TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15.6.2024

1. MIZORAM CONCLAVE TARGETS PRODUCING TOP ATHLETES FOR 2036 GAMES

• The inaugural Mizoram Sports Conclave 2024 underlined the state’s vision to lift the standard of sports within its boundariesand help it produce top class athletes for the 2036 Olympics, which the country aspires to host
• This is the first national-level sports conclave with the vision of developing world-class athletes to excel for India in the 2036 Olympics
• There should be a check on age fraudand doping
• Ensure athletes’ access to sports scienceand sports psychologyfor a positive development

2. CIC UPHOLDS RESPONSE TO RTI QUERY ON PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT

• Role of the President in Returning Decisions for Reconsideration
• The President of India holds a significant constitutional role, including the power to return decisions taken by the Prime Minister or the Union Council of Ministers for reconsideration.
• This power is derived from Article 111of the Indian Constitution, which states that the President can return a bill (other than a money bill) for reconsideration by the Parliament.
• However, if the bill is passed again by both Houses of Parliament with or without amendments, the President is obliged to give assent to it. Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 TheRight to Information (RTI) Act, 2005is a landmark legislation in India that empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.
• Right to Access Information: Citizens have the right to request information from any public authority, which is required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days.
• Public Authorities: The Act covers all constitutional authorities, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, as well as any institution or body established or constituted by an act of Parliament or a state legislature.
• Exemptions: Certain information is exempt from disclosure, such as information affecting national security, personal privacy, and trade secrets.
• Central and State Information Commissions: The Act establishes the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions to oversee the implementation of the Act and address grievances.

3. EXPORTS BOUNCED 9% BUT TRADE DEFICIT HIT 7 MONTH PEAK IN MAY

• Trade Deficitoccurs when a country’s imports exceed its exports during a given time period.
• It is an economic measure of international trade in which a country’s imports exceed its exports.
• The trade deficit represents an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets.
• Formula:{Trade Deficit} = {Total Imports} -{Total Exports} May 2024 Data:
• Exports:$38.13 billion (9.1% growth)
• Imports:$61.91 billion (7.7% growth)
• Trade Deficit:$23.78 billion (5.5% higher than May 2023, 24.5% higher than April 2024) Reasons for Trade Deficit in India
• 1. High Import Demand:
• Energy Needs:India imports a significant amount of crude oil to meet its energy requirements. As of recent data, India imports about 80% of its crude oil needs.
• Gold Imports:India is one of the largest consumers of gold, which contributes significantly to the import bill.
• Electronics and Machinery:High demand for electronics, machinery, and other capital goods also adds to the import bill. Slow Export Growth:
• Global Economic Conditions:Sluggish global economic growth can reduce demand for Indian exports.
• Competitiveness:Indian products sometimes face stiff competition from other countries, affecting export volumes. Trade Policies:Tariffs and non-tariff barriers in other countries can also impact India’s export growth.
• 3. Exchange Rate Fluctuations: A weaker Indian Rupee makes imports more expensive and exports cheaper. However, if the depreciation is not significant enough to boost exports, it can widen the trade deficit.
• 4. Structural Issues:
• Infrastructure:Inadequate infrastructure can hamper the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian exports.
• Regulatory Hurdles:Bureaucratic red tape and complex regulations can also affect export performance.
•  5. Economic Growth: As mentioned by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, India’s economy is growing at a faster rate (over 7%) compared to the global economy (about 2.6%). This higher growth rate increases domestic demand for imports, contributing to the trade deficit.

4. UAPA

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)is an Indian law aimed at preventing unlawful activities and associations in India.It was enacted in 1967 and has been amended several times to address evolving security challenges.
• Key Features of UAPA: Definition of Unlawful Activities:
• Activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India. ○ Activities that cause disaffection against India.
• Activities that disrupt the harmony between different sections of society.
• Terrorist Activities: The act defines and criminalizes terrorist activities, including financing terrorism.  
• It allows for the designation of individuals and organizations as terrorists.
• Preventive Detention: The act allows for the detention of individuals suspected of involvement in unlawful activities without charge for up to 180 days.
• Investigation and Prosecution: The National Investigation Agency (NIA)is empowered to investigate and prosecute offenses under UAPA.
• Special courtsare established for the speedy trial of cases under UAPA.
• Stringent Bail Provisions: The act makes it difficult for the accused to obtain bail, especially if the court believes that the accusations are prima facie true. Why is UAPA in the News? Recently, Delhi Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena sanctioned the prosecution of novelist Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain, under Section 13 of the UAPA.
• This section pertains to the punishment for unlawful activities.

5. G- 7 LEADERS SAY THEY WILL BACK UKRAINE AS LONG AS IT TAKES

• A new $50 billion loan—agreed in the presence of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• It sent “an unmistakable signal to (Russian) President Vladimir Putin”
• The loan will be backed by profits from the interest accrued on Russian central bank assets frozen by Western powersafter Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine
• The money would be disbursed through “multiple channels that direct the funds to Ukraine’s military, budget, and reconstruction needs”

ONE LINER

1. Rs.1000 for college male students – Tamil Putulavan scheme in August
2. Student Manasu complaint box in all schools – Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women