TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1.07.2024

1. INDIA ACHIEVES OUTSTANDING OUTCOME IN FATT EVALUATION

• The recent Mutual Evaluation Report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is indeed a significant achievement for India.
• Key Highlights of the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report for India (2023-24)
• Regular Follow-Up Category: India has been placed in the “regular follow-up” category, a distinction shared by only four other G-20 countries. This indicates that India has met a high standard of compliance with FATF’s requirements.
• High Level of Technical Compliance: The report highlights India’s high level of technical compliance with FATF’s AML (Anti-Money Laundering), CFT (Countering the Financing of Terrorism), and CPF (Counter-Proliferation Financing) standards.
• Effective Measures and Results: India has shown good results in several areas:
• International Cooperation: Effective collaboration with other countries in combating ML/TF.
• Access to Basic and Beneficial Ownership Information: Ensuring transparency in financial transactions.
• Use of Financial Intelligence: Leveraging financial data to track and prevent illicit activities.
• Depriving Criminals of Assets: Confiscating assets obtained through illegal means.
• Areas for Improvement: Supervision and Implementation: Strengthening oversight and preventive measures in some non-financial sectors.
• Prosecution Delays: Addressing delays in concluding ML and TF prosecutions.
• Non-Profit Sector: Ensuring CFT measures are implemented effectively in the non-profit sector, including outreach to NPOs about their TF risks.
• Mitigating ML/TF Risks: Recognized efforts in mitigating risks from money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly those arising from corruption, fraud, and organized crime.
• Transition from a cash-based to a digital economy to reduce ML/TF risks

2. SCREEN ALL PREGNANT WOMEN FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES WITH POINT- OF -CARE TEST, SAY EXPERTS

• Recommendation: Replace the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with an HbA1c test for screening gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
• Reason: HbA1c can be used at the point of care and should be administered in early pregnancy during the first trimester.
• Study Background: Published In: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
• Researchers: Included experts from India, London, and Africa, and participants from the PRiDE cohort in the UK.
• Findings: Current Scenario: – Over 90% of gestational diabetes cases occur in low-income and middle-income countries.
• Current guidelines recommend OGTT, which involves fasting, drinking a glucose solution, and multiple blood draws over a few hours.
• Advantages of HbA1c Test: Ease of Use: Can be administered with just a drop of blood.
• Early Intervention: Identifies high-risk individuals early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Convenience: Particularly useful in rural and hard-to-reach areas where traditional OGTT is impractical.
• Implementation:
• Risk Groups: Women in the lowest risk group would not need OGTT; only those in intermediate or high-risk groups would need further testing.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the number of OGTTs needed, saving costs associated with travel, lost wages, etc.

3. CANCER DRUGS TO BE CHEAPER IN KERALA

• Objective: Reduce Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure: Aimed at making expensive cancer drugs and immunosuppressants available at zero-profit prices to consumers.
• Key Details: Highest Health Expenditure: Kerala has the highest per capita out-of[1]pocket expenditure on health in India at ₹7,206 (as per National Health Accounts 2019-20).
• 800 Drugs List: Includes cancer drugs and immunosuppressants available at original prices fixed by drug firms.
• Bulk Purchase and Distribution:
• Purchase: The Kerala Medical Services Corporation will purchase the drugs in bulk.
• Distribution: Sold through 74 Karunya fair price stores via special “profit-free” counters starting in July.
• Existing Karunya Outlets: Currently, around 7,000 drugs are sold at much lower rates than market prices.
• Implementation: Additional Staff: To handle the new profit-free counters at Karunya stores.
• Phased Rollout: Initiative to begin in July.
• Additional Health Interventions: Cancer Screening and Preventive Clinics: At least one day a week in all hospitals.
• Augmentation of Cancer Treatment Facilities: Enhancements at the Regional Cancer Centre and Malabar Cancer Centre.
• HPV Vaccination: Introduction of HPV vaccination against cervical cancer for Plus One and Plus Two-level girls.
• Significance: Economic Relief: Significant reduction in costs for critical medications.
• Health Improvement: Better access to essential cancer and immunosuppressant drugs.
• Government Initiative: Part of broader efforts to provide affordable and quality healthcare in Kerala

4. INDIAN BAMBOO

• Northeast India: States like Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram are major bamboo producers.
• Southern India: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu also have significant bamboo cultivation. Government Initiatives
• National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Launched in 2006-07, the NBM aims to promote the growth of the bamboo sector through area- based regionally differentiated strategies.
• Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF): This initiative encourages farmers to plant bamboo on their farmland.
• Marketing of Bamboo Products Domestic Market
• Exhibitions and Workshops: Events like the one you mentioned in Bengaluru are crucial for showcasing bamboo products and educating stakeholders about the latest trends and technologies.
• E-commerce Platforms: Online platforms are increasingly being used to market bamboo products, reaching a wider audience.
• International Market
• Export Potential: India has the potential to become a major exporter of bamboo products, especially to countries with high demand for eco-friendly products.
• Quality Standards: Adhering to international quality standards is essential for tapping into the global market.

5. AMARNATH YATRA – KASHMIR VALLEY

• Amarnath Cave: The cave is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas. It houses a naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam, which is considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
• Mythological Importance: According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati in this cave. Duration and Timing
• Annual Event: The Yatra typically takes place during the months of July and August, coinciding with the Hindu month of Shravan.
• Duration: The pilgrimage lasts for about 40-45 days, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Logistics and Arrangements Registration
• Mandatory Registration: Pilgrims must register for the Yatra through designated registration centers or online portals. This is mandatory for security and logistical reasons.
• Medical Fitness: Pilgrims are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit to undertake the strenuous trek. Facilities
• Accommodation: Temporary shelters, tents, and community kitchens (langars) are set up along the route to provide food and lodging to the pilgrims.
• Medical Aid: Medical camps and emergency services are available at various points along the route to address health issues and emergencies.

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