TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10.08.2024

1. DEFENCE

IAF’S CHINOOK MI17 CHOPPERS JOIN RESCUE OPERATIONS IN UTTARAKHAND – 5000 EVACUATED

• Mitigative Measures in Uttarakhand Rescue Operations
• Aerial Rescue Operations:
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Chinook and MI17 helicopters to airlift stranded pilgrims. These helicopters were crucial for accessing areas cut off due to the cloudburst and heavy rainfall.
• Ground Rescue Teams:
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were actively involved in rescue efforts.
• Evacuation Efforts: Over 5,000 people were evacuated, including 2,100 people rescued on a single day. Both aerial and surface rescue operations were employed to ensure the swift evacuation of pilgrims.
• Relief Distribution: The state government distributed 18,000 food packets and 35,000 water bottles to the affected individuals in various locations. This ensured that the immediate needs of the stranded were met.
• Communication and Helplines: To assist concerned relatives and manage information dissemination, the district administration issued helpline numbers: 7579257572 and 01364-233387, along with an emergency number 112.
• Government Coordination: The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, coordinated with Union Home Minister Amit. This cooperation facilitated the rapid deployment of resources and personnel.
• Call for Improved Disaster Management: Call for additional disaster management funds to be provided to states without discrimination.
• Need for a scientific approach to develop robust policies to tackle climate change-related disasters such as floods, heavy rainfall, and droughts.

2. ENVIRONMENT

DISQUIET IN TELANGANA AS CANINE ATTACKS CLAIM 15 LIVES IN THE STATE THIS YEAR

• The number of dog attacks in Hyderabad has seen a significant rise, with reports indicating a 30% increase over the past five years. This issue originated from the rapid urbanization and expansion of the city, which has led to a surge in the stray dog population.
• Several factors contribute to the increasing number of dog attacks in Hyderabad: Rapid Urbanization: The expansion of urban areas has resulted in the loss of natural habitats for dogs, forcing them to adapt to urban environments.
• Garbage and Food Availability: Poor waste management practices lead to the accumulation of garbage, providing an easy food source for stray dogs.
• Lack of Sterilization Programs: Inadequate implementation of sterilization programs has resulted in uncontrolled breeding of stray dogs.
• Human Encroachment: Increased human encroachment into previously uninhabited areas has led to more frequent human-dog interactions, often resulting in conflicts.
• Current and proposed solutions to address the problem include: Improved Waste Management: Efforts are being made to enhance waste management systems to reduce the availability of food for stray dogs. This includes regular garbage collection and proper disposal methods.
• Construction of Kennels: The government has proposed the construction of kennels and shelters to house stray dogs, thereby reducing their presence on the streets.
• Sterilization and Vaccination Programs: Ongoing sterilization and vaccination drives aim to control the stray dog population and prevent the spread of diseases.
• Experts recommend additional measures to make these solutions more effective: Waste Segregation at Source: Encouraging citizens to segregate waste at the source can significantly reduce the amount of edible waste available to stray dogs.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about responsible waste disposal and the importance of not feeding stray dogs can help mitigate the problem.
• Collaboration with NGOs: Partnering with non-governmental organizations to implement and monitor sterilization and vaccination programs can enhance their effectiveness.

3. NATIONAL

TELANGANA TO UNVEIL COMPREHENSIVE SPORTS POLICY SOON

• The Telangana government is set to introduce a comprehensive sports policy aimed at encouraging athletes from the state to compete in national and international tournaments.
• The policy will include a budgetary allocation of ₹321 crore for sports development.
• It draws inspiration from successful models like Haryana’s policy, which provides significant support and encouragement to sportspersons.
• The initiative includes plans to enhance sports infrastructure, including a proposed world-class cricket stadium at Mucherla.
• The policy will be presented in the next legislative session

4. ENVIRONMENT

CENTRE REISSUES DRAFT NOTOFICATION ON ECOSENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS

• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), also known as Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs), are areas designated around protected areas, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries to act as a buffer zone.
• The primary aim of ESZs is to regulate certain activities around these protected areas to minimize the negative impact on the fragile ecosystems.
• The concept is rooted in the need to balance conservation and development.
• Key Features of ESZs:
• Buffer Zones: ESZs act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
• Regulated Activities: Activities such as mining, industrial operations, and large-scale infrastructure projects are regulated or restricted within these zones.
• Biodiversity Conservation: ESZs help in preserving biodiversity by providing additional protection to the flora and fauna in the region.
• Sustainable Development: The zones aim to promote sustainable development by ensuring that economic activities do not harm the environment. Committees and Recommendations
• The process of identifying and notifying ESAs in the Western Ghats has involved multiple committees and consultations:
• Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011): Recommended that the entire Western Ghats region (1,29,000 square km) be declared as ecologically sensitive, with three broad zones (ESA 1, ESA 2, and ESA 3) inviting varying degrees of restrictions on economic activities. K. Kasturirangan Committee: Halved the area of protected regions and invited states to draw up their own ESAs. Kerala was the first state to do so.
• New Committee (2022): Formed to address the concerns of the states and balance conservation aspects with developmental aspirations. This committee is yet to submit its report. The latest draft notification is open for public comments until the end of the 60- day period. A separate committee is examining the issues raised by the states and is expected to provide recommendations for a final notification.

5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INDIA SELECTS 2 CREW MEMBERS FOR AXIOM – 4 MISSION TO ISS

• Axiom-4 Mission
• The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• It involves a collaborative effort between ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
• India’s Participation: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been shortlisted as prime and backup mission pilots, respectively.
• Objectives: The mission will include scientific research and technology demonstration experiments onboard the ISS.
• The astronauts will also engage in space outreach activities.
• Strategic Importance: This mission marks a significant step in India-U.S. space cooperation.
• It will contribute valuable experience and knowledge to India’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s own human spaceflight program

ONE LINER

1. The 46^th World Heritage Committee session held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
2. As result of the PUDUMAI PENN SCHEME the number of women in higher education had increased by 34%