Fiscal Federalism in India

Fiscal Federalism in India Fiscal Federalism refers to the division of responsibilities with regards to public expenditure and taxation between the different levels of the government. The Government of India Act 1919 and 1935 formalized the tenets of fiscal federalism and revenue sharing between the Centre and the states. It allows the government to optimize their costs on economies. The Constitution has provided provisions which enable the Union and the States to work in coordination and to levy and collect these taxes through systematic arrangements, provisions like- Taxes levied and collected by the Centre but assigned to the States. Taxes levied by the Centre but collected and kept by the States. Sharing of proceeds of income from some taxes. Grant-in-aid provided by the Centre to the States. Grants provided for any public purpose. Fiscal relations in India between the union and state governments have undergone significant changes in recent years. Three landmark changes in union-state fiscal relations since 2015-16 have been: The abolition of the Planning Commission on January 2015 and the subsequent creation of the NITI Aayog. Fundamental changes in the system of revenue transfers from the centre to the states by providing higher tax devolution to the states from the fiscal year 2015-16 onwards based on the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (14th FC); The Constitutional amendment to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the establishment of the GST Council for the central and state governments to deliberate and jointly take decisions. Need for Redefining Fiscal Federalism in India Horizontal imbalances : Replacing the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog has reduced the policy outreach of government by relying only on a single instrument of fiscal federalism i.e.  Finance commission. This approach can lead to a serious problem of increasing regional and sub-regional inequities.The horizontal imbalances arise because of differing levels of attainment by the states due to differential growth rates and their developmental status in terms of the state of social or infrastructure capital. Horizontal imbalances involve two types of imbalances: Type I is to do with the adequate provision of basic public goods and services. Type II is due to growth accelerating infrastructure or the transformational capital deficits. Vertical imbalance: Vertical imbalance arises due to the fiscal asymmetry in powers of taxation vested with the different levels of government in relation to their expenditure responsibilities prescribed by the constitution. In India’s fiscal federalism, the central government has a far greater domain of taxation Central Government collects around 60% of the total taxes, while its expenditure responsibility is only 40% of the total public expenditure. Such vertical imbalances are even sharper in the case of the third tier consisting of elected local bodies and panchayats. Vertical imbalances can adversely affect India’s urbanization, the quality of local public goods and thus further aggravating the negative externalities for the environment and climate change. Read Also  Secularism in India Restructuring the Fiscal Federalism India’s Fiscal Federalism needs to be restructured. By restructuring Finance Commission, NITI Aayog, GST and decentralization, it can eliminate the inadequacies of vertical and horizontal imbalances. Finance Commission must be relieved from the dual task of dealing with the provision of basic public goods and services and capital deficits. It should be confined to focusing on removal of basic public goods imbalance (Type I). NITI Aayog, for dealing in the realm of infrastructure and capital deficits (Type II).It should be engaged with the allocation of capital in a way different than that used by the Finance Commission with different parameters for allocation. NITI Aayog should receive significant resources (1% to 2% of the GDP) to remove regional and sub-regional disparities among states by reducing development imbalances in the areas of infrastructure deficit. NITI Aayog should be mandated to create an independent evaluation office which will monitor and evaluate the efficacy of the utilization of revenue and capital grants. It should also be an integral part of the decision making processes as it can effectively negotiate between the states for the transfer of resources. Decentralization can serve as the new fiscal federalism by strengthening local finances and state finance commission. Local public finance: the creation of an urban local body or the Panchayati Raj institutions consolidated fund. Centre and States should contribute an equal proportion of their Central GST(CGST)and State GST (SGST) collections and send the money to the consolidated fund of the third tier. One-sixth sharing of the CGST and SGST with the third tier can generate more than 1% of the GDP every year for the financing of public goods by urban-level bodies. State FinanceCommissionsshould be accorded the same status as the Union Finance Commission and the 3Fs of democratic decentralization (funds, functions, and functionaries) should be implemented properly. Goods and Services Tax should be simplified in its structure and by ensuring: Single Rate GST: with suitable surcharges on sin goods, zero ratings of exports and reforming the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) and the e-way bill. GST is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every value addition. GST is one indirect tax for the entire country. The GST council is the key decision-making body that will take all important decisions regarding the GST. The GST Council should undertake reforms in an informed and transparent manner, by creating its own secretariat and independent experts. Read Also Criminal Justice Reforms Concern and issues in India The Indian Constitution lays down the functions as well as taxing powers of the Centre and States. It is against this background that the issues relating to vertical and horizontal imbalances are addressed by every Finance Commission. Central transfers to States are not confined to the recommendations of the Finance Commissions. There are other channels such as those through the Planning Commission until recently and the discretionary grants of the Central government. In 2010-11, in the combined revenue receipts of the Centre and States, the share of the Centre was around 64%. But after the transfer, the share came down to nearly 40%. Thus the shares of Centre and states got reversed after the transfers. In 2016-17, the

