Mental Health in India’s Material World
Why in News?
World Mental Health Day on October 10 highlights India’s rising mental health issues. There is a need for improved infrastructure, regulation, and care systems to address growing mental health concerns.
Theme of Mental Health Day 2024
“Mental Health at Work”
Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Primary Factors Influencing Mental Health in India
- Biological Factors:
- Genetics: Family history can predispose individuals to mental health issues.
- Physical Health: Chronic illnesses and neurological disorders impact mental well-being.
- Psychological Factors:
- Early Life Experiences: Childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect contributes to psychological challenges.
- Environmental Factors:
- Socioeconomic Status: Poverty, unemployment, and financial stress are major contributors.
- Exposure to Trauma: Violence, accidents, or natural disasters have lasting effects on mental health.
- Healthcare Access: Limited availability of psychological healthcare worsens mental health conditions.
Way Forward
- Improve Infrastructure: Build more mental health clinics, especially in rural areas, and recruit more professionals.
- Integrate Mental Health into Primary Healthcare: Train primary care doctors to identify and treat common mental health issues.
- Incorporate Mental Health in Education: Add mental health awareness to school curricula to promote early intervention and reduce stigma.
- Insurance Coverage: Expand mental health coverage in health insurance policies to ensure treatment is accessible and affordable.
In Brief
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The rivers Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi are the lifeline rivers running along the sanctuary. River Balamdehi forms the western boundary, and Jonk River forms the northeastern boundary of the Sanctuary.
Flora: The sanctuary contains major vegetation of Teak, Sal, and Mixed forest.
Fauna: Cheetal, Sambhar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, and Wild Dog are commonly seen.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Overview
The CCS is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and serves as the highest authority for appointing officials within national security agencies. The committee is responsible for critical decisions regarding defense policy, expenditure, and overall national security matters.
Functions
- The CCS addresses all matters concerning India’s defense and security.
- It manages law and order issues and national security concerns.
- The committee explores initiatives to enhance national security.
- It handles foreign policy matters that could impact internal or external security, including security agreements with other nations.
- The CCS discusses political issues affecting national security.
- It assesses the condition and personnel of national security agencies, recommending changes to improve security.
- The committee reviews cases involving capital expenditures exceeding Rs 1,000 crore for the Department of Defence Production and the Department of Defence Research and Development.
- It also addresses issues related to atomic energy and reviews revised cost estimates or increased firmed-up cost estimates.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Purpose
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU tariff on carbon-intensive imports that establishes a fair price for carbon emissions from goods entering the EU to promote cleaner production in non-EU countries. It ensures the carbon price of imports aligns with that of domestic production, protecting EU climate goals.
Implementation
From 2026, EU importers must buy carbon certificates reflecting the domestic carbon price for imported goods. The required number of certificates will be based on annual import volumes and their embedded emissions. Importers can deduct amounts if they prove a carbon price was already paid in the exporting country.
Exemptions
Companies from countries with equivalent domestic carbon pricing will not need CBAM certificates.
Coverage
Initially targets sectors at risk of “carbon leakage,” including iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, electricity, and hydrogen.
Timeline
The definitive regime begins in 2026; a transitional phase from 2023 to 2025 involves only reporting obligations.
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