TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS (29.07.2024)

1. NATIONAL

CHHATTISGARH LAW VARSITY INTRODUCES MENSTRUAL LEAVE

• The announcement by Chhattisgarh’s Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) to implement a Menstrual Leave Policy (MLP) is a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity and supporting the health and well-being of its students.
• Significance of the Policy
• 1. Promoting Gender Inclusivity:
• Support for Menstruating Students: Recognizes the physical and emotional challenges faced by menstruating students and provides them with the necessary support.
• Reducing Stigma: Helps in normalizing menstruation and reducing the stigma associated with it in academic settings.
• 2. Health and Well-being:
• Physical Health: Allows students to take necessary rest during their menstrual cycle, which can help in managing pain and discomfort.
• Mental Health: Reduces stress and anxiety related to attending classes during menstruation, thereby promoting overall well-being.
• 3. Academic Performance:
• Flexibility: Provides flexibility to students to manage their health without compromising their academic performance.
• Inclusivity: Ensures that all students have equal opportunities to succeed academically, regardless of their menstrual health.
• Policy Examples: Other institutions like Kerala’s Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) and Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College have also introduced menstrual leave policies

2. POLITY

IS IMMUNITY FOR THE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNORS ABSOLUTE

• Immunity for the President and Governors under Article 361 Article 361 of the Indian Constitution provides certain immunities to the President and Governors of states.
• Key Provisions of Article 361:
• 1. Article 361(1):
• The President or the Governor is not answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of their office.
• However, their conduct can be reviewed by any court, tribunal, or body designated by either House of Parliament for the investigation of a charge under Article 61 (impeachment for violation of the Constitution).
• 2. Article 361(2):
• No criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President or the Governor of a state in any court during their term of office.
• 3. Article 361(3): No process for the arrest or imprisonment of the President or the Governor of a state shall issue from any court during their term of office.
• 4. Article 361(4): Civil proceedings in which relief is claimed against the President or the Governor of a state shall not be instituted during their term of office in respect of any act done or purported to be done by them in their personal capacity, whether before or after entering upon their office, until the expiration of two months next after notice in writing has been delivered to them.

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DRDO TESTS PHASE – II BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM

• India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to provide a multilayered defense against ballistic missile threats.
• Successful Flight-Test of Phase-II BMD:
• On Wednesday, DRDO successfully flight-tested the Phase-II BMD system.
• This system is designed to intercept and neutralize ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km.
• The test involved launching a target missile from LC-IV Dhamra, which mimicked an adversary ballistic missile. The weapon system radars detected the target and activated the Air Defence (AD) interceptor system.
• Maiden Test of Phase-II BMD:
• The maiden test of the Phase-II BMD system was conducted in November 2022.
• This phase aims to enhance India’s defensive capabilities against longer-range ballistic missile threats.
• India’s BMD program is designed to provide a two-tiered shield against incoming ballistic missiles. The program has been developed in phases, with each phase enhancing the range and capability of the defense system.
• Phase-I BMD System:
• Components:
• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD): An exo-atmospheric interceptor designed to engage missiles at altitudes of 50-80 km.
• Advanced Air Defence (AAD): An endo-atmospheric interceptor designed to engage missiles at altitudes of 15-30 km.
• Capabilities: Intercepts ballistic missiles with a range of up to 2,000 km.
• Deployed to protect key strategic locations and assets. Phase-II BMD System:
• Components: Enhanced interceptors capable of engaging ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 km.
• Advanced radar and tracking systems for early detection and interception.
• Capabilities:
• Provides a defense against longer-range ballistic missile threats.
• Incorporates advanced technologies for improved accuracy and reliability

