TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 24.12.2024

SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES

MGNREGS(Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) is in the news due to significant implementation issues in West Bengal.
Current Situation
The Centre has withheld funds to West Bengal since March 9, 2022 There are 3.4 crore registered MGNREGS workers in West Bengal, with the Centre bearing 90% of the scheme’s budget
Key Issues Identified
Out of 63 worksites inspected, 31 sites showed serious shortcomings
Major irregularities found include: Breaking larger works into smaller parcels to avoid scrutiny
Fraudulent work creation
Non-compliance with tendering norms
Poor maintenance of records
Official Actions
The Centre conducted three field visits between 2019-2022 in various districts including Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Malda
Funds have been stopped under Section 27of MGNREGA Act 2005due to non-compliance with Central Government directives
The West Bengal government has written to the Centre more than 20 times regarding the fund freeze but has received no response

2. INDIA, KUWAIT ELEVATE TIES TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL

India and Kuwait signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during PM Narendra Modi’s visit, covering areas like defense cooperation, cultural exchange, sports, and economic collaboration.
This marked a significant step in deepening relations between the two countries.
Defense Cooperation:
MoU signed for the exchange of defense personnel, joint exercises, and supply of military equipment.
Institutionalizing bilateral defense cooperation.
Economic and Cultural Ties:
Discussions on trade, investment, education, technology, security, and agriculture.
Cultural MoU for the exchange of ideas and fostering people-to people ties.
Recognition of Contributions:
PM Modi was honored with the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order, symbolizing friendship and respect between the two nations.
Acknowledgment of Indian translators who translated Indian epics into Arabic.
Relevance to Gulf and India: Kuwait is an energy-rich Gulf country and plays a key role in India’s energy security.
The Gulf Spic Labour Camp in Kuwait houses a significant Indian population (over 90%).
Historical Significance: Elevation of ties signifies a deeper economic and geopolitical partnership amid shifting dynamics in the Gulf region

3. POINTING THE BEACON AT INDIA’S UNDERSEA WARFARE POWER

SUBJECT: DEFENCE

Key developments in 2024, such as the commissioning of INS Arighat (a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine), underline India’s focus on strengthening its underwater warfare infrastructure.
INS Arighat: India’s second indigenous SSBN(nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine).
Enhanced deterrent capabilities with advanced sonar and acoustic dampening.
Successfully launched K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)with a 3,500 km range.
Future Projects: Approval of ₹40,000 crore project for SSNs(nuclear-powered attack submarines), expected delivery by 2036-37 with 90% indigenous content.
Project 75(India): Focus on AIP (air-independent propulsion) enabled conventional submarines.
INS Vagsheer, the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, to be commissioned soon.
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs): 100-tonne UUV project approved at ₹2,500 crore.
Low-cost, high-return investment to enhance niche underwater capabilities.

4. THE CHALLENGES OF POSTHUMOUS REPRODUCTION

SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT

Delhi High Court allowed a couple to use their deceased son’s frozen sperm for reproduction, raising questions about India’s legal framework on posthumous conception.
ART Act (2021) governs the use of gametes for assisted reproduction but lacks provisions for cases like posthumous reproduction.
Absence of explicit consent from the deceased creates legal ambiguity.
Ethical Concerns: Rights of the deceased individualover genetic material.
Feminist critiqueof commodification of human tissue and reproductive material.
Judicial Interpretation: Precedent cases like Dowell v. Yearworth (UK)highlight evolving legal perspectives.
Need for legislative clarity to address scenarios like parental rights of a surrogate.
Broader Implications: Advances in reproductive technology outpace legal provisions.
Importance of safeguarding ethical and societal norms.

5. SPADEX : MEETING IN SPACE

SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ISRO is preparing for its SpaDeX mission, marking India’s efforts in mastering docking and undocking satellites in orbit
Demonstrate dockingand undockingof two satellites in space.
Essential for future space station projects like “Bharatiya Antariksh Station.”
Details of the Mission: Two satellites, “Chaser” and “Target,”to be launched on PSLV C60 on December 30, 2024.
Satellites will operate in a 470-km orbit with a 66-day mission cycle.
Technological Significance: India aims to join the elite group of countries with docking capabilities (currently USA, Russia, China).
Enables power transfer, in-space robotics, composite spacecraft control, and payload operations post-docking.
Future Implications: Key milestone towards India’s independent space station program.
Enhances India’s position in space exploration and technology development.