TNPSC Current Affairs October 05, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs October 05, 2020 (05/10/2020)

Topic: International Events

Referendum in New Caledonia

The French territory of New Caledonia voted against independence from France in a referendum held recently. The referendum was a part of a decolonisation plan agreed in 1998, known as the Noumea Accord.

Key facts:

New Caledonia is an archipelago and special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The indigenous Kanaks represent around 39% of the population, while European settlers (known as Caldoches) make up about 27%. Most of the remainder are from other Pacific islands, which are of mixed heritage, called Caledonians.

History:

New Caledonia was discovered in 1774 by the British navigator James Cook. It was annexed by France in 1853. In 1946, New Caledonia became an overseas territory. By 1953, French citizenship had been granted to all New Caledonians, regardless of ethnicity.

Topic: Science and Technology

Narco and Polygraph Tests

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to conduct polygraph and narcoanalysis tests of the accused and all involved police personnel as part of the investigation into the alleged gangrape and murder of a 19-year old in Hathras last month.

Key facts:

Polygraph or Lie Detector Test: It is a procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked and answers a series of questions.

This test is based on the assumption that physiological responses that are triggered when a person is lying are different from what they would be otherwise. A numerical value is assigned to each response to conclude whether the person is telling the truth, is deceiving, or is uncertain.

A test similar to Polygraph was first done in the 19th century by the Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso, who used a machine to measure changes in the blood pressure of criminal suspects during interrogation.

Narcoanalysis Test: It involves the injection of a drug, sodium pentothal, which induces a hypnotic or sedated state in which the subject’s imagination is neutralized, and they are expected to divulge information that is true.

The drug, also referred to as truth serum, was used in larger doses as anesthesia during surgery, and is said to have been used during World War II for intelligence operations.

Recently, investigating agencies have sought to employ these tests in the investigation, and are sometimes seen as being a softer alternative to torture or “third degree” to extract the truth from suspects.

Brain Mapping Test or P-300 test: In this test, the activity of the brain of a suspect is measured during interrogation to find out whether he is concealing any information.

Limitations:

None of these methods has been proven scientifically to have a 100% success rate, and remain contentious in the medical field as well. The consequences of such tests on individuals from weaker sections of society who are unaware of their fundamental rights and unable to afford legal advice can be adverse. It may involve future abuse, harassment, and surveillance, even leakage of the video material to the Press for a trial by the media.

Topic: General Administration

Shaurya Missile

Recently, a successful trial of the nuclear-capable Shaurya missile was conducted by India. Also, Brahmos land attack cruise missile was tested a few days before this testing.

Shaurya Missile:

Shaurya is a land variant of short-range Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) K-15 Sagarika, which has a range of at least 750 kilometers. It is capable of carrying payloads of 200 kg to 1000 kg. It is a surface-to-surface tactical missile.

These ballistic missiles belong to the K missile family – codenamed after late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – which are launched from Arihant class of nuclear submarines.

Topic: Latest inventions on Science and Technology

Xoo Infection: Rice

Recently, scientists from the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB) have uncovered the mechanism by which a bacterium called Xoo interacts with rice plants and causes disease.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes a serious bacterial leaf blight disease in rice. It is also known as Bacterial blight. Xoo is a gram-negative bacteria.

New Approach:

Scientists from Centre for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB), Osmania University, Hyderabad are working to identify and develop few molecules which are derived either from the Xoo bacterium or from the infected rice cell walls.

Treatment of rice with cellulase, a cell wall degrading enzyme secreted by Xoo induces rice immune responses and protects rice from subsequent infections by Xoo. The cellulase protein has the features of a typical vaccine as it is a potent elicitor of rice immune responses.

Topic: Discovery of Rare Species

Two new plant species discovered in Western Ghats

Eriocaulon parvicephalum (due to its minute inflorescence size).

Eriocaulon karaavalense (named after Karaavali, Coastal Karnataka region).

Pipeworts (Eriocaulon) is a plant group which completes its life cycle within a small period during monsoon. Around 111 species of pipeworts are found in India.

Most of these are reported from the Western Ghats and the eastern Himalayas, and around 70% of them are endemic to the country. They are known for its anti-cancerous, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.

Topic: Latest Diary of Events

First Monday of October (October 5)- World Habitat Day

The World Habitat Day is observed on the first Monday of October month every year. The United Nations General Assembly had declared in 1985 the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day.

The day is celebrated to recognize the basic right of all humanity to have a adequate shelter and to encourage grassroots action in order to end poverty housing. The day is being celebrated under the theme- “Housing for All-A better Urban Future”.

Topic: Latest inventions on Science and Technology

Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo(SMART)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART). The flight was successfully tested today on October 5, 2020 from the Wheeler Island from the coast of Odisha.

About SMART:

Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo is a lightweight Anti-Submarine Torpedo System. It has been launched for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations for far beyond torpedo range. It is the fastest Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missile in the world.

It has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories including RCI Hyderabad, DRDL, NSTL Vishakhapatnam, ADRDE Agra. The Missile has a range of 650km.