Daily Current Affairs Update – 05 July 2025

1. WHO “3 by 35” Initiative: Health Taxes on Harmful Products

Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the “3 by 35” initiative to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% over the next decade.
Key Features:
- Aims to mobilize an additional US$ 1 trillion in public revenue globally over ten years.
- Health taxes are considered one of the most cost-effective tools to address obesity and NCDs, which account for over 75% of global deaths.
- Economic rationale: Tobacco use alone cost the global economy US$ 1.4 trillion in 2012.
- A 50% tax could generate up to US$ 3.7 trillion in new revenue within five years.
- Promotes equity, as NCDs disproportionately affect lower-income populations.
- India’s Steps:
  - Aerated beverages: 28% GST + 12% compensation cess.
  - High-fat sugar salt (HFSS) foods: 12% GST.
  - FSSAI limits trans fatty acids in food products to 2% by mass of total oils and fats.

Context:
The Indian Prime Minister highlighted the shifting global order, emphasizing the growing influence of the Global South in world affairs.
Key Features:
- The Global South refers to less developed countries, mainly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Post-WWII, the world was bipolar (USA vs. USSR), then unipolar (USA) after 1991.
- The Global South now accounts for 40% of world trade and the majority of the world’s population.
- Economic growth in countries like China and India is reshaping global dynamics.
- Alternative institutions: New Development Bank (NDB), BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
- Assertive diplomacy: e.g., Loss and Damage Fund at COP27, push for UN reforms.
- South–South cooperation and demographic dividend are key strengths.

Context:
NITI Aayog released a report on India’s chemical sector, outlining strategies to boost its global value chain participation.
Key Features:
- India’s chemical sector aims for a USD 1 trillion valuation and 12% global value chain share by 2040 (currently 3.5%).
- Challenges: Heavy reliance on imported feedstock (USD 31 billion trade deficit in 2023), low R&D investment (0.7% vs. global 2.3%), skill shortages, infrastructure and regulatory hurdles.
- Recommendations:
  - Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for investments.
  - Establish world-class chemical hubs.
  - Opex subsidies for high-import, high-export chemicals.
  - Fast-track environmental clearances and secure FTAs.

Context:
The OPCW held its 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities in Asia in New Delhi, in collaboration with India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC).
Key Features:
- OPCW is the implementing agency of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which came into force in 1997.
- CWC is the first multilateral disarmament agreement to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
- India is an original signatory; NACWC implements the Convention domestically.
- In 2024, the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) received the OPCW-The Hague Award for advancing CWC goals and industry safety.
- ICC is India’s oldest chemical industry association.

Context:
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department withdrew a directive that restricted other entities from working on Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR), aligning with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
Key Features:
- CFRR under FRA allows communities to protect, regenerate, and manage forest resources via gram sabhas.
- The National Working Plan Code 2023 guides scientific management of forest divisions.
- FRA aims to undo historical injustice to forest-dwelling communities and ensure their livelihood and food security.
- Rights recognized: Individual (self-cultivation, habitation) and community (grazing, fishing, intellectual property, traditional knowledge).

Context:
The 19th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) was released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
Key Features:
- Covers 163 countries using 23 indicators across societal safety, conflict, and militarization.
- Global peacefulness has deteriorated; South Asia is the second least peaceful region.
- Rankings: Iceland (1st), India (115th), Russia (163rd, least peaceful).

Context:
The DAC cleared capital acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹1.05 lakh crore.
Key Features:
- DAC is the apex body for strategic defence acquisition planning, chaired by the Defence Minister.
- Functions: Approves capital acquisitions, monitors major projects, grants acceptance of necessity.
- Focus on indigenous sourcing to enhance self-reliance.

Context:
IN-SPACe facilitated the transfer of ten ISRO-developed technologies to six Indian industries.
Key Features:
- Aims to boost private sector involvement and indigenization in space technology.
- Focuses on commercial applications and reducing foreign dependency.

Kariyachalli Island Sinking:
Located in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, the island is sinking due to erosion and sea-level rise. Restoration efforts include artificial reefs and seagrass planting.
Apache AH-64E Helicopters:
India is set to receive advanced Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, equipped with modern weaponry and sensors.
Polar Anticyclones:
Chile and Argentina experienced extreme cold due to polar anticyclones—high-pressure systems formed by surface air cooling.
International Olympic Committee (IOC):
IOC flagged governance and doping issues in Indian sports amid India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD):
Africa’s largest hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile, completed in Ethiopia.
Handicrafts Gifted by Indian PM in Ghana:
Included Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, Bidriware vases, Cuttack silver filigree purse, and a miniature Ambawari elephant. Most have Geographical Indication (GI) tags.