The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, a biennial international tournament for men’s football teams from South Asia, is gearing up for its 14th edition. The competition, scheduled to run from June 21 to July 3, 2023, will be hosted by India in Bengaluru. Having won its eighth title in 2021, India is the current reigning champion, clinching the title by triumphing over Nepal in the final.
Eight teams, including two guest teams from outside the region – Kuwait and Lebanon, are set to participate in the tournament. However, Afghanistan has withdrawn from SAFF to join the Central Asian Football Federation, and Sri Lanka’s ongoing suspension by FIFA has made it ineligible to partake. The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group proceeding to the semi-finals.
History and Organization of SAFF
Established in 1997, SAFF was founded by member Associations drawn from Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Operating under the motto ‘Unity in Strength’, SAFF embodies the solidarity and potency of these seven Member Associations. Headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, SAFF is a subset of the larger Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The Trimbakeshwar Temple Incident
In Nashik, Maharashtra, an incident at the Trimbakeshwar temple has led to the establishment of a special investigation team (SIT). Members of a minority community were accused of attempting to enter the temple, which according to the temple administration, is solely open to Hindu devotees.
The Trimbakeshwar temple is an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva, considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines of Shiva. Built by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao in the 18th century, the temple is a significant landmark situated near the Brahmagiri mountain.
World Hypertension Day and the “75/25” Program
To coincide with World Hypertension Day (WHD) on May 17, 2023, the Union Health Ministry of India has launched an unprecedented initiative, dubbed the “75/25” program. This ambitious endeavor aims to screen and deliver standard care to a staggering 75 million individuals suffering from hypertension and diabetes by 2025. The WHD theme for 2023 underscores the importance of accurate blood pressure measurement.
Investigation into Kiru Hydro-electric Power Project
The Central Investigation Bureau (CBI) has embarked on rigorous scrutiny over alleged corruption in the Kiru hydro-electric power project in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The project, proposed on the River Chenab in Kishtwar district, utilizes the river’s natural downward flow and micro turbine generators to harness its kinetic energy.
Collaboration Agreement on Assistive Technology
An agreement for collaborative efforts towards increasing access to high-quality affordable assistive technology has been signed by the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and World Health Organization (WHO). This partnership aims at fostering research, innovation, and capacity building in the realm of assistive technology.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024