UTTARAKHAND

 

Girl child ratio improves in Uttarakhand

 

The report of the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shows that the girl child sex ratio has improved in Uttarakhand. The survey conducted to analyze the reforms and status of health services provided by the government.The Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Uttarakhand, Sonika, said that there is a marked improvement in the child sex ratio as compared to previous years. As per the reports,  984 girls were born out of every 1000 boys in Uttarakhand.

In the report of NFHS-4 released in the year 2015-16, this ratio was 888 girls to 1000 boys. Sonika said that this is an important social improvement and is necessary for all round development of girl child.She added that the health services in Uttarakhand have also improved. The percentage of institutional delivery in Uttarakhand has also increased by 21 percent as compared to previous year. The percentage of the institutional deliveries is now at 83.20.

The Mission Director stated that this increase is due to the improvement and development of the medical facilities provided in the hospitals.

Deployment of female doctors and better delivery facilities are also the reasons for this raise in the percentage, she claimed. The NHM Director, Dr Saroj Nethani stated that the improvement in the statistics of NHFS-5 is the result of an effective action plan. She added that there is also an improvement in the vaccination drive. The vaccination percentage has increased from 57.60 percent to 80.80 percent.

This increase of 40.28 per cent undoubtedly shows the improvement and qualitative change in the vaccination drive.  This improvement in statistics of the girl child ratio and other health services are indeed a moment to be proud of for the people of Uttarakhand.

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

Defence Acquisition Council approves AK-203 deal with Russia

 

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted permission for mass production of AK-203 rifles, providing fire power to the standard weapon profile of armed forces. DAC has also approved an independent satellite for Indian Air Force (IAF).

 

This decision was taken ahead of scheduled visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India beginning. His visit will start from December 5.

This deal was put on hold since 2018.

The DAC meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

During the meeting, Minister granted permission to manufacture 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles for IAF, under ‘Make in India’ initiative.

 

IGA was signed in February 2019. Under this agreement, first 70,000 rifles will include Russian components as technology transfers.

 

NATIONAL

 

Government launched ‘unique’ face recognition technology for pensioners

 

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh launched a “unique” face recognition technology on November 29, 2021.

 

The face recognition technology would act as a proof of life certificate’ for pensioners.

It will ensure ease of living for retired & elderly citizens.

All pensioners are required to submit their life certificate annually in order to receive pension.

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has also implemented a facility to give certificate digitally.

 

Background

Central government has been sensitive towards the needs of pensioners as well as to ensure ease of living for them. In 2014, when government came to power, it decided to introduce and implement digital life certificate for the pensioners, in order to receive pension easily.

The Unique face recognition technique, launched recently to provide ‘life certificate’ is a historic and far-reaching reform because it will touch the lives of 68 lakh central government pensioners as well as those covered under the EPFO and state governments.

NHA estimates for India for 2017-18

 

According to National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates for India for 2017-18, share of government health expenditure in the GDP of India has increased from 1.15% in 2013-14 to 1.35% in 2017-18.

 

Latest estimates not only highlight government’s expenditure on health exhibiting an increasing trend but also highlights growing trust in public health care system.

Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) as a share of foreign aid for health and total health expenditure has decreased.

As a share of total health expenditure, OOPE decreased from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 48.8% in 2017-18.

The per capita OOPE has also declined from Rs 2,336 to Rs 2,097 between 2013-14 and 2017-18.

Government’s share of health expenditure in total health expenditure has increased over time. Government’s share has increased from 28.6% in 2013-14 to 40.8% in 2017-18.

 

National Health Accounts (NHA)

NHA is a process by which countries monitor the flow of money in health sector. Flow of money is monitored by looking at different perspective of health financing. The World Health Organization has been coordinating efforts to produce these estimates for each country at the global level.

 

 

In India, Women Outnumber Males In The Voting Booth

 

In New Delhi, the Election Commission of India (ECI) sponsored an international webinar titled “Enhancing Electoral Participation of Women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and Senior Citizen Voters: Sharing Best Practices and New Initiatives.”

 

In the 2019 General Election, women made up more than 67% of the electorate.

In 1962, the gender gap was -16.71 per cent, however, it has already shifted to +0.17 per cent in 2019.

Since the 1971 elections, India has seen a 233.72% growth in female electors.The webinar was attended by representatives from 24 countries.

Ayurveda Parv-2021 Inaugurated

 

Munjpara Mahedrabhai, Minister of State (MoS) for Ayush, virtually launched the Ayurveda Parv-2021 on November 26, 2021, in New Delhi.

Highlights:

Ayurveda Parv-2021 is a three-day event designed to promote Ayurveda.

In addition to the involvement of pharmaceutical businesses, an exhibition of 40 booths has been organised as part of the event.

This event has been established to promote the right use of Ayurvedic health care, as well as to coordinate and improve the use of Ayurvedic education, research, and pharmaceutical manufacture.

The Ayurveda Parv is organised with the goal of increasing public acceptance of Ayurveda and popularising Ayurveda as the primary therapy for a variety of lifestyle disorders. The Ministry of AYUSH is supporting this programme.

In light of the Covid-19 crisis, this programme has grown in importance during the last two years. It emphasised the need of promoting Ayurveda in the midst of a pandemic crisis.