Daily Current Affairs 03 August 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 August 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Global Tobacco Epidemic 2023

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Health

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About the Report
3. Impact of Tobacco smoking

Why in News?

World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released a report on the implementation of tobacco control measures.

News in Brief

• The ninth WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic tracks the progress made by countries in tobacco control since 2008
• It marks 15 years since the introduction of the MPOWER technical package which is designed to help countries implement the demand-reduction measures of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
• The report shows that many countries continue to make progress in the fight against tobacco, but efforts must be accelerated to protect people from the harms of tobacco and second-hand smoke.

About the Report

• Smoking worldwide has decreased, with 300 million fewer smokers today than in 2007.

  

• The prevalence of smoking has gone down from 22.8% in 2007 to 17% in 2021.
• The implementation of MPOWER measures has made significant progress, with at least one measure protecting over 5 billion people, which is 71% of the global population.
• The number of countries implementing at least one MPOWER measure has increased from 44 in 2008 to 151 in 2022.
• It’s worth noting that only four countries Brazil, Turkey, Netherlands, and Mauritius have implemented all measures.
• There is a warning from the World Health Organization against the aggressive promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer option for youth.
• Passive smoke exposure is linked to various health issues and over 1 million non-smoker deaths each year.
• OTT Platforms
  • To mitigate the harmful effects of smoking, it is highly advisable to implement precautionary measures on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
  • This should include the imposition of stricter enforcement policies, prohibition of loose cigarette sales, and higher penalties for violators.
  • Moreover, it is crucial to eliminate tobacco advertising as much as possible to discourage its consumption.
  • Efforts must also be directed toward reducing passive smoking by creating more smoke-free public areas and launching awareness campaigns.
  • These measures can go a long way in safeguarding people’s health and reducing the prevalence of smoking-related illnesses.

India in the report

• India is doing well in terms of health warning labels and treatment for tobacco dependence and has banned the sale of e-cigarettes.
• In Bengaluru, there has been a 27% decrease in smoking in public places due to enforcement and communication efforts.

Impact of Tobacco smoking

Tobacco smoking has a significant and far-reaching impact on both individual health and public health. It is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide.

Key impacts of tobacco smoking

1. Health Risks: Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for various health conditions, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, and other cancers (e.g., mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder). Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body and is responsible for a wide range of serious health problems.
2. Lung Diseases: Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, which is one of the most common and deadliest cancers globally. It also contributes to the development of COPD, a progressive and debilitating lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing, chronic cough, and reduced lung function.
3. Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. It increases the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of arteries), leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs.
4. Respiratory Issues: Smoking damages the respiratory system, leading to chronic bronchitis and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza.
5. Secondhand Smoke: Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking, is the inhalation of smoke by non-smokers from the burning tobacco products of others. It poses serious health risks, particularly to children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
6. Impact on Pregnancy: Smoking during pregnancy is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental issues in children.
7. Economic Burden: The economic burden of tobacco smoking is substantial, encompassing healthcare costs for treating smoking-related diseases, loss of productivity due to illness and premature death, and the impact on families and communities.
8. Social and Environmental Impact: Smoking can have social consequences, including stigmatization, social isolation, and strained relationships. It also contributes to environmental pollution through cigarette butt litter and air pollution from tobacco smoke.
9. Addiction and Dependency: Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Smoking can lead to nicotine dependence, making it challenging for individuals to quit despite knowing the health risks.
10. Health Inequities: Tobacco smoking disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including individuals with lower socioeconomic status, certain racial or ethnic groups, and those with limited access to healthcare.

Way Forward

Efforts to reduce tobacco smoking and its impact include tobacco control policies, public health campaigns, smoking cessation programs, and increasing awareness about the health risks associated with smoking. Multifaceted strategies are essential to prevent tobacco use initiation, promote quitting, and protect non-smokers from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Action Plan for Startups Unveiled

Source: PIB
GS III: Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Startup India Program
3. Action Plan’ for Startups

Why in News?

Under the Startup India initiative Action Plan for Startups was unveiled to create a vibrant startup ecosystem in the country.

About Startup India Program

• The Startup India initiative is a flagship program launched by the Government of India in January 2016.
• It aims to foster entrepreneurship and promote innovation in the country.
• The program also aims to create a conducive environment for startups to grow and flourish by providing various support measures,  incentives, and simplifying regulatory processes.

Key features of the Startup India initiative

• Startup Registration: Startups can register on the official Startup India portal to avail of various benefits and incentives provided by

  

  the government.

