TNPSC Current Affairs August 08, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs August 08, 2020 (08/08/2020)

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Topic: International Events

Loya Jirga: Grand Assembly of Afghanistan

Recently, a three-day Loya Jirga–grand assembly has been called in Afghanistan to decide on freeing about 400 Taliban fighters convicted for serious crimes including murder and abductions.

Loya Jirga:

It is a mass national gathering that brings together representatives from the various ethnic, religious, and tribal communities in Afghanistan.

It is a highly respected centuries-old consultative body that has been convened at times of national crisis or to settle national issues.

According to the Afghan Constitution, a Loya Jirga is considered the highest expression of the Afghan people. It is not an official decision-making body and its decisions are not legally binding.

However, the Loya Jirga’s decision is seen as final, with the president and parliament expected to respect the ruling.

Need for Convening Loya Jirga:

The Loya Jirga has been convened after the Afghanistan President refused to release the Taliban prisoners. This threatened the derailment of intra-Afghan talks, tentatively scheduled for 10th August 2020 in Doha.

The Taliban has also threatened of more bloodshed if the prisoners are not released.

The USA believes that the talks between the Afghanistan government and Taliban will lead to reduction of violence and direct talks, resulting in a peace agreement and an end to the war in Afghanistan.

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Topic: Historical Diary of Events

Pingali Venkayya Birth Anniversary- 2nd August

He was born on August 2, 1876, in Andhra Pradesh. He is also known as ‘Jhanda Venkaiah’.

Who was Pingali Venkayya?

Pingali Venkayya was a freedom fighter and the designer of the Indian National Tricolour. The national flag that we see today was based upon his design.

The evolution of Indian National Flag:

Between 1918 and 1921, Venkayya raised the issue of having an own flag in every session of the Congress. Back then, he was working as a lecturer in the Andhra National College in Machilipatnam.

He met the Mahatma once again in Vijayawada and showed him his publication with the various designs of the flag. Acknowledging the need for a national flag, Gandhi then asked Venkayya to design a fresh one at the national congress meeting in 1921.

Initially, Venkayya came up with saffron and green colours, but it later evolved with a spinning wheel at the centre and a third colour-white. (LALA HANS RAJ SONDHI SUGGESTED ADDING A SPINNING WHEEL — SHOWING THE INDEPENDENT INDIANS WHO CAN SPIN THEIR OWN CLOTHING FROM LOCAL FIBRES.)

The flag was officially adopted by the Indian National Congress in 1931.

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Topic: Places in News, Latest Diary of Events

Landslide near Eravikulam National Park

Recently, landslides have been reported at the Nayamakkad tea estate at Pettimudy which is located about 30 km from Munnar, adjacent to the Eravikulam National Park (ENP), Kerala.

Key Facts:

Eravikulam National Park (ENP) is located in the High Ranges (Kannan Devan Hills) of the Southern Western Ghats in the Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District, Kerala.

It spreads over an area of 97 square km and hosts South India’s highest peak, Anamudi (2695 m), in its southern area.

 

Topic: Public Awareness and General Administration

First Kisan Rail

The Indian Railways has introduced the first “Kisan Rail” from Devlali (Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar).

The Centre had announced plans of starting special parcel trains called ‘Kisan Rail’ in the Budget 2020-21.

Key Facts:

Kisan Rails are the first ever multi commodity trains. Earlier, Indian Railways had run single commodity special trains like Banana Specials etc.

These trains with refrigerated coaches will help in bringing perishable agricultural products like vegetables, fruits to the market in a short period of time.

These will ensure that agro products reach from one corner to another corner of the country.

These trains are a step towards realising the goal of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022.

These are expected to be a great help to the farmers, as freight of these trains will be charged as per parcel tariff of normal trains.

The Devlai-Danapur train (a weekly service) is expected to reduce transportation costs by Rs. 1000 per tonne compared with roadways and reduce travel time by around 15 hours.

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Topic: Public Awarenessa and General Administration

Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra

Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra was inaugurated recently. It is an interactive experience centre on the Swachh Bharat Mission.

What is it?

A tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra (RSK) was first announced by the Prime Minister on 10th April 2017, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Gandhiji’s Champaran Satyagraha.

The installations at RSK will include audio visual immersive shows, interactive LED panels, hologram boxes, interactive games etc.

Roles and functions of RSK:

It will introduce future generations to its successful journey as the world’s largest behaviour change campaign.

It will showcase the core elements of the mission and anecdotes on the journey of the country from Satyagraha to Swachchagrah.

It will impart information, awareness and education on Swachhata (sanitation) and related aspects.

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Topic: Latest Diary of Events

Kavkaz 2020

It is the Russian strategic command-post exercise.

Why in News?

India will take part in the Russian Kavkaz 2020 strategic command-post exercise next month.

The invitees for the exercise also include China and Pakistan apart from other member-states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).