India – Nepal Relations

India – Nepal Relations India and Nepal share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation as close neighbours characterized by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture. Nepal shares a border with five Indian States – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Historical ties Hinduism and Buddhism Nepal and India share a cultural history around the development of the two major religions of the world – Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddha was born in Lumbini located in present-day Nepal. Later Buddha came to India, where he got enlightenment. Later Buddhism spread to other parts of the World. Hinduism originated in India. Hinduism is a major religion in present-day Nepal. ‘Roti-Beti ka Rishta’ Nepal and India share a cultural history around the development of the two major religions of the world – Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddha was born in Lumbini located in present-day Nepal. Later Buddha came to India, where he got enlightenment. Later Buddhism spread to other parts of the World. Hinduism originated in India. Hinduism is a major religion in present-day Nepal. ‘Roti-Beti ka Rishta’ People of both countries benefit from the open borders and unhindered movement across it. This helps the citizens of both countries in both livelihoods as well as to have strong people to people contact and close bonds through marriages and familial ties. Read GS Full Notes India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 The special relations between the two nations date back to the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950. It is a bilateral treaty establishing a close strategic relationship signed at Kathmandu. The treaty allows free movement of people and goods between the two nations and a close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign policy. The treaty talks about reciprocal treatment of Indian and Nepali citizens, establishes national treatment for both Indian and Nepalese businesses, and gives Nepal access to weaponry from India. The Treaty has enabled Nepal to overcome the disadvantages of being a land-locked country.   Economic Ties Trade and businesses India is Nepal’s largest trade partner as well as the largest source of foreign investments. India also provides transit for almost the entire third-country trade of Nepal. Nepal uses Kolkata port for its sea trade. Indian companies also engage in various economic activities in Nepal. There is Indian presence in their manufacturing, power, tourism and service sector. Development Aid and Assistance India gives financial and technical aid to Nepal’s developmental activities. The focus areas include grass-root infrastructure, health and education, water resources and rural development. Connectivity The biggest disadvantages of Nepal are that it is landlocked and has difficult terrain. It is difficult for it to create connectivity towards the north (Tibet) due to the lofty Himalayas. In this context, India plays a crucial part, being the gateway of Nepal to the world with open borders and connectivity initiatives enhancing people-to-people contact and economic growth and development. Linking Sagarmatha and Sagar – developing inland waterways to enhance the movement of Cargo and provide access to the sea. Developing railway connectivity – to link Kathmandu and Raxaul (Bihar). Read Also Non-governmental organization Cultural ties Hinduism and Buddhism have served India’s soft power in Nepal. Lumbini is part of the Buddhist circuit being developed. India has sister city agreements with Nepal Kathmandu-Varanasi Lumbini-Bodhgaya Janakpur-Ayodhya Apart from these initiatives promote people-to-people linkages in the area of art & culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal.   Defence Ties India trains and equips the Nepalese Army and assist in its development in modern lines. According to the 1950 friendship treaty, Nepal can buy arms from India. The joint military exercise of India with Nepal is known as Surya Kiran. The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal. Disaster Management Nepal is frequently prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and avalanches, cloudbursts and flash floods. This is mainly due to geographical factors that Nepal lies in a fragile zone (Himalayas – suture line of Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates). India provides assistance both in terms of personnel aid, technical aid and humanitarian assistance in such instances. Multilateral Ties India and Nepal share space on several multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) NAM, and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) etc. Read Also New Industrial Policy Major Challenges in relations with Nepal Trust deficit India’s reputation has been eroding over years as the implementation of various projects has been delayed and facing issues. Political Instability Nepal has witnessed chronic political instability, including a 10-year violent insurgency, damaging Nepal’s development and economy. This has significantly affected its ties with India as the changing regimes flip-flopped between pro-India and pro-China stands. There was a brief economic blockade, during the Madhesi protest against the new constitution of Nepal in 2014, which led to Playing Big Brother There is a perception that India is tinkering with the internal affairs and political sovereignty of Nepal. This has led to an anti-India feeling among certain ethnic groups in Nepal. Internal Security The open borders with Nepal is also a matter of concern to the Indian security of India as it is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from North Eastern part of India for infiltration of trained cadres, the supply of arms, and injecting fake Indian currency notes. China Factor Chinese influence is growing in Nepal which has led to the erosion of Indian leverage. Importance of Nepal and China Card Nepal is an important neighbour of India – both strategically and in international politics. It is a Himalayan nation and acts as a buffer state against China. Rivers originating in Nepal feed the perennial river systems of India – this ecologically important as well as there is huge hydro-power potential. Also, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage centres in Nepal is of religious and cultural importance to India. Nepal has had different Political regimes which

