TNPSC Group I Main Exam 2021 Current Affairs

Central Government Schemes and Initiatives

The government of India launched several significant schemes in the period leading to 2021 that were crucial for TNPSC aspirants. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India) announced in May 2020 was a landmark economic package of 20 lakh crore aimed at supporting various sectors during the pandemic. The campaign focused on five key pillars: economy, infrastructure, systems, vibrant demography, and demand.

The National Education Policy 2020 brought transformative changes to India's education system. It emphasized on multidisciplinary education, flexibility, learning in mother tongue, and increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035. The policy replaced the 34-year-old National Education Policy of 1986.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes were introduced across 13 sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automobiles, and speciality steel to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce imports. These schemes offered incentives for incremental sales from domestic production.

Constitutional and Legal Developments

The implementation of the 107th Constitutional Amendment Act granted reservation to economically weaker sections (EWS) in government jobs and educational institutions. The amendment provided a 10% quota for EWS, raising the total reservation to 59.5% in central jobs and institutions.

The Supreme Court delivered several landmark judgments during this period. In the Shreya Singhal v. Union of India case, the court declared Section 66A of the Information Technology Act as unconstitutional, stating it violated freedom of speech. The Sabarimala judgment regarding the entry of women of menstruating age into the temple created significant legal discourse about religious practices versus constitutional rights.

The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act 2019 introduced significant changes to India's arbitration landscape, aiming to resolve disputes more efficiently. The amendment established the Arbitration Council of India and mandated that arbitrations be completed within 12 months.

Economic Developments

The Indian economy faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. GDP contracted by 7.7% in 2020-21, the lowest since independence. However, the economy staged a strong recovery with GDP growing by 20.1% in the first quarter of 2021-22.

The Farm Laws 2020including the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers' Empowerment and Protection Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Acttriggered nationwide protests. These laws aimed at deregulating agricultural markets but were met with resistance from farmers' unions.

India's foreign exchange reserves crossed the $600 billion mark in June 2021, providing a buffer against global economic uncertainties. The Reserve Bank of India maintained an accommodative monetary policy stance to support economic recovery.

Tamil Nadu Specific Current Affairs

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections held in April 2021 resulted in a decisive victory for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. M.K. Stalin became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, ending the AIADMK's ten-year rule. The party secured 159 out of 234 seats in the assembly.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy 2021 focused on achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The policy emphasized the creation of employment opportunities, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the state's competitiveness in key sectors including electronics, automobiles, and textiles.

Tamil Nadu launched the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme) providing a monthly assistance of 1,000 to women heads of households. This scheme aimed at women's economic empowerment and reached approximately 1.5 crore beneficiaries in the state.

The state government introduced the Ilam Thedi Kalvi (Education at Doorstep) scheme to address learning gaps caused by school closures during the pandemic. The program engaged volunteers to provide educational support to students in their neighborhoods.

Environmental Issues

The Commission for Air Quality Management was established in 2020 to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. The body was given powers to issue directions and enforce penalties for violations of air quality standards.

The Supreme Court imposed a fine of 10 crore on the Andhra Pradesh government for constructing a road through the Kolleru Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, without environmental clearance. This decision reinforced judicial oversight on environmental protection.

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) continued its implementation across 132 non-attainment cities. The program aimed to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024, with the long-term goal of reducing pollution levels to meet national air quality standards.

International Affairs

The India-China border tensions in Eastern Ladakh peaked with clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides. Multiple rounds of military and diplomatic engagements followed, with both sides working to disengage and maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control.

India actively participated in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) along with the United States, Japan, and Australia. The virtual Quad summit in March 2021 focused on ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow in November 2021 saw India announcing ambitious climate commitments, including the target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. India also joined the High Ambition Coalition to keep within reach the 1.5C temperature goal.

India provided vaccine diplomacy through the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, supplying Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries. This initiative strengthened India's position as a global pharmacy and enhanced diplomatic ties with partner nations.

Scientific and Technological Developments

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved several milestones during this period. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C51) successfully launched Brazil's Amazonia-1 satellite and 18 co-passenger satellites in February 2021. ISRO also initiated preparations for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program.

The National Digital Health Mission (now renamed Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission) was launched to create a digital health infrastructure for the country. The mission aimed to provide a unique health ID to every citizen that would contain their health records.

The Union Budget 2021 announced the allocation of 1,500 crore for research in quantum technologies over the next five years. This included the establishment of a National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications to develop quantum computing, communication, and material science.

Global Health Crisis

The COVID-19 vaccination drive in India began on January 16, 2021, with healthcare workers and frontline workers being the first recipients. The vaccine rollout, using Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca) and Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), was later extended to various age groups in phases.

India faced aCOVID-19in April-May 2021, leading to a healthcare crisis. The country witnessed shortage of medical oxygen, hospital beds, and medicines. The situation prompted international assistance with several countries sending medical supplies.

The World Health Organization in March 2021 declared the SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (first identified in the UK), B.1.351 (first identified in South Africa), and P.1 (first identified in Brazil) as "Variants of Concern," indicating their potential impact on transmissibility, severity, or vaccine effectiveness.

Awards and Recognitions

The Padma Awards 2021 recognized contributions in various fields. Notable recipients included singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (posthumously) and spiritual leader Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati (posthumously) for Padma Vibhushan; cricketing legend M.S. Dhoni and music composer A.R. Rahman for Padma Bhushan.

The Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2019 were announced in February 2021, with "Asuran" winning the Best Film award. Dhanush received the Best Actor award for his performance in the same film, while Aishwarya Rajesh won the Best Actress award for "Ka Pae Ranasingam."

The Nobel Prize 2021 winners included notable figures like Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for Peace for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, and David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch.