up Surveys:</strong> The follow-up surveys are <strong>completed in 14 States.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All 14 States have <strong>shown reduction</strong> in the follow up survey compared to the baseline prevalence survey.</li>
<li>The States of <strong>Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar</strong> have <strong>shown substantial reduction</strong> in worm prevalence in the STH follow up prevalence survey.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chhattisgarh has successfully conducted 10 rounds of NDD as on date, and the <strong>drop</strong> in prevalence has been significant <strong>from 74.6% in 2016 to 13.9% in 2018. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Sikkim,</strong> with 9 rounds, has seen <strong>reduction from 80.4% in 2015 to 50.9% in 2019.</strong></li>
<li>Rajasthan, the State that implemented an annual round only due to low baseline of 21.1 in 2013 has seen significant reduction to the level of<strong> less than 1% in 2019</strong> as per the survey.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>National Deworming Day Programme</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implementation</strong> of NDD is <strong>led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,</strong> in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Education and technical assistance from WHO and the technical partners. It was <strong>launched in 2015.</strong></li>
<li>It is <strong>implemented as a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-deworming-day#:~:text=Every%20year%20February%2010%20and,group%20of%201%2D19%20years." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> biannual single day programme</a> (10<sup>th</sup> February and 10<sup>th</sup> August)</strong> through the platforms of schools and anganwadis.</li>
<li>In the<strong> last round of deworming</strong> earlier this year in the country (which was halted due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid pandemic</strong></a>), <strong>11 crore children and adolescents were administered Albendazole tablets</strong> across 25 States/UTs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Albendazole tablet, approved by the WHO, is used for treatment of intestinal worms in children and adolescents as part of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programmes globally.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Soil-Transmitted Helminths</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Soil-Transmitted Helminths</strong> refer to the intestinal worms infecting humans that are transmitted through contaminated soil.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Intestinal worms are<strong> parasites</strong> that live in the human intestines and consume nutrients and vitamins needed for a child.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There are <strong>three main types of helminths</strong> that infect people,<strong> roundworm</strong> <em>(Ascaris lumbricoides)</em>, <strong>whipworm</strong> <em>(Trichuris trichiura)</em> and hookworms <em>(Necator americanus </em>and<em> Ancylostoma duodenale).</em>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <strong>worms depend on the human body</strong> for their food and survival and while being there, they lay thousands of eggs each day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transmission:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Soil-transmitted helminths are<strong> transmitted by eggs</strong> that are passed in the faeces of infected people. In areas that<strong> lack adequate sanitation,</strong> these eggs <strong>contaminate the soil.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Since worms feed on host (human body) tissues, including blood, it leads to loss of iron, and protein, resulting in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anaemia-among-men#:~:text=Iron%20deficiency%20is%20the%20most,%2C%20weakness%2C%20dizziness%20and%20drowsiness." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>anaemia</strong></a> &ndash; reduced oxygen carrying capacity due to less Haemoglobin (Hb) available in the body.</li>
<li>Worm infection can also lead to <strong>diarrhoea; dysentery; loss of appetite; reduced nutritional intake and physical fitness;</strong> increased <strong>malabsorption</strong> &ndash; a condition that prevents absorption of nutrients through the small intestine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WHO recommended medicines &ndash; <strong>albendazole (400 mg)</strong> and <strong>mebendazole (500 mg) &ndash;</strong> are effective, inexpensive and easy to administer by non-medical personnel (e.g. teachers).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603531499_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603531499_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="491" height="450" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1666053#:~:text=The%20data%20showed%20varied%20prevalence,to%2085%25%20in%20Tamil%20Nadu.&amp;text=For%20example%2C%20the%20State%20of,2016%20to%2013.9%20in%202018." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6810,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'State of Global Air 2020: HEI',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a global study, <strong>State of Global Air 2020</strong> (SoGA 2020) has been released by the <strong>Health Effects Institute</strong> (HEI).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It highlights that <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/tackling-the-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">air pollution</a> is the largest risk factor for death</strong> among all health risks and it is the <strong>first-ever comprehensive analysis of air pollution&rsquo;s global impact on newborns.</strong></li>
<li>HEI is an <strong>independent, nonprofit research institute</strong> funded jointly by the USA&rsquo;s Environmental Protection Agency and others.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal</strong> are among the top ten countries with the <strong>highest <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-air-quality-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM2.5</a> (particulate matter) exposures in 2019</strong> and all of these countries experienced increases in outdoor PM2.5 levels between 2010 and 2019.</li>
<li><strong>India is also among the top ten</strong> countries with <strong>highest <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/ozone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ozone (O<sub>3</sub>)</a> exposure in 2019.</strong> Also, <strong>among the 20 most populous countries, India recorded the highest increase (17%) in O<sub>3</sub> concentrations</strong> in the past ten years.</li>
<li><strong>Long-term exposure to outdoor and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indoor-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">household (indoor) air pollution</a></strong> contributed to over 1.67 million annual deaths from stroke, heart attack, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-injection-for-type-2-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetes</strong></a>, lung cancer, chronic lung diseases, and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-tackling-infant-mortality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>neonatal diseases</strong></a>, in <strong>India in 2019.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Important Government Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana</strong></a> (Household LPG programme).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme.</strong></a></li>
<li>Introduction of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bs-vi-emission-norms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BS-VI</strong></a> emission standards.</li>
<li>Implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grap-to-be-enforced-in-delhi-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Graded Response Action Plan</strong></a> (GRAP).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Infant Related Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>High PM contributed to the <strong>deaths of more than 1,16,000 Indian infants</strong> who did not survive their first month.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Infants in the first month of life are already at a <strong>vulnerable stage</strong> and a growing body of scientific evidence-supported studies in India indicates that<strong> particulate air pollution exposure during pregnancy is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>More than half of these deaths were associated with <strong>outdoor PM2.5</strong> and others were linked to the <strong>use of solid fuels such as charcoal, wood, and animal dung for cooking.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Although there has been a <strong>slow and steady reduction in household reliance on poor-quality fuels,</strong> the air pollution from these fuels continues to be a key factor in the deaths of these youngest infants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Addressing impacts of air pollution</strong> on adverse pregnancy outcomes and newborn health is <strong>important for low- and middle-income countries,</strong> not only because of the high prevalence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and child growth deficits but because it <strong>allows the design of strategic interventions</strong> that can be directed at these vulnerable groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air Pollution and Covid-19:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although the link between air pollution and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> is not completely established, there is<strong> clear evidence linking air pollution and increased heart and lung disease.</strong></li>
<li>Also, there is growing <strong>concern that exposure to high levels of air pollution during winter</strong> months in South Asian countries and East Asia could <strong>exacerbate the effects of Covid-19.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Pollution Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Average pollution levels in India are declining</strong> over the past three years but these have been<strong> marginal,</strong> particularly in the <strong>Indo-Gangetic plains which see <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/delhi-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extremely high PM pollution especially during winter.</a></strong></li>
<li>After a<strong> decline in pollution due to the nationwide <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lockdowns</a></strong> after March, pollution levels are again rising and <strong>air quality is dipping to the &lsquo;very poor&rsquo; category</strong> in several cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-pollution-infant-deaths-india-6818556/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6790,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Ayushman Sahakar Scheme',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare</strong> has launched <strong>Ayushman Sahakar,</strong> a scheme to <strong>assist cooperatives in creation of healthcare infrastructure</strong> in the country.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Formulated By: National Cooperative Development Corporation</strong> (NCDC).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NCDC was <strong>set up under an Act of Parliament in 1963</strong> for promotion and development of cooperatives.</li>
<li>It functions under the <strong>Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.</strong></li>
<li>Recent initiatives include <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sahakar-cooptube-ncdc-channel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sahakar Cooptube NCDC Channel</strong></a> (Youth-focussed), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sahakar-mitra-scheme-on-internship-programmehttps://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sahakar-mitra-scheme-on-internship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sahakar Mitra</strong> </a>(Internship Programme), etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NCDC would extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of Rs.10,000 crore</strong> in the coming years. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Any Cooperative Society with suitable provision in its byelaws to undertake healthcare related activities would be able to access the NCDC fund.</li>
<li>The<strong> scheme covers</strong> establishment, modernization, expansion, repairs, renovation of <strong>hospital</strong> and <strong>healthcare and education infrastructure.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NCDC <strong>assistance will flow either through the State Governments/ UT Administrations or directly</strong> to the eligible cooperatives.</li>
<li>The scheme also provides <strong>working capital and margin money</strong> to meet operational requirements.</li>
<li>Further, the scheme provides<strong> interest subvention of 1% to women majority cooperatives.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has a <strong>comprehensive approach-</strong>hospitals, healthcare, medical education, nursing education, paramedical education, health insurance and holistic health systems such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-system-of-medicine-bill-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>AYUSH</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has brought into focus the <strong>requirement of creation of more facilities.</strong></li>
<li>There are about 52 hospitals across the country run by cooperatives. They have cumulative bed strength of more than 5,000. The scheme would give<strong> a boost to provision of healthcare services by cooperatives.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The scheme<strong> aligns itself with the focus of the National Health Policy, 2017,</strong> covering the health systems in all their dimensions- investments in health, organization of healthcare services, access to technologies, development of human resources, encouragement of medical pluralism, affordable health care to farmers etc.</li>