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge Day 4

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge For UPSC 2022 Day 4 Question 1 Show how Barnard while analyzing the multiplicity of satisfactions, clearly identifies four specific inducements. Question 2 Examine the view that systems theory, despite its promises to the contrary, followed similar patterns that characterized the structural classical theories Comment Your Answers Below Practice UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice Test 9 GS 3 Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge Day 5

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge For UPSC 2020 Day 5 Question 1 Show how Barnard while analyzing the multiplicity of satisfactions, clearly identifies four specific inducements. Question 2 At one extreme, the vigour of judicial control may paralyze effective administration; at the other the result may be offensive bureaucratic tyranny exactly where the balance may be best struck is a major problem of judicial administration relationship Comment Your Answers Below Download UPSC Previous Year Questions Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Nagaland Peace Accord

Nagaland Peace Accord In 2015, an agreement was signed between the Centre and the Naga groups led by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) after the latter agreed to give up its long-standing demand for sovereignty. There was a broad understanding on a settlement within the Indian constitutional framework, with due regard to the uniqueness of Naga history and tradition. The Naga Movement is the oldest movement for self-determination in India and is also the longest surviving insurgency. The presence of multiple factions representing the Naga interests makes the process of self-determination complicated. The distribution of Naga population in various states of the North-East such as Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Assam, and Nagaland, as well as in adjoining Myanmar further trivializes the issue of carving the ‘Greater Nagalim’ or a separate state for all the Nagas in the region. Why in news? Four years after the government inked the Naga peace accord in 2015, the Centre has now said that the process had almost concluded, despite the fact that the talks had hit a roadblock in its final stages. It is mainly because of unrealistic demands. NSCN (IM) has issued statements in the past claiming that it wanted a separate Constitution, flag and integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas under Nagalim (Greater Nagaland). Nagaland Peace Accord – Background: In 1826, British annexed Assam and in 1881 Naga Hills too became part of British India. The Naga resistance started way back in 1918 when Naga club was formed. Since then Nagas have been asserting their distinct ethnic identity and demanding an independent homeland to preserve their culture. In 1946 the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed, which declared Nagaland an independent state on August 14, 1947. The NNC resolved to establish a sovereign Naga state and conducted a referendum in 1951, in which 99% of people supported an independent Nagaland. In March 1952, the underground Naga Federal Government (NFG) and the Naga Federal Army (NFA) was formed. The Government of India sent in the Army to crush the insurgency and, in 1958, enacted the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. In November 1975, the government got a section of NNC leaders to sign the Shillong Accord, under which the section of NNC and NFG agreed to give up arms. A group of NNC members led by Thuingaleng Muivah refused to accept the agreement and formed National Socialist Council of Nagaland in 1980 with S. S. Khaplang. In 1988, the NSCN split into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) after a violent clash. NSCN (IM) emerged as a major insurgent group often termed as the “mother of all insurgencies in the region”. NSCN (IM) agreed to a ceasefire in 1997 and peace talks were held leading eventually to Naga Peace Accord in 2015. Issues faced by people of Nagaland due to insurgency: Extortion by insurgent groups has been a way of life for people living in India’s north-eastern states, particularly in Nagaland. It is an open secret that all separatist outfits run their own parallel governments and collect extortion money (sometimes more than 20 per cent of the annual income) from individuals, businesses, government departments and employees. While non-Nagas are heavily taxed, the Nagas themselves are not spared. Payment of this so-called “tax” to armed Naga groups is the only way to ensure safety. What makes the issue complex? NSCN (IM) demands a “Greater Nagalim”- that also includes parts of bordering states. The other states are wary of this and this makes the situation sensitive. There are groups within Nagaland that have demanded a state separate from that of NSCN (IM). Way forward: Unification of Naga-inhabited areas without disturbing the existing boundaries of the northeastern states (Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh) is viewed as a viable option. Maximum autonomy may be accorded in ethnic, cultural and developmental realms to autonomous councils for all Naga areas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and even Assam, through a suitable amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Reckoning the unique history and legacy of the Nagas, a tribal cultural collective body could be constituted under an act of parliament. The government of Myanmar will have to be on board the Naga settlement, at least tacitly. Conclusion: There can be no solution without the integration of Nagas. But it would have to be achieved through a democratic process. It is imperative that prior to finalisation of any ‘framework agreement’, care is taken to see that there is an across the board acceptance of ‘fundamental principles’ and ‘objective necessities’.   Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB)

