VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE

Current Affairs
(A book for TNPSC Examination)

NOVEMBER 2024 - PART 1

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 My Dear Aspirants,
Greetings to all of you! “What we think we
become” Gautama Buddha. We all have dreams.
To make dreams come into reality it takes a lot of
determination, dedication, self discipline and
continuous effort.
We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to
provide the right guidance, quality coaching and help
every aspirants to achieve his or her life’s cherished
goal of becoming a civil servant.
The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle
is meticulously planned to equip the aspirants with all
the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects.
M. SHUNMUGAM Further the VETRII IAS Study Circle Study materials
Director aim to support the candidate by providing the
Vetrii IAS Study Circle. most relevant study material in a comprehensive
manner.
We also thank other family members of Vetrii for
making this effort a reality.
We wish the aspirants ALL THE VERY BEST
for their journey in Civil Services !

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 CONTENTS

HISTORY
01

08 POLITICAL SCIENCE

GEOGRAPHY
12

14 ECONOMICS

SCIENCE
15
NATIONAL–DIARY OF
EVENT 18

21 INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS

TAMILNADU AFFAIRS 23

PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. HISTORY

1.1 IMPORTANT DAYS

Date Day Theme / Remark

November 5 Tsunami Awarneess ▪ The date November 5 was chosen to
Day commemorate the "Inamura-no-hi" (The Great
Fire of Inamura) incident from 1854 in Japan
▪ India has established state-of-the-art Tsunami
Early Warning System at INCOIS, Hyderabad
▪ Regular tsunami mock drills are conducted in
coastal states
▪ India is actively participating in Indian Ocean
Tsunami Warning System
▪ UN's Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030 guides global tsunami
preparedness
November 8 World Radiology Day ▪ World Radiology Day, celebrated every year
on November 8, honours the contributions of
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the German physicist
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who discovered X-rays in 1895.

▪ This monumental discovery has since
revolutionized medical diagnosis and treatment
by providing non-invasive ways to see inside the
human body.
▪ Observing this day serves as a reminder of the
importance of radiology in modern healthcare,
recognizing the dedication of radiographers,
and promoting a greater understanding of X-ray
therapy in patient care.
2 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

Date Day Theme / Remark

November 12 Public Service ▪ This day is observed to commemorate the 50th

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Broadcasting Day anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's visit to All
India Radio center.
▪ This was Mahatma Gandhi's first and only visit
to All India Radio in Delhi in 1947.
▪ After the partition of India, Mahatma addressed
displaced people (refugees from Pakistan)
who had temporarily settled in Kurukshetra,
Haryana.
▪ In 2001, this day was officially declared as Public
Service Broadcasting Day.
November 12 World Pneumonia ▪ Main Objective: To create awareness among
Day people about the risks of pneumonia, its
prevention methods, and treatment.
▪ Theme: "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia
in its Tracks"
▪ Pneumonia is a lung infection that is particularly
dangerous for children and the elderly.
Numerous deaths occur globally every year due
to this disease.
November 13 World Kindness Day ▪ World Kindness Day is celebrated worldwide to
promote the importance of showing compassion
to one another, to yourself, and to the world.
November 14 World Diabetes Day ▪ This day was established to create awareness about
diabetes, one of the diseases threatening the world.
▪ The day was declared by the United Nations
through a resolution passed on November 14, 2006.
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▪ Frederick Banting, along with Charles Best,

discovered insulin for treating diabetes in 1921.
This day is commemorated on his birthday.
November 14 Children's Day in ▪ Children's Day is celebrated in India on November
India 14 in memory of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first
Prime Minister of independent India.
▪ Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November
14, 1889, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
▪ Before 1964, Children's Day in India was celebrated
on November 20, which is the Universal Children's
Day declared by the United Nations.
▪ After Jawaharlal Nehru's death on May 27, 1964,
India decided to celebrate his birthday as Bal
Diwas (Children's Day) to honor him.
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 HISTORY | 3

1.2 DEFENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND TERRORISM

Third edition of the high-level virtual The induction of 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols

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interaction MAHASAGAR into the Northern Command marks a pivotal
▪ The third edition of the high-level virtual moment for indigenous defence manufacturing
interaction MAHASAGAR was conducted by in India.
the Indian Navy on 05 Nov 24. What is the Atmanirbharta Initiative?
▪ Heads of Navies/ Maritime Agencies and ▪ Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, is a campaign
Senior Leadership from Indian Ocean launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Region littorals viz., Bangladesh, Comoros, on May 12, 2020.
Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, ▪ The goal is to make India self-sufficient
Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and in various sectors, including defence. It
Tanzania. Are present in this meeting encourages local production and reduces
dependency on imports.
▪ MAHASAGAR which stands for vast ocean in
Hindi, is the Indian Navy’s flagship outreach Development and Manufacturing

for high-level virtual interaction between ▪ The ‘Asmi’ was developed by Colonel Prasad

Maritime Heads for Active Security and Bansod of the Indian Army. It was created in
collaboration with the Defence Research and
Growth for all in the region.
Development Organisation (DRDO).
Unmanned vessel finishes 1,500-km
550 ‘Asmi’ machine
voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi
▪ The Indian Army made an important
▪ An autonomous surface vessel built by Sagar
advancement in its Atmanirbharta initiative.
Defence Engineering has completed a 1,500-
The induction of 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols
km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi
into the Northern Command marks a pivotal
without human intervention, in an endeavour
moment for indigenous defence manufacturing
supported by the Indian Navy.
in India.
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▪ It is supported by the Indian Navy’s Naval

What is the Atmanirbharta Initiative?
Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation
▪ Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, is a campaign
(NIIO), the Technology Development
launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and the Innovations on May 12, 2020.
for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under
▪ The goal is to make India self-sufficient
the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
in various sectors, including defence. It
▪ Sagarmala Parikrama journey was virtually encourages local production and reduces
flagged off on October 29 dependency on imports.
550 ‘Asmi’ machine Development and Manufacturing
▪ The Indian Army made an important ▪ The ‘Asmi’ was developed by Colonel Prasad
advancement in its Atmanirbharta initiative. Bansod of the Indian Army. It was created in

