What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• WHO’s revised air quality guidelines 2021
• India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
• Key highlights of the study

Why in News?

According to a study recently published in Lancet Planet Health, no one in India lives in areas where the yearly average pollution levels are below the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO’s revised air quality guidelines 2021

• About
  • In September 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its air quality guidelines (AQGs) to reflect the serious health impacts of air pollution: 
    • PM2.5: The annual mean concentration should not exceed 5 µg/m3. This is half of the 2005 guideline of 10 µg/m3. 
    • NO2: The annual mean concentration should not exceed 10 µg/m3. 
    • Ozone: The peak season mean 8-hour concentration should not exceed 60 µg/m3. 
    • PM10: The annual mean concentration should not exceed 15 µg/m3, and the 24-hour mean should not exceed 45 µg/m3. 
    • SO2: The 24-hour mean concentration should not exceed 40 µg/m3. 
    • CO: The 24-hour mean concentration should not exceed 7 µg/m3. 
• Non-binding in nature
  • The WHO AQGs are not legally binding, but they are often used by countries and legislative bodies to set air quality policies. 
  • The guidelines are based on scientific evidence from multiple countries and are intended to help reduce the health impacts of air pollution.

India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

• Ambient air quality refers to the condition or quality of air surrounding us in the outdoors.
• Under the authority of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, India’s Central Pollution Control Board sets national ambient air quality standards.
• The current Standards include following 12 pollutants:

Key highlights of the study

• Widespread Air Pollution in India
  • No area in India meets the WHO's recommended PM2.5 pollution level of 5 µg/m³.
  • 81.9% of the population lives in areas exceeding India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of 40 µg/m³.
• Health Impact of Air Pollution
  • High levels of PM2.5 are linked to 1.5 million deaths annually in India.
  • Long-term exposure to air pollution increases risks of respiratory diseases, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and developmental delays in children.
  • Every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 levels raises the risk of death by 8.6%.
• Regional Pollution Levels
  • Pollution levels ranged from 11.2 µg/m³ in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district (2019) to 119 µg/m³ in Ghaziabad and Delhi (2016).
• Potential for Improvement
  • Meeting NAAQS could prevent 0.3 million deaths annually; achieving WHO levels would save even more lives.
  • Identifying and addressing pollution sources, such as construction, vehicular emissions, and crop burning, is critical.

Q.1. How does air pollution affect health in India?

High PM2.5 levels cause respiratory issues, heart attacks, strokes, and developmental delays. Every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 raises mortality risk by 8.6%.

Q.2. What measures can reduce air pollution deaths in India?

Meeting NAAQS standards can prevent 0.3 million deaths annually. Reducing emissions from vehicles, construction, and crop burning is crucial for improvement.

News: Zero safe zones: No Indian city meets WHO air quality standards, says Lancet study | IS Global | Live Mint

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Most Favoured Nation (MFN)?
• Background of the India-Switzerland Tax Treaty
• Implications of the Suspension of the MFN Clause
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Switzerland has announced the suspension of the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India, effective January 1, 2025.
• This move could lead to higher tax burdens for Indian companies operating in Switzerland and Swiss investors in India, potentially impacting bilateral investments.

What is the Most Favoured Nation (MFN)?

• Meaning:
  • An MFN clause mandates a country that provides a trade concession to one trading partner to extend the same treatment to all trading partners.
  • It is a founding principle of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). For example, if a WTO member country reduces a tariff on a product for one trading partner, it must also extend that same tariff reduction to all other WTO members.
• Purpose: MFN aims to replace power-based policies with a rules-based framework, where trading rights are not dependent on a country's economic or political clout.
• Pros and Cons of MFN:
• Exemptions: The WTO provides the following exemptions from MFN provisions -
  • When members strike bilateral trade agreements or when members offer developing countries special access to their markets.
  • Trade blocs like the European Union (EU), are allowed to discriminate against imports from outside the bloc.
  • Trade barriers in response to unfair competition, etc.
  • WTO members can impose any trade measures they want on countries that are not members of the WTO (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Belarus, etc).
• Removal of MFN status:
  • There is no formal procedure for suspending MFN treatment and it is unclear whether members must notify the WTO if they do so.
  • For example, India revoked Pakistan's MFN status following the Pulwama attack in 2019. Pakistan has never granted India MFN status.

Background of the India-Switzerland Tax Treaty:

• Original agreement: The DTAA between India and Switzerland was signed in 1994 and amended in 2010 to prevent double taxation of income.
• Supreme Court ruling:
  • In 2023, the Indian SC ruled that the DTAA’s provisions require explicit notification under the Income-Tax Act to be enforceable.
  • This overturned a Delhi High Court decision that protected entities from double taxation.
  • The court ruled that a country can claim DTAA benefits only from the treaty's date of enforcement, not retroactively.
  • Though companies like Nestlé and Concentrix argued for reduced withholding tax rates under OECD-member treaties, the ruling rejected automatic applicability.
• Reason for suspension of the MFN clause:
  • The Swiss government cited a lack of reciprocity as the basis for suspending the MFN clause.
  • Swiss authorities stated that they could not apply reduced tax rates unilaterally without mutual agreement from India.