• Tax Benefits: The program offers income tax exemption for eligible startups for a period of three consecutive years, subject to certain conditions.
• Self-Certification Compliance: Startups can self-certify their compliance with labor and environment laws, reducing the regulatory burden and easing the business setup process.
• Simplified Patent Application: To encourage innovation, the government has introduced a fast-track and reduced-cost patent filing process for startups.
• Startup Fund of Funds (FFS): The government established a Fund of Funds with a corpus of INR 10,000 crore to provide funding support to startups through selected venture capital firms.
• Startup India Learning Program: An online learning platform to provide entrepreneurs with access to various resources, knowledge, and mentorship.
• Innovation Challenges: Government ministries and departments provide challenges to startups to solve real-world problems and promote innovation.

What are the benefits?

• Boost job creation, promote economic growth, and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in India. 
• The number of jobs created in 2020 is 1,59,803, in 2021 is 2,01,144 and in 2022 is 2,70,196.
• Significant progress in promoting startups has garnered widespread attention and support from various stakeholders in the Indian startup ecosystem. 

Action Plan’ for Startups

• In order to meet the objectives of the Startup India Initiative, the Government unveiled an Action Plan for Startups comprising schemes and incentives envisaged to create a vibrant startup ecosystem in the country.
• The Action Plan comprises 19 action items.
• This spanning areas such as Simplification and handholding, Funding support and incentives and Industry-academia partnership and incubation.

Programs for the Promotion of Startup

• Startup India Action Plan
  • An Action Plan for Startup India was unveiled on 16th January 2016. The Action Plan comprises 19 action items spanning across areas such as “Simplification and handholding”, “Funding support and incentives” and “Industry-academia partnership and incubation”. The Action Plan laid the foundation of Government support, schemes and incentives envisaged to create a vibrant startup ecosystem in the country.
• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme
  • The Government has established FFS with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore, to meet the funding needs of startups.
  • DPIIT is the monitoring agency and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is the operating agency for FFS.
• Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)
  • The Government has established the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups for providing credit guarantees to loans extended to DPIIT-recognized startups.
  • Loans are provided through Scheduled Commercial Banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Venture Debt Funds (VDFs) under SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds.
  • CGSS is aimed at providing credit guarantees up to a specified limit against loans extended by Member Institutions (MIs) to finance eligible borrowers viz. DPIIT recognized startups.
• Faster Exit for Startups
  • The Government has notified Startups as fast-track firms enabling them to wind up operations within 90 days vis-a-vis 180 days for other companies.
• Startup India Hub
  • The government launched a Startup India Online Hub on 19th June 2017
  • Aims to discover, connect and engage with each other.
  • The Online Hub hosts Startups, Investors, Funds, Mentors, Academic Institutions, Incubators, Accelerators, Corporates, Government Bodies and more.
• Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS)
  • The Scheme aims to provide financial assistance to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry and commercialization.
  • Rs. 945 crore has been sanctioned under the SISFS Scheme for a period of 4 years starting from 2021-22.
• States’ Startup Ranking Framework (SRF)
  • States’ Startup Ranking Framework is a unique initiative to harness the strength of competitive federalism and create a flourishing startup ecosystem in the country.
  • The major objectives of the ranking exercise are facilitating states to identify, learn and replace good practices, highlighting the policy intervention by states for promoting the startup ecosystem and fostering competitiveness among states.
• National Startup Awards (NSA)
  • National Startup Awards is an initiative to recognize and reward outstanding startups and ecosystem enablers that are building innovative products or solutions and scalable enterprises, with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation, demonstrating measurable social impact.
  • Handholding support is provided to all the finalists across various tracks viz. Investor Connect, Mentorship, Corporate Connect, Government Connect, International Market Access, Regulatory Support, Startup Champions on Doordarshan and Startup India Showcase, etc.
• National Mentorship Portal (MAARG)
  • In order to facilitate accessibility to mentorship for startups in every part of the country, the Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth (MAARG) program has been developed and launched under the Startup India Initiative.

UNESCO Heritage Danger List

Source: Down To Earth
GS II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About UNESCO Heritage Danger List
3. The Italian city of Venice

Why in News?

Recently, experts from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have stated in a new report that the Italian city of Venice should be added to a list of world heritage sites in danger.

About UNESCO Heritage Danger List

• The UNESCO World Heritage Danger List includes sites that are facing serious threats such as armed conflicts, natural disasters,

  

  overdevelopment, neglect, or other factors that could potentially endanger their outstanding universal value.

