TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29.6.2024

1. PRESIDENT FLAGS NEET MENTIONS EMERGENCY IN PARLIAMENT SPEECH

• The President’s speech in Parliament is a significant event, as it outlines the government’s agenda and priorities for the upcoming session.
• 1. Call to Rise Above Partisan Politics Context: The President urged MPs to transcend partisan politics, particularly concerning the issue of paper leaks in exams for medical college admissions and government recruitment.
• Significance: This is a call for unity and collective responsibility among lawmakers to address critical issues affecting the nation. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency in the examination process, which is crucial for maintaining public trust.
• 2. Commitment to Investigate Paper Leaks Context: The government is committed to investigating irregularities and punishing those responsible for paper leaks.
• Significance: This highlights the government’s focus on ensuring fairness and credibility in competitive exams, which are gateways to educational and employment opportunities. It reassures the public that steps are being taken to safeguard the integrity of these processes.
• 3. Reference to the Emergency of 1975 Context: The President referred to the Emergency imposed by the Congress-led government in 1975 as a dark chapter in India’s history.
• Significance: This serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and constitutional principles. It also acts as a political statement, contrasting the current government’s commitment to democracy with past events.
• Defense of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) Context: The President defended the use of EVMs, countering demands for a return to paper ballots.
• Significance: This is crucial in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. EVMs have been a subject of controversy, but the President’s statement reinforces their reliability and the judiciary’s endorsement.
• 5. Focus on North Eastern States Context: The President mentioned the government’s efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the north eastern states.
• Significance: This underscores the government’s commitment to regional development and addressing long-standing issues in these areas. It is particularly relevant given the recent unrest in Manipur.
• Economic Goals Context: The President highlighted the government’s goal of making India the world’s third-largest economy, with a focus on manufacturing, services, and agriculture.
• Significance: This reflects the government’s vision for economic growth and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). It indicates a balanced approach to development across different sectors.
• Upcoming Union Budget Context: The President hinted at historic steps in the upcoming Union Budget.
• Significance: This builds anticipation for significant policy measures and reforms that could impact various sectors of the economy. It signals the government’s proactive approach to economic management.

2. UTTARAKHAND GOVERNMENT TO STUDY RISK POSED BY 13 GLACIAL LAKES DURING MONSOON

• Monsoon and Glacial Lakes: With the onset of the monsoon, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Department (USDMA) is initiating a vulnerability study of 13 glacial lakes, five of which are in high-risk zones. This study aims to prevent calamities such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
• Climate Change Impact: Himalayan glaciers are increasingly vulnerable due to climate change, necessitating continuous monitoring to ensure safety.
• High-Risk Glacial Lakes Locations: The high-risk lakes are located in Darma, Lasaryanghati, and the Kutiyangti Valley in Pithoragarh district, and the Vasudhara Tal lake in the Dhauli Ganga basin in Chamoli district.
• Characteristics: These lakes range in area from 0.02 sq. km to 0.5 sq. km and are situated at elevations of around 4,000 meters above sea level.
• Study Objectives and Methods Bathymetry Study: Starting in the first week of July, the study will involve bathymetry, which measures the depth and size of the lakes. This will provide accurate data on lake dimensions, glacier formation, and melting patterns.
• Risk Assessment: The study aims to assess the risk levels of these lakes. Based on the findings, measures such as puncturing the lakes and installing pipes to manage water levels will be implemented.
• Expert Teams and Collaboration Formation of Expert Teams: In March, the State government formed two expert teams to assess the risks associated with these glacial lakes. These teams include experts from:
• Indian Institute of Remote Sensing
• Geological Survey of India
• National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee
• Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
• Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
• Collaboration with ITBP: The USDMA has requested the Indo-Tibetan Border Police to share reports on the status of the five high-risk glacial lakes.
• Historical Context Past GLOFs: Uttarakhand has experienced two major GLOFs in the past decade: Kedarnath Valley (June 2013): This disaster led to approximately 6,000 deaths.
• Rishiganga Valley, Chamoli (February 2021): This event claimed 72 lives.
• Lessons Learned: These incidents underscore the critical need for proactive monitoring and risk mitigation strategies.
• Future Steps and Mitigation Measures Continuous Monitoring: Regular checks and monitoring of glacial lakes are essential to detect early signs of potential outbursts.
• Infrastructure Development: Developing infrastructure to manage and mitigate risks, such as installing drainage systems and reinforcing lake boundaries, is crucial.
• Community Awareness: Educating local communities about the risks and emergency response measures can enhance preparedness and reduce casualties in the event of a GLOF

