Welcome to SaralStudy’s Weekly Current Affairs roundup for the week of 17th to 23rd February. This week witnessed several noteworthy events shaping the political, economic, and scientific landscapes globally and nationally. From major government announcements and international developments to achievements in sports, technology, and culture, we’ve compiled all the essential updates to help you stay informed.
Weekly Current Affairs – 17 Feb to 23 Feb
Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams or just want to stay updated with the latest happenings, this comprehensive summary has got you covered. Dive in and keep yourself ahead with the key highlights of this week!
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1. International Classification of Diseases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released the 2025 version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) . This update is an important tool for healthcare professionals , providing standardization for diagnosing, reporting , and monitoring diseases , injuries and causes of death . In this article , we will discuss the importance of ICD-11 , its usage , its implementation in India and the features of the new update in detail .
Importance of ICD
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the basis for identifying health trends and statistics. It is an important part of WHO’s Fourteenth General Work Programme , which helps accelerate progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . The ICD is used to standardize health data globally, allowing the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services in different countries to be measured.
Uses of ICD
ICD is used in a variety of ways :
Identification of diseases and causes of death: ICD provides information on human disease and causes of death. This data is important for health care systems, as it helps in understanding trends of diseases and their impacts.
Health recording and statistics: ICD coding is used for health recording and statistics in primary, secondary and tertiary care. It helps health professionals to identify and treat diseases .
Policy decision making: ICD data is used in the development of health policies and programs. It helps governments and health organizations to plan health services and allocate resources .
Implementation of ICD in India
In India, the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) serves as a WHO collaborating centre. CBHI conducts ICD-related activities and assists in health data collection and analysis. The implementation of ICD in India plays a vital role in strengthening the health care system and improving the identification of diseases .
Features of the new update
The 2025 update of ICD-11 comes with several new features, making it even more effective :
Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) : The new update uses NLP technology, which helps health professionals identify and code diseases . This makes the process more accurate and faster .
API-based coding: ICD-11 now supports API-based coding , allowing health data to be easily shared and integrated. This facilitates data flow between health systems .
Multilingual expansion: ICD-11 is now available in 14 languages, increasing its reach globally. This makes it more accessible to health professionals in different countries.
New module for traditional medical conditions: The new update includes a new module for traditional medical conditions, which helps identify diseases from different cultural backgrounds.
Impact of ICD
The ICD classification influences society’s attitudes and behavior towards health care. It not only helps in identifying diseases, but also impacts health insurance and social security. Through ICD, health professionals get more accuracy in identifying and treating diseases, leading to better care for patients.
Digital Future
The ICD-11 promotes global health communication. Designed with FHIR API integration and advanced natural language processing (NLP), it makes the management of health data more effective. It also contributes to the development of digital health solutions, improving the quality of healthcare services.
Availability of ICD-11
The ICD-11 is now available in 14 languages, continuing to expand to improve global access. It is an important resource for health professionals and researchers, who can access information in different languages. The WHO aims to standardize health data across all countries, so that global health trends can be accuratel assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Que. Who published ICD?
Ans. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is published by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is an important tool for standardizing health data.
Que. What are the 5 levels of diseases?
Ans. The natural history of diseases is classified into five levels: underlying, sensitive, subclinical, clinical, and recovery/disabled/death.
Que. What is the International Classification of Diseases?
Ans. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used to standardize mortality (death) statistics. It helps in the identification and treatment of diseases in health care systems.
2. Exercise Komodo
Exercise Komodo, hosted by the Indonesian Navy, is an important multidisciplinary naval exercise that has been conducted since 2014 to promote maritime cooperation. The exercise is aimed at strengthening maritime interoperability and regional security cooperation among friendly countries. The theme of this year is “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability”, which further enhances the importance of this exercise.
History of Exercise Komodo
Exercise Komodo started in 2014 , and since then it has become an important platform where navies of different countries come together to focus on maritime security and cooperation. This exercise not only provides an opportunity to showcase military capabilities , but it also promotes mutual understanding and cooperation among countries .