• Sites placed on this list receive special attention and conservation efforts from the international community to preserve their cultural and natural heritage.
• Threats to their sites should be reported to the Committee by the States Parties to the Convention as soon as practicable.
• On the other hand, non-governmental organisations, private persons, or other groups may also alert the Committee to current risks.
• The Committee may take into consideration adding the site to the List of World Heritage in Danger if the alarm is valid and the issue is severe enough.

The following sites were on UNESCO’s World Heritage Danger List

The Italian city of Venice

Danger List

• According to UNESCO experts, the Italian city of Venice should be included on a list of global heritage sites that are under risk.
• Two years prior UNESCO had already suggested adding Venice on the danger list.
• On the list of places to be added to the danger list this year are Kyiv and Lviv in Ukraine.
• Why 
  • There hasn’t been much progress made in solving the complicated problems that have persisted, especially those that are tied to mass tourism.
  • These problems are leading urban areas and building structures to deteriorate and suffer harm, compromising the property’s cultural and social identity and endangering the integrity of its cultural, environmental, and landscape assets.

About Venice

 Mental Health Issues In Security Forces

Source: Times of India
GS II: Health

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Mental issues observed in security forces
3. How can the issue be addressed?
4. Way Forward

Why in News?

Recently a cop shot dead his superior and three others on a train.

Mental issues observed in security forces

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to traumatic events, violence, and life-threatening situations can lead to PTSD

   

   in security forces. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional distress.

2. Depression: The high-stress nature of their work can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and a sense of detachment from others, leading to depression in some members of security forces.
3. Anxiety Disorders: Security personnel may experience chronic stress and anxiety due to the unpredictable nature of their work, which can manifest as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or other anxiety-related conditions.
4. Substance Abuse: Coping with stress and trauma may lead some security personnel to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate, leading to substance abuse issues.
5. Burnout: The demands of their work, long hours, exposure to traumatic events, and lack of work-life balance can contribute to burnout, leading to emotional exhaustion, reduced productivity, and feelings of detachment.
6. Suicide Risk: The exposure to trauma, operational stress, and other mental health challenges can increase the risk of suicide among security forces personnel.
7. Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help: There may be stigma within security organizations surrounding mental health issues, making it challenging for personnel to seek help or talk openly about their struggles.

How can the issue be addressed?

Addressing mental health issues in security forces requires a comprehensive and supportive approach:

1. Mental Health Support Programs: Security forces should establish mental health support programs that focus on prevention, early intervention, and treatment. Confidential counseling and support services should be readily available to personnel.
2. Mental Health Training: Training programs can raise awareness about mental health issues, help recognize warning signs, and provide coping strategies for dealing with stress and trauma.
3. Promoting a Supportive Culture: Fostering a supportive culture within security organizations that encourages open communication about mental health challenges can help reduce stigma and encourage seeking help when needed.
4. Work-Life Balance: Efforts should be made to improve work-life balance for security personnel, allowing them to rest and recover from the stress of their duties.
5. Resilience Building: Resilience training can help build psychological resilience, enabling security forces personnel to better cope with stress and adversity.
6. Early Intervention and Treatment: Identifying mental health issues early and providing timely intervention and treatment can prevent conditions from escalating.
7. Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals: Security organizations should collaborate with mental health professionals and organizations to develop effective mental health policies and interventions.

Way Forward

It is crucial to recognize that addressing mental health issues in security forces is not only beneficial for the well-being of personnel but also essential for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness. Supporting the mental health of those who serve in security forces is a shared responsibility, involving the organizations they serve, mental health professionals, and society as a whole.

Study in India (SII) portal

Source: Hindustan Times
GS II: Schemes and Initiatives

Overview

1. About the Study In India (SII) portal
2. India’s foreign student

Why in News?

The government launched the Study In India (SII) portal that will provide an integrated one-stop solution for the student registration and visa application process.

About the Portal

• This platform is dedicated to providing comprehensive information about Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India.

  

• Its primary objective is to position India as a global education hub by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
• The website showcases a wide range of academic programs offered by HEIs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, as well as courses in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), such as Yoga, Ayurveda, classical arts, and more.
• The portal contains detailed information about the academic facilities, research support, and other relevant information available at the institutes.
• It serves as a one-stop shop for students to register, apply for visas, select courses, and receive offer letters from the institutes.
• The website also allows students to apply for multiple institutes or courses of their choice.
• With a streamlined and well-organized application process, this platform offers international students an optimal opportunity to pursue higher education in India.