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4 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

collaboration with the Defence Research and ▪ These surveillance exercises have been
Development Organisation (DRDO). conducted to strengthen coastal security
following the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Successful Test of Long-Range Surface-

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The country has approximately 11,098 km of
to-Surface Missile
coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone
▪ The Defense Research and Development
covering 2.4 million square kilometers along
Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted
the coastal region.
the first test of a long-range missile capable of
▪ This comprehensive exercise aims to create
hitting ground targets
awareness about security threats from the
▪ Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised
sea by simultaneously engaging all maritime
that this would serve as a model for future
stakeholders, including the fishing community,
indigenously manufactured missile projects.
coastal residents, and various coastal security
▪ The missile test, conducted at the Integrated infrastructure facilities.
Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, performed
▪ The exercise is conducted under the leadership
better than expected and fulfilled the project's
of the Indian Navy's CDSRE (Coastal Defence
objectives, according to the Ministry of
Security Readiness Evaluation) team, which
Defense.
includes naval commanders from all coastal
According to the ministry's press states and Union Territories (Lakshadweep,
release: Andaman Islands). The exercise aims to assess
▪ The missile's performance was monitored and enhance coastal security and defense
through radars, electro-optical tracking preparedness.
systems, and telemetry installed at various
AFSPA reimposed in six riot-hit areas of
locations.
Manipur
▪ It traveled accurately along the predetermined ▪ The Union Home Ministry has reimposed
path to reach its target, demonstrating its AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act)
capabilities at various altitudes and speeds. in six police station areas across five districts
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▪ The missile is equipped with modern aviation of Manipur, declaring them as "disturbed
technologies and software. areas."
▪ Bharat Dynamics in Hyderabad and Bharat ▪ The affected areas include police stations in
Electronics in Bangalore played crucial roles in Imphal West (Sekmai and Lamsang), Imphal
the missile's development and production. East (Lamlai), Jiribam, Bishnupur (Moirang),
Nationwide Coastal Surveillance and Kangpokpi (Leimakhong) districts.
Exercise to Begin on Nov. 20 ▪ AFSPA had previously been withdrawn from
▪ The Ministry of Defence announced that these areas in April 2022 due to improved
the Indian Navy will conduct a nationwide security conditions, but is now reinstated until
'Coastal Surveillance - 24' (Sea Vigil-24) March 31, 2025.

exercise on November 20 and 21. ▪ The reimposition comes in response to

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 HISTORY | 5

ongoing ethnic violence, with recent incidents ▪ Section 3 of Act: Governor of State or
including intermittent firing in violence-prone Administrator of Union territory or Central
areas and increased insurgent group activity. Government may declare whole/such part of

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▪ Since May 2023, over 240 people have died such State/UT to be a disturbed area.
in ethnic conflicts between the Meitei people ▪ Disturbed area is an area where use of armed
(valley residents) and the tribal Kuki-Zo-Hmar forces in aid of civil power is necessary.
people (hill residents), with 14 deaths reported Section 4 of Act:
just since November 7. ▪ Gives special powers to armed forces although
▪ The security presence in the region includes they must be exercised with extreme caution.
22,000 Central Armed Police Force personnel ▪ After giving due warning, it can fire upon/
and approximately 140 Army columns, with use force against any person acting in
AFSPA allowing armed forces to conduct contravention of laws,
operations without waiting for magistrate or ▪ If reasonable suspicion exists, can also arrest a
state police presence. person without a warrant;
About AFSPA: ▪ Unless otherwise authorized by the central
▪ Objective: Conferring certain special powers
government, Army soldiers operating under
upon members of the armed forces in disturbed
AFSPA are shielded from all legal actions.
areas in North eastern States.

1.3 SPORTS
India submits letter expressing interest ▪ Strong countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar,
to host 2036 Olympics to International and Turkey are in the lead. India will have to
Olympic Committee compete with these countries.
▪ The Sports Ministry sources indicate that this ▪ Regarding the 2036 Olympics, Ahmedabad
great opportunity will bring benefits in terms is the leading candidate city to host the
of economic growth, social progress, and competition.
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youth development for India.

1.4 BOOKS AND AUTHORS

British Author Wins Booker Prize ▪ The judges stated that the Booker Prize, one of
▪ British author Samantha Harvey has won this the world's highest literary awards, was given
year's Booker Prize. to this book for its compact size yet beautifully
▪ She was awarded the prize for her novel expansive ideas.
'Orbital'.
▪ Along with this prize, Samantha Harvey
▪ Written for the first time with six astronauts
will receive a cash prize of 50,000 pounds
living on the International Space Station as
characters, the book became a bestseller in (approximately Rs. 53.63 lakhs).
Britain.

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6 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

1.5 CULTURAL PANORAMA

Sky is the limit for development of About Bhagwan Birsa Munda (1875 -

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tribes: President Droupadi Murmu 1900)
▪ President Droupadi Murmu addressed the ▪ He was born in the Munda tribe at Ulihatu,
Khunti district of the Chotanagpur Plateau
nation on the eve of Birsa Munda's birth
region (Jharkhand). Also known as ‘Dharti
anniversary (Janjatiya Gaurav Divas),
Aaba’.
emphasizing that India's true development
Contributions
depends on tribal communities' progress.
▪ Started faith of Birsait and stressed the
▪ She praised the government's commitment
importance of prayer, staying away from
to tribal development, highlighting a 74% alcohol, and having faith in God.
increase in the Tribal Affairs Ministry's budget ▪ Started a movement called 'Ulgulan (The Great
to Rs.13,000 crore. Tumult)' against the exploitation of tribals by
▪ Murmu recalled tribal freedom fighters who local authorities.
fought against British rule and shared her ▪ This led to the enactment of the Chotanagpur
personal connection to tribal welfare, having Tenancy Act (1908) which restricted the
transfer of land from tribal people to non-
started her public service career on the Tribal
tribals.
Advisory Council.
Legacy
▪ She expressed optimism about tribal
▪ His birth anniversary (on 15th November) is
communities' future development prospects.
celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.