Objective of the Exercise
The main objective of Exercise Komodo is to enhance maritime interoperability and strengthen regional security cooperation. The exercise brings together navies of different countries to share their experiences with each other and discuss maritime security issues .
The theme of this year is “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability”, which reflects how countries should work together to ensure maritime security. The theme emphasizes that all countries have to work together to maintain peace and stability in the maritime domain .
Highlights of the Exercise
This year’s exercise is being held for the fifth time and includes several important activities:
Fleet Review: The exercise began with a fleet review, in which the participating countries showcased their naval capabilities. It included warships, helicopters and aircraft, which were prepared for a variety of maritime operations.
Naval Exercises: This year’s exercise includes a variety of naval exercises, designed to promote maritime security and cooperation . These exercises test the response capability of naval forces in different situations .
Officer Exchange Forum: An Officer Exchange Forum was held during the exercise, which was attended by naval officers from various countries . The aim of this forum was to share experiences and discuss maritime security issues .
Bilateral Meetings : Bilateral meetings were also held during the exercise, where naval forces from various countries discussed ways of cooperation with each other .
International Maritime Security Seminar : This seminar discussed various aspects of maritime security, including maritime terrorism, piracy, and other security challenges .
Defence Exhibition: A defence exhibition was organised during the exercise, in which various countries showcased their defence equipment and technologies .
Cultural Parade: A cultural parade was organised at the end of the exercise, showcasing the cultural diversity of the participating countries . This parade promotes cultural exchange between countries.
Participating Countries
A total of 39 countries participated in this year’s exercise, including 34 foreign and 18 Indonesian Navy warships. This number is an indication of the important role that Exercise Komodo has played in promoting maritime cooperation at the global level .
The participating countries mainly include India, the US, Japan, Australia, and many other friendly nations. The participation of these countries reflects how important global cooperation is on the issue of maritime security.
Benefits of the exercise
Exercise Komodo has many benefits, which make it an important platform:
Improvement in maritime security: This exercise promotes maritime security among countries, thereby maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain.
Experience sharing: Navies of different countries share their experiences, giving all countries an opportunity to adopt new technologies and strategies.
Cultural exchange: Cultural exchange takes place between countries through cultural parades and other activities, which promotes mutual understanding.
Collective response capability: Collective response capability is tested in different situations during the exercise, helping countries to prepare better in emergency situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Que When did Exercise Komodo begin?
Ans Exercise Komodo began in 2014.
Que How many countries participated in this year’s exercise?
Ans 39 countries participated in this year’s exercise.
Que What is the theme of this year?
Ans The theme of this year is “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability”.
Que What activities were included during the exercise?
Ans The exercise included fleet review, naval exercises, officer exchange forum, bilateral meetings, international maritime security seminar, defense exhibition, and cultural parade.
Que What is the main objective of Exercise Komodo?
Ans Its main objective is to enhance maritime interoperability and regional security cooperation.
3. Yamuna River
The Yamuna River also known as Jumna , is one of the major rivers of India and is the largest tributary of the Ganges River. This river not only holds religious significance but is also the basis of life for millions of people . However the Yamuna River is facing a serious problem of pollution , which is negatively impacting its ecosystem and local communities. In this article , we will discuss the Yamuna River in detail, focusing on the causes of its pollution , cleaning campaigns and the need for its conservation .
Introduction to Yamuna River
The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the high Himalayas , located at an altitude of 4421 m. The river is 1376 km long and flows only in India , passing through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The course of the Yamuna River starts from the foothills of the Himalayas and it passes through Delhi to meet the Ganges River at Prayagraj (Allahabad) .
Origin: The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, making it an important water source.
Importance : The Yamuna River is not only a source of water supply, but it is also important for agriculture, industry, and domestic use .
Route of the Yamuna River
The route of the Yamuna River starts from Uttarakhand and passes through Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to reach Delhi.
Uttarakhand: The Yamuna River flows rapidly in Uttarakhand and enters the foothills of the Himalayas .
