PIB NOTES 7th APRIL 2025

 

 

 Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to attend the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Meeting with Uzbekistan's President:

Shri Birla met with Uzbekistan's President, Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. They talked about the long-standing friendship between India and Uzbekistan and explored ways to work together in new areas like digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.

Tribute to Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri:

Shri Birla and the Indian delegation paid respects at the bust of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent. This act honored Shastri's contributions to India and his connection to Tashkent, where he signed the Tashkent Agreement in 1966.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is a global organization that connects national parliaments from around the world. Established in 1889 by William Randal Cremer of the United Kingdom and Frédéric Passy of France, the IPU was the first permanent forum for political discussions between nations.  

Purpose of the IPU:

The IPU aims to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development by encouraging cooperation and dialogue among parliaments. It provides a platform where parliamentarians can share ideas, discuss global issues, and work together to find solutions.

Membership:

As of 2024, the IPU comprises 180 national parliaments, making it a truly global organization. Additionally, 14 regional parliamentary assemblies are associate members. This extensive membership allows the IPU to represent a wide range of political systems and cultures.

Key Functions:

1. Promoting Democracy: The IPU helps parliaments become more representative and effective, ensuring they reflect the diverse societies they serve.
2. Advancing Gender Equality: The organization works towards achieving gender balance in political representation, encouraging more women to participate in politics.
3. Protecting Human Rights: The IPU monitors and defends the human rights of parliamentarians worldwide, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of persecution.
4. Facilitating Dialogue: By organizing assemblies and meetings, the IPU provides opportunities for parliamentarians to discuss international issues, share best practices, and collaborate on common challenges.

Recent Activities:

In April 2025, the IPU held its 150th Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Parliamentarians from around the world gathered to discuss topics related to social development and justice. Such assemblies are central to the IPU's mission of fostering international cooperation among legislators.

Relationship with the United Nations:

The IPU works closely with the United Nations (UN) and holds a permanent observer status at the UN General Assembly. This partnership allows the IPU to bring a parliamentary perspective to global governance and ensure that the voices of parliaments are heard in international decision-making processes.

World Health Day 2025

World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7th to mark the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948.

Theme for 2025: "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures"

In 2025, the theme is "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," focusing on maternal and newborn health. This campaign encourages governments and health communities to enhance efforts to prevent maternal and newborn deaths and to prioritize the long-term health and well-being of mothers and their babies. ​

Background of World Health Day

After World War II, countries recognized the need for a global organization to address health issues. In 1948, representatives from 61 nations established the WHO to promote international public health. To commemorate its founding, April 7th was designated as World Health Day, with the first celebration taking place in 1950.

Significance of the 2025 Theme

The 2025 theme underscores the importance of ensuring safe pregnancies and childbirths. By focusing on maternal and newborn health, the campaign aims to reduce preventable deaths and promote healthier futures for mothers and their children.

 

DAM SAFETY ACT 2021

On April 7, 2025, Union Minister Shri C R Patil inaugurated a symposium titled "Dam Safety Act, 2021: Towards Integrated Dam Safety Management" in New Delhi.

The Dam Safety Act of 2021 is a law passed by the Indian government to ensure that dams in the country are safe and well-maintained. Dams are structures built to hold back water, creating reservoirs that can be used for purposes like irrigation, drinking water, and generating electricity. Ensuring their safety is crucial because any failure can lead to severe disasters, including flooding and loss of life.

Why Was the Dam Safety Act Introduced?

India has over 5,000 large dams, many of which are aging. About 80% of these dams are over 25 years old, and some are more than 100 years old. As dams age, they can develop structural issues that might lead to failures if not properly monitored and maintained. The Dam Safety Act was introduced to address these concerns by establishing a systematic approach to dam safety.

Key Features of the Dam Safety Act:

1. Regular Inspections and Monitoring:
   • The Act mandates that dams undergo regular inspections to assess their structural integrity. For example, engineers will inspect dams before and after the monsoon season to ensure they can handle the water flow. This is similar to how a doctor checks a patient's health during regular check-ups.
2. Establishment of Safety Committees:
   • The Act establishes two main bodies:
     • National Committee on Dam Safety: This committee sets policies and standards for dam safety across the country.
     • National Dam Safety Authority: This authority ensures that the policies and standards are implemented effectively.
3. Emergency Action Plans:
   • Dam owners are required to develop emergency action plans. This means they must have a clear strategy in place for responding to potential issues, such as unexpected water overflow or structural weaknesses. It's akin to schools having fire drills to prepare for emergencies.  
4. Maintenance and Repairs:
• The Act emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance. Dam owners must ensure that any identified issues are promptly addressed, much like fixing a small leak in a roof before it becomes a bigger problem.

Importance of the Act:

The Dam Safety Act is vital because it provides a structured approach to ensuring the safety of dams, which are critical for water management and electricity generation in India. By implementing regular inspections, establishing safety committees, and requiring emergency plans, the Act aims to prevent dam failures and protect communities living downstream.

Example:

Imagine a large dam that holds water for irrigation in a rural area. Over time, small cracks might develop in the dam's structure. Without regular inspections, these cracks could go unnoticed and worsen, potentially leading to a dam failure. With the Dam Safety Act in place, such a dam would undergo routine checks, ensuring that any cracks are detected early and repaired promptly, thus preventing possible disasters.

In summary, the Dam Safety Act of 2021 establishes a comprehensive framework to monitor, maintain, and ensure the safety of dams in India, thereby safeguarding lives, property, and resources. 

Antar Drishti

On April 7, 2025, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) in Dehradun, in partnership with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in New Delhi, opened a special room called 'Antar Drishti.' This room is completely dark and allows visitors to experience what it's like to live without sight. By doing everyday tasks in total darkness, people can better understand the challenges faced by those who are blind or have low vision. This experience aims to build empathy and promote inclusion in society.

During the same event, NIEPVD signed an agreement with Amar Seva Sangam, an organization dedicated to disability rehabilitation. Together, they plan to use the 'Enable Inclusion' app, a digital tool designed to identify and support children with developmental disabilities early on. NIEPVD will contribute its knowledge about visual impairments to enhance the app, making it more helpful for individuals with vision challenges. This collaboration aims to provide personalized support through digital means, improving rehabilitation services and promoting inclusive practices across India. ​

Poshan Pakhwada 2025

The Government of India has launched Poshan Pakhwada 2025, the seventh edition of this annual nutrition awareness campaign, running from April 8 to April 22, 2025. This initiative aims to improve nutrition among women and children by combining modern technology with traditional practices.

Key Focus Areas:

1. First 1,000 Days of a Child's Life: This period, from conception to a child's second birthday, is crucial for physical and brain development. Proper nutrition and care during this time can prevent issues like stunted growth and anemia.
2. Use of Technology – Poshan Tracker: Introduced on March 1, 2021, this AI-enabled app allows real-time monitoring of nutrition services at Anganwadi Centers. It helps track children's growth, meal distribution, and health services. Beneficiaries can now self-register via the Poshan Tracker Web App for improved access.
3. Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM): This approach focuses on early detection and community-based management of malnourished children, aiming to provide timely care and support.
4. Addressing Childhood Obesity: The campaign promotes healthier food choices and encourages physical activity to prevent obesity among children.

Activities During Poshan Pakhwada 2025:

• Prioritizing Antenatal Care: Emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and regular health check-ups for pregnant women.
• Community Pledges: Encouraging individuals to commit to healthier lifestyles by eating balanced diets, staying active, and spreading awareness about nutrition.
• Hydration Awareness: Promoting the habit of drinking at least eight glasses of water daily.
• Registration on Poshan Tracker App: Urging beneficiaries to register on the app for better access to nutrition services.  

Through these efforts, Poshan Pakhwada 2025 strives to build a healthier nation by focusing on the nutritional well-being of women and children.

Palna Scheme

The Palna Scheme is a program by the Indian government to help working mothers by providing safe and affordable daycare for their children aged 6 months to 6 years. This allows mothers to work without worrying about their children's care.

Why was the Palna Scheme introduced?

In recent years, more women have started working outside their homes, leading to an increase in nuclear families where extended family support might not be available. Without proper daycare services, many mothers find it challenging to balance work and childcare. The Palna Scheme addresses this issue by offering reliable daycare facilities, enabling more women to join the workforce.

What services does the Palna Scheme offer?

The scheme provides several essential services for children's growth and well-being:

• Daycare Facilities: Safe places where children can stay during working hours, including sleeping arrangements.
• Early Stimulation Activities: For children under 3 years, activities that promote brain development.
• Pre-school Education: For children aged 3 to 6 years, preparing them for formal schooling.
• Supplementary Nutrition: Providing healthy meals sourced locally to ensure proper nutrition.
• Health Services: Regular health check-ups, growth monitoring, and immunizations to keep children healthy.

How is the Palna Scheme implemented?

The scheme operates through two main types of daycare centers:

1. Standalone Crèches: Independent daycare centers with trained staff.
2. Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs): Existing Anganwadi centers that now include daycare services. Anganwadi centers are government-run facilities providing basic health care and education in villages. By adding daycare services, these centers support working mothers in rural areas.

Government Support and Funding:

The Palna Scheme is a collaboration between the central and state governments:

• General States: The central government provides 60% of the funding, and the state government provides 40%.
• North-Eastern and Special Category States: The central government provides 90% of the funding, and the state government provides 10%.
• Union Territories without Legislature: The central government provides 100% of the funding.

Future Plans:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development aims to establish 17,000 new Anganwadi-cum-Crèches under the Palna Scheme in the 2024-25 period. This expansion will further support working mothers by providing more accessible childcare facilities across the country.