<li>It is<strong> in line with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-digital-health-mission#:~:text=Health%20Expenditure%3A%20The%20policy%20proposes,23%20by%20the%20year%202025." target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Digital Health Mission</a></strong> and would bring transformation in rural areas. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Cooperatives have a strong presence in rural areas, thus, cooperatives utilizing the scheme would revolutionize the way healthcare delivery takes place in rural areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Cooperatives</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-labour-organization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Labour Organisation (ILO)</strong></a>, a cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Provisions of Indian Constitution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Constitution (97<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 2011</strong> added a new <strong>Part IXB</strong> right after Part IXA (Municipals) regarding the cooperatives working in India.</li>
<li>The word &ldquo;cooperatives&rdquo; was added after &ldquo;unions and associations&rdquo; in <strong>Article 19(1)(c) under Part III of the Constitution.</strong> This enables all the citizens to form cooperatives by giving it the status of fundamental right of citizens.</li>
<li>A new <strong>Article 43B</strong> was added in the <strong>Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)</strong> regarding the &ldquo;promotion of cooperative societies&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1665800" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6783,
		'category_id' => (int) 27,
		'title' => 'Nobel Prize 2020',
		'description' => '<p>The Nobel Prizes regarded as the most prestigious awards given for intellectual achievement in the world are awarded annually from a fund bequeathed for that purpose by the Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Nobel.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is announced every year for excellence in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Economics, and a distinguished achievement towards humanity &ndash; commonly known as the Nobel Peace Prize.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Physiology/Medicine</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Nobel Prize has been awarded to American medical researchers and virologists <strong>Harvey J Alter</strong> and<strong> Charles M Rice,</strong> and British scientist<strong> Michael Houghton</strong> for the discovery of Hepatitis C which was discovered in 1982 by screening millions of DNA samples.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The discovery of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Hepatitis C</strong></a> virus revealed the cause of the remaining cases of chronic hepatitis and made possible blood tests and new medicines that have saved millions of lives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Hepatitis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hepatitis refers to an <strong>inflammatory condition of the liver.</strong></li>
<li>It&rsquo;s commonly caused by a<strong> viral infection,</strong> but there are other possible causes of hepatitis like autoimmune responses, medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol.</li>
<li>There are 5 main <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>hepatitis</strong> </a>viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D, and E.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-hepatitis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Hepatitis Day</strong></a> is observed each year on 28<sup>th</sup> July to enhance awareness of viral hepatitis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Hepatitis C is caused by the <strong>Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The first, (hepatitis A), is transmitted by polluted water or food and generally has little long-term impact on the patient.</li>
<li>The second type is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids and represents a much more serious threat since it can lead to a chronic condition.</li>
<li>This form of hepatitis is insidious, as otherwise healthy individuals can be silently infected for many years before serious complications arise.</li>
<li>It is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Physics</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-in-physics-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Prize in Physics</strong></a> for the year 2020 was awarded to three astrophysicists <strong>Roger Penrose</strong> from the UK, <strong>Reinhard Genzel</strong> from Germany, and<strong> Andrea Ghez</strong> from the USA.</li>
<li>Roger Penrose received half of this year&rsquo;s prize for the discovery that a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/blacl-holes-dark-matter" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>black hole</strong></a> formation is a robust prediction of the general theory of relativity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The theory explains gravity, as objects try to follow a straight line through a universe whose geometry is warped by matter and energy. As a result, planets, as well as light beams, follow curving paths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Genzel and Ghez received the second half of the prize for the discovery of a <strong>supermassive black hole</strong> at the centre of the Milkyway galaxy, now known to be the Sagittarius A*. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has a mass four million times that of the Sun and is confined to an area roughly the size of our Solar System.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>What is a black hole?</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term &lsquo;black hole&rsquo; was coined in the mid-1960s by American Physicist <strong>John Archibald Wheeler.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Black hole refers to a point in space where matter is so compressed as to create a gravity field from which even light cannot escape.</li>
<li>Black-holes were<strong> theorized</strong> by <strong>Albert Einstein</strong> in 1915.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>All the black holes observed so far belong to two categories:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One category ranges between a few solar masses and tens of solar masses. These are thought to form when massive stars die.</li>
<li>The other category is of supermassive black holes. These range from hundreds of thousands to billions of times that of the sun from the Solar system to which Earth belongs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2019, the scientists at the Event Horizon Telescope Project released the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/first-images-of-a-black-hole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> first-ever image of a Black Hole</strong></a> (more precisely, of its shadow).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The image was made possible by the Event Horizon Telescope which is a group of 8 radio telescopes (used to detect radio waves from space) located in different parts of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/intermediate-mass-black-hole" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gravitational waves</strong></a> are created when two black holes orbit each other and merge.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Chemistry</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Emmanuelle Charpentier</strong> of France and <strong>Jennifer A Doudna</strong> of the USA have been awarded the 2020 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prizes-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Nobel Prize</strong> </a>in Chemistry for developing CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors, one of gene technology&rsquo;s sharpest tools.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is for the first time a Nobel science prize has gone to a women-only team.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors</strong> can be used to change the<strong> deoxyribonucleic acid</strong> (DNA) of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The CRISPR/Cas9 tool has already <strong>contributed to significant gains in crop resilience,</strong> altering their genetic code to<strong> better withstand drought and pests.</strong></li>
<li>The technology has contributed to new<strong> cancer</strong> therapies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>CRISPR Technology</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The CRISPR (short for <strong>Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats</strong>) technology for gene-editing was first developed in 2012.</li>
<li>It makes gene sequencing very easy, simple and extremely efficient providing nearly endless possibilities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Editing, or modifying, gene sequences is not new and has been happening for several decades now, particularly in the field of agriculture, where several crops have been genetically modified to provide particular traits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The technology replicates a natural defence mechanism in Streptococcus pyogenes that use a similar method to protect itself from virus attacks.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A DNA strand, when broken, has a natural tendency to repair itself but the auto-repair mechanism can lead to the re-growth of a problematic sequence.</li>
<li>Scientists intervene during this auto-repair process by supplying the desired sequence of genetic codes, which replaces the original sequence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Peace</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The 2020 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-crisis-amid-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Programme</strong> </a>(WFP), a <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong> </a>(UN) agency, for its efforts to combat hunger, bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and preventing the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WPF is the UN&rsquo;s primary agency that works upon <strong>Eradicating Hunger</strong> which is one the UN&rsquo;s <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals.</strong></a></li>
<li>The WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries who are victims of acute food insecurity and hunger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WFP in India:</strong> It has been working in India since 1963 where it has focused upon reforms in the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Targeted Public Distribution System</strong> </a>(TPDS) and provided policy inputs, advocacy and technical assistance for improving access to food.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WFP has proposed unique initiatives like <strong>Automatic Grain Dispensing Machine (Annapurti)</strong> and<strong> Mobile Storage Units</strong> for the effective implementation of TPDS.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Food Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was established in 1961 by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Food and Agriculture Organisation</a> (FAO)</strong> and the<strong> United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)</strong> and became a full-fledged UN programme in 1965.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Rome, Italy.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Economic Sciences</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>American economists, <strong>Paul Milgrom and Robert Wilson</strong> have been awarded the <strong>Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences,</strong> 2020 for their work on commercial auctions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The award is <strong>popularly but incorrectly</strong> known as Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, (as it is not one of the five Nobel prizes that Alfred Nobel established in his will in 1895, it is not a Nobel Prize).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was created in 1968 by a donation from Sweden's central bank Sveriges Riksbank to the<strong> Nobel Foundation to commemorate the bank's 300<sup>th</sup> anniversary</strong> and includes a <strong>10 million Swedish kronor award money</strong> (₹8.33 crores roughly).</li>
<li>Milgrom and Wilson improved the auction theory and invented new auction formats for auctioning off many interrelated objects simultaneously, on behalf of a seller motivated by broad societal benefit rather than maximal revenue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Robert Wilson</strong> developed the theory for auctions of objects with a common value &ndash; a value which is uncertain beforehand but, in the end, is the same for everyone.</li>
<li><strong>Paul Milgrom</strong> formulated a more general theory of auctions that not only allows common values, but also private values that vary from bidder to bidder.</li>
<li>Their work will benefit <strong>sellers, buyers and taxpayers</strong> around the world. It will help in auctioning goods and services, such as<strong> radio frequencies,</strong> which are difficult to sell in traditional ways.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Auction Theory</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Auction theory studies how auctions are designed, what rules govern them, how bidders behave and what outcomes are achieved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Auctions are important to economists because they are the most widely used and also the <strong>most efficient mechanism to allocate scarce resources.</strong></li>
