- NUMBER OF DEATHS OF HOMELESS IN CAPITAL DUE TO HEAT, LACK OF AMENITIES
- Deaths from heat can be significantly reduced through a combination of preparedness, public awareness, and effective response strategies.
- Preventive Measures: Early Warning Systems(IMD Forecast) to alert the public about impending heatwaves
- Public Awareness Campaigns can include information on staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses Infrastructure Improvements
- Urban planning should incorporate green spaces, reflective building materials, and shaded areasto reduce the urban heat island effect.
- Access to Cooling Centers – Establishing cooling centers in public buildings such as schools, community centers, and mallscan provide relief during extreme heat.
- These centers should be equipped with water, fans, and air conditioning.
- Health Interventions: – Hydration Stationsin public places can help people stay hydrated like bus stops, markets, and parks.
- Medical Preparedness:Training healthcare providers to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses promptly is essential
- Vulnerable Populations:Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
- Policy and Governance: Heat Action Plans: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has guidelines for preparing such plans.
- Legislation and Regulation that mandate breaks for outdoor workers during peak heat hours
- Data Collection and Researchon heatwave patterns and their health impacts can inform policy decisions. For example, Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Planincludes measures like cool roofs and tree plantation drives.
2. NBFC SECTOR
- Importance of NBFCs: Diversification and Innovation:NBFCs play a crucial role in the financial system by providing diversified financial services and fostering innovation.
- They cater to segments often underserved by traditional banks, such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), microfinance, and consumer finance. Regulatory Evolution RBI’s Role:The RBI, as the regulator, continuously monitors and updates the regulatory framework for NBFCs to address emerging risks and ensure financial stability.
- Activity-Based to Scale-Based Regulation:Traditionally, NBFCs were regulated based on their activities.
- However, as their size and influence in the financial system have grown, there is a need for a regulatory framework that considers both the nature of their activities and their scale.
- This shift aims to better manage systemic risks associated with larger NBFCs.
- Stricter Compliance Requirements:With the increased scale of operations, NBFCs are now subject to stricter compliance requirements.
- This includes adherence to prudential norms, risk management practices, and customer protection measures. Industry Response:NBFCs need to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape by enhancing their compliance frameworks, investing in risk management systems, and prioritizing customer protection.
3. ARMENIA – PALESTINE
- Armenia become the latest nation to recognize Palestine
- Armenia’s Position: Peace and Stability:Armenia expressed its genuine interest in establishing long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
- Criticism of Violence:Armenia condemned both Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Hamas’s captivity of civilians, aligning itself with international calls for the release of captives.
- This move is likely to strain Armenia’s diplomatic relations with Israel, as evidenced by the summoning of the Armenian Ambassador.
4. ACT PUNISHING ORGANISED CHEATING COMES INTO EFFECT
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024is a significant legislative measure aimed at curbing malpractices and organized cheating in government recruitment exams. Punishments for Malpractices:
- Imprisonment:The Act provides for imprisonment of not less than three years, which may extend up to five years.
- Fines:A fine of up to ₹10 lakhfor individuals involved in malpractices.
- Service Providers:Service providers engaged by the public examination authority can be fined up to ₹1 croreand the proportionate cost of the examination can be recovered from them. They will also be barred from conducting any public examination for four years.
- Offences Covered: Leakage of Question Papers or Answer Keys:Unauthorized disclosure of examination materials.
- Assisting Candidates Unauthorisedly:Direct or indirect assistance to candidates in any unauthorized manner.
- Tampering with Computer Systems:Manipulation of computer networks, resources, or systems used in examinations.
- Creation of Fake Websites:Establishing fake websites to deceive or for monetary gain.
- Conduct of Fake Examinations:Organizing fake exams, issuing fake admit cards, or offer letters for cheating or monetary gain.
- Manipulation in Seating Arrangements:Altering seating arrangements to facilitate cheating.
5. POLLS IN J&K
- The Supreme Court’s directiveto the Election Commissionto hold Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, is a landmark decision with profound implications for the democratic process in the region.
- Significance of the Directive: Restoration of Democratic Governancein Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under President’s Rule since the dissolution of the Assembly in November 2018.
- Strengthening Federalism by conducting timely elections, ensuring that the Union Territory has a government that reflects the will of its people.
- Political Stability:Ensure that the political vacuum is filled, which is vital for governance and development in the region.
- Enhance Public Confidencein democratic institutions and processes, which is particularly important in a region with a history of political unrest.
ONE LINER
- One man commission under retired Justice Gokuldas to conduct a detailed probe in the Kallakurichi illicit liquor tragedy and submit a report
- Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi appoints Manikumar as the chairman of State Human Rights Commission
