Top News Highlights-26 November 2024

Table of Contents

India Achieves Significant Milestone in Maternal Health

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropped to 89 per 1,00,000 live births, meeting the SDG target of below 70 by 2030.
Initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and LaQshya Standards for maternity wards contributed to this success.
States like Kerala (MMR: 30) and Maharashtra (MMR: 50) lead the way, while Uttar Pradesh and Assam face challenges.
Focus on skilled birth attendants and better emergency obstetric care remains essential.

India pledged $2 billion in credit lines for African infrastructure development under the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme.
Key focus areas include renewable energy, food security, and digital connectivity.
India-Africa trade reached $100 billion in 2023, with initiatives like the Pan Africa e-Network supporting education and healthcare.
The summit emphasized India’s role in South-South cooperation for equitable development.

Five Indian sites, including the Satpura Tiger Reserve and Namdapha National Park, have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list.
These additions highlight India’s biodiversity and cultural richness, with potential to boost eco-tourism.
India now has 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with increasing efforts for global recognition of its heritage.
Conservation challenges include managing tourism impact and ensuring local community involvement.

Focuses on integrated water resources management and promoting a circular water economy.
Proposes reusing treated wastewater, reducing groundwater extraction, and ensuring water security for marginalized communities.
Introduces the concept of Water ATMs in urban areas and decentralized treatment systems for rural regions.
Aligns with Jal Jeevan Mission and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on clean water and sanitation.

RBI introduced a wholesale CBDC pilot for interbank transactions, enhancing settlement efficiency and reducing costs.
CBDC will integrate blockchain technology for secure and transparent financial transactions.
India joins global leaders like China and Sweden in exploring digital currencies.
Retail CBDC trials are also underway, focusing on enhancing digital payment ecosystems.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) unveiled a draft policy targeting 30 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030.
Focus areas include Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, with financial incentives for private sector participation.
Offshore wind complements India’s renewable energy goals under the Paris Agreement.
Challenges include high capital costs, environmental concerns, and integration with existing power grids.

The SC highlighted the need for proper rehabilitation and resettlement under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act (2013).
Eviction without safeguards violates Article 21, which ensures the right to livelihood.
Community consultation and alternative livelihood provisions are critical for minimizing social conflicts.
The judgment strengthens governance mechanisms for balancing development and rights protection.

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) – Number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births; a key health indicator under the SDGs.
Pan Africa e-Network – A digital initiative connecting African nations with Indian expertise in education and healthcare.
CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) – A digital form of currency issued by central banks for secure, cashless transactions.
Right to Fair Compensation Act (2013) – Legislation ensuring fair compensation and rehabilitation for landowners in acquisition cases.
Offshore Wind Energy – Renewable energy harnessed from wind farms located in oceanic waters.