UPSC News Diary Today 16-09-2022

”UPSC News Diary Today” is every day published in the evening between 6-7 PM and contains all current affairs articles from the day on a single platform. ”UPSC News Diary Today” covers various topics from UPSC Syllabus and is very helpful and time managing for UPSC Aspirants. The framing of this daily current affairs compilation article is easy to read and understandable also.

In the ”UPSC News Diary Today” article, we focus on both UPSC Preliminary and Mains exam-oriented current affairs & prepare a gist of daily important news articles from leading National Newspapers, PIB, and other various official sources.

Tripartite Peace Agreement

Why in news?

A tripartite peace agreement was signed between the Centre, Assam Government and eight tribal groups of Assam to end the decade-old crisis of tribals and tea garden workers.

Which tribal groups signed the agreement?

• The eight groups that signed the peace pact include five Adivasi militant groups and 3 splinter groups, their cadres had surrendered arms in 2012 and are living in designated camps
• The tribal groups which signed the agreement include Birsa Commando Force, Adivasi People’s Army, All Adivasi National Liberation Army, Adivasi Cobra Military of Assam and Santhal Tiger Force.
• The Centre is committed to resolve all border disputes between the North Eastern States and all disputes related to armed groups by 2024.

What is in the Agreement?

• With this agreement, 1182 armed cadres have agreed to abjure violence and join the peaceful democratic process.
• The agreement also provides for rehabilitation and re-settlement of armed cadres and measures for the welfare of the tea garden workers.
• A Special development package of Rs.1000 crore, Rs.500 crore each by Govt. of India and Govt. of Assam, will be provided over a period of five years for the development of infrastructure in Adivasi inhabited villages/areas.
• The agreement also provides for the setting up of an Adivasi Welfare and Development Council by the Government of Assam with the objective of fulfilling the political, economic and educational aspirations; protecting, preserving and promoting social, cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities.

22nd SCO Summit at Samarkand

Why in news?

PM Narendra Modi along with leaders of SCO nations participates in 22nd SCO Summit at Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Who is attending the meet?

Besides leaders of SCO member states, observer states, the Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests are attending the meet.

What shall be discussed?

• The leaders are expected to review the grouping’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the prospects of multilateral cooperation.
• They will discuss topical, regional and international issues, including regional peace and security, trade and connectivity, culture and tourism.

What is SCO?

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation focuses on cooperation with international and regional organisations.
• The SCO currently comprises 8 members, including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, the four observer states interested in acceding to full membership of the SCO include Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia.

 Project Cheetah

Why in news?

PM Modi to release wild Cheetahs in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow under Project Cheetah.

About  Project Cheetah

The introduction of Cheetah in India is being done under Project Cheetah, which is world’s first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.

About Kuno National Park

Kuno National Park is a 748-square-km protected area, about 200 miles south of Delhi. A 12-km long fence has been erected to keep predators away from the park, which can house a maximum of 21 cheetahs.

Why do we need Cheetahs?

• The introduction of wild Cheetahs is part of Mr. Modi’s efforts to revitalise and diversify India’s wildlife and its habitat.
• The cheetah was declared extinct from India in 1952.
• Cheetahs that will be introduced are from Namibia and have been brought under an MoU signed earlier this year. They will help in the restoration of open forest and grassland ecosystems in India.
• This will help conserve biodiversity and enhance the ecosystem services like water security, carbon sequestration and soil moisture conservation.
• Cheetahs are the fastest animal on the earth — which can clock a speed of 120-km per hour within seconds.

IWA World Water Congress

IWA World Water Congress- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: International Relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

IWA World Water Congress 2022 in News

• Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, his Denmark counterpart along with the Indian Delegation launched a Whitepaper on ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’ at International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition 2022.

Whitepaper on ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’

• The Whitepaper is a result of the Indo-Danish Bilateral Green Strategic Partnership, which focuses on green hydrogen, renewable energy, and wastewater management.
• Whitepaper on ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’ aims to holistically capture of the current status of wastewater treatment in India.
• Whitepaper on ‘Urban Wastewater Scenario in India’ aims to create potential pathways for future treatment structures, co-creation, and collaborations.

