World Health Organization (WHO)

Why in News: The head of the World Health Organization recently urged global leaders to pressure Washington to reconsider President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the U.N. health agency.

Overview

• WHO is the specialized health agency of the United Nations.
• Established in 1948, it aims for the highest possible level of health for all people.
• Health, as per the WHO Constitution, is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.

Functions

• Provides leadership on global health issues.
• Shapes the health research agenda.
• Sets norms and standards in healthcare.
• Develops evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Offers technical support to countries.
• Monitors and assesses global health trends.

Membership and Headquarters

• Comprises 193 member countries and two associate members.
• The headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland.

Structure

• Governance: WHO is managed through the World Health Assembly, which meets annually as the main policymaking body.
• Executive Board: Composed of health specialists elected for three-year terms.
• Leadership: The agency is headed by a Director-General, nominated by the Executive Board and appointed by the World Health Assembly.

Funding

• Around 16% of the budget comes from mandatory contributions by member states.
• The remaining funds come from voluntary donations from governments and private entities.
• Major voluntary contributors include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

World Health Day

• WHO celebrates April 7, 1948, its founding date, as World Health Day every year.

MAKHANA

Why in News: While presenting the Union Budget, the Union Finance Minister announced the establishment of a “Makhana Board” in Bihar to enhance the cultivation and marketing of fox nuts.

Background

• Bihar contributes approximately 90% of India’s makhana production.
• The cultivation is primarily concentrated in northern and eastern Bihar.

Key Takeaways

• Makhana (Fox Nut) is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox).
• It grows in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia.
• The plant is characterized by violet and white flowers and large, round, prickly leaves that can exceed one meter in diameter.
• The edible seeds have a black to brown outer layer, earning them the nickname “Black Diamond.”
• After processing, the seeds are consumed as popped snacks called ‘lava’.
• Nutritional Value: Rich in carbohydrates, protein, and minerals, making it valuable for medicine, healthcare, and nutrition.
• In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Besides Bihar, small-scale cultivation occurs in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha, and neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.

Climatic Conditions for Cultivation

• Makhana is an aquatic crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Traditionally cultivated in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, ditches, wetlands, and land depressions with a water depth of 4-6 feet.
• Ideal growing conditions include:
  • Temperature: 20-35°C
  • Relative Humidity: 50-90%
  • Annual Rainfall: 100-250 cm

Falling Indian Rupees

Why in News: The Indian rupee is consistently depreciating against the US dollar, reaching a record low due to the new tariffs imposed by the US President on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada.

Understanding Exchange Rate

• The exchange rate defines the value of one currency relative to another, indicating how much domestic currency is needed to buy foreign currency.
• It fluctuates based on market demand and supply, influenced by trade, investments, and monetary policies.

Mechanism of Exchange Rate Movements

1. Impact of Demand and Supply
   • If the demand for US dollars surpasses the rupee, the dollar strengthens, leading to rupee depreciation.
2. Role of Trade and Investments
   • Increased US imports, foreign investments, and capital outflows reduce the demand for the rupee, weakening its value.
3. Effect of Inflation and Interest Rates
   • High inflation or low interest rates in India reduce investor confidence, contributing to rupee depreciation.

Key Reasons Behind Rupee Depreciation

1. Trade Deficits and Global Tariffs
   • US-imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada have strengthened the US dollar, affecting emerging market currencies like the rupee.
   • India’s import dependency increases the demand for US dollars, leading to rupee depreciation.
2. Stronger US Dollar and Federal Reserve Policies
   • The US Federal Reserve’s stringent monetary policies have increased bond yields, attracting global investors to US assets.
   • The dollar index climbed to 109.8, making the US dollar stronger against other currencies.
3. Capital Outflows from Indian Markets
   • Foreign investors are pulling out funds from Indian equity markets, increasing the demand for the dollar.
   • Concerns over a trade war and global economic slowdown have accelerated capital flight from India.
4. Inflationary Pressures and Interest Rate Gaps
   • Higher inflation in India compared to the US weakens purchasing power, making the rupee less appealing.
   • Lower interest rates in India discourage foreign investments, further reducing rupee stability.

Gig Workers

Why in News:  The Union Finance Minister has declared that gig workers will now be covered under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), making them eligible for healthcare benefits.

Increased Healthcare Budget

• The total health budget allocation has risen by over ₹9,000 crore.
• Key programs include Ayushman Bharat, infrastructure expansion, and funding for AIIMS-Delhi.
• The Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) offers ₹5 lakh per family annually for hospitalization in both public and private hospitals.
• Details on whether gig workers’ families will be covered under PMJAY are yet to be clarified.

Health Insurance Coverage in India (NITI Aayog Report)

• Only 10% of India’s population has private health insurance.
• Nearly 60% are covered by government-funded schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
• 30% (over 400 million people) still lack any form of health insurance.

Who are Gig Workers?

• Gig workers engage in temporary, flexible, or freelance work instead of traditional long-term employment.
• They often work as independent contractors or freelancers rather than permanent employees.
• The term “gig” originates from the music industry, where artists take up short-term performances.
• Digital platforms connect gig workers to clients for short-term services such as:
  • Ride-hailing (e.g., Uber, Ola)
  • Food delivery (e.g., Swiggy, Zomato)
  • Holiday rentals (e.g., Airbnb)

Gig Economy in India

• 7.7 million workers were engaged in gig jobs in 2020.
• By 2029-30, the gig workforce is expected to reach 23.5 million (4.1% of the total workforce).
• Distribution of gig jobs:
  • 47% in medium-skilled work
  • 22% in high-skilled jobs
  • 31% in low-skilled jobs
• The gig economy is projected to contribute 1.25% to GDP by 2030 and generate 90 million jobs in the long term.