TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1.07.2024

  1. INDIA ACHIEVES OUTSTANDING OUTCOME IN FATT EVALUATION
  • The recent Mutual Evaluation Report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is indeed a significant achievement for India.
  • Key Highlights of the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report for India (2023-24)
  • Regular Follow-Up Category: India has been placed in the “regular follow-up” category, a distinction shared by only four other G-20 countries. This indicates that India has met a high standard of compliance with FATF’s requirements.
  • High Level of Technical Compliance: The report highlights India’s high level of technical compliance with FATF’s AML (Anti-Money Laundering), CFT (Countering the Financing of Terrorism), and CPF (Counter-Proliferation Financing) standards.
  • Effective Measures and Results: India has shown good results in several areas:
  • International Cooperation: Effective collaboration with other countries in combating ML/TF.
  • Access to Basic and Beneficial Ownership Information: Ensuring transparency in financial transactions.
  • Use of Financial Intelligence: Leveraging financial data to track and prevent illicit activities.
  • Depriving Criminals of Assets: Confiscating assets obtained through illegal means.
  • Areas for Improvement: Supervision and Implementation: Strengthening oversight and preventive measures in some non-financial sectors.
  • Prosecution Delays: Addressing delays in concluding ML and TF prosecutions.
  • Non-Profit Sector: Ensuring CFT measures are implemented effectively in the non-profit sector, including outreach to NPOs about their TF risks.
  • Mitigating ML/TF Risks: Recognized efforts in mitigating risks from money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly those arising from corruption, fraud, and organized crime.
  • Transition from a cash-based to a digital economy to reduce ML/TF risks

2. SCREEN ALL PREGNANT WOMEN FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES WITH POINT- OF -CARE TEST, SAY EXPERTS

  • Recommendation: Replace the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with an HbA1c test for screening gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
  • Reason: HbA1c can be used at the point of care and should be administered in early pregnancy during the first trimester.
  • Study Background: Published In: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
  • Researchers: Included experts from India, London, and Africa, and participants from the PRiDE cohort in the UK.
  • Findings: Current Scenario: – Over 90% of gestational diabetes cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries.
  • Current guidelines recommend OGTT, which involves fasting, drinking a glucose solution, and multiple blood draws over a few hours.
  • Advantages of HbA1c Test: Ease of Use: Can be administered with just a drop of blood.
  • Early Intervention: Identifies high-risk individuals early, allowing for timely intervention.
  • Convenience: Particularly useful in rural and hard-to-reach areas where traditional OGTT is impractical.
  • Implementation:
  • Risk Groups: Women in the lowest risk group would not need OGTT; only those in intermediate or high-risk groups would need further testing.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the number of OGTTs needed, saving costs associated with travel, lost wages, etc.

3. CANCER DRUGS TO BE CHEAPER IN KERALA

  • Objective: Reduce Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure: Aimed at making expensive cancer drugs and immunosuppressants available at zero-profit prices to consumers.
  • Key Details: Highest Health Expenditure: Kerala has the highest per capita out-of[1]pocket expenditure on health in India at ₹7,206 (as per National Health Accounts 2019-20).
  • 800 Drugs List: Includes cancer drugs and immunosuppressants available at original prices fixed by drug firms.
  • Bulk Purchase and Distribution:
  • Purchase: The Kerala Medical Services Corporation will purchase the drugs in bulk.
  • Distribution: Sold through 74 Karunya fair price stores via special “profit-free” counters starting in July.
  • Existing Karunya Outlets: Currently, around 7,000 drugs are sold at much lower rates than market prices.
  • Implementation: Additional Staff: To handle the new profit-free counters at Karunya stores.
  • Phased Rollout: Initiative to begin in July.
  • Additional Health Interventions: Cancer Screening and Preventive Clinics: At least one day a week in all hospitals.
  • Augmentation of Cancer Treatment Facilities: Enhancements at the Regional Cancer Centre and Malabar Cancer Centre.
  • HPV Vaccination: Introduction of HPV vaccination against cervical cancer for Plus One and Plus Two-level girls.
  • Significance: Economic Relief: Significant reduction in costs for critical medications.
  • Health Improvement: Better access to essential cancer and immunosuppressant drugs.
  • Government Initiative: Part of broader efforts to provide affordable and quality healthcare in Kerala

4. INDIAN BAMBOO

  • Northeast India: States like Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram are major bamboo producers.
  • Southern India: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu also have significant bamboo cultivation. Government Initiatives
  • National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Launched in 2006-07, the NBM aims to promote the growth of the bamboo sector through area- based regionally differentiated strategies.
  • Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF): This initiative encourages farmers to plant bamboo on their farmland.
  • Marketing of Bamboo Products Domestic Market
  • Exhibitions and Workshops: Events like the one you mentioned in Bengaluru are crucial for showcasing bamboo products and educating stakeholders about the latest trends and technologies.
  • E-commerce Platforms: Online platforms are increasingly being used to market bamboo products, reaching a wider audience.
  • International Market
  • Export Potential: India has the potential to become a major exporter of bamboo products, especially to countries with high demand for eco-friendly products.
  • Quality Standards: Adhering to international quality standards is essential for tapping into the global market.

5. AMARNATH YATRA – KASHMIR VALLEY

  • Amarnath Cave: The cave is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas. It houses a naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
  • Mythological Importance: According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati in this cave. Duration and Timing
  • Annual Event: The Yatra typically takes place during the months of July and August, coinciding with the Hindu month of Shravan.
  • Duration: The pilgrimage lasts for about 40-45 days, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Logistics and Arrangements Registration
  • Mandatory Registration: Pilgrims must register for the Yatra through designated registration centers or online portals. This is mandatory for security and logistical reasons.
  • Medical Fitness: Pilgrims are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit to undertake the strenuous trek. Facilities
  • Accommodation: Temporary shelters, tents, and community kitchens (langars) are set up along the route to provide food and lodging to the pilgrims.
  • Medical Aid: Medical camps and emergency services are available at various points along the route to address health issues and emergencies.

ONE LINER

  1. Paraguay country joins ISA (International Solar Alliance) as 100th full member
  2. Arundhati Roy has been awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2024

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