TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21.09.2024

1. ENVIRONMENT

NTCA LETTER ON RELOCATION FROM TIGER ZONES DRAWS IRE

• Background: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is the apex body responsible for tiger conservation in India.
• NTCA recently sent letters to 19 States urging the prioritization of relocating villagers from core tiger zones.
• Core Zone: Core zones in tiger reserves are areas where human activities like living, hunting, and collecting forest produce are banned.
• Surrounding the core zone is the buffer zone, where restrictions are eased but regulated.
• Current Situation: There are 53 tiger reserves across 19 States in India.
• 848 villages with 89,808 families are currently residing in core zones.
• Since 1973, 257 villages comprising 25,007 families have been relocated.
• Controversy: NTCA’s letter has drawn criticism from several organizations and activists.
• Critics argue that the relocation orders violate multiple laws, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, Forest Rights Act, Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act (LARR), and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
• Concerns are raised about potential conflicts between State authorities and forest-dwelling communities.
• Government’s Stance: A senior Environment Ministry official stated that these letters are routine reminders.
• Relocation is voluntary and must settle the rights of forest dwellers.
• The process is slow but necessary to ensure core zones remain inviolate.
• Key Data: 591 villages with 64,801 families still reside in core zones.
• Karnataka has 81 villages in core zones, with 1,175 families relocated since 1973

2. ECONOMY

SENSEX FALLS 1.2% AS FPIs OFFLOAD STOCKS

• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) are investors from outside the country who invest in the financial assets of another country. In the context of India, FPIs include entities such as mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors that invest in Indian securities, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
• Types of FPIs:
• Institutional Investors: These include entities like mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds.
• Hedge Funds: These are pooled investment funds that employ various strategies to earn active returns for their investors.
• High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs): Wealthy individuals who invest significant amounts in foreign markets.
• Impact of FPIs on the Indian Stock Market:
• Liquidity: FPIs bring substantial capital into the Indian stock market, enhancing liquidity. Increased liquidity makes it easier for investors to buy and sell securities, leading to more efficient price discovery.
• Market Sentiment: The entry and exit of FPIs can significantly influence market sentiment. Large inflows of FPI funds are often seen as a vote of confidence in the Indian economy, leading to bullish market trends. Conversely, large outflows can lead to bearish trends.
• Price Volatility: FPIs can contribute to market volatility. Large-scale buying or selling by FPIs can lead to significant price movements in stocks and indices. For example, if FPIs decide to sell off their holdings due to regulatory changes or global economic conditions, it can lead to a sharp decline in stock prices.
• Exchange Rate Impact: FPI inflows and outflows can affect the exchange rate of the Indian Rupee (INR). Large inflows can lead to an appreciation of the INR, while large outflows can lead to depreciation. This, in turn, affects the competitiveness of Indian exports and imports.
• Sectoral Impact: FPIs often target specific sectors based on global trends and economic outlooks. For instance, technology, banking, and pharmaceuticals are popular sectors for FPIs in India. Their investments can lead to sectoral booms or busts.
• Interest Rates and Monetary Policy: FPI flows can influence the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) monetary policy. Large inflows can lead to an increase in money supply, potentially leading to inflationary pressures. Conversely, large outflows can tighten liquidity conditions.
• Corporate Governance and Transparency: The presence of FPIs often leads to improved corporate governance and transparency in Indian companies. FPIs demand high standards of disclosure and accountability, which can lead to better management practices.

3. INTERNATIONAL

U.K SLAMS GOOGLE FOR ANTI – COMPETITIVE PRACTICES IN AD TECH

• The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accused Google of engaging in anti-competitive practices in the digital advertising sector.
• The investigation focuses on Google’s dominance in the digital ad market and its impact on competition.
• Key Allegations: Preference to Own Services:
• The CMA alleges that Google gives preferential treatment to its own ad services, disadvantaging online publishers and advertisers.
• This practice is seen as detrimental to competition in the U.K.’s digital ad market, valued at approximately 1.8 billion pounds ($2.4 billion).
• Exploitation of Dominance:
• Google has been accused of exploiting its dominant position in the market since 2015.
• The company’s practices allegedly hinder competition and innovation, leading to higher costs for advertisers and reduced revenue for publishers.
• Fines and Orders: The findings from the CMA’s investigation could lead to significant fines, potentially worth billions of dollars.
• Google may also be ordered to change its business practices to ensure fair competition

4. AGRICULTURE

TECHNICAL TEXTILES WILL CROSS $10 BN IN EXPORT

• Technical textiles are textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic or decorative characteristics. These textiles are designed for specific applications across various industries, including automotive, medical, construction, agriculture, and more.
• Categories of Technical Textiles:
• Agrotech: Textiles used in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry (e.g., shade nets, crop covers).
• Buildtech: Textiles used in construction and building (e.g., architectural membranes, scaffolding nets).
• Medtech: Textiles used in medical and healthcare applications (e.g., surgical gowns, bandages).
• Geotech: Textiles used in geotechnical applications (e.g., soil stabilization, erosion control).
• Hometech: Textiles used in domestic applications (e.g., furniture fabrics, fire retardant fabrics).
• Indutech: Textiles used in industrial applications (e.g., filtration, conveyor belts).
• Mobiltech: Textiles used in transportation (e.g., airbags, seat belts).
• Oekotech: Textiles used in environmental protection (e.g., oil spill containment).
• Packtech: Textiles used in packaging (e.g., bulk bags, protective packaging).
• Protech: Textiles used in personal and property protection (e.g., bulletproof vests, fire-resistant clothing).
• Sporttech: Textiles used in sports and leisure (e.g., sportswear, parachutes).
• Key Features: Durability: Designed to withstand harsh conditions and extended use.
• Functionality: Engineered for specific functions such as filtration, protection, or reinforcement.
• Performance: High-performance characteristics like strength, elasticity, and resistance to chemicals or fire.

5. DEFENCE

INDIA, EU AIM TO BUILD STRONGER TIES BETWEEN THEIR MILITARY PERSONNEL

• India-EU Defence Cooperation
• India and the European Union (EU) are working to strengthen their defence cooperation.
• The focus is on establishing more permanent staff-to-staff interactions, including military personnel.
• Key Objectives:Enhanced Operational Effectiveness:
• Aim to boost joint operational effectiveness in tackling challenges at sea, on land, and in cyberspace.
• Establishing permanent interactions will facilitate better coordination and understanding.
• Maritime Security: Maritime security is a common concern and a prime focus for cooperation.
• Both parties are involved in operations in the Indian Ocean, exemplified by the EU Naval Force (NAVFOR) Atalanta and the Indian Navy. 
• Indo-Pacific Region: The Indo-Pacific is a strategic hub of importance due to global economic interdependence and maritime supply chains.
• Commitment to ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order.
• Addressing common security challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region.

ONE LINER

1. The Union Cabinet approved health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
2. T.N Government plans to screen 80 lakh persons with diabetes for TB under Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Programme