TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 27.01.2025

SUBJECT: NATIONAL

Pralay Tactical Ballistic Missile: Making its debut, the Pralay is a short range, surface-to-surface missile designed for quick deployment and precision strikes, enhancing India’s tactical capabilities.
Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System:Widely used by the Indian Army and exported to other countries, the Pinaka system demonstrated its firepower and versatility in battlefield scenarios.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS):This 155mm/52 caliber artillery system represents advancements in indigenous artillery technology, offering enhanced range and accuracy.
Medium Power Radar ‘Arudhra’: An indigenously developed radar system, Arudhra enhances air surveillance capabilities, providing medium-range detection and tracking of aerial targets.
Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System (IBSS): Designed to integrate both ground-based and aerial sensors on a common grid, the IBSS provides commanders with a unified view through a Geographical Information System overlay, enhancing situational awareness on the battlefield.
Akash Weapon System: A surface-to-air missile system developed by DRDO, the Akash system is capable of engaging multiple aerial targets and adds a robust layer to India’s air defense network.

2. INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME BREAKS INTO 2025 IN MISSION MODE

SUBJECT: DEFENSE

PSLV-C60 Mission: Satellite docking success and deployment of 24 payloads.
Future Missions: Chandrayaan-4and Bharatiya Antariksh Station planned.
Approval for a third launch padat Sriharikota
Satellite docking and power transfer for space station simulations.
Compact research modules tested for space debris tracking.
Solar data release from Aditya-L1 mission aiding solar studies.
Partnerships with Swiss and U.S. firms for space debris monitoring and communications.
Enhancing indigenous capabilities for human spaceflight.
Strengthening India’s position in the global space race.

3. SHOULD GOVERNORS HEAD STATE UNIVERSITIES?

SUBJECT: POLITY

Governor’s role as Chancellor introduced in 1857 for autonomy.
Continued post-independence under State University Acts.
Political interference undermining autonomy in Opposition-led States.
Delays in approvals and overreach of Governor’s powers.
Judicial Perspective:
Sarkaria Commission (1988):Suggested limiting Governor’s role to constitutional functions.
Madras High Court (2022):Affirmed statutory and limited role of Governors in university matters.
Reducing the Governor’s role in university governance.
Alternative governance models like State-appointed academic councils.
Adoption of global best practices for independent councils and Vice-Chancellors.
States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra lead progressive reforms.
Academic councils ensure transparent, autonomous governance

4. AN ENDURING COMMITMENT TO THE INDO – PACIFIC

SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL

Renaming “Asia-Pacific” to “Indo-Pacific”under the Trump administration.
Focus on sea-lane security and countering China’s influence.
Quad Diplomacy: Strengthened alliances with India, Japan, and Australia.
Institutionalized Quad for regional stability.
Continuity Under Biden: Quad Leaders’ Summit (2021) focused on climate, technology, and infrastructure.
Launch of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for inclusive growth.
Challenges: Balancing Quad nations’ strategic autonomy with U.S. leadership.
Countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

5. INDIA WITH INDONESIA

SUBJECT: BILATERAL

Common heritage in Hinduism, Sanskrit, and Vedic scriptures.
Post-colonial solidarity during decolonization and NAM formation.
Geopolitical and Strategic Dynamics: Shared concerns over U.S.-China rivalry and Indo-Pacific security.
Collaborative efforts in food, fuel, and fertilizer security.
Recent Engagements: MoUs in health, maritime security, digital development, and cultural cooperation.
Limited progress on key projects like the BrahMos missile sale and Sabang port.
Lack of tangible outcomes in recent summits.
Non-committal stance on geopolitical issues.
Strengthening maritime and defense ties.
Enhanced collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and BRICS frameworks.