TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22.08.2024

1. POLITY

20 SIKHS FROM AFGHANISTAN GRANTED CITIZENSHIP CERTIFICATE UNDER CAA

• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019
• Objective: The CAA aims to provide a pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
• Simplified Process: Under the CAA, the process of obtaining citizenship is streamlined. The role of state government officials is minimized, which speeds up the processing of applications.
• Eligibility: Applicants must have resided in India for five years (instead of the 11 years required under the Citizenship Act, 1955).
• Citizenship Act, 1955
• Long-Term Visa (LTV): Many Afghan Sikhs have been living in India on LTVs, which are a precursor to citizenship. The LTV norms were eased in 2009 for Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Pending Applications: There are around 400 Afghan Sikhs whose applications under the Citizenship Act, 1955, have been pending since 2010. The process under this act involves multiple authorities, including state government officials, which can delay the process
• Implications of CAA
• Faster Processing: The CAA provides a faster route to citizenship for eligible minorities, reducing the bureaucratic hurdles present in the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Legal and Social Security: Obtaining citizenship provides legal and social security, allowing individuals to apply for Indian passports and access various rights and services.
• Pending Applications: Those with pending applications under the 1955 Act may benefit from migrating their applications to the CAA for quicker processing.
• The CAA, 2019, has significantly impacted the process of obtaining Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries. For Afghan Sikhs, the act offers a more efficient and expedited pathway compared to the Citizenship Act, 1955. However, the transition from LTV to citizenship remains a critical step for many, ensuring their legal and social integration into Indian society

2. INTERNATIONAL

UN PROBE FINDS THAT WAR CRIMES ARE ON THE RISE IN MYANMAR

• The Myanmar military has been accused of committing crimes against humanity and war crimes, with reports of systematic torture, gang rape, and abuses against children.
• The situation has escalated significantly, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM)
• Escalation of Violence: The IIMM has reported an alarming increase in crimes committed by the Myanmar military over the past six months.
• More than three million people have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.
• Types of Crimes: Systematic Torture: Evidence of widespread and systematic torture of civilians.
• Sexual Violence: Reports of gang rape and other forms of sexual violence, particularly targeting women and children.
• Child Abuse: Abuses against children, including forced recruitment into armed groups and exploitation.
• Intent and Impact: The crimes appear to be committed with the intent to punish and induce terror among the civilian population.
• The brutality and inhumanity of these acts have been documented extensively by the IIMM

3. NATIONAL

KIREN RIJIJU LAUNCHES PORTAL FOR JIYO PARSI SCHEME

• Jiyo Parsi Scheme
• Objective: The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a Central sector initiative aimed at arresting the population decline of the Parsi community in India. The scheme focuses on encouraging Parsi couples to have more children and provides financial assistance and support for fertility treatments.
• Key Features of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme
• Financial Assistance: The scheme provides financial aid to Parsi couples for fertility treatments, including In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).
• It covers the cost of medical consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments related to infertility. Awareness Campaigns: The scheme includes awareness campaigns to educate the Parsi community about the importance of increasing their population.
• Workshops, seminars, and counseling sessions are organized to address issues related to fertility and family planning.
• Community Support: The scheme encourages community support and involvement to create a conducive environment for Parsi couples to have more children. 
• It involves collaboration with Parsi organizations and community leaders to promote the scheme and its benefits.
• The Parsi community, known for its rich heritage and cultural contributions, has been experiencing a significant decline in population. Factors such as low birth rates, late marriages, and high rates of infertility have contributed to this demographic challenge.

4. DEFENCE

DRDO CARRIES OUT FLIGHT TEST OF LONG RANGE GLIDE BOMB

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the long- range glide bomb (LRGB) Gaurav from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
• The test was conducted off the coast of Odisha.
• Gaurav is an air launched 1,000 kg class glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distance.
• After being launched, the glide bomb steer towards the target using highly accurate hybrid navigation scheme
• The LRGB has been designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.
• During the flight test, the glide bomb hit the target erected at Long Wheeler’s island with pinpoint accuracy

5. INTERNATIONAL

THE SHOCK EFFECTS OF SOUTH ASIAN TUMULT

• Recent years have witnessed significant radical shifts in South Asia, such as the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, political instability in Pakistan, and economic crises in Sri Lanka.
• These events have the potential to spill over into India, affecting its security, economy, and regional influence.
• Given India’s geographical proximity and historical ties with South Asian countries, maintaining stability in the region is crucial for its foreign policy objectives.
• Lessons for India to Insulate Itself from Spill-Over Effects:
• Strengthening Internal Security Mechanisms: Enhancing border security and intelligence-sharing to prevent infiltration and cross-border terrorism.
• Modernizing the armed forces and investing in advanced surveillance technologies.
• Example: The establishment of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) by the Indian Army to ensure rapid response to threats.
• Fostering Strong Bilateral Relations: Engaging in continuous diplomatic dialogue with neighboring countries to address mutual concerns.
• Providing economic and humanitarian aid to stabilize neighboring economies and prevent refugee influx.
• Example: India’s financial assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis in 2022.
• Lessons for India to Escape Similar Consequences:
• Strengthening Regional Organizations and Forums: Actively participating in and revitalizing SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to foster regional cooperation.
• Promoting BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) as an alternative platform for regional collaboration.
• Example: India’s leadership in BIMSTEC’s disaster management initiatives.
• Building Strong Economic and Trade Relations: Diversifying trade partnerships beyond South Asia to reduce economic dependency on any single region.
• Promoting regional economic integration through initiatives like the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
• Example: India’s Act East Policy to enhance trade and investment ties with ASEAN countries

ONE LINER

1. The School Education Department to conduct the school-level competitions for this year KALAITHIRUVIZHA (Art and Culture Festival) with theme of Environmental Protection
2. Andhra Pradesh topped the list of providing a comprehensive health package to transgender people – under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB – PMJAY)