The Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, to address the critical issue of anaemia in adolescent girls. This joint public health initiative is named “Anaemia Control among adolescent girls using Ayurveda interventions in the five districts under Mission Utkarsh.”

Focus on Five Aspirational Districts:

The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Irani. In the first phase, the program will focus on improving the anaemic status of adolescent girls (aged 14-18) in five aspirational districts across five states:

• Assam – Dhubri
• Chhattisgarh – Bastar
• Jharkhand – Paschimi Singhbhum
• Maharashtra – Gadchiroli
• Rajasthan – Dhaulpur

Reaching 95,000 Girls:

This project aims to improve the nutritional status of approximately 95,000 adolescent girls in these high-burden anaemia districts, where the average prevalence is around 69.5%. The initiative will cover roughly 10,000 Anganwadi Centres in these five districts.

Collaboration for a Healthy Future:

Speaking at the event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the collaborative effort between the ministries to achieve an “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” (Anaemia Free India). He highlighted the project’s alignment with Mission Utkarsh, aiming to bring these aspirational districts up to the national average on key performance indicators.

Ayush: A Cost-Effective Solution:

Smt. Smriti Irani emphasized the potential of Ayush systems, backed by evidence-based research, to offer a cost-effective solution for tackling anaemia. She highlighted the project’s global significance due to its large-scale implementation, time-bound outcomes, and potential for contributing to global health knowledge.

Addressing Malnutrition:

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the detrimental effects of anaemia on adolescent girls’ physical and mental well-being and future motherhood. He emphasized the role of traditional medicine systems in primary healthcare settings.

Synergy with Existing Programs:

Shri Indewar Pandey, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, highlighted their existing efforts to address malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, and pregnant women through programs like “Saksham Anganwadi” and “Poshan.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on girls in this age group to ensure future generations of healthy mothers and children. He also mentioned their successful collaboration with Ayush on over 2.7 crore Ayush-based activities during “Poshan Maah” and “Poshan Pakhwada.”

Leveraging Expertise:

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) brings valuable experience to this initiative. They have a proven track record in conducting clinical trials and implementing successful public health programs related to anaemia control and antenatal care using Ayurvedic interventions.

Prominent Attendees:

The event was also attended by Prof. Ravi Narayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, Pushpa Chaudhary (Team Lead, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent health, WHO), Dr. Rajeev Bahl (DG, ICMR), and other dignitaries.

This joint initiative by the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Women and Child Development represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenge of anaemia in adolescent girls and promoting their overall health and well-being.

The post Addressing the gathering, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal stated that both the Ministries are collaborating to make India free of anaemia. appeared first on PM Kishan.

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister @gurmeetkhuddian stated that @PunjabGovtIndia led by CM @BhagwantMann will commence mass inoculation drive for cattle as a preventive measure against the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) from February 25. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ar6njbjrHl

— Government of Punjab (@PunjabGovtIndia) February 24, 2024

Key Points:

• Mass vaccination drive: 25 lakh doses of Goat Pox vaccine procured from Telangana to be administered to cattle across Punjab.
• Government initiative: Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, this campaign aims to prevent the spread of LSD.
• Distribution and support: All districts receive vaccine supplies, while control rooms at state and district levels offer assistance.
• Helpline established: Farmers can reach out to dedicated helpline number 0172-2217084 for support.

Minister’s Statement:

“Punjab Government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann, is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our livestock. This mass vaccination drive is a crucial step in preventing the spread of LSD and ensuring the safety of our cattle population.”

Additional Information:

• LSD is a viral disease affecting cattle, causing skin nodules, fever, and decreased milk production.
• Early detection and vaccination are crucial for controlling outbreaks.
• This initiative demonstrates Punjab’s proactive approach to animal health and welfare.

The post Punjab Takes Action: Mass Vaccination Drive Launched to Combat Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle appeared first on PM Kishan.

Sethupathi’s tweet reads:

“Great pride for us Congratulations @santoshsivan sir. #CannesFilmFestival #PierreAngenieuxTribute”

The Significance of the Award:

The Cannes Pierre Angenieux Tribute is a highly respected award presented annually at the Cannes Film Festival. It acknowledges the work of distinguished cinematographers who have left a lasting mark on the industry with their artistry and vision.

Great pride for us ,Congratulations @santoshsivan sir.. pic.twitter.com/6tQ0wdTUkF

— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) February 24, 2024

Sivan’s Accomplished Career:

Santosh Sivan, a maestro of light and shadow, boasts a prolific career spanning over three decades. He has collaborated with prominent directors in India and internationally, showcasing his versatility across various genres. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and international acclaim.

The post Vijay Sethupathi Celebrates Santosh Sivan’s Cannes Achievement: “Great Pride for Us!” appeared first on PM Kishan.

