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- Every year on December 3rd, the world unites to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day devoted to honoring the abilities, accomplishments, and rights of individuals with disabilities.
- About the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD):
- The IDPD, celebrated every December 3rd, recognizes the strength, contributions, and leadership of persons with disabilities (PwDs) globally. It serves as a powerful reminder of the worldwide commitment to promoting inclusivity, advocating for the rights of PwDs, and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.
- The theme for this year is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
- First declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 under resolution 47/3, the IDPD emphasizes the importance of advocating for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities across all areas of society. It highlights the need to raise awareness about their situation in political, social, economic, and cultural contexts.
- With decades of UN work in the field of disability advocacy, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006, has played a crucial role in advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The CRPD also supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other international development goals.
- Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is responsible for over 340,000 deaths each year, with recent research highlighting its devastating effects on individuals already suffering from pre-existing lung conditions.
- About Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA):
- CPA is a serious fungal infection of the lungs caused by Aspergillus, a type of mold commonly found in various environments. Aspergillus can be present in homes, workplaces, public spaces, and outdoor areas.
- People with chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema, bronchitis, or tuberculosis, are most vulnerable to developing CPA. It is important to note that CPA is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another.
- Symptoms:
- CPA often remains symptom-free in its early stages, but when symptoms appear, they can differ from person to person. The most common sign of CPA is coughing up blood. Other symptoms may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- CPA often remains symptom-free in its early stages, but when symptoms appear, they can differ from person to person. The most common sign of CPA is coughing up blood. Other symptoms may include:
- Treatment:
- While CPA is typically a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management, it may resolve in a small number of cases. Antifungal medications are the primary treatment for CPA. In cases where the infection causes bleeding in the lungs, surgery to remove the fungal mass may be necessary.
- Aviom India Housing Finance has notified its creditors about an ongoing audit by the National Housing Bank (NHB) following the discovery of fraudulent transactions during a recent onsite supervisory inspection.
- About National Housing Bank (NHB):
- The National Housing Bank (NHB) is the primary regulatory body established to promote and oversee housing finance companies (HFCs) in India. It is an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI) fully owned by the Government of India (GoI).
- While NHB supervises HFCs, the regulation of these companies falls under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Formation: The National Housing Policy of 1988 envisioned the creation of NHB as the apex institution for housing in India. Accordingly, NHB was established on July 9, 1988, under the National Housing Bank Act, 1987. Initially, the RBI provided the entire paid-up capital for NHB. However, following an April 24, 2019 notification, the RBI’s ownership was transferred to the Government of India, making NHB fully government-owned.
- In 2019, an amendment to the National Housing Bank Act shifted NHB's regulatory powers, including the registration of HFCs, to the RBI. This change took effect from August 9, 2019, following the Union Budget announcements for 2019-20.
- Key Functions of NHB: NHB’s broad functions are designed to support a strong, healthy, cost-effective, and viable housing finance system in India. These functions include:
- Supervision and grievance redressal for HFCs
- Financing
- Promotion and development of the housing finance sector
- The general oversight and management of NHB’s affairs are entrusted to its Board of Directors.
- Head Office: New Delhi
- NHB RESIDEX: NHB RESIDEX is India’s first official housing price index (HPI), which tracks movements in residential real estate prices across the country.