National Crimes Record Bureau (NCRB) NCRB was set-up in 1986 to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee to the National Police Commission (1977-1981) and the MHA’s Taskforce (1985). NCRB was entrusted with the responsibility for monitoring, coordinating and implementing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) project in the year 2009. The project connects 15000+ police stations and 6000 higher offices of police in the country. NCRB launched the National Digital Police Portal. It allows search for a criminal/suspect on the CCTNS database apart from providing various services to citizens like filing of complaints online and seeking antecedent verification of tenants, domestic help, drivers etc. Why in News? After a delay of two years, The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has released its crime statistics for the year 2017. Objectives: NCRB has five major objectives and it also fulfils several other functions: Read Also Criminal Justice Reforms Functions: A Citizen Services Mobile App consisting of the 9 services was launched by the Bureau. Entrusted to maintain National Database of Sexual Offenders (NDSO) and share it with the States/UTs on a regular basis. Designated as the Central Nodal Agency to manage technical and operational functions of the ‘Online Cyber-Crime Reporting Portal’ through which any citizen can lodge a complaint or upload a video clip as evidence of crime related to child pornography, rape/gang rape. Compiles and publishes National Crime Statisticse. Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides and also Prison Statistics.  Serve as a principal reference point to policymakers, police, criminologists, researchers and media, both in India and abroad.  IT-based Public Services like Vahan Samanvay (online matching for Stolen/Recovered vehicles) and Talash (matching of missing persons and dead bodies) is maintained. Maintains Counterfeit Currency Information and Management System (FICN) and Integrated Monitoring on Terrorism (iMoT) applications. Assists various States in capacity building in the area of Information Technology, CCTNS, Finger Prints, Network security and Digital Forensics through its training centres. Very recently, the Government of India has asked the IT companies across the world to send proposals to NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau) to install the world’s largest facial recognition system. Key findings in a recently published Report of 2107: The new subheads reportedly include data on hate crimes besides those related to mob lynching, killings ordered by khap panchayaths, murders by influential people, besides “ anti-national elements”. Women safety: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal are deemed most unsafe for women. Riots cases: There were 58,880 incidents of rioting in 2017 of which the maximum incidents were reported from Bihar at 11,698, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 8,990. Of the total, communal and sectarian riots accounted for the largest. Among union territories, Delhi recorded the most murder cases in 2017 at 487 (40.4 % of the total crimes recorded in metropolitan cities). Fake news: NCRB for the first time collected data on the circulation of “false/fake news and rumours.” Maximum incidents were reported from Madhya Pradesh (138). The new category of offences committed by various categories of “Anti-National Elements” shows: Maximum offences were committed by Left Wing Extremist (LWE) operatives (652), followed by North-East insurgents (421) and Terrorists (Jihadi and other elements) (371). Most killings took place in Chhattisgarh.  Drawbacks of the report: The NCRB data on crime hide significant variances in case registration of serious crimes such as rapes and violence against women across States, which make it difficult to draw state-wise comparisons. The use of census base year 2001 to calculate crime rates of states and 2011 for metropolitan cities makes the assessments unwieldy. Conclusion: Despite all these issues, the report offers a useful snapshot of crime in the country. Some crimes, murders, for example, do not suffer from registration issues as much. The 2017 report shows that the States in the North –East and the rest of the country with a significant tribal population  (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha) have relatively higher murder rates and this is a cause of worry. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge Day 6

