TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02. 09.2024

1. ENVIRONMENT

YAKS FROM CHINA STRAY INTO EASTERN LADAKH

• Nearly 40 yaks from China strayed into Indian territory in the Demchok area of eastern Ladakh.
• The yaks are now under the control of local Indian villagers. This situation highlights the ongoing issues at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, particularly in disputed areas like Demchok.
• There is a call for a proper mechanism to return these animals.
• Such incidents are common in border areas where traditional grazing lands often straddle both sides of the LAC.
• Differences in the perception of the LAC contribute to these occurrences.
• Border Tensions: Demchok is one of the disputed areas in eastern Ladakh, where both India and China claim territory.
• Grazing rights have been a point of contention, with Chinese forces reportedly denying Indian nomads access to traditional grazing grounds

2. POLITY

IN SC, CENTRE DEFENDS 2019 LAW CRIMINALISING TRIPLE TALAQ

• Triple Talaq Background: Triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) allows instant divorce by a Muslim man by saying “talaq” three times. It was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2017.
• 2019 Law: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 makes triple talaq a non-bailable offense, punishable by up to three years in prison.
• The government argues this criminal sanction is necessary to enforce the 2017 ruling and protect Muslim women from arbitrary abandonment.
• Government’s Defense: The law is justified as protecting women’s rights and ensuring the stability of marriages, which the state has an interest in safeguarding.
• The government contends that without criminal penalties, the practice would continue despite being legally void.
• Opposition: The law is challenged in court by organizations like Jamiat Ulama-iHind, which argue it unfairly penalizes Muslim men for a practice rooted in personal law

3. SOCAIL ISSUES

SEXUAL ABUSE RAMPANT IN MALAYALAM FILMDOM – REPORT

• The 235-page K. Hema Committee report on the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, was released without the names of the witnesses and the accused.
• This comes five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government
• What is the K. Hema Committee? The K. Hema Committee was established to investigate issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, with a particular focus on sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, and inhuman working conditions.
• The report was compiled in response to demands by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), highlighting widespread issues of sexual harassment and abuse of power by prominent figures within the industry
• Report Findings The industry is controlled by a male-dominated power structure, often referred to as a “mafia,” which exerts significant influence over the careers of women.
• Report revealed horrid tales of sexual exploitation, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, wage disparity and in some cases, inhuman working conditions
• Casting couch practices are rampant, where sexual favors are demanded by well-known individuals in exchange for roles in films.
• Many victims are reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation and the power dynamics at play, leading to a culture of silence and complicity.
• Lack of basic facilities such as changing rooms and toilets for women on film sets contributes to the unsafe and dehumanizing work environment.

4. BILATERAL

INDIA, MALAYSIA UPGRADE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, DISCUSS ENTRY TO BRICS

• India-Malaysia Strategic Partnership: Upgrade to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: India and Malaysia have decided to upgrade their ties from an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” (established in 2015) to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
• Key Issues Leading to Tensions: Criticism of India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
• Reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir.
• India’s demand for the extradition of controversial preacher Zakir Naik.
• COVID-19 related detentions of Malaysians in India.
• BRICS Membership: Malaysia’s Interest in BRICS: Malaysia expressed interest in joining the BRICS grouping, which was discussed during the talks between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anwar Ibrahim.
• Geopolitical Challenges: Indo-Pacific Region: The strategic importance of Malaysia to India in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific region was emphasized.
• Commitment to Maritime Security: Both nations reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation and adherence to international laws in the Indo-Pacific.
• Diplomatic Relations: Efforts to Revitalize Relations: After several years of strained relations, the visit marked a significant effort to renew and strengthen ties between India and Malaysia.

5. POLITY

SC REFUSES TO PERMIT EUTHANASIA FOR AGED COUPLE’S COMATOSE SON

• Case Overview: Supreme Court Decision: The Supreme Court of India refused to permit passive euthanasia for a 30-year-old comatose man, Harish Rana, who has been in this state for 11 years following a fall from a building.
• Parents’ Plea: The aged parents of the man sought permission for passive euthanasia, claiming they had exhausted their resources and willpower in caring for him.
• Court’s Reasoning: Nature of the Condition: The man was not on life support or a ventilator but was being fed through a food pipe, indicating he was not dependent on external devices to stay alive.
• Definition of Passive Euthanasia: The court explained that passive euthanasia involves withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.
• In this case, since the patient was not on any life-sustaining device, permitting his death would amount to active euthanasia, which is not legal.
• Legal and Ethical Implications: Legal Stance on Euthanasia: Active euthanasia remains illegal in India, while passive euthanasia is permitted under strict conditions where life support is involved.
• Humanitarian Considerations: The Chief Justice acknowledged the difficult circumstances faced by the parents but emphasized that the court could not permit an action that would legally constitute active euthanasia. Further Steps: Exploration of Alternatives: The court sought the assistance of the Additional Solicitor General to consider transferring the patient to a government hospital for continued care and treatment.

ONE LINER

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