Top News Highlights- 8 August 2024

India’s Renewable Energy Progress

• India’s Renewable Energy Capacity: Increased from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024, showcasing significant growth in the sector.
• Global Rankings: India ranks fourth globally in renewable energy capacity, with substantial capacities in wind and solar power.
• Policy Initiatives: Implementation of policies like PM-KUSUM and waiver of Inter State Transmission System charges have been pivotal.
• Challenges Ahead: Addressing legacy infrastructure costs and enhancing energy storage solutions remain critical for future growth.

Regulation of Big Tech in India

• Google’s Market Dominance: A US court found Google guilty of monopolistic practices in search and advertising, controlling major market shares.
• Legislative Measures: India’s Competition Act and the new Draft Digital Competition Bill aim to curb anti-competitive practices and ensure market fairness.
• Impact on Local Markets: Ensuring competitive digital markets is crucial for preventing monopolistic dominance and fostering innovation.

National Handloom Day Celebrations

• Significance of the Day: Commemorates the Swadeshi Movement and promotes Indian handloom products.
• Role of Handloom Sector: Employs a significant number of rural populations, especially women, and is vital for the cultural heritage.
• Government Initiatives: Various schemes aimed at enhancing skills and market access for weavers to boost the handloom industry.

Atmospheric Rivers and Their Impact on India

• Climate Phenomenon: Atmospheric rivers are major carriers of water vapor, influencing extreme weather patterns and rainfall.
• Impact on India: Linked to several major floods, affecting the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Himalayan region.
• Environmental Concerns: Enhanced monitoring and adaptive measures are essential to mitigate the adverse effects on agriculture and urban areas.

Ground-Level Ozone Increase in Metropolitan Areas

• Environmental Impact: High levels of ground-level ozone recorded in India’s major cities, posing health risks and affecting climate.
• Sources of Pollution: Emissions from vehicles and industrial activities are primary contributors.
• Preventive Strategies: Recommendations include reducing methane emissions and managing pollution from various sources to alleviate health and environmental impacts.

Quality Council of India’s New Framework

• QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework: Introduced to enhance quality and innovation across various sectors including health, education, and governance.
• Role of QCI: Promotes national accreditation and quality through various initiatives, playing a pivotal role in improving service standards nationwide.

Advances in Organ Transplantation in India

• Progress in Transplants: 2023 saw a record number of organ transplants, reflecting advancements and increased awareness.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, ensuring ethical compliance and prevention of illegal trade.
• Challenges: Bridging the gap between the availability of organs and the needs of patients remains a critical issue.

Implications of Google’s Monopoly Case

• Court Ruling: Found Google to have maintained its monopoly in search and advertising unjustly, highlighting the need for stricter regulation.
• Impact on Consumers and Competitors: Ensures consumer protection and encourages fair competition in the tech industry.

Key Concepts and Policies

• PM-KUSUM: Aimed at increasing solar power capacity by supporting the installation of solar pumps and other renewable sources in agriculture.
• Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024: Seeks to address competition issues preemptively within digital markets to prevent monopolistic practices.
• Atmospheric Rivers: Long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics, significantly affecting weather patterns.