World Hearing Day is a noteworthy event that takes place on the 3rd of March annually. The purpose of this event is to raise global awareness about the prevention of deafness and hearing loss, while also promoting ear and hearing care worldwide. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets the theme for the occasion. This year, the theme is “Ear and hearing care for all”.
Normal hearing range should be from 0 dBHL (Decicel Hearing Level), considered as the audiometric zero, to 20 dBHL. Individuals who cannot hear within this range, specifically those with hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears, are diagnosed with hearing loss. Depending on the severity, such people are referred to as ‘hard of hearing’ or ‘deaf’. The former pertains to mild to severe hearing loss, whereas the latter is generally used to describe individuals with profound hearing loss, meaning they have very limited or no hearing capabilities.
The Quad Meeting – A Unified Stand for Peace and Sovereignty
Recently, a meeting of Quad members was held in New Delhi. This assembly saw Foreign Ministers of Quad countries – India, Australia, the US and Japan – call for enduring peace in Ukraine. Without directly mentioning the Russian invasion, they emphasized respect for territorial sovereignty and integrity.
The Quad nations also addressed China’s aggressive behavior in the Indo-Pacific and its attempts to block the UN designation of terrorists. As a result, it was decided to form a Quad Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and enhance engagement with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), a coalition of 23 members including India and Australia. The next Quad Leaders’ Summit will be hosted by Australia in 2023.
Humayun & Other Renowned Mughal Rulers
Humayun, the son of Babur and the second Mughal emperor, ruled from 1530-1540 and then again from 1555-1556. He is one of the six eminent Mughals, along with Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Humayun is mostly remembered for his political and military failures, which led to his brief period of exile in Iran and his subsequent struggle to regain the throne.
Each Mughal emperor contributed uniquely to the dynasty – Babur founded it, Akbar was known for his inclusivity, Jahangir enjoyed a reign of peace and prosperity, Shah Jahan is remembered for his architectural contributions like the Taj Mahal, and Aurangzeb expanded the empire to its largest extent.
Dhara Initiative – A Tribute to Indian Knowledge Systems
The “Dhara: Ode to Indian Knowledge Systems” initiative, launched by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, completed its first year in February 2023. The Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division of the Ministry of Education was the primary execution partner for the Dhara events.
The initiative was conceptualized as a series of lectures and discussions, each dedicated to exploring particular areas of India’s civilizational achievements. Throughout the year, it succeeded in raising public awareness and encouraging stakeholder participation, aiding in the promotion and revival of India’s vast knowledge systems.
The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a government initiative to celebrate 75 years of progressive India, highlighting the rich history, culture, and achievements of the nation.
