TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16.4.2024

1. INDIA TO GET ABOVE NORMAL MONSOON RAINFALL : IMD

• Reasons why India is expected to have a good monsoon this year (2024):
• La Nina Conditions: El Nino, which typically reduces rainfall in India, is expected to fade and transition to La Nina by June
• La Nina is linked to above-average monsoon rainfall
• Ocean Temperatures: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is expected to be positive, meaning the eastern Indian Ocean will be cooler than the west
• This pattern historically brings rain to southern India
• Snow Cover: Below-average snow cover in the northern hemisphere and Eurasia is historically linked to stronger monsoons in India
• Statistical Modeling: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses historical data on global weather patterns like ocean temperatures and snow cover to predict monsoon performance
• This analysis also suggests a good monsoon this year
• Dynamical Modeling: IMD also uses powerful computers to simulate global weather patterns and predict future conditions. These simulations support the forecast of a bountiful monsoon.
• The IMD will update its forecast in May to provide more details about the spatial distribution of rainfall
• June and July are crucial for agriculture as Kharif crops are planted during this time

2. INDIA’S ARCTIC IMPERTATIVE

• Reasons for Increased Engagement: Scientific Data: New data showing faster-than-expected Arctic warming and its potential impact on India’s climate, like monsoon variations, has spurred scientific research efforts
• Economic Potential: The opening of Arctic shipping routes, like the Northern Sea Route, presents opportunities for reducing trade costs for India.
• Geopolitical Concerns: China’s growing presence and Russia’s actions in the Arctic, especially during the Ukraine conflict, necessitate strategic considerations for India.
• India’s History in the Arctic: India is not new to the Arctic
• It signed the Svalbard Treaty in 1920 and has been involved in research missions since 2007
• India established a research base in Svalbard in 2008 and gained observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013
• Current research focuses on Arctic ice, glaciers, and their influence on the Himalayas and Indian monsoons Debates and Considerations: India’s academic and policy communities are divided on the potential economic impacts of a changing Arctic, particularly regarding resource extraction like mining
• Proponents advocate for a pragmatic approach to exploit potential oil, gas, and mineral resources
• Sceptics highlight environmental risks and emphasise a balanced policy that considers the downsides of resource exploitation
• Potential for Collaboration: Norway, the current chair of the Arctic Council, has a history of collaboration with India on climate research in the Arctic and Antarctic
• India seeks to collaborate on green energy and clean industries to establish itself as a responsible stakeholder
• Collaboration with Norway could be significant, offering India a larger role in the Arctic Council and addressing issues like the blue economy, sustainable resource development, and scientific research.
• India’s Balancing Act:  While interested in potential economic benefits, India needs to clearly support sustainable resource extraction practices.
• A Norway-India partnership is likely to focus on scientific research, environmental protection, and potentially crafting a sustainable economic approach for India’s Arctic involvement.
• Overall, India’s Arctic policy is evolving due to scientific discoveries, economic considerations, and geopolitical concerns. Collaboration with Arctic nations like Norway can be crucial for India to navigate these complexities and establish itself as a responsible player in the region.

3. SIACHEN : 40 YEARS OF OP MEGHDOOT

• Siachen is known for being the world’s highest and coldest battlefield
• It sits at a very strategic location with Pakistan on the left and China on the right
• In the 1970s and 1980s, Pakistan began allowing foreign mountaineering expeditions
• Resorting to cartographic aggression, to add credence to its claims over the glacier
• Following intelligence inputs of imminent military action by Pakistan in early 1984, India moved to pre-empt it
• In January 2020, then Army Chief Gen. Manoj Mukund Narvane termed Siachen as the place from where a collusive threat from China and Pakistan was maximum while stressing on the importance of keeping that particular area always in India’s possession

4. The Central Advisory Committee of FSSAI unveiled an Action Plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance.

• The Central Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) unveiled the authority’s action plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) during the 43rd CAC meeting in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
• During the meeting, deliberations were held on creating awareness amongst farmers regarding the judicious use of antibiotics in livestock, aquaculture, poultry etc. as part of FSSAI’s responsibilities under the AMR National Action Plan-II.
• Plans to carry out surveillance on anti-microbial susceptibility in food matrix to ensure consumers’ safety were also discussed.
• The Commissioners of Food Safety of States and UTs were directed to work diligently towards achieving the target of 100 food streets to be developed as ‘Healthy and Hygienic Food Streets’.
• The importance of surveillance sampling was also emphasized during the discussion.
• The states were directed to prepare their surveillance plans and conduct regular meetings with state labs and their officials.
• The requirement of clean marketplaces and establishing health clubs in both State and Central Government schools along with the development of app-based models and literature in regional languages to encourage the younger generation was discussed.

5. ANTI-PIRACY OPERATIONS

• Operation Details :
• The operation lasted over 40 hours, involving sustained high-tempo operations by INS Kolkata.
• MV Ruen, hijacked in December 2023 by Somali pirates, was under their control until intercepted by INS Kolkata.
• Indian Navy, as part of Maritime Security Operations, conducts extensive surveillance in the region, monitoring traffic in Areas of Interest.
• INS Kolkata, directed based on surveillance information, intercepted MV Ruen approximately 260 Nautical miles East of Somalia.
• Engagement and Resolution :
• Kolkata confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone, which was shot down by the pirates.
• In a calibrated response, Kolkata disabled the ship’s steering system and navigational aids, forcing MV Ruen to stop.
• Precisely measured actions and forceful negotiations by INS Kolkata led to the surrender of the pirates, who released MV Ruen and its original crew.
• Augmentation and Conclusion :
• The anti-piracy operation was augmented by the deployment of INS Subhadra and air-dropping of Marine Commandos (PRAHARS) by C-17 aircraft.
• Surveillance of the pirate vessel was maintained through HALE RPA and P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
• All 35 Somali pirates surrendered without any injury to the 17 original crew members of MV Ruen.
• MV Ruen’s seaworthiness will be assessed, and it will be safely brought to India, carrying approximately 37,800 tons of cargo.
• Significance :
• The successful culmination of the operation highlights Indian Navy’s commitment to reinforcing peace and stability in the region.
• It underscores the Indian Navy’s role as the ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), deterring piracy resurgence.

ONE LINER

1. Supreme Court Justice Aniruddha Bose has been appointed as the new director of the National Judicial Academy – Bhopal
2. Hdfc Bank is the first private bank to open its branch in Lakshdweep