08 May 2024 PIB
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. International Thalassemia Day 2. Sixteenth Finance Commission 3. Prelims Facts
1. International Thalassemia Day
Syllabus: GS-3, Science; GS-2, Health
Prelims: International Thalassemia Day, Thalassemia
Context:
International Thalassemia Day is celebrated on 8 May every year.
International Thalassemia Day:
- This day aims to raise awareness around the genetic disorder and support those who suffer from it.
- The day was first observed in 1994 by the Thalassemia International Federation (TIF).
- The theme for World Thalassemia Day 2024 is “Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia Treatment for All.”
Read more about International Thalassemia Day in the linked article.
About Thalassemia:
- Thalassemia is an inherited disorder marked by diminished levels of haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen, and a reduced count of red blood cells compared to the norm.
- While carriers of the thalassemia gene may lead normal lives, those with thalassemia major must undergo repeated transfusion and have increased susceptibility to various infections, hepatomegaly splenomegaly, bone issues and other health complications, including organ failure.
- People affected by thalassemia may suffer from dizziness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, headache, leg cramps, pale skin and difficulty concentrating.
2. Sixteenth Finance Commission
Syllabus: GS-2, Polity
Prelims/Mains: Sixteenth Finance Commission
Context:
Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC) invites suggestions/views from the general public, institutions and organisations on issues related to its terms of reference.
Details:
The Sixteenth Finance Commission has been constituted in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution of India by the President with Dr. Arvind Panagariya as Chairman on 31 December 2023. The Commission is required to make recommendations covering a period of five years starting 1st April 2026 as to the following matters:
- The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or maybe, divided between them under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds.
- The principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India and the sums to be paid to the States by way of grants-in-aid of their revenues under Article 275 of the Constitution for purposes other than those specified in the provisos to clause (1) of that article.
- The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State based on the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State.
- The Commission is also mandated to review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management initiatives.
3. Prelims Facts
Rafi Ahmad Kidwai
- The National Archives of India (NAI) has acquired the private paper collection of the Late Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai, comprising original correspondences of Shri Kidwai with other eminent leaders like Pt. Nehru, Sardar Patel, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, P.D. Tandon, etc.
- Shri Kidwai was involved in the Khilafat and Non-cooperation movements and was private secretary to Motilal Nehru.
- He held significant positions in the Congress Legislative Assembly and the United Provinces Congress Committee.
- After independence, he became India’s first Minister for Communications in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet.
- Later, he also took charge of the food and agriculture ministry.
Read more about the National Archives of India in the linked article.
Read previous PIB articles here.
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| National Centre for Good Governance | Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation | ||
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