WHO's Nutritional Tax Ruffles Indian Cooks

Good Afternoon ☕

The Indian Sellers Collective is shaking its ladles in protest over a recent WHO report that's got tongues wagging. The WHO, donning its apron of responsibility, is aiming to whip our global food systems into shape. They're aiming to tackle the dietary disparities that have us munching on mismatched meals. How, you ask? By slapping a tax on those sugary sippers and not-so-angelic edibles. It's all in the name of cultivating healthier eating habits and giving the food industry a gentle nudge towards wholesomeness.

Important News of the Day

1. Indian Sellers Collective raises concern on WHO report

The Indian Sellers Collective has raised concerns over a recent WHO report that suggests implementing a taxation system based on nutritional content. The group opposes the report, calling it an assault on Indian cuisine and heritage, and argues that it promotes artificial and unhealthy foods. The WHO report is part of a larger effort to address imbalances in food systems that are major drivers of dietary and nutrition inequities. The report suggests the use of fiscal instruments like taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy foods to support healthier diets and hold the food industry accountable.

2. Congress claims ‘socialist and secular’ removed from new copies of Constitution

Congress leader and Lok Sabha leader of Opposition, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has claimed that the new copies of the Constitution distributed to MPs in the new Parliament building have no presence of words like "socialist and secular" mentioned in India's preamble. He has alleged that the terms "secular" and "socialist" have been removed from the copies of the Constitution given to lawmakers on the first day of the new session of Parliament. The Congress has called it "suspicious intentions" and demanded an explanation from the government.

3. Indian students heading abroad this fall see record numbers: Report

A record number of Indian students are heading abroad for studies this fall due to various factors such as rising aspirations for a foreign education and career, an increase in applicants from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and more financial aid and scholarships offered by foreign institutions. . The number of Indian students going abroad for higher studies has increased by 68.79% in the past year, according to data provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Subhas Sarkar.

4. India-Canada economic ties have been flourishing so far

Growing tensions between Canada and India over the alleged murder of a Khalistani terrorist could harm their economic relationship, which has seen a significant rise in investments worth C$36.2 billion (₹2.24 lakh crore) in 2022. The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has suggested that India was linked to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader and has called for answers. India has dismissed the accusation as "absurd". The economic relationship between the two countries has been flourishing, but the recent tensions could put a damper on it.

5. Govt may buy tomatoes to help farmers as prices fall

The Indian government is considering purchasing tomatoes to protect farmers as prices have fallen to as low as ₹3-10 a kg last week from more than ₹250 a kg a month in August. The consumer affairs ministry’s price stabilization fund (PSF) may be used to lift stocks from areas flooded with tomatoes and sell them in markets nearby where prices are more remunerative. The move comes after reports of distressed farmers in some states dumping produce and using them as cattle feed.

6. India-Canada ties in turmoil as rift grows

Bilateral ties between India and Canada are in turmoil as a rift grows between the two countries. The relationship has been strained due to the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, and it has reached an all-time low. The recent claim by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of a "potential link" between Indian government agents and the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June has further damaged the relations.

7. GECs gear up for big festive season, expect ad revenue boost

General entertainment channels (GECs) are launching new shows for the upcoming festive season, expecting an increase in ad revenues of 12-14% compared to last year. Advertisers in FMCG, automotive, and e-commerce sectors are expected to increase spending. The ad volumes on GECs on television saw a 5% rise in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

8. Govt weighs PLI in wearables; move may boost localization

The Indian government is considering the introduction of a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for wearables, including hearing devices, to boost local production by both Indian and global companies. PLI schemes seek to encourage local production through incentives, and companies can supply locally produced goods to domestic and export markets. The government also plans to modify the PLI scheme for sectors such as pharmaceuticals, drones, and textiles to boost manufacturing.

9. Govt launches Kisan Rin Portal and weather WINDS manual

The Indian government has launched the Kisan Rin portal and the Weather Winds Manual, which will help farmers get information about weather patterns and crop insurance. The Kisan Rin portal will provide information about crop loans, while the Weather Winds Manual will provide information about weather patterns and crop insurance. The portal and manual were launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The government hopes that these initiatives will help farmers get the information they need to make informed decisions about their crops and loans.

10. ‘There’s a $4 trillion gap in development funding for poorer countries’

According to a recent interview with Shombi Sharp, the UN’s resident coordinator in India, the world faces a $4 trillion financing gap for the SDGs, and developed countries must provide greater political will to provide this funding. This gap has increased by 56% after the outbreak of COVID-19, totaling USD 3.9 trillion. A new UNCTAD report states that developing countries face a staggering $4 trillion gap in sustainable development investments.

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