1.6 ARCHEAOLOGICAL DISCOVERY

News: 6,000-year-old stones discovered • Gold coin
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in Vembakkottai excavation • Copper coins

▪ PLACE : Sathur,
• Broken terracotta figurine
▪ During the ongoing Phase 3 excavation near
• Chess pieces
Vembakkottai, stones called jasper and chert,
which were used to make ornaments 6,000 • Glass beads
years ago, were discovered on Friday. • Circular discs
▪ The Phase 3 excavation work has been ongoing ▪ The archaeologists continue to uncover
since June 18. evidence of ancient civilization and
▪ In this Phase 3 excavation, more than 2,800 craftsmanship at this important historical site.
archaeological artifacts have been discovered
so far, including:

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 HISTORY | 7

1.7 SASTRI’S TAKE ON DRAVIDIAN-ARYAN DIVIDE

Sastri’s take on Dravidian-Aryan divide incorrect, citing Max Müller who strongly

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▪ According to historian K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, discouraged inferring race from language.
both Dravidians and Aryans came to India ▪ He challenged the oversimplified notion
in multiple waves over time, not in a single that North India is purely Aryan/Brahmin/
migration.
Sanskrit while South India is purely Dravidian/
▪ Oxford Professor J. Burrow suggested that non-Brahmin/Tamil.
Vedic speech was influenced by "proto-
▪ Sastri rejected claims about Tamil land being
Dravidian" language that existed before both
the origin of civilization and the Indus
Dravidian languages and Aryan arrival in
Valley Civilization being created by Tamils,
India - though this was disputed by some
noting these weren't supported by scientific
scholars like Fürer-Haimendor
scholarship.
▪ Sastri emphasized that using "Aryan" and
"Dravidian" as racial terms is scientifically

1.8 APPOINTMENTS
Government appoints two Additional M. Sureshkumar have been appointed as
Advocate Generals Additional Advocate Generals of the Madras
▪ Senior advocates K.Chandramohan and High Court.
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 2. POLITICAL
SCIENCE
2.1 INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY
The LAC agreement, the détentes and ▪ A reminder of India's continental
the questions vulnerabilities despite US partnership
▪ A recent India-China détente ▪ Pushback against India's infrastructure
(IMPROVEMENT) announced in October development
2024, marked by a summit between PM Modi ▪ Reaction to India's 2019 reorganization of
and President Xi Jinping at the 16 TH BRICS Jammu and Kashmir
Summit in Kazan.
▪ Key disputed areas: Depsang, Demchok,
▪ While both sides have agreed to disengage Yangtse, Arunachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso,
troops at Depsang and Demchok, questions Galwan
remain about the specific details of new
▪ Infrastructure projects: G695 highway
patrolling arrangements and troop de-
through Aksai Chin, Karakoram-2 Highway
escalation along the LAC (Line of Actual
▪ The recent agreement follows three other
Control).
improvement :
▪ The article explores four theories behind
• Elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
China's 2020 LAC transgressions:
• Agreements with Ladakhi protesters.
▪ China's policy to control "every inch" of its
• Diplomatic opening with Pakistan.
claimed territory

2.2 LATEST COURT VERDICTS

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▪ NEWS: SC overrules 1967 verdict against status once it is recognized through a statute/
(Aligarh Muslim University) AMU’s minority law
tag, An educational institution established by Historical Context:
a minority community will not lose its identity • AMU was established in 1875
once it is recognised through a statute. SC • Lost minority status due to 1967 Azeez
declared in a 4:3 majority judgment by a Basha verdict
seven-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice
• Regained it through 1981 AMU
D.Y.Chandrachud.
Amendment Act
Main Issue:
• Lost it again in 2006 due to Allahabad
▪ Whether an educational institution established
High Court decision
by a minority community loses its minority
 POLITICAL SCIENCE | 9

Constitutional Aspect: established it to preserve their cultural

▪ Article 30(1) has dual nature: fabric
• Anti-discriminatory provision • Article 30 extends to secular education as

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• Special rights provision for religious and well
linguistic minorities ▪ Significance:
▪ Requirements for Minority Status: • Impacts other minority institutions like St.
• Institution must be established by minority Stephen's College and Christian Medical
community College, Vellore

• The community must prove they • Protects minority institutions from

discrimination

2.3 POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL SYSTEM IN INDIA

The perfect cocktail of layered current seat proportions while increasing
discrimination total seats.
▪ Delimitation involves recalibrating Lok Sabha Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
seats per state based on population, currently ▪ TFR is "a demographic indicator that estimates
frozen since 1971 census but may change by the average number of children a woman
2026. gives birth to during her reproductive years."
▪ Non-Hindi states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West The replacement level TFR is 2.1.
Bengal) have lower fertility rates (1.6-1.8) Context
compared to Hindi heartland states (Bihar,
▪ The delimitation of Lok Sabha seats in India
UP, MP) with rates around 3.5.
is primarily addressed under Article 81 of the
▪ Post-delimitation, southern states' Indian Constitution.
parliamentary representation would drop
▪ Article 82 complements this by stating that
from 25% to 17%, while Hindi heartland states
the Parliament must enact a Delimitation Act
would increase from 40% to 60%.
after each Census to readjust the number of
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▪ Developed states already receive only 30% of seats in the Lok Sabha and their respective
their tax contributions, while states like Bihar constituencies
receive 250-350% of their contribution.
▪ This process (delimitation) was suspended
▪ Hindi-speaking population has grown from under Indira Gandhi's government until 2001
36% to 43%, while other linguistic groups
▪ Further suspended for 25 years by
have decreased, threatening India's federal
A.B.Vajpayee's government until 2026
structure.
▪ The freezing was done to avoid disincentivizing
▪ Possible solutions include extending the
states that effectively controlled their
freeze or permanent freezing of delimitation,
population
creating new federal structure, or preserving

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10 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

2.4 PUBLIC AWARENESS & GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Sanjiv Khanna Takes Charge as 51st cancellation of electoral bonds scheme for

