TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18.6.2024

1. iCET

• iCET is an initiative focused on preventing the “leakage” of sensitive and dual use technologies to countries of concern.It involves cooperation between India and the U.S. on critical and emerging technology areas. The initiative aims to:
• Enhance Cooperation: Focus on co-production, co-development, and research and development opportunities.
• Strengthen Technology: Ensure both countries stay at the leading edge of innovation and enhance coordination to deliver secure, reliable, and cost competitive technology solutions.
• Strategic Areas: Includes sectors like semiconductors, advanced telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum science, biotechnology, and clean energy.
• Specific Projects: Discussions include projects such as the semiconductor partnership between General Atomics and Indian firm 3rdiTech, the potential acquisition of MQ-9B platforms, and the co-production of jet engines and infantry vehicles.
• The goal of iCET is to foster technological advancements and secure technology cooperation between India and the U.S., addressing global technological challenges and opportunities

2. KARNATAKE GOVERNMENT – MENSTRUAL LEAVE

• Proposal for Menstrual Leave The Karnataka government is considering providing one-day paid menstrual leave for women working in factories, IT, garment sectors, and multinational companies.
• The Labour Departmenthas formed an 18-member committee to study the feasibility of this proposal. Committee Composition: The committee is headed by Sapna Mohan, HoD, School of Law, Christ University.
• Stakeholders—It includes legaland medical experts, a psychologist, industry representatives, trade union members, and Labour Department officials.
• Current Status: One round of discussions has already taken place.
• The committee is set to meet again before submitting its report to the Labour Department.
• Potential Extension: There is a possibility that the scope of menstrual leave could be extended to the government sector, including teachers, police personnel, and anganwadi workers.
• Countries with Menstrual Leave Policies: Japan: Since 1947, Japan has had a law allowing women to take menstrual leave if they experience difficult periods.
• South Korea: Women are entitled to one day of menstrual leave per month.
• Indonesia: Women are entitled to two days of menstrual leave per month.
• Taiwan: Women can take three days of menstrual leave per year, which is not deducted from their statutory sick leave.

3. POLAVARAM PROJECT

• The Polavaram projectis an under-construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari Riverin Andhra Pradesh.
• It aims to provide irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. Current Status
• As of the latest update, approximately 70% of the project was completed during the TDP regime (2014-2019).
• The project has been delayed due to various issues, including damage to the diaphragm wall and administrative changes.
• Challenges:  The diaphragm wall was damaged in August 2020 at four places, with repair costs estimated at ₹447 crore. Constructing a new diaphragm wall would cost ₹990 crore.
• Delays have been attributed to reverse tendering, change of contractors, and other administrative decisions. Officials estimate that a minimum of four more years are required to complete the project, depending on various factors.

4. DIGI YATRA

• “Digi Yatra” is an initiative designed to enhance seamless travel through digital processing and biometric identification.
• Digi Yatrais a check-in service at airports based on facial recognition technology. The key features and goals of the initiative include:
• Facial Recognition Technology: Digi Yatra uses biometrics such as facial scans instead of traditional boarding passes to enable paperless travel.
• Seamless Travel Experience: The vision is to create a travel stack that facilitates seamless movement across various travel touchpoints in India, including airports, hotels, and public places like historical monuments.
• Government and Private Collaboration: Discussions are ongoing with government agencies like the Tourism Ministry, and the initiative involves both private airports and those under the Airports Authority of India.
• Enhanced Security and Efficiency: By using facial recognition, Digi Yatra aims to streamline passenger processing, reduce the need for physical document checks, and improve security at airports.
• Expansion Plans: The technology could be expanded to hotels, rail travel, and other public places to further enhance the travel experience.
• Implementation: Launched in 2022, Digi Yatra e-gates are currently deployed at 14 airports, with plans to expand to more locations by the end of 2024.
• Privacy and Data Security: The system ensures that personal data is encrypted and securely handled to prevent leaks and misuse.
• Goals and Benefits:Efficiency: Faster check-ins and boarding processes at airports.
• Convenience: Reduced need for physical documents and boarding passes.
• Security: Improved security through reliable biometric identification.
• Concerns and Considerations: Privacy: Ensuring that personal and biometric data is securely managed and not misused.
• Implementation: Addressing issues raised by passengers and ensuring the technology is smoothly integrated into existing systems. Overall, Digi Yatra aims to make travel more efficient, secure, and convenient by leveraging advanced biometric technology.

5. CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF MINISTERS

• Historical Context: The size of the Council of Ministers has varied significantly over the years. For instance, Jawaharlal Nehru’s first Council of Ministers had 15 members, which increased to around 30 after the first general elections in 1952.
• By the late 1990s, the size of the Council had become unwieldy, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Council in 1999 having 74 ministers.
• 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003: Ceiling on Number of Ministers:The total number of Ministers, including the Prime Minister, in the Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha.
• State Level:Similarly, the number of Ministers in a State’s Council of Ministers shall not exceed 15% of the total strength of the State Legislative Assembly.
• Minimum Requirement:There is no minimum requirement at the Central level, but smaller States must have at least 12 Ministers.
• Union Territories:For Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies (Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir), the maximum limit is 10% of the total strength of their Assembly.

ONE LINER

1. Joint Air Force exercise in US – India’s Rafale participates for the first time
2. 1% Reservation for Third Gender – High Court orders West Bengal Government