TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21.08.2024

1. GEOGRAPHY

TUNGABHADRA DAM GATE SWEPT AWAY – DAM PROTECTION MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

• India has a large number of dams, many of which were constructed several decades ago. Ensuring their safety and maintenance is a priority to prevent incidents like the one reported with the Tungabhadra dam.
• How is dam protection is managed in India?
• Legal and Regulatory Framework: – Dam Safety Bill: India has enacted the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which aims to ensure the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all specified dams across the country to prevent dam failure-related disasters and mitigate the consequences of such failures.
• Central Water Commission (CWC): This is the principal agency responsible for dam safety and water resource management. It provides guidelines and standards for the construction, operation, and maintenance of dams.
• State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSO): Each state with large dams has its own Dam Safety Organization that works under the guidance of the CWC to monitor and inspect dams regularly.
• Periodic Inspections and Maintenance: Regular Inspections: Dams are subject to regular inspections by engineering teams from the State Dam Safety Organizations and the CWC. These inspections ensure that the structural integrity and operational safety of the dam are maintained.
• Emergency Action Plans (EAPs): Each dam is required to have an Emergency Action Plan, which includes detailed procedures for handling potential dam failures or breaches. This plan is vital for ensuring timely communication and evacuation in case of emergencies.
• Technological Interventions: Instrumentation and Monitoring: Many dams are equipped with instruments to monitor parameters such as seepage, structural movements, and water pressure.
• Remote Sensing and GIS: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies are used to monitor dam environments and detect potential issues like landslides, erosion, or changes in water levels.
• Rehabilitation and Upgradation: Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP): This project, funded by the World Bank, aims to improve the safety of selected dams across India. It involves structural strengthening, instrumentation, and capacity building for dam operators.
• Retrofit and Modernization: Older dams are being retrofitted with modern technologies to extend their operational life and enhance safety features. 5. Training and Capacity Building for dam engineers and operators to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills for dam management.
• Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement: Efforts are made to educate the public living downstream of dams about potential risks and safety measures.
• Disaster Preparedness and Response: Coordination with Disaster Management Authorities: Dam safety is integrated with broader disaster management frameworks.
• The NDMA and SDMAs collaborate with dam operators. Challenges: Aging Infrastructure: Many of India’s dams are over 50 years old and require significant rehabilitation.
• Climate Change: Increased variability in rainfall patterns due to climate change poses new challenges in managing water levels and ensuring dam safety.

2. NATIONAL

RAILWAYS TO LAY TRACK CONNECTIONG TRIBAL AREAS IN A.P, ODISHA AND TELANGANA

• These regions are sensitive due to a combination of factors including historical neglect, insurgency, and geographical challenges, making the development of infrastructure like this railway line crucial for their integration and economic development.
• Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Koraput Districts: These districts in Odisha have historically been affected by Left-wing extremism (LWE).
• Pandurangapuram-Bhadrachalam-Malkangiri Region spans parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana
• Malkangiri, in particular, is a sensitive area due to its remote location and challenges related to LWE.
• Agency Districts in Odisha are vulnerable during cyclones and other natural disasters. § The new railway line will provide alternative connectivity, especially useful during emergencies when coastal routes are disrupted.
• Southern Odisha and Bastar Region: The new railway line will also serve as an alternative route to connect these regions to South India.

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

BIOTECHNOLOGISTS DETECT DIFFERENCE IN USE OF NITROGEN BY RICE VARIETIES

• Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): The study found wide variations in the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) among popular rice varieties in India. NUE refers to the yield of a crop relative to the nitrogen available to it, both from natural and artificial sources.
• Poor NUE leads to significant wastage of nitrogen fertilizers, costing India approximately ₹1 trillion annually and contributing to global pollution problems.
• Environmental Impact: Nitrogen fertilizers are a major source of nitrous oxide and ammonia pollution, which affects air, water, biodiversity, and contributes to climate change.
• Agricultural Research: Only a few rice varieties are used and studied in agricultural research.
• There is a need for a broader approach to identify and develop newer rice varieties with better NUE and higher yields.
• Potential Improvements: The best rice varieties in terms of NUE were found to be five times more efficient than the least efficient varieties.
• However, higher NUE does not always correlate with the highest yields, as farmers typically prefer high-yielding varieties.
• The study indicates that improvements in NUE could be achieved through
• better fertilizer formulations
• legume-based crop rotations, and
• refined crop management practices

4. POLITY

SEBI ROW – BJP REJECTS CALLS FOR JPC PROBE

• What is a JPC?
• A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a special committee constituted by the Indian Parliament to conduct a thorough investigation into specific matters of national importance. It can be set up for various purposes, such as investigating financial irregularities, security concerns, or matters of public interest. The committee comprises members from both Houses of Parliament—the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Functions and Powers of a JPC: Investigative Powers: A JPC has the authority to call for documents, summon witnesses, and gather evidence, much like a court of law. It examines all aspects of the issue under its purview.
• Reporting: After completing its investigation, the JPC submits a detailed report to Parliament. This report includes its findings, recommendations, and suggestions for remedial measures.
• Non-binding Recommendations: While the recommendations of a JPC are not binding on the government, they carry significant moral and political weight.
• Historical Examples of JPCs: Bofors Scandal (1987): One of the earliest and most significant JPCs was constituted to investigate the allegations of corruption in the Bofors gun deal.
• Harshad Mehta Scam (1992): Another notable JPC was set up to investigate the stock market scam involving Harshad Mehta.
• 2G Spectrum Case (2011): This JPC was constituted to investigate the allocation of 2G spectrum, which led to a massive controversy over the loss to the exchequer.

5. EDUCATION

IIT MADRAS RETAINS TOP SPOT IN NIRF RANKING FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

• IIT Madras leads the list, underscoring the prominence of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines in these rankings.
• Research and Development (R&D) Concentration: Research output, publications, and patents are highly concentrated among the top 100 institutes.
• IITs, along with Deemed to be Universities (Private), are major contributors to research, with IITs producing 24.29% of total publications and 24.77% of total citations.
• 68% to 78% of patents originate from the top 100 institutes.
• Management and Pharmacy Sectors: Top 100 institutions in Management and Pharmacy are responsible for 82.58% and 75% of total publications in their respective fields.
• However, there is a significant disparity, with a large number of institutions having zero publications.
• Categories like Law, Architecture, and Agriculture show low innovation and employer perception, highlighting areas where these disciplines might need more focus and improvement

ONE LINER

1. TN got second place in Renewable Energy Generation among southern states in the year 2023-2024
2. TNSDC to set up – Naan Mudhalvan Olympiad – to conduct Olympaid for government school students