Daily News Analysis: 9 November 2024

SC Verdict on AMU’s Minority Status

On 8 November 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a pivotal judgment regarding Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). A seven-judge bench ruled by a 4:3 majority that an institution does not lose its minority status merely because it was established by statute. This ruling overruled the 1967 S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India case, which had denied AMU its minority status.The court emphasized that the institution’s founding community must be examined to determine whether it was established to preserve its cultural identity. The case has now been sent to a regular bench for further deliberation

Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry

The Indian government has launched a ₹500 crore scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing in the medical device sector. This initiative is critical as India currently imports a significant portion of its medical devices. The scheme focuses on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and reducing import dependency.Key features include setting up common facilities for medical device clusters, supporting clinical studies, and promoting industry activities globally. This move is expected to make India self-reliant and competitive in the global MedTech market

Bibek Debroy Committee on Railways

The Bibek Debroy Committee was established to recommend reforms to make Indian Railways more efficient and financially viable. Key recommendations included liberalizing rail services to allow private participation, empowering railway officials with decision-making authority, and modernizing railway infrastructure with advanced technology like Vande Bharat trains and KAVACH safety systems.While some recommendations have been implemented, such as empowering General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs), full-scale liberalization remains incomplete due to political resistance

Role of Technology in Modernising Fisheries Sector

India’s fisheries sector is undergoing significant modernization with the adoption of new technologies like drones, AI, and IoT. These technologies enhance productivity, improve safety for fishermen, and promote sustainable fishing practices.Drone technology is being used for water sampling, disease detection, and aquaculture management. Meanwhile, AI-driven predictive models help optimize fish production and monitor environmental impacts

World’s First CO₂ to Methanol Plant

NTPC has inaugurated the world’s first CO₂-to-methanol plant at its Vindhyachal facility. This innovative technology captures carbon dioxide from flue gas and combines it with hydrogen produced via electrolysis to create methanol. Methanol can be used as a renewable fuel source or as a feedstock for chemicals. This project is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions while producing sustainable fuels.

Discovery of X-rays

On 8 November 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays while experimenting with cathode rays. This discovery revolutionized medical diagnostics by allowing physicians to see inside the human body without invasive surgery.X-rays are now used not only in medicine but also in astronomy and planetary exploration

Rainforests into Rubber Plantations Alters Soil’s Properties

A recent study highlights the detrimental effects of converting rainforests into rubber plantations. The research found that rubber plantations lead to higher levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), which can disrupt soil health by altering its carbon-nitrogen balance.Sustainable land management practices like legume intercropping are suggested as solutions to mitigate these impacts

Fall of Berlin Wall

On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall fell after nearly three decades of dividing East and West Germany. This event marked the end of Cold War tensions and paved the way for German reunification.The fall of the wall remains one of history’s most powerful symbols of freedom and unity

Mount Lewotobi Eruption

Mount Lewotobi in Indonesia erupted on 3 November 2024, prompting evacuations in nearby areas. The eruption has affected over 10,000 people, with emergency response teams actively involved in rescue operations

India’s Nutraceutical Industry

India is emerging as a global player in the nutraceutical industry, leveraging its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda. However, India’s market share remains below 2%, despite projections that it could grow significantly by 2025

Allulose: The New Sugar Substitute

Allulose is gaining popularity as a low-calorie sugar substitute that offers several health benefits, including controlling blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss. It is considered a promising alternative to traditional sweeteners like stevia

Seaplane Service in Kerala

Kerala is set to launch seaplane services aimed at boosting tourism by providing access to remote locations along its extensive coastline. Seaplanes can take off from both land and water, making them versatile for tourism development

Cyanobacteria Discovery for Carbon Capture

A new strain of cyanobacteria named “Chonkus” has been discovered with enhanced carbon capture capabilities. This strain could play a crucial role in future carbon sequestration projects aimed at mitigating climate change

Animal Cells Capable of Photosynthesis Created

Scientists have successfully engineered animal cells capable of photosynthesis by introducing chloroplasts into them. This breakthrough could lead to revolutionary applications in bioengineering and carbon capture technologies

Manas National Park’s Tiger Population Growth

Recent studies show an increase in tiger populations within Assam’s Manas National Park, which is home to several endangered species including tigers and rhinoceroses. The park continues to be a critical habitat for wildlife conservation efforts

Exercise AUSTRAHIND

The third edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced on 8 November 2024 between India and Australia. This joint military exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces through tactical training exercises