<li>The allocation of scarce resources, in turn, matters to economists because there is a limited supply of resources on earth when compared to unlimited human needs, and hence they need to be allocated only to the most urgent needs of society.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Application of auction:</strong> Auctions happen almost everywhere in the modern world. Even the sale of groceries in retail stores is based on an auction, albeit an implicit one that is relatively slow to adjust to changing market conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The oldest form of auction is the auction of a bankrupt person&rsquo;s property to pay off his creditors. This simple design of such an auction is the highest open bidder getting the property (or the commodity in question).</li>
<li><strong>Allocation of capital good:</strong> More sophisticated and explicit auction mechanisms are used in the allocation of capital goods such as spectrum and minerals. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over time, the format of auctions has widened to include other commodities such as carbon dioxide emission credits, electricity or the right to collect the local garbage etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For e.g.</strong> a supermarket manager, just as an auctioneer, tries to price his goods based on how much of it is sold during a certain day, week, or month. If there is a huge demand for a certain product and shelves empty quickly, the supermarket manager will raise its price to prevent a shortage. If another product fails to sell as fast as expected, its price may be lowered in order to clear any unsold inventory.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>But whether it is the auction of spectrum waves or the sale of fruits and vegetables, auctions are at the core of allocation of scarce resources in a market economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Auction models:</strong> Different auction models are needed for depending upon the commodities, purpose of the auction and the entities conducting the auction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For e.g.</strong> Maximizing the profit may be the motive of a private auction while making a service affordable can be the purpose of auctioning a service by the government. Wrong auction design can lead to a second-hand market where companies trade among themselves with little revenue accruing to the government or little benefit to the public.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>How an auction is designed, has a tremendous impact not just on the buyers and the sellers but also on the broader society.</li>
<li><strong>Key variables:</strong> Three key variables need to be understood while designing an auction.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rules of Auction</strong> i.e. closed/sealed bids, single bids versus multiple bids.</li>
<li><strong>Commodity or service</strong> being put up for auction i.e. how does each bidder value an item.</li>
<li><strong>Uncertainty</strong> regarding which bidder has what information about the object, or even the value another bidder associates with the object.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Literature</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Nobel Prize in Literature 2020 has been awarded to the USA poet <strong>Louise Gl&uuml;ck</strong> "for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal."<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Her poetry focuses on the painful reality of being human, dealing with themes such as death, childhood, and family life.</li>
<li>She is the fourth woman to win the prize for literature since 2010, and only the 16<sup>th</sup> since the Nobel prizes were first awarded in 1901.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Nobel Prize comes with a medal and a prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Contribution of Indians</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Poet and writer <strong>Rabindranath Tagore</strong> was the <strong>first non-European and Indian</strong> to get a Nobel Prize in 1913 in literature.</li>
<li>India received its first Nobel Prize in physics in 1930, when scientist Sir <strong>Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman</strong> was awarded &ldquo;for his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the effect named after him&rdquo;. This phenomenon is now known as Raman Effect.</li>
<li><strong>Har Gobind Khorana</strong> shared his 1968 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine with Robert W Holley and Marshall W Nirenberg. The trio was honoured <strong>&ldquo;for their interpretation of the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mother Teresa</strong> won the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. She was a Roman Catholic nun who was born in Albania. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata and worked all her life for the poor. She became an <strong>Indian citizen</strong> as well. She received the prize for her &ldquo;work in bringing help to suffering humanity&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Indian physicist <strong>Subramanyan Chandrasekhar</strong> was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physics, which he shared with physicist William Alfred Fowler. He was awarded <strong>&ldquo;for theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Amartya Sen</strong> was the winner of the 1998 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences. He was rewarded &ldquo;for his contributions to welfare economics&rdquo;.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s first Nobel Prize in the field of chemistry was won by <strong>Venkatraman Ramakrishnan.</strong> He received the 2009 Nobel Prize<strong> &ldquo;for studies of the structure and function of the ribosome&rdquo;.</strong> He shared the award with Thomas A Steitz and Ada E Yonath.</li>
<li><strong>Kailash Satyarthi,</strong> along with Malala Yousafzai, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. He received the honour &ldquo;for the struggle against the suppression of children and young people, and for the right of all children to education.&rdquo;</li>
<li>The Indian-American economist <strong>Abhijit Banerjee</strong> was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer. The trio received the award for their<strong> &ldquo;experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
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		'article_id' => (int) 6771,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Report on Food Consumption: WWF',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-wwf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Wildlife Fund</strong></a> (WWF) has published the report<strong> &ldquo;Bending the Curve: The Restorative Power of Planet-Based Diets&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report offered a <strong>detailed analysis of food consumption patterns</strong> in 147 countries and six regions and the <strong>national dietary guidelines</strong> (NDGs) across 75 countries. For each country and region, the impacts of diets were <strong>assessed on various environmental and health indicators.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Food consumption patterns vary widely</strong> and can best be characterised by <strong>massive inequality.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Different consumption patterns are observed in the richest and poorest countries,</strong> with European countries consuming approximately 600 grams per day more food (1,800 g/day) than African countries (1,200 g/day).</li>
<li>Although <strong>under-nutrition and obesity affect almost all countries,</strong> the rate of underweight people is up to 10 times higher in the poorest countries as compared to other countries.</li>
<li>The rate of overweight/obese people is up to five times higher in the richest countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Premature deaths</strong> in low- and middle-income countries <strong>due to unhealthy diets, under-consumption</strong> as well as<strong> over-consumption.</strong></li>
<li>India needs to be extra careful in figuring out the changes in the diet because there could be an <strong>increase in biodiversity loss</strong> due to a shift to a healthier and planet-friendly diet and <strong>extensively increased consumption.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The country has to<strong> first increase consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy</strong> to meet its nutritional requirements.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a need to strike a <strong>balance in how countries consume their food as well as a shift to a plant-based diet</strong> which is the need of the hour.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, this dietary <strong>shift will impact different countries differently.</strong> While some countries will need to reduce their consumption of animal-source foods, others may need to increase them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The shift will not only<strong> improve human health by preventing over-consumption</strong> of any food but will also<strong> reverse the biological loss</strong> that has occurred until now and improve environmental health.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The shift to more plant-based diets will <strong>cut down carbon emissions</strong> by 30%, wildlife loss by 46%, agriculture land use by 41% and premature deaths by 20%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>sustainable environment and human health can be achieved</strong> by following a few<strong> lifestyle changes</strong> that include <strong>eating foods which are:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>More sustainable.</li>
<li>More plant-based food and less animal-based.</li>
<li>Healthy and locally grown and minimally processed.</li>
<li>More diverse instead of just one kind.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Countries <strong>should not solely depend on the domestic production and biodiversity-rich countries,</strong> including India, <strong>should import</strong> food from higher-yielding and less biodiverse nations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The WWF has launched a new platform known as <strong>Planet-Based Diets Impact and Action Calculator.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One can calculate their consumption and <strong>find out the impact caused by their diet on the environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The platform <strong>also shows national level impacts.</strong> This will <strong>help people living anywhere in the world to make a conscious decision</strong> by finding out if their diet is good for them as well as their environment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/food/world-food-day-plant-based-diet-can-fix-food-inequality-cut-premature-deaths-says-report-73831#:~:text=But%20by%20just%20shifting%20the,environmental%20loss%2C%20the%20report%20added" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6770,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'World Food Day',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-food-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Day</strong></a> is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the United Nation's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organisation</strong></a> (FAO) on<strong> 16<sup>th</sup> October 1945.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Prime Minister of India released a <strong>commemorative coin of Rs. 75 denomination</strong> to mark the<strong> 75<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the FAO.</strong></li>
<li>FAO is a <strong>specialised agency of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong> that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About World Food Day:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is observed <strong>annually on 16<sup>th</sup> October</strong> to address the problem of global hunger.</li>
<li>It emphasises on the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goal 2</strong></a> (SDG 2) i.e. <strong>Zero Hunger.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Theme for 2020:</strong> &ldquo;Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together.&rdquo;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There has been a renewed focus on food, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-nutrition-problem" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>nutrition</strong></a>, health, immunity and sustainability due to the unprecedented challenges posed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 </strong></a><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>75<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of FAO:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over the years, FAO has <strong>helped to increase agricultural production and eradicate hunger all over the world,</strong> including India and has played an important role in increasing nutrition.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-for-peace-2020#:~:text=The%202020%20Nobel%20Peace%20Prize,weapon%20of%20war%20and%20conflict." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2020's Nobel Peace Prize</strong> </a>to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-crisis-amid-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Food Programme</strong></a> is also a major achievement for the FAO as the programme was started by FAO.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Context:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FAO has closely watched <strong>India's fight against <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">malnutrition</a></strong> in the past decades but its scope had many constraints.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Due to reasons such as</strong> pregnancy at a young age, lack of education and information, inadequate access to drinking water, lack of cleanliness, etc. <strong>India is lagging behind in achieving the expected results</strong> of <strong>&ldquo;malnutrition free India&rdquo;</strong> by <strong>2022,</strong> envisaged under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-national-nutrition-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Nutrition Mission</strong></a> (POSHAN Abhiyaan).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FAO <strong>supported India's proposal to declare 2023</strong> as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/2023-is-the-international-year-of-millets-fao" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Year of Millets.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The move will <strong>encourage intake of nutritious food, increase their availability</strong> further and <strong>benefit small and medium farmers</strong> who mostly grow coarse grains on their land where there is a problem of water and the land is not so fertile.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Highlighted Indian Initiatives</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-safety-mitra-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eat Right India</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fit-india-movement#:~:text=The%20Prime%20Minister%20on%20the,player%20Major%20Dhyan%20Chand%20Singh." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Fit India Movement</strong></a> along with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swachh Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-jeevan-mission-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission</strong></a> and other efforts will improve the health of Indians and heal the environment.</li>
