TNPSC Current Affairs October 12, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs October 12, 2020 (12/10/2020)

Topic: Political Systems in India

The Right To Information Act, 2005

October 12 marks 15 years since the implementation of the Right to Information Act.

Key facts:

More than 2.2 lakh cases are pending at the Central and State Information Commissions, which are the final courts of appeal under the law.

The increasing backlog is exacerbated by the fact that most commissions are functioning at a reduced capacity, including the Central Information Commission (CIC), which has been headless since August.

Maharashtra had the highest number of pending appeals, with over 59,000 cases, followed by Uttar Pradesh (47,923) and the CIC (35,653).

About the RTI Act, 2005:

It sets out the rules and procedures regarding citizens’ right to information. It replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, 2002.

This act was enacted in order to consolidate the fundamental right in the Indian constitution ‘freedom of speech’. Since RTI is implicit in the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, it is an implied fundamental right.

Topic: New inventions on Science and Technology

‘Feluda’ test for Covid-19

Feluda is the acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay. It is an accurate and low-cost paper-based test strip to detect Covid-19 in less than 30 minutes.

It has been approved for commercial launch by the Drugs Controller General of India. Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Tata Group.

How it works?

It uses indigenously developed CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify and target the genetic material of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Significance:

According to CSIR, the test matches accuracy levels of RT-PCR tests. It has a quicker turnaround time and requires less expensive equipment. ‘Feluda’ is also the world’s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus.

Topic: Awards and Honors, Places in News

Eight Beaches in India awarded Blue Flag Certification

The eight beaches in India have been given the Blue Flag Certification.

‘Blue Flag’ beaches:

Kasarkod beach near Honnavar in Uttara Kannada.

Padubidri beach near Udupi.

Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat).

Ghoghla (Diu).

Kappad (Kerala).

Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh).

Golden (Puri-Odisha).

Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Background:

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has embarked upon a programme for ‘Blue Flag’ certification for 13 beaches in the country.

About Blue flag programme:

The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education).

It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined.

What is a Blue Flag beach?

It is an ‘eco-tourism model’ and marks out beaches as providing tourists and beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area.

Criteria:

There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, have first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory.

Relevant facts for Prelims:

Spain tops the list with more than 560 such beaches; Greece and France follow.

Chandrabhaga beach of Odisha’s Konark coast is the first to complete the tag certification process.

India is now in the league of 50 “BLUE FLAG” countries.

Japan, South Korea and the UAE are the only other Asian nations that have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years.

Is Blue Flag certification available only for beaches?

No. It can be given to a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator. Basically, the Blue Flag is a trademark.

Topic: Profile of States

Goa declared first Har Ghar Jal State

Goa has become the first Har Ghar Jal State in the country by providing tap water connection to every rural household. The state has provided tap water connection to two lakh 30 thousand rural households.

Topic: Places in News

Hurricane Delta

Recently, Hurricane Delta made landfall in the USA state of Louisiana, which is still recovering from the damage caused by a previous hurricane (Laura) in August 2020.

Key facts:

Hurricane Delta is the 10th named storm to make USA landfall so far this year, breaking a record that has stood since 1916.

As per the scientists, global warming is a major cause behind rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes.

Delta is also the first Greek alphabet named hurricane on record to make landfall in continental USA.

When a very active hurricane season occurs and the list is exhausted, the Greek alphabet is used (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, etc).

It hit Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane, but weakened to a Category 1 as it moved inland.

Topic: Sports and Medals

Rafael Nadal wins his 13th French Open men’s singles title

Rafael Nadal has won the French Open, 2020 beating Novak Djokovic on October 11, 2020.

With this, Rafael has won his 13th French open men’s singles title. This is also his 20th Grand Slam.

Topic: Latest Diary of Events

October 11: International Girl Child Day

The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated every year on October 11. This year the day was celebrated under the theme “My voice, our equal future”.

Significance of the day:

The day is celebrated with an objective to empower women. The day seeks to help women to get their rights in order to make them strong for the challenges they face in the world. The day is observed in order to curb the challenges that girls face.