Implications of the Suspension of the MFN Clause:

• Higher tax rates:
  • Dividends paid after January 1, 2025, will be taxed at a higher rate of 10% in the source state.
  • This affects Swiss companies like Nestlé and challenges India's attractiveness as an investment destination.
• On European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Switzerland’s suspension poses risks to the $100 billion investment commitment under the EFTA-India trade pact, signed in March 2024.
  • EFTA is an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
• On bilateral treaty dynamics:
  • The decision underscores evolving international tax frameworks and India’s stricter treaty interpretations.
  • Indian entities operating in Switzerland may face higher tax liabilities/ increased financial burdens, reflecting broader global taxation trends.

Conclusion:

• Switzerland’s suspension of the MFN clause marks a significant shift in India-Switzerland tax treaty relations.
• While aimed at addressing reciprocity concerns, the move could deter Swiss investments in India and complicate tax compliance for Indian entities.
• The development emphasises the importance of mutual agreement and clarity in international tax treaties to ensure stability and fairness in cross-border trade and investment.

Q.1. What is the EFTA-India trade pact?

India-European Free Trade Association signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) today i.e. on 10th March 2024. For the first time in history of FTAs, binding commitment of $100 bn investment and 1 million direct jobs in the next 15 years has been given.

Q.2. What is a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)?

DTAA is an international treaty between two or more countries designed to prevent the same Income from being taxed twice. India, for instance, has such agreements with 85 countries, benefiting individuals who reside in one country but earn Income in another.

News: Nestlé judgment fallout: Switzerland suspends Most-Favoured-Nation clause in tax avoidance pact with India, could impact $100 billion investment commitment under EFTA deal | HT

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in the News?
• Food Safety and Standards in India
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
• About Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020
• Need & Significance of Food Safety Regulations
• News Summary

Why in the News?

• Added sugar per serving was found to be in compliance with the provisions under Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020 in baby product of Nestle, Union Health Minister J P Nadda informed the Lok Sabha recently.

Food Safety and Standards in India

• Legal Framework:
  • The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act) is the overarching legislation regulating food safety and standards in India.
  • It consolidated multiple acts like the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, and others to create a unified food law.
• Objectives:
  • Ensure food safety and consumer protection.
  • Regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.
  • Establish science-based standards for food articles.
• The Act covers the entire food value chain, from production to consumption, emphasizing hygiene, safety, and quality.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• The FSSAI was established under the FSS Act, 2006. It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Role of FSSAI:
  • Formulate food safety standards
  • License and regulate food businesses
  • Conduct inspections and audits
  • Educate stakeholders about food safety
  • Monitor food recalls, testing, and labelling
• State-Level Authorities:
  • Food Safety Commissioners operate at the state level to implement FSSAI guidelines.
  • Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and Designated Officers enforce compliance.
• Checks and Balances:
• Licensing and Registration:
  • All food business operators (FBOs) must obtain an FSSAI license or registration, depending on the size and nature of operations.
• Inspections and Monitoring:
  • Routine and surprise inspections by FSOs ensure compliance with standards.
  • Sampling and testing of food products are conducted to check adulteration or contamination.
• Standards and Regulations:
  • Prescribed standards for different categories of food items.
  • Mandatory labelling requirements, including nutritional information, expiry dates, and allergen warnings.
• Penalties and Adjudication:
  • Offenders face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for violations like food adulteration, misleading advertisements, or operating without a license.
• Consumer Redressal:
  • Grievance mechanisms for consumers to report unsafe or substandard food.

About Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020

• Purpose:
  • Regulate the manufacture, marketing, and sale of foods intended for infants.
  • Ensure nutritional adequacy and safety for children up to 2 years of age.
• Key Provisions:
• Nutritional Standards:
  • Set limits for protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
    Specific requirements for infant milk substitutes and complementary foods.
• Labelling Norms:
  • Prohibit any misleading claims or advertisements about infant foods.
    Must display clear instructions for preparation and warnings about improper use.
• Prohibition of Additives:
  • Ban on artificial flavours, sweeteners, and certain preservatives in infant foods.
• Breastfeeding Promotion:
  • Mandatory message on packaging emphasizing breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition.
• Compliance Requirements:
  • Manufacturers must obtain FSSAI approval for infant food products.
  • Strict monitoring of quality through batch-wise sampling.

Need & Significance of Food Safety Regulations

• Public Health Protection: Prevents foodborne illnesses and ensures nutritious diets.
• Consumer Confidence: Transparent checks and labelling build trust in the food industry.
• Global Standards Compliance: Aligns Indian food safety practices with international benchmarks, aiding exports.
• Infant Nutrition: Ensures safe and adequate nutrition for infants, reducing malnutrition and health risks.