<li><strong>Introduction of 17 new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/an-innovative-method-for-boosting-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biofortified varieties</a> of crops</strong> to overcome the shortcomings of the common variety of crops which lacks important micronutrients.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Example: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/macs-4028-wheat-variety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MACS 4028 Wheat</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/madhuban-gajar-biofortified-variety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Madhuban Gajar</strong></a>, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased ambit and effective implementation</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inclusion-of-the-disabled-in-national-food-security-act-2013" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food Security Act, 2013.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/agricultural-sector-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Amendments</strong> </a>to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agricultural-marketing-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APMC (agricultural produce market committee) Acts</strong> </a>to make them more competitive.</li>
<li>Steps to ensure that farmers get one and a half times the cost as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Price</strong></a> (MSP), which along with the government procurement, is an important part of ensuring the country's food security.</li>
<li>Development of a large network of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-producer-bodies-need-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Farmer Producer Organisations</strong> </a>(FPOs).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/essential-commodities-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Amendments in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955</strong> </a>to deal with the issue of grain wastage in India.</li>
<li>Government is making efforts to <strong>make India Trans Fat free by 2022,</strong> a year ahead of the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Health Organisation</strong></a> (WHO) target, in synergy with the vision of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/strategy-for-new-india-75" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> New India @75</strong></a> (75 years of India&rsquo;s independence).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guidelines-for-reduction-of-trans-fatty-acids" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trans Fat</strong></a> is a <strong>food toxin</strong> present in <strong>Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils</strong> (PHVOs) (e.g. vanaspati, shortening, margarine, etc.), baked and fried foods.</li>
<li>It is a major <strong>contributor to the rise in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-communicable diseases</a></strong> in India and also a modifiable risk factor for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/higher-mortality-from-cardio-vascular-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>cardiovascular diseases</strong></a> (CVD). Eliminating CVD risk factor is especially relevant during Covid-19 as <strong>people with CVD are predisposed to have serious conditions having</strong> an impact on mortality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1665119" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6766,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Global Hunger Index 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>India</strong> has been <strong>ranked at 94 among 107 countries</strong> in the <strong>Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Hunger Index</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Annual Report:</strong> Jointly published by <strong>Concern Worldwide</strong> and <strong>Welthungerhilfe.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>first produced in 2006.</strong> It is <strong>published every October.</strong> The<strong> 2020 edition</strong> marks the<strong> 15<sup>th</sup> edition of the GHI.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> To comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels.</li>
<li><strong>Calculation:</strong> The <strong>GHI scores</strong> are calculated each year to assess progress and setbacks in combating hunger. It is calculated on the basis of<strong> four indicators:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undernourishment:</strong> Share of the population with <strong>insufficient caloric intake.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Child Wasting:</strong> Share of children under age five who have<strong> low weight for their height,</strong> reflecting acute undernutrition.</li>
<li><strong>Child Stunting:</strong> Share of children under age five who have <strong>low height for their age,</strong> reflecting chronic undernutrition.</li>
<li><strong>Child Mortality:</strong> The mortality rate of children <strong>under the age of five.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Scoring:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Based on the values of the four indicators, the GHI determines hunger on a <strong>100-point scale</strong> where<strong> 0</strong> is the<strong> best possible score</strong> (no hunger) and 100 is the worst.</li>
<li>Each country&rsquo;s GHI score is<strong> classified by severity,</strong> from low to extremely alarming.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Worldwide Hunger:</strong> Represented by a <strong>GHI score of 18.2</strong> (moderate level), <strong>down from a 2000 GHI score of 28.2</strong> (serious).</li>
<li><strong>Factors:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organisation%20(WHO,31st%20December%2C%202019)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <strong>pandemic</strong> and the <strong>resulting economic downturn,</strong> as well as a <strong>massive outbreak of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/locusts-appeared-early-in-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desert locusts</a></strong> in the Horn of Africa and other crises, are <strong>exacerbating food and nutrition insecurity</strong> for millions of people.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It needs to be noted that <strong>2020 GHI scores do not reflect the impact of Covid-19</strong> on hunger and undernutrition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The above mentioned crises come on top of <strong>existing hunger</strong> caused by <strong>conflict, climate extremes,</strong> and<strong> economic shocks</strong> (random, unpredictable events).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Region-wise Performance: Africa South of the Sahara</strong> and<strong> South Asia</strong> have the <strong>highest hunger and undernutrition levels</strong> among world regions, with 2020 GHI scores of 27.8 and 26.0, respectively&mdash;both considered serious.</li>
<li><strong>SDG 2 Progress:</strong> The<strong> world is not on track to achieve the second <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goal</a></strong> - known as <strong>Zero Hunger</strong> for short -<strong> by 2030. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Overall Performance:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With a <strong>score of 27.2,</strong> India has a level of hunger that is<strong> &ldquo;serious&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> ranks 94 out of 107 countries</strong> in the Index. In <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-hunger-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2019</strong></a>, India&rsquo;s rank <strong>was 102 out of 117 countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with Other Countries: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India features behind</strong> Nepal (73), Pakistan (88), Bangladesh (75), Indonesia (70) among others.</li>
<li>Out of the total 107 countries, <strong>only 13 countries fare worse than India</strong> including countries like Rwanda (97), Nigeria (98), Afghanistan (99), Liberia (102), Mozambique (103), Chad (107) among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance on the Indicators:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Undernourishment: 14%</strong> of India&rsquo;s population is undernourished (2017-19). It was 16.3% during 2011-13.</li>
<li><strong>Child Wasting:</strong> 17.3% (2015-19), it was 15.1% in 2010-14.</li>
<li><strong>Child Stunting:</strong> 34.7%, it has improved significantly, from 54% in 2000 to less than 35% now.</li>
<li><strong>Child Mortality:</strong> 3.7%, it was 5.2% in 2012.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602922105_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602922105_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="262" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Some Related Initiatives by India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/second-edition-of-eat-right-mela" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eat Right India Movement</a>:</strong> An outreach activity organised by the <strong>Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)</strong> for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/poshan-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong></a>: Launched by the <strong>Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2018,</strong> it targets to <strong>reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia</strong> (among young children, women and adolescent girls).</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana</strong></a>: A <strong>centrally sponsored scheme</strong> executed by the <strong>Ministry of Women and Child Development,</strong> is a <strong>maternity benefit programme</strong> being implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1<sup>st</sup> January, 2017.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/milk-fortification-project#:~:text=Food%20Fortification%20or%20Food%20Enrichment,to%20improve%20their%20nutritional%20content." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food Fortification</strong></a>: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A &amp; D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-nation-one-ration-card-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act, 2013</strong></a>: The National Food Security Act, (NFSA) 2013 legally entitled up to <strong>75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population</strong> to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public Distribution System.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mission-indradhanush-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mission Indradhanush</strong></a>: It targets <strong>children under 2 years of age and pregnant women</strong> for immunization against <strong>12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1#:~:text=Integrated%20Child%20Development%20Services%20(ICDS)%20Scheme&amp;text=It%20provides%20a%20package%20of,check%2Dup%20and%20referral%20services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme</strong></a>: Launched on<strong> 2<sup>nd</sup> October, 1975,</strong> the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme offers a package of <strong>six services (Supplementary Nutrition, Pre-school non-formal education, Nutrition &amp; health education, Immunization, Health check-up and Referral services)</strong> to children in the age group of<strong> 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Governments, private actors, and NGOs should carefully coordinate their <strong>responses to overlapping food and health crises</strong> and work with community organizations to make sure interventions are culturally acceptable, reach the most vulnerable, and preserve local ecosystems.</li>
<li><strong>Food should be priced not only by its weight or volume but also by its nutrient density,</strong> its freedom from contamination, and its contribution to ecosystem services and social justice.</li>
<li>Governments should <strong>expand access to maternal and child health care,</strong> as well as <strong>education on healthy diets and child feeding practices.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Supporting smallholder farmers</strong> in becoming sustainable and diversified producers; governments and NGOs must seek to improve those farmers&rsquo; access to agricultural inputs and extension services, coupling local and indigenous agricultural knowledge with new technologies.</li>