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Chief Justice of Supreme Court political party donations and confirmation
▪ President Droupadi Murmu administered of the abrogation of Article 370 that granted
the oath of office. Sanjiv Khanna took charge special status to Jammu-Kashmir.
today after D.Y. Chandrachud's retirement.
▪ A bench headed by him delivered a judgment
▪ Sanjiv Khanna will serve as Chief Justice of on April 26 affirming the reliability and security
Supreme Court for 6 months. He will remain
of Electronic Voting Machines, refusing to ban
in office until May 13 next year
their use in elections.
▪ Sanjiv Khanna began his career as a lawyer in
▪ He also ordered interim bail for Aam Aadmi
1983. He served as a lawyer for about 23 years.
Party's National Coordinator and then Delhi
He was appointed as Delhi High Court Judge
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was
in 2016 and Supreme Court Judge in 2019.
arrested in the Delhi excise policy case, to
Important Judgments campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.
▪ He was part of the 5-judge constitutional
bench that delivered historic verdicts including

2.5 GOVT – WELFARE ORIENTED GOVT SCHEMES, THEIR UTILITY

▪ Government health spending in low and grows faster than health expenditure,
lower-middle income countries shows a reversing pre-pandemic trends where health
concerning downward trend after an initial was gaining priority.
pandemic-related spike, threatening progress ▪ 35 nations, including India, face particular
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toward SDG health targets. risks with declining per capita health spending
▪ Growth in health spending per capita from and reduced budget share for health. India's
2019-2023 has been minimal (0.4% in LICs health spending dropped below 2% of the
(low income countries), 0.9% in LMICs (lower budget post-pandemic.
middle class income countries) compared to ▪ Future outlook is concerning as 23 countries
pre-pandemic growth (4.2% in LICs, 2.4% in are projected to face government budget
LMICs), indicating a significant slowdown. contractions from 2023-2029, which may
▪ The share of health in government budgets force difficult trade-offs in maintaining health
is declining as overall government spending spending levels.

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 POLITICAL SCIENCE | 11

2.6 CENTER AND STATE RELATION

Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) Caps the Center’s control over state borrowing,

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Kerala's Borrowing at 3% of GSDP ensuring transparency, consultation, and
▪ In 2023, the central government set a 3% Net fairness to uphold cooperative federalism
Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) of GSDP on Kerala,
Role of Voluntary Organizations
covering all borrowing methods, restricting
▪ Women gig workers in India held a first
development and welfare funding.
digital strike on Deepavali, organized by the
▪ Kerala has petitioned the Supreme Court Gig and Platform Services Workers Union
to challenge the NBC under Article 293 of (GIPSWU), protesting against exploitative
the Constitution, arguing it limits the state’s labour practices by platform companies.
constitutionally guaranteed fiscal autonomy.
▪ Discounts offered by platform companies
▪ The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget come at the expense of gig workers' wages,
Management (FRBM) Act enforces fiscal who face exploitative conditions.
discipline with deficit targets, aiming to
▪ The narrative often highlights start-up job
reduce the fiscal deficit to below 4.5% of GDP
creation without examining the labour
by 2025-26; states argue this curtails their
exploitation underlying rapid growth.
financial autonomy.
▪ The absence of strong labour and data
▪ Proposals suggest strengthening Article 293
privacy laws enables unchecked exploitation,
by creating a commission akin to the Finance
with a call for grassroots organizing and policy
Commission, setting clear guidelines for
reform.
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 3. GEOGRAPHY
3.1 POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
First Global Tree Assessment 2070. Bangladesh faces a potential 30.5% loss,
▪ First Global Tree Assessment was published while Vietnam could see a 30.2% reduction,
as part of an update to the IUCN Red List and Indonesia a 26.8% decline.
of Threatened Species, with its findings
NEWS: The tiger population in western
announced at the Convention on Biological
Assam’s Manas National Park, a major
Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia.
wildlife preserve stretching into Bhutan,
▪ The 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference of tripled from 2011 to 2019.
the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on ▪ Location
Biological Diversity (CBD) was held recently
• Manas National Park is in western Assam
in Cali, Colombia with an objective to assess
• It's a cross-border preserve extending into
how countries are advancing towards the 2022
Bhutan
Montreal commitment to protect 30% of the
planet’s land and marine areas by 2030. • It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site

▪ The South Western Ghats of Kerala host • One of Assam's two tiger reserves (the

Buchanania barberi, a small tree classified as other being Kaziranga)

Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List ▪ Context:

since 2018. • Park previously suffered from prolonged
armed conflict
Asia–Pacific (APAC) Climate Report 2024
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▪ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) released Current challenges include

its Asia–Pacific (APAC) Climate Report 2024, ▪ Poaching threats, Habitat loss, Management
highlighting alarming economic impacts of of growing tiger population approaching
climate change on the Asia-Pacific region. carrying capacity.
▪ High-end greenhouse gas emissions, the ▪ Success Factors: Increased funding, Improved
APAC region could see a 17% reduction in protection infrastructure, Larger staff
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2070. deployment, Tourism revenue support.
▪ By 2100, this figure may surge to 41% under ▪ Collaborative efforts between: Local
high GHG emissions. communities, Governme, Conservation
▪ India may experience a 24.7% GDP decline by agencies.
 GEOGRAPHY | 13

▪ This case study demonstrates successful Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI)
wildlife conservation in a post-conflict zone. introduces a tiered system for credit claim
▪ Study suggests potential doubling of tiger assessment.

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numbers by 2023 (conditional on effective ▪ It stresses the importance of transparency,
conservation measures). third-party verification, and robust protocols
▪ India's developing carbon credit mechanism, to prevent double-counting while aligning
with focus on COP-29 Baku, Azerbaijan). with international standards.

▪ India updated its Nationally Determined ▪ Green washing? Greenwashing is when a

Contributions in 2023 company makes misleading claims or false

▪ Established the Energy Conservation advertisements to suggest that they are more

Amendment Act in 2022 for Carbon Credit environmentally friendly than they actually

Trading Scheme (CCTS). are.

