TNPSC Current Affairs January 02, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs January 02, 2020 (02/01/2020)

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Topic: Latest Historical diary of Events

Guru Gobind Singh

The birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh was celebrated on January 2nd this year.

About Guru Gobind Singh:

He was the 10th Sikh guru. He was born at Patna, Bihar, India, on December 22, 1666.

His birthday sometimes falls either in December or January or even both months in the Gregorian calendar. The annual celebration of the Guru’s birthday is based on the Nanakshahi calendar.

He became the Sikh guru at the age of nine, following the demise of father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru.

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Topic: India and its Neighbouring countries, Foreign Relations

Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities

Both India and Pakistan have exchanged their list of nuclear installations.

The exchange was in accordance with the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between Pakistan and India.

Background:

The exchange is done each year on January 1, under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, also referred to as the Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement.

About the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations:

The agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991, provides that the two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every calendar year.

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Topic: Awareness in Space, New Inventions on Science and Health

Gaganyaan mission

The ISRO Chairman announced in a press briefing that four astronauts have been selected for the country’s first manned mission to space, called Gaganyaan.

Indian Human Space Flight Programme:

ISRO aims to launch its maiden Human Space Mission, Gaganyaan before the 75th anniversary of India’s independence in 2022.

Objectives of the Mission:

Enhancement of science and technology levels in the country

A national project involving several institutes, academia and industry

Improvement of industrial growth

Inspiring youth

Development of technology for social benefits

Improving international collaboration

Challenges for astronauts:

The astronauts will have to adapt to the change in gravitational field. The change in gravity affects hand-eye and head-eye coordination. Bones may lose minerals adding to the risk of osteoporosis related fractures.

Lack of exercise and improper diet make them lose muscle strength and cause develop vision problems.

Once they are in space, astronauts will receive over 10 times more radiation than what people are subjected to on earth. It can cause cancer, nervous system damage and trigger nausea, vomiting, and anorexia and fatigue. Without pressure, human blood heats up.

Despite the training, behavioural issues may crop up due to isolation leading to depression, fatigue, sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders.

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Topic: International Events, Places in News

Senna Spectabilis

It is a deciduous tree native to tropical areas of America. It grows up to 15 to 20 metres in a short period of time and distributes thousands of seeds after flowering. It is an invasive species.

Concerns: The thick foliage of the tree arrests the growth of other indigenous tree and grass species. Thus, it causes food shortage for the wildlife population, especially herbivores. It also adversely affect the germination and growth of the native species.

Why in News? The Kerala Government is planning to arrest the rampant growth of Senna spectabilis, in the forest areas of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), including the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Topic: Profile of States, Public Awareness and General Administration

Andhra Pradesh Government plans to deliver sand at door steps

The Andhra Pradesh Government announced that it will deliver sand at customers’ door steps. As a pilot project, the government is to begin the initiative on experimental basis.

Key facts:

Under the new initiative, the government will collect transportation charges from the customers and deliver sand at door steps. In order to make the initiative successful, the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation will stock 15 lakh tons of sand per month for the next four months.

At present, the demand for sand in the state is 80,000 tonnes a day. The step will help address issues of sand scarcity and sand mafia.