<li><strong>Existing human rights-based multilateral mechanisms</strong> and international standards&mdash;such as the Committee on World Food Security&mdash;must be strengthened to support inclusive policy making and sustainable food systems.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-fares-poorly-in-hunger-index/article32876195.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6765,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'First 'Har Ghar Jal' State: Goa',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Goa has become the first <strong>'Har Ghar Jal' State</strong> in the country as it successfully provided<strong> 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs)</strong> in the <strong>rural areas</strong> covering <strong>2.30 lakh rural households.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Early Achiever:</strong> State's commitment and brisk efforts have ensured advancement and achievement of targets well<strong> before time, i.e. 2024 at national level.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Annual Action Plan:</strong> Goa prepared the State's Annual Action Plan (AAP) to provide 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in rural areas by<strong> 2021.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Goa utilized the benefits of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-jeevan-mission-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)</strong></a> which aims to improve the quality of life and bring 'ease-of-living' to rural communities.</li>
<li>Accordingly, fund allocation from the Union to Goa in 2020-21 has been increased to Rs. 12.40 Crore for the plan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Convergence of Schemes:</strong> The State explored through convergence of various programmes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swachh-bharat-mission-grameen-phase-ii-approved" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/j-k-and-15th-finance-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission</strong></a> for rural local bodies, etc. for strengthening of drinking water sources, water supply, grey water (any domestic wastewater excluding sewage) treatment &amp; re-use and operation &amp; maintenance.</li>
<li><strong>Water Testing Facilities:</strong> The State is in process of getting <strong>14 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-lab-directory" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)</a></strong> accredited <strong>water quality testing laboratories.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Jal Jeevan Mission mandates<strong> training 5 persons in every village especially women</strong> to be trained in using<strong> Field Test Kits,</strong> so that water can be tested in the villages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)</strong> envisages supply of <strong>55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.</strong></li>
<li>JJM focuses on <strong>integrated demand and supply-side management of water</strong> at the local level.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Creation of local infrastructure for source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, like <strong>rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household wastewater for reuse,</strong> would be undertaken in convergence with other government programmes/schemes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission is based on a <strong>community approach to water</strong> and includes extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission.</li>
<li>JJM looks to<strong> create a jan andolan for water,</strong> thereby making it everyone&rsquo;s priority.</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong> The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The total allocation to the scheme is over ₹3 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Having achieved universal access, the State now plans for a sensor-based <strong>service delivery</strong> monitoring system so as to monitor the functionality of water supply i.e. potable water in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality.</li>
<li>Goa&rsquo;s achievement is an <strong>example for other States to emulate</strong> and ensure every rural home gets tap connection.</li>
<li>Especially in these times of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic, it is all the more imperative to have assured safe water supply within households.</li>
<li>This silent revolution happening in rural India in terms of household tap water connections is a work in progress for a <strong>&lsquo;New India&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1663200" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6756,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Saviour Sibling',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, doctors successfully conducted <strong>India&rsquo;s first &lsquo;saviour sibling&rsquo; experiment.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Saviour Sibling named Kavya</strong> saved her 6-year-old brother (suffering from Thalassemia).</li>
<li>150- 200 ml bone marrow was harvested from Kavya in an hour-long procedure and then given to her brother Abhijeet through transfusion.</li>
<li><strong>Kavya suffered low haemoglobin</strong> for some time but it was <strong>corrected with supplements</strong> and she also<strong> endured some pain</strong> in the areas from where the marrow was taken for a few days. Presently, <strong>both Kavya and Abhijeet are healthy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>&lsquo;Saviour Sibling&rsquo;</strong> refers to<strong> babies that are created to serve an older sibling as a donor of organs, bone marrow or cells.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Stem cells from the umbilical cord blood or blood of the saviour sibling</strong> are used for <strong>treatment of serious blood disorders like</strong> <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thalassemia-bal-sewa-yojna" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thalassemia</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-sickle-cell-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sickle cell anaemia.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They are <strong>created with In vitro fertilisation (IVF)</strong> so that they can <strong>undergo pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (or testing)</strong> to rule out any genetic disorders and also check bone marrow compatibility. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT)</strong> refers to the genetic profiling of embryos. It is used to screen embryos for genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities.</li>
<li>From each embryo, PGT<strong> takes a biopsy of only a few cells</strong> and conducts a <strong>genetic analysis.</strong></li>
<li>This analysis can search to<strong> exclude embryos</strong> carrying a genetic variant that causes a <strong>hereditary disease,</strong> and it can search to find <strong>embryos that are an Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) match to a sibling.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>HLA</strong> is a type of molecule found on the surface of most cells in the body. These <strong>play an important part in the body&rsquo;s immune response to foreign substances.</strong></li>
<li>These <strong>make up a person&rsquo;s tissue type,</strong> which varies from person to person.</li>
<li><strong>HLA typing</strong> is<strong> important in organ transplantation protocols,</strong> as they determine the likelihood of rejection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>world&rsquo;s first saviour sibling, Adam Nash, </strong>was born in<strong> 2000</strong> in the<strong> USA.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Need:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For those families with a child that requires a stem cell transplant, often there is a <strong>hurdle of finding a donor for the transplant.</strong></li>
<li>A successful transplant requires an <strong>HLA match</strong> between donor and recipient. However, the <strong>probability of finding a suitable match among family members is about 30% overall.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ethical Considerations and Implications:</strong> In<strong> a 2004 paper</strong> published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, UK researchers debated <strong>whether selecting saviour siblings should be banned.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They studied the arguments to ban it:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That saviour siblings <strong>would be wrongfully treated as means rather than ends.</strong></li>
<li>They would cause or <strong>constitute a slide towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/worlds-first-gene-edited-babies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">designer babies</a>,</strong></li>
<li>They <strong>would suffer physically and/or emotionally. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>But the paper found these arguments to be flawed.</strong> It concluded that the <strong>selection of saviour siblings should be permitted,</strong> especially given that prohibiting it would result in the preventable deaths of a number of existing children.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>In vitro Fertilisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IVF is one of the more widely known types of <strong>Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).</strong></li>
<li>In vitro comes from the latin word<strong> &lsquo;in glass&rsquo;,</strong> i.e. studies are done in a test tube rather than in a human or animal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>opposite</strong> to &lsquo;In-vitro&rsquo; is <strong>&lsquo;In-vivo&rsquo;,</strong> which comes from the latin word <strong>&lsquo;within the living&rsquo;.</strong> In vivo refers to experimentation being done in a living organism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In vitro means outside the body. Fertilization means the sperm has attached to and entered the egg.</li>
<li>During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Currently there is a significant gap between the biotechnology advancements in prenatal testing versus the necessary legal and ethical framework. It is imperative that legal and ethical standards be set for the benefit of both the families and professionals involved in the creation of savior children.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/a-sister-born-to-save-ailing-brother/article32856312.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6746,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare</strong> launched the <strong>second phase</strong> of <strong>&ldquo;Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna&rdquo;</strong> for the <strong>underprivileged Thalassemic patients</strong>.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)</strong> program was launched in <strong>2017</strong> and is funded by <strong>Coal India <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</a></strong>. It will be <strong>extended</strong> for next two years from 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>HSCT</strong> refers to the <strong>transplantation of stem cells</strong> from various sources (bone marrow, growth factor&ndash;stimulated peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood) for the treatment of various diseases like autoimmune, and genetic diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Hematopoietic Stem Cell:</strong> It is an immature cell that can develop into all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Hematopoietic stem cells are found in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow. Also called blood stem cell.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> It aims to provide a<strong> one-time cure opportunity for Haemoglobinopathies like Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Disease</strong> for patients who have a matched family donor.</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> Only patients whose <strong>monthly family income is below Rs 20,000</strong> will be eligible for this assistance.</li>
<li>The scheme has been extended to cover <strong>Aplastic Anaemia patients</strong> (lack of blood cell production in body).</li>
<li><strong>Funding:</strong> The CSR initiative was targeted to provide financial assistance to a total of 200 patients by providing a package cost not exceeding <strong>rupees 10 lakhs per HSCT</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Statistics:</strong> It is estimated 10,000 to 12,000 children are born with thalassemia every year in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Data on the prevalence of <strong>silent carriers</strong> (persons without symptoms but potential to transmit to offsprings) for various Haemoglobinopathies show that silent carriers are <strong>2.9-4.6% for Thalassemia</strong>, while it can be as high as <strong>40% for sickle cell anaemia</strong> especially among the tribal population.</li>
