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.

 

  

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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).

9. 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.