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge Day 6 Question 1 Public Administration consists of all those operations having for their purpose the fulfilment or enforcement of Public Policy. Question 2 The essence of delegation is to confer discretion upon others, to use their judgement in meeting specific problems within the framework of their duties. Check UPSC Prelims Mock Test 14 – GS Paper 1 Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge Day 7

Public Administration Daily Answer Writing Challenge For UPSC 2022 Day 7 Question 1 A Public Corporation is a combination of Public ownership, public acountability and business managements for public ends. Question 2 Compare the relative merits of Maslows Theory of Human Needs and Hertzbergs conception of Motivation and Hygiene Theory. Comment Your Answers Below Prelimsure 2020 – Prelims Test Series   Join Now Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Air pollution in India

Air pollution in India According to WHO, India’s air pollution, ranked among the worst in the world is adversely impacting the lifespan of is citizen, reducing most Indian lives by over 3 years. Over half of India’s population-660 million people- live in areas where fine particulate matter pollution is above India’s standard for what is considered safe. Environmental Performance Index, 2014, states that India is placed as the “bottom performer” on several indicators such as environmental health impact, air quality, water and sanitation and India’s environment health severely lacks behind the BRICS nations. The Ganga and Yamuna are ranked among the world’s 10 most populated rivers. The environmental crisis in India is many-sided and multifaceted which has to be addressed on different fronts and by a variety of different factors. We need to harness scientific and social scientific expertise to develop and promote eco-friendly technologies in construction, energy, water management, industrial production and transportation. Why in news? Very recently, the air quality of the capital turned poor as the wind direction changed to northwesterly triggering a steep increase in pollution levels. Westerly and northwesterly winds bring dust from western regions as well as smoke due to burning of crop residue in neighbouring states such as Punjab and Haryana, to Delhi and the NCR. Reasons for air pollution in India: High dependence on coal for power: share of coal in power generation in India continue to be around 80%. Power plants with poor technology and efficiency continue to be the major source of pollutants like CO and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur. High levels of poverty: Dependence on fuelwood and kerosene for the purpose of lighting and cooking leads to a high level of pollutants being released in the rural and urban periphery. Overexploitation of commons like forests, grazing lands and mindless deforestation reduces the natural capacity to absorb pollutants. Poor governance: the issue of environment and pollution is still to get the policy priority it deserves. While agencies liked CPCB and SPCBs continue to be under-resourced and under-staffed, the multiplicity of the state authorities at the ground level leads to poor coordination, lax enforcement of rules and lack of accountability as seen in Delhi. Absence of environmental governance continues to be a major challenge. Access to technology: India’s industrial landscape continues to be dominated by MSMEs which lack access to cleaner technologies. Agricultural waste burning is also the result of poor access to farm technologies. Unplanned urbanization: haphazard growth of urban areas has led to the proliferation of slums and poor public transport has increased the burden of personal vehicles on the road. Landfills used for waste management also release pollutants in the air. The rapid urbanization of the recent years if left unmanaged will further exacerbate the problem. Continentality: the problem of pollution in the landlocked northern states gets exacerbated due to unfavourable winds and the phenomenon of temperature inversion during winters. Read Also National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Impacts of air pollution: Health: the increased burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiac diseases, COPD etc. is the direct consequence of the rise in air pollution. It reduces the overall productivity of the nation and increases the healthcare burden especially on the poor. Environment: pollution affects not only the health of humans but of the environment too. Birds and plants are affected by air pollution and phenomenon like urban heat island resulting from it. Economy: increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, diversion of resources towards responding to air pollution are some of the economic costs. Politics: air pollution has caused major political conflict in the last few years, most prominent of which is the recurring conflict among Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Solution for the ongoing issue Green cover: increasing green cover, especially in the urban areas, must be an indispensable part of urban planning. Other initiatives such as afforestation, the greening of highways etc. must also pick up Push to renewables: addressing the problem of intermittence by adopting smart grid technology, incentives for decentralised power production via biogas, rooftop solar and push to EVs. The market for agricultural waste: the problem of crop burning can be resolved only through financial and technological support and incentives for farmers. Access to technologies like super seeder machines and the development of the market for crop stubble will push farmers to a cleaner method of waste disposal. Measures to control air pollution: Reduce traffic and vehicles. Cut dieselization. Scale-up integrated public transport. Facilitate walking and cycling. Put controls on other pollution sources. Government initiatives: National Air Quality Monitoring Programme: In India, the Central Pollution Control Board has been executing a nationwide program of ambient air quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). It is undertaken in India To determine the status and trends of ambient air quality. To ascertain the compliance of NAAQS. To identify non-attainment cities. To understand the natural process of cleaning in the atmosphere. To undertake preventive and corrective measures. The annual average concentration of Sox levels is within the prescribed NAAQS. This reduction from earlier levels is due o various measures taken, including use of CNG in public transport in Delhi, reduction of sulfur in diesel and use of LPG instead of coal as a domestic fuel. A mixed trend is observed in NO2 levels due to various measures taken for vehicular pollution control, such as stricter vehicular emission norms being partially offset by increased NOx levels due to use of CNG in urban transport. Way forward: Air pollution needs to be brought under control with urgent and effective action. Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of deaths globally and in the region, and air pollution contributes significantly to NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and lung cancer. Cleaning up the air we breathe will help prevent NCDs, particularly among women and vulnerable groups such as children, those already ill and the elderly. We need a proactive policy spanning multiple years, and we need to act fast, local and through multiple agencies across multiple political parties to take the long view on air pollution.  The pragmatic approach should be taken to reduce pollution levels. Government has been working

