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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
MEA, Meity and CSC eGovernance Signed MoU To Provide eMigrate Services Through CSC
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and CSC eGovernance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide the eMigrate services through Common Services Centres (CSCs) in India.
- The MoU was signed during the conference of National Workshop on ‘Powering Transformation through User experience and User interface (UI/UX) for Digital Governance’ held on May 28th 2024 at New Delhi, Delhi.
Signatories: The MoU has been signed by Bramha Kumar, Joint Secretary (OE & PGE) Division, MEA; Sanket Bhondve, Joint Secretary (DigiGov), MeitY and Akshay Jha, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CSC eGovernance Services India Limited.
Key Points:
i.The eMigrate project is undertaken to assist the blue-collar workers going to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries.
ii.The project was designed to address challenges experienced by the migrant workers by making the emigration process online smooth.
iii.It also brings overseas employers, registered recruitment agents and insurance providers on one common platform to promote safe and legal migration.
Highlights of MoU:
Under this MoU, eMigrate Portal of MEA would be integrated with CSC’s portal, to provide the following eMigrate services to the citizens through CSCs:
i.It facilitates the registration, uploading and processing of the required documents on the eMigrate portal through CSCs.
ii.It also facilitates and supporting booking for medical and other services required by migrant workers or applicants registered on the eMigrate portal through CSC.
iii.It creates awareness about eMigrate services amongst citizens across India.
About CSC:
i.Common Services Centers (CSCs) are an integral part of the Digital India Mission.
ii.It is a front-end service delivery hub offering digital services to citizens, particularly in rural and remote areas across India.
iii.It also provides a wide range of social welfare programs, financial services, educational courses, skill development courses, healthcare, agriculture services, and digital literacy.
About Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Union Minister – Ashwini Vaishnaw (Rajya Sabha constituency, Odisha)
Minister of State (MoS) – Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Rajya Sabha constituency, Karnataka)
IITK DRDO Jointly Inaugurates Centre of Excellence in Defence Technologies
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and inaugurated the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE) on IITK campus for interdisciplinary research in next-generation defence technologies.
- Sanjay Tandon, former director of the Institute of Technology Management (ITM) at Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, has been appointed as the director of the centre of excellence at IITK.
i.The centre aims to lead focused research in various defence verticals, such as advanced nanomaterials, accelerated material design, high-energy materials, and bioengineering.
ii.The DRDO will fund the projects and establish key technical facilities and modern infrastructure required to enable and boost Research and development (R&D) programs.
iii.The establishment of DIA CoE at IIT Kanpur was started in 2022 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Def-Expo-2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Note: DefExpo 2022 was a flagship event of the Ministry of Defence built upon the vision to achieve Atma Nirbharta in defence and reach the USD 5 billion defence exports target by 2024.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
THE Asia University Rankings 2024: IISc Topped among Indian Institutes; China’s Tsinghua University Tops
i.According to the 12th edition of Times Higher Education’s (THE) Asia University Rankings (2024), Indian Institute of Science(IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka), ranked 32nd on the list, is the highest ranked Indian institution. The 2024 list features a total of 91 Indian institutions.
- Tsinghua University (China) has topped the list for the 6th consecutive year, followed by Peking University (China) and National University of Singapore (NUS) (Singapore) at 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.
ii.THE Asia University Ranking 2024 ranked 739 universities from 31 countries/regions. This marks an increase of 10.5%, up from 669 in 2023.
iii.With 119 universities, Japan has the most representation on the 2024 ranking followed by India with 91 universities(up from 75 in 2023) and Mainland China with 86 universities.
About Times Higher Education (THE):
THE, (Formerly The Times Higher Education Supplement -The Thes), is a British magazine reporting on news and issues related to higher education.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Paul Howarth
Headquarters- London, The United Kingdom(UK)
>> Read Full News
BANKING & FINANCE
SEBI Notified Framework for Issue of Subordinate Units in Privately Placed InvITs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified a framework which allowed the privately placed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to issue subordinate units.
- This new framework was introduced by SEBI in exercise of the powers given under Section 30 read with Section 11 and 12 of SEBI Act, 1992 and made certain amendments to Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
- Now, Amended regulations called as Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
Significance:
i.The Framework aims to narrow the valuation gap due to a difference in valuation done by sponsor(seller) for an asset and that by InvIT (buyer).
ii.It has been designed to include risk mitigation measures in respect of such units.
