International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) 

18 Oct 2023 International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) 

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)”. This topic has relevance in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) ?
What is United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)? 

For Mains:

GS2:  International Relations
GS2: Social Issues 

Why in the news?

The Indian government recently lifted the suspension of K.S. James, the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) director, and accepted his resignation. 

International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

• The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) has a rich history dating to its establishment in July 1956 in Mumbai.
• Initially known as the Demographic Training and Research Centre (DTRC), it was founded through collaborative efforts between the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, the Government of India, and the United Nations. 
• Its primary mission is to serve as a regional Institute for Training and Research in Population Studies for the ESCAP region, which encompasses a significant part of the world’s population.
• In 1985, the institute underwent a significant transformation and was re-designated as the International Institute for Population Sciences, reflecting its expanding role and commitment to academic activities. 
• It was granted the status of a ‘Deemed to be University‘ on August 14, 1985, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
• The administrative control of the IIPS falls under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, signifying its importance in public health and family planning.

IIPS as ESCAP Regional Centre

• IIPS holds a unique and pioneering position among all the regional population centres. It was the first such centre established and has continued to be a vital resource for addressing population-related challenges. 
• Furthermore, it serves a much larger population than other regional centres, contributing significantly to demographic research, education, and policymaking.

Reports by IIPS

• Over the years, the institute has played a crucial role in conducting various national-level surveys, including the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), District Level Household Survey (DLHS), Assessment of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), YOUTH in India Project, and many others. 
• These surveys have been instrumental in gathering essential demographic and health data, enabling evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in India.

About United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)

• The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), or ESCAP, is one of the five regional commissions under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
• Established on 28 March 1947 as the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE), it was renamed to ESCAP on 1 August 1974. 
• ESCAP is the largest regional intergovernmental platform with 53 Member States and 9 associate members, covering a region with 4.1 billion people, or two-thirds of the world’s population.
• ESCAP’s mission is to promote cooperation among countries in Asia and the Pacific for inclusive and sustainable development. 
• It addresses various challenges through projects, technical assistance, and capacity building in areas like economic policy, trade, transport, social development, environment, technology, disaster risk reduction, statistics, sub-regional development, and energy.
• Notably, ESCAP’s membership includes countries in Asia and the Pacific, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Sources: Centre revokes IIPS Director’s suspension two months after he resigned – The Hindu

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 18th Oct 2023

Q1. Which of the following reports are published by/ in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS):

1. National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
2. District Level Household Survey (DLHS)
3. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PFLS) 

Select the correct code from the options given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) All of the above

Answer: (a) 

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP):

1. It is one of the regional bodies of the  United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 
2. ESCAP covers more than two-thirds of the global population. 
3. It includes membership from countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. 

How many of the abovementioned statements are correct ?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Q3. 

Gaurav N