TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20.11.2024

1. AGRICULTURE

SPOTTED LOCUSTS INVADE FARMS IN IDUKKI, DESTROY CROPS

• Pest Identification:Spotted locusts (Aularches miliaris)are causing significant crop damage in Konnathady and Vathikudy panchayats of Idukki district.
• Affected Crops:A wide range of crops are affected, including coconut, banana, cardamom, pepper,and even large trees like teak.
• Extent of Damage:Thousands of locusts are reported to be stripping farms bare within hours.Over 70 farmers in Konnathady alone have reported severe damage.
• Cause:Experts attribute the infestation to changing climate patterns, including variations in temperature and rainfall.
• Management Strategies:Recommended control measures include: Plowing fields to expose egg pods to sunlight.
• Spraying neem oil as a repellent.
• As a last resort, spraying insecticides like Lambda-cyhalothrin.
• Wider Implications:The locust infestation, along with other pest issues like snail attacks, is seen as a sign of the negative impact of climate change on agriculture and farmers’ livelihoodsin the region.

2. ENVIRONMENT

AIR POLLUTION EIGHT TIMES WHO’S LIMIT IN DELHI

• Current Pollution Levels:PM2.5 levels were significantly elevated, exceeding the WHO’s safe limit by a factor of eight. The overall air quality was categorized as “poor”but was predicted to worsen to “very poor.”
• Government Response:The Delhi government has established a coordination committee to address pollution sources at 13 identified hotspots within the city. ○ Measures include deploying anti-smog gunsand increased monitoringby officials.
• Factors Contributing to Pollution:Meteorological conditions(lower wind speed, temperature drops) and stubble burningas primary factors contributing to the spike in pollution.

3. STATES

J&K CABINET RESOLUTION PRESSES FOR STATEHOOD

• The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was formed on October 31, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The demand for the restoration of statehoodis significantas it symbolizes political autonomy and local governance, which are crucial for addressing regional aspirations and ensuring democratic representation.
• Constitutional Provisions and Union Territory Status: Article 370 granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, which was abrogated in August 2019, leading to its reorganization. 
• The reorganization was aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of Indiaand addressing security concerns.
• Reasons for Restoration Demand: Political Security:Statehood is seen as a means to ensure political stability and security by empowering local leaders.
• Reduced Central Control:Restoration would reduce direct central control, allowing for more region-specific governance.
• Democratic Representation:Statehood would restore the legislative assembly, enhancing democratic processes.
• Constitutional Aspects of the Cabinet Resolution: The resolution reflects a desire to revert to a status that allows for greater legislative autonomy. 
• It emphasizes the need for the application of general laws that respect the unique cultural and historical context of the region.
• Challenges in Statehood Restoration: Security Situation:Persistent security challenges necessitate careful consideration before restoring statehood.
• Political Instability:Political volatility in the region could complicate the transition back to statehood.
• Economic Development:Ensuring economic stability and development is crucial for a smooth transition. A way forward includes engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, promoting local empowerment through decentralized governance, and ensuring security and economic development.

4. GEOGRAPHY

A PERILOUS HIGHWAY TO SALVATION IN THE HIMALAYAS

• The Char Dham Highway Project, intended to improve access to religious sites in Uttarakhand, is facing severe criticism for its environmental impact.
• Key Concerns: Landslide Risk:A recent study found a direct correlation between road widening and landslidesalong the Rishikesh-Joshimath stretch of NH-7. The project has doubled the occurrence of road-blocking landslides, posing significant risks to travelers and infrastructure. This is exacerbated by predicted increases in monsoon precipitation due to climate change.
• Violation of Environmental Norms:The project has been accused of bypassing environmental regulations by being split into smaller projects to avoid comprehensive impact assessments. This has raised concerns about the cumulative impact on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
• Ignoring Expert Advice:The government overruled expert recommendations for a narrower road width (5.5m), opting for a wider road (12m) citing national security needs, despite concerns about its environmental impact.
• Geological Instability:The Himalayas are inherently unstable, and large scale construction projects like this exacerbate the risk of landslides, ground subsidence, and damage to structures like the Tungnath temple. 
• Impact on Local Communities:The project is contributing to the depopulation of villagesand the decline of agriculture. While tourism related employment may increase, it often displaces traditional livelihoods and puts further strain on resources.
• Ignoring Sustainable Development:The government’s push for large-scale infrastructure projects contradicts its stated commitment to climate change resilience and sustainable development.

5. DEFENCE

HOUSE PANEL TO DELIBERATE ON INDIA’S READINESS TO DEAL WITH NON – KINETIC WARFARE

• India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence will be deliberating on the armed forces’ readiness to handle “hybrid warfare,”with a particular focus on “non-kinetic warfare.” Non-Kinetic Warfare: Non-kinetic warfare encompasses methods beyond traditional military tactics. It involves strategies like:
• Electronic warfare:Disrupting or manipulating enemy electronic systems.
• Cyber warfare:Attacking and defending computer systems and networks.
• Information warfare:Spreading propaganda or disinformation to influence public opinion.
• Psychological warfare:Using psychological tactics to demoralize or manipulate enemy forces or populations.
• Economic warfare:Using economic sanctions or other measures to weaken an adversary’s economy.
• Concerns Raised: The committee recognizes the growing threat of non-kinetic warfare, citing examples from theRussia-Ukraine andIsrael-Palestine conflicts.
• Concerns were raised about India’s preparedness to face these evolving threats, particularly in light of incidents like thepager blasts in Lebanon.
• The increasing lethality of non-kinetic warfaredue to technological advancements was also highlighted.
• Other Key Topics for Deliberation: Strategic operational preparedness of the defence forces:This includes reviewing the ongoing standoff with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Indigenous defence production:Assessing the progress and challenges in domestic arms manufacturing.
• Resettlement policies, healthcare facilities, and avenues for ex servicemen:Examining support systems for veterans.
• Assessment of next of kin policy in the armed forces:Reviewing policies related to families of service members.

ONE LINER

1. Indian Navy has recently launched its first indigenous multi purpose vessel samarthak
2. Vijaya Raharkar appointed as chairperson of National Commission for women

BANKING

1. The Central Government has launched ‘ Vision Next Programme’ to promote the textile manufacturing industry .
2. In an initiative to bring back cultural heritage, the United States of Americahas announced the return of over 1,400 looted artefacts worth $10 million to India. 
3. Supreme Court Judge ‘ Justice Suryakant’has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
4. The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth edition of  the coastal defence exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ from November 21 to 22 .
5. British writer ‘ Samantha Harvey’ has won the Booker Prize for the year 2024. This award has been given to her for her first space-based novel ‘Orbital’ .