Top News Highlights-26 November 2024

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 Strengthens Ties with Africa at Indo-Africa Business Summit

• 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.

UNESCO Adds Indian Sites to Tentative Heritage List

• 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.

India Releases Draft National Water Policy 2024

• 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 Launches Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Pilot for Interbank Settlements

• 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.

India’s Push for Clean Energy with Offshore Wind Policy

• 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.

Supreme Court Emphasizes Rehabilitation in Land Acquisition Cases

• 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.

Key Terms and Concepts

• 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.