Top News Highlights- 22 July 2024

Monsoon Advances in North India

• Heavy Rainfall: North India experienced heavy rainfall due to the advancing monsoon, bringing relief from the heat but causing flooding in several areas.
• Impact on Agriculture: The rain is expected to benefit Kharif crops, which include rice, maize, and pulses, but the flooding has damaged crops in low-lying areas.
• Government Response: The state governments have set up relief camps and are distributing food and medical aid to affected populations.
• Weather Forecast: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued heavy rainfall over the next week.

India’s GDP Growth Forecast Revised

• Economic Projection: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.3% for the fiscal year 2024-25, up from 6.8%.
• Key Drivers: The revision is attributed to strong domestic consumption and investment, coupled with a recovery in exports.
• Challenges: Despite the positive outlook, the IMF warns of potential inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainties.
• Policy Measures: The government is expected to maintain accommodative monetary policies to support growth.

Supreme Court Ruling on Digital Privacy

• Landmark Judgment: The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to digital privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Implications: This decision mandates stricter regulations on data collection and usage by both government and private entities.
• Data Protection Law: The ruling has accelerated the process of enacting a comprehensive data protection law, which is currently under parliamentary review.
• Public Reaction: The judgment has been widely welcomed by civil society groups advocating for privacy rights.

Demand for a Separate ‘Bhil Pradesh’

• Cultural and Developmental Reasons: Advocates for a new state comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, focusing on better governance and targeted economic development.
• Challenges: High administrative setup costs, potential conflicts over resources, and possible fragmentation of national unity.
• Context: Similar demands have been made based on linguistic diversity and cultural identity, as seen with the creation of states like Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960.

Organ Trafficking Challenges in India

• Statistics: In 2022, only 15,561 organ transplants were performed against a demand of 49,745 patients.
• Issues: High demand vs. low supply, transnational nature of the organ trade, and inadequate policies on organ procurement.
• Steps Forward: Addressing root causes, providing victim protection, and ensuring uniform ethical guidelines for organ donation and transplantation.

National Landslide Risk Management

• Key Components: Advanced tools for hazard zonation, early warning systems, and mountain zone regulations.
• Challenges: India’s vulnerability to landslides, particularly in the Himalayas and Western Ghats, due to natural and anthropogenic factors.
• Mitigation Measures: Implementation of a National Landslide Forecasting Centre and regional early warning systems to reduce risks and enhance preparedness.

Keywords and Concepts

• Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) Coaches: A type of railway coach designed to reduce casualties during derailments.
• KAVACH: A train collision avoidance system aimed at enhancing rail safety.
• Project Elephant: A conservation project aimed at protecting elephants, their habitats, and corridors.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS): Legislation aimed at curbing drug trafficking and abuse in India.
• National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC): A center dedicated to managing landslide risks through early warnings and hazard assessments.