1.Levels and Trends in Child Mortality: UN Report
Global Trends
- Global under-five deaths declined by over half since 2000 (9.9 million to 4.9 million in 2022).
- Significant inequities persist among vulnerable populations.
- Neonatal deaths remain a major challenge:
- Every 14 seconds – a newborn dies.
- Every 6 seconds – a child under five dies.
- Every 35 seconds – an adolescent dies (10-19 years).
Key Findings
- 62% decline in child deaths since 1990.
- Slower decline in neonatal deaths (41% in 2000 to 47% in 2022).
- Sub-Saharan Africa bears the greatest burden:
- 1 million annual neonatal deaths.
- Mortality rate for children aged 28 days: 46 per 1,000 (double the global average).
- Leading causes (all preventable): prematurity, pneumonia, trauma, malaria, diarrhea.
- Survival depends on: place of birth, income level, and inequities within countries.
Predictions
- 35 million children under 5 to die before 2030 (mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa).
- 59 countries likely to miss SDG under-five mortality target.
- 64 countries likely to miss SDG neonatal mortality target.
Child Mortality in India
Status and Trends
- Progressive reduction in IMR, U5MR, and NMR since 2014.
- Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR):
- 32 per 1,000 live births in 2020 (down from 35 in 2019).
- Higher in rural areas (36) compared to urban (21).
- Higher for females (33) compared to males (31).
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
- 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020 (down from 30 in 2019).
- Rural-Urban gap narrowing (Urban 19, Rural 31).
- Neonatal Mortality Rate:
- 20 per 1,000 live births in 2020 (down from 22 in 2019).
- Higher in rural areas (23) compared to urban (12).
Major Causes
- Preterm birth complications (low birth weight, breathing problems).
- Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during delivery).
- Neonatal infections (sepsis, pneumonia).
- Pneumonia (leading cause, linked to malnutrition and air pollution).
- Diarrhea (dehydration from infectious diseases).
- Malnutrition (weakens immune system, increases vulnerability to infections).
Measures to Reduce Child Mortality
Improve Maternal Health
- Prenatal care, proper nutrition for pregnant women.
- Skilled birth attendance for safe childbirth.
- Postnatal care for mothers and newborns.
Combat Childhood Illnesses
- Universal immunization programs.
- Improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia.
- Oral rehydration therapy for diarrhea management.
Address Malnutrition
- Promote breastfeeding for newborns.
- Provide access to nutritious food for mothers and children.
Public Awareness
- Educate families on hygiene, breastfeeding, medical care, and recognizing danger signs.
Additional Measures
- Invest in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
- Address social determinants like poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality.
- Empower women through education and economic opportunities.
Way Ahead
- By tackling the root causes and implementing these measures, India can significantly reduce child mortality and ensure a healthier future for its young generation.
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Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA)
- Signed between India and UAE in February 2024 to cooperate on the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Aims to enhance relations in Ports, Maritime and Logistics sectors.
- IMEC: Integrates Asia, Europe and Middle East via two corridors:
- East corridor: India to West Asia/Middle East.
- North corridor: West Asia/Middle East to Europe.
- Significance:
- Boosts economic development in the regions.
- Provides reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail connections.
- Emphasizes eco-friendly infrastructure.
- Increases efficiency, reduces costs, and improves trade.
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India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)
- First phase inaugurated in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
- Funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Operated by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
- Studies cloud processes associated with monsoons.
- What is an Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)?
- Open-field research program for ground-based weather observations.
- Aims to generate high-volume data for improving rainfall predictions.
- First phase uses 25 meteorological instruments for remote sensing and in-situ measurements.
- Second phase to include radars, balloon-borne radiosondes, and soil moisture equipment.
- Why Madhya Pradesh?
- Located on the path of major rain-bearing systems.
- Pristine location with minimal pollution for accurate data collection.
- Significance:
- Improves understanding of monsoon systems and cloud physics.
- Central India acts as a natural laboratory for monsoon studies.
- Improves accuracy of rainfall forecasts, especially for the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ).
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Vocal for Local Initiative
- Launched by NITI Aayog as part of the Aspirational Blocks Programme.
- Aims to boost local economies and promote grassroots entrepreneurship.
- Implemented through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platforms.
- Vocal for Local Initiative benefits:
- Stimulates economic growth by supporting local businesses.
- Strengthens small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Reduces transportation and carbon footprint.
- Preserves indigenous crafts and traditions.
- Fosters community empowerment.
- The Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP):
- Launched in 2023 to improve governance in underdeveloped blocks.
- Covers 500 blocks across India.
- Monitors progress using 40 key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Government e-Marketplace (GeM):
- Public procurement portal for government departments and PSUs.
- Aims for transparent, efficient, and inclusive procurement.
- 100% government-owned company under Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC):
- Open protocol network for local commerce across various segments.
- Initiative by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
- Aims to create new opportunities, reduce digital monopolies, and support MSMEs and small traders.
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Darien Gap
- Location: Dense jungle on border of Colombia (South America) and Panama (North America).
- Distance: Roughly 60 miles (97 km)
- Terrain: Muddy, wet, unstable rainforest.
- Challenges:
- Difficult topography.
- Criminal activity.
- Importance: Major route for illegal migration to the US.
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India Navy Gets First Independent HQ ‘Nausena Bhawan’
- Location: Delhi Cantonment.
- Significance:
- First independent headquarters for the Indian Navy.
- Replaces operation from 13 different locations.
- Centralized and technologically advanced.
- Reflects commitment to maritime excellence and national security.
- Building:
- Three wings and four stories.
- Uses innovative construction for efficiency and sustainability.
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Lyme Disease
- Caused by bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Transmitted by infected Ixodes ticks.
- Symptoms:
- Erythema migrans rash (bulls-eye)
- Headache, fatigue, muscle aches
- Common locations: US, Europe, parts of Asia.
- Recent case reported in Kerala, India.
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Pandavula Gutta Designated as a Geo-Heritage Site
- Location: Telangana, India.
- Significance:
- Geological marvel older than Himalayas.
- Features ancient rock paintings (animals, geometric designs, symbols).
- Evidence of habitation from Mesolithic period to medieval times.
- Geo-heritage Sites:
- Geological features with earth science or educational value.
- Designated and protected by Geological Survey of India (GSI).
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Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
- Implemented by Election Commission of India during elections.
- Introduced in 1960s, codified in 1991.
- Guidelines for political parties and candidates:
- Free and fair elections.
- Prevent voter influence and disruption.
- Not legally binding, but enforced through other statutes.