Daily News Analysis Report: 2 November 2024

149th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

November 2 marks the commemoration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 149th birth anniversary, a day celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day. Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel played a pivotal role in uniting over 560 princely states into modern India after independence. His contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his leadership during the integration of these states are widely revered.The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world at 182 meters, stands as a testament to his legacy in Kevadia, Gujarat. This day encourages reflection on national unity and the importance of fostering inclusivity across India’s diverse population1.

U.S. Electoral College System

As the U.S. presidential election approaches on November 5, understanding the Electoral College system is essential. Unlike a direct popular vote, the Electoral College involves electors from each state casting votes based on their state’s popular vote outcome. There are 538 electors in total, and a candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.This system has been both praised for balancing state representation and criticized for allowing candidates to win without securing the popular vote, as seen in past elections like those in 2000 and 2016. The upcoming election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump continues to highlight debates around this unique electoral process.

Contribution of Unpaid Work by Women

A recent study sheds light on the disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic work carried by women globally, particularly in India. Indian women spend nearly ten times more hours on unpaid tasks such as caregiving and household chores compared to men11. This unpaid labor significantly contributes to economic activity but remains largely unrecognized in formal GDP calculations.Efforts are being made globally to address this imbalance by advocating for policies that provide better support for childcare and eldercare services, which could enable more women to participate in paid employment.

Gold Reserves

India’s gold reserves continue to rise, reaching $61.742 billion in August 202416. Gold is a crucial asset for central banks worldwide due to its stability and liquidity. India’s growing reserves reflect its strategy to strengthen financial stability amid global uncertainties.Globally, countries like the United States lead with massive gold reserves (8,133 tonnes), followed by Germany and Italy. Gold remains an essential hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations, reinforcing its role in national economic security.

NEWS IN SHORT

• WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024: Tuberculosis (TB) has resurged as the leading infectious disease killer globally, surpassing COVID-19. In 2023, 8.2 million new TB cases were recorded, with India accounting for 26% of the global burden.
• State Formation Day: November 1 saw several Indian states celebrate their formation day, including Karnataka (Rajyotsava), Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana.
• Asset Recovery Interagency Network-Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP): India has joined ARIN-AP’s Steering Committee and will assume its presidency in 2026. This network facilitates cross-border cooperation on asset recovery related to criminal activities.
• First ‘Black Hole Triple’ System Discovered: Astronomers have discovered a rare triple black hole system located about 8,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. This groundbreaking find challenges existing theories about black hole formation.
• LiDAR Technology: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) continues to revolutionize fields like archaeology and environmental monitoring by providing precise topographic data through laser scanning technology.
• Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park: A new zoological park named Durgesh Aranya has opened in India with a focus on wildlife conservation and education.
• Air Quality Index (AQI): Post-Diwali air quality reports show that nearly 99 cities across India recorded “poor” AQI levels due to increased pollution from firecrackers.
• Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR: The joint military exercise between Indian and U.S. special forces commenced on November 2 in Idaho. This exercise aims to enhance tactical cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces.
• Exercise GARUD SHAKTI: Another military drill involving India and Indonesia is set to take place soon, focusing on strengthening defense ties between the two countries.

Conclusion

The news from November 2 highlights a mix of historical reflections, global political systems analysis, economic updates, scientific advancements, and environmental concerns. As we commemorate leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who shaped modern India, we also look ahead at pressing issues such as global health challenges like tuberculosis and environmental sustainability efforts.