Junk foods and the guidelines of FSSAI

FSSAI The FSSAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It was established under the Foods Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It is responsible to protect and promote public health through regulation and supervision of food safety. The headquarters of FSSAI is located in Delhi and the regional offices are located in Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin and Chennai. Why in news? FSSAI has notified a draft regulation aimed at changing dietary habits. It aims at prohibiting the sale and advertisement of food rich in fat, salt and sugar to schoolchildren inside the school premises and within 50 metres around it. Regulations Ban on advertising and sales – It prohibits the sale and advertisement of food rich in fat, sugar, and salt to schoolchildren inside the school premises and within 50 m around it. Promote a balanced diet – It requires schools to simultaneously encourage and promote a safe and balanced diet. Ban on unhealthy foods – To shield the children from consuming unhealthy food items and snacks, FSSAI prohibits food companies that manufacture such items from advertising or offering such foods in school premises and within 50 m of the campus. No branding – Food companies are prohibited from using their logos, brand names and product names on books and other educational materials, as well as on school property such as buildings, buses, and athletic fields.  Health recommendations – The agency recommends the use of a combination of whole grains, milk, eggs, and millets. Food products – It also listed a set of general guidelines for the selection of food products that can be offered in schools. Prelimsure 2022 Prelims Test Series Join Now Why such regulations? Court order – The 2015 order from the Delhi High Court directed the central agency to frame norms to promote healthy diets in schools. Malnutrition – malnutrition accounted for over seven lakh (68%) deaths in children under the age of five years in 2017 in India. Obesity – There is rising obesity in schoolchildren in many States. According to a July 2017 study, India had the second most number of obese children among 195 countries.  More overweight children – A recent study found 23 States to have child overweight prevalence more than the national average. 6 States have a prevalence of over 20%.  Impact of western diets – Several studies have shown how a western diet affects the composition and diversity of gut bacteria and sets the stage for many metabolic diseases.  Challenges Enforcement – The challenge will be in enforcement, in preventing the sale and promotion of unhealthy food near schools.  Despite the sale and advertisement of tobacco products within 100 yards of a school being prohibited, the violation is more the norm than the exception. Shops that sell tobacco products very often also sell many of the packaged unhealthy foods. Inculcating habits – inculcating healthy eating habits starts at home. Conclusion: Schools and parents should ensure children get adequate physical activity. A combination of healthy food and regular physical activity will go a long way in bringing up healthy children. Read Also Shanta Kumar Committee Recommendations Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW