The latest report titled “State of School Feeding Worldwide 2022” by the World Food Programme (WFP) unveils a harsh reality – school meals for children are witnessing a stark decline in low-income countries. The most significant drops have been identified in Africa, with an approximate decrease of 4%. The study’s findings are based on data from 176 countries, compared to 163 countries included in the 2020 evaluation.
Surprisingly, in high-income, upper-middle-income, and lower-middle-income countries, a consistent, modest rise has been noted – 4%, 4%, and 12% respectively. Addressing the gravity of the situation, the report underscores the urgency for external development partners to focus their efforts on low-income nations.
Despite challenges posed by the pandemic and tight budgets, these struggling countries have uplifted domestic funding for school meals, catapulting it from 30% in 2020 to 45% in 2022. Panning out to a global view, from 2020 to 2022, the number of kids receiving school meals soared by 30 million. The countries contributing significantly to this rise include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, collectively accounting for 19 million of the increase
India’s First Cable-Stayed Railway Bridge: Progress in Full Swing
The first-ever cable-stayed railway bridge in India, stationed over the Anji river (a tributary of the Chenab River) in Jammu and Kashmir, is predicted to be operational by May 2023. Strategically positioned between Katra and Reasi stations in the Reasi district, this forthcoming structure is a part of the grand project – Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Link (USBRL).
Declared in March 2002 as a National Importance Project, the USBRL venture is touted as the most colossal mountain railway project since India’s independence. To ensure safety and seamless monitoring, a plethora of sensors will be installed across various components of the bridge.
The Recognition of Hopi Native American Nation’s Sacred Site in Arizona
A culturally significant site in Arizona, United States revered by the Hopi Native American Nation, was recently honored with the ‘Water and Heritage Shield’ by the International Committee on Monuments and Sites International Science Committee (ICOMOS ISC). Presented to the Black Mesa Trust (BMT), a grassroots organization of Hopi, the Shield aims to create public awareness about the importance of water, indigenous sacred sites worldwide, and preserving cultural and historical memory.
The Hopi tribe holds a unique relationship with nature, particularly the Sípaapu, considered the location from where their ancestors transitioned into this world. The Sípaapu, a limestone-rocky structure also hosts a spring on the Little Colorado river, a Colorado tributary. This river converges with the main stem within the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ICOMOS ISC, a non-governmental international organization, works passionately towards conserving global monuments and sites and aids the United Nations in recognizing global heritage.
Indian Pugilists Shine at Women’s World Boxing Championship
The Women’s World Boxing Championship added two more gold medals to India’s tally with sterling performances by athletes Nikhat Zareen (bagging her second world title) and Lovlina Borgohain (clinching her first world title). The championship, governed by the International Boxing Association (IBA), was held in adherence to the precepts and spirit of the Olympic Charter. The function of IBA is to promote, champion, and govern the sport of boxing across the globe. This charter lists the fundamental principles of Olympism, along with the rules and last words of the International Olympic Committee.
