TNPSC Current Affairs July 28, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs July 28, 2020 (28/07/2020)

Download as PDF

Topic: Latest Diary of Events

Blue poppy

Scientific name: Meconopis acculette. It is considered the Queen of Himalayan Flowers.

Found from Kumaon to Kashmir at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 meters.

Why in News?

A recent study indicated that it is slowly depleting at lower altitudes and rocky moraines.

Not only the Blue Poppy but several other flowering plants, found at very high altitudes, are facing the “climb higher or die” situation due to climate change.

_

Topic: Public Awareness and General Administration

‘Dare to Dream 2.0’ contest

It is an open challenge to promote the innovators and startups of the country. The winners will be decided after due evaluation by an expert committee.

Award money, up to Rs 10 lakh for startup and Rs five lakh to individual category, will be given to the winners.

Launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). On the 5th death anniversary of former President and noted scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

_

Topic: International Events

INDIA-UK Free Trade Agreement

Recently, India and the United Kingdom (UK) affirmed their shared commitment towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the 14th virtual Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held around September, 2020 in New Delhi to carry forward the dialogue.

Key Facts:

The meeting was held by India and UK to revive and revitalise the long standing trade and economic linkages between them.

They agreed to an early harvest scheme or a limited trade agreement to lower tariffs on a small set of goods apart from easing rules for select services.

They also resolved to cooperate in the health sector especially in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously, India and the UK were involved in discussing a preferential trading arrangement under the proposed India-European Union FTA.

In FTA, two trading partners eliminate or significantly reduce import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them.

_

Topic: Welfare Oriented Schemes and their Utilities

Scheme for promotion of Bulk Drug Parks

Launched by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in line with the vision and clarion call for making India Atma Nirbhar in the pharma sector.

Scheme for promotion of Bulk Drug Parks:

The scheme envisages creation of 3 bulk drug parks in the country.

The grant-in-aid will be 90% of the project cost in case of North-East and hilly States and 70% in case of other States.

Funding: Maximum grant-in-aid for one bulk drug park is limited to Rs.1000 crore.

Need of the Scheme:

Despite being 3rd largest in the world by volume the Indian pharmaceutical industry is significantly dependent on import of basic raw materials, viz., Bulk Drugs that are used to produce medicines. In some specific bulk drugs the import dependence is 80 to 100%.

The scheme is expected to reduce manufacturing cost of bulk drugs in the country and dependency on other countries for bulk drugs.

The scheme will also help in providing continuous supply of drugs and ensure delivery of affordable healthcare to the citizens.

_

Topic: Latest inventions in Science and Technology

Spyware and Stalkerware

There was a 51 per cent increase in the use of spyware and stalkerware during the lockdown period from March to June.

What are spy and stalkerware apps?

Spy and stalkerware apps, like viruses and other malware, infect devices that are connected to the internet.

While viruses and malware can be detected by anti-virus software, spyware and stalkerware apps disguise themselves as useful and send out stolen data to central servers without the knowledge of the users.

How are they installed?

A spyware app can be installed remotely. A stalkerware app can be installed only when someone has physical access to the digitally connected device.

What do they do?

A spyware app accesses the data usage pattern of the device, gains access to photos and videos as well as other personal information of the user, and then passes it off to a central server.

A stalkerware app works in a manner similar to spyware apps. It also gives out the location of the device to a master device which controls the stalkerware app.

Most stalkerware apps work in stealth mode with no trace of the app having ever been installed. Once installed, such apps can allow the master device to control, intercept, and even change your emails, text messages and your communication on social media platforms.

Why has the usage of such apps increased during lockdown?

Increased usage of internet by everyone due to various lockdown measures in place. This provides enough opportunities for cyber criminals.