11-November-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NET BORROWING CEILING’ FOR STATES

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The central government’s imposition of a ‘Net Borrowing Ceiling’ (NBC) on Kerala in 2023, capping its loans to 3% of its GSDP, has sparked debates over state fiscal autonomy.

Background on Borrowing Powers in the Constitution

• Article 292: Grants the central government the authority to borrow on the security of the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Article 293: Empowers states to borrow within India on the security of their consolidated funds.
  • The central government’s consent is required if a state’s prior loans from the Centre are still outstanding.
  • Article 293(4) gives the Centre discretion to impose conditions on states’ borrowing consent.

Historical Basis of Article 293

• Article 293 is derived from Section 163 of the Government of India Act, 1935.
• In 1949, during the Constituent Assembly discussions, it was suggested that a separate commission, similar to the Finance Commission, could oversee borrowing to avoid placing heavy obligations on future generations.

Issues with the Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC)

• Restrictions on State Borrowing: The NBC restricts all forms of state loans, including those through state-owned enterprises, affecting the state’s ability to invest in welfare and development.
• Impact on State Autonomy: Kerala has argued that these limits violate its fiscal independence under Article 293, prompting a Supreme Court case.
• Fiscal Autonomy vs. Fiscal Discipline: This case marks the first time Article 293’s interpretation has come under judicial scrutiny, raising questions on balancing state fiscal autonomy and national fiscal consolidation.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT (FRBM) ACT, 2003

• The FRBM Act aims to reduce fiscal deficits, with both Centre and states adopting fiscal limits to maintain financial stability.
• The 2018 amendment required the Centre’s fiscal deficit to stay within 3% of GDP and aimed to cap public debt at 60% of GDP by 2025-26.
• The NBC policy aligns with FRBM goals but faces criticism for not considering individual states’ financial situations.

Legal and Fiscal Implications

• Supreme Court Case: Kerala has contested the NBC, arguing that it infringes on state borrowing rights under Article 293. The Supreme Court has referred the matter to a Constitutional Bench.
• Decentralisation Debate: The case brings up broader issues of fiscal decentralisation and the balance of power between the Centre and states.
• Impact on RBI’s Role: There are concerns that central restrictions could affect the Reserve Bank of India’s fiscal management capabilities.

Strengthening Article 293

• Establish a Commission: Similar to the Finance Commission, a new body could handle borrowing disputes and assess both the Centre and states’ fiscal situations for fair decision-making.
• Set Clear Guidelines for Conditions on Borrowing:

1. • Transparency: Ensure all borrowing procedures and criteria are publicly accessible.
   • Consultative Process: Engage states in discussions before imposing borrowing terms to enhance cooperative federalism.
   • Equitable Treatment: Apply borrowing terms uniformly across states to avoid bias.
   • Respect Fiscal Autonomy: Limit restrictions to reasonable bounds, allowing states the flexibility to manage their own finances.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s interpretation of Article 293 will likely set a precedent for state borrowing autonomy and the Centre’s regulatory role. To support balanced fiscal governance and cooperative federalism, adopting clear guidelines for borrowing conditions under Article 293(4) could help maintain a transparent and fair approach, respecting both national fiscal goals and states’ economic independence.

SUPREME COURT RULING ON MINORITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The recent Supreme Court ruling has clarified the criteria for determining a minority educational institution’s status in India. This verdict has raised essential questions on preserving the unique character of minority institutions within the constitutional framework.

Key Points of the Supreme Court Judgment

Clarification on Minority Status:

• The judgment establishes indicators for defining a minority institution, such as its founders’ identity, purpose, and administrative framework.
• A statutory enactment to grant university status does not alter an institution’s minority character if it was created primarily for a minority community’s benefit.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Case:

• AMU, established in 1875 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan to support Muslim education, gained university status via the 1920 Act.
• Despite being acknowledged as an institution of national importance, a 1967 Supreme Court ruling denied it minority status, arguing it was government-established rather than community-founded.
• Amendments in 1981 aimed to modify the AMU Act to reinforce its minority character, sparking continued debate on its classification.

