TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20.7.2024

1. ENVIRONMENT (DISEASE)

TWO MORE DIE OF CHANDIPURA VIRAL INFECTION IN GUJARAT

• Virus: Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family.
• Transmission: Primarily transmitted through sandflies (Phlebotomus species).
• Symptoms: High fever, seizures, altered mental status, and rapid progression to coma.
• Mortality Rate: High; survival is difficult if there is a delay in treatment.
• Government Response: Surveillance: Intensive surveillance in affected districts.
• Advisory: Issued to the community, primary health centers, sub-district hospitals, and medical colleges.  
• Treatment Protocols: Special advisory for treating cases with symptoms indicative of Chandipura virus.

2. ECONOMICS

THE PROBLEM WITH BILLIONAIRE CONSUMPTION

• Conspicuous Consumption: Definition: Lavish and visible expenditure by the wealthy to display their wealth and status.
• Context: Highlighted by the extravagant wedding celebrations of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son.  
• Economic Inequality: Definition: The unequal distribution of wealth and income in a society.
• Context: The disparity between the lavish lifestyles of the rich and the economic struggles of the working class.
• Capitalist Society: Definition: An economic system where private individuals own and control property and businesses.  
• Context: The debate on whether the consumption patterns of the rich aid or hinder economic growth in such a society.
• Ethical and Economic Issues: Ethical: The moral implications of excessive wealth display in a society with high inequality.
• Economic: The impact of billionaire consumption on economic growth, employment, and investment.
• Perspectives on Wealth and Consumption: Liberal Capitalist View: Defends the right of individuals to spend their wealth as they choose, emphasizing market freedom.
• Marxist View: Criticizes billionaire consumption as illegitimate, arguing that wealth is unfairly extracted from labor.
• Investment vs. Consumption: Investment: Spending on capital goods that can increase productivity and economic growth.
• Consumption: Spending on goods and services for immediate use, which may not contribute to long-term growth.
• Keynesian Economics: Social Contract: The idea that capitalists are allowed wealth and control provided they invest in ways that ensure employment and productivity.
• Golden Rule: The principle that economic welfare is maximized when profits are fully invested

3. INTERNATIONAL

BACK – CHANNEL TALKS WITH CHINA UNDER WAY SAYS TIBETAN LEADER

• Back-Channel Negotiations: The CTA has been involved in discreet negotiations with Chinese authorities, facilitated by a third country. These talks are aimed at maintaining engagement and exploring potential resolutions to the Tibetan issue.
• The latest round of talks took place in the first week of the current month, although the specific level of officials involved has not been disclosed.
• Tibetan Issue as a “Conflict”: Sikyong Tsering emphasized that the term “conflict” better describes the Tibetan situation, as opposed to “issue” or “dispute,” which he believes do not fully capture the gravity of the problem.
• Countering Renaming of Tibetan Territories: In response to China’s renaming of Tibetan territories, the CTA plans to create a map of Tibet that will feature the names of all places in the Tibetan language. This initiative aims to preserve Tibetan cultural and geographical identity.
• Resolve Tibet Act: Sikyong Tsering’s upcoming visit to the U.S. follows the enactment of the Resolve Tibet Act in Congress. This act underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting the Tibetan cause and addressing human rights issues in Tibet

4. POLITY

92 MORE TELANGANA YOUTH IDENTIFIED IN CAMBODIA’S JOB RACKET

• The recent incident involving 92 individuals from Telangana being stuck in Cambodia while working at a cybercrime call center highlights the issue of human trafficking and exploitation.
• The Indian government has several laws and measures in place to protect people from such incidents and to address human trafficking.
• Government Measures and Initiatives: Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): – The government has established AHTUs in various states to combat human trafficking. These units work in coordination with law enforcement agencies and NGOs.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation: The government provides for the rescue and rehabilitation of trafficking victims through various schemes and programs, including shelter homes, counseling, and vocational training.
• International Cooperation: India collaborates with other countries and international organizations to combat human trafficking. This includes bilateral agreements, participation in international conventions, and joint operations.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The government conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of human trafficking and the legal provisions available for protection.
• Helplines and Reporting Mechanisms: The government has established helplines and online portals for reporting cases of human trafficking and seeking assistance.
• Key Laws and Measures: Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA): – This is the primary legislation in India aimed at preventing human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
• It provides for the rescue and rehabilitation of victims, prosecution of traffickers, and establishment of special courts for speedy trials.
• Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860: (old sections) – Section 370: Defines and penalizes trafficking of persons. –
•  Section 366A: Penalizes procuring a minor girl for sexual exploitation.
• Section 372 and 373: Penalize selling and buying of minors for prostitution.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
• Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
• Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979: – The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994
• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
• The Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018
• Although not yet enacted, this bill aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework to prevent trafficking, protect and rehabilitate victims, and prosecute offenders

5. NATIONAL

CENTRE ASKS STATES TO ENSURE THAT QUEER COMMUNITY GETS EQUAL RIGHTS IN PRISONS

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a directive to States and Union Territories to ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community receive equal rights in prisons. This move aims to address the discrimination and violence faced by queer individuals due to their gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Key Points:
• Directive from MHA: The MHA has instructed Home Secretaries and Heads of Prisons to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are not discriminated against in prisons.
• The directive emphasizes equal access to goods and services, particularly focusing on prison visitation rights.
• Model Prison Manual, 2016: The MHA referred to the Model Prison Manual, 2016, which outlines the rights of prisoners to communicate with family members, relatives, friends, and legal advisers.
• According to the manual, every prisoner should be allowed reasonable facilities for communication to prepare for an appeal, procure bail, or manage personal affairs.
• Visitation Rights: Inmates are entitled to interviews with family members, relatives, friends, and legal advisers once every fortnight.
• The number of visitors at one time is generally limited to three.
• Interviews with female prisoners should ideally take place in the female enclosure/ward.
• The MHA reiterated that these provisions apply equally to LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing them to meet persons of their choice without discrimination or judgment.
• Sensitization of Prison Officials: The MHA has urged prison authorities to sensitize officials at all levels to ensure fair and just treatment of all individuals, particularly those from the queer community.
• The goal is to eliminate any form of discrimination or violence against LGBTQ+ inmates.
• Significance: Human Rights and Dignity: – The directive underscores the importance of upholding the human rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in prisons.
• It aims to create an inclusive environment where all prisoners are treated equally, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
• Legal and Ethical Obligations: – Ensuring equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals in prisons aligns with India’s legal and ethical obligations to protect the rights of all citizens.
• It reflects the country’s commitment to non-discrimination and equality as enshrined in the Constitution.
• Reducing Violence and Discrimination: – The directive addresses the issue of violence and disrespect faced by queer individuals in prisons.
• By sensitizing prison officials and enforcing equal rights, the MHA aims to reduce instances of discrimination and create a safer environment for LGBTQ+ inmates.
• Promoting Inclusivity: – The move promotes inclusivity and acceptance of diverse identities within the prison system.
• It encourages a culture of respect and understanding, which is essential for the rehabilitation and well-being of all prisoners.

ONE LINER

1. Air pollution is the second leading cause of death globally – UNICEF report
2. Bronze for Grand Master Iniyan at the International Chess Tournament in France
3. As per the T.N Language Atlas 96.2% & 18.49% of the total population could speak Tamil and English respectively.