TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09.08.2024

1. DEFENCE

CRPF TO REPLACE 2 BATTALIONS OF ASSAM RIFLES IN MANIPUR – PLEA TO REVIEW MOVE

• Replacement of Assam Rifles with CRPF: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to replace two battalions of the Assam Rifles in the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi in Manipur.
• Relocation of Assam Rifles: The personnel from the Assam Rifles, which is the oldest paramilitary force in India, will be moved to the Jammu region as part of the redeployment plan.
• Opposition from Local Tribal Groups:
• The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and other tribal groups have expressed opposition to this move.
• They argue that the Assam Rifles have established a positive relationship with the local hill populations through years of effort and dedication.
• Concerns from Meitei Community:
• Meitei civil society groups and certain MLAs have raised concerns about the Assam Rifles’ effectiveness in “sensitive areas.”
• They allege that the Assam Rifles have not been adequately responsive and have failed to act during incidents where unarmed civilians were attacked. A resolution was passed by 34 MLAs advocating for the replacement of Assam Rifles with forces capable of taking decisive action in such situations.
• Call for Reconsideration: The Kuki-Zo groups have requested the government to reconsider the decision, citing that it goes against the wishes of the local population who feel a sense of security under the Assam Rifles’ presence. These changes reflect a significant shift in the security strategy in Manipur, amid ongoing ethnic violence and concerns from various community groups about the role and effectiveness of security forces

2. ENVIRONMENT

DISASTER MANAGEMENT BILL TABLED IN LOK SABHA

• The introduction of the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in the Lok Sabha marks a significant step in enhancing India’s disaster management framework.
• Key Provisions of the Bill: Creation of a Disaster Database:
• The Bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive disaster database at both national and state levels.
• This database will include:
• Disaster assessment details.
• Fund allocation and expenditure.
• Preparedness and mitigation plans.
• Risk registers categorized by type and severity of risk.
• Other relevant matters as determined by the Union government.
• Urban Disaster Management Authority:
• The Bill proposes the establishment of an Urban Disaster Management Authority for state capitals and large cities with municipal corporations.
• This provision excludes the Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh.
• Empowerment of NDMA and SDMAs:
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) are empowered to prepare disaster management plans at the national and state levels, respectively.
• Previously, these plans were prepared by the National Executive Committee and the State Executive Committees.
• Appointment of Experts and Consultants:
• The NDMA is authorized to appoint experts and consultants as necessary to perform its functions effectively.

3. BILATERAL

INDIA FACES DILEMMA AMID RISING IRAN – ISRAEL TENSIONS OVER ISMAIL HANIYEH’S KILLING

• Tensions Over Assassination: The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was involved in ceasefire negotiations, has heightened tensions.
• India’s Dilemma: India is balancing its close ties with both Iran and Israel, making it cautious in issuing any statements.
• Recent Developments: Indian Minister Nitin Gadkari was in Iran during the incident and appeared in a group photo with Haniyeh and Hezbollah leaders.
• Impact on Indian Workers: The government facilitated the transfer of Indian workers to Israel but may delay further transfers due to rising tensions and safety concerns.
• India’s Strategic Interests:
• India-Israel relations are crucial for security and military cooperation.
• Iran is important for India’s economic interests, including the Chabahar port development and regional connectivity projects.
• Geopolitical Projects:
• Tensions could affect initiatives like the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the India-Iran MoU for Chabahar port.
• The I2U2 initiative and plans involving the International North[1]South Transport Corridor may also be impacted.
• Caution in Statements: India’s government is likely to carefully consider any public statements, assessing the potential impact on its diplomatic relations and strategic interests.

4. BILATERAL

INDIA – U.S TIES TESTIMONY TO CHANGING WORLD

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s comments highlight the evolving and resilient nature of the India-U.S. relationship over the past 25 years.
• Consistency and Bipartisanship:  
• The India-U.S. relationship has remained consistent and bipartisan, regardless of public debate or political changes in either country.
• Successive Indian governments have built upon the relationship, ensuring continuity in policy.
• Historical Context:
• Opportunities for strengthening ties existed in the early 1940s to 1950s and post the 1962 war with China.
• During Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s era, India’s close ties with the Soviet Union limited the potential for a stronger U.S. relationship.
• Former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao played a crucial role in liberalizing India’s foreign policy, paving the way for closer ties with the U.S.
• Changing Global Dynamics: The world has changed significantly, affecting American interests and global competition.
• India’s value and utility to the U.S. have evolved, reflecting the shifting geopolitical landscape.
• Strategic Refresh: Jaishankar emphasized the importance of continuously updating and refreshing strategic policies to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
• Outdated strategies can lead to pursuing goals that no longer align with current realities.
• Recent Friction: Recent tensions, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia and U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s cautionary remarks, highlight ongoing challenges.
• Despite these bumps, the overall trajectory of the relationship remains positive

5. ENVIRONMENT

NGT IMPLEADS KERALA T.N IN SUO MOTU CASE ON WAYANAD LANDSLIDES

• The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala.
• It has directed the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments to file reports on landslide-prone areas in the two states.
• This action underscores the urgent need to address environmental and developmental issues in ecologically sensitive regions.
• Judicial Concerns: Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana Bench questioned the reluctance of the State governments to implement recommendations from key ecological reports.
• Ecological Reports: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report (2011):
• Led by ecologist Madhav Gadgil, the report emphasized the need for sustainable development in the Western Ghats.
• It recommended categorizing the Western Ghats into different zones based on ecological sensitivity and regulating developmental activities accordingly.
• High-Level Working Group (HLWG) Report (2013):
• Chaired by K. Kasturirangan, this report proposed a more balanced approach, focusing on demarcating Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and allowing regulated development in other areas.
• It suggested that 37% of the Western Ghats be declared as ESAs.
• Current Scenario:
• Nearly 90% of the houses at the incident sites were part of earlier settlements, indicating long-term habitation in these vulnerable areas.
• The reluctance to implement the recommendations from the WGEEP and HLWG reports has been a point of contention

ONE LINER

1. KUMAR ANANTHAN has been chosen for the THAGAISAL THAMIZHAR Award for 2024
2. Verkalai Thedi Thittam – Under this project 100 neighboring Tamil youths will be on a Tamil Tour