It emphasizes two key lessons: ▪ VCM - The voluntary carbon market (VCM)

▪ Maintaining carbon credit integrity and is a decentralised market where private actors

aligning with global standards, particularly voluntarily buy and sell carbon credits that

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. represent removals or reductions of Green

House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.
▪ The framework faces challenges like
greenwashing in the voluntary carbon market ▪ The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) : To

(VCM) and issues with the Green Credit improve Energy Intensity of Indian Economy

Programme (GCP). thereby contributing towards sustainable

development of country.
▪ The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) plays
a crucial oversight role, and the Voluntary
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 4. ECONOMICS
4.1 REPORTS AND INDICES
Henley Passport Index Top Rankings
▪ The Henley Passport Index revealed that • Singapore: 1st place, 195 countries.
Singapore holds the title of the world’s most • France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain: 2nd
powerful passport. place, 192 countries.
▪ Singaporean citizens can travel to 195 countries • United States: 8th place, 186 countries.
without needing a visa.
• India: 83rd place, 58 countries. These
Henley Passport Index Overview
rankings reflect the ease of travel for
▪ The Henley Passport Index ranks passports
citizens of these countrie
based on the number of destinations their
holders can access without a visa.
▪ The index is a useful tool for understanding
global mobility and the strength of a country’s
passport.

4.2 CURRENT TRENDS IN INDIAN ECONOMY

10-year Sovereign Green Bonds (G-Secs) in international bond indices, such
▪ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded as JPMorgan Chase’s GBI-EM GD index,
Vetrii IAS Study Circle

the list of Government securities available Bloomberg EM Local Currency Government

for non-resident investment under the Fully indices, and FTSE Russell’s EMGBI.
Accessible Route (FAR) by designating 10-year 10-Year Sovereign Green Bonds in FAR
Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) as ‘specified ▪ The RBI’s move to include 10-year Sovereign
securities.’ These bonds will be issued by the Green Bonds under FAR comes as the
government in the second half of the fiscal year government plans to issue these bonds as part
2024-25, aligning with the increasing global of its borrowing program in FY2024-25.
inclusion of Indian Government Securities
 5. SCIENCE
5.1 LATEST DISCOVERIES IN HEALTH SCIENCE
Global Tuberculosis Report – 2024 ▪ Purpose: Allocate scarce radio frequencies to
▪ TB has likely returned to being the world's telecommunication companies
leading infectious disease killer in 2023 ▪ Concerns over satellite capacity and coverage,
▪ Five countries account for 56% of global TB with specific numbers being debated:
cases: India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China • Starlink's projected 35,000 satellites
(6.8%), Philippines (6.8%), Pakistan (6.3%)
globally
• India accounts for 26% of global TB cases
• Potential 500-600 satellites over India
• Highest TB burden globally
• India representing 0.6% of world's surface
• Making significant progress in TB
area
notification and treatment
▪ Wayforward: This shows a significant policy
▪ Risk factors: Key risk factors include
debate in India's telecommunications sector
undernutrition, alcohol use disorders,
regarding the regulation and implementation
smoking, and diabetes.
of satellite internet services.
• Social determinants like poverty, income
inequality, and poor living conditions Scientists have discovered that mpox
significantly impact TB spread (formerly known as monkeypox) clade

Telcos cast satellite Internet as a threat Ia has evolved to achieve sustained

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to terrestrial networks human-to-human transmission.

▪ CRUX : The conflict between telecom operators ▪ Adding to growing concerns about the virus's
(like Reliance Jio) and satellite internet evolution. This is particularly significant
providers (like SpaceX's Starlink) regarding because previously, clade Ia only caused
▪ Whether satellite internet services should sporadic infections from animals to humans
require spectrum auctions in India since its discovery in 1970.
▪ Spectrum Auction: A process where ▪ There are four known variants of mpox: Ia, Ib,
government sells rights to transmit signals IIa, and IIb
over specific bands of the electromagnetic • Clade IIb was responsible for the 2022
spectrum) outbreak
16 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

• Clade Ib is currently causing infections in by a 27% rise in global prices due to Southeast
central Africa Asian supply disruptions.
• WHO has declared mpox a public health ▪ Regional Impact: Rural India faced sharper

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emergency twice in two year inflation at 6.7% compared to urban areas at
▪ The evidence for human-to-human 5.6%.
transmission comes from studying mutations ▪ RBI Implications: This spike makes interest
in the virus's DNA. rate cuts unlikely in RBI's December review,
▪ Researchers found that 63% of mutations challenging their Q3 (QUARTER ) projection
in clade Ia infections were consistent with of 4.8% average inflation.
changes introduced by APOBEC (a human ▪ Reason : disruption in South East Asia
immune system protein family).
210 Million People Affected in India:
▪ This protein introduces random changes in Lancet Study Reveals
foreign DNA as a defense mechanism.
▪ A long-term 32-year study was conducted on
Food prices spur inflation to 6.2% diabetes across 4 major population groups.
▪ Overall Inflation Rate: India's retail inflation ▪ The study covered a total population of 212
jumped to 6.2% from 5.5% , hitting a 14-month million people, including:
high and breaching RBI's upper tolerance limit. • India: 146 million people
▪ Food Inflation Driver: The main cause was a • China: 36 million people
10.9% surge in food prices, with urban areas • USA: 27 million people
seeing food inflation cross 11.1% and rural
▪ Various factors were examined including age
areas at 10.7%.
differences, lifestyle changes, and dietary
▪ Vegetable Price Spike: Vegetable prices saw habits.
a dramatic 42.2% increase - the highest in
▪ This study helped understand the spread of
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57 months (nearly 5 years), up from 36% in

diabetes and its impacts.
September.
▪ It is considered a crucial study that will help
▪ Edible Oil Crisis: Edible oil prices increased
develop new methods to control and prevent
by 9.5%, the highest in nearly two years, driven
diabetes.

16 www.vetriias.com
 SCIENCE | 17

5.2 SPACE
Rocket, Satellite Research Center: IIT 1 crore and 84 lakhs for establishing this

Vetrii IAS Study Circle

Chennai - ISRO Agreement research center.
▪ IIT Chennai has signed a Memorandum ▪ Temperature management research related to
of Understanding with ISRO regarding rockets and satellites will be conducted here.
the establishment of a satellite and rocket IIT professors will provide technical assistance
temperature research center. for temperature-related issues that arise during
Press release from IIT Chennai regarding the testing of rocket and satellite design and
▪ A special Fluid and Thermal Research Center various components.
will be established at IIT Chennai with ISRO's ▪ It has been stated that this will greatly
support. A Memorandum of Understanding encourage collaborative efforts between ISRO
for this was signed at IIT scientists and IIT professors engaged in new
▪ ISRO is providing financial assistance of Rs. discoveries in fluid and thermal sciences

5.3 NEW SCIENTIFIC LABORATORIES/

OBSERVATORIES/ CENTRES
Alarming rate of decrease in African ▪ Regional variations:
Elephant count • Northern/Eastern Africa: Severe losses,
▪ African elephants, Earth's largest land especially in Mali, Chad, and Nigeria
mammals, face severe population decline
• Southern Africa: Population growth in
across the continent, as revealed in a
42% of surveyed sites
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comprehensive study spanning 1964-2016.

• Improved areas : Botswana, Zimbabwe,
▪ The research covered 475 sites across 37
African countries, examining both savannah and Namibia
and forest elephant species. ▪ Forest elephants are particularly vulnerable,
with population numbers approximately one-
Population statistics show:
third of savannah elephants.
• Savannah elephants: 70% decline
▪ As of 2016, the combined population estimate
• Forest elephants: 90% decline
for both species was between 415,000 and
• Overall average decline: 77%
540,000 elephants.
▪ Primary threats identified: Poaching , Habitat
loss.

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 6. NATIONAL –
DIARY OF EVENT
Proba-3 Spacecraft Other Backward Classes (OBC), sanitation
▪ ISRO will launch the European Union's workers, and persons with disabilities.
Proba-3 spacecraft next month from Sriharikota Easy Educational Loans for Higher
using the PSLV-XL rocket. Education Students
▪ It will help study the corona, the bright halo ▪ The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime
region of the Sun. Minister's 'Vidya Lakshmi Scheme' to facilitate
▪ This will be the world's first mission to easy educational loans for students gaining
precisely study the Sun. admission to the country's top government

▪ India plans to establish a space station by and private higher education institutions.

2035 and land the first Indian astronaut on the According to NIRF's recent rankings, the

Moon by 2040. scheme will be launched in:

• Government and private higher education
Shilp Samagam Mela 2024 institutions ranked in the top 100 overall
▪ The Union Ministry of Social Justice and and in other categories
Empowerment launched the ‘Shilp Samagam • State government higher education
Mela 2024’ at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. institutions ranked between 101-200
▪ This event aims to showcase and promote The central government will provide:
traditional handicrafts from various states in • 75% guarantee for loans up to Rs. 7.5 lakhs
India. • 3% interest subsidy on educational loans
▪ It is organized by three key corporations up to Rs. 10 lakhs for students from families
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under the Ministry: NSFDC, NBCDFC and with annual income up to Rs. 8 lakhs and
NSKFDC. who are not benefiting from any other
scholarship or interest subsidy schemes
The TULIP Initiative
▪ This interest subsidy will be provided to one
▪ During the event, Dr.Kumar launched
lakh students per year.
the ‘TULIP’ programme. This stands for
Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood First All-Women CISF Battalion: Central
Programme. TULIP aims to empower Government Approval
marginalised artisans. It provides them with ▪ The central government has approved the
an online platform for global exposure and formation of the country's first all-women
sales of their products. The initiative primarily battalion in the Central Industrial Security
targets artisans from Scheduled Castes (SC), Force (CISF) with over thousand personnel.
 NATIONAL – DIARY OF EVENT | 19

CISF Act: March 10, 1969 "Swami AI Chatbot" App to Help

CISF Establishment: June 15, 1983 Sabarimala Devotees
▪ The CISF, which has about 180,000 personnel, ▪ In conjunction with the Mandala Puja

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is responsible for protecting VIPs, Parliament, pilgrimage, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-
Delhi Metro stations, 68 airports nationwide, powered conversational chatbot called Swami
and important historical monuments. AI Chatbot is set to be introduced to assist

▪ The Home Ministry has issued a notification

approving the creation of the country's first
all-women battalion comprising 1,025 female
personnel under a senior commander.

Debating the healthy longevity initiative

▪ World Bank's 2024 report projects global deaths
to increase from 61 million (2023) to 92 million
(2050), with (Non Communicable Disease)
NCDs being the leading cause, especially in
Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
▪ India has the world's second-largest elderly
population (140 million aged 60 vs China's 250 devotees visiting Sabarimala. The logo of
million), with growth rate 3 times higher than this application was released by Kerala Chief
overall population growth. Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

▪ NCDs in India are projected to account for ▪ To prevent overcrowding, the Kerala
75% of all deaths by 2030, with cardiovascular government has decided to allow only 80,000
diseases, cancer, respiratory illness, and devotees who register online daily and 10,000

diabetes causing 50% of current deaths. walk-in devotees this year.

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▪ Key risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol abuse, ▪ The chatbot will provide detailed information
about puja timings, railway and airport
obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and diets high in
facilities in Malayalam, Tamil, English, Hindi,
simple carbohydrates and saturated fats.
Telugu, and Kannada languages.
▪ Ayushman Bharat Scheme aims to provide
▪ During this year's holy pilgrimage season,
health insurance to bottom 40% households
the chatbot will ensure a more convenient,
but faces challenges like inadequate funding,
accurate, and safe pilgrimage experience for
strict eligibility criteria, and corruption
Ayyappa devotees.
(revealed in CAG 2023 report).
▪ Supreme Court directed central government Constitutional Museum in Haryana

to regulate hospital procedure rates due to ▪ Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to inaugurate

inflated private healthcare costs. India's first Constitutional Museum, which has

www.vetriias.com 19
20 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

been magnificently established at Jindal Global descriptive sculptures, exhibitions, paintings,

University in Haryana. and commemorative postage stamps.
▪ An advanced guide robot, developed by a ▪ The museum will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha

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team of IIT Chennai students to assist visitors Speaker Om Birla on November 26th, the day
to this museum, was introduced in Chennai. when the Indian Constitution came into effect.
▪ The university has set up the Constitutional ▪ AI Technology... IIT Chennai has developed
Museum spanning 10,000 square feet to an advanced guide robot to assist visitors to
create public awareness about the Indian this museum. The robot has been designed
Constitution. with Artificial Intelligence technology.
Special Features: ▪ It will explain the special features of the
▪ The museum features statues and paintings of museum to visitors in Hindi and English
over 300 people including Ambedkar, Rajendra languages and will also answer visitors'
Prasad, K.M. Munshi, who were instrumental in questions.
creating the Indian Constitution. It also houses
the original copy of the Indian Constitution,
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20 www.vetriias.com
 7. INTERNATIONAL
AFFAIRS
India and France have been re-elected International Cooperation
as the president and co-president of the ▪ India-US bilateral cooperation on clean energy
International Solar Alliance (ISA) supply chains
▪ The International Solar Alliance, in a global ▪ Global Cooling Pledge at COP28 with 63
collaboration with the Ministry of New countries committing to reduce cooling
& Renewable Energy, the Government of emissions
India, the Asian Development Bank, and the India's Position & Challenges:
International Solar Energy Society, organised ▪ India is among most climate-vulnerable
the third edition of the High-level Conference nations
on New Technologies for Clean Energy ▪ Projected to have world's highest cooling
Transition. demand by 2050 (1.14 billion ACs)
▪ India and France have been re-elected as the ▪ Temperatures started exceeding 50°C in 2024
president and co-president of the International
▪ 160-200 million Indians could face deadly
Solar Alliance (ISA), respectively, at the
heatwaves annually by 2030
seventh ISA assembly held in New Delhi.
Policy Framework:
During the inaugural day of the assembly,
▪ India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) targets:
▪ The conference’s overarching goal is to translate
• 20-25% reduction in cooling demand
dialogue into action. Deep-dive sessions
• 25-40% reduction in energy consumption
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focusing on new-age solar technologies,

emerging storage technologies, • Shift to low-GWP refrigerants

▪ Global solar capacity is set to skyrocket to • Kigali Amendment ratification (2021)-

between 5457 and 7203 GW by 2030 commitment to reduce HFCs by 85% by

2047
▪ NEWS : On September 21, 2024, the Quad
nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the SRILANKA
United States) issued the Wilmington ▪ President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri
Declaration, which underscores the Quad’s Lanka made significant promises to the Tamil
commitment to sustainable energy solutions, community in Jaffna
particularly focusing on high-efficiency ▪ Return of state-grabbed Tamil lands
cooling systems.
22 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

▪ Addressing drug issues affecting Tamil youth Prime Minister Modi is set to receive
▪ despite his party's historical opposition to Dominica's highest honor
Tamil rights ▪ Prime Minister Modi is set to receive Dominica's

Vetrii IAS Study Circle

▪ This proves the importance of Indian diaspora highest honor, the 'Order of Dominica'. The
in vote sharing main reasons for this are
▪ Providing 70,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to
FRANCE
Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic
▪ France is evaluating India's Pinaka multi-barrel
(February 2021)
rocket launch (MBRL) system as a potential
▪ Continued support in healthcare, education,
replacement for their M270 rocket systems
and information technology sectors
• A French military delegation will visit
▪ Infrastructure development to prevent impacts
India soon to assess both the launcher and
of climate change
ammunition
Award Ceremony Details:
• Armenia is currently the first and only
▪ Location: Georgetown, Guyana
export customer for Pinaka
▪ Presenter: President of the Commonwealth of
• Indian Army has 4 Pinaka regiments in
Dominica, Sylvanie Burton
service, with 6 more on order
▪ Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
• Pinaka Mk1 has 38km range; extended
has expressed gratitude to Modi for helping
versions under development aim to reach
during difficult times
75km, 120km, and eventually 300km
▪ Modi has accepted this honor and assured that
▪ The 7th bilateral Army exercise 'Shakti' was
India will continue to work with Dominica
held in Meghalaya; next exercise will focus on
and Caribbean nations to address geopolitical
high-altitude warfare
challenges and climate change issues.
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22 www.vetriias.com
 8. TAMILNADU
AFFAIRS
Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs.187 ▪ Under the Chief Minister's leadership, the
Crore at Ports Tamil Nadu AI Mission will be established to
▪ Union Minister for Ports and Shipping provide constructive guidance on opportunities
Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated for using artificial intelligence in education,
infrastructure projects worth Rs.187 crore employment, industry, research, and medical
at Chennai and Ennore Kamarajar ports in fields, and to clearly define the frameworks
Chennai. needed to guide the implementation of this
new technology.
Mudhalvar Padaippagam
▪ According to the report, the main objectives
Purpose
include solving administrative problems
▪ To provide an affordable study environment
through AI, providing AI-based solutions to
for students preparing for competitive exams
project implementation agencies, establishing
▪ To serve as low-cost office space for laws for government data sharing, and
entrepreneurs starting new businesses providing solutions for data security. It
▪ Built under the North Chennai Development has been announced that this mission will
Project by the Tamil Nadu government at a be implemented through the Tamil Nadu
cost of Rs.2.85 crore e-Governance Agency.
▪ Offers "Shared Workspace Services"
M. Selvarasan to receive Semmozhi
▪ Functions as an educational center Tamil Award
Vigilance Awareness Week - 2024 ▪ Tamil scholar M. Selvarasan, formerly with the
▪ With the theme "Culture of Integrity for a Tamil Department of the University of Madras,
Vetrii IAS Study Circle

Prosperous Nation," Vigilance Awareness is set to receive the Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi

Week was observed from October 28 to Semmozhi Tamil Award for 2024 in Chennai
November 3. This initiative focused on The award carries a cheque for `10 lakh, a
promoting transparency and integrity as citation plaque, and a bronze replica of the
foundations for national development. donor — late leader and former Chief Minister
M. Karunanidhi.
Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence
Innuyir Kappom-Nammai Kakkum 48
Mission
scheme
▪ The Tamil Nadu government has approved
▪ The State government will soon increase
the Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Mission
funding under the Innuyir Kappom-Nammai
report and issued an order allocating Rs. 13.93
Kakkum 48 scheme from `1 lakh to `2 lakh.
crore for implementing the mission.
The scheme, which funds the treatment of
24 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

persons injured in road accidents for the first ▪ Government has ordered to provide 25 two-
48 hours, has covered three lakh beneficiaries wheeler emergency medical vehicles worth
so far, Rs.1.60 crores to 10 districts

