Top News Highlights- 4 December 2024

India’s Digital India Act Draft Released

• The Digital India Act intends to update the IT Act of 2000 in regard to data protection, cybersecurity, and reducing online harm.
• Accountability for online platforms, stricter regulations on AI-based misinformation, and the emergence of the digital economy of India will reach $1 trillion by 2030.
• Consultations with the public are underway to address the stakeholder concerns and ensure that it is an inclusive way of governance.

India Achieves Record Wheat Procurement

• The government bought 50 million tonnes of wheat in 2024, and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensured strong food security.
• The rise in procurement was seen despite climatic adversities such as unusual rains that damaged crops.
• Programs like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and decentralized procurement led to proper distribution.
• India continues to be the world’s second-largest producer of wheat and provides a huge percentage of global food grain stocks.

WHO Highlights Rising Health Impacts of Climate Change

• According to WHO’s report, climate-induced diseases have increased by 15%, which include vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.
• South Asia remains vulnerable due to extreme events and a relatively weak health-care system.
• The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in India includes the National Mission on Health for dealing with links between climate and health.
• These recommendations are that early-warning systems be strengthened and climate resilience be integrated into health policy.

India Launches ‘Mission Clean Ganga 2.0’

• The new Namami Gange focuses on the rejuvenation of tributaries and on issues of microplastics and industrial wastes.
• The project is a comprehensive amalgamation of the latest monitoring technologies that ensure real-time water quality data.
• 4,000 km of sewer lines were constructed and there was a 40% reduction in untreated wastewater flowing into the Ganga.
• There is the emphasis on community participation and the development of eco-tourism along the river.

Global Efforts to Combat Child Labour Intensify

• The ILO estimated that 9% more children were in child labor since 2020, and the number was over 160 million.
• Asia accounts for the largest share, driven by poverty, conflict, and lack of access to education.
• India’s measures include the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Right to Education Act to reduce dropout rates.
• Challenges remain in enforcing laws and rehabilitating affected children through skill-building initiatives.

India and Japan Deepen Defense Ties

• The two countries reached agreements on maritime security as well as defense technology involving joint exercises and capacity-building.
• India wants to take benefits from Japan’s cyber defense system and submarine technology.
• Through this partnership, India and Japan try to achieve the objectives laid down by the Quad.
• Defense trade, including foreign investments in Indian startups by the Japanese, is strengthening bilateral cooperation.

India Approves Green Credit Programme

• The Green Credit Programme promotes activities such as afforestation, renewable energy, and eco-friendly infrastructure.
• Earning credits will be redeemable in India’s new carbon market, making the financial case for green activity more viable.
• It is also aligned with India’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Frameworks for monitoring and verification will ensure that the transactions in green credit are transparent and accountable.

Key Concepts and Policies

• Digital India Act: A contemporary policy for IT governance focusing on accountability and data protection.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA): Provides two-thirds of India’s population with subsidized food grains.
• Namami Gange Programme: An integrated initiative to clean up and rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries.
• Child Labour Act: Legislation that prohibits child labor in hazardous industries and child protection.
• Green Credit Programme – Market-based mechanism for green, environmentally friendly practices.