TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (02.4.2024)

The opposition (Congress and DMK) have a different perspective on why Katchatheevu Island was ceded to Sri Lanka:
Disagreement on Ceding § They deny that Katchatheevu was ceded (given away) to Sri Lanka
They point to a 2015 Right to Information (RTI) response from the government stating the island was on the Sri Lankan side of the maritime boundary line
Protecting Fishermen’s Rights
They claim the 1974 pact ensured fishing rights for Indian fishermen in the area
Opposition leaders like P. Chidambaram argue that acknowledging Sri Lanka’s ownership of the island doesn’t necessarily take away fishing rights
Shifting Stance by Current Government § Opposition highlighted the centre’s change in stance between the 2015 RTI response and the recent statements by PM Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

2. LADAKH’S PROTEST A HUNGER FOR JUSTICE

Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike in Leh
It calls for Ladakh’s Statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
To empower locals in decision-making
This comes following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into separate Union Territories in 2019
Rapid urbanisation and tourism growth are straining Ladakh’s resources, particularly water, leading to concerns over sustainability and equitable access
Dependence on underground water, exacerbated by tourism, is highlighted as a key issue
Ladakh faces increasing risks from climate change, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), permafrost degradation, and rising temperatures
Despite these challenges, mining, renewable energy projects, and tourism continue to grow, exacerbating environmental concerns

3. TWO STATES A COMPARISION ON ACCESS TO LIFE SAVING C-SECTIONS

Study published by IIT Madras shows that
In Tamil Nadu, access to cesarean section (C-section) is more equitable compared to India’s average
C-section rates among the women of Tamil Nadu are also alarmingly high
Especially in private hospitals
This points to the need for corrective action
The report also compares Tamil Nadu’s figures with those of Chhattisgarh
To show how in certain States, C-sections are more prevalent among richer sections of society, while the poor lack access to it A C-section delivery refers to a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the woman’s abdomen to deliver one or more infants
It can be an essential medical intervention that can save lives when vaginal deliveries are risky According to World Health Organisation Access to hospitals that are equipped to perform C-Sections is crucial
To ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and child in the event of medical necessity
Maternal and neonatal mortality rates decline in countries which have C-section rates of about 10%
WHO warns – If C-section rates go beyond 10%, it will not necessarily reduce maternal mortality
In 2021, global C-section rates exceeded 20%
They are projected to rise to 30% by 2030

4. DIGITAL INDIA TRUST AGENCY (DICITA)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering establishing a Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to combat illegal lending apps and cyber fraud.
The agency aims to verify digital lending apps, maintain a public register of verified apps, and promote transparency and accountability within the digital lending sector.
The Department of Financial Services and the IT Ministry have collaborated to whitelist legitimate digital lending apps and remove unauthorised ones from the Google Play Store.
DIGITA will vet digital lending apps to ensure compliance with RBI regulations and guidelines, and maintain a public register of verified apps. Apps lacking the verified mark from DIGITA will be considered unauthorised for law enforcement purposes.
The Department of Financial Services has NOT officially announced the establishment of DIGITA as of March 2024.

5. 22 New Products Added to Geographical Indication (GI) Registry

In March 2024, the Geographical Indication (GI) registry of India added 22 new products from Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Meghalaya. These products are protected under the GI tag, which recognizes their unique qualities and geographical origin.
In Assam, 12 products were added, including Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, and traditional Bodo attire.
Uttar Pradesh added five products, including Banaras Thandai, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Lal Bharwamirch, and Banaras Lal Peda.
Tripura added two products, Pachra-Rignai and Matatabari Peda.
Meghalaya added three products: Meghalaya Garo Textile weaving, Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery, and Meghalaya Chubitchi.
The GI registry helps preserve cultural heritage, promote economic development, and assure consumers of the product’s authenticity and quality.

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Uttar Pradesh has taken the lead in having the highest number of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products in the country.
Extension of Tenure of Retired Justice Chanduru Committee to Eradicate Caste Discrimination in Tamil Nadu Schools.