Top News Highlights-20 November 2024

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.

Jeddah Commitments on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Adopted

• 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 Emphasizes Climate Justice at CoP29

• 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.

ICG Reviews Coastal Security Preparedness

• 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.

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Notified as 56th Tiger Reserve

• 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.

India’s Female Labor Participation Rate (LFPR) Sees Significant Growth

• 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.

Sustainable Trade Index 2024: India Ranks 23rd

• 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.

Key Terms and Concepts

• 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.