TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27.08.2024

1. INTERNATIONAL

SHARIA RULE TALIBAN’S LASTING RESPONSIBILITY SAYS SUPREME LEADER

• The Taliban government celebrated their August 15, 2021, takeover of the capital a day early, in accordance with the Afghan calendar, holding military parades and gatherings across the country
• This marked the third anniversary of their return to power
• The supreme leader of the Taliban authorities, in a speech, said implementing Islamic law in Afghanistan was their “lifelong responsibility”
• “We will implement Allah’s religion and sharia rule for ourselves and others as long as we live,” said Hibatullah Akhundzada

2. ECONOMY

SEBI HITS A WALL ON RS.76,000 CRORE WORTH DUES IN FY 2023-24

• What is SEBI?
• SEBI stands for the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
• It is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the securities market in India.
• Established in 1988, SEBI was granted statutory powers in 1992 through the SEBI Act.
• Its primary objective is to protect the interests of investors in securities, promote the development of the securities market, and regulate the securities market.
• Role of SEBI
• Regulation of the Securities Market: SEBI regulates the functioning of stock exchanges, depositories, brokers, sub-brokers, and other intermediaries in the securities market.
• It ensures that the securities market operates in a transparent, efficient, and fair manner.
• Protection of Investors: SEBI’s core mission is to protect investors by enforcing rules that ensure transparency and fair practices.
• It provides investor education and awareness programs to empower investors with knowledge about the market. 
• SEBI also handles investor grievances and complaints, ensuring that they are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Development of the Securities Market: SEBI takes initiatives to promote the development of the securities market by introducing reforms and guidelines that enhance market infrastructure.
• It fosters innovation in the market by encouraging new financial instruments and technology-driven trading platforms.
• Regulation of Market Participants: SEBI regulates various entities in the securities market, including mutual funds, credit rating agencies, venture capital funds, and portfolio managers.
• It sets guidelines for their operations and ensures compliance with the legal and regulatory framework.
• Preventing Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices: SEBI monitors the market for any manipulative practices, insider trading, or other fraudulent activities.
• It has the authority to investigate and take enforcement actions against those involved in such practices

3. GEOGRAPHY

INDIAN ASTRONOMERS FIND NEW METHOD TO PREDICT AMPLITUDE OF NEXT SOLAR CYCLE

• New Method to Predict Solar Cycle Amplitude Research Overview: Institution: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Discovery: A new method to predict the amplitude of the upcoming solar cycle using 100 years of solar data from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.
• Methodology: New Correlation: The astronomers have identified a correlation between the width of supergranular cells on the solar surface during the solar minimum and the number of sunspots observed during the subsequent solar cycle maximum.
• Precursor Method: This method involves using a specific measure of solar activity at a given time to predict the strength of the next solar maximum.
• Importance of the Study: Space Weather Forecasting: The research has significant implications for forecasting space weather, which includes phenomena such as solar winds, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares.
• Impact on Earth: Geomagnetic Storms: These solar activities can compress the Earth’s magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic storms that may disrupt communication, power transmission, and navigation systems.
• Safety of Space Missions: Space weather also poses a risk to astronauts and space missions, making accurate predictions crucial for planning and safety

4. NATIONAL

DIGITAL BOOST TO REVIVE SOLAR POWER INSTALLATION SCHEME

• Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PMKUSUM) Scheme:
• Overview:
• Objective: The PM-KUSUM scheme was launched by the Government of India to boost solar energy infrastructure, particularly in the agricultural sector.
• The primary goals are to increase solar power generation, reduce the reliance on conventional power sources, and promote sustainable energy practices in rural areas.
• Target: The scheme aims to set up 100 GW (Gigawatts) of solar power plants on farmer-owned land, install 14 lakh (1.4 million) solar pumps, and solarize 35 lakh (3.5 million) grid-connected agricultural pumps by 2026.
• Key Components: Solar Power Plants: Farmers are encouraged to set up small solar power plants on their land.
• The scheme allows farmers to generate solar power and sell the surplus to the grid, providing them with an additional income source.
• Solar Pumps: Installation of off-grid solar pumps to reduce farmers’ dependence on diesel-powered pumps and grid electricity.
• The scheme includes both standalone solar pumps and gridconnected solar pumps, with the goal of solarizing a significant portion of India’s agricultural water pumps.
• Solarizing Grid-Connected Pumps: Aims to solarize existing grid-connected pumps to reduce the burden on the grid and provide uninterrupted power supply to farmers.

5. SOCAIL ISSUSES

NWMI ISSUES GUIDELINES TO BOOST EQUITY IN NEWSROOMS

• New guidelines issued by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) aimed at improving workplace conditions in newsrooms, with a focus on equity and safety for all journalists, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community.
• These guidelines are designed to address widespread issues such as harassment, discrimination, and toxic behavior in newsrooms.
• Key Aspects of the Guidelines: Legally Sanctioned Work Hours: Journalists should not work more than 144 hours over four consecutive weeks, with at least one day off each week. Overtime should be recognized and compensated.
• Fair and Regular Salaries: The guidelines stress the importance of fair and consistent compensation.
• Minimum Paid Leave: Employees should receive at least 30 days of paid leave annually, including various types such as earned, casual, sick, and festival leave. The guidelines also cover health-related leave, including mental health and menstrual leave.
• Support for LGBTQIA+ Employees: Emphasis on creating a safe and equitable environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, addressing discrimination and ensuring inclusivity.
• Maternity, Paternity, and Childcare Leave: The guidelines ensure compliance with legal provisions for maternity, paternity, and childcare leave.
• Establishment of HR Departments: Emphasizes the need for independent, professional HR departments and internal committees to address sexual harassment.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Guidelines recommend robust mechanisms to handle complaints confidentially and involve neutral factfinding processes. Enforces a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discriminatory behavior.

ONE LINER

1. To monitor pregnant women in Tamil Nadu, a 102 medical service number center has been started by the Department of Public Welfare
2. ICAR released two Basmati rice varieties Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985 which are Herbicide Tolerant Crops (HT Crops)