National
Coastal Security Exercise - East Coast (Sagar Kavach 02/23)
⇒ A two-day comprehensive Coastal Security Exercise Sagar Kavach 02/23 involving all maritime security agencies was conducted by the Indian Navy in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and the UT of Puducherry from 11-12 October 2023.
Participation:
- The exercise was executed under the aegis of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command, FOCINC (East) who also exercises the authority of Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence (East).
- About 2500 personnel from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State and U/T Administration, Marine Police, Fisheries, Customs, Intelligence Agencies, Light Houses, Ports Forest etc were engaged in the exercise.
Key Points:
- The exercise aimed to assess the efficacy and robustness of the coastal security mechanism while dealing with asymmetric threat emanating from the sea.
- Indian Naval Ships along with assets of the Coast Guard and other coastal security agencies were deployed to augment surveillance in the area.
- Enhanced security measures were instituted and extensive aerial surveillance undertaken by Dornier aircraft and helicopters operating from Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Ramnathapuram.
- The exercise was closely monitored at Joint Operations Centre (East) at Visakhapatnam which is the nodal hub for all coastal security operations and exercises in the area of operations.
» The exercise witnessed close coordination and synergy among all coastal security stakeholders. Lessons learnt from the exercise would be incorporated to strengthen the coastal security architecture.
Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima
⇒ Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima, Nagaland on 14 October 2023.
- NIMSR is the first Medical College in Nagaland.
Key Points:
- NIMSR Kohima is affiliated to Nagaland University.
- NIMSR received the Letter of permission from the National Medical Commission (NMC) in April 2023 for admission to 100 MBBS seats from the academic year 2023-2024.
- This paves the way for starting the first Medical College in the state after 60 years of statehood, realizing the long-cherished dream of the people of Nagaland.
- NIMSR Kohima aims at providing holistic medical education to MBBS students enrolled under NIMSR, comprehensive hospital based and community outreach health care services to patients through various Health Care Programs, extra and intramural research facilities.
- The NIMSR, with its state of art skill development domain specific teaching learning tools, laboratories, central library, sports facilities and Medical Education Unit have renowned Faculty and Residents who continue to focus on capacity building, competence and confidence development, collaboration, and cooperation to develop further through partnerships, MOUs, and networking with other reputed Medical Colleges and healthcare organizations of national and international repute.
- The inauguration of NIMSR Kohima is a crucial part of the Government’s efforts to improve the quality of medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Nagaland and the entire Northeast region.
International
WOAH Approves Self Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza in Indian Poultry Compartments
⇒ In a significant development for India’s poultry industry, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments. This achievement is a testament to India’s commitment to maintaining high standards of animal health and biosecurity.
Approval of Self-Declaration by WOAH
» The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, has submitted a self-declaration of freedom from High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in 26 poultry compartments to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). On October 13, 2023, the self-declaration was approved by WOAH, coinciding with World Egg Day.
- These poultry compartments are located in four states of India, namely Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
- This recognition by WOAH signifies India’s commitment to international biosecurity standards and will contribute to enhancing the export potential of Indian poultry and poultry products, including meat and eggs.
- India, as the third-largest producer of eggs (129.60 billion) and the fifth-largest producer of poultry meat (4.47 million tonnes) globally, is poised to capitalize on this achievement.
- During the 2022-23 fiscal year, India exported poultry and poultry products to 64 countries, generating revenue of 134 million USD.
- The approval of this self-declaration is expected to open up new opportunities for Indian poultry in the global market, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Avian Influenza in India
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, was first detected in India in the state of Maharashtra in February 2006. Since then, the country has experienced annual outbreaks of HPAI in different regions, leading to substantial economic losses. The disease has been reported in 24 states and union territories, resulting in the culling of over 9 million birds to control its spread.
- India’s approach to controlling HPAI follows a “detect and cull” policy as outlined in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised – 2021).
- This comprehensive response includes the humane destruction of infected and exposed animals, eggs, feed, litter, and other contaminated materials.
- Additionally, measures such as restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products, disinfection and clean-up of infected premises, and a Post-Operative Surveillance Plan (POSP) have been implemented. It’s important to note that vaccination against HPAI is not permitted in India.
Background on Zoning and Compartmentalization
- Zoning and compartmentalization are strategic tools used to establish and maintain groups of animals with specific health statuses for the purposes of international trade and disease prevention or control. Compartmentalization involves defining a sub-population of animals with a specified health status within the national territory.
- The maintenance of this status relies on stringent management and husbandry practices that adhere to the standards outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Code (Chapters 4.4 and 4.5) and recommendations related to specific disease chapters.
Important Day
World Egg Day 2023
⇒ World Egg Day is celebrated on the second Friday of October every year, focusing on the significance of eggs in our diets and their role in nourishing people around the world.
- World Egg Day 2023 was observed on 13 October.
- World Egg Day 2024 will be observed on 11 October.
Theme:
The theme of World Egg Day 2023 was “Eggs for a Healthy Future”.
- The theme signifies the importance of the egg in enhancing the nutritional, cultural, and environmentally sustainable outcomes, prompting better futures for all.
History:
- World Egg Day was established at Vienna in 1996.
- This occasion was first celebrated by the International Egg Commission (IEC) and has since been promoting the many advantages of eggs and their utilisation globally.
- Since then, egg fans around the world have thought up new creative ways to honour this incredible nutrient powerhouse, and the day of celebration has grown and evolved over time.