Delhi: In Delhi, the Yamuna River provides water to many important canals, such as the Agra Canal.
Prayagraj: The Yamuna River meets the Ganges River at Prayagraj, where its confluence is called the Triveni Sangam. This place is extremely sacred for Hindus and major religious events like the Kumbh Mela are held here.
Tributaries of the Yamuna River
The Yamuna River has many tributaries, which provide it water.
Tons River: Near Dehradun, the Yamuna meets its largest tributary, the Tons River.
Chambal River: Chambal River is the largest tributary of Yamuna, flowing on the right side .
Other Tributaries: Other important tributaries of Yamuna are: Hindon, Sarda, and Giri (right side) and Betwa and Sindh (left side).
Pollution of Yamuna River
Yamuna River is facing a serious problem of pollution, which is negatively affecting its ecosystem and local communities.
Causes of Pollution: Industrial waste, domestic filth, and agricultural chemicals flowing into the Yamuna river are polluting the waters of Yamuna River.
Effects on Health: Using the polluted waters of Yamuna is seriously affecting the health of local people, leading to the spread of water-borne diseases.
Effects on Ecosystem : Pollution is causing imbalance in the ecosystem of the river, negatively affecting aquatic life .
Cleaning Campaigns
Several cleaning campaigns are being conducted to reduce the pollution of Yamuna River .
Government efforts: The central and state governments are running various schemes and programmes for cleaning the Yamuna river.
Role of local bodies : Local bodies and non-governmental organisations have also actively participated in the cleaning campaigns .
Challenges of cleaning: Several challenges are faced during the cleaning campaigns, such as lack of resources, lack of public awareness, and lack of political will .
Need for conservation of Yamuna river
The conservation of Yamuna river is extremely necessary so that it remains safe and clean for future generations .
Public awareness: It is necessary to make people aware of the importance of Yamuna river and its conservation.
Sustainable development: Sustainable development plans should be made in the areas around the river so that water sources can be conserved.
Government policies: The government should make and implement concrete policies for the conservation of Yamuna river.
4. NAKSHA Program
As India’s urbanization rate rises rapidly, precise records of land ownership and administration are becoming crucial . The “NAKSHA” program was introduced by the Indian government as an important step in this direction. The Land Survey of Urban Habitations launched this nationwide program with the goal of creating reliable and accurate land records in urban areas .
Introduction to NAKSHA Program
NAKSHA or the “National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations” program is a comprehensive initiative to create and update land records in urban areas .
Objective : The main objective of this program is to ensure accurate and reliable documentation of land ownership .
Significance: Accurate land records not only empower citizens , but it also improves urban planning and reduces land-related disputes .
Benefits of the Program
The NAKSHA program has several significant benefits , making it an essential initiative :
Empowering Citizens: Accurate land records make citizens aware of their rights and empower them in matters of land ownership.
Improving Quality of Life : When land records are accurate it helps in urban growth and infrastructure development thereby improving the quality of life of citizens .
Improving Urban Planning : Accurate land records help urban planners make better decisions, making the development of cities more organized and planned .
Reducing Land-Related Disputes : When land ownership records are clear and accurate the chances of land disputes are reduced , leading to a reduction in legal processes.
Technological Aspects
Technological aspects play a vital role in the NAKSHA program.
IT-based System: An IT-based system will be developed for property record administration, which will promote transparency and efficiency.
Support Sustainable Development: This system will not only meet the present needs but will also provide a strong foundation for urban development in the future.
Role of Survey of India
The role of Survey of India is extremely important in the NAKSHA programme.
Technical Partner: Survey of India is the technical partner of this programme, which will conduct aerial surveys and provide orthorectified imagery to the States and Union Territories.
Aerial Survey: Survey of India will ensure the accuracy of land through aerial surveys, thereby updating the land records.
Development of Platform
A web-GIS platform will be developed under the NAKSHA programme .
Role of MPSEDC : Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will develop this platform which will provide users with easy access to land records.
Contribution of NICSI: National Informatics Centre Services (NICSI) will provide storage facilities, which will keep the data secure and accessible.