Key Features of the Subordinate Units:
i.Subordinate units will be issued to sponsors or its associates upon acquisition of an infrastructure project.
ii.Suboridnate units will have no voting rights and distribution rights compared to the ordinary units issued.
iii.The amount of subordinate units at the time of acquisition shall not exceed 10% of the acquisition price of infrastructure project by the InvIT.
iv.The total number of outstanding subordinate units issued by an InvIT shall not exceed 10% of the total number of outstanding ordinary units issued by InvIT.
iv.InvIT will not raise funds through public issues if any subordinate units have been issued and are outstanding.
v.Subordinate units will be reclassified into ordinary units, when they achieve the performance benchmarks after 3 years of issuance.
- Then, investment manager is required to obtain in-principal approval from the recognised stock exchange for listing of such subordinate units.
vi.The investment manager is required to disclose the progress regarding the performance benchmark in the annual report of the InvIT.
vii.The price of subordinates will be determined as per the pricing guidelines applicable for issuance of ordinary units.
About InvITs:
i.These are an investment instruments similar to mutual funds which allows individuals and institutional investors to make direct investment of money in infrastructure projects to earn small portion of the income as return.
ii.The investment can be made either directly or through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
iii.InvITs are regulated by the SEBI through Securities and Exchange Board of India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI):
It is a statutory body and market regulator which controls the securities market in India. It was constituted as a non-statutory body on 12th April, 1988 through a resolution of the Government of India (GoI) and was established as a statutory body in 1992.
Chairperson- Madhabi Puri Buch
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Bank of Maharashtra Introduces Maha Krishi Samrudhi Yojana to Offer Financial Support for Food & Agro-Based Industries
Bank of Maharashtra(BoM) introduced the Maha Krishi Samrudhi Yojana (MKSY), a pivotal initiative to offer financial assistance to Food and Agro-Based industries and Agri infrastructure projects including startups which are invovled in processing activities, and the development of agricultural infrastructure facilities.
About Maha Krishi Samrudhi Yojana (MKSY):
Eligibility:
i.Individuals, proprietorships, partnership concerns, Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), private limited companies, public limited companies, and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) concerns are eligible for assistance under MKSY.
ii.MKSY also extends to New and existing(including take over from banks and Financial Institutions) food and agro processing units under “Agriculture”.
Features:
i.MKSY also offers finance for new/expansion of the existing units. This includes acquisition/construction of land, building, plant, and machinery based on the project cost (including the takeover of the existing unit).
ii.This includes facilities like term loans, working capital/Export credit, Letters of Credit (LCs), and Bank Guarantees (BGs) with a maximum loan limit of up to Rs. 100 Crore (no limit on minimum amount).
iii.Under MKSY, the repayment period for term loans is up to 10 years. All working capital loans are repayable on demand. .
iv.The cluster-based approach of MKSY, is in line with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
v.MKSY aligns with the directions of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare(MoAF&W).
Margin & Rating Support:
i.Low-margin financing for term loans (minimum 10 to 25%) and working capital limits (Stocks and Book Debt, minimum 25%).
ii.For all accounts with aggregate exposure above Rs.25.00 lakhs, Internal Credit Rating is mandatory, and for all loan accounts having aggregate exposures of above Rs.25.00 crores, External Credit rating is mandatory with minimum credit risk rating to be “BBB”.
About Bank of Maharashtra:
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Nidhu Saxena
Headquarters– Pune, Maharashtra
Established- 16 September 1935
Tagline– Ek Parivaar, Ek Bank (One Family One Bank)
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
SBI Research Report: India’s GDP Growth Likely to Touch 8%; 7.4% GDP Growth for Q4FY24
According to State Bank of India (SBI’s) Economic Research Department report, overall India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to touch 8% for FY24. While, SBI’s Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model with 30 high frequency indicators projected that India’s GDP growth will be 7.4% for 4th Quarter (Q4) of FY24(2023-24).
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has estimated India’s GDP growth will be 7.3%, 7.5% and 7.0% for Q4FY24, Q1FY25 and for full FY25 respectively.
Note: Government of India (GoI) will release the India’s GDP figures for Q4(January-March 2024) and provisional estimates for FY24 on 31st May, 2024.
Key Findings:
Growth in Rural and Urban Economy:
i.The leading indicators used in report highlighted secular growth trend across urban or rural landscapes. But, it predicted incremental growth in rural economy is picked up faster.
ii.Over 80% of leading indicators showed positive growth trend in urban areas since January, 2024. Indicators like: passenger vehicle sales, airport passenger traffic, Goods and Services Tax(GST) collection, credit card transactions, petroleum consumption, and toll collection showed improving urban economic momentum.
iii.The rural economy is picking up with the percentage of accelerating indicators and showed growth acceleration which increased to 75% (in March 2024) compared to 56% (in February 2024) and 60%(in January 2024).
