Daily News Analysis: 20 December 2024

1. Hydrothermal Vents: A Deep-Sea Discovery

Indian oceanographers have successfully captured the first-ever image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 meters below the Indian Ocean’s surface using an Automatic Underwater Vehicle (AUV) deployed from the research vessel Sagar Nidhi. This discovery is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

What Are Hydrothermal Vents?

• Openings on the ocean floor where geothermally heated water gushes out.
• Found near tectonic plate boundaries, especially mid-ocean ridges.
• Types:
  • Black Smokers: Emit hot water rich in sulfides, appearing black.
  • White Smokers: Emit cooler water with lighter minerals like calcium and silicon.

Importance:

• Unique ecosystems thrive here without sunlight, relying on chemosynthesis.
• Potential origins of life on Earth.
• Rich in minerals like sulfides and rare earth elements.

The discovery underscores India’s commitment to deep-sea exploration under the Deep Ocean Mission.

2. Concerns Over Section 6A of the Citizenship Act

The Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which grants citizenship to immigrants who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971.

Key Concerns:

• Different cut-off dates for Assam (1971) versus the rest of India (1948) challenge Article 14 (Right to Equality).
• Indigenous groups argue that demographic changes threaten their cultural identity under Article 29.

Historical Context:

• Linked to the Assam Accord (1985), signed to address illegal immigration issues.
• Basis for updating Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The ruling emphasizes balancing humanitarian needs with protecting indigenous rights.

3. Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers: ILO Report

The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its report highlighting trends among international migrant workers.

Key Findings:

• Migrants constitute 4.7% of the global labor force (167.7 million workers).
• Regional Distribution:
  • Europe and Central Asia host the largest share (34.5%).
• Employment Sectors:
  • Services dominate at 68%, with care work employing a significant number of migrant women.

Challenges:

• Higher unemployment rates among migrants (7.2%) compared to non-migrants (5.2%).
• Gender disparities in employment opportunities persist.

The report calls for targeted policies to ensure decent work conditions for migrants globally.

4. NITI Aayog’s Report on S.A.F.E. Accommodation for Workers

NITI Aayog released a report titled “S.A.F.E Accommodation: Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth,” emphasizing secure, affordable, flexible, and efficient housing for industrial workers.

Key Highlights:

• Aligns with India’s goal to increase manufacturing’s GDP contribution from 17% to 25% by 2047.
• Challenges include restrictive zoning laws, high operating costs, and lack of financial incentives for private developers.

Proposed Solutions:

• Reclassify worker accommodations as residential housing.
• Offer Viability Gap Funding (VGF) up to 40% of project costs.
• Amend zoning laws to allow mixed-use developments near industrial hubs.

This initiative is critical for workforce retention and manufacturing sector growth.

5. Efforts to Achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047

India aims to become a developed nation by its centenary year of independence in 2047 through comprehensive efforts across various sectors.

Key Pillars:

1. Economic Growth: Targeting a $30 trillion GDP by achieving annual growth rates above 9%.
2. Social Equity: Programs like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ensure food security.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Committed to net-zero emissions by 2070.
4. Science & Technology: Initiatives like the National Quantum Mission position India as a global tech leader.

While challenges remain in infrastructure and policy implementation, these efforts signify India’s ambitious vision for development.