Daily News Analysis: December 13, 2024

Union Cabinet Gives Approval for Bills on Simultaneous Polls (ONOE)

The Union Cabinet has approved the draft legislation for the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) initiative, aiming to synchronize elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. This move seeks to reduce electoral frequency, streamline governance, and minimize election-related disruptions. Proposed constitutional amendments include changes to Articles 82A, 83(2), and 327, alongside the introduction of Article 324A to empower the Election Commission for synchronized elections. Despite potential benefits like reduced expenditure and improved voter turnout, challenges such as constitutional amendments and logistical complexities remain significant.

Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2024

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has released its eighth Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. The report highlights a 25% increase in global victim detection between 2019 and 2023, with a notable rise in child victims. It also underscores the role of organized crime groups in trafficking operations. In India, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of trafficking cases over the past five years. Government initiatives like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and international conventions aim to combat this issue.

Disease X

Concerns are rising over a potential Disease X outbreak following an unclassified disease report from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Disease X represents a hypothetical future pandemic caused by an unknown pathogen. Factors like zoonotic spillover and antimicrobial resistance could contribute to its emergence. The unpredictability of Disease X poses significant challenges for global health preparedness. Initiatives such as the WHO Pandemic Treaty and India’s National Institute of Virology focus on enhancing surveillance and research capabilities.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Empowering Women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the Jal Jeevan Mission’s impact on empowering rural women by providing them with functional tap water connections. This initiative saves time previously spent fetching water, allowing women to engage in education and economic activities. Improved access to clean water also enhances health outcomes. The mission aims for universal tap water coverage by 2024, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

Google’s Willow Chip & Quantum Computing

Google’s Willow chip marks a significant advancement in quantum computing. Utilizing superconducting transmon qubits, Willow can perform complex calculations exponentially faster than traditional computers. This breakthrough addresses key challenges in quantum error correction and holds potential applications in fields like drug discovery and energy solutions. Quantum computing harnesses principles like superposition and entanglement to revolutionize problem-solving capabilities.

India’s Green Steel Taxonomy

India has introduced a pioneering green steel taxonomy to define sustainable steel production based on carbon emission intensity. This framework categorizes steel into star ratings based on emissions, promoting decarbonization in the steel sector. Challenges include implementing emission targets and ensuring competitiveness while fostering innovation in low-carbon technologies.

La Niña

The World Meteorological Organization predicts a weak La Niña event developing over the next three months. La Niña typically brings increased rainfall to Southeast Asia and drier conditions to parts of Africa and the southwestern United States. Its effects include stronger Atlantic hurricanes and cooler temperatures in certain regions.

Cess and Surcharge

Arvind Panagariya addressed state grievances regarding the central government’s reliance on cesses and surcharges. These are additional taxes levied over basic tax liabilities for specific purposes or general revenue enhancement. The discussion highlights complexities in fiscal federalism as states seek a larger share of divisible resources.

Coastal Hardening

A study published in Nature reveals that about 33% of the world’s sandy beaches have undergone coastal hardening due to human infrastructure like seawalls and harbors. This phenomenon disrupts natural processes, leading to habitat loss and increased erosion elsewhere.

Desert Knight Exercise

India, France, and the UAE have commenced the Desert Knight defense exercise over the Arabian Sea. This trilateral exercise aims to enhance combat skills and interoperability among participating air forces while aligning with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Dulcibella Camanchaca

Researchers have identified Dulcibella camanchaca, a new predatory amphipod species in the Atacama Trench. This discovery highlights biodiversity at extreme ocean depths, with implications for understanding deep-sea ecosystems.

Marbled Duck

A marbled duck was recently spotted at Sultanpur National Park in Haryana after more than three decades since its last sighting there. Classified as “Vulnerable” by IUCN due to habitat destruction and hunting pressures, this medium-sized duck is native to Europe but winters in parts of Asia