TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30.7.2024

1. INTERNATIONAL

IN U.S NETANYAHU CALLS FOR GLOBAL ALLIANCE AGAINST IRAN

• Israeli Prime Minister’s Address to U.S. Congress:
• Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Gaza ceasefire demonstrators.
• Called for a global alliance against Iran, accusing it of funding anti[1]Israel protests.
• Emphasized the need for a U.S.-Israel security alliance to counter Iran.
• Humanitarian Concerns and Protests: Washington is concerned about the humanitarian impact of Israel’s nine-month campaign in Gaza.
• Protests in Israel and the U.S. are increasing pressure on Netanyahu.
• Iran as a Threat: Netanyahu labeled Iran as the “axis of terror” in West Asia.
• Netanyahu referred to Gaza peace activists as “Iran’s useful idiots”.
• Urged the U.S. and Israel to stand together against Tehran and its proxies.
• Divisions in the U.S.: Americans are divided over Israel’s actions in Gaza. Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to address a joint meeting of Congress four times, surpassing Winston Churchill.

2. ART AND CULTURE

TWO HALLS IN RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN GET NAMES REFLECTING REPUBLICAN ETHOS

• Historical Significance of Renaming Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall
• Durbar Hall to Ganatantra Mandap: Historical Context: The term “Durbar” refers to the courts and assemblies of Indian rulers and the British colonial administration.
• Relevance: The term lost its relevance after India became a Republic in 1950.
• Significance: Renaming it to “Ganatantra Mandap” (Republic Hall) aligns with India’s identity as a Republic. The concept of “Ganatantra” (Republic) has deep roots in Indian society, symbolizing democratic governance and the sovereignty of the people.
• Ashok Hall to Ashok Mandap: ○ Historical Context: Originally a ballroom, the hall was named after Emperor Ashoka, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence.
• Significance: The name “Ashok” connotes being free from suffering and sorrow. Emperor Ashoka is a historical figure known for his role in spreading Buddhism and promoting peace.
• National Emblem: The lion capital of Ashoka from Sarnath is India’s National Emblem, further emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the name.

3. DEFENCE

JAISHANKAR PUSHES FOR URGENCY IN RESOLVING STAND OFF AT LAC

• Issues:
• Military Stand-off at LAC: Ongoing four-year-old military stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Need for resolution with “purpose and urgency”.
• Bilateral Relations: Importance of stable bilateral ties between India and China.
• Impact of the military stand-off on broader India-China relations.
• Disengagement of Troops: ○ Previous disengagements achieved from 2020-22.
• Remaining issues at Demchok and Depsang sectors.
• No further breakthroughs in recent rounds of WMCC and border commander talks.
• Respect for LAC and Past Agreements: Importance of respecting the LAC and past agreements from the 1990s.
• Relevance of these agreements in resolving the current stand-off.
• Economic and Business Ties: Speculation on relaxing restrictions on Chinese companies.
• Falling FDI numbers and tourist footfall.
• Lack of direct flights between India and China

4. POLITY

HAPPINESS COMMITTEE TO HEAR THE CASE OF KERALA JUDICIAL OFFICERS

• The initiative to form a “Happiness Committee” for judicial officers in Kerala is a significant step aimed at addressing the professional grievances and overall well-being of the judiciary.
• Purpose: The primary objective of the committee is to provide a platform for judicial officers to voice their professional grievances and seek redressal.
• It aims to enhance the welfare and happiness of judicial officers, ensuring they can perform their duties effectively and with satisfaction. Functioning of the Committee
• Grievance Submission:
• Judicial officers can bring their grievances to the committee through the Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court.
• First Meeting: The first meeting of the committee is scheduled to be held on July 26.
• Mentor System: The High Court has decided to introduce a mentor system for officers on a zonal basis

5. ECONOMY

STATES HAVE UNLIMITED RIGHT TO TAX MINERAL-RICH LANDS – SUPREME COURT

• Issue: The core issue revolved around whether states have the authority to levy a cess on mining and mineral-use activities. This question was significant for states rich in minerals, as it pertained to their ability to generate revenue from natural resources.
• Supreme Court’s Verdict:
• 1. States’ Power to Levy Cess:
• Authority Affirmed: The Supreme Court affirmed that states have the power to levy a cess on mining and mineral-use activities.
• Fiscal Federalism: The Court highlighted fiscal federalism, which supports the idea that states should have financial autonomy and the ability to generate revenue independently within their jurisdiction.
• 2. Distinction Between Royalty and Tax:
• Royalty is Not a Tax: The Court ruled that royalty paid by mining operators to the Central government is not considered a tax. This distinction is crucial because it means that states can impose a cess without it being classified as a double taxation.
• Legal Foundation: The states’ power to tax is not limited by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.
• Judgment Breakdown:
• Majority Opinion: The judgment was an 8:1 decision.
• Dissenting Opinion: Justice Nagarathna dissented, arguing that royalty is akin to a tax or exaction.
• Implications for Revenue:
• Increased State Revenue: This verdict is expected to boost the revenues of mineral-rich states, particularly in eastern India.
• Industry Concerns: The mining industry expressed concerns about the effective date of cess calculation and potential double taxation by both states and the Centre.
• Overruled Previous Judgment: 1989 Judgment Overruled: The verdict overruled the 1989 judgment in the case of India Cement Ltd vs. State of Tamil Nadu, which had placed limitations on states’ ability to levy taxes on minerals.
• Challenges Ahead: Clarity Needed: The industry is seeking clarity on how the cess will be calculated and whether the new taxation will be retrospective or prospective.
• Potential Double Taxation: There are concerns about overlapping financial obligations that could lead to double taxation and deter investment in the mining sector

ONE LINER

1. As per the Economic Survey for 2023-24, Economy likely to grow by 6.5% to 7% this year
2. The Indian men’s national football team remained at 124^th place in the latest FIFA ranking