CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Panaji: The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSBB) has issued a public notice cautioning stakeholders about the upcoming ban on a wide range of single-use plastic (SUP) items ranging from earbuds to cups and plates from July 1.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ban includes plastic straws, disposable cutlery, earbuds, candy and ice cream packaging, and cigarette packets.

Detailed explanation-3: -Goa was the first state to impose a ban on plastic below 40 microns, which was later upgraded to 50 microns by the Centre. There are about 13-14 plastic manufacturers in Goa who have already shifted their manufacturing process to plastics with higher micron thickness.

Detailed explanation-4: -Goa had banned the sale and consumption of Gutkha in 2005 under the Public Health Act and following suit, recently several other states have also banned gutkha under Food and Safety Act. However, despite the ban, sale of gutkha sachets continues unabated literally in almost every kiosk in the State.