Daily Current Affairs 03 January 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 January 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Divya Kala Shakti

Source: PIB
GS I: Social Schemes

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Divya Kala Shakti
3. Issues Related to Persons with Disability
4. Disabled persons based on 2011 Census
5. Rights and Support Provided by Government

Why in the News?

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities through its Composite Regional Centre at Ahmedabad, Gujarat presented the cultural event Divya Kala Shakti at Ahmedabad.

News in Brief

• From soul-stirring group dances to captivating solo performances, melodious group songs to enchanting solo renditions, and awe-inspiring special art displays – “Divya Kala Shakti” was a testament to the remarkable capabilities of the participants.
• The event brought together participants from across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu, totalling 100 divyang individuals who took centre stage in mesmerizing performances.

About Divya Kala Shakti

• This unique showcase, organized by one of the central composite regional centres, spotlighted the hidden talents of Divyang individuals, unveiling a world of creativity that captivated the audience.
• The highlight of the evening was the felicitation ceremony, where participants received a total of ₹300,000 in cheques as a token of recognition for their exceptional talents.
• This gesture not only acknowledged their artistic accomplishments but also underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive society that celebrates diversity.
• Divya Kala Shakti stands as a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and showcasing the limitless potential within every individual.
• This cultural extravaganza not only entertained but also enriched the hearts of the audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse talents of divyang individuals.

Issues Related to Persons with Disability

• Globally, around 785-795 million persons aged 15 years and older are living with a disability based on 2010 population estimates.
• Of these, the World Health Survey estimates that 110 million people (2.2%) have very significant difficulties in functioning.
• The Global Burden of Disease Survey estimates 190 million have (3.8%) have severe disability.
• Including children, over a billion people (about 15% of the world’s population) were estimated to be living with disability.

Disabled persons based on 2011 Census

• Among the disabled population, 56% (1.5 Cr) are males and 44% (1.18 Cr ) are females. In the total population, the male and female populations are 51% and 49% respectively.
• The majority (69%) of the disabled population resided in rural areas (1.86 Cr disabled persons in rural areas and 0.81 Cr in urban areas).
• In the case of the total population also, 69% are from rural areas while the remaining 31% reside in urban areas.
• 61% of the disabled children aged 5-19 years are attending educational institutions.
• Of the total disabled population, nearly 55% (1.46 Cr.) are literate.

Literacy and Job Rate

• The educational level of disabled persons is better in urban areas compared to rural areas, both for males and females.
• In urban areas, among the disabled who are literates, 15% of them are graduates, while in rural areas only 5% of them are graduates.
• 36% of the total disabled persons are workers.
  • Among the male disabled persons, 47% are working and among female disabled, only 23% are working.
• In rural India, 25% of the female disabled are working, while in urban India, the corresponding figure is 16%.
• Non –workers
  • About 46% are in the age group 15 -59 years.
  • 31% in the age group 0-14 years and 23% are 60+ years.
  • Among the male disabled non–workers, 42% belonged to the age group 15-59 years.
  • 49% of the female disabled non-workers belonged to this age group.
  • While the share of disabled non–workers are higher in 0-14 age group compared to 60+ years age group, for both male and female disabled non–workers, for females the difference is less.
• 46.87% of the total disabled persons are currently married, whereas 41.72% are never married and 10.29% of them are widowed.

Rights and Support Provided by Government

• Relief of the disabled and unemployable’ is specified in state list of the Seventh Schedule of the constitution.
• Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
  • Means: long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with barriers, hinder his full and effective participation in society equally with others.
  • The types of disabilities have been increased from 7 to 21.

Government Initiatives

• Accessible India Campaign
  • Achieving universal accessibility that will enable persons with disabilities to gain access for equal opportunity and live independently.
• National Fellowship for Students with Disabilities
  • Aims to increase opportunities for students with disabilities to pursue higher education.
• Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP)
  • Scheme aims at helping the disabled persons by bringing suitable, durable, scientifically-manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances within their reach.
  • Operation since 1981.
• Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
  • Scheme that addresses all aspects of rehabilitation and includes projects covering various services ranging from programmes for preschool and early intervention to rehabilitation of leprosy-cured persons.
• National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation
  • An apex institution for channelizing the funds to persons with disabilities through the State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs)
    nominated by the State Government.
• National Handicapped Welfare Fund
  • subsequently renamed as National Fund for People with Disabilities (National Fund)
  • It was established in 1983.
  • Presently, the National Fund is implementing a scholarship scheme for students with disabilities.

World Braille Day

Source: PIB
GS I: Society

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. World Braille Day
3. What is Braille?

Why in the News?

The world prepares to celebrate World Braille Day on 4 January.

News in Brief

• On this occasion, National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres under DEPwD organised a range of engaging programmes.
• World Braille Day, the emphasis is not only on celebrating Louis Braille’s legacy but also on promoting Braille’s enduring role in fostering inclusive communication and education.
• The events promise to be enlightening and entertaining, reinforcing the global commitment to recognizing the importance of Braille in empowering individuals with visual impairments.

World Braille Day

• Celebrate World Braille Day on 4 January.
• A global commemoration is underway to acknowledge the significance of Braille as a vital medium of communication for blind and partially sighted individuals.
• This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary inventor of the Braille script, born in France in 1809.
• Recognizing the paramount role of Braille in education, communication, and social inclusion, the United Nations has designated 4 January each year as World Braille Day.

What is Braille?

• Braille is a tactile writing and reading system used by people who are visually impaired or blind.
• It is named after its creator, Louis Braille, a French educator who developed the system in the 19th century.
• Braille consists of raised dots arranged in a grid of cells, with each cell typically containing six dots arranged in two columns of three dots each.
• The dots are raised on paper or other materials, and individuals can read Braille by touching the dots with their fingers.
• The arrangement of dots in each cell represents different letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even musical symbols.
• The system allows people with visual impairments to access written information independently.
• Braille is widely used in various forms, including books, signage, and labels.
• Learning Braille is an essential skill for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as it provides them with the ability to read and write, promoting literacy and independence.

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