3. ANTELOPE LIKE MAMMAL FROM BHUTAN RECORDED AT LOWEST ELEVATION IN WESTERN ASSAM

• The recent discovery of a mainland serow (Capricornis sumatraensis thar) in Assam marks a significant ecological finding. Discovery Details Location: A mainland serow was recorded at 96 meters above mean sea level in Raimona National Park, western Assam. This is the lowest elevation beyond its natural home in Bhutan.
• Proximity to Human Habitation: This sighting is notable as it is within 1 kilometer of human habitation, a rare occurrence for this elusive species.
• Documentation: The finding was documented with photographic proof and published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa.
• Habitat and Conservation Status Habitat Range: According to IUCN, the mainland serow typically inhabits areas at altitudes ranging from 200 meters to 3,000 meters.
• Its known habitat includes regions in the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
• Conservation Significance: The discovery in Assam, particularly at such a low altitude and close to human habitation, highlights the importance of monitoring and protecting biodiversity in less expected areas.
• This finding could indicate changes in habitat use or movement patterns possibly due to environmental or anthropogenic factors.
• The presence of the mainland serow in Assam at a lower elevation and near human settlements underscores the need for: Enhanced Monitoring to understand the movement and habitat preferences of the species.
• Strengthening conservation measures in and around Raimona National Park and other potential habitats.
• Human-Wildlife Coexistence: Developing strategies to mitigate potential human-wildlife conflicts given the proximity to human habitation.
• This discovery is a testament to the dynamic nature of wildlife ecology and the continual need for comprehensive biodiversity studies.

4. ECONOMY ROBUST DESPITE GLOBAL RISKS

• The Financial Stability Report (FSR) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provides a comprehensive overview of the health and stability of the Indian financial system.
• Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR):
• Definition: CRAR is a measure of a bank’s capital. It is expressed as a percentage of a bank’s risk-weighted credit exposures. It is used to protect depositors and promote the stability and efficiency of financial systems around the world.
• Current Data: As of end-March 2024, the CRAR of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) stood at 16.8%.
• Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio:
• Definition: CET1 ratio is a measure of a bank’s core equity capital compared with its total risk-weighted assets. It is a crucial indicator of a bank’s financial strength.
• Current Data: As of end-March 2024, the CET1 ratio of SCBs was 13.9%.
• Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) Ratio:
• Definition: GNPA ratio is the ratio of the gross non-performing assets to the total loans and advances of the bank. It indicates the quality of the bank’s loan portfolio.
• Current Data: The GNPA ratio of SCBs fell to a multi-year low of 2.8% at end-March 2024.
• Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) Ratio: Definition: NNPA ratio is the ratio of net non-performing assets to the total loans and advances of the bank. It is calculated by deducting provisions from the gross NPAs.
• Current Data: The NNPA ratio of SCBs declined to 0.6% at end- March 2024.
• Macro Stress Tests:
• Definition: These are hypothetical scenarios used to assess the resilience of banks under various stress conditions. They help in understanding how banks would perform under adverse economic conditions.
• Current Data: The system-level CRAR in March 2025 is projected at 16.1%, 14.4%, and 13.0% under baseline, medium, and severe stress scenarios, respectively.
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs):
• Definition: NBFCs are financial institutions that offer various banking services but do not hold a banking license. They are crucial for the financial system, especially in providing credit to the unbanked sectors.
• Current Data: As of end-March 2024, NBFCs had a CRAR of 26.6%, a GNPA ratio of 4.0%, and a return on assets (RoA) of 3.3%

5. ISRAEL WARNS IT COULD SEND LEBANON BACK TO STONE AGE

• Israel launched air strikes on Gaza after warning Hezbollah, Hamas’s ally in Lebanon, to avoid a large-scale war that would send the neighbouring country “back to the Stone Age”
• Hezbollah is an ally of Hamas and has been involved in conflicts with Israel.
• The warning from Israel’s Defence Minister to Hezbollah indicates the potential for a broader regional conflict.
• Defence Minister Yoav Gallant made the comment during a visit to Washington, where he discussed the Gaza war, long-running efforts toward a truce, and ways to avoid a wider regional conflagration.
• The concern is that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate and draw in other regional players, leading to a broader and more destructive war.

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