Context According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Poshan Tracker data reveals that approximately 17% of children aged 0-5 years are underweight, 36% are stunted, and 6% are wasted. Findings of Poshan Tracker: Stunting Rates: Uttar Pradesh (46.36%), Lakshadweep (46.31%), Maharashtra (44.59%), and Madhya Pradesh (41.61%). Wasting Rates: …
Read More »Non-Inclusion of Heatwaves in Notified Disasters
The ongoing severe heatwave across the country has reignited discussions about officially recognizing heatwaves as disasters under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. How India Manages Disasters Constitutional Context There is no mention of disasters in the Constitution of India. Legislative Framework Disaster Management Act (DMA) 2005: Enacted following the 1999 …
Read More »The State of Global Air Report
Background: The State of Global Air Report is a collaborative assessment by the US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project. For the first time, this report has been produced in partnership with UNICEF. Scope: The report’s findings are …
Read More »West Nile Cases detected in Kerala
West Nile Virus has been detected in Kerala. The Kerala government on Tuesday said that cases of West Nile fever have been reported from three districts in the state – Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode. GS Paper III (Internal Security & Environment): Focus on Public Health Issues: If the question asks …
Read More »Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
Introduction: The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974 marks a significant milestone in global public health. It aimed to ensure universal access to life-saving vaccines for children, initially focusing on six childhood diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, and tuberculosis. EPI: A …
Read More »Heat Waves in India: A Burning Challenge
Concept Heatwaves, periods of abnormally high temperatures exceeding seasonal norms, are a growing concern in India. These scorching events pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and overall economic well-being. The Scorching Reality: Frequency and Intensity on the Rise India experiences heatwaves primarily between March and June, with the …
Read More »Industrial Alcohol -Centre and State Laws for its Regulation
Concept : Industrial alcohol, unlike alcoholic beverages, is not meant for human consumption (denatured). It finds applications in various sectors, including manufacturing pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, chemicals, and even biofuels. Constitutional Framework: State List (Entry 8): Entry 8 in the State List grants states authority over intoxicating liquor legislation, including production, possession, …
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