Top News Highlights-28 November 2024

India’s First 3D-Printed Post Office Inaugurated

• India’s first 3D-printed post office was inaugurated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, using additive manufacturing technology.
• Constructed within 30 days at a cost of ₹23 lakh, it marks a significant step in modernizing infrastructure.
• 3D printing reduces construction waste and time, offering cost-effective solutions for public infrastructure.
• The project is aligned with India Post’s vision of integrating technology into postal services.

India Hosts ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise

• We are strengthening India’s maritime relations with ASEAN nations on anti-piracy efforts and ensuring regional stability.
• The exercise is conducted in the South China Sea, thus reaffirming India’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific framework and maritime security.
• Joint operations, capacity building, and best practice sharing in naval cooperation are its features.
• This aligns with India’s SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

WHO Report Highlights Rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• The report describes AMR as a global health crisis with over 1.2 million deaths every year being directly attributed to resistant infections.
• Even with initiatives such as the Red Line Initiative, there remains misuse of antibiotics and lack of proper infection control in India.
• GLASS under WHO puts forth strong regulatory structures and public awareness.
• Some policy suggestions would be rewarding antibiotic research, furthering the health care infrastructure.

Government Expands PLI Scheme to the Drone Sector

• The PLI scheme has been extended to include the drone industry, which has been given ₹120 crore over three years.
• It is likely to induce investments, create 10,000 jobs, and increase local manufacturing in the sector.
• Drones are increasingly being used for agriculture, logistics, disaster response, and defense.
• India’s drone market is likely to grow to $5 billion by 2030, with liberalized regulations and funding.

UNESCO Recognizes River Ganga as a Living Entity

• UNESCO has declared River Ganga as a living entity that has cultural and ecological significance.
• This will further empower the efforts in Namami Gange, India’s flagship river rejuvenation program.
• Legal recognition aims to enforce strict control and conservation of the river ecosystem through the enforcement of strict pollution control.
• Over 40% of the Indian population is supported by River Ganga, which gives importance to sustainable management.

India Advances in Hydrogen Technology

• MNRE initiated the Green Hydrogen Mission with a target to reach 5 MMT annually by 2030.
• Hydrogen is the biggest contributor in the quest of achieving net-zero emissions and can be used in sectors like steel, chemicals, and mobility.
• The export of hydrogen from India is expected to become one of the largest contributors in global clean energy supply chains.
• Incentives for the development of electrolyzer manufacturing as well as infrastructure are included.

Supreme Court Upholds Stricter Air Pollution Norms

• SC said to put stringent measures into NCR with diesel genset ban and controls for industrial emissions.
• India takes third place globally for the death due to air pollution and most cities surpass PM2.5 guidelines at WHO.
• The NCAP shall decrease the concentration of particles, to around 20-30 % for air, by 2024 with a city-specific action plan in the nation.
• Public transport development along with green technologies help to make the cities as sustainable.

Key Concepts and Policies

• 3D Printing – A construction technology using additive manufacturing to create structures layer by layer, reducing waste and time.
• SAGAR Initiative – India’s vision for regional maritime security and inclusive growth in the Indo-Pacific.
• Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS) – A WHO program monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends worldwide.
• Namami Gange – India’s flagship program for cleaning and rejuvenating River Ganga.
• Green Hydrogen Mission – India aims to increase its green hydrogen production as part of the overall plan towards net-zero emission.