TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 09.01.2025

SUBJECT: ECONOMY

National Statistics Office (NSO)Estimates for 2024-25: India’s real GDP growth is projected at6.4%, a four-year low, down from8.2% in 2023-24.
Growth is expected to rebound in the second half of FY25 to6.8%, following 6% growth in the first half.
Agriculture: Growth forecasted at3.8%, up from1.4%in 2023-24.
Manufacturing: GVA growth is set to decline sharply to5.3%from9.9%last year.
Mining and Quarrying: Estimated GVA growth at2.9%, down from7.1%.
Other Services: Expected growth of9.1%, up from7.8%in 2023-24
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), a measure of fresh investments, is projected to rise by only 6.4%, compared to9%in 2023-24.
GDP Value: Real GDP at constant prices is estimated at₹184.88 lakh crore for 2024-25, compared to₹173.82 lakh crore in 2023-24

2. MORE FLEXIBILITY BUT ALSO GREATER CHALLENGES

SUBJECT: NATIONAL

The University Grants Commission (UGC)has introduced reforms such as accelerated and extended degree programmes, allowing students to complete their studies earlier or later than the standard duration.
These changes aim to align with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, focusing on flexibility and interdisciplinary learning
Flexibility and Autonomy: Students can align their academic pace with personal goals, enabling those with financial or professional constraints to progress at their convenience.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Encourages skill diversification, preparing students for dynamic global markets by integrating research, internships, and innovation into learning.
Global Competitiveness: Promotes mobility for Indian students, both domestically and internationally, by adhering to international educational standards
Requires curriculum restructuring and training for educators to adopt interdisciplinary pedagogy effectively.
Digital Divide: Greater reliance on technology could marginalise students from rural or economically weaker sections.
Financial Constraints: Accelerated programmes may deter students due to upfront costs, while extended programmes may lead to additional financial burdens

3. WHY THE LOCATION OF CHINA’S EARTHQUAKE MATTERS

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck on January 7, with its epicenter near the Tingri region, close to Mt. Everest, in the Lhasa terrane.
Over 95 deaths and significant infrastructural damages reported in Tibet and neighboring areas, including tremors felt in Kathmandu and Kolkata.
The Lhasa terrane, a crustal fragment, lies near tectonic boundaries where the Indian plate continues to collide with the Eurasian plate at 60 mm/year.
China’s recently approved mega hydroelectric project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra in India) is located in the Lhasa terrane.
Potential risks include destabilization of the river’s perennial flow, affecting ecosystems in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
The Himalayas, referred to as the “Third Pole,” hold vast water resources in glaciers, lakes, and rivers, making the region critical for regional stability.
Earthquake activity here poses risks such as glacier destabilization and flooding, disrupting natural cycles and dependent communities.

4. BHARATPOL TO AID IN NABBING FUGITIVE CRIMINALS WHEREVER THEY HIDE : HOME MINISTER

SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHOLOGY

Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bharatpol provides seamless connectivity between Indian law enforcement and Interpol.
Facilitates the identification, tracking, and prosecution of fugitives globally.
Developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Includes five modules: Connect, Interpol Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources.
Aims to simplify and expedite the extradition process of criminals
Enables the prosecution of fugitive criminals through trials in absentia.
Establishes a mechanism for structured and scientific handling of Interpol notices.
Strengthens India’s ability to combat transnational crimes and secure international justice
Empowers grassroots-level law enforcement through technology and training.
Integrates Indian law enforcement agencies with Interpol’s global systems.
Enhances collaboration to locate fugitives across borders effectively

5. INDIA U.S TO JOINTLY MANUFACTURE INTEROPERABLE SONOBUOYS FOR NAVY

SUBJECT: DEFENSE

India and the U.S. will co-produce sonobuoys, advanced undersea instruments for tracking submarines, under the Make in India initiative.
Partnership involves Ultra Maritime (U.S.) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (India).
Sonobuoys will enhance India’s underwater domain awareness (UDA)to detect submarines in deep waters.
It is a response to the rapid expansion of China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean
Builds on the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology(iCET), launched in 2022.
The sonobuoys will meet U.S. Navy standards, ensuring interoperability across Quad nations (India, U.S., Australia, and Japan)
Includes deployment of sonobuoys alongside advanced platforms like P-8I aircraft and MH-60R helicopters, boosting India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
Signals a deepening of defense ties and a shift toward indigenous production of high-tech military equipment