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By admin: March 22, 2024

World Down Syndrome Day - 21 March 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated every year on 21 March.

An Overview of the News

• Down syndrome is a condition that affects both the physical and mental aspects of a person's health, causing challenges in communication and social interaction.

• This condition results from an extra chromosome, which affects both body and brain development.

• Common indicators of Down syndrome include distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, and developmental delay.

• Treatment methods include speech therapy, physical activities, and tailored education programs.

• The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years.

The theme of World Down Syndrome Day

• The theme of this year's World Down Syndrome Day is "End Stereotypes". It aims to combat stereotyping.

• The focus is on breaking down stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and understanding environment for people with Down syndrome.

• This initiative seeks to shift the narrative towards recognizing the abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome rather than limiting them based on preconceived notions.

History of World Down Syndrome Day

• World Down Syndrome Day was established by the United Nations in 2012 to celebrate March 21, which represents the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome.

• Globally, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 babies are born with Down syndrome each year, with an incidence ranging from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births.

• Improving the quality of life of individuals with Down syndrome includes addressing health care needs through regular screening and interventions such as therapy and counseling.

• Support from parents, medical professionals, and community-based systems, including inclusive education, is essential to enable individuals with Down syndrome to fulfill their potential and integrate into society.

MV Rao takes over as chairman of the Indian Banks Association

Tags: Person in news

Central Bank of India MD and CEO MV Rao was elected as the new chairman of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) during the managing committee meeting held on 21 March.

An Overview of the News

Vice President Selection:

• The committee also appointed three vice presidents:

• Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI)

• S L Jain, MD and CEO of Indian Bank

• N Kamakody, MD and CEO of City Union Bank

Appointment of Honorary Secretary:

• Madhav Nair, Country Head and CEO of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait was appointed as Honorary Secretary of the IBA.

Contribution of Madhav Nair:

• Serving as the first Vice President, Madhav Nair has been actively involved in policy advocacy related to areas such as technology, risk management, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors since 2016.

Indian Banks Association (IBA)

• IBA represents a diverse range of Indian banks including public sector, private sector, foreign, co-operative and regional rural banks.

• Role and Functions: It plays an important role in shaping banking policies and promoting the adoption of best practices within the Indian banking industry.

• Expectations of new leadership: The election of a new leadership team is expected to infuse new energy and focus IBA's efforts to address the various challenges and leverage opportunities in the Indian banking sector.

Naveen Jindal elected President of the Indian Steel Association

Tags: Person in news

Jindal Steel & Power Chairman Naveen Jindal was unanimously elected President of the Indian Steel Association (ISA) by the apex committee.

An Overview of the News

• He replaced Dilip Omman, CEO of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and took charge on March 21.

• As Chairman of ISA, Jindal will have a key role in shaping policies and strategies for the Indian steel industry.

• His priorities include ensuring synchronized growth in the steel industry and its associated manufacturing value chains to support India's development goals.

• Jindal also stressed the importance of decarbonization as a significant challenge and necessary initiative for environmental sustainability.

• Notable past presidents of ISA include JSW Steel Chairman Sajjan Jindal and Tata Steel MD and CEO TV Narendran.

• ISA acts as the apex body for Indian steel producers, advocating their interests and addressing the challenges of the sector.

India's first battery storage gigafactory to begin operations in Jammu and Kashmir

Tags: Science and Technology

GoodEnough Energy announced plans to begin operations at India's inaugural battery energy storage gigafactory in Jammu and Kashmir by October 2024.

An Overview of the News

• The facility aims to help industries cut carbon emissions by more than 5 million tonnes annually, in line with India's net zero emissions target by 2070.

• GoodEnough has invested 1.5 billion rupees ($18.07 million) in a factory with 7 GWH capacity, with plans to invest another 3 billion rupees by 2027 to expand capacity to 20 GWH.

• These expansion plans were revealed by GoodEnough founder Akash Kaushik.

Importance of renewable energy:

• Battery energy storage projects are key to India's objective of expanding renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 from the current 178 GW.

Government Incentives:

• The Indian government is offering $452 million in incentives to companies under a program aimed at promoting battery storage projects.

Role of battery storage systems:

• Battery storage systems facilitate the storage of energy from renewable sources, ensuring reliable and continuous energy supply.

Implications of Gigafactory establishment:

• The establishment of India's first battery storage gigafactory marks a significant progress towards achieving the country's renewable energy targets and reducing carbon emissions.

• The operations in Jammu and Kashmir are set to boost the renewable energy sector in India.

