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New Wetland Virus
In China researchers have found a novel virus known as the Wetland Virus which is spread by ticks. They are worried about how it can affect people’s health because it might cause major neurological (brain-related) issues.
Discovery and Initial Case
The first recorded incidence of the Wetland Virus occurred in June 2019, following a 61-year-old man’s severe illness following a tick bite in a wetland park in northern China. He experienced severe symptoms including headaches, vomiting and fever. This case led scientists to investigate the virus further.
The Wetland Virus belongs to the class of viruses known as orthomyxoviruses which are frequently transmitted by tick bites. This scientific classification aids in the understanding of the virus’s possible behavior and the group to which it belongs.
Symptoms and Effects
At least 17 tick-bitten individuals in China have displayed Wetland Virus symptoms. Fever, headache, dizziness, fatigue (malaise) back pain, joint pain (arthritis) and nausea are some of these symptoms.
Research indicates that the virus poses a significant risk to health since it can harm brain tissue and interfere with blood coagulation. Additionally the virus has been discovered in rats, pigs, sheep, and horses. This raises questions regarding the virus’s potential for wider transmission in wildlife since it implies that it can spread across many species.
Patient Recovery
All patients who were afflicted have recovered, despite the fact that the illness can be rather serious. After receiving therapy the majority of patients were able to leave the hospital in 4 to 15 days. This gives hope that the virus can be managed but more research is needed.
The necessity of being aware of diseases carried by ticks has been brought to light by the discovery of the Wetland Virus. Scientists are urging more public awareness of the potential consequences of these viruses on animal populations as well as human health as they continue to investigate their causes and impacts.
Tamil Nadu Irrigation Tank Rehabilitation Sanctions ₹500 Crore
A ₹500 crore project has been approved by the Tamil Nadu government to renovate 5,000 small irrigation tanks in rural regions. Improving water storage and managing local water resources—particularly for agriculture—are the goals of this initiative.
The State Budget will provide ₹250 crore for the project and the State Finance Commission will also provide an extra ₹250 crore. This funding is managed by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.
What is the Current Situation?
There are approximately 69,777 ponds, or ooranis (traditional water storage systems), and 22,051 small irrigation tanks in Tamil Nadu. Village panchayats are responsible for maintaining ponds and ooranis whereas panchayat unions which are local government entities, oversee minor irrigation tanks.
What does the Project Involve?
The project will focus on:
To enhance the capacity of these tanks, the water regions should be deepened and desilted. repairing or erecting the elevated banks, or bunds, that contain the water in the tanks. ensuring that water enters the tanks correctly by cleaning the supply pipes. The objective is to raise the local water table (underground water level) and return the tanks to their former state.
A district-level committee led by the District Collector will review and approve the plans. This guarantees that the project will engage local authorities and that the work will be completed in accordance with community needs.
What are the Goals of the Project?
Improving water storage is the major goal, particularly for homes and farms so they can more effectively manage their water requirements. This project will help regulate the use of local water resources and ensure water is available when needed.
To encourage local involvement, 10% of the project’s costs will be covered by the local community including public/user associations or ayacutdars (farmers who rely on the tank’s water for irrigation).
In Tamil Nadu, 360 of the 1,166 firkas (local administrative divisions) were judged to have been “overexploited” in March 2023 indicating a strong demand for groundwater. The rejuvenation of these tanks is needed to help reduce pressure on groundwater resources and prevent further depletion.
Apple Loses Court Battle, Must Pay €13 Billion in Taxes
Apple and the European Union (EU) recently lost a court case. Apple currently owes Ireland 13 billion euros, or around $14 billion in back taxes as a result of this loss. This ruling is a component of the EU’s broader strategy to end the “sweetheart deals” or unjust tax agreements that certain nations negotiate with wealthy corporations.
What Happened?
The EU’s competition commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, charged Ireland of providing Apple with unlawful tax breaks in 2016. According to Vestager Apple was able to pay less tax than it should have because of these advantages which had an unjustified effect on the flow of money between EU businesses. Initially Apple and the Irish government scored some points for their defense as they refuted this charge. Later on, nevertheless, the EU won this case before the European Court of Justice which is the highest court in the EU. The Irish tax rules’ gaps were exploited by Apple to unfairly lower its tax payments as the court confirmed.
The ‘Double Irish’ Scheme
Ireland’s advantageous tax regulations made it a preferred location for major tech companies like Apple to establish their European headquarters. One of the main reasons was a tax strategy known as the ‘Double Irish’ scheme. Here’s how it worked:
First Irish Company: A large company like Apple would set up two separate companies in Ireland.
Tax-Free Revenue: The first Irish company would earn revenue (money from sales) but wouldn’t have to pay much tax on it.
Moving Money: This money would then be sent to the second Irish company, which was connected to a country with very low taxes, such as Bermuda.
Tax Avoidance: Apple was able to avoid paying higher taxes in other EU nations where it made sales by transferring the money in this manner. Through this program Apple and related businesses were able to pay less taxes and retain a larger portion of their income. However, Ireland eliminated these loopholes in 2014 as a result of pressure from other nations and organizations such as the EU to make their tax policies more equitable.
Apple’s Response
After the court ruled against it, Apple expressed disappointment. The company said that the European Commission (part of the EU that handles these issues) is trying to change tax rules after agreements have already been made which Apple believes is unfair. Apple also insisted that it paid the correct amount of taxes in the United States, where it is based.
Use of Funds by Ireland
Ireland still needs to pay Apple 13 billion euros, but it hasn’t said exactly how it would spend the money. It is anticipated that the funds will be deposited into a brand-new special investment fund, though. This fund is intended to be used with Ireland’s growing corporate tax revenue. What could occur with the money is as follows:
Investment: The money will be put to use by the fund to expand Ireland’s economy. Budget Surplus: Ireland may have a budget surplus if it has more money than it spends.
Public Spending and Tax Cuts: Prior to the next election, there may be an increase in funding for public services (such as healthcare and education) as well as a potential reduction in personal income taxes.
Implications for Other Companies
There are valuable takeaways from this lawsuit against Apple for other large corporations. It demonstrated how committed the EU is to ensuring businesses pay their fair share of taxes. Similar objections about their tax arrangements have also been brought forth by the EU against other firms, such as Amazon and Starbucks. These cases have had different outcomes, and it’s not yet clear if those companies will also have to pay large back taxes like Apple. The EU is watching closely to ensure that all companies follow fair tax practices.