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▪ After meeting the 3,00,000th beneficiary at ▪ These will function as support vehicles to
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital 108 emergency ambulances and provide
(RGGGH) on Thursday, the Minister said that emergency medical services to hill area
the government had spent `261.46 crore on the residents
scheme that was launched in December 2021. ▪ Services will include prenatal care, safe
Scheme maternity transport, and mother-child health
▪ Hospitals: The scheme covers both government examinations
and private hospitals that are empaneled in the ▪ All vehicles will be fitted with GPS devices for
program. monitoring

▪ Treatment: The scheme covers 81 designated ▪ This program will be integrated into the
treatment packages, with each costing up to `1 existing 1,353 emergency 108 ambulance
lakh. services

▪ Eligibility: The scheme is open to everyone, M. Selvarasan to receive Semmozhi

regardless of income, including those with the Tamil Award
Chief Minister's Medical Insurance Card. ▪ Tamil scholar M. Selvarasan, formerly with the
▪ The scheme was launched in December 2021 Tamil Department of the University of Madras,
to reduce the number of deaths and injuries is set to receive the Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi
caused by road accidents. Let me translate Semmozhi Tamil Award for 2024 in Chennai
the features of the Innuyir Kappom-Nammai The award carries a cheque for Rs.10 lakh, a
citation plaque, and a bronze replica of the
Kakkum 48 scheme into Tamil.
donor — late leader and former Chief Minister
Safe Trekking Program in 40 Locations M. Karunanidhi.
of Tamil Nadu: Forest Department Innuyir Kappom-Nammai Kakkum 48
Implements in 14 Districts
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scheme
▪ Forest Department The initiative covers a total ▪ The State government will soon increase
40 locations across 14 districts and 18 forest funding under the Innuyir Kappom-Nammai
divisions Kakkum 48 scheme from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.2
▪ This program was launched on October 24 lakh. The scheme, which funds the treatment
▪ 300 tribal youth trained as guides (including of persons injured in road accidents for the first
48 hours, has covered three lakh beneficiaries
15 women)
so far,
Medical Services for Hill Village People
▪ After meeting the 3,00,000th beneficiary at
Without Transport Facilities: Tamil Nadu
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital
Government Orders Purchase of 25
(RGGGH) on Thursday, the Minister said that
Two-Wheeler Ambulances for Rs.1.60
the government had spent Rs.261.46 crore on
Crores

24 www.vetriias.com
 TAMILNADU AFFAIRS | 25

the scheme that was launched in December ▪ These will function as support vehicles to
2021. 108 emergency ambulances and provide
Scheme emergency medical services to hill area

Vetrii IAS Study Circle

▪ Hospitals: The scheme covers both government residents
and private hospitals that are empaneled in the ▪ Services will include prenatal care, safe
program. maternity transport, and mother-child health
▪ Treatment: The scheme covers 81 designated examinations
treatment packages, with each costing up to ▪ All vehicles will be fitted with GPS devices for
Rs.1 lakh. monitoring
▪ Eligibility: The scheme is open to everyone, ▪ This program will be integrated into the
regardless of income, including those with the existing 1,353 emergency 108 ambulance
Chief Minister's Medical Insurance Card. services
▪ The scheme was launched in December 2021 NEWS : Archana Patnaik is new Chief
to reduce the number of deaths and injuries Electoral Officer of Tamil nadu
caused by road accidents. Let me translate
▪ She is from Odisha state and was appointed as
the features of the Innuyir Kappom-Nammai
an IAS officer in Tamil Nadu cadre in 2002.
Kakkum 48 scheme into Tamil:
▪ Archana Patnaik is the first woman Chief
Safe Trekking Program in 40 Locations Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu.
of Tamil Nadu: ▪ The position of Chief Electoral Officer was
▪ Forest Department Implements in 14 Districts created in 1948.
▪ Forest Department has introduced safe ▪ Since then, only male IAS officers from North
trekking program in 40 locations across 14 Indian states had been serving as Chief
districts Electoral Officers in tamil nadu cadare
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▪ This program was launched on October 24

Commodore Suresh Takes Charge as
▪ 300 tribal youth trained as guides (including Chief of Tri-Services Ordnance Division
15 women)
▪ Commodore J. Suresh took charge as the
Medical Services for Hill Village People head of the Ministry of Defense's Tri-Services
Without Transport Facilities Ordnance Division headquartered in Chennai.
▪ Tamil Nadu Government Orders Purchase ▪ J. Suresh has experience in efficiently managing
of 25 Two-Wheeler Ambulances for Rs.1.60 key national security responsibilities including
Crores coordinating precise military operations and
▪ Government has ordered to provide 25 two- tri-services cargo handling operations.
wheeler emergency medical vehicles worth
Rs.1.60 crores to 10 districts
www.vetriias.com 25
26 | Current Affairs, November - 2024 Vetrii IAS Study Circle

Raja Raja Cholan Award Announcement Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman

▪ Five people were awarded the Mammannar Awards
Raja Raja Award at the Sathaya festival held at Venue

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Thanjavur Big Temple. ▪ Bharat Mandapam Reader's Lounge, Pragati
Maidan, Delhi
▪ The 1039th Sathaya festival of Emperor Raja
Raja Cholan was held at Thanjavur Big Temple. Awards:

District Collector P. Priyanka Pankajam ▪ Presented to outstanding contributors in the

presided over the Raja Raja Award ceremony. literary field

▪ The Mammannar Raja Raja Award was ▪ Lifetime Achievement Award will also be
presented to: presented

• Professor Ko. Theivanayagam ▪ Distinguished guests from various fields

including: Society, Literature, Arts, Language,
• Dr. C. Gunasekaran
Culture, Writing, Judiciary, Administration.
• Cinematographer Ravivarman
▪ This is a prestigious award presented by The
• Educationalist Punitha Ganesan
New Indian Express Group to recognize and
• Social philanthropist Guru. Subramania
honor significant achievements in the literary
Sharma
world.
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26 www.vetriias.com