Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 22 Mar 2023

World Water Day

World Water Day (WWD) is celebrated on 22^nd March Every Year. The United Nations General Assembly issued a resolution in 1993 declaring every year March 22 as World Day for Water. The theme for WWD 2023 is 'Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis', emphasizing the necessity of taking stern action to address the global water crisis.

The main objective of the day is to aware and inspire people to sustainably manage freshwater resources and learn more about water-related issues like water pollution, water scarcity, inadequate water, and lack of sanitation, and take appropriate steps to make a difference. According to the United Nations, the idea behind celebrating the day is to "support the achievement of sustainable development goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030."

Read more: World Water Day

INS Androth

The INS Androth, second in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was launched in Kolkata. INS Androth draws its name from the largest and longest island known as Androth Island, in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

INS Androth propelled by three diesel-driven water jets, this ship can attain a maximum speed of 25 knots. Their primary role of INS Androth is to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low intensity maritime operations and mine laying operations. These ships are also capable of full-scale sub surface surveillance of coastal waters and various surface platforms and coordinated ASW operations with aircraft. These ships may be smaller in size but also carry lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines, a close-in weapon system (with a 30 mm gun) and 16.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns.

World Down Syndrome Day

Every year since 2006, March 21 is observed as the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). To raise awareness about Down syndrome and advocate for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with the condition. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that affects people of all races, backgrounds and ethnicity. The day was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011.The Theme for World Down Syndrome Day 2023 is "With Us Not for Us".

Down syndrome happens when there is an extra copy of the 21^st chromosome, which leads to physical and intellectual disabilities. People with Down syndrome generally have distinct facial features and have several health complications such as heart defects, hearing and vision problems, and thyroid conditions. The date was selected because Down syndrome is caused by the presence of a third copy of the 21^st chromosome, and 21/3 (March 21st) represents this genetic condition

Substance Abuse in India

Recently, in concert with the Home Ministry's effort to prosecute drug providers and traffickers, the Social Justice Ministry is waging a campaign to diminish drug demand by portraying addicts as victims. According to The Mental Health Care Act, 2017 substance abuse disorders are included in the definition of mental illness in India. The Union government’s measures to address this issue come under the umbrella of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). This involves running the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in 372 vulnerable districts, 340 integrated rehabilitation centers for addicts, 48 community-based peer-led intervention centers, and 71 outreach and drop-in centers.

Read More: Mental Healthcare Act, 2017