Top News Highlights- 7 August 2024

Geothermal Energy in India

• Renewable Source: Geothermal energy, derived from Earth’s internal heat, provides a sustainable energy option.
• Advantages: It offers clean, low-cost renewable energy with high operational reliability year-round.
• Challenges: High capital costs and potential environmental risks like land subsidence and toxic emissions.
• Government Initiatives: Initiatives like the Renewable Energy Research & Technology Development Programme highlight steps to exploit India’s 10,600 MW geothermal potential.

Role of Technology in Disaster Management & Risk Reduction (DMRR)

• Tools Used: AI, ML, GIS, and drones are crucial for early disaster prediction and emergency management.
• Applications: Technologies facilitate disaster prediction, emergency communication via AI chatbots, and event simulation using AR and VR.
• Challenges: Issues such as the digital divide, biased AI, and security concerns must be addressed.

Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Resignation

• Political Vacuum: The resignation could destabilize existing bilateral projects and delay the Free Trade Agreement.
• Geostrategic Concerns: This may exacerbate illegal migration and regional security, especially with the influence of China and Pakistan in opposition politics.

Amendment to the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948

• Key Changes: Broadens the definition of mineral oils and introduces petroleum leases.
• Objectives: Aim to increase domestic oil production, reduce import dependence, and attract investments.
• Impact: The amendments are expected to contribute to India’s energy transition to cleaner fuels and ensure energy access and affordability.

Horticulture Cluster Development

• Government Plan: Announcement of ₹18,000 crore for 100 export-oriented horticulture clusters.
• Advantages: These clusters aim to reduce post-harvest losses, facilitate global market access, and promote innovative agricultural practices.
• Challenges: These include issues like climate change impacts and a lack of quality seedlings.

Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir

• Security Improvements: Significant reduction in terrorism and violence post-abrogation.
• Governance: Enabled application of national laws and facilitated higher voter turnout in local elections.
• Legal and Social Changes: Remove exclusive property rights and integrate J&K with national legal frameworks.

Key Concepts and Policies

• Geothermal Energy: Heat energy from Earth’s interior used for power generation.
• Disaster Management & Risk Reduction (DMRR): Strategies to manage disasters using modern technology.
• Mineral Oils: Naturally occurring hydrocarbons used in energy production.
• Horticulture Clusters: Concentrated areas dedicated to the growth of specific horticultural crops to boost productivity and market access.
• Articles 370 and 35A: Provisions that granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, now abrogated.