Today in History (September 18th, 2016)
On this day in 2016, four terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked the Indian army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. In response to the Uri attack, India conducted a Surgical Strike on 28th September.
Summary of Today’s News
Nikshay Poshan Yojana
The Nikshay Poshan Yojana, initiated in 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to aid TB patients by providing a monthly Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of Rs 500 for their nutritional needs. Since its launch, the program has disbursed around Rs 1,488 crore to 5.73 million registered beneficiaries.
Nikshay Mitra
The Nikshay Mitra initiative offers comprehensive support, including nutritional assistance, additional diagnostic services, and vocational support. It was introduced to integrate community engagement into India’s efforts towards the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which targets the elimination of TB by 2025. Nikshay Mitra’s beneficiaries include co-operative societies, corporates, elected representatives, individuals, institutions, non-governmental organizations, etc., who can contribute by adopting health facilities.
National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
The National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) in India, formerly known as NPCDCS, encompasses a broader spectrum of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are chronic conditions influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Launched in 2010, NP-NCD focuses on enhancing healthcare infrastructure, human resources, early diagnosis, and management of common NCDs. It establishes NCD Cells at national, state, and district levels for effective program management, along with NCD clinics for early diagnosis and treatment. The program also aligns with WHO’s global action plan for NCD control and promotes accessibility to affordable medications through initiatives like AMRIT Deendayal outlets and Jan Aushadhi stores.
Santiniketan
Santiniketan, a town founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in West Bengal, India, it was established in 1901 and served as the foundation of Visva-Bharati University. This accolade marks India’s 41st World Heritage Site.
Liptako-Gourma Charter
Military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have signed the Liptako-Gourma Charter, establishing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to collectively defend and assist their populations. The region, where their borders converge, has faced severe jihadist activity. The alliance aims to combine military and economic efforts to combat terrorism. The jihadist insurgency, originating in northern Mali in 2012, has spread to Niger and Burkina Faso. All three nations experienced coups since 2020. The charter commits mutual assistance in case of attack and addresses sovereignty protection.