Key Highlights:

• World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme: A pilot project was inaugurated in 11 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across 11 states, marking the beginning of the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Scheme in Cooperative Sector.” This initiative aims to increase storage capacity and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers.
• 500 New PACS with Godowns: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of godowns and other agri-related infrastructure in 500 additional PACSs across the country. This expansion will further enhance storage capacity and provide essential services to farmers.
• Computerization of PACSs: All PACSs in India will be computerized by August 2024, bringing transparency, efficiency, and modernized services to the sector. This initiative, with an outlay of Rs.2500 crores, will create new business opportunities for PACSs.

Significance of the Initiatives:

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a strengthened cooperative sector. He highlighted the need for increased storage capacity, currently only 47% in India compared to other developed nations, and expressed confidence that this project will achieve 100% storage capacity by 2027.

Benefits for Farmers:

These initiatives offer several potential benefits for farmers:

• Reduced post-harvest losses: Increased storage capacity will minimize food wastage and ensure better market returns for farmers.
• Access to modern infrastructure: Godowns and equipment will provide farmers with essential services like storage, machinery rental, and transportation.
• Improved transparency and efficiency: Computerization will streamline operations, enhance financial management, and foster trust within the cooperative sector.

Overall, these initiatives mark a significant step towards empowering farmers, strengthening the rural economy, and securing a more prosperous future for Indian agriculture.

The post PM Modi Boosts Cooperatives: Storage, Tech, and Modernization for Farmers appeared first on PM Kishan.

Climate change and its impact: As our planet grapples with climate change, understanding past environmental shifts becomes crucial for predicting future scenarios and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. National parks like Kaziranga, with their rich biodiversity, face increasing threats from extreme weather events and changing landscapes.

Modern pollen analogues: A window to the past: The research team created a modern pollen analogue dataset, essentially a reference library linking specific pollen types to different vegetation zones within the park. This allows them to analyze pollen from ancient soil samples and reconstruct past vegetation cover, providing a window into the climatic conditions that prevailed at that time.

Benefits for biodiversity conservation: This newfound knowledge holds immense significance for conservation efforts. By understanding how past climate changes impacted vegetation and animal populations, scientists can predict future trends and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on Kaziranga’s unique biodiversity.

Key takeaways:

• Pollen analysis: This study highlights the potential of pollen analysis as a powerful tool for reconstructing past climate and vegetation changes.
• Informing conservation: The findings can inform conservation strategies and help protect vulnerable species within Kaziranga National Park.
• National Biodiversity Mission: The research aligns with the goals of the National Biodiversity Mission, contributing to the preservation of India’s rich biodiversity.

Stay informed, take action:

• Read the full research paper: Access the study through the provided link to learn more about the methodology and findings.
• Spread awareness: Share this article with your network to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and the innovative research being conducted in India.
• Support conservation efforts: Consider getting involved in organizations working to protect Kaziranga National Park and other biodiversity hotspots in India.

By understanding our past, we can better prepare for the future and ensure a thriving natural world for generations to come. Let’s join hands to support research and conservation efforts that safeguard the incredible biodiversity treasures of India.

The post New Study Unveils Secrets Hidden in Kaziranga’s Soil appeared first on PM Kishan.

The latest bi-weekly #FoodSecurity Update is out. Download for insights on:
1️⃣the global food market outlook
2️⃣emerging issues
3️⃣regional updates
https://t.co/IAfiSiwjXt pic.twitter.com/6s9KjJCkiF

— World Bank (@WorldBank) February 23, 2024

Key Points:

• High Inflation: Over 50% of low- and middle-income countries experience inflation above 5%, highlighting ongoing affordability challenges.
• Price Fluctuations: Maize and wheat prices have dropped year-on-year, but rice prices remain high due to production shortfalls and export restrictions.
• Shipping Disruptions: Delays and increased costs caused by issues at key maritime chokepoints impact trade flows and global value chains.
• Financing Gaps: Despite significant financial aid, addressing the root causes of acute food insecurity remains a challenge.
• Trade Restrictions: Growing number of export bans and measures create concerns about market stability and access to food.

Analysis:

While some commodity prices have shown recent declines, the overall picture for food security remains concerning. High inflation, particularly in developing nations, continues to put pressure on household budgets and limit access to nutritious food.

Trade disruptions add another layer of complexity. Shipping delays and increased costs make importing food more expensive and unpredictable. Additionally, the growing trend of export restrictions by some countries can further exacerbate shortages and price fluctuations.

The report by the Global Network Against Food Crises highlights the need for more effective and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of food insecurity. This includes investing in sustainable agricultural practices, improving access to markets, and promoting trade policies that are conducive to food security.

Call to Action:

• Raise awareness about the ongoing challenges to global food security.
• Advocate for policies that promote sustainable agriculture, trade openness, and equitable access to food.
• Support organizations working to address food insecurity and improve livelihoods in vulnerable communities.

The post Food Prices Remain High Despite Recent Dips, Trade Disruptions and Export Restrictions Pose Challenges appeared first on PM Kishan.