TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22.07.2024

1. INTERNATIONAL

CHINA LEADERS VOW TO FLIGHT RISKS PLAGUING ECONOMY

• Property Debt Crisis: The real estate sector is facing significant debt issues, with major property developers struggling to meet their financial obligations.
• Weakening Consumption: Retail sales growth has been sluggish, with a mere 2% increase in June, indicating weak consumer spending.
• Ageing Population: The demographic shift towards an older population is putting pressure on the labor market and social welfare systems.
• Local Government Debt: High levels of debt at the local government level are a concern, potentially limiting their ability to invest in infrastructure and public services.
• Market Mechanisms: There is a need to enhance the role of market mechanisms to address market failures and improve economic efficiency.
• Domestic Demand: Efforts are being made to boost domestic demand to drive economic growth, but concrete measures are yet to be detailed.
• Policy Uncertainty: Despite the Third Plenum meeting, few new policies were announced, leading to uncertainty about the government’s strategy to tackle these issues

2. ECONOMY

FLARE UP IN VEGETABLE PRICES STALLS OVERALL DISINFLATIONARY TREND

• Headline Inflation: The total inflation within an economy, including all goods and services.
• Current Trend: Rose to 5.1% in June from 4.8% in May, driven by food prices. Food Inflation: Inflation specific to food items.
• Current Trend: Increased to 8.4% in June from 7.9% in May. Fuel and Light Category Deflation: A decrease in the prices of fuel and light[1]related items.
• Current Trend: Remained unchanged at -3.7% in June. Deflation in LPG: A decrease in the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
• Current Trend: Continued deflation in LPG prices.
• Disinflationary Trend: Definition: A slowdown in the rate of inflation, meaning prices are still rising but at a slower pace.
• Context: The disinflationary trend in the economy was halted due to a spike in vegetable prices, leading to an increase in consumer price inflation in June

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

GRSE BAGS RS.840 CR DEAL TO BUILD OCEAN RESEARCH SHIP

• Ocean Research Vessel (ORV)
• Deal Signed: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
• Value: ₹840 crore.
• Timeline: 42 months for completion.
• Technological Capabilities: Underway Swath Multibeam Surveys: Enables detailed mapping of the seafloor.
• Geophysical Seismic Surveys: Facilitates the study of sub-seafloor structures.
• Applications: Scientific Research:
•  Oceanography: Study of ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and climate change.
• Geology: Exploration of underwater geological formations and resources.
• Training and Education: Capacity Building: Provides hands-on training for scientists and technicians.
• Educational Programs: Enhances knowledge and skills in marine sciences.
• Environmental Monitoring: Coastal Studies: Assessment of coastal erosion and habitat changes.
• Deep-Sea Exploration: Investigation of deep-sea environments and biodiversity.

4. ENVIRONMENT

OVER 800 ELEPHANTS DIED IN KERALA IN 8 YEARS

• Elephant Deaths: Total Deaths: 845 elephant deaths recorded between 2015 and 2023 in Kerala’s forests.
• Trend: Increasing trend in the death rate over time.
• Age-Specific Mortality:
• High Risk Group: Elephants under 10 years of age face the highest risk of mortality.
• Mortality Rate: Approximately 40% of deaths among calves.
• Cause: Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesviruses – Haemorrhagic Disease (EEHV-HD).
• Immunity and Herd Size: Study Insight: Larger herds exhibit better survival rates for calves due to shared immunity.
•  Mechanism: Exposure to various strains within larger herds helps calves develop antibodies against EEHV-HD.
• Habitat and Herd Fragmentation: Impact: Shrinking and fragmented habitats lead to smaller herd sizes and increased vulnerability to diseases like EEHV-HD.
• Fodder Availability: Sub-optimal habitats with constrained fodder availability contribute to herd fragmentation.
• Current Threats: Habitat Shrinkage: Due to climate change and human activities.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Elephants are sensitive to high temperatures.
• Invasive Species: Competition from invasive plant species disrupts food sources.
• Disease Sensitivity: Increased susceptibility to diseases.
• Influencing Variables: Land-Use Changes: Affect elephant distribution patterns.
• Water Balance and Temperature Fluctuations: Impacted by climate change.
• Human-Induced Disturbances: Contribute to habitat fragmentation and stress

5. NATIONAL

RAILWAY SAFETY IN INDIA

• Railway Safety Statistics: Accidents: According to the Ministry of Railways, the number of consequential train accidents has been decreasing over the years.
• For instance, in 2019-20, there were 55 consequential train accidents compared to 73 in 2018-19.
• Casualties: The number of casualties has also seen a decline. In 2019-20, there were 52 fatalities compared to 59 in 2018-19.
• Safety Measures: Track Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of tracks are crucial. The Indian Railways has been investing in track renewal and upgradation.
• Technology: Implementation of advanced technologies like the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and the use of ultrasonic flaw detection machines for track inspection.
• Training: Continuous training and skill development programs for railway staff to handle emergencies and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Compensation and Relief: The Indian Railways has a structured compensation mechanism for victims of train accidents. The ex-gratia amounts announced in this incident are part of this mechanism to provide immediate relief to the affected families.
• Investigation and Accountability: High-level committees and the Commissioner of Railway Safety conduct thorough investigations to ascertain the causes of accidents and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.
• Accountability is enforced through disciplinary actions against those found negligent.

ONE LINER

1. ICAR to launch One Scientist, One Product for its scientists and release 323 new varieties of 56 crops today
2. The Philippines is going to host the board of the Loss and Damage fund created by U.N talks.