TNPSC Current Affairs July 06, 2018

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs July 06, 2018 (06/07/2018)

Topic : Indian Space Technology, Latest Diary of Events

ISRO conducts pad abort test

ISRO recently conducted the first ‘pad abort’ test critical for a future human space mission. The Pad Abort Test demonstrated the safe recovery of the crew module in case of any exigency at the launch pad.

What is PAT?

PAT (pad abort test) is the first in a series of tests to qualify a crew escape system technology of a manned mission in the future.

What is Crew Escape System?

It is an emergency escape measure to quickly pull the astronaut cabin along with crew out to a safe distance from launch vehicle during a launch abort.

Topic : New Inventions on Science and Health

4 species added to recovery programme by Wildlife Board

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently added four species into the center’s recovery Programme for critically endangered species. This decision will lead to targeted conservation of these species whose population is on the decline.

The species are Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale and Red Panda.

Background:

Terrapins have been exploited for illegal trade across borders, especially for its meat and carapace. Clouded leopard and Red Panda are facing habitat loss and poaching threat for their meat, medicine and pelts.

While the Northern River Terrapin is largely found in West Bengal, the clouded leopard is found in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Assam while the Red Panda is largely found in Sikkim, western Arunachal Pradesh, North Bengal and parts of Meghalaya.

Arabian Sea Humpback Whale is facing threats from accidental entanglement in fishing gears, ship strikes and seismic explorations. Humpback whales migrate towards India’s west coast from Oman and there have been several instances of these gargantuan species getting beached on Maharashtra’s long coastline.

Key facts:

Species already included in the recovery programme:

Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser.

India is a party to the International Whaling commission that is committed to the protection of whales and its habitats in Indian waters.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is a statutory Board constituted in September 2003 under Section 5 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The NBWL is chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

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

Sambal scheme

It is a power bill waiver scheme and subsidised power scheme for labourers and poor families launched by the Madhya Pradesh Government.

Under the scheme, the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided electricity at a cost of 200 rupees per month. The objective of this scheme to make sure that all the households have power facility in the state.

Topic : Latest Geographical Information

Eta Carinae

It is the most luminous and massive stellar system within 10,000 light-years. It is located about 7,500 light-years away in the southern constellation of Carina. It is famous for a 19th century outburst that briefly made it the second-brightest star in the sky.

Why in News?

It is accelerating particles to high energies, some of which may reach the earth as cosmic rays.

Topic : Latest News in India, General Administration, Court Orders

Legalize Gambling

The Law Commission of India has submitted a report to the government recommending “cashless” gambling in sports as a means to increase revenue and deal a blow to unlawful gambling.

Legalize gambling?

Yes?

Since it is impossible to stop illegal gambling, the only viable option left is to “regulate” gambling in sports.

It will increase revenue and deal a blow to unlawful gambling. The money generated can be used for public welfare activities.

No?

A country as poor as India should not allow ‘legalised gambling’. Such a move would leave the poor poorer and only vested interests want legalisation of gambling.

Socio-economic and cultural circumstances of the country are not pragmatic to accept legalised gambling activities as it is still treated as a social stigma.

It may also prompt future generations to take unethical paths.

Law commission recommendations:

The revenue from gambling should be taxable under laws like Income Tax Act, the Goods and Services Tax Act.

Transactions between gamblers and operators should be linked to their Aadhaar and PAN cards so that the government could keep an eye on them.

Foreign Exchange Management and Foreign Direct Investment laws and policies should be amended to encourage investment in the casino/online gaming industry. This would propel tourism and employment.

Topic : Awards and Honours, Persons in News, Latest Diary of Events

Music Academy award for ghatam maestro

The Music Academy conferred the Special Lifetime Achievement Award to ghatam maestro T.H. Vinayakram, fondly known as Vikku Vinayakram.

The award function will be held on October 10. The earlier recipients were dancer Kamala Lakshminarayanan and violinist Lalgudi G. Jayaraman.