Background

• A national conference on climate and health was held, titled 'India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future', focusing on the garment workers in Telangana.
• The conference highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between medical experts, civil engineers, and academics.
• Extreme heat is posing a significant challenge to India, causing dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbating chronic illnesses.
• The existing healthcare system in India is ill-prepared to handle such widespread health impacts.
• There is a need for India to develop a proactive and preventive approach to reduce the health risks associated with climate change.

• ASHA workers and community groups are working to deliver health services to the elderly and distribute hydration kits.
• There are concerns about inadequate health screenings and a lack of proper follow-ups for patients in heat-related illnesses.
• The current system is primarily reactive, with emergency department visits for heatstroke often missed.
• The health crisis is worsened by the lack of proper housing and living conditions, especially in slums and crowded environments.
• There is a need to improve environmental controls and infrastructure in urban planning.

• India needs to shift from a reactive to a proactive and preventive approach to health.
• The country should focus on climate-proofing vulnerable communities.
• There is a call for better monitoring of heat-related illnesses and the provision of cooling kits.
• Collaborative efforts involving health, climate science, urban development, labour rights, and grassroots initiatives are crucial.
• Long-term strategies are needed to build resilient health systems and ensure public safety during extreme weather events.

Background

• India's defence imports have historically relied heavily on Russia, but this is changing.
• Pakistan has also seen shifts in its defence imports, with a significant increase in dependence on China.
• The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute provides data on the global arms trade.
• Over the past two decades, India has significantly reduced its dependence on Russia and increased imports from France, the U.S., and Israel.
• Pakistan's dependence on China for defence imports has grown considerably.

• India's share of global arms imports was 9.6% in 2004-09, decreasing to 5.5% in 2010-14, and further to 5% in 2015-19.
• Pakistan's share of global arms imports was 2% in 2004-09, increasing to 4% in 2010-14, and reaching 5% in 2015-19.
• India has acquired various defence systems from different countries, including S-400 air defence missiles from Russia and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft from the U.S.
• Pakistan has received significant defence equipment from China, including JF-17 combat aircraft.
• The U.S. has been a major supplier to Pakistan, but this has declined significantly in recent years.

• The trend shows both India and Pakistan are diversifying their defence partners.
• India aims to become more self-reliant in defence production.
• The data indicates a continued shift in global arms trade dynamics, with China becoming a major supplier.

Background

• The article discusses the issue of high sugar consumption in packaged foods among children in India.
• It highlights concerns about the link between high sugar intake and Type 2 Diabetes.
• The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have addressed this issue.
• The FSSAI has proposed "health star rating" for packaged foods to provide clearer information to consumers.

• A significant percentage of Indian children are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes, with cases per lakh increasing.
• The NCPCR has called for a ban on sugar-rich foods in schools.
• Despite efforts, many schools still offer unhealthy packaged foods.
• The FSSAI aims to finalize regulations for school meals, but progress has been slow.
• Studies indicate that children aged 4 to 10 years consume an average of 18 years' worth of sugar in a single day.
• There is a lack of awareness among children about healthy eating habits.

• The NCPCR recommends monitoring and surveying schools to ensure compliance with dietary guidelines.
• There is a need for clearer labelling and more awareness campaigns about healthy food choices.
• The FSSAI plans to finalize regulations for school meals and promote healthier eating habits.
• Collaboration between government bodies, schools, and parents is essential to address the issue of high sugar consumption among children.

NEWS IN SHORTS

Bangladesh Army at odds with Govt. on Myanmar Corridor

The Bangladesh Army stated it would not compromise on issues related to the corridor with Myanmar, including national security and sovereignty. A spokesperson emphasized stern action against those attempting to organize mobs. General Zaman stated the interim government made no crucial decisions without consulting the armed forces.

India pushing back ‘illegal’ immigrants to Bangladesh

India has flown 160 undocumented Bangladeshi people from Tripura to Bangladesh, with another 300 previously transported via land. This action is part of a government decision to deport undocumented immigrants rather than awaiting lengthy legal processes, following detentions by Delhi Police.

Bharat Forecast system set to give sharper rain alerts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, to improve weather forecast models. The BFS aims to provide more precise and accurate rain forecasts, offering a significant improvement over existing models by breaking down regions into 6-km sides for mapping.

Manage anaemia before pregnancy

The article emphasizes the importance of managing anaemia before pregnancy to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. It highlights various factors contributing to anaemia in Indian women and discusses the need for comprehensive approaches, including iron and folic acid supplementation, and improved dietary intake to address this prevalent issue.

Senior Maoist leader another held in Jharkhand

Manish Yadav, a sub-zonal commander of the banned CPI(Maoist), was arrested in Latehar district, Jharkhand, with a bounty of ₹10 lakh. This is part of ongoing anti-Maoist operations by the Jharkhand Police, following information from previously apprehended Maoists, leading to successful raids and arrests.

Amid strain in ties, senior Indian officials to reach out to U.S. govt.

Senior Indian officials, including the Foreign Secretary and Deputy NSA, will visit Washington for meetings with the U.S. government. This visit aims to address strained ties and mediate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The delegation will discuss trade negotiations and security cooperation.

YouTube channels irked as news agency demands licence fee for content

YouTube channels are facing demands for license fees for content, with News Agency International (NAI) being among those asserting copyright claims. This has led to frustration among content creators and debates over fair use and the ownership of copyrighted material, particularly regarding content created without license.

Trump delays EU tariffs following a ‘very nice call’ with von der Leyen

Donald Trump has delayed proposed tariffs on EU goods following a "very nice call" with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The decision aims to allow more time for negotiations on trade, with Trump expressing a willingness to reach a deal.

News in Numbers

This section provides a brief numerical overview of various global events: 355 drones fired by Russia at Ukraine, 104 active COVID-19 cases in Delhi, 11 countries demanding EU delay deforestation law, 700 deaths due to Nigerian separatist protests since 2021, and 5% of Gaza cropland used for farming.