TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18.7.2024

1. WHEN TREES AND TRADE FLOURISHED ALONG THE SOUTHERN SILK ROUTE (ENVIRONMENT)

• A recent publication by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) titled A Southern Silk Route: Sikkim and Kalimpong Wild Flowers and Landscapes documents the flora and landscapes along the ancient Silk Route in the eastern Himalayas.
• This route, which passes through Kalimpong and Sikkim to Lhasa in Tibet, is historically significant for trade and botany.
• The book catalogs 1,137 flowering plants, including the endangered Windamere palm (Trachycarpus latisectus) and the State tree of Sikkim, Rhododendron niveum.
• Other notable species include the threatened Impatiens sikkimensis and Daphne ludlowii, used historically for Buddhist manuscripts
• The publication also highlights the contributions of British botanist J.D. Hooker, who discovered 32 rhododendron species in Sikkim in 1848, and the political impact of botanical explorations, such as Col. Francis Younghusband’s 1903-04 expedition to Tibet.

2. AFTER ARMY OFFICER’S DEATH SPOUSE IS RIGHTLY ENTITLED TO PENSION (NATIONAL)

• Captain Singh was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his bravery, which was presented to his wife and mother. His parents have raised concerns about not being able to touch the award and have called for changes in the NoK criteria.
• Definition of NoK: The Next of Kin (NoK) is the closest living relative of the deceased service member. This typically includes the spouse, children, and parents.
• Nomination Process:
• Upon commissioning, officers are required to nominate their NoK for various benefits such as the Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF), Provident Fund (PF), and other movable or immovable properties.
• Officers can nominate multiple beneficiaries and specify the percentage of benefits each nominee should receive.
• After marriage, officers are required to update their nominations to include their spouse and any other dependents.
• Pension: – As per Army policy, the pension is typically designated to the spouse of the deceased officer. This is a standard practice to ensure the financial security of the widow or widower.
• In the absence of a spouse, the pension may be allocated to the children or parents, depending on the nominations made by the officer.
• Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF): The AGIF provides a lump sum amount to the nominees in the event of the officer’s death.
• The distribution of the AGIF amount is based on the nominations made by the officer.
• For example, an officer can specify that a certain percentage of the AGIF should go to the spouse and another percentage to the parents.
• Provident Fund (PF) and Other Assets: Similar to the AGIF, the distribution of the Provident Fund and other assets is based on the nominations made by the officer.
• Officers can specify different percentages for different nominees.
• State Aid and Other Benefits: In addition to the benefits provided by the Army, state governments and other organizations may announce financial aid for the family of the deceased officer.
• The distribution of such aid is typically decided by the announcing authority, but it often follows the same principles as the Army’s NoK criteria.

3. ON THE JURISDICTION OF THE CBI (POLITY)

• The jurisdiction of the CBI is governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
• Key points include: Central Control: The CBI operates under the DSPE Act, with its establishment, powers, and jurisdiction vested in the Government of India.
• The Supreme Court has affirmed that the CBI is not an independent agency but functions under the administrative control of the Union government.
• State Consent: Under Section 6 of the DSPE Act, the CBI requires the consent of the State government to investigate within its territory.
• This is crucial as “police” and “public order” are State subjects under the Constitution.
• General Consent Withdrawal: Several States, including West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala, have withdrawn general consent, alleging misuse of the CBI by the Centre to target opposition parties.
• Without this consent, the CBI cannot register new cases in these States without specific permission.
• Legal Disputes: The West Bengal government filed a suit under Article 131 of the Constitution, challenging the CBI’s actions postwithdrawal of consent.
• The Supreme Court upheld the maintainability of this suit, emphasizing the need for State consent for CBI investigations.

4. HOUSES IN KUKRAIL’S GREEN BELT MARKED IN RED, TRIGGERS PANIC (SOCIAL ISSUES)

• Subject: Urban Development and Environmental Conservation
• The issue revolves around the demarcation of houses within the floodplain of the Kukrail river in Lucknow.
• Key concepts include: Green Belt and Floodplain: These are protected areas meant to preserve natural ecosystems and prevent construction that could lead to environmental degradation and increased flood risk.
• Demarcation and Red Marks: The Irrigation Department marked houses within 50 meters of the green belt, indicating they are in a protected zone. This action is part of a rejuvenation project for the Kukrail riverbed.
• Legal and Documentation Concerns: Residents, like Vishal Pandey, argue their houses are legal, citing registry papers, bank loans, and utility bills as proof. They fear demolition despite having these documents.
• Government and Authority Actions: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) states that the red marks are preliminary, with further actions pending orders from senior officials.
• Public Response: Residents are protesting, highlighting the potential loss of their homes and questioning the sudden enforcement of these regulations

5. ACCUSED ON T.N BSP LEADER’S MURDER CASE KILLED IN ENCOUNTER : OPPOSITION TERMS POLICE ACTION SUSPICIOUS (SOCIAL ISSUES)

• Ethical Concerns of Police Encounter: Due Process Violation: Police encounters bypass the judicial process, denying the accused a fair trial and the opportunity to defend themselves.
• Human Rights: Extrajudicial killings violate fundamental human rights, including the right to life and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
• Accountability: Encounters often lack transparency and accountability, raising concerns about potential misuse of power and cover-ups.
• Other issues —  Erosion of Public Trust – Creates Fear and Distrust
• Undermining Legal Institutions
• Potential for Misuse – by targeting innocents due to mistaken identity or false accusations
• Encounters can be manipulated for political gains or to eliminate political opponents.
• Encouragement of Vigilantism leading to Lawlessness and Undermining Justice.
• International Condemnation and damage the country’s reputation on human rights issues.
• Persistent human rights violations can lead to sanctions and penalties from international bodies and affect diplomatic relations

ONE LINER

1. Niti Aayog’s Sustainable Development Goals Index (2023- 2024) – Tamil Nadu ranked second
2. Thailand will host the BIMSTEC annual summit in September