Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 14 Nov 2023

AAINA Dashboard for Cities

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the 'AAINA Dashboard for Cities' portal, offering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) a platform to voluntarily submit key data.

AAINA aims to help cities assess their performance relative to others. It seeks to inspire cities by highlighting possibilities and areas for enhancement.
The Dashboard categorizes data into five pillars: Political & Administrative Structure, Finance, Planning, Citizen-Centric Governance, and Delivery of Basic Services.
- ULBs will regularly submit data, including audited accounts and self-reported performance metrics, through a user-friendly portal.
AAINA is envisioned as a permanent platform for ULB-related data, a comprehensive database of key performance metrics.
- With active ULB cooperation, the dashboard aims to become a public resource, allowing stakeholders to access and utilize the collected data.

Zaglossus attenboroughi

Recently, Scientists have rediscovered the elusive Zaglossus attenboroughi, a long-beaked echidna named after naturalist David Attenborough, in Indonesia's Papua region.

Echidnas, part of the monotreme group, are unique mammals laying eggs instead of giving live birth. Also known as spiny anteaters, they sport sharp spines on their bodies and primarily feed on ants and termites.
Echidnas, particularly the Zaglossus attenboroughi, are nocturnal and shy, making their discovery challenging. This species was confined to the remote Cyclops Mountains.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Critically Endangered
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated annually on 14 November, coinciding with the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin in 1922 alongside Charles Best.

Origin: WDD originated in 1991 as a response to the increasing health threat of diabetes, established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization.
Official Recognition: In 2006, WDD attained official recognition as a United Nations Day through the adoption of United Nations Resolution 61/225.
Campaign: WDD campaign strives to be the primary platform for promoting IDF advocacy initiatives throughout the entire year.
Logo: Blue circle logo adopted in 2007 recognized as the symbol for diabetes awareness.
Theme(2021-23): Access to Diabetes Care

Read More: World Diabetes Day

Birth Anniversary of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru

Every year on November 14, Children's Day is observed to pay homage to the first Prime Minister of independent India.

'Chacha Nehru,' as Jawaharlal Nehru was affectionately known, was renowned for highlighting the significance of expressing love and care towards children.
Following his passing, it was collectively agreed to commemorate his birthday as 'Bal Diwas' or Children's Day in India.

Read More: Jawahar Lal Nehru