<li>Haemoglobin variants like<strong> Hemoglobin E (HBE)</strong> - deformed hemoglobin- in <strong>eastern India</strong> can be as common as <strong>3-50%</strong> which calls for more attention to these diseases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Thalassemia</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>genetic blood disorder</strong> that causes the body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thalassemia can cause anemia, leading to fatigue.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Sickle Cell Disease</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an inherited disease caused by defects, called mutations, in the beta globin gene that helps make hemoglobin. The red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a &ldquo;sickle&rdquo;. The <strong>sickle cells die early</strong>, which causes a <strong>constant shortage of red blood cells</strong>.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-sickle-cell-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Sickle Cell Day 2020</strong> </a>was observed to increase awareness about the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) at the national level.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The day is recognised by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> and celebrated every year on <strong>19<sup>th</sup> June</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1664398" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 6730,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'World Mental Health Day 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>World Mental Health Day is observed on <strong>10<sup>th</sup> October every year,</strong> with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>2020 Theme:</strong> Mental Health for All, Greater Investment &ndash; Greater Access</li>
<li><strong>The Big Event for Mental Health:</strong> It is the <strong>first ever global online advocacy event on mental health,</strong> hosted by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation (WHO)</strong></a> on the day.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health:</strong> Surveys have indicated that the <strong>pandemic is increasing</strong> mental health problems.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Half the respondents from seven countries in a survey by non-profit <strong>International Society for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement</strong> reported negative effects on mental health.</li>
<li><strong>Practo,</strong> an integrated health care company, reported a <strong>665% jump</strong> in the number of mental health consultations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>More than two-thirds</strong> of the queries were from those <strong>aged 21-40.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Anxiety, stress</strong> and <strong>panic attacks</strong> were the most commonly discussed topics.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the <strong>United States, more than 90% of respondents</strong> to a survey of Harvard Medical School reported <strong>increased worry, frustration, boredom or anxiety.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> global economic cost of mental illness</strong> is expected to be<strong> more than USD 16 trillion</strong> over the next 20 years, which is more than the cost of any other non-communicable disease.</li>
<li><strong>More Vulnerable:</strong> People in<strong> younger</strong> age,<strong> female</strong> gender and those <strong>with comorbidities</strong> reported more psychological impact.</li>
<li><strong>Causes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Related to Pandemic:</strong> The pandemic has <strong>increased isolation</strong> and <strong>loss of income</strong> which are well known triggers of mental health conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The disease itself has been reported to lead to neurological and mental complications such as delirium, agitation and stroke.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> has <strong>disrupted or halted mental health services</strong> in 93% of the countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding and aid:</strong> Lack of funding for huge challenges posed by pandemic and mental health issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> World Health Organisation</strong> (WHO) pointed out that c<strong>ountries are spending less than 2% of their health budget</strong> on mental health.</li>
<li>Only around <strong>1% of the international aid</strong> available for health is earmarked for mental health.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Scenario:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A report published in The Lancet Psychiatry in February 2020 indicates that in 2017, there were<strong> 197.3 million people</strong> with mental disorders in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The top mental illnesses were <strong>depressive disorder</strong> (45.7 million) and <strong>anxiety</strong> disorder (44.9 million).</li>
<li>The contribution of mental disorders to the total DALYs in India increased from 2.5% in 1990 to <strong>4.7%</strong> in 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Depressive disorder and anxiety disorder contributed the most to the total mental disorders DALYs.</li>
<li><strong>Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs):</strong> The burden of disability associated with a disease or disorder can be measured in units called disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>DALYs represent the total number of years lost to illness, disability, or premature death within a given population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Budgetary Spending:</strong> The year 2020 began with a reduction of budget allocation for<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/mental-healthcare" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> mental health in India.</strong> </a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s healthcare budget in 2018 was Rs. 52,800 crore, of which Rs. 50 crore was for mental health and that was reduced to Rs 40 crore the following year.</li>
<li>India is<strong> barely spending 0.5% of the health budget</strong> on this sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives:</strong> The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/mental-healthcare" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) 2017</strong> </a>came into force in 2018 to meet the requirements of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-principles-for-people-with-disabilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities</strong></a> which India ratified in 2007.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>KIRAN:</strong> The <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> has launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/kiran-mental-health-rehabilitation-helpline" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>24/7 toll-free helpline</strong></a> to provide support to people facing anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns.</li>
<li><strong>Manodarpan Initiative:</strong> It is an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/manodarpan-mental-health-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>initiative</strong></a> of the <strong>Ministry of Education</strong> under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the times of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mental Health Care Act, 2017</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right to make an Advance Directive,</strong> wherein patients can state on how to be treated or not to be treated for the illness during a mental health situation.</li>
<li><strong>Right to appoint a Nominated Representative:</strong> A person shall have the right to appoint a nominated representative to take on his/her behalf, all health related decisions like:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Right to access mental health care,</li>
<li>Right to free &amp; quality services,</li>
<li>Right to get free medicines,</li>
<li>Right to community living,</li>
<li>Right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment,</li>
<li>Right to live in an environment, safe and hygienic, having basic amenities,</li>
<li>Right to legal aid, and</li>
<li>No Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) without anesthesia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This act brought changes in <strong>Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code</strong> (which criminalized attempted suicide). The attempt to commit suicide is punishable only as an exception.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Increasing the number of psychologists and psychiatrists alone won&rsquo;t help. Stigma and awareness are two separate issues although interlinked. They need to be addressed in parallel in order to tackle the burden of mental illness.</li>
<li><strong>Community Partnership:</strong> By forming <strong>self-help groups</strong> of carers families along with <strong>NGO&rsquo;s</strong> which brings community participation and helps reduce the social stigma associated with mental illness.</li>
<li><strong>Increase Resources:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Increasing mental healthcare facilities and related infrastructure through more resource allocation in the budget.</li>
<li>Adequate Mental healthcare professional availability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Empathetic Service delivery:</strong> Delivery of services should be sensitive, compassionate and free from stigma and discrimination in public healthcare institutions.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6705,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Malnutrition and Covid-19',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article has been taken from <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/malnutrition-the-silent-pandemic-6610858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Malnutrition - the silent pandemic&lsquo;</strong> </a>which was published in &lsquo;The Indian Express&rsquo; on 25/09/2020. It focuses upon how the pandemic has worsened the problem of Malnutrition.</p>
</div>
<p>While malnutrition already remains as the predominant risk factor for child deaths and total disability- adjusted life years, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COVID-19</strong></a> has pushed back our efforts on ending malnutrition, which plagues India's children.</p>
<p>There is a real risk that, as nations strive to control the virus, the gains made in reducing hunger and malnutrition will be lost. The need for more equitable, resilient and sustainable food and health systems has never been more urgent.</p>
<h3>Malnutrition</h3>
<p>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Undernutrition,</strong> which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age).</li>
<li><strong>Micronutrient-related malnutrition,</strong> which includes micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) or micronutrient excess;</li>
<li><strong>Overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers).</li>
</ul>
<p>Globally, at least 1 in 3 children under 5 is undernourished or overweight and at least 1 in 2 children suffer from <strong>hidden hunger.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Hidden Hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Hidden hunger is a lack of vitamins and minerals.</li>
<li>It occurs when the quality of food people eat does not meet the nutrient requirements. The food is deficient in micronutrients such as the vitamins and minerals that are needed for their growth and development.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Causes of Malnutrition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Food &amp; nutrition insecurity:</strong> Increased food and nutrition insecurity has severely weakened the immune system of people contributing to poor growth &amp; intellectual impairment and has lowered human capital and development prospects</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> Inequity is a cause of malnutrition &mdash; both under-nutrition and overweight, obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Inequities in food and health systems exacerbate inequalities in nutrition outcomes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Dietary Intake:</strong> Inadequate dietary intake and disease are directly responsible for undernutrition, but multiple indirect determinants exacerbate these causes. These include-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Food insecurity</li>
<li>Inadequate childcare practices</li>
<li>Low maternal education</li>
<li>Poor access to health services</li>
<li>Lack of access to clean water and sanitation</li>
<li>Poor hygiene practices</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Covid-19 and Malnutrition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The nationwide lockdown has disrupted access to essential services, including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mid-day-meal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-Day Meals</strong></a>, which are not only a nutritional measure to supplement some portion of a child&rsquo;s calorie needs but is also a tool to access education.</li>
<li>Through a concurrent rapid needs assessment, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/childhood-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Save the Children</strong></a> found that around 40% of eligible children have not received mid-day meal during the lockdown.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Malnutrition and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Nutrition Report-2020:</strong> As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-nutrition-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong></a>, India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</li>
<li><strong>Malnourished children in India:</strong> Malnutrition in India accounts for 68% of total under-five deaths and 17% of the total disability- adjusted life years.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is home to about 30% of the world&rsquo;s stunted children and nearly 50 per cent of severely wasted children under the age of five.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>FAO estimates:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong> </a>estimates that 194.4 million people in India (about 14.5% of the total population) are undernourished.</li>
<li><strong>Global Hunger Index-2019:</strong> India ranks 102 out of 117 countries in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-hunger-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Hunger Index 2019.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Wasting rate:</strong> India&rsquo;s wasting rate is extremely high at 20.8% &mdash; the highest wasting rate of any country.</li>
<li><strong>Nutrition interventions:</strong> They are not sufficient to tackle the problem of undernutrition: Even at 90% coverage, the core set of proven nutrition-specific interventions would only decrease stunting by 20 per cent.</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19:</strong> Covid-19 has posed serious threats to children and their health and nutritional rights.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to recent estimates, even in the best possible scenario and accounting for changes in the provision of essential health and nutrition services due to COVID-19, India could have around additional 60,000 child deaths (around 3,00,000 in the worst-case scenario) in the next six months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition and Undernutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers <strong>two broad groups of conditions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undernutrition&mdash;</strong>which includes <strong>stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age)</strong> and<strong> micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Obesity&mdash;</strong> which includes<strong> overweight and diet-related noncommunicable diseases</strong> (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Measures Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-food-day#:~:text=World%20Food%20Day%20is%20observed,people%20while%20nurturing%20the%20planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Food Day</a>:</strong> it is observed annually on October 16 to address the problem of global hunger.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/poshan-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong></a>: The government of India had launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) or <strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong> to ensure a &ldquo;Malnutrition Free India&rdquo; by 2022.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anaemia-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>: Launched in 2018, the mission aims at accelerating the annual rate of decline of anaemia from one to three percentage points.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/midday-meal-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme</strong></a>: aims to improve nutritional levels among school children which also has a direct and positive impact on enrolment, retention and attendance in schools.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-nation-one-ration-card-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013</strong></a>: aims to ensure food and nutrition security for the most vulnerables through its associated schemes and programmes, making access to food a legal right.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)</strong></a>: Rs.6,000 is transferred directly to the bank accounts of pregnant women for availing better facilities for their delivery.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1#:~:text=Integrated%20Child%20Development%20Services%20(ICDS)%20Scheme&amp;text=It%20provides%20a%20package%20of,check%2Dup%20and%20referral%20services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme</strong></a>: launched in 1975, the scheme aims at providing food, preschool education, primary healthcare, immunization, health check-up and referral services to children under 6 years of age and their mothers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need to explore possible solutions and put forward key policy and programme proposals for the integrated management of acute malnutrition and mitigating the impact of<strong> Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>For easy and sustained access to nutritious food, the spotlight back should be brought back on locally-available, low-cost nutritious food.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also more encouragement should be given to maternal, infant and young child nutrition actions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Strategies like &lsquo;take-home ration&rsquo; and &lsquo;mid-day meal service&rsquo; to ensure the continuation of services and coverage of the most vulnerable communities, especially in urban areas. Child-sensitive social protection schemes, like <strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY),</strong> need to be implemented in a way so that they reach the last child.</li>
<li>Strict measures are needed to ensure that the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Distribution System (PDS)</strong></a> is accessible to all, especially the vulnerable population.</li>
<li>The use of newer technologies in service delivery, data management, evidence generation and real-time monitoring should be encouraged for maximum use in these processes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nutrition is not a peripheral concern rather a central to our existence; a pro-equity agenda that mainstreams nutrition into food systems and health systems, supported by strong financing and accountability is the greatest need.</li>
<li>Only five years are left to meet the 2025 global nutrition targets, while the time is running out, the focus should be on an action that provides the maximum impact.</li>
<li>Given the range of drivers of nutrition, spanning multiple sectors of agriculture, social protection, health and education, tackling undernutrition demands a multi-sectoral response.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602328535_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602328535_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edf2ff;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Any country cannot aim to attain economic and social development goals without addressing the issue of malnutrition&rdquo;. In light of the statement, discuss the multi-sectoral dimensions of malnutrition in India and how to address them.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WNGJIv2aWs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/trouble-in-the-air-120100801708_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trouble in the Air</strong></a> which was published in the &lsquo;Business Standard&rsquo; on October 08, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6699,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Nobel Prize for Peace 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>2020 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prizes-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nobel</a> Peace Prize</strong> has been awarded to the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/food-crisis-amid-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Food Programme</strong> </a>(WFP), a <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a></strong> (UN) agency, for its efforts to combat hunger, bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and preventing the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Other 2020 Nobel Prizes for <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-in-literature-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Literature</a></strong>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-in-chemistry-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chemistry</strong></a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-for-physics-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Physics</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nobel-prize-for-physiology-medicine-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medicine</strong></a> have already been announced.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Food Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was established in <strong>1961</strong> by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organisation</strong> </a>(FAO) and the <strong>United Nations General Assembly</strong> (UNGA) and became a <strong>full-fledged UN programme in 1965.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Rome, Italy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance and Achievements:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Eradicating hunger</strong> is one of the UN&rsquo;s <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainable Development Goals</a> (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)</strong> to be <strong>achieved by 2030</strong> and <strong>WFP is the UN&rsquo;s primary agency</strong> that works towards this goal.</li>
<li>Currently, it is the<strong> world&rsquo;s largest humanitarian agency combating hunger.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2019, it assisted 97 million people,</strong> the largest number since 2012, in 88 countries. The same year, it delivered about 4.4 million tonnes of food, purchased USD 1.7 billion worth of food from 91 countries, and USD 762 million worth of goods and services from 156 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data on Hunger:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the WFP, there are <strong>690 million hungry people around the world</strong> and around <strong>60% of them live in countries affected by conflict.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It highlights that people living in countries with long-running crises are <strong>more than twice as likely to be undernourished</strong> than people elsewhere (2.5 times as much).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The number of hungry people is expected to increase further due to <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19&nbsp;</a></strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>, which has led to <strong>earnings losses,</strong> made <strong>food more expensive</strong> and has <strong>disrupted supply chains.</strong></li>
<li>The WFP estimates suggest that <strong>by 2030, nearly half of the global poor will be living in fragile and conflict-affected situations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>WFP&rsquo;s Role in India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been <strong>working in India since 1963.</strong></li>
<li>It focuses on reforms in the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Targeted Public Distribution System</strong></a> (TPDS) and provides policy inputs, advocacy and technical assistance for improving access to food.</li>
<li>The WFP has<strong> proposed unique initiatives</strong> like<strong> Automatic Grain Dispensing Machine (Annapurti)</strong> and <strong>Mobile Storage Units</strong> for the effective implementation of TPDS. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Annapurti</strong> allows beneficiaries to <strong>withdraw their foodgrain quota accurately</strong> and <strong>at a time of their choice</strong> through automatic grain dispensing machines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>WFP India has completed a <strong>pilot on rice <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/an-innovative-method-for-boosting-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fortification</a></strong> used in the government&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/midday-meal-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-day Meals scheme.</strong></a></li>
<li>During the pandemic, WFP India <strong>worked with the central and state governments</strong> and has also <strong>prepared a guidance note for the reopening of schools.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-rural-economic-transformation-project#:~:text=The%20Mission%20aims%20at%20creating,improved%20access%20to%20financial%20services." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State Rural Livelihood Mission</strong> </a>(SRLM) to provide <strong>technical assistance for setting up supplementary nutrition production units.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/how-peace-nobel-winner-wfp-has-combated-hunger-around-the-world-6718909/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'title' => 'Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI)</strong> has transferred its High Flow Rate Fluoride &amp; Iron Removal technology to Capricans Aqua Private Limited, West Bengal.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>Community Level Water Purification System</strong> which has a Flow-Rate capacity of 10,000 Ltr/hr.</li>
<li>It uses commonly available raw materials such as <strong>sand, gravel and adsorbent materials.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises a <strong>three-stage purification process</strong> that purifies water within permissible limits (1.5 parts per million (ppm) &amp; 0.3 parts per million for Fluoride and Iron respectively).</li>
<li>The technology uses a combination of <strong>Oxidation, gravity settling</strong> (settling down of heavier impurities under gravity) and <strong>Chemisorption</strong> process in an Affordable Package.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Chemisorption</strong> is a kind of adsorption which involves a chemical reaction between the surface and the adsorbate. New chemical bonds are generated at the adsorbent surface.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The integrated <strong>backwashing</strong> technology will help in improving the shelf-life of the filtration media in a resource rationalized manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Backwashing</strong> refers to pumping water backwards through the filter media, for the preventive maintenance so that the filter media can be reused.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The number of Fluoride affected individuals are continuously increasing in a contaminated habitat in the last 50 years. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This has been happening in consonance with the disproportional <strong>depletion of the Water Table,</strong> which has led to the multiplication of the level of concentration of Fluoride in the particular region.</li>
