TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 22.01.2025

SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL

Key Decision: U.S. announced withdrawal from WHO and halting of funding, citing failure to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impacts:
WHO Funding: U.S. contributed ~20% of WHO’s budget.
Loss of funds may impact WHO’s programs for global health emergencies.
India’s Impact: India benefits from WHO initiatives in combating diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, polio).
Reduced funding could affect health programs reliant on WHO’s assistance.
Paris Climate Agreement Withdrawal
Key Decision: U.S. withdrawal could have larger consequences than 2017, especially for global climate goals.
Impacts:
Environmental Efforts: Withdrawal weakens global resolve against climate change.
U.S. defunding renewable energy programs undermines international goals.
Energy Policy: U.S. focus on increased oil and gas production, contradicting climate sustainability.
India’s Position: India risks losing collaborative funding for clean energy from developed countries like the U.S.

2. TIME TO SEIZE THE PROMISE OF THE U.S – INDIA NUCLEAR DEAL

SUBJECT: BILATERAL

The U.S.-India nuclear deal, signed in 2005, was a landmark agreement that opened avenues for nuclear cooperation between the two countries.
The deal aimed to provide India with access to civil nuclear technology and help address energy needs while curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite the historical significance of the deal, the promised outcomes have not been fully realized, particularly in terms of actual nuclear power development.
Energy challenges persist as both the U.S. and India continue to struggle with energy deficits, but the U.S. has yet to fulfill its side of the deal by removing restrictions on U.S. companies participating in India’s nuclear energy development.
U.S. companies are barred from involvement due to liability issues in case of accidents, while India has already moved ahead with its nuclear plans
Domestic energy development in India is critical for powering its growing economy, and the U.S. has the technology to play a significant role.
The political liability concerns in the U.S. have hindered the promised nuclear deals, keeping the technology away from the Indian market.
Bilateral relations between India and the U.S. can be significantly strengthened if these nuclear deals come to fruition, aligning both countries’ energy strategies and increasing political goodwill.

3. WHY ARE ANTIVENOMS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE IN INDIA?

SUBJECT: SCIENCE

India faces an alarming12 million snakebite deaths and three times as many cases of permanent disability between 2001 and 2014.
Antivenoms, crucial for treating snakebite victims, remain inaccessible in many regions, posing a major public health challenge.
Antivenoms are antibodies produced by injecting small amounts of venom into animals, primarily horses, to trigger an immune response.
These antibodies neutralize venom toxins, which attack blood cells, nerves, and tissues, potentially causing paralysis, organ failure, or death.
India uses polyvalent antivenoms to treat bites from the “big four” snakes–cobra, krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper–but their effectiveness against other species is limited
Researchers are developing recombinant DNA-based antivenoms free from animal-derived proteins, improving safety and efficacy.
AI and computational techniques are being used to optimize antibodies for specific venom types.
Regional antivenoms are being tailored to match local species diversity.
India’s Status:
India is home to more than 300 snake species, but the current focus on the “big four” creates a gap in coverage.
Programs like those by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)are attempting to address regional disparities.

4. STATUS OF SMART CITIES MISSION

SUBJECT: NATIONAL

The Smart Cities Mission, launched in June 2015, aimed to create 100 smart urban models with advanced IT-enabled services.
It focused on two components:
Pan-city Proposals: Enhancing mobility, waste management, etc.
Area-Based Development (ABD): Retrofitting specific zones for redevelopment.
Governance relied on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), sidelining local governments
Mismatch in Strategy: Framework based on IoT was misaligned with India’s challenges, where basic urban services are still lacking.
Governance Bypass: City councils excluded from planning; private SPVs assumed control under the Companies Act.
Execution Issues: Only24% of funds utilised as of now.
Misallocation of resources –e.g., ₹2 crore spent on flower pots.
Traffic congestion worsened in Shimla, as initial plans like non-motorised corridors remain neglected

5. TALE OF TWO TRANSLATORS TAKING LITERATURE TO THE WORLD

SUBJECT: ART AND CULTURE

The work of two translators,Thomas Hitoshi Pruiksma and Leticia Ibanez, who are bringing Tamil literature to the global stage.
Pruiksma has translated works like Thirukkural and Avvaiyar’s poems into English.
Ibanez, a French translator, learned Tamil as an expression of gratitude and translated Perumal Murugan’s Maadhoorbhagan into French
Indian Literature:
Tamil literature, such as Thirukkural and Avvaiyar’s works, is part of India’s rich literary tradition.
The contributions of translators to preserve and promote classical Indian literature globally are significant.
Thirukkural: A classic Tamil text by Thiruvalluvar, emphasizing ethics, politics, and love.
Often cited as a foundational text in Tamil literature.
Avvaiyar: A renowned Tamil poet known for her didactic and philosophical poems.