News Summary

• Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda informed the Lok Sabha that the added sugar in Nestlé baby products complies with the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2020.
• These standards align with global norms set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which incorporates World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
• The statement came after a Swiss NGO report raised concerns over added sugar in wheat-based baby products.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took suo motu action and conducted inspections at manufacturing facilities earlier this year.
• The inspections confirmed adherence to Indian and global food safety regulations, ensuring compliance in the production of infant food products.

Q1. What are Artificial Sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are a type of sugar substitutes which means any sweetener used instead of normal table sugar. These are synthetic substitutes but can also be made from some natural herbs. Some examples are aspartame, saccharin, sucralose etc.

Q2. What do you mean by Shelf Life of food?

Shelf life of foods can be defined as the time needed to reach a change in its overall quality which makes it unfit for consumption.

News: Food Safety and Standards in India

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Arctic Region
• Key highlights of the study
• What happens if the Arctic becomes ice-free?

Why in News?

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day—defined as less than one million square kilometers of sea ice—by 2030 or earlier, driven by unprecedented greenhouse gas emissions. 

The analysis warns that while the scenario is unlikely, its plausibility is growing due to continued human-induced climate change.

Arctic sea ice has been shrinking at an alarming rate, with its extent decreasing by 12.6% per decade over the last 40 years—a rate unmatched in at least 1,500 years, according to the MIT Climate Portal's 2023 report.

Arctic Region

• Introduction
  • The Arctic region, or the Arctic, is a geographic region spreading around the North Pole.
  • It includes the northern parts of Canada, the United States, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. 
  • The Arctic Ocean lies between these lands. An imaginary line, called the Arctic Circle, surrounds most of the area.
    • The Arctic Circle (66° 33'N) defines the Arctic based on solar radiation.
• Geography and Climate
  • The Arctic consists mainly of flat, treeless tundras with some mountainous areas. 
  • Much of the ground is permanently frozen, with only the top layer thawing in summer. 
    • Greenland is largely covered by a permanent ice sheet.
  • Daylight: The North Pole experiences six months of darkness followed by six months of constant daylight, while Arctic lands farther south have shorter periods of daylight in winter and brief darkness in summer.
  • Temperature: Winters are extremely cold, with temperatures reaching −90°F (−68°C) inland, while summers are mild at around 50°F (10°C). Snowfall is heavier near the coasts.
• Flora and Fauna
  • Plants: Trees are scarce, growing only in southern regions. The tundras support lichens, mosses, grasses, and some flowering plants.
  • Animals: The Arctic hosts polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, gray wolves, seals, walruses, whales, and various fish. Birds like the snowy owl live year-round, while others migrate during summer.
  • Human Presence
  • Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous groups like the Nenets, Sakha, Evenk, Chukchi, Sami, Inuit, and Aleuts traditionally inhabit the Arctic, living in small settlements.
  • Settlers: In the 1900s, industries such as mining and oil drilling attracted settlers of European descent, who established larger towns and cities.

Key highlights of the study

• Key Findings
• Near-Term Ice-Free Scenario
  • Nine simulations projected the first ice-free day could occur as early as September 2027 if conditions such as an unusually warm fall, winter, and spring, combined with stormy weather, align.
• Extended Ice-Free Period
  • The simulations suggested the ice-free period could last between 11 and 53 days, potentially leading to the Arctic's first ice-free month.
• Timing uncertain
  • While the exact timing of the first ice-free day is uncertain, scientists agree it is inevitable unless dramatic reductions in GHG emissions are achieved—a scenario deemed unlikely in the near future.
  • The occurrence of the first ice-free day may trigger more frequent events in subsequent years.
• Driving Factors
  • Unprecedented GHG emissions are accelerating Arctic Sea ice decline.
  • Global surface concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record highs in 2023, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

What happens if the Arctic becomes ice-free?

• Impact on Climate Change
  • The loss of Arctic Sea ice accelerates climate change due to the Albedo effect, where the reflective ice is replaced by darker ocean water that absorbs more solar energy. 
  • This leads to increased warming in the Arctic, triggering extreme weather events in mid-latitudes.
• Rising Sea Levels
  • Global sea levels are already rising at an accelerated rate of 3.6 mm per year, 1.5 times faster than the 1990s.
  • If the Greenland ice sheet melts entirely, sea levels could rise by six meters, threatening coastal communities worldwide.
• Ecosystem Disruption
  • The disappearance of sea ice poses severe challenges to Arctic ecosystems:
  • Species like polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and reindeer are at risk due to habitat loss and melting permafrost.
  • Marine animals are migrating further north for colder waters, disrupting food chains and dependent species.
• Human and Infrastructure Impact
  • The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, endangering ecosystems, infrastructure, and livelihoods of Arctic communities.

Q.1. What is the significance of the first ice-free day in the Arctic?

The first ice-free day signifies less than one million square kilometers of sea ice, marking accelerated climate change, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems globally.

Q.2. How does Arctic ice melting affect sea levels?

Melting Arctic ice, especially the Greenland ice sheet, can raise global sea levels by up to six meters, threatening coastal regions worldwide.

News: First ice-free day in the Arctic could come by 2030, says new study: Why does it matter? | Money Control | Arctic Centre