News in Shorts: 22 May 2026

22 May 2026

UMMID Programme

Context: The government has launched the UMMID Dashboard and released the UMMID Compendium to improve monitoring under the UMMID Programme.

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About the UMMID Programme

UMMID stands for Unique Methods of Management and Treatment of Inherited Disorders, launched to address inherited genetic diseases among newborns and children.
Launch and Ministry: The programme was launched in 2019 by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Objective: To promote early diagnosis, genetic counselling, prenatal testing and affordable treatment for congenital and hereditary genetic disorders.
Key Features of the Initiative:
- Prevention-Based Approach: UMMID is designed on the principle of “Prevention is better than Cure” to reduce the burden of inherited diseases through early intervention.
- NIDAN Kendras: The programme established NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras in government hospitals to provide multidisciplinary care and advanced genetic diagnostics.
- Screening Programme: UMMID includes screening of pregnant women and newborn babies for inherited genetic diseases, especially in Aspirational Districts.
Beneficiaries: The programme has benefited nearly three lakh individuals through screening and diagnostic services, including outreach in Aspirational Districts and underserved regions.

Inherited Genetic Diseases

Inherited genetic diseases are disorders caused by abnormalities or mutations in genes that are passed from parents to children.
Cause: These diseases occur due to defective genes, chromosomal abnormalities or inherited mutations affecting normal body functions.
Transmission: They are usually transmitted through hereditary patterns such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or sex-linked inheritance.
Examples: Common inherited genetic disorders include:
- Thalassemia
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Haemophilia
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
Importance of Early Detection: Early screening, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis can help manage or reduce the impact of inherited genetic diseases.

India Abstains on Vanuatu-Led UN Climate Resolution

Context: India has abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution endorsing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on states’ climate obligations.

About the Resolution

The resolution was introduced by Vanuatu in UNGA and supported by several countries, especially Small Island Developing States vulnerable to climate change.
- The resolution called for stronger national climate action plans, limiting global warming below 1.5°C, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.
Voting Outcome: The resolution was adopted with 141 votes in favour, 8 votes against and 28 abstentions..

About the ICJ Advisory Opinion

First Climate Opinion by ICJ: The advisory opinion marked the first time the ICJ examined states’ legal obligations regarding climate change.
Key Findings: The ICJ stated that:
- Countries have legal obligations to protect the climate system.
- States violating these obligations may face legal responsibility and reparations.
Non-Binding Nature: The advisory opinion itself is non-binding and cannot automatically create legal obligations outside the UNFCCC process.

Why India Abstained the Resolution

Concern Over Climate Finance: The resolution failed to adequately address the responsibility of developed countries to provide climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building to developing nations.
Protection of UNFCCC Framework: The resolution could weaken the established climate negotiation framework under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement.
Binding Obligations: India warned that the resolution could indirectly impose binding or quasi-binding climate obligations on developing countries beyond multilateral agreements.

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About Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a Pacific island country located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia.
Capital: The capital city of Vanuatu is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.
Archipelagic Country: Vanuatu consists of around 80 islands of volcanic origin spread across the Pacific region.
Climate Vulnerability: It is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, facing threats from rising sea levels, cyclones and extreme weather events.

68th APO Governing Body

Context: India hosted the 68th Governing Body Meeting (GBM) of the Asian Productivity Organisation at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

Hosted by: The National Productivity Council under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry,
Major Areas of Discussion: The meeting discussed APO Vision 2030, financial reporting standards, and sustainable socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Leadership Transition: Indonesia assumed the APO Chair for 2026–27, succeeding India.
Recognition of Productivity Experts: The APO National Award certificates were presented during the event.

About the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO)

The Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) is a premier intergovernmental organisation promoting productivity and sustainable socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Establishment:1961.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan.
Membership Eligibility: APO membership is open to countries in Asia and the Pacific that are members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).
Membership: It currently has 21 member economies.
Members: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Republic of China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, and Vietnam.
India’s Role: India is a founding member of the APO.

About the National Productivity Council (NPC)

Establishment: It was established in 1958 as an autonomous body.
Headquarters: New Delhi.
Administrative Control: It functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Objectives: To promote productivity awareness, strengthen the microeconomic base of development, function as a Government think tank, provide consultancy and training services, and enhance productivity across sectors.

Mission on Arunachal Kiwi

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications has launched Mission on “Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh”.

About the Mission

It is a cluster-based mission launched by the Government to develop Arunachal Pradesh as a premium organic kiwi production and export hub through value-chain, branding and infrastructure support.
Financial Outlay: Has an outlay of around ₹167 crore through a convergence-led approach.
Institutional Support: Anchored by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) with support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), ICAR-CITH (Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture) and private investors.
Post-Harvest Management: Adopts a cluster-based model with six post-harvest management hubs in Ziro Valley, Dirang, Kalaktang, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley.

Significance of the Scheme

Major Producer: Arunachal Pradesh is India’s largest kiwi-producing State and contributes over 50% of India’s kiwi production with more than 7,050 MT annually.
- It became the first State in the country to receive organic kiwi certification under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) in 2020.
- The State possesses high-altitude and organic agro-climatic conditions suitable for premium-grade Hayward and Allison kiwi cultivars.
Brand North East Vision: One unique product with a distinct USP has been identified from each North Eastern State.
- These include Mizoram’s ginger, Nagaland’s coffee, Sikkim’s organic farming, Manipur’s polo heritage, Assam’s muga silk, Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric and Arunachal Pradesh’s organic kiwi.

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About Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit (scientific name: Actinidia deliciosa), also known as Chinese Gooseberry, is a deciduous climbing vine belonging to the Actinidiaceae family.
Nutritional Value: It is rich in vitamins B and C and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and calcium.
- It also contains antioxidants and dietary fibre that support immunity and digestion.
Climatic Conditions:
- Altitude: Grows well at 900–1600 m above mean sea level in warm and humid climate.
- Rainfall: Requires about 150 cm of well-distributed annual rainfall.
- Soil: Deep, fertile and well-drained sandy loam soil is ideal.
- Chilling Hours: Needs 700–800 hours at or below 7°C during winter.
Pollination: Kiwi plants are generally dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants.
Cultivation in India: Kiwi cultivation is mainly concentrated in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala.
Cultivation in World: Major producers include New Zealand, China, Italy, USA, Japan, Australia, France, Chile and Spain.