According to the Annual Report 2021-22, this government think tank is reviewing the available evidence to understand what the government can take to address the growing obesity problem. According to the report, this problem is increasing in children, adolescents and women.
A National Consultation on Prevention of Maternal, Adolescent and Childhood Obesity was organized under the chairmanship of Member (Health) of NITI Aayog to discuss policy options to tackle the issue on 24 June 2021, the report said. .
Accordingly, NITI Aayog is reviewing the available evidence with IEG (Institute for Economic Development) and PHFI (Public Health Foundation of India) to understand the steps that can be taken to address this problem.
These include marketing and advertising of foods high in sugar, salt and fat with front-of-pack labeling and increased tax on such food items.
At present, there is a GST (Goods and Services Tax) of five per cent on food items like unbranded namkeen, bhujia, vegetable chips and snacks. At the same time, the rate of GST for branded and packaged goods is 12 percent.
Steps taken for study on Hyperloop system
The commission in its report also said that an expert committee headed by NITI Aayog member VK Saraswat has held four meetings so far to study the technical and commercial feasibility of the Hyperloop system. Sub-committees have also been constituted.
The sub-committees have suggested that the private sector should be allowed to build and operate the hyperloop system. At the same time, if possible, the central government should act as an entity providing certification, permission, tax benefits and land.
The report said that a blueprint will be prepared to develop the Hyperloop technology indigenously. According to the report, the sub-committees have also said that the government will not invest money on its behalf and the private sector will bear the full risk of business.
The Hyperloop technology has been proposed by businessman and inventor Elon Musk. Musk heads electric vehicle maker Tesla and commercial space transportation company SpaceX.