TNPSC Current Affairs August 01, 2019

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs August 01, 2019 (01/08/2019)

Topic: General Administration, Latest Diary of Events

PRAGATI

The Prime Minister recently chaired his thirtieth interaction through PRAGATI – the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

About PRAGATI:

PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) is a unique integrating and interactive platform.

The platform is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments.

Topic: General Administration, Latest Diary of Events

Cabinet approves increasing strength of Supreme Court judges

Cabinet approves increasing strength of Supreme Court judges from 31 to 34. At present, the sanctioned strength of the apex court is 31.

Need:

59,331 cases are pending in the top court. Due to paucity of judges, the required number of Constitution Benches to decide important cases involving questions of law are not being formed.

Therefore, increase in strength is needed so that the SC can function more efficiently and effectively as it will go a long way to attain the ultimate goal of rendering timely justice to the litigant public.

Who appoints judges to the SC?

In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the appointments are made by the President of India.

The names are recommended by the Collegium.

Topic: International Relations, Defence, National Security and Terrorism

R-27 Air to Air Russian Missiles

India has signed a deal to acquire R-27 air-to-air missiles from Russia. They will equip Su-30MKI combat aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force and boost its capabilities in beyond visual range warfare.

They are acquired under 10- I project which mandates all the 3-armed forces to maintain War Wastage Reserve (WWR). WWR implies maintaining critical weapon systems and spares for a specified minimum period.

Topic: General Administration, Public Awareness, Latest Diary of Events

The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019

The Parliament has passed Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019. It amends the Companies Act, 2013.

It is aimed at:

Tightening Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) compliance

Ensuring stricter action for non-compliance of the company law regulations

Ensure greater accountability and better enforcement of the corporate governance norms.

Topic: World Organizations, Latest Reports and Events

Water Stress Index 2019

According to the Water Stress Index 2019, India is the 46th highest risk country in the world. It measured the water consumption rates of households, industries and farm sectors and the available resources in rivers, lakes and streams and plotted the index with projected population growth trends to rank the cities facing the biggest threat to their water resources.

Chennai is the “tip of the iceberg” for India’s water-stressed cities.

Key facts:

11 out of India’s 20 largest cities face an ‘extreme risk’ of water stress and 7 are in the ‘high risk’ category. Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Nashik, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Indore are among the cities facing ‘extreme risk’.

Bengaluru may experience 5% hike in consecutive drought by 2060, relative to the period from 1981-2005.

Topic: New Inventions on Science and Technology, Latest Diary of Events

Researchers from China & US developed a new computer model that predict India’s pollution levels

The team of researchers from China and the United States developed a new computer model that can help accurately predict air pollution levels in the region a season in advance. The data from El Niño and Antarctic Oscillation events can be used to predict air pollution levels in northern India.

It will allow the government to forecast aerosol pollution conditions in winter and formulate plans for pollution control.

Topic: Profile of States, General Administration, Welfare Oriented Govt., Schemes and their Utilities

Tamilnadu to get Rs 6.22 crore under Silk Samagra for the development of silk industry

Tamil Nadu will receive about Rs 6.22 crore under the Silk Samagra for the development of the silk industry. The state has been ranked among the leading silk-producing States in India.

Silk Samagra is an Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry (ISDSI) implemented by the Union government through the Central Silk Board (CSB) at an outlay of Rs 2,161.68 crore for 3 years from 2017-18.

Key facts:

Upto March 31, 2019, Tamil Nadu produced 2,072 metric tons of raw silk.

The leading marketing federations of Tamil Nadu- TANSILK, Kancheepuram, and the Government Anna Silk Exchange, Kancheepuram have met the sales target assigned to them during 2018- 19.

Silk Samagra scheme has 4 major components – research & development, training, transfer of technology and Information Technology initiatives, seed organisations, coordination and market development and quality certification systems export brand promotion and technology upgradation.