Current Affairs - 05 October 2024
Today's highlights include updates on cholera outbreaks and vaccinations, Supreme Court rulings on Input Tax Credit, the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Australia's social media regulations for children, India-France strategic dialogue, the end of Kolkata’s iconic tram service, the PM Internship Scheme, the endangered pygmy hogs, and India’s new membership in the International Medical Device Regulators Forum. Additional features include the first sighting of a honey badger in Uttarakhand's Terai East Forest.
Key Highlights:
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Cholera Resurgence and Vaccines: Cholera, caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, has reemerged globally. There are 3 WHO-approved oral cholera vaccines, all requiring two doses. The disease caused around 4,000 deaths in 2023.
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Input Tax Credit (ITC): The Supreme Court clarified the eligibility criteria for Input Tax Credit (ITC) under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), ensuring smoother operations for businesses.
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Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Mithun Chakraborty will receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2022, honoring his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
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Social Media Regulations for Children: Australia plans to implement age restrictions for social media to safeguard children, in response to rising concerns about online safety.
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India-France Strategic Dialogue: The recent dialogue emphasized India's role in global peace and reduced costs for Rafale-M fighter jets, strengthening military ties.
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Kolkata's Tram Service: After 151 years of service, Kolkata's iconic tram system will be discontinued by the West Bengal government.
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PM Internship Scheme: A new initiative offering internships for one crore youth over five years, in collaboration with India’s top 500 companies, aims to enhance employability.
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Pygmy Hog Conservation: Nine pygmy hogs, the smallest wild pigs and an endangered species, were released into Manas National Park, Assam, under a conservation initiative.
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International Medical Device Regulators Forum: India has joined the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as an affiliate member, aligning itself with global medical device standards.
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Honey Badger Sighting in Uttarakhand: A honey badger, known for its ferocity and ecological role, was captured on camera for the first time in the Terai East Forest Division of Uttarakhand.
1. Cholera Outbreak and Vaccines
Cholera, a deadly water-borne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, has made a resurgence. Cholera is a preventable disease, with three WHO pre-qualified Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV): Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus. All vaccines require two doses for complete protection. WHO reports over 4,000 deaths in 2023.
2. Supreme Court Ruling on Input Tax Credit (ITC)
The Supreme Court has provided clarity on the eligibility criteria for ITC under the GST regime. ITC allows businesses to claim tax credits on inputs used in production, ensuring a seamless credit flow across the supply chain.
3. Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Mithun Chakraborty
Mithun Chakraborty, veteran actor and former Rajya Sabha MP, will be honored with the 2022 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honor. Established in 1969, the award recognizes exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
4. Australia’s Social Media Regulation for Children
In a bid to protect children from online harms, Australia’s Prime Minister has announced a minimum age for social media usage. This is in response to the surge in screen time during the pandemic and concerns over children's online safety.
5. India-France Strategic Dialogue
India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with French officials, focusing on military cooperation and reduced costs for Rafale-M jets. French President Macron praised India’s efforts in global diplomacy, reaffirming the Horizon 2047 initiative to strengthen bilateral ties.
6. End of Kolkata's Tram Service
Kolkata’s historic tram system, in operation since 1873, is set to be discontinued by the West Bengal government, marking the end of a 151-year-old legacy of public transport.
7. PM Internship Scheme
The Indian government is set to launch the PM Internship Scheme, aiming to create one crore internships over five years. The scheme targets youth employability, with a pilot program launching through an online platform managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Interns will receive stipends via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
8. Pygmy Hog Release in Assam
As part of a conservation program, nine pygmy hogs were released into Manas National Park. These small wild pigs, native to Assam, are one of the most endangered species globally. Their presence is a vital indicator of the health of the grassland ecosystem.
9. India Becomes IMDRF Affiliate Member
India has officially joined the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as an affiliate member, aligning itself with global standards for medical device regulation. The IMDRF was established in 2011 to harmonize international regulatory practices.
10. First Honey Badger Sighting in Uttarakhand
A honey badger, or Ratel, was spotted for the first time in Uttarakhand's Terai East Forest Division. Known for its resilience and ecological importance, the honey badger plays a key role in pest control and crop protection.