TNPSC Current Affairs March 14, 2018

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs March 14, 2018 (14/03/2018)

 

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Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology

Carbonaceous chondrites

A study of two meteorites which fell in Assam and Rajasthan over a span of 13 hours in 2017, by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has concluded that they may contain “significant clues to the origins of life.

Key facts:

Two meteorites fell in 2017, one on June 6 in Assam one in Mukundpura village in Rajasthan.

After studies, experts have found that the Mukundpura meteorite is a carbonaceous meteorite, one of the most primitive types.

The meteorite belongs to a very rare and primitive group of meteorites called CM group of carbonaceous chondrites.

The meteorite that fell in Natun Balijan in the flood plains of Lohit River, has been classified as an “ordinary chondrite”.

Significance of this discovery:

Meteorites mostly originate from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Carbonaceous meteorite may contain clues to the formation of early life. This is a rare type, since carbonaceous meteorites constitute only 3%-5% of all meteorite falls.

About carbonaceous chondrites:

Carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, unlike other meteorites, contain very primitive traces of carbon. And carbon forms the backbone of all life on earth.

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Topic : Indian Navy, Defense and Anti-Terrorism Activities, Latest Diary of Events

C-17 Globemaster

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) largest transport aircraft – C-17 Globemaster – has made a historic landing at Arunachal Pradesh’s Tuting Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) near the Chinese border.

The landing of the aircraft is seen as part of the IAF’s move to strengthen its overall operations in the strategically important border state.

What is C-17 Globemaster?

It is a US-manufactured aircraft named after two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II.

It is commonly used to perform strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world; additional roles include medical evacuation and airdrop duties.

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Topic : India and its Neighbourhood Countries, Latest Diary of Events

Bidya Devi Bhandari, Nepal’s 1st female president, wins second term

Nepal’s lawmakers have elected President Bidya Bhandari for a second term.

Key facts:

In 2015, she was elected as the first female head of the state.

An electoral college, including members of parliament and provincial assemblies, will vote in the Presidential election.

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Topic : Latest Diary of Events

Kambar Day – March 24

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to observe March 24 every year as Kambar Day.

About Kambar:

Kambar was a medieval Tamil poet and the author of the Ramavataram, popularly known as Kambaramayanam, the Tamil version of the epic Ramayana.

Kambar also authored other literary works in Tamil, such as ‘Thirukkai Vazakkam’, Erezhupathu, Silaiezhupathu, Kangai Puranam, Sadagopar Anthathi, and Saraswati Anthathi.

Key facts:

As the date of birth of the poet was not available, it has been decided to honour him on March 24, when his disciple and Tamil scholar ‘Kamban Adipodi’ Sa Ganesan commenced the Kamban vizha and launched Kamban movement on March 24, 1939.

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Topic : New Appointments, Persons in News, Latest Diary of Events

Gina Haspel to become CIA’s first woman chief

Gina Haspel could be the first woman director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), America’s external spy agency, founded in 1947.

Currently the Deputy Director of the CIA, she has been nominated by President Donald Trump for the post. The appointment requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

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Topic : Latest Diary of Events, Profile of States

India’s largest wind turbine generator in Tamil Nadu

The Suzlon Group has installed India’s largest wind turbine generator ever, manufactured in India with rotor diameter of 128 metres.

Key facts:

The S128 wind turbine generator is available in 2.6-MW to 2.8-MW variants and offers hub heights up to 140 metres.

This also has the largest ever single rotor blades, measuring 63 metres, installed in the country.

This will enable the company to offer reduced levelised cost of energy (LCoE) and unlock unviable sites.

The first prototype of S128 has been commissioned at the Sanganeri site in Tamil Nadu.

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Topic : Eminent Persons in News, Latest Diary of Events

Stephen Hawking: Visionary physicist dies aged 76 – March 14, 2018

World renowned physicist Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76.

About Stephen William Hawking:

Stephen William Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge.

His scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation.

Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics