United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2022
The United Nations General Assembly on December 12, 1997, adopted a resolution to proclaim June 26 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The day is observed to call upon nations, civil societies and individuals all across the world to extend their support to victims of torture and those who are being tortured.
What are the aims of the Day?
The United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is an important day to raise awareness about torture and help victims receive the support they need. The aims of the Day are to promote the abolition of torture, support victims, and promote human rights.
Torture is a violation of human rights that can cause immense pain and suffering. It is often used to intimidate or punish people, and it can lead to long-term physical and psychological problems. The Day aims to help victims receive the support they need to recover from torture, and to create a society that does not tolerate torture.
United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: History
On December 12, 1997, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution, declaring June 26 as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The first International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 26, 1998, the UN appealed to all the governments, stakeholders, and the members of the global society to stand against this act, and to take action against the torture and those who execute it in every corner of the world.
GST Council to talk about modifying law, online gambling and casinos
The Goods and Service Taxes (GST) Council is going to talk about changing the law to make it easier to create GST tribunals. A report by a Group of Ministers (GoM) on online gambling, casinos, and racetracks will also be discussed by the Council. The GoM has proposed that rates and valuation standards for the 28 percent GST that will be imposed on casinos, racetracks, internet gambling, and lotteries be uniform. It said that no distinction should be made between games of skill and games of chance for the purposes of the levy.
KEY POINTS:
It is advised that in the case of online gaming, the full value of consideration will take into account any contest entry fees, player participation fees, etc., whereas in the case of racetracks, the full value of bets placed with bookmakers and pooled in the totalisator should be taken into account.
In the case of casinos, the entire face value of any chips or coins that customers purchase from a casino will be taken into account.
The value of bets put in each round of betting, including those played using winnings from earlier rounds, shall not be subject to additional tax after GST is charged on the purchase of chips or coins (on face value).
Additionally, it is advised that the entry charge to casinos include the cost of one or more additional supplies, such as the cost of food and beverages.
Any other extra services or optional purchases made without using an entry ticket will be subject to tax at the rate that applies to such purchases.
Odisha, ‘Mo Bus’ Service received the prestigious UN Public Service Award
Mo Bus, Odisha-based public transport service has been honored with a prestigious United Nations award, for their role and efforts in helping the world recover better from Covid19. The public transport service has been recognised for its role in “promoting gender-responsive public services to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)”, the UN said.
Among the other winners of this year’s awards, announced by Liu Zhenmin, United Nations Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs during a virtual event to commemorate the United Nations Public Service Day (celebrated on June 22), were public service initiatives from Thailand, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Panama, the Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.
Recognition for Odisha:
The UN recognition said the “problem” was that “bus services in the city of Bhubaneswar needed improvement”, as a result of which “the majority of people used private vehicles, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaw to commute instead of taking public transportation”.
As the “solution”, the Odisha government in 2018 “reorganized the public transit services in the city to provide an integrated, reliable and inclusive public bus service system”. Mo Bus, the UN noted, has incorporated “real-time technologies like live tracking, travel planner and e-ticketing”, and an e-rickshaw system called ‘Mo E-Ride’ has been introduced as a last-mile feeder service.
Anil Khanna named as the acting President of IOA
Anil Khanna has been appointed the acting President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The Delhi High Court has ordered that Narinder Dhruv Batra cannot continue as the President of the IOA and appointed Anil Khanna as acting president. Veteran sports administrator Narinder Batra was ordered to stop functioning as Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president by the Delhi High Court “in a contempt proceeding”, a month after it asked him to relinquish the top job. A vacation bench of Justice Dinesh Sharma passed the order on a contempt petition filed by Olympian and hockey World Cup winner Aslam Sher Khan.
On May 25, Batra was removed as IOA chief after the Delhi High Court struck down the post of ‘life member’ in Hockey India, courtesy which he had contested and won the apex body elections back in 2017. At that time also, the IOA had installed Khanna as its acting chief.
IAF to join Egyptian Air Force in Tactical Leadership Program
The Indian Air Force announced that three Su-30 MKI planes and two C-17 transport aircraft are taking part in a month-long tactical leadership programme in Egypt. According to the statement, the exercise offers a singular chance to highlight the IAF’s capabilities and reach against the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation. In Egypt (Cairo West Airbase), the Indian Air Force would send three Su-30MKI aircraft, two C-17 aircraft, and 57 IAF personnel to the Egyptian Air Force Weapon School to take part in a tactical leadership programme.
This particular exercise, which simulates numerous conflict situations using air assets in a big force engagement context, is unique. The goal of the exercise is to improve defence cooperation between the two nations and exchange best practises. The Indian Air Force (IAF) stated that the initiative will also give a chance to display the Su-30 MKI made in India as well as the nation’s proficiency for further indigenization of spare parts and components.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is conducted by the United Nations. It is observed on June 26 annually. The global event highlights the physical and psychological impact of substance abuse, drug overdose deaths and drug-related humanitarian crises with an aim to eliminate the menace from society.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022: Theme
“Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises” is the theme for 2022’s celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Significance
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has put forward a #CareInCrises Compaign for this year’s celebration of World Drug Day. It highlights data from its annual World Drug Report and urges governments, world citizenry, international organisations and each stakeholder to prevent drug abuse, provide treatment, and restrict the illicit drug supply.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: History
During the 93rd plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 7, 1987, resolution 42/112, adopted on the reports of the third committee of the General Assembly, was passed.
The date of June 26, was chosen to commemorate the campaign by Lin Zexu, a prominent Chinese politician and philosopher from 18th-19th century China who destroyed, starting June 3, 1839, about 1.2 million kilograms of opium illegally imported by British traders into China. Zexu’s successful campaign had concluded in 23 days.