Asbestos

Why in news?

• Recently, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a comprehensive ban on all forms of the deadly carcinogen asbestos.

About the Asbestos:

• It is a naturally occurring mineral, has been widely used in various industries due to its heat and chemical resistance, tensile strength, and insulating properties.
• However, it is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and it is linked to more than 40,000 deaths in the US each year.

The Global Scenario:

• Currently, more than 65 countries, including the US, have imposed bans or severe restrictions on its use.
• It continues to be used in many other countries, including India.

The Indian Context:

• India banned asbestos mining in 1993. However, there is no law in the country that prevents its use in construction, import, or trade.
• As a result, asbestos is widely used in everything from cement to brake parts.
• In fact, India accounted for nearly half of global asbestos imports in 2021.
• In India, in the coming decades, more than 6 million people could have an asbestos-related disease, including more than 600,000 cancer cases.

World Happiness Report 2024

Why in news?

• World Happiness Report 2024 has been released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

About:

• It is released annually and takes into account six variables — GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption.
• It is supported by taking the average life evaluation data gathered by the Gallup polls for the 2021-23 period.

Findings:

• Finland topped the list for the seventh year in a row, followed by Denmark, Iceland and Sweden. Israel too made it to the top five of the ranking.
• Afghanistan was deemed as the least happy country, after Congo, Sierra Leone, Lesotho and Lebanon.
• India ranked 126th same as last year, China ranked 60th, Nepal at 93, Pakistan at 108, Myanmar at 118, Sri Lanka at 128 and Bangladesh at 129th spots.