Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 7th October 2024

National Health Account Estimates:

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently released the National Health Account (NHA) estimates for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22. These reports are the eighth and ninth editions of the NHA series, which provides a comprehensive view of the country’s healthcare expenditure.

Key Findings of National Health Account (NHA) Estimates for 2020-21 and 2021-22:

• Government health expenditure (GHE) as a percentage of GDP increased from 1.13% (2014-15) to 1.84% (2021-22).
• GHE as a share of General Government Expenditure (GGE) rose from 3.94% (2014-15) to 6.12% (2021-22).
• Per capita GHE increased from ₹1,108 to ₹3,169 during the same period.
• OOPE reduced from 62.6% (2014-15) to 39.4% (2021-22) of Total Health Expenditure (THE).
• GHE increased from 29% (2014-15) to 48% (2021-22) of THE.
• Social security expenditure (SSE) growth on health increased from 5.7% (2014-15) to 8.7% (2021-22) of THE, aiding in reducing OOPE.
• Total health expenditure (THE) was ₹7,39,327 crores (3.73% of GDP); by 2021-22, it rose to ₹9,04,461 crores (3.83% of GDP).
• Per capita health expenditure rose from ₹5,436 (2020-21) to ₹6,602 (2021-22).
• Significant increases in health expenditure reflect government efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic through expanded healthcare infrastructure and vaccination programs.
• The NHA framework aligns with System of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011, facilitating international comparisons and improving healthcare financial transparency.

Naxalism : In News

Recently security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region engaged in a significant gunfight with Naxalites, resulting in the death of 28 insurgents. This marks one of the highest casualty tolls in recent anti-Naxal operations.

• The Naxalite movement began in 1967 in Naxalbari village, West Bengal, when peasants led an uprising against local landlords over land disputes.
• The movement was inspired by Maoist political ideology, advocating armed rebellion to overthrow the state and redistribute land and resources to oppressed communities.
• Naxalism gradually spread to underdeveloped and tribal areas, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
• The Naxalites aimed to challenge the Indian state through armed insurgency, focusing on the redistribution of land, wealth, and resources to marginalized and tribal communities.
• The Red Corridor refers to areas significantly affected by Naxalite-Maoist insurgency. It includes regions in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Telangana.

Co-District : Assam

Assam has become the first state in India to implement a new administrative structure known as Co-Districts, aimed at improving governance and accessibility of public services. The inaugural phase will take place on October 4 and 5, 2024, when 39 Co-Districts will be officially launched.

• Co-districts are smaller administrative units under Assam’s district administration, established to decentralize governance.
• Aimed at making administrative services more accessible to citizens by bringing governance closer to their homes
• Co-districts handle administrative tasks such as issuing ration cards, caste certificates, managing land revenue matters, excise, development, welfare work, and disaster management. They also have magisterial powers.
• Co-districts are led by an Assistant District Commissioner, while districts are led by a Deputy Commissioner.
• Co-districts cover smaller geographical areas compared to districts.
• While districts have full administrative control over various departments, co-districts serve as a localized extension, reducing the administrative burden on district-level offices.
• The first phase started in 2024 with the creation of 21 co-districts, and 18 more are expected to follow, with the goal of covering all 126 assembly constituencies.

Supreme Court Ruling On ITC:

The Supreme Court laid down functionality and essentially test for Input Tax Credit (ITC) eligibility under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.

• The verdict was delivered in the Chief Commissioner of Central Goods and Service Tax & Ors. Vs Safari Retreats Case, 2024.
• The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the real estate sector can claim ITC on construction costs for commercial buildings used for renting or leasing purposes under the functionality and essentially test.
• Earlier ITC was not allowed on such immovable property construction.
• The court clarified that if the construction of a building is essential for providing services like leasing or renting, the building may fall under the category of ‘plant and machinery.’
• This is based on Section 17(5)(d) of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017 which permits ITC claims on plant and machinery used in the business of supplying services.
• The court read down the scope of Sections 17(5)(c) and (d) of the CGST Act, 2017 which prohibit ITC claims for construction materials used for immovable property, except for plant or machinery.
• The SC emphasised that determining whether a building like a mall or warehouse qualifies as ‘plant’ under Section 17(5)(d) should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• The business nature and the role of the building in the registered person’s business are key factors in this determination.

Functionality and Essentially Tests:

• Functionality Test: It will evaluate whether the building plays a role in the supply of services, akin to the function of plant and machinery in a factory.
• Essentially Test: The SC held that procurement of goods or services must be directly essential to business operations.
• It means that only those goods and services that are directly needed for constructing or developing property can be claimed for tax benefits or input tax credit (ITC). E.g., cement, steel etc.

Eco-mark Scheme : Revised

The Ecomark Scheme was introduced to promote eco-friendly products in alignment with the ‘LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment) mission initiated in 2021.