Election Commission launches 'Mission 414' in Himachal Pradesh

Tags: State News

The Election Commission launched "Mission 414" to increase the voting percentage at 414 polling stations in Himachal Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

• A special campaign "Mission 414" was launched by the Election Commission to increase the voting percentage in 414 polling stations which had less than 60% voting during the last Lok Sabha elections in Himachal Pradesh.

Objectives and Strategies:

• Organizing awareness campaigns and cultural programs.

• Designating the identified centers as model polling centers.

• Including booth youth icons and distributing special invitation cards to prospective voters.

• Targeted Intervention:

  • Initiative to increase voting in 22 assembly constituencies with less than 70% voting.

  • To implement door-to-door outreach programs to motivate voters.

• Focus on women voters:

  • To appoint 'Women Motivators' in Gram Panchayats to encourage women to vote.

  • To involve women icons and campus ambassadors to reach out to working women and housewives.

Election Management Measures:

• Enhanced Polling Station Observation:

  • The number of polling stations has been increased to 7,990, of which 150 will be exclusively monitored by women officers.

  • Allotting 54 stations to young officers and 29 stations to disabled officers.

• Special Voter Features:

  • To provide home voting facilities for PwD voters and people above 85 years of age.

  • Serving 56,320 disabled voters and 60,995 voters above 85 years of age in the state.

Voter Demographics and Projections:

• Demographic statistics:

  • Total eligible voters: 56,38,422, including men, women and persons of third gender.

  • Notable demographics include 1,38,918 first-time voters and 10,40,756 voters in the 20-29 age group.

• Expected increase in young voters:

  • An increase in young voters is expected as advance applications are being received from 17-year-olds up to 18-year-olds.

Electoral Rules:

• Expenditure Limits:

  • Rs 95 lakh for Lok Sabha elections and Rs 40 lakh for assembly by-elections.

Unique Polling Station:

• Extreme Location:

  • Tashigang polling station in Lahaul and Spiti, situated at an altitude of 15,256 feet, is the highest in the country.

• Voter Distribution:

  • Dalhousie's Manola polling station has the highest number of voters (1,410), while Kinnaur's Kaa polling station has the least (16 voters).

Famous Indian dancer Dr. Uma Rele honored with the Maharashtra Gaurav Award

Tags: Awards

Dr. Uma Rele, the distinguished Principal of Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai was honored with the prestigious Maharashtra Gaurav Award.

An Overview of the News

• The Maharashtra Gaurav Award was presented to her by Maharashtra Industrial Minister Uday Sawant and Minister Deepak Vasant Kesarkar in acknowledgment of her significant contribution to the field of Indian classical dance, especially Bharat Natyam.

Early background of Dr. Uma Rele

• Her intense love for Bharat Natyam led her to pursue postgraduate studies at Nalanda College of Dance Arts, where she excelled.

• In 2001, she achieved another significant milestone by completing her doctoral research on 'Nayikas, Heroines of Indian Classical Dance', demonstrating her deep understanding and expertise in this field.

• Dr. Uma Rele is a versatile personality in the field of dance, excelling as a performer, theorist and guru, her influence extends beyond borders.

Global Impact:

• His influence transcends geographical boundaries, as he has nurtured many students in India and abroad.

• She conducts workshops and judges dance tests in various countries including Doha, Mauritius and the United States.

Adorable Presentations:

• Dr. Uma Rele and her troupe have given mesmerizing performances at prestigious stages like Khajuraho Dance Festival and Rajgir Festival.

World Water Day - 22 March

Tags: Important Days

World Water Day is celebrated annually on 22 March 1993, to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater resources.

An Overview of the News

• Approximately 2.2 billion people globally do not have access to safe water, highlighting the urgent need to tackle the global water crisis.

• The United Nations says Asia and the Pacific have the lowest per capita water availability worldwide, with groundwater use projected to increase by 30% by 2050.

• About 40% of irrigation water comes from aquifers, underscoring their important role in agricultural sustainability.

Theme of World Water Day:

• The theme of World Water Day 2024 is 'Water for Peace'.

• The United Nations' World Water Development Report (WWDR) for 2024, which sheds light on this topic.

• Despite changes each year, the central focus of World Water Day remains on issues related to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), in line with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

History of World Water Day:

• The concept of World Water Day originated during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

• Following this resolution, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated 22 March as World Water Day later that year.

• World Water Day is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of water conservation and conservation.

• The day serves as a platform to advocate solutions to tackle the global water crisis.