Basis for Determining Minority Character

• Founding Purpose and Community Intent: The judgment emphasizes an institution’s origin and intention to support a particular minority’s interests as key indicators. Administrative control by the minority community also supports its minority status.
• Role of Statutes and Historical Context: The Supreme Court highlighted that before the University Grants Commission Act of 1956, universities were required by law to have statutory recognition. This requirement, however, does not imply a surrender of minority rights in exchange for state recognition.

Dissenting Views and Implications

• Justice Dipankar Datta’s Dissent: Justice Datta disagreed, asserting that AMU’s establishment by government legislation disqualifies it as a minority institution.
• Impact on Reservation Policies: If AMU loses its minority status, it could become subject to reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

• This outcome could alter the university’s unique identity, sparking broader debate on the necessity of minority status for national institutions with distinctive cultural backgrounds.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court ruling reaffirms the importance of a historical and context-sensitive approach when determining the minority character of educational institutions. The decision underlines the value of preserving the unique ethos of institutions like AMU, which were established to serve specific communities and hold significant cultural heritage.

CALLING OUT EXPLOITATIVE LABOR PRACTICES ON GIG PLATFORMS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Recently, women gig workers staged a digital strike during Deepavali, highlighting unfair labour practices on gig platforms. Organized by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU), India’s first union for women gig workers, the strike sought to raise awareness about the exploitation of these workers and demand better conditions.

Key Issues in the Gig Economy

Discounts at Workers’ Expense:

• Gig platforms often run discounted promotions during festive seasons, which boost company profits but reduce workers’ earnings.
• These discounts come at the cost of fair wages, pushing gig workers into poor working conditions.

Lack of Consumer and Government Awareness:

• Consumers and the government often overlook the struggles of gig workers, instead focusing on how startups provide employment opportunities.
• Many people celebrate gig platforms as wealth creators but fail to question the labor exploitation that often supports this growth.

Exploitation as a Business Model:

• The rapid growth of platform startups is supported by venture capital that prioritizes expansion over fair compensation for workers.
• This model frequently sacrifices workers’ rights for profit, ignoring the welfare of those who drive the gig economy.

Significance of the Digital Strike by Women Gig Workers

First-of-Its-Kind Protest:

• The “Black Diwali” digital strike was a landmark moment, organized specifically by women gig workers to call attention to their exploitation.
• This protest brought solidarity among gig workers and received support from citizens and media, giving visibility to their struggle.

Long-Term Fight for Fair Treatment:

• Women workers emphasized that their demands for fair wages, job security, and dignified treatment are often ignored in mainstream labor discussions.
• While the government and some organizations offer basic social security measures, these are inadequate compared to what gig workers need for sustainable employment.

Challenges Specific to Women Gig Workers

Restrictive Job Roles:

• Digital platforms limit women to traditionally female-dominated roles, such as housekeepers or beauticians.
• Workers who decline low-paying “auto-assigned” jobs risk being penalized or blocked, creating job insecurity and low wages.

Vulnerable Social Backgrounds:

• Many women in the gig economy are single mothers, survivors of domestic violence, or lack other employment options, making them more susceptible to exploitative work.
• Platforms take advantage of this, framing the work as flexible but ultimately reinforcing economic dependence without job security.

Misleading “Flexibility” Claims:

• Gig platforms promote the idea of autonomy, yet workers often face high financial pressures from transportation costs and platform fees.
• This model leaves many without stable earnings, social security, or workplace protections.

Patriarchal Structures and State Inaction

Digital and Social Inequalities:

• Platforms perpetuate traditional gender roles, assigning women to low-paid tasks, and rarely offering job protection or fair compensation.
• The lack of robust labour protections and data privacy laws allows companies to exploit women workers without facing legal consequences.

Weak State Regulations:

• Despite national campaigns for women’s empowerment, there is a disconnect in protecting women workers from gig exploitation.
• The absence of laws that address gig workers’ specific challenges prevents them from escaping a cycle of economic exploitation.

