Top News Highlights- 2 December 2024

India Becomes 4th Largest Producer of Green Energy

• India overtook Germany to take the fourth slot as a renewable energy-producing nation with 180 GW of installed capacity.
• Solar is the maximum source followed by wind, then biomass and small hydro.
• Clean energy growth is supported through National Green Hydrogen Mission and International Solar Alliance.
• Growth constraints include grid infrastructure and storage solutions, as well as funding for large projects.

Global Agreement on Pandemic Prevention at WHO Summit

• WHO member countries signed a treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, with an emphasis on equitable vaccine distribution and early warning systems.
• The treaty focuses on the strengthening of health systems in poor countries to counter future global health crises.
• India’s role includes vaccine manufacturing through initiatives like COVAX and partnerships under GAVI.
• The treaty emphasizes the need for global solidarity in addressing health emergencies.

Supreme Court Rules on Right to Marry Under Article 21

• The SC reiterates that the right to marry is an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The judgment highlights that interfaith and intercaste marriages require protection from harassment by society.
• The court urged the establishment of support systems such as counseling and safe houses for couples.
• This judgment strengthens constitutional safeguards against discrimination in personal choices.

India Hosts BIMSTEC Energy Ministers’ Meeting

• The energy ministers discussed transnational energy grids, renewable energy cooperation, and infrastructure development.
• BIMSTEC aims to integrate the energy markets of its nations through the proposed Bay of Bengal Energy Grid.
• India is leading with renewable energy capabilities, offering capacity-building programs for member nations.
• Energy ties are therefore strengthened in line with BIMSTEC’s aim towards regional economic and sustainable development.

India Approves Universal Basic Income Pilot in Ladakh

• Ladakh is to become the first place in the country to experiment with Universal Basic Income (UBI), distributing unconditional cash transfers to the citizenry.
• The test is designed to evaluate effects on poverty reduction, employment, and access to healthcare.
• Critics have expressed concerns over fiscal viability and potential for lower labor participation.
• UBI fits into broader debates globally on welfare models that balance social equity and economic efficiency.

UNESCO Recognizes Kalbelia Dance as Intangible Cultural Heritage

• Kalbelia Dance, which is performed by Rajasthan’s Kalbelia tribe, showcases the community’s traditions and cultural identity.
• Kalbelia Dance is famous for its energetic movements and snake-like gestures, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature.
• Recognition promotes tourism and global appreciation of India’s diverse cultural heritage. The challenges are preserving the dance form amidst declining traditional patronage.

RBI Tightens Oversight on Digital Lending Apps

• The RBI has mandated strict norms for digital lending apps focusing on transparency, grievance redressal, and customer protection.
• Guidelines prohibit recovery agents from using coercive practices and ensure data privacy for borrowers.
• The move comes amid rising complaints of predatory lending practices and misuse of personal data.
• Enhanced regulatory oversight aims to build trust in the growing fintech ecosystem.

Key Terms and Concepts

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: India’s initiative to promote green hydrogen production and export to meet renewable energy targets.
• COVAX : A global collaboration ensuring equitable vaccine access, supported by India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
• Universal Basic Income (UBI): A social welfare model offering fixed income to all citizens without conditions, aiming to reduce poverty.
• BIMSTEC: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation; a regional group for economic and security cooperation.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: Practices, traditions, and cultural expressions recognized by UNESCO as important to cultural heritage.