TNPSC Current Affairs March 19, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs March 19, 2020 (19/03/2020)

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Topic: New Appointments, Persons in News

Iraq’s new Prime Minister

Iraqi President Barham Salih appointed veteran politician Adnan al-Zurfi as prime minister. Al-Zurfi has 30 days to form his cabinet which he must then put to a vote of confidence in Iraq’s Parliament.

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Topic – Public Awareness and General Administration

People’s Curfew

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on combating Corona Virus. The PM introduced People’s Curfew during his speech. He also said that Economic Task Force is to be implemented under the Finance Minister.

Key features:

PM Modi introduces “Hum Swasth, toh Jag Swasth” mantra to fight COVID-19. This means “The World is Healthy when we stay Healthy”. He also suggests “Social Distancing” to prevent the infection. While several developed countries have taken swift actions to contain the virus, India with a population of 130 crore shall fight the virus only through social distancing and self-quarantine.

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Topic: India’s Foreign Relations

India and Israel sign Rs 880 crore Defence Deal

The Indian Armed Forces operating under Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the Israel Weapons Industry. According to the agreement, India is to procure 16, 479 LMG (Light Machine Guns) for Rs 880 crores.

Light Machine Gun:

The Light Machine Guns are used as squad automatic weapons. The LMG were first used in Second World War.

The name of the LMGs India is buying from Israel is called Negev. Negev is gas operated LMG. The weapon is important as it will boost the confidence of the frontline troops. It will provide them the combat power they need.

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Topic: Latest Diary of Events

International Energy Agency: India the third largest producer of Electricity

The Ministry of Power quoted International Energy Agency ranking in the Parliament. According to the ranking, India is the third largest producer of electricity in the world. Also, it is ranked 106th in terms of per capital consumption.

Key facts:

India has now become power surplus from power deficit. Therefore, it is currently focusing on supply of quality power to consumers. As of December 2019, the National Electric Grid had an installed capacity of 368.79 GW.

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Topic: New Appointments

Former Chief Justice of India takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP

The former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi took oath as the Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha.

Key facts:

The President Shri Ram Nath Kovind nominated Shri Ranjan Gogoi the former Chief Justice of India to fill in the vacancy of the retiring member KTS Tulsi under Article 80.

Ranjan Gogoi:

The Former CJI has pronounced famous judgements of the supreme court during his tenure. It includes entry of women in Kerala Sabarimala temple case, Rafale Jets, Assam’s NRC (National Register of Citizens), etc.

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Topic: Current socio-economic issues

India in Phase 2 of Corona Virus Pandemic; No Community Transmissions in India

The Indian Council of Medical Research announced that India is in Phase 2 of spread of COVID-19 and that community transmissions have not begun in India.

What are the phases of COVID-19 Transmission?

There are four stages of COVID-19 transmission according to the World Health Organization. They are as follows

Phase 1: Travelers

It is first reported among the travelers entering the country. At this stage, the virus is to be controlled by thermal screening and quarantine. In order to contain this, India has suspended visas, imposed travel bans, suspended facilities such as visa free travel to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card-holders.

Phase 2: Local

At this stage the virus spreads from the travelers to the local people through direct contact.

Phase 3: Community Transmission

At this stage, the virus spreads among the people with no history of travel or with no direct contact with infected persons. India is containing Community Transmission of the virus by emphasizing social distancing, discouraging public gathering, etc. The countries where community transmission has begun includes Italy, China and South Korea.

Phase 4: Epidemic

Epidemic is a condition where the spread of the disease if more than the expected spread of disease.

ICMR to test for Community Transmission:

Though, India is in Phase 2 of the COVID-19 transmission, the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) is to test for community transmission. This is to be done by randomly testing volunteers. Also, so far 1020 patients reporting influenza and pneumonia were tested for COVID-19 by the ICMR. The samples have tested negative.