Conclusion:
While platforms promote flexibility and independence, they often mask issues of low wages and insecure work. This strike demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing and highlights the need for stronger regulations to ensure that gig workers, especially women, are treated with respect and fairness.Top of Form

CAN INDIA ACHIEVE WEALTH BEFORE AN AGING POPULATION SETS IN?

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

With a falling fertility rate, India’s working-age population is projected to decline, sparking concerns about the country’s readiness to become prosperous before it faces an aging demographic.

Middle-Income Trap Concerns

• Although India’s population is predominantly working-age, its fertility rate is decreasing faster than expected.
• A decline in the fertility rate implies that India’s “demographic dividend” period may end sooner, making the current working-age population’s productivity crucial.
• Many states, especially in southern India, have dropped below the replacement-level fertility rate, hinting at a future aging population.

Economic Challenge of Low Productivity

• Despite liberalization, India still has 46% of its workforce in agriculture, a sector with low productivity. By comparison, China reduced its agricultural workforce significantly within 30 years after opening up its economy.
• India’s urban labor force participation rate remains low at 50%, and a large portion of the youth are either underemployed or focused on competitive exam preparation.
• India risks being trapped in a middle-income status with limited growth if productivity and employment opportunities are not improved.

Need to Boost Manufacturing

• Moving workers from agriculture to manufacturing and services has historically boosted economies. However, while India’s services sector has grown, manufacturing has stagnated.
• Manufacturing, especially in labour-intensive industries like textiles, offers greater job opportunities and can empower women, as these industries often employ a higher percentage of female workers.
• Currently, only 30% of working-age Indian women are part of the labour force, underscoring the need for job creation in sectors where women are likely to participate.

Challenges in the Manufacturing Sector

• Indian manufacturers face hurdles such as complex licensing, land access issues, and restrictive trade regulations. For instance, one in six Indian manufacturers cites licensing as a major obstacle, compared to less than 3% in Vietnam.
• High tariffs and unresolved free trade agreements (FTAs) limit export growth, and restrictive land and building regulations further increase operational costs.

Way Forward

• The Central government should reduce tariffs to lower input costs and make exports more competitive, while pursuing FTAs with key partners like the U.K. and EU.
• State governments should encourage flexible labour policies and address land use regulations, which currently restrict factory land utilization.
• To capitalize on the demographic dividend, India must improve its business environment, enabling large-scale job creation in manufacturing.

DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND:

According to the UN Population Fund, demographic dividend refers to economic growth potential from a population’s age shift where the working-age group (15-64 years) outnumbers the non-working group.

• India’s Window: India’s demographic dividend period started in 2005-06 and is expected to last until 2055-56.
• Youth Population: Around 68% of India’s population is within the working age, with 26% in the 10-24 age group.
• Future Projections: By 2030, India’s working-age population could reach 1.04 billion, with a low dependency ratio of 31.2%.

How India is Leveraging Its Demographic Dividend

• Youth Policies: With over 65% under 35, schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the National Youth Policy aim to foster skill-building and career pathways.
• Education Investment: Government initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Right to Education Act work toward improving literacy and educational access.
• Skill Development: Programs like Rozgar Mela and PMKVY focus on training and enhancing workforce skills, targeting employability.
• Health Initiatives: Ayushman Bharat and Mission Indradhanush aim to boost healthcare quality, ensuring a healthy workforce.
• Infrastructure Growth: Projects like PM Gati Shakti and Digital India aim to develop digital, physical, and social infrastructure to support economic expansion.

Challenges to India’s Demographic Dividend

• Unemployment: A rising working-age population with limited job growth risks increasing unemployment, with youth participation in the workforce down to 37% in 2022.
• Aging Population: By 2050, over 20% of India’s population may be elderly, challenging healthcare and social security.
• Resource Strain: Rapid growth stresses resources, especially water, as availability per capita has declined.
• Low Living Standards: High population growth hampers social services, affecting quality of life.
• Unplanned Urbanization: Urban population growth leads to issues like congestion and slum expansion, highlighting the need for planned urban development.