India’s foreign student

• India has a rich educational heritage, with several renowned universities and institutions offering a wide range of academic programs.

Factors that have contributed to India’s Foreign Student attraction

1. Quality Education: India is home to several prestigious institutions that offer quality education across various disciplines, including engineering, medicine, technology, humanities, and sciences.
2. Diverse Courses: The country provides a diverse range of courses, catering to different interests and career goals of international students.
3. Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of education in India is relatively lower, making it an appealing option for students with budget constraints.
4. Cultural Diversity: India’s cultural diversity and rich history offer an immersive experience for foreign students, allowing them to explore and learn from a unique and vibrant culture.
5. Language Options: Many courses in India are offered in English, which is widely spoken and understood, making it convenient for international students.
6. Research Opportunities: India’s research ecosystem provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research in various fields.
7. Government Initiatives: The Indian government has been actively promoting India as an educational hub by introducing scholarship programs and simplifying visa processes for foreign students.

Students from various Region

• Over the course of the last seven years, there has been a notable increase in the number of foreign students pursuing higher education in India.
• In 2012-13, the figure stood at 34,774, while in 2019-20, it had risen to 49,348.
• Among these students, the majority hail from South Asian nations, with Nepal being the biggest contributor, followed by Afghanistan.
• While Bangladesh has seen a rise in the number of students, Bhutan and Malaysia have seen a decrease in enrollment.
• Furthermore, there has been a reduction in the number of students from Iraq and Iran in recent years.

Courses Enrolled

• Data reveals that the most sought-after programs are at the undergraduate level.
• It is followed by postgraduate and PhD programs.
• Science subjects are the most popular, with business administration being the second-most preferred option.
• On the other hand, the number of students taking up humanities studies is relatively low.
• In 2019-20, the number of students enrolled in Bachelor of Technology programs was 9,503.
• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration were 3,967 and 3,290 respectively.

51st GST Council Meeting

Source: PIB
GS III: Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About 51st GST Council Meeting
3. About GST Council

Why in News?

51st GST Council met under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman via video conferencing in New Delhi.

News in Brief

• The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary besides Finance Ministers of States & UTs (with legislature) and senior officers of the Ministry of Finance & States/ UTs.
• The GST Council in the 50th meeting held on 11.07.2023 deliberated on the Second Report of the Group of Ministers (GoM).

About 51st GST Council Meeting

• The 51st meeting suggested changes to the CGST Act of 2017 and the IGST Act of 2017, including changes to Schedule III of the CGST

  

  Act, 2017.

• This aims to make it clearer how supplies for casinos, horse racing, and online gaming are taxed.
• The Council also recommended inserting a specific provision in IGST Act, 2017 to provide for liability to pay GST on the supply of online money gaming by a supplier located outside India to a person in India.
• When assessing the worth of online gaming resources and potential payout opportunities within casinos, it is recommended that the focus be placed on the specific amount that the player or their representatives will be paying to the supplier.
• This should exclude any winnings that have already been used to place bets.
• By prioritizing this approach, a more accurate and effective evaluation can be made of the true value of each bet placed.

About GST Council

• The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is a constitutional body in India.
• Responsible for making recommendations on all matters related to the Goods and Services Tax.
• It was constituted under Article 279A of the Indian Constitution.
• Its primary purpose is to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation of the GST across the country.
• The GST Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister of India and consists of the finance ministers or designated representatives of all the states and union territories.
• The Council makes decisions by way of voting, with the Central Government having one-third of the total votes cast, and the states and union territories together having two-thirds of the votes.

Key functions and responsibilities of the GST Council

1. Tax Rate and Structure: The Council recommends the tax rates for goods and services under different categories, including the standard rate, the higher rate, the lower rate, and exempted goods and services.
2. Threshold Limits: It decides the threshold limits for GST registration, which determines whether a business is required to register for GST based on its turnover.
3. Compensation to States: The Council determines the modalities for compensating states for any revenue loss they may incur due to the implementation of GST.
4. IGST Apportionment: The Council recommends the apportionment of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) between the Central Government and the State Governments/Union Territories.
5. GST Rules and Regulations: It makes recommendations regarding the GST rules, regulations, and procedures, with the aim of simplifying compliance and administration.
6. Addressing Issues: The Council addresses any issues, disputes, or challenges that may arise during the implementation of GST and takes necessary measures to resolve them.
7. Review and Revision: It periodically reviews the GST rates and other aspects to ensure the tax system remains effective and relevant.

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