4. ENVIRONMENT

GRASSLANDS IN KUTCH LIKELY TO HOST CHEETAHS FROM AFRICA

• Physical Geography: Banni Grasslands
• Location and Extent: Banni grasslands are located in the southern part of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
• They cover an area of approximately 3,500 square kilometers, making them one of the largest grasslands in India.
• Climate and Soil: The region experiences a semi-arid climate with low and erratic rainfall.
• The soil is predominantly saline due to the proximity to the Rann of Kutch, which influences the type of vegetation that can thrive there.
• Vegetation: The grasslands are characterized by sparse vegetation, primarily consisting of grasses and shrubs adapted to saline conditions.
• The dominant grass species include Dichanthium annulatum and Sporobolus spp.
• 2. Biogeography: Habitat Suitability for Cheetahs
• Prey Availability: The primary prey species for cheetahs, such as chinkara and blackbuck, are present but not in sufficient numbers to sustain a viable cheetah population.
• The introduction of additional prey species, such as chital, is necessary to create a sustainable ecosystem for cheetahs.
• Absence of Predators: One significant advantage of Banni is the absence of leopards, which reduces competition and predation risks for cheetahs.
• Carrying Capacity: The carrying capacity of an ecosystem refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that the environment can support.
• For Banni to support a sustainable cheetah population, it will require significant ecological management, including prey augmentation and habitat restoration.
• 3. Human-Environment Interaction: Conservation Challenges and Strategies
• Human Settlements and Land Use: Banni grasslands are home to pastoral communities who rely on the land for grazing livestock.
• Conservation efforts must balance the needs of local communities with wildlife conservation goals.
• Infrastructure Development: The Gujarat government is setting up enclosures and other infrastructure to facilitate cheetah breeding and conservation.
• This includes creating suitable habitats and ensuring the availability of prey species.
• Long-term Conservation Plans: The success of cheetah reintroduction in Banni will depend on long-term ecological monitoring and management.
• This includes regular importation of cheetahs, habitat management, and community involvement in conservation efforts.
• 4. Conservation Strategies: Project Cheetah
• Phased Reintroduction: The phased approach involves initially introducing cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and then expanding to other suitable habitats like Banni.
• This strategy allows for the gradual acclimatization of cheetahs to different environments and the assessment of habitat suitability.
• Scientific Input and Monitoring:
• An expert steering committee provides scientific input on managing the cheetah population, including identifying future sites for reintroduction.
• Continuous monitoring of cheetah health, prey availability, and habitat conditions is crucial for the program’s success.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is essential for the long-term success of Project Cheetah.
• This includes educating communities about the benefits of wildlife conservation and involving them in habitat management practices.

5. NATIONAL

BIHAR ASSEMBLY PASSES BILL TO CURB PAPER LEAKS IN GOVERNMENT RECRUITMENT EXAMS

• The Bihar Assembly’s passage of the Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, marks a significant legislative effort to curb question paper leaks and malpractice in government recruitment examinations.
• Punishments for Individuals Involved in Malpractices:
• Prison Term: Three to five years. 
• Fine: ₹10 lakh.
• Punishments for Service Providers (Government or Private Agencies):
• Organized Crime:
• Prison Term: Five to ten years.
• Fine: Up to ₹1 crore.
• Termination of Services: Four years.
• Property Confiscation: Provision to confiscate the property of offending service providers.
• Cost Recovery: Recover a portion of the total cost of conducting such examinations from the offending service providers.
• Nature of Crimes: Cognisable and Non-Bailable: All crimes under this law will be cognisable and non-bailable.
• Investigating Officers: Shall not be below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police. Implications of the Bill
• Deterrence:
• Severe Punishments: The stringent punishments are expected to act as a strong deterrent against malpractices in public examinations.
• Organized Crime: The severe penalties for organized crime by service providers aim to dismantle networks involved in systematic cheating.
• Accountability: Service Providers: Holding service providers accountable with heavy fines, imprisonment, and termination of services ensures that those responsible for conducting exams maintain high standards of integrity.
• Property Confiscation: Confiscating property and recovering costs from offenders adds a financial deterrent to engaging in malpractices.
• Public Trust: Restoring Confidence: By addressing the issue of paper leaks and malpractices, the Bill aims to restore public confidence in the fairness and integrity of government recruitment examinations.
• Fair Opportunities: Ensuring that examinations are conducted fairly provides equal opportunities for all candidates, enhancing the credibility of the recruitment process.

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