IWA World Water Congress 2022

• About: The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is the global event for water professionals covering the full water cycle. The Congress is by nature a global forum for discussion.
• Venue: IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2022 was held in Copenhagen, Denmark on September 12, 2022.
• Organizing Authority: IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is convened by the International Water Association.
• Mandate: IWA World Water Congress 2022 will report on the water sector progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • With an emphasis on SDG6, dedicated to water and sanitation, the Congress will also highlight and access the interwoven relation of water with all 17 Global Goals.
• Participations: The World Water Congress & Exhibition is designed to bring together water professionals and also engage the water-consuming industry, agriculture, architects and urban planners, hydrologists and soil and groundwater experts, social sciences, etc.
  • Over 10,000 leading water professionals and companies participated in the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2022 .
  • During 6 days, thought-leaders, decision makers, leading researchers and business representatives from within and outside the water sector will focus on water solutions to shape our water future.

International Water Association (IWA)

• Background: In 1999, the International Water Services Association and the International Association of Water Quality joined forces to form the International Water Associaion (IWA), bringing the science and practice of water management closer together.
• About: The International Water Association (IWA) is a non-profit organization and knowledge hub for the water sector that works with an interdisciplinary network of water professionals and partners to create a water wise world.
• Mandate: IWA experts collaborate and combine their knowledge to spread practical know-how throughout the entire water cycle to help us reduce, reuse, and replenish water resources.
• Key Functions: Important functions of the International Water Association (IWA) are listed below-
  • IWA programmes develop research and projects focused on solutions for water and wastewater management;
  • IWA organise world-class events that bring the latest science, technology and best practice to the water sector at large;
  • IWA work to place water on the global political agenda and to influence best practice in regulation and policy making.

Stockholm World Water Week 2022

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM)

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM)- Relevance for UPSC Exam

General Studies II- Health and Education.

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM): In News

The latest National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) released by the Union health ministry added 34 new medicines and dropped 26 old ones from the previous list.

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM): Definition

• As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Essential Medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hence prepared and released the first National List of Essential Medicines of India in 1996 consisting of 279 medicines.
• The list is made with consideration to disease prevalence, efficacy, safety and comparative cost-effectiveness of the medicines.
• Such medicines are intended to be available in adequate amounts, in appropriate dosage forms and strengths with assured quality.
• They should be available in such a way that an individual or community can afford.

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) in India

• Drugs listed under NLEM — also known as scheduled drugs — will be cheaper because the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) caps medicine prices and changes only based on wholesale price index-based inflation.
• The list includes anti-infectives medicines to treat diabetes such as insulin — HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, contraceptives, hormonal medicines and anaesthetics.
• They account for 17-18 per cent of the estimated Rs 1.6-trillion domestic pharmaceutical market.
• Companies selling non-scheduled drugs can hike prices by up to 10 per cent every year.
• Typically, once NLEM is released, the department of pharmaceuticals under the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers adds them in the Drug Price Control Order, after which NPPA fixes the price.

National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM): Significance

• Drawing an Essential Medicines List (EML) is expected to result in better quality of medical care, better management of medicines and cost-effective use of health care resources.
• This is especially important for a resource limited country like India.
• The list of essential medicines is intended to have a positive impact on the availability and rational use of medicines.

Anaemia and Iron Fortification

Anaemia and Iron Fortification- Relevance for UPSC Exam

General Studies II- Health and Education.

Anaemia: In News

• The recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data shows anaemia rates increased from 53 per cent to 57 per cent in women and 58 per cent to 67 per cent in children in 2019-21.

Anaemia: Definition

• The WHO defines anaemia as a condition where the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. This compromises immunity and impedes cognitive development.

Anaemia: A Concern

• Adverse effects of anaemia affect all age groups lower physical and cognitive growth and alertness among children and adolescents, and lesser capacity to learn and play, directly impacting their future potential as productive citizens.
• Anaemia among adolescent girls (59.1 per cent) advances to maternal anaemia and is a major cause of maternal and infant mortality and general morbidity and ill health in a community.

Anaemia: Causes

• Imbalanced diet: Cereal-centric diets, with relatively less consumption of iron-rich food groups like meat, fish, eggs, and dark green leafy vegetables (DGLF), can be associated with higher levels of anaemia.
• Underlying factors: High levels of anaemia are also often associated with underlying factors like poor water quality and sanitation conditions that can adversely impact iron absorption in the body.
• Iron deficiency is major cause: A diet that does not contain enough iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 is a common cause of anaemia.
• Some other conditions: That may lead to anaemia include pregnancy, heavy periods, blood disorders or cancer, inherited disorders, and infectious diseases.

Anaemia in India

• Low vitamin intake: Iron-deficiency and vitamin B12-deficiency anaemia are the two common types of anaemia in India.
• High population and nutrition deprivation: Among women, iron deficiency prevalence is higher than men due to menstrual iron losses and the high iron demands of a growing foetus during pregnancies.
• Overemphasis on cereals: Lack of millets in the diet due to overdependence on rice and wheat, insufficient consumption of green and leafy vegetables could be the reasons behind the high prevalence of anaemia in India.

What is Iron Fortification?

• Iron fortification of food is a methodology utilized worldwide to address iron deficiency. Iron fortification programs usually involve mandatory, centralized mass fortification of staple foods, such as wheat flour.

Iron Fortification: Need

• Iron deficiency anaemia is due to insufficient iron.
• Without enough iron, the body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (haemoglobin).
• Severe anaemia during pregnancy increases risk of premature birth, having a low-birth-weight baby and postpartum depression. Some studies also show an increased risk of infant death immediately before or after birth.

Anaemia Mukt Bharat

• The scheme aims to reduce the prevalence of anaemia in India.
• It provides bi weekly iron Folic acid supplementation to all under five children through Asha workers.
• Also, it provides biannual Deworming for children and adolescents. The scheme also establishes institutional mechanisms for advanced research in anaemia.
• It also focuses on non-nutritional causes of anaemia.

Anaemia: Areas to focus

• Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid supplementation.
• Intensified year-round Behavior Change Communication Campaign (Solid Body, Smart Mind).
• Appropriate infant and young child feeding practices.
• Increase in intake of iron-rich food through diet diversity/quantity/frequency and/or fortified foods with focus on harnessing locally available resources.
• Testing and treatment of anaemia, using digital methods and point of care treatment, with special focus on pregnant women and school-going adolescents
• Mandatory provision of Iron and Folic Acid fortified foods in government-funded public health programmes

Anaemia: Way forward

• India’s nutrition programmes must undergo a periodic review.
• The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which is perceived as the guardian of the nation’s nutritional well-being must reassess itself and address critical intervention gaps, both conceptually and programmatically, and produce rapid outcomes.
• The nutritional deficit which ought to be considered an indicator of great concern is generally ignored by policymakers and experts. Unless this is addressed, rapid improvement in nutritional indicators cannot happen.

Anaemia: Conclusion

• When a person is anaemic, the capacity of his blood cells to carry oxygen decreases. This reduces the productivity of the person which in turn affects the economy of the country. Therefore, it is highly important to cover Anaemia under National Health Mission.

Indian Navy participates in Exercise Kakadu hosted by Australia

Indian Navy participates in Exercise Kakadu hosted by Australia- Relevance for UPSC Exam

General Studies III- Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates.

Kakadu Exercise: In News

INS Satpura and a P8 I Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the Indian Navy reached Darwin in Australia on for participation in the multinational Exercise Kakadu – 2022, hosted by the Royal Australian Navy.

Exercise KAKADU

• Exercise KAKADU, which started in 1993, is the premier multilateral regional maritime engagement exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and supported by the Australian Air Force.
• The exercise is held biennially in Darwin and the Northern Australian Exercise Areas (NAXA).
• It derives its name from Kakadu National Park, which is a protected area in the northern territory of Australia, 171 km south-east of Darwin
• During the exercise, professional exchanges in harbour and diverse range of activities at sea, including complex surface, sub-surface and air operations would enable sharing of best practices and honing of operational skills.

Kakadu Exercise: India’s presence at the exercise

• Indian Navy’s participation in KAKADU provides an excellent opportunity to engage with regional partners and undertake multinational maritime activities ranging from constabulary operations to high-end maritime warfare in a combined environment
• It is aimed at enhancing interoperability and developing of common understanding of procedures for maritime operations gaining importance with the Indo-Pacific narrative.

FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup

FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Challenges
  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

FIFA Under 17 World Cup 2022 in News

• Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Signing of Guarantees for hosting Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under 17 Women’s World Cup 2022 in India.

FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup 2022

• Background: India successfully hosted the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup India-2017 at 6 different venues namely New Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and Kolkata in the country from 6th to 28th October, 2017.
• About: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 is scheduled to be held in India between 11th and 30th October 2022.
• Participation: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 will be the 7th edition of the tournament in which 16 teams, including India, will participate.
• Key Objectives: The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 has potential to strengthen women’s football in the country. Following objectives have been contemplated in order to leave behind a positive legacy:
  • increase representation of women in football leadership and decision-making bodies
  • inspire more girls to play football in India
  • advocate for gender-inclusive participation by normalising the concept of equal game from a young age
  • opportunity to improve football standards for women in India
  • improve the commercial value of the women’s game.
• FIFA Under 17 World Cup Venue: The AIFF has proposed holding of the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup competition matches in 3 venues namely;
  • Bhubaneshwar;
  • Navi Mumbai and
  • Goa
• Funding: Financial outlay of Rs. 10 crore assistance to All India Football Federation (AIFF) for Field of play Maintenance, Stadium power, Energy & Cabling, Stadia & Training Site Branding etc. will be met from the budgetary allocation for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

Importance of FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup for India

• India is preparing for a seminal moment for women’s football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy.
• FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup 2022 will Carry forward the positive legacy from the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup 2017.
• The FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup is a prestigious event and would be held for the first time in India.
• It would encourage more youngsters to participate in sports and help develop the sport of football in India.
• The event will not only promote football as sport of choice among Indian girls, but is also poised to leave a lasting legacy that will facilitate girls and women in the country to embrace football and sports in general.

FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup

• Background: The FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup event started in 2008 and is traditionally held in even-numbered years.
  • The 6th edition of the event was held in Uruguay from 13th November to 1st December, 2018.
• About: The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is the world championship for female players under or upto the age of 17, organized by FIFA.
• FIFA Under 17 Women Football Present Champion: Spain is the current champion of FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Asia Cup Winner List

Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Program

Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Program- Relevance for UPSC Exam

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Administration and Challenges
  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Program in News

• Recently, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Programme for students of classes I to V.
• He said that the NEP 2020 is deeply inspired by the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and we must lay emphasis on creating such value-based educational programmes for 9th to 12th in addition to creating programmes for classes I to VIII.
• The Minister called upon CBSE to institute an advisory framework for encouraging value-based education in all schools from Balvatika to Class XII for creating a talent pool ready for the challenges of life and committed to national progress and global welfare.

Background of Ramakrishna Mission’s Awakening Program

• Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi branch, from 2014 onwards, has been successfully conducting the Awakened Citizen Program (ACP) for middle school students.
• About 6,000 Schools (KVs, JNVs, Government and private schools) involving 55,000 teachers and 12lacs students have benefitted under ACP.
• A program called ‘Awakening’ which is closely aligned to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been designed and piloted across 126 schools.
• During the covid pandemic, this pilot program gave great solace to struggling teachers, parents and students, as indicated in the encouraging feedback received from participants.
  • After successfully piloting, the program “Awakening” was launched nationwide by the government.

Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Program

• About: This ‘Awakening’ programme is an initiative towards ensuring overall personality development of a child in line with the philosophy of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
• Mandate: Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Program aims to enable children to build “ATMASHRADDHA” (Self-esteem) and make responsible choices.
  • Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Program helps them to find solutions for all problems of life.
• Significance: Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ initiative is a step towards ensuring holistic personality development of a child aligned with the philosophy of NEP 2020.

Ramakrishna Mission

• Beginning: Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.
• Objective: Through Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekanand aimed to bring the noblest ideas to the doorstep of even the poorest and the meanest.
• Key Role: Ramakrishna Mission works in the area of value-based education, culture, health, women’s empowerment, youth and tribal welfare and relief and rehabilitation.

Analysis of Sansad TV Discussion : Philosophy of Swami Vivekananda

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