This indicator adds to nearly 250 indicators tracked under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework adopted in 2017. 

• FAO and UNICEF jointly manage this new indicator, addressing absence of an SDG measure for healthy diets.
• This indicator captures a crucial aspect previously lacking in tracking progress toward ending malnutrition and achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and broader 2030 Agenda. 

About MDD

• According to WHO, MDD is achieved when a diet includes five or more of following eight food groups: breast milk, grains, legumes, dairy products, flesh foods, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

Significance of MDD Indicator

• Improved Nutritional Assessment: It specifically tracks nutritional needs of women (MDD-W) and children (MDD-C), who are most vulnerable to malnutrition.
• Tracking Global Health Targets: Supports SDG 2, aimed at eliminating hunger and improving nutrition.
• Policy Tool: Aids policymakers in developing strategies to combat malnutrition by addressing health risks linked to poor dietary habits.
• Evaluating Program Impact: Helps evaluate nutrition programs.

Status of MDDF (minimum dietary diversity failure) in India (For Year 2019-21): 

• Regional Disparities: Certain states of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, has over 80% of children with MDDF.
• Age Impact on MDDF: 77% children in India aged 6-23 months lacking minimum dietary diversity.
• Vulnerable Sections: Children from Other Backward Classes have the highest MDDF (79%), followed by Scheduled Castes (77.2%) and Scheduled Tribes (76%).

World Happiness Report 2025 was published by Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an independent editorial board.

About the Report

• Global Happiness Ranking is based on single question derived from the Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale (Cantril Ladder).
  • Top of the ladder represents best possible life while at the bottom represents worst possible life.
• Parameters: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy at birth, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
• Finland ranks first, followed by Denmark and Iceland while India is ranked 118^th out of 147 countries.

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in collaboration with NITI Aayog have launched Swavalambini— Women Entrepreneurship Programme.

About Swavalambini– Women Entrepreneurship Programme

• It is a movement towards women-led multi-staged entrepreneurship. 
• Objective: Empower female students in Higher Education Institutions with entrepreneurial skills, resources, and mentorship.
• Structure: Includes Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme, Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme, mentorship, and faculty training.
• Implementation: By National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development.
• Impact: Aims for minimum 10% of trained participants to establish enterprises, fostering women-led economic growth in India.

Ministry Of Education Launches PM Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0).

About PM-YUVA 3.0

• Aim: Aims to train young authors below 30 years of age to promote reading, writing, and book culture.
• Selection and Training Process: 50 authors will be selected through an All India Contest.
• Implementation: National Book Trust, India is an implementing agency ensuring structured mentorship.
• Significance: Strengthens Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat by promoting cultural and literary exchange.

Zimbabwean former swimmer Kirsty Coventry becomes the first female president of the IOC.

• IOC is a not-for-profit independent body overseeing the Olympic movement.

About IOC

• Headquarters: Lausanne (the Olympic Capital), Switzerland.
• Genesis: Founded at the first Olympic Congress in Paris (1894).
• Vision: To Build a Better World through Sport
• Funding: Entirely privately funded and distributes 90%of its revenues for the development of sports and athletes at all levels.
• Function:
  • Decides Olympic sport inclusions and host city selections.
  • Facilitates collaboration among Olympic stakeholders, including athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and sports federations.
    • Indian Olympic Association (IOA) serves as India’s NOC.