24th March 2016

A.March 24: World Tuberculosis Day

1.Every year March 24 is being observed as World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to o build public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease. 

2.2016 Theme: “Unite to End TB”. It was adopted on the lines of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations. 

3.The goal 3 of the SDG aspires to ensure well-being and health for all. 

4.It also includes a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases by 2030. 

About World Tuberculosis Day 
1.This day is observed to commemorate discovery of bacillus causing tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis on 24th March, 1882. 

2.It is one of eight official global public health campaigns observed by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

About Tuberculosis 
1.Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by various strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

2.It is the second biggest killer disease worldwide next only to HIV/AIDS. It commonly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. 
Transmission: It spreads through the air when people who have active infection cough, sneeze, or spit. 
Prevention: It can be completely cured if proper and regular medication is taken.

B.Union Government launches Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

1.The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare launched the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) to assess the needs of its elderly people and frame policies accordingly. 

2.The survey will take into account study on 60,000 elderly people over 25 years plan and will be the largest survey of its kind. 

Key facts 
1.LASI project will be jointly funded by the Union Health Ministry, United Nation’s Population Fund-India and United States National Institute on Ageing. 

2.The survey would be undertaken by the Mumbai based International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), in collaboration with Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and University of Southern California (USC). 

3.It will provide Union Health Ministry sufficient data on older population in the country that in turn would be used to develop a scientifically validated data needed for their health, economic and social analysis of the older population. 

4.It will investigate various health structures, and impact of social determinants on health of the elderly. 

C.DIPP notifies 49% FDI under automatic route in Insurance and Pension sector

1.The Union Commerce and Industry Ministry has notified foreign direct investment (FDI) upto 49% in insurance and pension sector will be under automatic route. 

2.In this regard, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has issued official notification to liberalise its FDI policy in insurance and pension sector. 

3.However, FDI above 49% will be subject to approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). 

4.Prior to this, only up to 26% FDI was permitted through the automatic approval route in insurance and pension sector. 

5.Union Government in 2015 had increased the FDI cap in insurance and pension sector to 49% from 26%, respectively. 

6.But it was subject to the condition that ownership and control remains with the Indian promoter at all times. 

7.Thus, existing guidelines on Indian management and control will have to be verified by the respective regulators, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

D.Resolution introduced in US House to bring India on par with NATO allies

1.A Congressional resolution aiming to bring India on a par with America’s NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies in terms of Defence trade and technology transfer was introduced recently. 

2.The US-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act (HR 4825) proposes to amends the Arms Export Control Action. 

3.It was introduced by Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus. 

4.The resolution seeks to formalise 
(i) India’s status as a major partner of equal status as US’s NATO allies and closest partners and 
(ii) also elevate India’s status in export of defence articles from the US. 

5.Benefits to India Cement the India-US relations and lay a foundation for future cooperation and growth. 

6.Shorten the time required for the notification of sale or export of defence articles from the United States to India. 

7.Encourage more joint contingency planning and require the US government review and assess India’s ability to execute military operations of mutual interest.