- Indicators like: diesel consumption and 2-wheeler sales indicated growth in rural economic momentum.
About Corporate India:
i.Around 2400 listed entities reported a top-line growth of 9% in Q4FY24.
- While, Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) increased by approximately 21% compared to a flat top line in previous quarters of FY24.
ii.Profit After Tax (PAT) growth decreased from 42% to 12% in last two quarters on Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) basis.
iii.Corporate Good Value Added (GVA) increased to 18%(in Q4FY24) from 20%(in Q4FY23).
iv.EBITDA growth decreased marginally from 26% to 21% in Q4FY24.
- Sectors such as Banking, Automobile, Capital, Goods, Pharma, among others have reported strong growth during Quarter end-March 2024.
GDP Growth and Outlook: Q4FY24
i.Global growth remains resilient, with reduction in inflation prices and tight employment conditions despite geopolitical and extreme weather conditions.
ii.Global headline inflation will decrease from an annual average 6.8% (2023) to 5.9% (2024)further to 4.5% in 2025(International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimate).
iii.The report underscored that “above normal” monsoon will benefit rural economy by boosting domestic supplies of pulses, oilseeds and cereals.
About State Bank of India(SBI):
Chairman– Dinesh Kumar Khara
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tag line–“The Banker to Every Indian”
Founded in– 1st July 1955
Bank Credit Growth to Slip 200 bps to 14% in FY25: CRISIL Ratings
According to the domestic rating agency, CRISIL Ratings Limited, a subsidiary of CRISIL Limited, Bank credit growth is expected to moderate by ~200 basis points (bps) (2%) to ~14% in the financial year 2024-2025, following robust growth of ~16% in the last financial year 2023-2024.
- Strong economic activity and retail credit demand were primary growth drivers of loan growth in the last fiscal.
- The growth of FY25 is modulated by a high base effect, revised risk weights, and slightly lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.8% in FY25, as against 7.6% in FY24.
Note: Fundamental drivers of credit demand remain strong. Private corporate capital expenditure (capex) is expected to revive in the 2nd half of fiscal 2025.
Segment-Wise Growth Expectations:
i.Corporate Credit (~45% of bank credit):
It is the largest segment, expected to grow at ~13%, driven by private sector industrial capex.
ii.Retail Credit (~28% of bank credit):
It is the 2nd-largest segment, forecasted to grow fastest at ~16%, despite a slight moderation from ~17% in fiscal 2024.
iii.Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Credit (~16% of overall credit):
Estimated growth of ~15% (from 19% in FY24), supported by downstream capex and government initiatives, and improved sector formalisation.
iv.Agricultural Credit:
Growth is linked to monsoon trends, with moderation expected after a strong fiscal 2024.
Note: The pace of deposit growth will influence credit growth, with banks relying more on excess Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) holdings.
About CRISIL Ratings Limited:
MD– Gurpreet Chhatwal
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
CRISIL Ratings Limited pioneered credit rating in India in 1987.
Under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notifications, CRISIL Limited has transferred its Ratings business to CRISIL Ratings Limited, from 31 December 2020.
Radisys Forms Consortium To Set Up Telecom Network in Ghana
The Reliance backed Radisys India Limited has formed a consortium called Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) for the Government of Ghana in collaboration with Nokia Corporation, Tech Mahindra Limited, Ascend Digital Solutions Limited, K-NET Private Limited and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
- The NGIC has been awarded a 5G licence and expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months, followed by expansion to other parts of Africa.
- It will be the first 5G Mobile Broadband Shared Infrastructure Entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network.
- It will also work with MNO partners to launch affordable 4G/5G-enabled Fixed Wireless Access Customer Premise Equipment (FWA CPEs) and smartphones in Ghana within 2024.
- It improves the lives of Ghanaians by introducing digital services in education, healthcare, and digital payment transactions through P2P (peer-to-peer), P2M (peer-to-merchant), and M2M (merchant-to-merchant) networks thereby promoting financial inclusion.
- To achieve this, Tech Mahindra will build a Cloud Native Core Network powered by leading OEM platforms.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Muthoot Pappachan Group Named Actor Shah Rukh Khan as its Brand Ambassador
On 29th May 2024, Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), popularly known as Muthoot Blue, has named Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador.
