Current Affairs 4 January 2021 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 4 January 2021 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
- Scotland must wait a generation for new vote
- FSSAI slashes limit for trans fat levels in foods
Scotland must wait a generation for new vote
Why in News ?
Another Scottish independence referendum should not take place for a generation.
About Referendum and History
- Referendum for Scottish independence was held in 2014. Scotland had voted to remain in the UK.
- The Act of Union between Scotland and England was signed on Jan. 16, 1707.
- Scottish Parliament was dissolved, and a single Parliament was created at Westminster in London.
- Those who support independence believe Scotland would be richer if it breaks from England by controlling their own resources.
- Scotland has addressed this issue for 80 years and the percentage in favour of complete Independence has always been a minority.
Know More
Referendum : Certain proposals must be put on the ballot for public approval. Referenda are binding on the government.
Plebiscite : Called an ‘advisory in nature and not binding.
Source : The Hindu
GS III : Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora
FSSAI slashes limit for trans fat levels in foods
Why in News ?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has capped the amount of Trans Fatty Acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from the current permissible limit of 5% through an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations.
Key Facts
- The revised regulation applies to edible refined oils, vanaspati (partially hydrogenated oils), margarine, bakery shortenings, and other mediums of cooking such as vegetable fat spreads and mixed fat spreads.
- FSSAI will address this as well before January 2022 to eliminate chemical trans fatty acids from the Indian platter.
Trans fats are associated with increased risk of heart attacks and death from coronary heart disease.
Trans Fat
- Trans fatty acids (TFAs) or Trans fats are the most harmful type of fats which can have much more adverse effects on a human body than any other dietary constituent.
- These fats are largely produced artificially but a small amount also occurs naturally. Thus in our diet, these may be present as Artificial TFAs and/ or Natural TFAs.
- Artificial TFAs are formed when hydrogen is made to react with the oil to produce fats resembling pure ghee/butter.
Source : The Hindu
GS II : Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management
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