TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20.6.2024

1. HOLD TALKS WITH DALAI LAMA, U.S LAWMAKERS TELL CHINA

• The visit of U.S. lawmakers to Dharamshala and their meeting with the Dalai Lama highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Tibet
• Significance —It touches upon various aspects of international relations, human rights, and cultural preservation
• Resolve Tibet Act: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Resolve Tibet Act, urging China to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
• The Act emphasizes Tibet’s right to self-determinationand criticizes China’s interference in Tibetan affairs.
• U.S. Lawmakers’ Visit: Led by Michael McCaul, the delegation expressed strong support for the Tibetan cause.
• They criticized China’s claims over Tibetand highlighted the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and religion.
• China’s Response: China has vowed to take measures to protect its sovereignty and interests.
• The Chinese government views the U.S. support for Tibet as interference in its internal affairs.
• Historical Context: The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
• Since then, he has been living in exile in India, advocating for Tibetan autonomy and cultural preservation.
• Future of the Dalai Lama Institution: There is ongoing speculation about the succession of the Dalai Lama.
• The U.S. lawmakers’ visit underscores their opposition to Chinese involvement in the selection of the next Dalai Lama.
• Implications: Geopolitical Tensions:
• The U.S. support for Tibet adds another layer to the already complex U.S.-China relations.  
• It could lead to further diplomatic friction between the two countries.
• Human Rights and Cultural Preservation:
• The visit highlights the international community’s concern over human rights violations in Tibet.
• It underscores the importance of preserving Tibetan culture, language, and religion.
• International Law and Self-Determination:
• The Resolve Tibet Act and the statements by U.S. lawmakers emphasize the principle of self-determination under international law.
• This could encourage other countries to take a similar stance on Tibet.

2. ON THE HINDU KUSH HIMALAYAS SNOW UPDATE

• The recent report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)on the record low snow persistence in the Ganga river basin and other basins in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) regionis a significant indicator of the accelerating climate crisis.
• Definition: Snow persistence refers to the fraction of time snow remains on the ground. It is crucial as the melting snow provides water to people and ecosystems.
• Importance: In the HKH region, snowmelt is a major source of water, contributing 23% of the runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins annually.
• Geographical Scope: The HKH mountains span approximately 3,500 kmacross eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
• These mountains are known as the “water towers of Asia” because they are the origins of 10 major river systems, including the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus
• 2024 Snow Persistence Data: Ganga Basin: Recorded its lowest snow persistence in 22 years, 17% below the long-term historical average.
• Brahmaputra Basin: Snow persistence was 14.6% below normal.
• Indus Basin: Snow persistence fell 23.3% below normal.
• Amu Darya Basin: Recorded its lowest snow persistence, 28.2% below normal.
• Helmand River Basin: Snow persistence was almost 32% below normal.
• Causes of Lower Snow Persistence: Weak Western Disturbances:These are low-pressure systems originating over the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas that bring rain and snow to the HKH region in winter.
• Climate Change and Global Warming:These factors are causing instability in weather patterns, exacerbating conditions like La Niña and El Niño, which influence global weather patterns, including western disturbances. Implications:
• Water Supply: Lower snow persistence affects water availability, particularly in the Indus basin, which relies heavily on snowmelt.
• Agriculture and Livelihoods: Reduced water supply can impact agriculture, which is a primary livelihood for millions in the region.  
• Ecosystems: Altered water availability can affect local ecosystems and biodiversity. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies: Reforestation: Planting native tree species can help the ground retain more snow.
• Improved Weather Forecasting: Better forecasting and early warning systems can help communities prepare for water stress.
• Water Infrastructure: Developing robust water infrastructure and policies to protect snowfall areas is crucial.
• Regional Cooperation: Promoting cooperation among HKH countries for sustainable water management.
• Emission Reductions: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate rising temperatures and their impact on snow persistence.

3. PM INAUGURATES NALANDA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN BIHAR

• The new campus is close to the site of the ancient ruins of Nalanda at Rajgir in Bihar
• Nalanda is a symbol of India’s academic heritage and vibrant cultural exchange
• Parliament established Nalanda University through the Nalanda University Act, 2010
• The Act formed the basis for implementing the decisions arrived at the second East Asia Summit in the Philippines in 2007for the establishment of the university as an “international institution for pursuit of intellectual, philosophical, historical and spiritual studies” and at the fourth summit in Thailand in 2009
• It started functioning in 2014 from a makeshift location with 14 students and the construction work started in 2017
• The ancient Nalanda University was established in the 5th centuryand attracted students from all over the world.
• The ancient university flourished for 800 years before it was burnt down by invaders in the 12th century

4. RUSSIA, N.KOREA SIGN DEFENCE PACT. VOW TO ASSIST EACH OTHER IF ATTACKED

• Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a new partnershipthat includes a vow of mutual aid if either country faces “aggression,”in a pact that came as both face escalating stand-offs with the West
• North Korea and the former Soviet Union signed a treaty in 1961, which experts say necessitated Moscow’s military intervention if the North came under an attack.
• The deal was discarded after the collapse of the USSR, replaced by a pact in 2000 that offered weaker security assurances.

5. INDIA EYES BREAKTHROUGH AGAINST SICKLE CELL

• Gene Therapyfor Sickle Cell Diseasein India India is making significant strides towards developing a gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects the Scheduled Tribes.
• This initiative is part of a broader mission to eradicate the disease by 2047.
• Key Developments: Gene Therapy Using CRISPR-Cas9: Technology: Researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) are working on developing a gene therapy using CRISPR-Cas9, a cutting-edge gene-editing tool.
• Mechanism: The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of an enzyme that acts like molecular scissors to cut DNA at a precise location, allowing a guide RNA to insert a modified genetic code at the incision site. This method is considered fast and versatile.
• Current Progress: Laboratory Tests: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR IGIB) is currently conducting laboratory tests. Positive results are expected by January 2025.
• Next Phases: Following successful lab tests, the therapy will proceed to further phases, including patient trials.
• Government Initiatives: Mission to Eradicate SCD by 2047: Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023, this mission aims to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047.
• Screening Programs: The mission includes conducting over seven crore screenings among vulnerable tribal populations across 17 States and Union Territories. So far, three crore screenings have been completed.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Challenge: One of the main challenges is to make the gene therapy cost-effective for widespread use.
• Government Efforts: The government is working on strategies to reduce costs and make the therapy accessible to the affected populations. Importance of Ground-Level Healthcare Workers:
• Role of ASHAs and Anganwadi Workers: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram emphasized the importance of involving Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and anganwadi workers in the implementation process.
• These workers will play a crucial role in screening, awareness, and treatment efforts at the grassroots level.

ONE LINER

1. India’s Arjun Erikaisi wins the Stefan Avakyan Memorial Chess Tournament in Armenia.
2. GSAT N2 Plan – 48 Gb/second internet service throughout India.