Top News Highlights- 1 July 2024

1. National Party Status Risk for BSP

Why in News?

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) might lose its national party status due to a significant decline in vote share and lack of representation in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Key Aspects:

• Election Commission Criteria: A party needs at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats from three states, recognition as a state party in four states, or at least 6% vote share in four states plus four Lok Sabha seats.
• Consequences of Losing Status: Loss of national party status affects the allocation of symbols, election broadcast time, and other electoral benefits.

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2. Advancements in Supercapacitor Technology

Why in News?

Researchers at Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a new method to use coconut husks for produce activated carbon, enhancing supercapacitor performance.

Key Aspects:

• Sustainable Material Use: Utilizes coconut husk, an agricultural waste, making the process eco-friendly.
• Enhanced Efficiency: The new supercapacitors are reportedly four times more efficient than current models.

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3. Urja Ganga Gas Pipeline Delayed

Why in News?

The completion of the Urja Ganga gas pipeline project, originally set for June 2024, has been postponed to March 2025.

Key Aspects:

• Project Scope: Extends 3306 kilometers across five states to supply natural gas to households and industries.
• Economic and Environmental Impact: Promotes cleaner energy use and is expected to boost local economies through job creation and infrastructure development.

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4. Great Indian Bustard Conservation Funding

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment has allocated Rs 56 crore for the next phase of conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard, focusing on habitat development and breeding programs.

Key Aspects:

• Critical Conservation Efforts: Includes habitat improvement and the establishment of breeding centers to increase population numbers.
• Status and Threats: Listed as Critically Endangered, facing threats from habitat loss and collisions with power lines.

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5. Debate on Education’s Governance

Why in News?

Amidst controversies surrounding NEET-PG and other exams, there’s growing debate about whether education should be governed more by state rather than federal authority, moving it from the Concurrent to the State List.

Key Aspects:

• Historical Context: Education was moved to the Concurrent List in 1976 during the Emergency.
• Arguments for Change: Advocates for state control cite more regionally tailored policies and financial considerations, given that states bear most educational expenses.