TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13.11.2024

1. POLITY

BY-ELECTIONS

• By-elections, also known as special elections, are held to fill vacant seats in legislative bodies (like the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assemblies) between regularly scheduled general elections.
• Several reasons can necessitate a by-election: Death of the incumbent:If a sitting member passes away, their seat becomes vacant.
• Resignation of the incumbent:A member may resign from their position due to various reasons, including taking up another office, personal reasons, or political disagreements.
• Disqualification of the incumbent:A member can be disqualified if found guilty of certain offenses or violations of electoral rules.
• Court invalidation of the election result:If a court finds irregularities in the original election, it can nullify the result and order a by-election.
• Failure to elect a representative:In rare cases, if an election is postponed or cancelled for some reason, a by-election is held later.
• The Constitution of India doesn’t directly define “by-elections”but lays the groundwork for them through provisions related to vacancies and elections:
• Article 324:This article vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to the Election Commission of India (ECI). This broad power encompasses conducting by-elections as well.
• Article 102(Disqualifications for Membership of Parliament):This article outlines reasons for disqualification, which can lead to vacancies and subsequent by-elections.
• Article 190(Vacation of Seats):This article deals with the vacation of seats in state legislatures, including scenarios that necessitate by-elections.
• Article 191(Disqualifications for Membership of the State Legislature):Similar to Article 102, this article specifies grounds for disqualification, potentially leading to vacancies and by-elections.
• The Tenth Schedule(Anti-Defection Law):While not directly about by elections, this schedule deals with disqualifications related to defections, which can create vacancies and trigger by-elections.
• Representations of People Act, 1951:This Act, enacted by Parliament under the powers conferred by the Constitution, provides the detailed procedures for conducting elections, including by-elections. It covers aspects like notification of elections, nominations, polling, and dispute resolution.

2. SOCIAL ISSUES

CANADA ALLEGES EXTORTION, VIOLENT ACTS AND HOMICIDE BY NEW DELHI

• Canada’s Allegations: Direct Accusations:Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s murder.
• Expulsion of Diplomats:Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, alleging their involvement in “violent acts,” including extortion and homicide, targeting Canadian citizens.
• Ongoing Threat:Canadian officials claim the threat of violence against Canadians by Indian agents is “ongoing” and that their actions were meant to disrupt this pattern.
• Lack of Cooperation:Canada asserts that India has not cooperated with their investigation, despite repeated attempts to engage, including a recent meeting between national security advisors.
• Intercepted Communications:Reports suggest Canada intercepted communications of Indian diplomats discussing attacks and intelligence gathering on pro-Khalistan figures, allegedly authorized by senior Indian officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah.
• India’s Response: Denial and Obfuscation:India denies all allegations, accusing Canada of “deny[ing], obfuscate[ing], and attack[ing]” Mr. Trudeau and the Canadian government.
• “Vote Bank Politics”:India claims that Canada’s accusations are driven by domestic political compulsions and “vote bank” politics, alleging a “permissive” environment for pro-Khalistan activities in Canada.
• Rejection of Evidence:India denies receiving any “credible evidence” linking Indian diplomats to Nijjar’s murder.
• Accusations “Absurd”:India terms Canada’s claims linking Indian diplomats to transnational crime gangs as “absurd” and “simply not true.”

3. DEFENCE

INDIA, U.S CONCLUDE $3.5-BILLION DEAL FOR PROCURENMENT OF 31 MQ-9B ARMED UAVs

• MQ-9B Predator Drones:These are advanced, armed, high-altitude, long endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They are capable of both surveillance and strike missions.
• Sea Guardian:The maritime variant of the MQ-9B, optimized for long range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
• Sky Guardian:The land-based variant, suitable for a wide range of missions, including border surveillance, counterterrorism, and search and rescue.
• Boosting ISR Capabilities:India aims to significantly enhance its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, which are crucial for monitoring land and maritime borders, tracking potential threats, and gathering intelligence.
• Maritime Security:The Indian Navy, in particular, seeks to strengthen its surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The MQ-9Bs will act as a “force multiplier,” allowing wider coverage and reducing strain on existing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
• Tri-Service Requirement:The drones cater to the needs of all three services Army, Navy, and Air Force –highlighting a joint operational requirement for enhanced ISR and strike capabilities.

4. NATIONAL

DHANKHAR WARNS ABOUT DEMOGRAOHIC DISORDER

• Demographic disorder” refers to significant demographic shifts that have undesirable consequences. The Vice-President, in this context, highlights the following concerns:
• Political Consequences:Demographic changes can create “political fortresses” where election outcomes are predetermined due to the demographic composition, potentially undermining democratic processes.
• Cultural Impact:The Vice-President suggests that demographic shifts can threaten cultural unity and inclusivity.
• National Security:He equates the impact of “demographic dislocation” to a nuclear bomb, implying it poses a severe threat to national security. He calls for neutralizing actions that aim to alter the demographic landscape.

5. INTERNATIONAL

ISREAL MUST IMPROVE FLOW OF AID INTO GAZA OR RISK U.S ASSISTANCE

• US Pressure on Israel: The US is leveraging its position as a major provider of military assistance to Israel to influence Israeli policy regarding humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
• The core concern is the severely restricted flow of aid into Gaza, which the US wants to see significantly increased.
• Legal Basis for US Action: The US is invoking its own domestic laws, which stipulate that recipients of US military aid cannot obstruct the delivery of US humanitarian assistance. This provides a legal framework for potential US actions if Israel doesn’t comply.
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The underlying issue is the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by conflict and restrictions. The limited aid access contributes to the suffering of the Palestinian population.
• Diplomatic Approach: The communication from Blinken and Austin to the Israeli government represents a diplomatic effort to resolve the issue. The US is expressing its “hope” that Israel will implement the recommended changes, suggesting a preference for a negotiated solution.
• Potential Consequences: While the US hasn’t explicitly detailed what “withholding some assistance” entails, it implies potential repercussions for Israel if it fails to improve aid access to Gaza. This could involve a reduction or suspension of certain types of aid.

ONE LINER

1. INS Nirdeshak, the second in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large) was delivered to the Indian Navy
2. The National Prize in Chemistry 2024 has been awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John M Jumper

BANKING

1. Which rating agency raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.1% for CY 2024?

Ans: Moody’s.

2. What does SEBI mandate for bids up to ₹5 lakh in public debt issues starting November 1, 2024?

Ans: UPI payment method.