TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 23.01.2025

SUBJECT: HISTORY AND CULTURE

Raman Rajamannan, the head of Mannan tribal community, invited to Republic Day parade in Delhi.
Mannan tribe is primarily settled in Kerala, specifically in the Idukki district, within the buffer zone of the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary at Kozhimala.
Known as one of the Scheduled Tribes (ST)of Kerala.
The community is unique in Southern India as it is the only tribal community ruled by a king.
Community retains a traditional governance structure.
Monarchical System: The Mannans are among the few tribal communities in India that continue to uphold a hereditary kingship system.
The king, known as “Raja,” serves as both the administrative and spiritual leader, overseeing community affairs and resolving disputes.
The king is assisted by ministers and soldiers during community functions.
The royal residence is situated in Kozhimala, which functions as the community’s headquarters
The king’s regalia includes a turban embedded with conch and lined with pearls, straw bracelets, a scepter of authority (Adhihara dand), and an armbandon the shoulder.
These symbols denote his status and are worn during official ceremonies and festivals.
Festivals:The king presides over significant cultural and religious events.

2.THE OLIGRACHY WE SEE TODAY

SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden highlighted a “tech industrial complex” akin to historical oligarchies.
Modern Oligarchy: Tech Industrial Complex:
Billionaires like Elon Musk influence U.S. politics through campaign funding.
Corporate interests overshadow public welfare.
Historical Evolution: Aristotle’s critique of oligarchy as elite-driven governance.
Modern analogies in the U.S. and other nations (e.g., the Philippines)
Economic Inequality: Corporate monopolies widen wealth gaps.
Democracy Undermined: Wealth-driven politics sidelines public interests.
Global Impacts: Other nations exhibit similar elite-dominated systems

3. FLAGSHIP SCHEME FOR GIRL CHILD HAS HELPED DEFEAT BIAS

SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Launch Date: January 22, 2015.
Purpose: Address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR)and related gender equality issues.
Key Elements: Multi-sectoral action in low CSR districts.
Enforcement of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostics Act.
Awareness campaigns promoting gender equality.
Achievements: National Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
Enrollment of girls in secondary education rose from 75% to 78%.
Institutional deliveries increased from 61% to 97.3%.
First-trimester antenatal care registrations improved from 61% to 80.5%

4. NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION HAS CURBED SEVERAL PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS, SAYS CENTRE’S REPORT

SUBJECT: SOCIETY

National Health Mission (NHM)
Key Contributions: Reduced Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)by 83%(higher than global average).
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):Fell from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020).
Total Fertility Rate (TFR):Declined from 2.3 (2015) to 2.0 (2020).
Strengthened healthcare workforce (e.g., 5.23 lakh workers in FY 2023-24).
Global Impact: India’s MMR improvement exceeds global targets.

5. TAX AVOIDANCE TREATIES : INDIA SETS NEW NORMS FOR CLAIMING BENEFITS

SUBJECT: ECONOMY

Principal Purpose Test (PPT) under Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs).
Key Provisions: Guidance note on PPT for claiming treaty benefits (applicable post April 2025).
Grandfathering provisions for treaties with Cyprus, Mauritius, and Singapore.
Implication: Aligns with BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Action Plan 6.