Government-Run IVF Clinics Delayed Despite Urgent Need
Despite the urgent need for accessible fertility treatments, a proposal to establish in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centers in government hospitals has been stalled for over a year. Gynaecologists and fertility specialists stress the necessity for government intervention due to increasing infertility rates and the financial barriers posed by private treatments.
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Proposal Background:
- In 2022, the then BJP government’s health minister, Dr K Sudhakar, proposed setting up IVF centers in government hospitals to alleviate the financial burden on individuals unable to afford expensive private IVF clinics.
- Vani Vilas Hospital in Bengaluru was chosen to pioneer the project, with a proposal submitted to the state government the same year.
- The proposal has faced delays, with no progress reported even after submitting the necessary requirements to the health department.
- Rising Costs and Accessibility Issues:
- Private IVF clinics charge high fees, ranging from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per treatment cycle, creating financial barriers for many individuals.
- Fertility specialists emphasize the need for government intervention to address the rising rates of infertility and the limited accessibility of private treatments.
- Challenges and Recommendations:
- Challenges include the high costs associated with IVF treatments, such as injections, procedures, and specialized expertise.
- proper budgeting by the government to implement an effective system.
- The proposal suggests replicating successful models from Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Vellore, where IVF centers in medical colleges provide subsidized or free services.
- Upcoming Action:
- Health Commissioner D Randeep indicates that the IVF project is unlikely to be proposed in the current state budget.
- The Health Minister assures that discussions with medical experts have taken place, and progress can be expected after the upcoming general elections.
The delay in implementing government-run IVF clinics underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking affordable fertility treatments, highlighting the necessity for timely intervention and budget allocation.
Ministry of Education Clarifies Reservation Policy Amid Controversy
Recently, the Ministry of Education responded on its official Twitter handle, affirming that there has been no alteration in the reservation policy for central educational institutions. The Ministry emphasized that, according to the 2019 Act, no reserved post is to be de-reserved, and all central educational institutions (CEIs) have been directed to fill vacancies strictly in accordance with this legislation.
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Controversial UGC Draft Guidelines Spark Backlash
- The clarification followed a significant backlash from students regarding the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft guidelines released in December 2023.
- The draft proposed the de-reservation of vacant reserved category seats in higher education institutions after reasonable efforts to fill them. This proposal triggered criticism and concerns about potential dilution of reservation policies.
Uncertainty Over Applicability of UGC Guidelines
- While the UGC draft faced widespread criticism, there remains uncertainty about its binding nature on all higher education institutions.
- As education falls under the concurrent list, states can formulate their reservation policies. Experts noted that the UGC can only issue suggestive guidelines for centrally-funded institutions, necessitating further clarification from authorities.
Social Justice Concerns Raised by Student Groups
- Student groups and activists argued that de-reserving seats contradicts the social justice objectives envisioned through reservation policies.
- They asserted that reservation aims to foster inclusivity by offering representation to marginalized sections, and diluting it through administrative measures undermines the constitutional goal of promoting equality.
Overlooking Meritorious Reserved Category Students
- Experts highlighted instances where meritorious students from reserved backgrounds were unable to secure seats due to vacant positions.
- De-reserving such seats neglects the abundant talent among marginalized communities and limits access to higher education for capable students due to procedural technicalities.
Dereservation Challenged as Defying Legal Protections
- Critics argued that the UGC’s dereservation formula violates legal and constitutional safeguards for reservation.
The Supreme Court has upheld reservation as intrinsic to the right to equal opportunity in public employment and education under Articles 16(4) and 15(4). Dereservation without exhaustive efforts to fill reserved seats renders these protections meaningless.
Indian Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja Named Brand Ambassador for VARNI
VARNI, the upscale electronic product brand, has appointed renowned Indian cricketer Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja, popularly known as Ravindra Jadeja, as its brand ambassador.
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- Foundation and Leadership: VARNI, established in 2009, was founded by Kishan Mali, who currently serves as the Managing Director of the company.
- Product Portfolio: The brand offers a diverse range of electronic products, including speakers, smartwatches, headphones, cables, power banks, and chargers.
About Ravindra Jadeja:
- International Debut: Ravindra Jadeja made his international debut in 2009 during a One Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
- Versatile Career: As of 27th January, Jadeja has represented the Indian national cricket team across various formats:
- 69 Test matches (scoring 2891 runs)
- 197 ODI matches (2756 runs)
- 66 Twenty20 International (T20I) matches (480 runs)
- He has also excelled in bowling, claiming 551 wickets in international matches across all formats.
