TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29.10.2024

1. POLITY

NO BAR ON FATHERING A CHILD AFTER DEATH, RULES DELHI HC

• Delhi High Court ruling establishes an important legal precedent regarding posthumous reproduction in India.
• Core of the Ruling: Posthumous Reproduction Not Prohibited:The court affirmed that Indian law doesnotexplicitly forbid posthumous reproduction, especially when the deceased individual’s consent for sperm or egg preservation is documented.
• Inheritance and Property Rights:The judgment recognizes sperm samples as genetic material and property. As legal heirs, the parents were granted access to their deceased son’s preserved semen.
• Respecting the Deceased’s Wishes:The son’s intent to preserve his fertility, documented before his death, played a crucial role in the decision. The court upheld his reproductive autonomy even after death.
• Grandparents’ Capability:The court acknowledged the capacity of grandparents to raise grandchildren and integrate them into society. This addresses concerns about the well-being of a child born posthumously.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Regulation:This ruling highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding ART in India. Clearer regulations and guidelines for posthumous reproduction might be needed in the future.
• Consent is Paramount:The deceased’s informed consent for preservation and potential use of genetic material is crucial. The court’s emphasis on this reinforces the importance of clear documentation.
• Potential for Future Cases:This judgment sets a precedent that could influence similar cases involving posthumous reproduction.It may lead to more discussions and legal interpretations on the subject.
• Ethical Debates:Posthumous reproduction raises complex ethical questionsabout the rights of the deceased, the welfare of the child, and the role of family members.These debates are likely to continue as technology advances.

2. HISTORY

M.P CABINET MEETS IN TRIBAL QUEEN’S CAPITAL ON HER 500^TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

• Rani Durgavati (1524-1564)was a prominent 16th-century Indian queen, belonging to the Gondwana kingdom, which she ruled for approximately 16 years.
• Rani Durgavati was born into the Chandel Rajput royal family of Mahoba (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
• She married Dalpat Shah, the king of the Gondwana kingdom. After his death in 1550, she became regent for her young son, Bir Narayan.
• Rule and Administration:Rani Durgavati proved to be a capable and just ruler. She focused on strengthening the kingdom’s infrastructure, promoting agriculture, and patronizing the arts.She also took a keen interest in military affairs and was skilled in warfare.
• Resistance Against Mughal Expansion:She is renowned for her valiant resistance against the Mughal forces led by Asaf Khan I. Despite being outnumbered and facing superior weaponry, she fought bravely in the Battle of Narrai in 1564.
• Death and Legacy:Facing imminent defeat, Rani Durgavati chose to die by her own hand rather than be captured. Her courage and sacrifice made her a legendary figure in Indian history, particularly in the Gondwana region. She is remembered as a symbol of courage, independence, and resistance against oppression.
• Key Decisions Taken by the Cabinet: Boosting Millet Production:Increased financial assistance for farmers under the Rani Durgavati Shri Anna Protsahan Yojanaaims to encourage millet cultivation. Farmers will receive up to ₹3,900 per hectare in addition to the minimum purchase price.
• Memorial and Garden for Rani Durgavati:A committee will oversee the development of a memorial and garden dedicated to Rani Durgavati in Jabalpur, with a budget of ₹100 crore.
• Jain Welfare Board:The establishment of a three-member Jain Welfare Board demonstrates the government’s focus on the social, economic, and educational empowerment of the Jain community. The rotating tenure between Shwetambar and Digambar sects ensures representation for both branches.
• Zero-Interest Crop Loans:Continuing the provision of zero-interest short term crop loans through cooperative banks for 2024-25 reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and agricultural development.

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HIDDEN PANDEMIC OF AMR POSES CHALLENGE

• The growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), often referred to as the “silent pandemic.”
• What is AMR?
• Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) change over time and no longer respond to medicines meant to kill them.
• This makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.
• Issues: Severity of the problem:AMR is a significant global health threat, with India being particularly vulnerable.
• “300,000 direct deaths and 1 million additional deaths annually” in India attributable to AMR and superbugs.
• Lack of new antibiotics:The development of new antibiotics has stagnated in recent decades, while resistance to existing antibiotics has increased. This leaves fewer treatment options for infections.
• R&D imbalance:Pharmaceutical companies invest more in cancer drug research than antibiotic research due to higher profit potential in cancer treatments.
• 27 drug candidates for AMR versus 1600 for cancer, and 3000 researchers for AMR versus 46,000 for cancer.
• Market dynamics:The short patent life of antibiotics makes it difficult for companies to recoup R&D costs, discouraging investment in new antibiotic development.
•  High prices for new antibiotics also limit access.
• What can be done?
• Improved surveillance:Tracking antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial to understand the scope of the problem and guide interventions.
• Infection prevention and control:Basic hygiene practices, such as handwashing and vaccination, can prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.
• Antibiotic stewardship:Implementing programs to ensure appropriate antibiotic use in healthcare settings. This includes prescribing antibiotics only when necessary, choosing the right antibiotic, and using the correct dosage and duration.
• New drug development:Incentivizing the development of new antibiotics through government funding, extended patent protection, or other mechanisms.
• Public awareness:Educating the public about the risks of AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
• Global collaboration:International cooperation is essential to address this global challenge.

4. DEFENCE

MEDIUM TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT WILL REPLACE AN – 32, IL – 76 FLEETS OF IAF

• India’s plan to modernize its transport aircraft fleet, a crucial aspect of its defense capabilities.
• Addressing Ageing Fleet:The AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft are nearing the end of their operational life.Replacing them with modern aircraft is essential to maintain the IAF’s operational readiness and logistical capabilities.
• Enhanced Airlift Capability:The medium transport aircraft (MTA)will bridge the gap in the IAF’s airlift capacity, enabling it to transport heavier payloads, including light tanks, to high-altitude areas like Eastern Ladakh. This is crucial for rapid deployment and logistical supportin challenging terrains.
• Boost to Defense Preparedness:The procurement of MTA will significantly enhance India’s defense preparedness, particularly in the context of the ongoing border tensions with China.
• Promoting Self-Reliance:The project has the potential to boost India’s domestic aerospace industryif the chosen aircraft involves significant technology transfer or local production

5. GEOGRAPHY

SHOMPEN PEOPLE PRIZE FREEDOM ABOVE ALL

• The Shompenare a semi-nomadic, forest-dwelling tribe residing in the interior of Great Nicobar Island, with a population of roughly 229 (2011 Census). They have historically preferred minimal contact with the outside world.
• Ancient Inhabitants:Believed to have lived on Great Nicobar for at least 60,000 years, they represent a unique link to humanity’s early history.
• Value Freedom:Their primary value is freedomand autonomy. They traditionally hunt, fish, and gather within their forest habitat. Instances of inter-group conflict, such as raiding for women, have been reported.
• Limited External Contact:While they generally maintain their distance, there have been instances of contact with outsiders, including French missionaries (who were reportedly killed) and, more recently, government officials. They occasionally utilize government-provided rations but prefer self-sufficiency.
• Threatened by Development:The proposed development project on Great Nicobar Island, involving a transshipment port and power plant, poses a significant threat to their way of life. The project will lead to deforestation and potentially disrupt their traditional habitat and resource base.
• Concerns about Integration:Forced integration or displacement could have devastating consequences for the Shompen, including exposure to diseases and loss of their cultural identity

ONE LINER

1. Tamil Nadu Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped to Eight per 1000 birth in 2024 – Health Information Management System
2. Paradip Port observed the 47^th World Maritime day with the Theme “Navigation the Future, Safety first”