TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (ENGLISH) – 30.01.2025

  1. RETINAL DISEASE : RNA THERAOEUTICS SHOW PROMISE BUT IS INDIA READY?

SUBJECT: SCIENCE

  • Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs):Genetic conditions causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.Caused by mutations in 300+ genes crucial for retinal function.
  • Global Prevalence:5.5 million people affected, with a prevalence rate of 1 in 3,450.
  • Higher Prevalence in India:Studies indicate higher rates in India (e.g., 1 in 372 in rural South India).Lack of large cohort studies (500+ patients) to determine the specific mutation spectrum in India
  • Treatment Breakthroughs:
  • Gene Therapy:FDA approved the first gene therapy for blindness (RPE65 gene mutation) in 2017. Limited awareness of this therapy among Indian clinicians.
  • RNA-based Therapies:Emerging as a safer alternative to gene therapy. Offers temporary changes without affecting future generations.
  • Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs):Successfully used for other genetic disorders. Being explored for Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, and retinitis pigmentosa.
  • RNA Editing with ADAR enzymes:Corrects specific mutations at the RNA level without altering DNA.
  • Suppressor tRNAs:Bypass stop-codon mutations that halt protein synthesis.
  • PTC124 (ataluren):Small molecule RNA therapy being investigated for aniridia (a rare eye disease).

2. LACK OF A PROTECTIVE LAW EXPOSES DOMESTIC WORKERS TO ABUSE, SAYS SC

SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES

  • SC directed the Union government to consider bringing a Central law to protect domestic workers from exploitation.
  • Observed that lack of legal protection has led to low wages, unsafe conditions, and extended working hours without recourse.
  • Highlighted the vulnerability of domestic workers, most of whom belong to marginalized communities(SCs, STs, OBCs, and economically weaker sections)
  • Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee
  • SC ordered the Centre to form a committee with experts from the Ministries of Labour, Women & Child Development, Law & Justice, and Social Justice.
  • Mandate:Recommend a legal framework for the rights, regulation, and protection of domestic workers.
  • The report must be submitted within six months, after which the Centre will decide on enacting a law.
  • State-Level Initiatives
  • SC acknowledged Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala for enacting state specific protections for domestic workers.
  • These States have social security boards to regulate:
  • Maternity benefits
  • Wages
  • Workplace safety
  • Medical expense reimbursements
  • The court urged other States to follow similar initiatives in the absence of a Central law.

3. THE COPYRIGHT CONUNDRUM IN CARNATIC MUSIC

SUBJECT: NATIONAL

  • Copyright law in Western classical music views a composition as a melody, whereas Indian classical music relies on improvisation and oral traditions.
  • Indian Copyright Act, 1914 & 1957failed to recognize improvisation and soulfulness in traditional Indian music.
  • Legal Debate: Should Carnatic musicians have copyright over their performance and improvisations, or only the original composition should be protected?
  • Rights of Performers vs. Composers
  • Composers & lyricists get copyright protection for 60 years after death.
  • Performers’ rights include the ability to forbid unauthorized recording and receive royalty from digital streaming(not from live concerts).
  • However, recording performances without consent is a violation of the Copyright Act, even in sabhas.
  • Challenges in Copyrighting Improvisations
  • Carnatic improvisation is spontaneous, often responding to audience interest.
  • Accompanists’ contributions(like variations in raga & tala) could significantly alter the composition.
  • Lack of clarity on whether the performer can claim copyright over these improvisations

4. BRIDGE THE MILK DIVIDE FOR NUTRITIONALLY SECURE INDIA

SUBJECT: SCIENCE

  • Top-income householdsconsume3-4 times more milkthan lower income households.
  • Lowest 30% of income groups consume only18% of India’s total milk supply.
  • Regional disparities: Higher milk consumption in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan(~ 333-421 gm/day).
  • Lower consumption in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal(~ 75-171 gm/day).
  • Rural vs Urban Divide: Urban households consume 30% more milk than rural households.
  • Scheduled Tribes consume significantly less due to affordability & availability.
  • Enhancing Milk Provision
  • Expand POSHAN Scheme, ICDS meals, and take-home rations with milk integration.
  • States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana already provide subsidized milk, but quantities remain insufficient.
  • Financial incentives can revive discontinued programs in Bihar & Chhattisgarh.

5. THE OLD AND THE NEW : SCHEMES TO LOOK OUT FOR ON BUDGET DAY

SUBJECT: ECONOMY

  • Increased Focus on AI & Clean Energy
  • IndiaAI Mission,Green Hydrogen Mission, and PLI for battery storage signal the government’s focus on future technologies.
  • Reduction in Urban Development Allocations
  • Significant budget cuts in Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT reflect shifting priorities.
  • Greater Push for Electric Mobility New electric vehicle (EV) promotion schemesand₹1,300 Cr for e-Bus expansion under PM-eBus Sewa Scheme.
  • PLI Remains a Core Industrial Strategy
  • ₹2,143 Cr for multiple PLI schemes shows continued support for manufacturing.

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