TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8.6.2024

1. ECB CUTS INTEREST RATES EVEN AS INFLATION FIGHT IS F AR FROM OVER

• The European Central Bank’s (ECB) recent rate cut is a strategic move to support economic growth amid signs of cooling inflation.
• By making borrowing cheaper, the ECB encourages spending and investment, which can stimulate growth. However, this must be balanced with careful monitoring of inflation to avoid excessive price rises. How does this work?
• Interest Rate Cuts: ECB cuts rates -> Borrowing becomes cheaper -> Increased consumer spending and business investment -> Economic growth.
• Economic Growth and Inflation: Increased spending -> Higher demand for goods and services -> Potential rise in prices -> Inflation.
• Monetary Policy Adjustment: ○ ECB monitors inflation -> Adjusts interest rates accordingly:
• If inflation rises too fast -> May increase rates to cool demand.
• If growth slows and inflation is manageable -> May cut rates to stimulate the economy. Inflation Control and Growth: ECB aims to keep inflation around 2%-> Uses rate changes to balance growth and inflation -> Supports stable economic environment. AROUND THE WORLD – 18 killed in clashes between Yemengovernment forces and Houthis
• 100 killed in militia group’s attack on Sudanvillage
• Spainto join South Africa’s Gaza case at top UN court accusing Israel of genocide —First European country

2. NHRC SEEKS REPORT ON SALE OF GIRLS AS PART OF NATA PRATHA

• Understanding Nata Pratha and Its Implications Nata Prathais a traditional practice prevalent in certain communities in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• This practice involves the selling of girls, often on stamp paper, under the guise of marriage.
• The practice has severe moral and legal implications, particularly for women and minor girls.
• Key Points: Nature of Nata Pratha: Girls are sold either on stamp paper or otherwise. Often involves child marriage.
• Transactions are usually conducted by the girl’s own family.
• Legal and Human Rights Violations: Human Trafficking:The practice can be classified as human trafficking, which is illegal under Indian law.
• Child Marriage:Violates the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
• POCSO Act: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, can be invoked if minors are involved.
• Case Study: A minor girl from Rajasthan was sold by her father for ₹2.5 lakh.
• The transaction was formalized on July 11, 2019, but the groom failed to pay the full amount.
• The father attempted to sell her again for ₹32,000.
• The girl resisted and sought help from the police, but no action was taken.
• She was found dead on June 16, 2020.
• NHRC’s Intervention: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Developmentand the states involved.
• The NHRC has called for the eradication and abolition of Nata Pratha.
• States have been directed to submit a report on measures taken or proposed within eight weeks.
• Recommendations: Individuals forcing women into Nata Pratha should be prosecuted under human trafficking laws.
• The POCSO Act should be appliedin cases involving minors. Legal Framework and Measures
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Prohibits the marriage of girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years.
• Provides for the annulment of child marriages and punishment for those who promote or permit such marriages.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: ○ Provides for the protection of children from offenses of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
• Establishes Special Courts for the trial of such offenses.
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956: Aims to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
• Provides for the rescue and rehabilitation of victims. Steps for Eradication
• Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about the legal and moral implications of Nata Pratha.
• Promote gender equality and the rights of women and children.
• Legal Enforcement: Strict enforcement of existing laws against child marriage and human trafficking.
• Ensure prompt action by law enforcement agencies in reported cases.
• Support Systems: Establish support systems for victims, including shelters, counseling, and legal aid.
• Provide economic support and vocational training to empower women and prevent exploitation.
• Community Engagement: Involve local leaders and community organizations in efforts to eradicate the practice.
• Encourage community-based monitoring and reporting of such practices. Nata Pratha is a deeply entrenched practice that violates the fundamental rights of women and children.

3. BHIL PRADESH IN FOCUS WITH BAP’S VICTORY FROM RAJASTHAN TRIBAL REGION

• Bhil Pradesh: Concept: Bhil Pradesh refers to a proposed autonomous region for the Bhil tribe, aimed at addressing their socio-economic and political needs.
• Location: Encompasses tribal-dominated regions of southern Rajasthan and neighboring states, specifically areas like Banswara. Tribes Living There:
• Primary Tribe: The Bhil tribeis the major indigenous group in this region.
• Other Tribes: Other Scheduled Tribes also inhabit the area, including Garasia, Damor, and Meena.
• Issues Faced by Tribes: Employment: High unemployment ratesamong the tribal youth, leading to migration to other areas for work.
• Malnutrition: Widespread malnutrition, particularly among children, due to inadequate healthcare and nutritional resources.
• Education: Low literacy ratesand lack of access to quality education, contributing to limited opportunities for upward mobility.
• Healthcare: Insufficient healthcare facilities and services, exacerbating health issues.
• Land Rights: Struggles with land ownership and rights, with many tribal people lacking formal titles to their ancestral lands.
• Political Representation: Historically limited political representation and influence, leading to the neglect of their issues in policy-making. Various government schemes aim to address these issues, butthe tribes demandthe formation of Bhil Pradesh, increased reservation, improved local employment, healthcare, education, and protection of their land rightsfor a sustainable future

4. INDIA NORWAY COOPERATION TO WITNESS MANIFOLD INCREASE

• Trade Pact with EFTAis significant as it includes an investment chapter, which is a first for EFTA. This pact aims to create a secure framework for Western businesses to operate in India, enhancing mutual economic cooperation.
• Norwegian Interest in India: Norway is particularly interested in investing in Indiadue to its status as the fifth-largest and fastest-growing economyin the world.
• Norwegian businesses are expected to increase their presence and investments in India over the next decade.
• Sectoral Focus: Renewable Energy:Norway is keen on investing in India’s renewable energy sector, which aligns with global sustainability goals.
• Maritime:The maritime sector is another area of interest, given Norway’s expertise in marine technology and shipping.
• Circular Economy:Norway is also focusing on promoting a circular economy, which involves sustainable practices and recycling to minimize waste.
• Job Creation and Investment: Aim to create a million jobsthrough this trade pact, with Norway contributing significantly.
• Strengthening relations at various levels, including – Government-to-government
• Business-to-business – People-to-people
• Environmental Initiatives: Norway is organizing a conference on marine environment and circular economy in Chennai, focusing on preserving ecosystems such as shores and rivers.
• Bring together various stakeholders to address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
• India-Nordic Summit: Norway is set to host the third India-Nordic Summit in Osloby the end of this year.
• The summit aims to further strengthen the ties between India and the Nordic countries, taking into account the upcoming elections in India.

5. SIXTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION

• Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC) invites suggestions/views from the general public, institutions and organisations on issues related to its terms of reference.
• The Sixteenth Finance Commission has been constituted in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution of India by the President with Dr. Arvind Panagariya as Chairman on 31 December 2023.
• The Commission is required to make recommendations covering a period of five years starting 1st April 2026 as to the following matters:
• The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or maybe, divided between them under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds.
• The principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India and the sums to be paid to the States by way of grants-in-aid of their revenues under Article 275 of the Constitution for purposes other than those specified in the provisos to clause (1) of that article.
• The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State based on the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State.
• The Commission is also mandated to review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management initiatives

ONE LINER

1. Severe coral bleaching likely by 2040 – Inter governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) announcement.
2. Winsift Kaur Samra wins bronze medal in shooting World Cup in Germany