- MPG is the promoter of leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India including Muthoot FinCorp Limited, Muthoot Microfin Limited, Muthoot Capital Services Limited, and Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited.
- This strategic collaboration represents a significant milestone for MPG, reinforcing its brand presence and a new way of connecting with a diverse audience across India.
- It also underscores MPG’s steadfast commitment to driving India’s financial growth and aspirations.
Note: MPG founded in 1887 has diversified into sectors like Financial services, Hospitality, Automotive, Realty, Healthcare, Alternate Energy. etc., .
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD powerd by World’s 1st 3D Printed Semicryogenic Rocket Engine
i.On 30th May 2024, AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited launched Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator), powered by the world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.
- The rocket was launched from Agnikul Launch Pad 1 (ALP-1), India’s first & only private Launchpad within Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
ii.The indigenously designed and built Agnibaan SOrTeD is India’s second privately built rocket with world’s first 3D printed engine.
iii.Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s Agnilet engine.
About AgniKul Cosmos Private Limited
It is an Indian aerospace manufacturer based in National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-founder – Srinath Ravichandran
Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Established – 2017
>> Read Full News
DRDO Successfully Conducted the Flight-test of RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile from Su-30 MK-I off the Odisha Coast
On 29th May 2024, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the fight-test of RudraM-II, Next Generation Anti-Radiation Missile(NGARM) from Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This air-to-surface missile was tested at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore, Off the Coast of Odisha.
- It is the latest version of RudraM – 1 missile, 1st indigenously developed anti radiation air-to-surface missile was test-fired from Su-30MKI fighter jet in 2020.
About RudraM–II Missile:
i.It is an indigenously developed solid propelled air-launched missile system for air-to-surface to neutralise various types of enemy assets. It can carry a payload of 200 kg and attain a maximum speed of 6,791 km/h (Mach 5.5).
ii.This missile system will replace Russian Kh-31, anti-radiation missiles currently deployed in Indian defence system.
Indian Army unveiled Tractor-Mounted ATGM System in “Jugaad Innovation”
Indian Army has unveiled an Anti-Tank Guided Missile(ATGM) system mounted on a farm tractor. This “Jugaad” (Hindi for ingenious improvisation) innovation is named as Improvised Tractor Mounted ATGM.
>> Read Full News
South Korea Completes Development of Long-Range SAM System
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has completed the development of its Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system and received the combat readiness certification.
- It successfully passed four target interception tests in 2023 and the test launch in March 2024. The L-SAM cleared all technical requirements set by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces .
- L-SAM is expected to begin production by 2025 and be deployed for operations by 2028.
- The project was launched in 2014 and the DAPA subsidiary Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has been developing the L-SAM with local military technology firm LIG Nex1 Co. Limited since 2019.
- It is designed to shoot down incoming targets at altitudes of 50-60 kilometres (31-37 miles) and can shoot both ballistic missiles and fighter jets.
- The system is a part of South Korea’s indigenous ballistic missile defence (BMD) architecture known as the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system.
Note:
i.The Korean military is also developing the L-SAM Block-II which has a higher interception altitude than the L-SAM.
ii.It also introduced the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), which can shoot down ballistic missiles at altitudes of 100 to 1,000 km.
SPORTS
Indian Arm Wrestlers won 7 medals at the Asian Arm-wrestling Championship 2024
The Indian Arm-Wrestling team won a total of 7 medals (1 gold and 6 bronze) at the 22nd Asian Arm-Wrestling Championship and 21st Asian Para Arm-Wrestling Championship 2024 held from 20th May to 27th May 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- The 2024 Championship was organised by the Asian Arm-wrestling Federation (AAF) and Uzbekistan Armwrestling Federation (UZAF).
- The Indian wrestlers’ team was competing under the banner of the People’s Armwrestling Federation of India (PAFI).
Key Highlights:
i.Chattisgarh’s para-arm wrestler Shrimant Jha won a gold medal in the left-hand +85 kg para category and a bronze medal in the right-hand para-senior category.
ii.Sachin Goyal won a bronze medal in the competitive 85 kg Senior category (right-hand position). He is a part of the Baroda Badshahs franchise in the Pro Panja League.
iii.Laxman Singh Bhandari won two bronze medals in both Right- and left-hand master categories.
iv.Ibi Lollen from Arunachal Pradesh won two bronze medals under the senior women’s 70 kg weight category (both left hand and right hand positions).
Note:
i.Shrimant Jha, after this win has also qualified for the upcoming World Para-Arm Wrestling Championship in Moldova.
ii.He has also won a bronze medal at the Para-Arm-wrestling World Championship in Kazakhstan held in September 2023 and a silver medal at the Asia Championship in the United Arab Emirates(UAE) in 2023.
About People’s Arm-wrestling Federation India (PAFI)
People’s Arm- wrestling Federation India is India’s governing body of arm-wrestling sport. It is the only organization associated with the Asian Arm-wrestling Federation (AAF) and the World Arm-wrestling Federation (WAF).
President- Preeti Jhangiani
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
OBITUARY
Oscar Winning Canadian Film Producer Albert S. Ruddy Passed Away
Albert Stotland Ruddy, the renowned Oscar winning Canadian Film Producer has passed away at the age of 94 at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, United States of America (USA). He was born on 28th March 1930 in Montreal, Canada.
- In 1973, he won the Academy Award (Oscar) for the Best Picture for the film ‘The Godfather’ (1972) at the 45th Academy Awards.
- He also won an Oscar for the Best Picture for the film ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004) at the 77th Annual Academy Awards held in 2005.
About Albert Stotland Ruddy:
i.Albert Stotland Ruddy is a Canadian-American film and Television (TV) Producer.
ii.He has produced more than 30 movies which includes Bad Girls (1994), The Scout (1994), Matilda (1978), The Longest Yard (1974), The Cannonball Run (1981) and Making It (1971) and further showcased his versatility by writing and producing Cloud Nine (2006).
iii.He has served as a member of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
iv.He has also served as the Director at the Producers Guild of America (PGA) from 1973 to 1974.
Awards & Honours:
He has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture-Drama for the film ‘The Godfather’ in 1973 and for Best Motion Picture- Musical/Comedy for the film ‘The Longest Yard’ in 1975.
IMPORTANT DAYS
UN’s First-Ever International Day of Potato – 30 May 2024
United Nations (UN)’s first-ever International Day of Potato was observed across the globe on 30th May 2024 to raise awareness of the various nutritional, economic, environmental, and cultural values of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum), the 3rd most consumed food crop globally.
- The annual observance of the day is facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- The theme of the inaugural International Day of Potato 2024 is “Harvesting diversity, feeding hope”.
Background:
i.On 8th December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/78/123, proclaiming 30th May of every year as the International Day of Potato.
ii.The annual observance was championed by Peru, which submitted a proposal for adoption to the UNGA, based on an FAO Conference Resolution of July 2023.
About Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO):
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
Director-General– Qu Dongyu
Headquarters– Rome, Italy
Established- 1945
>> Read Full News
World Vape Day 2024 – May 30
World Vape Day (WVD) is annually observed across the globe on 30th May to raise awareness about the alternatives to tobacco products, and emphasise the safety of e-cigarettes and vaping as a harm reduction tool for smokers.
- WVD also aims to highlight the potential benefits of vaping and other harm-reduction tools, to help smokers who are unable to quit tobacco products.
The theme of 2024 WVD is “Misperception Epidemic”.
- WVD on 30 May falls just a day before “World No Tobacco Day” (May 31), proclaimed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Note: Vaping is the inhaling of an aerosol (vapour) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette).
Significance of 2024 Observance:
i.It highlights how misinformation is preventing smokers from switching to safer alternatives.
ii.It empowers individuals with evidence-based knowledge and encourages discussions about how vaping can contribute to a smoke-free world.
Background:
i.WVD was initiated by the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA), which amplifies the voices of passionate vapers globally, empowering them to make a difference in their communities.
ii.WVA was first launched as an independent 501(c)(3) organisation, and is now partially funded by the Consumer Choice Center, a consumer advocacy group.
E-Cigarette:
i.E-cigarettes are sometimes called e-cigs, vapes, and vape pens collectively referred to as Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), and Electronic Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (EN&NNDS)
ii.They are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol.
iii.The 1st device in the recent innovation in e-cigarettes was developed in 2003 by the Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik.
Note: EN&NNDS are a heterogeneous class of products that use an electrically powered coil to heat and turn a liquid into an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user.
Key Facts:
i.Vaping, often equated with smoking, holds misconceptions regarding its comparative harm. Vaping risks are 95% lower than smoking.
ii.Combustion cigarettes emit over 70 carcinogens, tar, and carbon monoxide. Vaping lacks combustion, thus eliminating many harmful chemicals present in smoke.
iii.Vape aerosol is produced by heating e-liquids containing safe food ingredients.
Note: Sweden is set to become smoke-free, not by banning safer nicotine products but by endorsing them.
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