<li>The deployment of this Community Level system at affected places can help to turn the tide against the menace of Iron and Fluorosis across the Nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost-Effective solution</strong> for serving the most vulnerable sections of the Nation.</li>
<li>Besides, the technology is also a major thrust towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong> </a>campaign.</li>
<li>The proliferation of this technology will also help in catalyzing<strong> Employment Generation opportunities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Iron in water:</strong> Iron is the most common contaminant of drinking water, followed by salinity, arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rajasthan</strong> had the highest number of rural habitations affected by contamination overall, at 16,833 in 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Combined arsenic and iron pollution</strong> affect West Bengal and Assam the worst.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Corrosion of pipes is a common reason why iron is found in drinking water.</li>
<li><strong>Impacts:</strong> As little as 0.3 mg/L concentration of iron can make the water appear brown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The overload of iron may cause severe health problems such as liver cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis of liver, diseases related to heart and central nervous system, infertility etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fluoride in water:<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602238804_image3.png" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>High levels of Fluoride were reported in 230 districts of 20 States of India (2016-17).</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> Naturally occurring fluoride in water along with the result of industrial processes.</li>
<li>Owing to inaccessibility to Affordable Fluoride Removal Solutions the Fluorosis affected statistics has also witnessed an upward trajectory.</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> There are two main types of fluorosis, namely dental and skeletal fluorosis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dental fluorosis</strong> is caused by continuous exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development.</li>
<li><strong>Skeletal fluorosis</strong> is developed by the disturbance of calcium metabolism in the formation of bones of the body.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It results in the softening and weakening of bones resulting in deformities leading to crippling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis:</strong></li>
<li>NPPCF is a health initiative<strong> launched in the 11<sup>th</sup> Five Year Plan,</strong> initiated in 2008-09.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To collect, assess and use the baseline survey data of fluorosis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.</li>
<li>Comprehensive management of fluorosis in the selected areas.</li>
<li>Capacity building for prevention, diagnosis and management of fluorosis cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CMERI is a public engineering research and development institution in Durgapur, West Bengal.</li>
<li>It is a constituent laboratory of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CSIR is the <strong>largest research and development (R&amp;D) organisation in India.</strong> CSIR has a pan-India presence and has a dynamic network of 38 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and 5 units.</li>
<li><strong>Established:</strong> September 1942</li>
<li><strong>Located:</strong> New Delhi</li>
<li>CSIR is<strong> funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology</strong> and it operates as an <strong>autonomous body</strong> through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.</li>
<li>CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams and provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1662808" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 6688,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Concerns Related to ART Bill, 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/assisted-reproductive-technology-regulation-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020</strong></a> has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ART is <strong>used to treat infertility.</strong> It includes <strong>fertility treatments that handle both a woman's egg and a man's sperm.</strong> It works by removing eggs from a woman's body and mixing them with sperm to make embryos. The embryos are then put back in the woman's body.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/white-rhino" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>In Vitro fertilization</strong></a> (IVF) is the most common and effective type of ART.</li>
<li>ART procedures <strong>sometimes use donor eggs, donor sperm, or previously frozen embryos.</strong> It <strong>may also involve a surrogate carrier.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim of the Bill:</strong> To regulate ART banks and clinics, allow the safe and ethical practice of ARTs and protect women and children from exploitation.</li>
<li><strong>Supplementary Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was introduced to supplement the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-new-surrogacy-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, (SRB) 2019</strong></a>, which<strong> aims to prohibit commercial surrogacy</strong> in India.</li>
<li>The Bill designates <strong>surrogacy boards under the SRB to function as advisory bodies</strong> for ART.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Discrimination in Accessibility:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill<strong> allows</strong> for a <strong>married heterosexual couple</strong> and a<strong> woman above the age of marriage</strong> to use ARTs and <strong>excludes single men, cohabiting heterosexual couples and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples</strong> from accessing ARTs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>LGBTQ+ stands for <strong>lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer</strong> (or sometimes questioning), and others. The <strong>"plus"</strong> represents <strong>other sexual identities</strong> including pansexual, intersex, and asexual.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Bill seems to<strong> violate <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/important-articles-from-indian-constitution-compilation-part-i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 14</a></strong> of the Constitution and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privacy-judgement-and-the-aftermath" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Privacy jurisprudence of Puttaswamy, 2017</strong></a>, where the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> held that &ldquo;the sanctity of marriage, the liberty of procreation, the choice of a family life and the dignity of being&rdquo; concerned all <strong>individuals irrespective of their social status </strong>and were<strong> aspects of privacy.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/important-judgements-of-independent-india#:~:text=In%20Navtej%20Singh%20Johar%20v,adults%20of%20the%20same%20sex." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Navtej Singh Johar vs Union Of India (2018)</strong></a>, States were advised to take positive steps for equal protection for same-sex couples.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Unlike the SRB, there is <strong>no prohibition on foreign citizens accessing the ARTs</strong> but not all of the Indian citizens which is an illogical result which<strong> fails to reflect the true spirit</strong> of the Constitution.</li>
<li>The Bill<strong> restricts egg donation to a married woman with a child</strong> (at least three years old). Even here, egg donation as an altruistic act is <strong>possible only once a woman has fulfilled her duties</strong> to the patriarchal institution of marriage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Less or No Protection for Donors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill does<strong> little to protect the egg donor. Harvesting of eggs is an invasive process</strong> which, if performed incorrectly,<strong> can result in death.</strong></li>
<li>The Bill requires an egg donor&rsquo;s written consent but <strong>does not provide for her counselling or the ability to withdraw</strong> her consent before or during the procedure.</li>
<li>A woman receives <strong>no compensation or reimbursement of expenses for loss of salary, time and effort. Failing to pay for bodily services</strong> constitutes <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bonded-labour-system-in-india#:~:text=The%20Constitution%20of%20India%20prohibits,human%20beings%20and%20forced%20labour." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>unfree labour, which is prohibited by Article 23</strong> </a>of the Constitution.</li>
<li>The <strong>commissioning parties only need to obtain an insurance</strong> policy in her name for medical complications or death with<strong> no amount or duration specified.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ambiguity in Disorders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill requires<strong> pre-implantation genetic testing</strong> and where the <strong>embryo suffers</strong> from &ldquo;pre-existing, heritable, life-threatening or genetic diseases&rdquo;, it <strong>can be donated for research</strong> with the commissioning parties&rsquo; permission.</li>
<li>These <strong>disorders are not specified</strong> and the Bill<strong> risks promoting an impermissible programme of eugenics.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eugenics</strong> is the practise or advocacy of improving the human species by selectively mating people with specific desirable hereditary traits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hides Information:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Children born from ART <strong>do not have the right to know their parentage,</strong> which is crucial to their best interests and was protected under previous drafts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Imbalance Between ART and SRB:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although the Bill and the SRB regulate ARTs and surrogacy, respectively, there is <strong>considerable overlap</strong> between both sectors and they <strong>do not work in tandem. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Core ART processes are left undefined</strong> and few of them are defined in the SRB but not in the Bill.</li>
<li><strong>Same offending behaviours</strong> under both Bills are<strong> punished differently</strong> and sometimes with greater punishments under the SRB.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Offences under the Bill are bailable but not under the SRB.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Finally, <strong>records</strong> have to be maintained for <strong>10 years under the Bill</strong> but for <strong>25 years under the SRB.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Duplicacy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Both Bills set up multiple bodies for registration</strong> which will result in <strong>duplication or worse, lack of regulation.</strong> For example, a surrogacy clinic is not required to report surrogacy to the <strong>National Registry.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The National Registry will be established under the Bill and will act as a <strong>central database with details of all ART clinics and banks</strong> in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possible Gamete Shortage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Gamete shortage</strong> is likely to happen as there is no clarity on if <strong>gametes</strong> could be gifted between known friends and relatives now, which was not allowed earlier.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Gametes</strong> are an<strong> organism's reproductive cells.</strong> They are also referred to as <strong>sex cells. Female gametes</strong> are called <strong>ova or egg cells,</strong> and <strong>male</strong> gametes are called sperm.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poorly Drafted:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, Bill&rsquo;s <strong>prohibition on the sale, transfer, or use of gametes and embryos is poorly worded</strong> and will <strong>confuse</strong> foreign and domestic parents relying on donated gametes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced Punishments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SRB and the Bill impose <strong>high sentences</strong> (8-12 years) and <strong>hefty fines.</strong></li>
<li>The poor enforcement of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/revoke-order-weakening-pcpndt-act-aidwa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994</strong> </a>demonstrates that enhanced punishments do not secure compliance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Clinics must have ethics committees and mandated counselling services should be independent of them.</li>
<li>Prior versions of the Bill regulated research using embryos, which must be brought back and definitions of commissioning &ldquo;couple&rdquo;, &ldquo;infertility&rdquo;, &ldquo;ART clinics&rdquo; and &ldquo;banks&rdquo; need to be synchronised between the Bill and the SRB.</li>
<li>All ART bodies should be bound by the directions of central and state governments in the national interest, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency and morality.</li>
<li>All the constitutional, medico-legal, ethical and regulatory concerns raised by the Bill must be thoroughly reviewed before affecting millions.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/assisted-reproductive-technology-regulation-bill-surrogacy-6716444/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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