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Top News Highlights-29 November 2024

India’s First Lithium Reserve Auctioned in Jammu and Kashmir

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  • India’s first lithium reserve, Salal-Haimana, in J&K, was auctioned for commercial exploration and extraction.
  • The reserve has an estimated 5.9 million tonnes of lithium, an element critical for battery manufacturing and renewable energy storage.
  • It falls in line with India’s vision of reducing import dependence and promoting the adoption of EVs under the FAME II scheme.
  • However, there will be environmental concerns and ensuring local community participation in the share of benefits.

Global AI Regulation Framework Discussed at G20 Digital Economy Meeting

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  • G20 nations proposed a global framework to regulate Artificial Intelligence in an ethical, inclusive, and transparent manner.
  • Discussions involved AI in education, health, and governance, while emphasizing the need for stringent data protection laws.
  • India highlighted the possibility of using AI for public service delivery under Digital India initiatives.
  • Concerns include algorithmic bias, data privacy, and ensuring equitable access to AI benefits.

India Successfully Test-Fires Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM)

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  • The missile, with a range of 1,500 km, was tested from INS Arihant, strengthening India’s nuclear triad capability.
  • SLBMs provide second-strike capability, enhancing strategic deterrence and national security.
  • India joins the US, Russia, China, and France with operational SLBM capability.
  • This goes well with India’s doctrine of credible minimum deterrence under the No First Use policy.

UNEP Releases Report on Biodiversity Financing Gap

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  • A $700 billion annual gap in biodiversity financing points to a need for private sector engagement and innovative funding models.
  • India’s biodiversity initiatives are the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) and Green India Mission, focusing on conservation and afforestation.
  • The UNEP stresses mechanisms like green bonds, payment for ecosystem services, and carbon credit markets.
  • Governments, businesses, and communities must collaborate in order to bridge this gap.

India’s Female Labor Force Participation Rate Improves

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  • According to the PLFS data, women’s labor force participation increased from 23% in 2017-18 to 32% in 2023-24.
  • Growth is due to increasing rural employment opportunities and government schemes like MGNREGA and Skill India Mission.
  • Safety concerns, unpaid care work, and a lack of workplace flexibility have all hindered further progress in urban areas.
  • Improvements in childcare infrastructure and employer incentives should provide a fillip to sustainable progress.

India-Africa Summit Strengthens Strategic Ties

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  • India had pledged support to Africa’s energy transition in the field of green energy through capacity building and technology transfer through the International Solar Alliance.
  • Initiatives such as the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme are aimed at increasing Africa-India trade, which has reached $100 billion in 2023.
  • Cooperation areas include digital connectivity, education, healthcare, and counter-terrorism measures.
  • The summit underscores India’s strategic focus on South-South cooperation for sustainable development.

NASA Collaborates with ISRO for Lunar and Martian Missions

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  • NASA and ISRO signed agreements for joint lunar rover missions and collaboration on Mars exploration.
  • It includes the study of lunar water and soil composition in this mission, based on the success of Chandrayaan-3.
  • This will help India strengthen its position globally in space diplomacy and technology development.
  • Other cooperative areas include Earth observation systems in climate research.

Key Concepts and Policies

  • FAME II Scheme: An initiative from the government to enhance the speed of adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in India.
  • Credible Minimum Deterrence: India’s nuclear policy is to maintain adequate deterrence for adversaries.
  • Green Bonds: Fixed-income instruments intended for financing environmental and climate projects.
  • MGNREGA: A rural employment guarantee scheme that guarantees 100 days of wage employment per household.
  • South-South Cooperation: The cooperation between developing countries in sharing knowledge, skills, and resources toward sustainable development.