TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24.10.2024

1. BILATERAL

INDIA CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AS WEST ASIA CRISIS ESCALATES

• The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
• The recent missile attacks by Iran have further complicated the situation.
• India’s Concern and Call for Restraint: India is “deeply concerned” about the escalation in West Asia, particularly after Iran’s missile attacks on Tel Aviv.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasizes the importance of preventing the conflict from expanding regionally.
• India urges all parties to address issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
• India’s Stance on Regional Stability: India consistently advocates for regional stability and the protection of civilians.
• The emphasis is on diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.

2. SCHEMES

PACKAGE LAUNCHED FOR SCHEME SATURATION IN ST MAJORITY VILLAGES

• The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is a comprehensive initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at achieving basic scheme saturation in tribal-majority villages across India.
• Objective: The primary goal is to ensure the saturation of basic schemes in tribalmajority villages, enhancing the living standards and development of these areas.
• Scope and Coverage: The scheme targets 63,000 Scheduled Tribe-majority villages across 550 districts in India.
• It is an umbrella package that consolidates and implements existing schemes to maximize their impact in these regions.
• Historical Significance: The name “Dharti Aaba” refers to Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader from Jharkhand who led a resistance against British colonial rule in the late 19th century. 
• The launch in Jharkhand is significant as the state is preparing for Assembly elections, and it highlights the government’s focus on tribal welfare.
• Financial Outlay:
• The total financial outlay for the scheme is ₹79,156 crore over five years.
• The Central Government will contribute ₹56,333 crore, while the respective State Governments will provide ₹22,823 crore

3. INTERANTIONAL

CHINA – VIETNAM RED DIPLOMACY

• The recent visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to China highlights the strategic and historical ties between the two countries, often referred to as “red diplomacy.” This term underscores the ideological and political connections rooted in their shared communist heritage. The visit aimed to strengthen political trust and revive the camaraderie established during the Mao Zedong-Ho Chi Minh era.
• Key Aspects of China-Vietnam Red Diplomacy:
• Historical Context: The relationship between China and Vietnam has been shaped by their shared communist ideologies.
• During the Mao era, China supported Vietnam in its struggle for independence, which included significant gestures like the transfer of Bach Long Vi Island in 1957.
• Despite historical conflicts, such as the 1979 war, both nations have sought to maintain a cooperative relationship, focusing on mutual benefits and ideological alignment.
• Strategic Importance: Vietnam’s choice of China as President Lam’s first foreign visit destination underscores the strategic importance of their relationship.
• This move is particularly significant given the geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and the influence of Western alliances.
• The visit aimed to counterbalance the growing influence of the U.S. and its allies in the region, as Vietnam navigates its foreign policy through “Bamboo Diplomacy,” which involves balancing relations with multiple powers.
• Economic Ties: The economic relationship between China and Vietnam is robust, with bilateral trade reaching $171.9 billion in 2023.
•  China is Vietnam’s largest import market and a significant export destination.
• In the first seven months of 2024, China’s imports from Vietnam increased by 34.9%, while exports to China rose by 7.2%.
• China is also a major investor in Vietnam, ranking fourth in 2023 with investments in over 700 projects.
• Political and Ideological Cooperation:
• The joint statement issued during the visit emphasized the importance of strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a “Vietnam-China community with a shared future.”
• Both countries are keen on learning from each other’s experiences, particularly in governance, economic development, and combating corruption.
• This cooperation is seen as a way to advance socialism and enhance the legitimacy of their respective political systems.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Despite the positive aspects of their relationship, territorial disputes, particularly over the Paracel Islands, remain a point of contention.
• Vietnam’s strategic maneuvering involves engaging with other powers like the U.S., India, Russia, and Japan to safeguard its interests.
• This approach allows Vietnam to maintain its sovereignty while benefiting from economic and security partnerships.

4. NATIONAL

200 MAJOR RAILWAYS ACCIDENTS TOOK PLACE IN PAST FIVE YEARS, 351 PEOPLE KILLED, SHOW DATA

• The data on railway accidents over the past five years highlights significant safety concerns and the efforts made by Indian Railways to address them.
• Overall Statistics: Over the past five years (2019-20 to 2023-24), there have been 200 consequential railway accidents.
• These accidents resulted in 351 fatalities and 970 injuries.
• Compensation: Indian Railways has disbursed ₹32 crore in compensation during this period.
• Of this, ₹26.83 crore was given to the next of kin of those killed, and ₹7 crore was allocated to those injured.
• Accident Trends: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted a decrease in the number of accidents from 171 per year a decade ago to 40 per year now, indicating improvements in safety measures.
• Safer Zones: The North Eastern Railway, Konkan Railway, South Western Railway, and Southern Railway zones reported no casualties, indicating better safety records.

5. AGRICULTURE

SURLUS RAINS TO HELP REDUCE FOOD INFLATION, RAISE DEMAND

• Kharif crops are typically sown with the onset of the monsoon and harvested in the autumn.
• Kharif Crop Sowing has increased by 1.5% compared to the previous year by late September. This indicates a positive trend in agricultural activity during the Kharif season.
• Rabi crops are sown after the monsoon and harvested in the spring.
• The monsoon’s impact on Kharif crops also influences the prospects for Rabi crops.
• The Southwest monsoon is crucial for Indian agriculture, as it provides the necessary water for Kharif crops.
• Surplus or deficit rainfall can significantly impact crop yields, reservoir levels, and overall agricultural productivity.
• Monsoon and Reservoir Levels: The Southwest monsoon has been favorable, with an 8% surplus over the long-period average as of September 30.
• This has positively impacted reservoir levels, which stood at 87% capacity by September 26.
• The northern region is an exception, with reservoir levels at 68% of capacity compared to 86% last year.
• However, other regions have more water than the previous year and their normal levels.
• Impact on Food Inflation and Rural Demand: The healthy monsoon and increased Kharif sowing are expected to reduce food inflation and lead to a rebound in rural demand in the second half of 2024-25.
• The diversification of crops due to the above-normal monsoon is likely to improve the farm sector’s gross value addition (GVA) and boost rural demand.

ONE LINER

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