TNPSC Current Affairs August 08, 2017

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www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs August 08, 2017 (08/08/2017)

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Topic : General Administration, Public Awareness

Second phase of measles-rubella vaccination drive

Aiming to eliminate measles and curb instances of rubella by 2020, the Centre has rolled out the second phase of its measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the country.

Nearly 3.4 crore children across eight states and union territories — Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu — will be covered in this stage.

Key facts:

While measles is a viral infection that can be fatal, congenital rubella syndrome is responsible for irreversible birth defects.

The Union health ministry’s campaign against the two diseases intends to cover approximately 41 crore children in a phased manner, making it the largest-ever worldwide.

The first phase of the campaign was launched across five states — Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep and Puducherry — in February this year.

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Topic : Public Awareness, General Administration, National

After SC order, focus on chemicals in firecrackers

The Supreme Court ban on the use of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead in the manufacture of firecrackers to prevent air pollution has turned the focus on what chemicals are used to produce spectacular visual effects and noise.

Experts say none of the specific products banned by the court are used.

What’s the issue?

The Supreme Court, in it’s order, had directed that no firecrackers manufactured by the respondents shall contain the chemicals.

The banned chemicals include antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic and lead in any form whatsoever.

The court entrusted the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) with the responsibility of ensuring compliance particularly in Sivakasi.

Over 90% of cracker production is done in Sivakasi.

However, cracker manufacturers in Sivakasi, who denied using the banned chemicals, said the sound and light show is produced by chemicals such as sulphur, aluminium powder and charcoal (used as fuel), besides potassium nitrate and barium nitrate (as oxidising agents).

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Topic : Latest Diary of Events

Japan marks 72 years since Hiroshima atomic bomb

Japan, on August 6^th, marked 72 years since the world’s first nuclear attack on Hiroshima, with the nation’s traditional contradictions over atomic weapons again coming into focus.

Background:

Japan suffered two nuclear attacks at the end of the World War II by the United States — in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and in Nagasaki three days later.

The bombings claimed the lives of 140,000 people in Hiroshima and 74,000 people in Nagasaki.

Some died immediately while others succumbed to injuries or radiation-related illnesses weeks, months and years later.

Japan announced its surrender in World War II on August 15, 1945.

Many in Japan feel the attacks amount to war crimes and atrocities because they targeted civilians and due to the unprecedented destructive nature of the weapons.

But many Americans believe they hastened the end of a bloody conflict, and ultimately saved lives, thus justifying the bombings.

Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima in May last year, paying moving tribute to victims of the devastating bomb.

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Topic : Sports and Medals

Ankur Mittal won gold in Asian Shotgun Championship

Indian shooter Ankur Mittal won the individual as well as the team gold medal in men’s double trap at the 7th Asian Shotgun Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The Indian team of Sangram Dahiya, Mohammad Asab and Mittal jointly won the team event gold medal.

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Topic : Sports and Medals

Joshna and Dipika won bronze at World Doubles Squash Championship

Indian doubles pair of Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik won Bronze medal at the WSF World Doubles Squash Championship.

They have lost against English pair of Jenny Duncalf and Alison Waters in the semifinals.

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