TNPSC Current Affairs March 13, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs March 13, 2020 (13/03/2020)

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Topic: Current Socio-Economic Issues, Profile of States

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Suspected cases of avian influenza (bird flu) are being reported from various parts of Kerala. So, the Kerala government has decided to pay compensation to the owners of the hens which were culled as part of the government’s precautionary measures following the outbreak of bird flu.

About Avian influenza (bird flu):

It is a viral infection that can infect not only birds, but also humans and other animals. Most forms of the virus are restricted to birds. It is a highly contagious viral disease affecting several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), as well as pet birds and wild birds.

Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza.

Influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA).

What causes bird flu?

Although there are several types of bird flu, H5N1 was the first avian influenza virus to infect humans. The first infection occurred in Hong Kong in 1997. The outbreak was linked to handling infected poultry.

H5N1 occurs naturally in wild waterfowl, but it can spread easily to domestic poultry. The disease is transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird feces, nasal secretions, or secretions from the mouth or eyes.

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Topic: Environment and Ecology, Latest Diary of Events

Only one white giraffe left in the world

Poachers have killed two extremely rare white giraffes in northeast Kenya, leaving just one such animal in the world.

Key facts: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had classified giraffes as vulnerable in the Red List in December 2016. They are listed under Appendix II of the CITES.

Why is the white colour?

The white appearance of the giraffe is due to leucism, a genetic condition that causes skin cells to have no pigmentation. Leucism is different from albinism where no melanin is produced at all.

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Topic: Latest Diary of Events

India becomes first country to suspend visas of all foreign nationals

The Indian government has suspended visas for foreign nationals from all across the globe owing to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The decision will come into effect from March 13, 2020.

India is the first among more than 120 countries affected by this outbreak to take such a drastic step. The visa-free travel facility granted to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders has also been kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020.

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Topic: Discovery of Species, Profile of States

Oculudentavis khaungraae

It is the smallest dinosaur discovered yet. The scientists found the fossilised skull of a dinosaur — the size of a modern hummingbird — trapped in a 99-million-year-old amber in northern Myanmar. The fossil represented the smallest dinosaur from the Mesozoic era — about 250 million to 65 million years ago.

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Topic: Latest Reports and Events

National Family Health Survey

As per the recent report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – 4 conducted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2015-16, 9% women (15-49 years of age) are underweight (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2). The top States having highest percentage of malnutrition among women are Jharkhand (31.5%) and Bihar (30.4%).

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Topic: Profile of States, Latest Diary of Events

Nana Shankarseth

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Mumbai Central Station to Nana Shankarseth. It is the Central Railways operating under Ministry of Railways that has the final say in the name change.

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Topic: Sports

Olympic flame 2020

The Olympic flame for the 2020 Tokyo Games was lit in ancient Olympia in Greece. Greek Olympic shooting champion Anna Korakaki was the initial torch-bearer, the first time a woman has been chosen for the role.

This will be the second time that Japan and specifically Tokyo has hosted the Summer Olympic Games. The first was in 1964.

It is making Tokyo the first city in Asia to host the summer Games twice. Overall, these will be the fourth Olympic Games to be held in Japan, which also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972 (Sapporo) and 1998 (Nagano).

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Topic: Latest Diary of Events

World Kidney Day 2020 – March 12

On every second Thursday in the month of March, the World Kidney Day is celebrated. This year’s theme is “Kidney health for everyone everywhere – from prevention to detection and equitable access to care”.

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Topic: Latest Reports and Events

Animal Protection Index: India ranks second

Global Animal Protection Index 2020 was released by World Animal Protection, an international animal welfare charity. India was ranked second in the index.

Key facts:

The Animal Protection Index ranks countries from A to G. India was ranked along with Spain, Mexico, France and New Zealand. In other words, these countries were ranked equally to India. According to the index, they were best performing countries. There are strong laws to protect animals in these countries. However, the laws are not as strict to protect dairy animals.