TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02.10.2024

1. ENVIRONMENT

FOUR LOCATIONS IN ASHTAMUDI LAKE IN KOLLAM UNFIT FOR BATHING, SAYS CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

• Water Quality Concerns: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that water quality at four locations in Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam, Kerala, does not meet the Primary Water Quality Criteria for Bathing as per The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
• Pollution Indicators:
• Faecal Coliform Count: Should be less than 2,500 MPN/100 mL.
• Faecal Streptococci: Should be less than 500 MPN/100 mL.
• pH Level: Should be between 6.5 and 8.5.
• Dissolved Oxygen: Should be greater than 5 mg/l.
• Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): Should be less than 3 mg/l. Sources of Pollution:
• The CPCB has requested the identification of pollution sources, especially at non-complying locations.
• States are required to submit action taken reports to improve water quality at Ramsar sites. 3
• Microplastics Issue: A study by the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, found microplastics in fish, shellfish, sediment, and water of Ashtamudi Lake.
• Highest microplastic composition was found in macrofauna: fish (19.6%) and shellfish (40.9%).
• Environmental Impact: Accumulation of garbage, including plastic waste, near the banks of Ashtamudi Lake.
• The pollution affects the lake’s ecosystem, particularly the macrofauna.
• Legal and Administrative Measures: The issue was brought to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) based on a report by The Hindu.
• The CPCB filed a status report before the Principal Bench of the NGT in New Delhi on September 11, 2023.

2. ENVIRONMENT

HIGH – LEVEL COMMITTEE FORMED TO SUGGEST WAYS TO PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN A.P

• Purpose: To recommend organizational, legal, and administrative measures to prevent industrial accidents, especially in red category industries.
• Context: Formed after a major explosion at Escientia Advanced Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (EASPL) in Achutapuram, Anakapalli district, which resulted in 17 deaths and 40 hospitalizations.
• Composition: Experts from Sri City, Pharma City, Bulk Drug Manufacturers’ Association, Brandix SEZ, APIIC SEZs, IIT Chennai, IIT Tirupati, and NITI Aayog.
• Actions Taken: Prohibition of operations in EASPL’s production block under Section 40(2) of the Factories Act, 1948.
• Ex gratia payments: ₹1 crore to the deceased, ₹50 lakh to the seriously injured, and ₹25 lakh to those with minor injuries.

3. SOCIAL ISSUES

DALITS GET ENTRY TO T.N TEMPLE AFTER PEACE TALKS

• Residents of Vazhudambedu Colony, predominantly from the Scheduled Castes (SC), were denied entry into the Arulmigu Pidari Ettiamman temple by dominant caste Hindus.
• The temple was sealed and later reopened by the district administration to ensure peace and equality.
• Government Intervention:
• HR&CE Department: Sealed the temple to maintain order.
• District Administration: Facilitated dialogue and compromise between communities.
• Monitoring: Staff and police deployed to ensure non-discrimination and peace.
• Resolution: District Collector T. Prabhushankar led SC residents into the temple, emphasizing peaceful coexistence.
• Underlying Issues:
• Caste Discrimination: Denial of temple entry based on caste.
• Land Dispute: Pathway to the temple was contested; clarified that the land belongs to the temple. 
• Legal Actions: FIR registered against the dominant community for discrimination.
• Ethical and Social Implications: Policy and Governance:
• Equality and Social Justice: Ensuring equal access to religious places for all communities.
• Role of Administration: Upholding constitutional values and maintaining social harmony.
• Community Relations: Importance of dialogue and compromise in resolving social disputes.
• Government Policies: Need for effective implementation of antidiscrimination laws.
• Role of HR&CE: Ensuring temples are accessible to all, irrespective of caste. 
• Law Enforcement: Proactive measures to prevent caste-based discrimination and maintain public order.

4. POLITY

EMERGENCY PROVISIONS IMPACT CENTRE – STATE RELATIONS

• Context — The recent spate of renewed violence in Manipur has once again triggered the discussion around Centre-State relations and the use of emergency provisions by the Centre.
• India’s federal system divides powers between the Union and State governments, with States responsible for maintaining law and order. 
• Articles 355 and 356 of the Constitution allow the Centre to intervene in States under certain conditions.
• Article 355 mandates the Centre to protect States from internal and external threats.
• Article 356 permits the imposition of President’s rule if a State’s government fails to function according to the Constitution.

5. GEOGRAPHY

18 FISHERMAN MISSING AT SEA AS HEAVY RAIN LASHES BENGAL

• Forty-nine fishermen were stranded in the Bay of Bengal due to heavy rainfall that disrupted normal life in West Bengal. While contact has been established with 31 fishermen, 18 remain missing.
• Location: Bay of Bengal, near Diamond Harbour and Kwakdip, Sundarbans. Weather
• Conditions: Rainfall: West Bengal received “largely excess rainfall” between September 13 and 15, continuing till Monday morning.
• Meteorological Warning: India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings for rough sea conditions and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till September 16.
• Impact on Coastal Communities: Mud House Collapses: Multiple incidents of house collapses reported across 18 districts.
• Fatalities and Injuries: One woman died in Bankura district; a family of four injured in Birbhum.
• Flooding: Areas in Paschim Medinipur submerged, leading to local agitation.
• Government and Community Response: Warnings and Precautions: Officials urged fishermen to avoid the sea and secure their boats.
• Control Room: Local authorities established a control room for coordination.
• Community Efforts: Local fishermen took proactive measures to rescue their Policy and Governance front
• Disaster Management: Importance of robust disaster management plans and early warning systems.
• Fishermen Safety: Policies to ensure the safety and well-being of fishermen, including timely weather advisories and rescue operations.
• Infrastructure: Strengthening coastal infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.

ONE LINER

1. The Union Government approved the Chandrayan – 4 mission to bring moon rocks to Earth and send a spacecraft to orbit Venus
2. India for the first time overtook China in the MSCI equities Index. (MSCI – Morgan Stanley Captial International Index)