Conclusion

India’s demographic dividend presents a unique but fleeting opportunity. By addressing structural challenges in manufacturing and employment, India can turn its young workforce into a significant driver of economic growth, potentially achieving prosperity before an aging population poses new challenges.

DECLINING HEALTH SPENDING AND RISKS TO SDG GOALS

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Health spending is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, yet recent trends show a decline in health funding across low-income (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs).

• A World Bank study analysed health spending in 63 LICs and LMICs from 2019 to 2023, comparing it with pre-pandemic trends (2015–2019), highlighting concerning patterns.

Key Findings on Health Spending Trends

• Pandemic Impact on Health Budgets: Health budgets initially rose sharply during the pandemic due to increased demand; however, a subsequent steady decline has raised concerns.
• Long-term Cuts: While some reductions appeared temporary, data shows that spending cuts are becoming more permanent, undermining progress toward health-related SDGs.
• Spending Per Capita: Both LICs and LMICs have seen a decline in health spending per person, impacting the resources available for public health systems.

Trends in Health Spending

• Modest Growth: Between 2019 and 2023, government health spending per capita rose only marginally. General government expenditure increased faster than health spending, reversing the previous trend where health saw a steady rise in budget allocation.
• Dependence on External Aid: In LICs, health budgets remain minimal, with heavy reliance on external support.
• Shift in Budget Priorities: Before the pandemic, health spending had been gaining priority, but this focus has since diminished, especially in LICs.

India’s Health Spending Challenges

• Decline in Health Budget Share: India, a key LMIC, experienced a drop in the share of health within its overall budget post-pandemic. Health spending exceeded 2% of the total budget during the pandemic but has now decreased to around 1.75-1.85%.
• Constrained Growth: The spending cutbacks in India and other nations pose significant challenges for healthcare improvement efforts.

Global Trends and Projections

• Reduction in Health Spending Share: In LICs, health’s share in government spending dropped to 5.6% by 2023, marking a notable decline since 2021. LMICs also saw a decline, with the health spending share at 6.5%.
• Slow Growth Rates: During 2019–2023, real per capita growth rates for health spending were 0.4% in LICs and 0.9% in LMICs, contrasting sharply with the pre-pandemic growth rates of 4.2% and 2.4%, respectively.

Challenges and Future Risks

• Potential Budget Cuts: According to IMF projections, budgets may shrink in 23 of the studied countries from 2023 to 2029, forcing tough choices to sustain health funding.
• Resource Strain on LICs and LMICs: Sustained cuts in health spending challenge the ability of LICs and LMICs to achieve SDG health targets, as these countries face increased pressures on already limited health resources.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

The SDGs are a set of 17 interlinked global goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They aim to address global challenges and ensure a better, more sustainable future for all.

·       Inclusive Growth: The goals focus on eliminating poverty, reducing inequalities, and ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.

·       Environmental Protection: SDGs emphasize protecting the planet by addressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. This includes promoting sustainable consumption, clean energy, and safeguarding ecosystems.

·       Global Partnerships: Achieving the SDGs requires strong global cooperation between governments, private sector, civil society, and individuals. Partnerships and collective actions are vital to tackling issues like inequality and environmental degradation.

·       Measurable Targets: Each of the 17 SDGs has specific targets and indicators that are tracked to monitor progress. These targets provide a framework to assess how far the world has come in achieving the SDGs by 2030, with an emphasis on accountability and data-driven solutions.

Conclusion

Declining health spending in LICs and LMICs, including India, threatens progress toward global health targets under the SDGs. The reversal of pre-pandemic gains in health funding could have long-lasting impacts, emphasizing the need for renewed commitment to health investment.

