Top News Highlights-20 November 2024

Table of Contents

India Launches ‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative

The Department of Biotechnology initiative to release one annotated bacterial genome in public every day will accelerate microbial genomics research.
Genome sequencing finds out the accurate order of nucleotide bases and helps in the diagnosis of diseases, pharmacogenomics, and advances in agriculture.
Biofuel production, new-generation vaccines, and new clean-up technologies in environment are some of the applications.
It will support the National Genome Sequencing Framework and speed up India’s biotechnology research.

The Jeddah Commitments emphasize the One Health approach to tackle AMR through global collaboration and sustainable action plans.
Proposals include a global data-sharing platform, independent evidence panels, and adherence to Codex Alimentarius guidelines for antimicrobial use.
AMR occurs when pathogens become resistant to drugs, affecting treatment efficacy and global health security.
Indian initiatives like the Red Line Campaign and NARS-Net align with global efforts.

India pushed for Just Transitions to be adopted and ensure ‘inclusivity’ in the shift towards low-carbon economies during the annual ministerial roundtable.
Key challenges faced are intellectual property barriers to green technologies and limited financial resources for developing nations.
Suggested reforms include technology transfer, equitable climate finance, and creating a National Just Transition body.
Programmes such as Sovereign Green Bonds and the PLI Scheme endorse the transition of India towards Clean Energy.

The Indian Coast Guard pointed out vulnerabilities in the form of terrorist infiltration, maritime trafficking, and threats to strategic infrastructure.
Measures undertaken include the Coastal Surveillance Network, Sea Vigil exercises, and the SAGAR initiative for improving maritime domain awareness.
The 11,098 km-long Indian coastline is home to 13 major ports that handle 90% of India’s maritime trade, reflecting the importance of ensuring robust coastal security.
Legislative support is also available through the Coast Guard Act of 1978.

In Chhattisgarh, it lies on the Chota Nagpur plateau and the Baghelkhand plateau, thereby adopting the landscape conservation approach.
A core region to protect wildlife and a buffer area for human-wildlife coexistence, the reserve comes under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Leopards, hyenas, and jackals, and rivers such as Hasdeo Gopad inhabit this reserve.
It enhances India’s wildlife conservation network, which connects with Sanjay Dubri and Bandhavgarh reserves.

Data released from the PLFS show growth in LFPR of women from ~23% in 2017-18 to ~41% in 2023-24, increasing the participation of females in rural areas by 23 percentage points.
During the same period, educated females in the workforces showed a rise from 35% to 40%.
These are children care responsibility, lack of jobs, and poor infrastructure.
Programs such as Maternity Benefit Act 2017 and Skill India Mission are initiatives which will increase the employment rate of women.

The index assesses 30 economies across economic, environmental, and societal dimensions in terms of sustainable trade readiness.
New Zealand took the top position, followed by the UK and Australia.
Sustainable trade balances growth, environmental protection, and societal development for mutual benefits to the trading partners.
PLI schemes and green infrastructure development in India contribute toward meeting the objectives of trade sustainability.

Genome Sequencing: It is the process of decoding the nucleotide sequences of an organism. One Health Approach This refers to a collaborative approach addressing health issues across humans, animals, and ecosystems.
Just Transitions: Having no one left behind in sustainable economy transitions. Focuses on equity and inclusivity.
PLFS: Periodic Labour Force Survey – MoSPI conducts this survey and provides critical labor market indicators such as LFPR and Worker-Population Ratio
Sustainable Trade Index: Assessing the world economies’ preparedness for global trade by focusing on the sustainability and the mutual co-benefits.