TNPSC Current Affairs January 15, 2018

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs January 15, 2018 (15/01/2018)

 

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Topic : Latest Geographical Events

Havre

It is the world’s largest deep ocean volcanic eruption happened in New Zealand. It was recently confirmed by the researchers.

About Havre:

Named as Havre, the deep ocean volcanic eruption was first discovered in 2002.

A solidified volcanic rock known as pumice raft — 400 square kilometres in size — found floating in the ocean near New Zealand in 2012 showed that underwater eruption had occurred. The eruption involved 14 aligned vents causing a “massive rupture”.

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Topic : World Organizations, Latest Reports and Summits

World Economic Forum manufacturing index

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its Global Manufacturing Index. This is WEF’s first ‘Readiness for the future of production report’.

The report has categorised 100 countries in four major groups for its ranking:

Leading (strong current base, high level of readiness for future).

High Potential (limited current base, high potential for future).

Legacy (strong current base, at risk for future).

Nascent (limited current base, low level of readiness for future).

Performance of various countries:

Japan has topped the list. Japan is followed by South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, China, Czech Republic, the US, Sweden, Austria and Ireland in the top 10.

Among BRICS nations, Russia is ranked 35th, Brazil 41st and South Africa at 45th place.

China figures among the WEF`s “leading countries”. “Legacy” group includes Hungary, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Thailand and Turkey, among others, and Brazil as well as South Africa are among the “nascent” ones.

Performance of India:

India is at the 30th position, five places below China, but higher than the other BRICS members Brazil, Russia and South Africa. India has been placed in the “Legacy” group.

In terms of scale of production, India has been ranked 9th, while for complexity it is at 48th place.

For market size, India is ranked 3rd, while areas where the country is ranked poorly (90th or even lower) include female participation in labour force, trade tariffs, regulatory efficiency and sustainable resources.

Overall, India is ranked better than its neighbours Sri Lanka (66th), Pakistan (74th) and Bangladesh (80th). Other countries ranked below India include Turkey, Canada, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Mauritius and the UAE.

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

The 25 Year Environment Plan

UK has launched its long-awaited 25 Year Environment Plan. The Plan sets out comprehensive and long-term approach to protecting and enhancing the environment in England for the next generation.

The Plan is far-reaching, touching on topics ranging from plastics recycling, biodiversity and habitats to climate change and air pollution.

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Topic : Latest Inventions on Science and Health, Latest Diary of Events

Zygaenid

It is a newly discovered species of moth. This discovery represents the first record of Elcysma from Arunachal Pradesh. Researchers have suggested that the new species be commonly called Apatani Glory, named after a local tribe called Apatani.

From where?

The species was discovered from the Talle Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.

Key facts:

This species has only been seen during autumn, notably in the month of September, indicating that it is a univoltine species, meaning it has one brood of young in a year.

 

Topic : Latest Diary of Events, General Administration

Country’s First Agri-commodity Options Contracts in Guar Seed

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley recently launched the country’s First Agri-commodity Options Contracts in Guar Seed.

NCDEX Agri-Options in Guar Seed aim to provide farmers better engagement in the commodity markets.​

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Topic : Latest Diary of Events, Geographical Landmarks

Astronomers detect water in Saturn sized exoplanet s atmosphere

Astronomers have detected a large amount of water in the atmosphere of a Saturn-size exoplanet 700 light-years away.

The planet, known as WASP-39b, is located in the Virgo constellation and has three times as much water as Saturn.

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Topic : Latest Diary of Events

Journalist Gnani passes away

Journalist, playwright and literary critic Gnani died in Chennai.

About Gnani Sankaran:

Vembusamy Sankaran known popularly as Gnani, was an Indian journalist and writer in Tamil language.

He wrote articles under the pseudonyms Vamban, Cynic and Nandan, and is known for frank and uncompromising views on politics and culture, which he has expressed in the media for 30 years.