IMPROVING WIND ENERGY GENERATION IN TAMIL NADU AND INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Wind energy plays a significant role in India’s renewable energy strategy, with Tamil Nadu being one of the leading states in wind power generation. However, recent challenges related to aging wind turbines and the implementation of a new state policy on wind power have raised concerns among energy generators.

Wind Energy Capacity in India

• National Wind Power Potential: According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), India has a wind power potential of 1,163.86 GW at 150 meters above ground level, making it the fourth-largest country in terms of installed wind energy capacity.
• Current Wind Energy Usage: India currently utilizes only about 6.5% of its total wind potential at the national level. The contribution from Tamil Nadu is around 15%, with the state’s share of the national capacity being significant.
• Leading States: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are the top wind energy generating states, collectively accounting for over 93% of India’s installed wind energy capacity.

Tamil Nadu’s Wind Energy Landscape

• Installed Capacity: Tamil Nadu has a total installed capacity of 10,603.5 MW, making it the second-largest wind energy producer in the country. The state has been installing wind turbines since the 1980s, and currently, around 10,000 turbines have small capacities (less than 1 MW).
• Repowering Potential: Tamil Nadu holds the highest repowering potential in India, with over 7,000 MW of installed capacity that can be refurbished or replaced with newer, higher-capacity turbines.

Repowering and Refurbishing Wind Turbines

• Repowering: This involves replacing older wind turbines (over 15 years old or with capacities below 2 MW) with more efficient, higher-capacity turbines. For instance, turbines with capacities below 1 MW, which were common in the 1980s, can be replaced with turbines that generate more energy per unit of land.
• Refurbishing: This process includes improving existing turbines by upgrading their components, such as increasing the height, changing blades, or upgrading gearboxes, to enhance energy production.
• Life Extension: Older turbines may also be maintained to extend their operational life through safety upgrades and other enhancements.

Challenges with the New Policy

• Tamil Nadu’s 2024 Wind Energy Policy: The Tamil Nadu government introduced the “Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects – 2024” to encourage the modernization of wind turbines. However, wind energy generators have opposed this policy, arguing that it does not adequately promote wind energy generation.
• Legal Action: Generators have approached the Madras High Court for a stay on the policy, citing concerns about its financial viability and impact on wind energy investments.
• Land and Financial Issues: One significant issue raised by wind energy generators is that repowering requires more land than older, smaller turbines. For example, a 2.5 MW turbine requires five acres of land compared to the 3.5 acres needed for a 2 MW turbine.
• Banking Facility: Windmills installed after 2018 in Tamil Nadu do not have a banking facility for the energy generated. Repowered turbines are considered new installations, and the energy they generate cannot be banked, making the projects less financially attractive.

Way Forward

• Increasing Wind Power Contribution: If the smaller turbines in Tamil Nadu are replaced or refurbished, wind energy could contribute 25% more during peak windy seasons.
• Policy Improvements Needed: The current repowering policy is seen as commercially unviable by many in the industry. It needs to address practical challenges, such as land acquisition and financial incentives, to make it more attractive for investors.
• Promoting Investment: A policy that encourages financially viable investments in wind energy will help maximize the state’s repowering potential and contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu has significant potential to boost wind energy generation through repowering and refurbishing of old turbines. However, challenges such as land availability, financial viability, and policy barriers must be addressed to fully realize this potential and align with India’s renewable energy targets.

NOTES ON LIGHTNING RODS AND THEIR ROLE IN PREVENTING LIGHTNING STRIKES

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Lightning is a powerful and dangerous electrical discharge that occurs between a cloud and the ground. lightning rods play a crucial role in protecting buildings and individuals by directing the electrical energy safely to the ground.

What is Lightning?

• Definition: Lightning is an electrical discharge between charged particles in the cloud and the ground.
• Cause of Lightning: Lightning occurs when electrical charges build up in a cloud and overcome the insulating properties of the air, allowing for a discharge of electricity.
• Path of Least Resistance: The lightning strike follows the path of least resistance, moving toward objects that have the highest electric potential, which can be people or structures.

What is a Lightning Rod?

• Purpose: A lightning rod is a metal conductor placed on top of buildings to intercept lightning strikes and direct the electrical current safely to the ground.
• Design: Lightning rods are pointed objects that create strong electric fields around them. The electric field ionizes the air near the rod, providing a path for the lightning to follow.
• Attraction of Lightning: Lightning tends to strike the highest object in the vicinity, and a well-placed lightning rod ensures that it is the first object the lightning will strike, reducing the risk to other structures or people.

How Does a Lightning Rod Work?

• Path of Current: Once the lightning rod attracts the strike, the current flows down a conductor (a wire) connected to the ground. The ground acts as a vast reservoir of electrical charge, which can absorb the current without damage.
• Grounding: The lightning rod directs the electricity into the earth, where it dissipates safely. This prevents the lightning from causing harm to the building or people.
• Lightning Arresters: In some setups, the lightning rod is connected to systems called lightning arresters, which help manage high currents by diverting them away from sensitive equipment.

Can Lightning Evade a Lightning Rod?

• Improper Installation: A lightning strike may bypass a lightning rod if the rod is not installed at the correct height, angle, or location. If the rod is not well-grounded or is poorly maintained, it may fail to intercept the lightning.
• Multiple Structures: If the lightning rod is too close to another structure, the lightning may be more attracted to the other object, bypassing the rod.
• Strike Path Issues: Sometimes, lightning strikes can ascend from the ground to meet a descending strike, potentially avoiding the rod.

Maintenance and Design Considerations:

• Design and Safety: Engineers must ensure that the grounding system is designed to safely carry the lightning current into the ground. This includes making sure that wires are not bent in a U-shape and are properly spaced to prevent short-circuiting.
• Grounding Systems: High-conductivity materials, such as concrete-encased electrodes, are used to improve the efficiency of grounding systems, ensuring that the lightning energy is quickly dissipated into the earth.
• Regulations: International standards, such as those from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), provide guidelines on the design and installation of lightning rods, ensuring their effectiveness and safety.

Conclusion:

Lightning rods are an essential safety feature for protecting buildings and people from the dangers of lightning. They provide a direct path for lightning to safely reach the ground, minimizing the risk of damage. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of lightning, the role of lightning rods in safeguarding lives and property has become more important than ever.

CYANOBACTERIA

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

A recent discovery of a mutant strain of cyanobacteria, named Chonkus, has raised hopes for its potential role in combating climate change. Researchers found this strain in the shallow waters off Vulcano Island in Italy, where volcanic gas-rich groundwater flows into the sea.

About Cyanobacteria:

• Definition: Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms that naturally occur in all types of water.
• Habitat: These single-celled organisms thrive in fresh, brackish (a mix of salt and fresh water), and marine environments.
• Photosynthesis: Cyanobacteria use sunlight to produce their own food through photosynthesis.
• Growth Conditions: In warm and nutrient-rich environments, such as areas with high phosphorus and nitrogen, cyanobacteria can multiply rapidly, creating dense blooms.
• Nutrient Sources: Blooms are often triggered by nutrient pollution, such as fertilizer runoff or septic tank overflows, leading to the accumulation of nutrients in water bodies.
• Common Occurrence: Most cyanobacterial blooms form in late summer or early fall when the water is warm and conditions are favorable.

Key Facts about Chonkus:

• Discovery Location: Chonkus was discovered in the shallow, sunlit waters off Vulcano Island, Italy, where volcanic gas-rich groundwater seeps into the sea.
• Carbon Absorption: This mutant strain of cyanobacteria has the ability to absorb significantly more carbon than regular cyanobacteria.
• Environmental Potential: Chonkus holds potential for combating climate change by absorbing higher amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and oceans.

Conclusion:

The discovery of Chonkus, a mutant form of cyanobacteria, is a promising step towards addressing climate change. Its ability to absorb more carbon than typical cyanobacteria could play a vital role in mitigating carbon emissions and supporting environmental sustainability.