Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 03 Nov 2023
- 5 min read
76th Session of WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia
Investment in Primary Health Care (PHC) as the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective way to achieve Universal Health Coverage was emphasized during the Ministerial Roundtable Conference at the 76th session of WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia in New Delhi.
- Delhi Declaration on strengthening primary health care as a key element towards achieving universal health coverage was signed at the meeting.
- Reaffirming the vision of the Government of India of “Antyodaya” (the principle of leaving no one behind), it was stated that India’s strong health system relies on a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach with the goal of improving essential health services and health systems to pre-pandemic levels.
- Importance of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) was emphasized which are transforming the delivery of comprehensive primary health care services.
Read More: Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
Saima Wazed Elected as WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia
Saima Wazed (from Bangladesh) was elected as the Regional Director of the World Health Organization's South-East Asia region during the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia.
- The Regional Committee for South-East Asia is WHO's governing body in the Region.
- The WHO Southeast Asia Region has 11 Member States - Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. WHO has country offices in all 11 Member States.
- The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office is headquartered in New Delhi, India.
Chinese Antarctic Fleet Sets Off to Build New Research Station
Two Chinese icebreaker research vessels and a cargo ship have set sail for Antarctica.
- The mission's primary objective is to complete the construction of China's fifth research station in the Antarctic, situated on Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea.
- The Ross Sea is located off the coast of Antarctica. It is one of the last intact marine ecosystems in the world.
- China has four research stations in Antarctica: Great Wall(1985), Zhongshan(1989), Kunlun(2009), and Taishan(2014).
- An icebreaker is a ship specially designed to navigate through ice-covered waters, and also provide a safe waterway for other vessels.
- India has two active research stations in Antarctica, 'Maitri' and 'Bharati.'
Read more: India's Antarctic Missions, PACER Scheme
Culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
The Indian Prime Minister marked the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with the conclusion of the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign.
- Commencing on the 12th of March 2021, the inception of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra.
- Notably, the conclusion of this celebratory event was observed on the 31st of October 2023, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- During the same occasion, the foundation stone for the Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial was also ceremoniously laid.
- The "Meri Maati Mera Desh" campaign pays homage to the courageous individuals who made significant sacrifices for the nation.
- Through collaborative efforts at various levels, the campaign involves diverse activities such as erecting memorials, taking pledges, planting indigenous saplings, and honoring freedom fighters and their families through ceremonies.
Read more: Dandi March 1930, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
Rohini Nayyar Prize
Engineer-turned-social worker Deenanath Rajput was awarded the Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development for his work in changing the lives of over 6,000 tribal women in Naxalite affected areas of Chhattisgarh through the establishment of a farmers' producers organization (FPO).
- This is the second edition of the Rohini Nayyar Prize, which was instituted in the memory of the eponymous economist and administrator Rohini Nayyar who passed away in 2021.
- Rohini Nayyar Prize awardee is granted a cash prize of ₹10 lakhs.
Read More: Gandhi Peace Prize, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize
