TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (04.03.2024)

Supreme Court agreed to list series of petitions ahead of the Lok Sabha election:
Petition seeks a directive to the Election Commission
To mandatorily cross-verify the vote count in all electronic voting machines (EVMs) by counting all voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips
The petitions have referred to a reported judgment of the top court in 2013 in Subramanian Swamy v Election Commission of India § That the election process should “have fullest transparency in the system and to restore the confidence of the voters”
The Lok Sabha election will begin on April 19

2. NULEAR POWER IS KEY TO DEVELOPMENT

Nuclear Power Seen as Key for India’s Net Zero Goals
A study by the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, emphasises the importance of nuclear energy in achieving India’s ambitious goals:
Developed Nation Status by 2047 § Net Zero Emissions by 2070
Current Status – Nuclear energy contributes only 1.6% to India’s energy mix
Solar power is at 16%, while coal dominates at 49%
Study’s Findings – Analysed various scenarios for energy production by 2030 and 2050.
The “net zero” scenario requires a significant increase in nuclear power:
5 times current levels by 2030 (30 GW) § 265 GW by 2050 (30% of total energy)
Solar power contribution would decrease slightly under this scenario
Challenges – Doubling investment in nuclear power is necessary
Ensuring adequate uranium supplies (restricted by international embargo)
Key Points – No single solution exists (solar, nuclear, etc. all need to coexist)
Coal will likely remain a major source, but needs to be phased down
Building infrastructure for alternatives like nuclear and renewables is crucial
Estimated financial requirement: ₹150-200 lakh crore by 2070 Overall, the study suggests that prioritising nuclear energy is essential for India to achieve its development and net zero aspirations

3. INDIA PLANS TO BUILD FIRST COMMERCIAL CRUDE STORAGE

India plans to build its first commercial crude oil strategic storage
This comes as part of efforts to shore up stockpiles as insurance against any supply disruption
Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL)
It is an SPV created by the government for building and operating strategic petroleum reserves in the country
ISPRL has invited bids for constructing 2.5 million tonnes of underground storage at Padur in Karnataka, according to the tender document

4. HOLOGRAM, BLOCKCHAIN CAN CRUB FAKE DRUGS

Holograms and Blockchain Seen as Weapons Against Counterfeit Drugs
Use of technology to combat counterfeit drugs in India’s growing pharmaceutical industry
The Problem – Counterfeit drugs are a significant threat in the global market.
The World Health Organisation estimates 10.5% of medications sold worldwide are fake or substandard.
The Indian Market – India’s pharmaceutical industry is valued at $50 billion and is projected to reach $130 billion by 2030.
This growth makes tackling counterfeit drugs even more crucial
The Proposed Solutions – Holograms with advanced features: Difficult to replicate features like 3D images, unique patterns, and micro-text can be embedded on packaging
Blockchain technology: Enables tracking of medication shipments throughout the supply chain, enhancing transparency and identifying potential tampering Advanced technologies like holograms and blockchain can be valuable tools in the fight against counterfeit drugs, protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of India’s pharmaceutical industry

5. INDIA REJECTS REPORT ON ABUSIVE CONDITIONS AT SHRIMP HATCHERIES

India Refutes Allegations of Abuses in Shrimp Industry India’s response to accusations of human rights and environmental violations in its shrimp farming industry
India is the world’s largest shrimp exporter, with the U.S. being a major market
A Chicago-based human rights group (CAL) alleged “dangerous and abusive” working conditions in Indian shrimp farms
India strongly denies these claims, stating its shrimp industry is certified and well-regulated
The Commerce Ministry will meet exporters to discuss strategies to counter these allegations
Government may commission independent studies to address concerns in importing countries
Andhra Pradesh, a major shrimp producing state, is also investigating the CAL report
India’s seafood exports reached $8.09 billion in 2022-23, with shrimp contributing a significant portion ($5.6 billion)
Women comprise a large part of the workforce in the shrimp industry (around 70%)

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Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, which completed 125 years of its establishment (April -01-1899) is located in the palani hill range of TamilNadu
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