- Brand Ambassadorship:
Jadeja’s appointment as the brand ambassador for VARNI aligns with the brand’s choice of a dynamic and accomplished personality to represent its premium electronic products.
India Advocates Global South's Role at G77 + China Third South Summit in Uganda
The Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China, held in Kampala, Uganda, witnessed India’s active participation, with Minister of State V. Muraleedharan representing the country and addressing the Plenary session on 21-23 January 2024.
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- Global South’s Future Growth Engine: Minister of State V. Muraleedharan highlighted the crucial role of the Global South, including India, as the “future growth engine” during his address at the Group of 77 + China (G-77 + China) Third South Summit.
- Summit Theme: The theme of the Third South Summit was “Leaving No One Behind,” emphasizing inclusivity and addressing global challenges collectively.
- Host and Chairmanship: The Republic of Uganda hosted the Third South Summit under the leadership of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who served as the Chairman.
- The summit took place on 21-23 January 2024, providing a platform for member nations to discuss and strategize on common goals.
Minister V. Muraleedharan, from the Ministry of External Affairs, represented India during the Plenary session, emphasizing India’s commitment to the objectives and collaborative efforts within the G-77 + China framework.
President of India Approves Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2023
The President of India has granted approval for the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2023. These awards recognize individuals for their commendable acts of human nature in saving lives.
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- The awards are bestowed upon individuals who have displayed meritorious acts of human valor in saving another person’s life.
- The Jeevan Raksha Padak Series comprises three distinct categories:
- Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak
- Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
- Jeevan Raksha Padak
- Individuals from all walks of life are eligible for consideration for these awards.
- The awards can be conferred posthumously, recognizing acts of bravery even in the face of sacrifice.
- Award Presentation:
- Recipients of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards receive a decoration, including a medal, certificate, and a lump-sum monetary allowance.
The presentation is conducted by the respective Union Ministries, Organizations, or State Government in due course.
National Voters' Day (NVD) and the Celebration of 75 Years of ECI
National Voters’ Day (NVD) is an annual celebration in India on 25th January, aimed at fostering electoral awareness and encouraging citizen participation in the electoral process. The day holds additional significance as it marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
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- Observance and Celebration:
- The 14th National Voters’ Day is observed on 25th January 2024.
- This year’s celebration also commemorates the 75 years of service of the Election Commission of India.
- Theme for NVD 2024:
- The theme for NVD 2024 is “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure,” continuing the theme from the previous year (2023).
- National Voters’ Day serves as a crucial platform to promote voter registration, especially among the youth, and to celebrate the democratic spirit of the nation. The continued observance of NVD reinforces the importance of active citizen participation in shaping the electoral landscape.
Background and Establishment of NVD:
- Origins: Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25th, coinciding with the foundation day of the ECI.
- Foundation of ECI: The Election Commission of India, established on 25th January 1950, is a permanent Constitutional Body.
Inaugural NVD: The first-ever National Voters’ Day was observed on 25th January 2011.
Alabama Executes Inmate Using Nitrogen Hypoxia for the First Time
On January 26th, 2024, Alabama(USA) made history by employing nitrogen hypoxia to execute a death row inmate, introducing a controversial and untested method in the United States.
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- Execution Method:
- Nitrogen hypoxia entails compelling the inmate to inhale pure nitrogen gas until the lack of oxygen results in asphyxiation and death.
- Alabama, along with Oklahoma and Mississippi, has sanctioned this method as an alternative to lethal injection and electrocution.
- Mechanism:
Nitrogen constitutes approximately 75% of normal air. Inhaling an excessive amount displaces oxygen, leading to a sequence of events including loss of consciousness, convulsions, and ultimately, death.
National Tourism Day Celebrated Annually on 25th January in India
Every year on 25th January, National Tourism Day is observed in India to emphasize the significance and economic contribution of tourism. The day serves the purpose of promoting awareness about various tourist destinations across the country.
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- Objective: The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the economic importance of tourism to India and encouraging people to explore and appreciate the diverse tourist spots.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: National Tourism Day seeks to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and enhance the popularity of tourist destinations throughout the country.
- Theme for 2024: The theme for National Tourism Day in 2024 is “Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories.”
The celebration of National Tourism Day not only contributes to the growth of the tourism industry but also plays a role in fostering cultural preservation and creating widespread awareness of the rich heritage and attractions India has to offer.
