Top News Highlights- 14 October 2024

Enhanced Military Capabilities with MQ-9B Drones and Nuclear Submarines

• Background: India acquires MQ-9B drones and develops nuclear-powered attack submarines domestically. This is a great leap forward in military technology.
• Implication: This development will give India the leeway to improve surveillance across vulnerable borders and enhance its maritime power, thereby abiding by the strategic imperative of having an intimidation factor for defense buildup in the Indian-Pacific region.
• Strategic Implications: The purchase enhances the collaboration in defense issues with the U.S. This is part of the overall process of modernization in defense issues.

Launch of Second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS)

• Assessment: There are improved incomes in the rural economy, enhanced financial awareness, and higher usage of institutional credit, which means further financial inclusion.
• Impact: Rural economy stabilization increases more. Much higher participation of women in jobs is a critical factor for continuous growth.
• Key Initiatives: Schemes like Kisan Credit Card have been a motivation toward this transformation.

Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

• Objective:  To provide India with a strong sports administration based on fair play, welfare of sportspersons, and redressing disputes related to sports.
• Features: Creation of Sports Regulatory Boards, Ethical Standards, and Athlete Commissions to make the environment sportive, transparent, and responsible.
• Impact: India’s sports infrastructure is likely to get significantly better and so will India’s international competitiveness

Textile Sector Growth Projections

• Synopsis: The textile sector is going to grow significantly by 2030 based on having a comprehensive value chain capability and an equally strong export footprint.
• Challenge: Despite growth potential, the sector faces competition from the likes of China and Vietnam; internal challenges relate to the acute shortage of skills and lack of infrastructure.
• Government Initiatives: The Modified Technology Upgradation Funds Scheme and the PM MITRA Parks are further strengthening this sector.

Global Efforts to Eliminate Measles and Rubella

• Target: Set by WHO for South-East Asia Region to eradicate measles and rubella by 2026.
• Status: Ongoing efforts toward increasing vaccine coverage and awareness to achieve this end.
• Public Health Impact: Eliminating these diseases has the potential to improve health outcomes across the region.

Key Concepts and Policies

• MQ-9B Drones:  High altitude, long endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles capable of precision strike missions
• NAFIS: National All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey which has financial inclusion and economic indicators across rural India.
• Kisan Credit Card:  A government scheme to provide cheap credit to Indian farmers.