Role of States and Union Territories
The role of States and Union Territories is also crucial for the successful implementation of the NAKSHA programme.
Field Survey: States and Union Territories will have to conduct field surveys and ground truthing, ensuring the accuracy of land records .
Final Publication: These surveys will result in the final publication of urban and semi-urban land records, which will be available to citizens.
FAQs Related to NAKSHA Programme
Question 1: What is geospatial?
Answer: Geospatial technology refers to a range of modern tools that contribute to the geographic mapping and analysis of the Earth and human societies .
Question 2: What does the Survey of India do?
Answer: The Survey of India advises the Government of India on all survey matters such as geodesy, photogrammetry, mapping and map reproduction .
Question 3: Where is the headquarters of the Survey of India located ?
Answer: The headquarters of Survey of India is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
5. Souparnika River
The Souparnika River in Karnataka which flows through the lush forests of the Western Ghats has been in the news in recent times due to the rising levels of pollution . Environmentalists have raised their voices for the conservation of this river which is not only affecting the local ecosystem but is also negatively impacting the lives of the residents of the region .
Introduction to Souparnika River
The Souparnika River is a major west-flowing river flowing in Karnataka .
Geographical Location: The river is surrounded by the lush forests of the Western Ghats giving it a unique ecosystem.
Origin: The Souparnika River originates from the Kodachadri Hills which is a famous tourist destination.
Route: The river flows through Byndoor taluk and passes near the famous Mookambika Temple eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Religious Significance
The Souparnika River is deeply connected to Hindu mythology.
Legend: It is believed that Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, meditated on the banks of this river. This is why it was named “Souparnika” derived from “Suparna” another name for Garuda .
Spiritual Significance : The river holds religious significance for the locals and many religious rituals and prayers are performed here.
Geographical Feature
The Souparnika River has a unique feature that makes it different from other rivers.
Maravanthe Beach : The Souparnika River flows parallel to the Arabian Sea near the Maravanthe Beach, separated by a narrow piece of land .
Visual Beauty: This rare geographical phenomenon presents a picturesque landscape, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers.
Causes of Pollution
Although the Souparnica River is of immense importance, it has been facing increasing levels of pollution in recent years.
Industrial Waste: Wastes from nearby industries are directly falling into the river, causing deterioration in the water quality.
Domestic Waste: The habit of local residents to throw garbage into the river is also a major cause of pollution.
Agricultural Chemicals: The flow of chemicals used in agriculture is also polluting the river water, negatively affecting the aquatic life.
Environmental Impacts
The increasing pollution in the Souparnica River is having a serious impact on the environment .
Aquatic Life : The animals and plants living in the river are being affected due to pollution, causing imbalance in the ecosystem .
Health Impacts : The health of local residents using the river water is also being negatively affected leading to the spread of water-borne diseases.
Local Economy: The tourism industry is also getting affected due to the pollution of the river, which is harming the local economy .
Conservation Measures
There are many measures that can be taken to conserve the Souparnica River.
Public Awareness: It is necessary to make the local residents aware of the importance of the river and its conservation.
Government Initiatives: The government should take concrete steps to prevent the pollution of the river, such as proper arrangements for industrial waste management and garbage disposal.
Cleanliness Drive : Involve local communities in cleanliness drives, so that garbage can be removed from the river banks .
Compliance of Rules: Motivate the industries around the river to follow strict rules, so that they can manage their waste properly.
FAQs Related to Souparnica River
Question 1 : Where is Souparnica River located ?
Answer : Souparnica River is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka and flows through the lush forests of the Western Ghats .
Question 2: Where is Maravanthe Beach ?
Answer : Maravanthe Beach is in Udupi district of Karnataka located near the Souparnika River.
Question 3 : What are the tributaries of the Souparnika River ?
Answer : The tributaries of the Souparnika River include Varahi, Kedaka, Chakra and Kubja which together form the Panchagangavalli River .
Also read: Current Affairs (10th-16th February): Jagannath Temple, Cyclone 2025, R-37M missile