• The revised scheme, notified in 2024, replaces the earlier 1991 version, and focuses on reducing environmental impacts, promoting resource efficiency, and encouraging sustainable production and consumption.
• Accreditation of products based on specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental harm.
• Reduction in energy consumption and promoting a circular economy by utilizing recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods.
• The scheme mandates accurate labelling to avoid misleading claims about product sustainability.
• Implementation is overseen by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• The scheme is a step towards achieving sustainability goals, supporting both consumer awareness and motivating manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Visakhapatnam’s Pillboxes:

Due to the monsoon, Visakhapatnam’s beaches have shifted, revealing World War II pillboxes that were buried in the sand, offering a look into the city’s forgotten maritime history

• The pillboxes, constructed during the height of World War II, were part of a strategic defense network to safeguard Visakhapatnam’s shores from potential enemy invasions.
• The name “pillbox” comes from their resemblance to medicine containers used in the early 20th century for storing pills.
  Visakhapatnam’s Pillboxes:
• The most visible pillbox is located at R.K. Beach, revealed by beach erosion, while a second one at Jalaripeta fishing colony is buried under sand, garbage, and neglect.
• Visakhapatnam was a significant target during the war, as it is one of India’s key naval bases with a deep natural harbor.
• The pillboxes were designed to blend into the landscape, making them difficult for enemies to detect.
• They functioned as tactical posts, allowing soldiers to defend the coastline while providing secure cover for firing at enemies.

International Day of Older Persons 2024:

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment observed International Day of Older Persons 2024 on 1st October 2024.

• Theme for 2024: Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide
• This day is celebrated to recognise the contributions made by older people and promote the need for inclusive and age-friendly societies.
• Designated by the UN General Assembly on 14th October, 1990, it is based on the Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing (1982) and the UN Principles for Older Persons.

Exercise KAZIND 2024:

The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024, commenced in Uttarakhand and is being held from 30th September to 13th October 2024.

• The Exercise between India and Kazakhstan was initiated as ‘Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK’ in 2016.
• After the second edition, it was upgraded to a company-level exercise and renamed ‘Exercise KAZIND’.
• The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, focusing on physical fitness, tactical drills, and sharing of best practices under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Chapter VII includes action with respect to threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression.

Akashteer Air Defence Systems:

The Indian Army has significantly enhanced its air defence capabilities with the acquisition of 100 Akashteer air defence systems.

• These are advanced Air Defence Control and Reporting Systems (ADCRS) which will serve as a critical asset in safeguarding the country from aerial threats, including missile and rocket attacks.
• It is a sophisticated, integrated control and reporting system designed to neutralize enemy threats swiftly.
• The system is capable of managing all aspects of air defence for the Army, integrating multiple radar systems, sensors, and communication technologies into a single operational framework.
• It provides a real-time battlefield view, allowing military personnel to detect, track, and engage aerial threats such as incoming missiles or enemy aircraft.
• It brings together various surveillance assets, radar systems, and communication nodes, enabling precise coordination of air defence operations.
• It is suitable for a wide range of operational environments.
• It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• This enhances the Indian Army’s ability to monitor airspace and deliver timely responses to any imminent threats.

EnviStats India 2024:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) compiled and released the 7th consecutive issue of the publication “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts”.

• EnviStats India 2024 is compiled in accordance with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEAA).
• The current publication which is seventh in the series covers Energy Accounts, Ocean Accounts, Soil Nutrient Index and Biodiversity.

Highlights EnviStats India 2024

• There has been around 72% increase in the number and around 16% increase in area for the Total Protected Area during the period 2000 to 2023.
• The coverage of Mangroves, which is an important sub-ecosystem of the ocean ecosystem has increased around 8% over the years 2013 to 2021.
• The report also includes the taxonomic faunal and floral diversity of India, the status of the Leopard and Snow leopard and information on Genetic Conservation using data from the stakeholder Ministries/agencies.
• Also, the Species Richness of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened species by taxonomic groups has been compiled using spatial datasets from IUCN.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras Established Nationwide:

The government has established 13,822 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) till 30th September of 2024. These Kendras have also achieved record sales of 200 Crore rupees in the last month, which is the highest monthly sales in the history of the PMBJP.

Aviral Jain Joins RBI as Executive Director:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Aviral Jain as Executive Director (ED) with effect from October 01, 2024. Prior to being promoted to ED, Jain was serving as Regional Director for Maharashtra. As Executive Director, he will look after the several departments for the smooth functioning of RBI.

Department of Posts and Amazon Unite to Enhance Delivery Services:

The Department of Posts (DoP), with its deep reach, and Amazon, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, together seek to empower India’s growing e-commerce sector by enhancing logistical capabilities, supporting job creation, and contributing to economic growth, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Cabinet Endorses National Mission to Enhance Oilseed Production:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), a landmark initiative aimed at boosting domestic oilseed production and achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils.

India’s Forex Reserves Surpass $700 Billion Milestone for the First Time:

India’s foreign exchange reserves have exceeded $700 billion for the first time, reaching $704.89 billion in the week ending September 27, 2024. This marks a record increase of $12.58 billion, with foreign currency assets (FCAs) rising by $10.4 billion to $616 billion and gold reserves increasing by $2 billion to $65.7 billion.

Federal Bank Teams Up with Bhashini to Add Vernacular Support to Chatbot Feddy:

Federal Bank has signed an MoU with Bhashini, an AI-powered language translation platform, to integrate vernacular language support into its AI chatbot, Feddy. This collaboration, inspired by the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub’s (RBIH) initiative for local language banking, aims to make banking services more inclusive and accessible across India

EAM Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan for SCO Meeting After 9 Years:

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will lead India’s delegation to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024.