TNPSC Current Affairs May 30, 2017 for Group 1 and Group 2 Mains (ALL)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 

1.New National Commission for Backward Classes to be constituted under Article 338 B

The new National Commission for Backward Classes will be constituted under Article 338B. It will function as a constitutional authority and will function in the same manner as the National commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 and Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A.

About the New Commission:

• The new Commission was inserted in constitution through 123^rd constitution amendment bill, which has replaced the current National Commission for Backward classes act, 1993 and its rules framed under the act.
• The new National Commission will exercise the function of hearing the complaints, grievances of socially and educationally backward classes.
• It has the powers of a Civil Court which will look into the complaints and greivances.
• New commission also has the duty of advising of the socio economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes and evaluate the progress of their development.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 30 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 

1.New National Commission for Backward Classes to be constituted under Article 338 B

The new National Commission for Backward Classes will be constituted under Article 338B. It will function as a constitutional authority and will function in the same manner as the National commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 and Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A.

2.Production of horticulture crops during 2016-17 is 3.2% higher than previous year estimates.

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of Area and Production of Horticulture Crops for 2016-17 which was 3.2 % higher than the previous year 2015-16 estimates.

New National Commission for Backward Classes to be constituted under Article 338 B

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017, 30

The new National Commission for Backward Classes will be constituted under Article 338B. It will function as a constitutional authority and will function in the same manner as the National commission for Scheduled Castes under Article 338 and Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A.

About the New Commission:

• The new Commission was inserted in constitution through 123^rd constitution amendment bill, which has replaced the current National Commission for Backward classes act, 1993 and its rules framed under the act.
• The new National Commission will exercise the function of hearing the complaints, grievances of socially and educationally backward classes.
• It has the powers of a Civil Court which will look into the complaints and greivances.
• New commission also has the duty of advising of the socio economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes and evaluate the progress of their development.

Production of horticulture crops during 2016-17 is 3.2% higher than previous year estimates.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,30

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare has released the Second Advance Estimates of Area and Production of Horticulture Crops for 2016-17 which was 3.2 % higher than the previous year 2015-16 estimates.

Highlights : 

• The production of horticulture crops in the country during 2016-17 is estimated to be more than 295 million tonnes which is 3.2 % higher as compared to the previous year’s 2015-16 estimates.
• The area under horticulture crops has increased from 245 lakh ha to 249 lakh ha in 2016-17 recording an increase of 1.9% over previous year.
• Fruits production during the current year is estimated to be 93 million tonnes which is 2.9% higher than the previous year.
• Production of vegetables is estimated to be around 175 million tonnes which is 3.5% higher than the previous year.

Important Vegetables: 

• Onion production has increased by 3 % and major onion producing States are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat.
• Potato production has increased by 7.2 %  and  major potato growing States are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.
• Tomato production has increased by 5.1 %  and  major tomato growing States are Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Gujarat etc.

                                                                                                                   (from Official Release_Pib)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 29 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Bihar is the top litchi producing State.

Bihar is the top litchi producing State in the country as per latest report. About 300 thousand metric tonnes of litchi is being produced from 32 thousand hectares of land. National Research Centre on Litchi was established on June 6, 2001 at Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

2.May 29- International UN Peacekeeper's Day.

Indian Army Celebrated International UN Peacekeeper's Day which is celebrated world over on 29 May to honour the fallen peacekeepers and to pay tribute to those who served or are still serving in UN peacekeeping missions. The theme for the 2017 is “Investing in Peace Around the World”.

3.India and Fiji Sign MoU on Defence Cooperation.

India and Fiji has signed Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation envisaging several areas of cooperation including in defence industry, military training and humanitarian assistance & disaster management .

4.Bhavani Devi, first Indian to win gold in International Fencing championship.

CA Bhavani Devi first Indian to win the gold medal in the sabre event of the Turnoi Satellite Fencing Championship held at Reykjavik in Iceland by beating Sarah Jane Hampson of Great Britain by 15-13.

ISRO has set to launch heaviest rocket from Sriharikota.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,28

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have developed an indigenously built largest ever rocket  (GSLV Mk III ) capable of placing up to a 8 tonne station in a low Earth orbit. The rocket can use take "Indians into space from Indian soil". The rocket is said to be as heavy as 200 full-grown Asian elephants which will be tested in the first week of June.

About GSLV-MK-III:

'GSLV Mark III launch vehicle is capable of launching more than 4 ton satellites in geostationary orbit. ISRO is planned to send India’s Crew to space with the help GSLV Mk III rocket.

GSLV MK III` consists of 2 solid strap on motors, one earth storable liquid core stage and the upper cryogenic stage- C25.

About Cryogenic Engine:

'Cryogenic is the study of substances at very low temperature in which gases like nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen become liquid at minus 150 degree or less.

'This is the reason we called this as cryogenics engine, which use liquid hydrogen and oxygen as fuel that are stored at minus 253 degrees and then ignited to burn at plus hundreds of degrees centigrade .

'Cryogenic Engine was first used by US in 1963. India took almost 20 years to develop Cryogenic Engine.

Defence Minister dedicates Aeronautical Test range to the Nation

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,28

The Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has inaugurated the newly built Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) at Chitradurga in Karnataka. It will help in creating conditions for research, which will in turn develop the type of human resource in the country required in the field of aeronautical testing.

About the Test Range: 

• The ATR is the first in the India exclusively meant to conduct flight-tests of indigenous unmanned and manned aircrafts, developed by the DRDO including the naval and trainer versions of the Light Combat Aircraft, the unmanned air vehicles- Rustom-I and Rustom-II (Tapas); the Airborne Early Warning & Control Systems (AEW&C), Air-to-Ground weapons, parachutes and aerostats, etc.
• This outdoor testing and evaluating facility has been set up by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), one of the premier laboratories of the DRDO( as per official release)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 28, 2017 for Group 1 and Group 2 Mains (ALL)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.ISRO has set to launch heaviest rocket from Sriharikota.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have developed an indigenously built largest ever rocket  (GSLV Mk III ) capable of placing up to a 8 tonne station in a low Earth orbit. The rocket can use take "Indians into space from Indian soil". The rocket is said to be as heavy as 200 full-grown Asian elephants which will be tested in the first week of June.

About GSLV-MK-III:

'GSLV Mark III launch vehicle is capable of launching more than 4 ton satellites in geostationary orbit. ISRO is planned to send India’s Crew to space with the help GSLV Mk III rocket.

GSLV MK III` consists of 2 solid strap on motors, one earth storable liquid core stage and the upper cryogenic stage- C25.

About Cryogenic Engine:

'Cryogenic is the study of substances at very low temperature in which gases like nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen become liquid at minus 150 degree or less.

'This is the reason we called this as cryogenics engine, which use liquid hydrogen and oxygen as fuel that are stored at minus 253 degrees and then ignited to burn at plus hundreds of degrees centigrade .

'Cryogenic Engine was first used by US in 1963. India took almost 20 years to develop Cryogenic Engine.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 28 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.ISRO has set to launch heaviest rocket from Sriharikota.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have developed an indigenously built largest ever rocket  (GSLV Mk III ) capable of placing up to a 8 tonne station in a low Earth orbit. The rocket can use take "Indians into space from Indian soil". The rocket is said to be as heavy as 200 full-grown Asian elephants which will be tested in the first week of June.

2.Defence Minister dedicates Aeronautical Test range to the Nation

The Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has inaugurated the newly built Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) at Chitradurga in Karnataka. It will help in creating conditions for research, which will in turn develop the type of human resource in the country required in the field of aeronautical testing.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 27 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) begins Third phase of excavation at Keezhadi.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begins third phase of excavation at Keezhadi in Sivaganga district. AIS said that this settlement would be more than 2500 years and it is largest discovery after Harappa civilization.

2.India Announced $500M aid to Mauritius.

India has announced $500 M  line of credit for Mauritius and also signed an agreement for maritime security cooperation.to Mauritius. It  was signed in presence of visiting Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) begins Third phase of excavation at Keezhadi.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,27

1.The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) begins Third phase of excavation at Keezhadi.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begins third phase of excavation at Keezhadi in Sivaganga district.

About Excavation:

•  Bangalore-based Excavation Branch of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), have unearthed biggest habitation of Sangam era, dated between 300 BC to 1000 AD.
• It has found that 5600 artefacts includes,  wells, red brick walls, pottery, arrows, iron and copper weapons, signets, ornaments & Scribbling nail and also sewage drains had been laid with baked clay pipe lines.
• AIS said that this settlement would be more than 2500 years and it is largest discovery after Harappa civilization.
• AIS will document all the antiquities unearthed at the site in National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) in 3D Format, available at NMMA Website

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 26 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Prime Minster lays Foundation Stone of IARI at Gogamukh in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid foundation stone of India’s 3rd Indian Agricultural Research Institute(IARI) in Goghmukh, Dhemaji, Assam. The other 2 IARI is in Delhi and Jharkhand.

Prime Minister said that , this could be the another round of green revolution in the north-eastern parts of the country after laying the foundation stone.

2. Indo-Thailand Siam Bharat 17: HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief)

Indo-Thailand Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Table Top Exercise 2017 begins  Chiang Mai, Thailand  between the Indian Air Force and Royal Thailand Air Force .

TNPSC Current Affairs May 26, 2017 for Group 1 and Group 2 Mains (ALL)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Prime Minster lays Foundation Stone of IARI at Gogamukh in Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid foundation stone of India’s 3rd Indian Agricultural Research Institute(IARI) in Goghmukh, Dhemaji, Assam. The other 2 IARI is in Delhi and Jharkhand.

Prime Minister said that , this could be the another round of green revolution in the north-eastern parts of the country after laying the foundation stone.

About IARI:

• IARI was established in PUSA, DArbhangha of Bihar in 1905. It was then transferred to Delhi on 1936.
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute is established to promote higher agricultural education.
• IARI  is the harbinger of the Green revolution.
• The new technologies and high yielding varieties developed at this institute and their demonstrations at farmers’ farm led to the Green Revolution.  

Indo-Thailand Siam Bharat 17: HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,26

Indo-Thailand Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Table Top Exercise 2017 begins  Chiang Mai, Thailand  between the Indian Air Force and Royal Thailand Air Force .

About the Exercise:

• The aim of the bilateral exercise is to evolve SOPs for planning and executing relief missions during unforeseen natural calamities like Tsunami, earthquakes, cyclones, floods etc.
• The objective is to enhance interoperability between both the Air Forces, while conducting combined air operations triggered by a crisis.
• The exercise would assist in laying down procedures and establish decision support system at various stages of relief operations. (As per official release)

Prime Minster lays Foundation Stone of IARI at Gogamukh in Assam.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid foundation stone of India’s 3rd Indian Agricultural Research Institute(IARI) in Goghmukh, Dhemaji, Assam. The other 2 IARI is in Delhi and Jharkhand.

Prime Minister said that , this could be the another round of green revolution in the north-eastern parts of the country after laying the foundation stone.

About IARI:

• IARI was established in PUSA, DArbhangha of Bihar in 1905. It was then transferred to Delhi on 1936.
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute is established to promote higher agricultural education.
• IARI  is the harbinger of the Green revolution.
• The new technologies and high yielding varieties developed at this institute and their demonstrations at farmers’ farm led to the Green Revolution.  

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 25 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Tamil Nadu government to expand new crop insurance Scheme.

Tamil Nadu Government has planned to expand the new Crop Insurance Scheme called Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojana coverage for both farmers and the land. As per the latest report, Government has planned to rope nearly 23.9 lakh farmers and around 30 Lakh hectares of land under this scheme.

 2.Setting up of green energy corridor line to transmit thermal and wind power.

Power Grid Corporation of India has set up a two-way link Green Energy Corridor which transmits excess Thermal and wind power from Pugalur in Karur District of Tamil Nadu to  Raigarh in Chhattisgarh. The project has being executed by ABB and BHEL.

Setting up of green energy corridor line to transmit thermal and wind power.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,25

Power Grid Corporation of India has set up a two-way link Green Energy Corridor which transmits excess Thermal and wind power from Pugalur in Karur District of Tamil Nadu to  Raigarh in Chhattisgarh. The project has being executed by ABB and BHEL.

Importance of Project: 

• The Green Energy Corridor will enable to transmit excess wind energy generated from the southern state to central India.
• Tamil Nadu is a major wind energy producer of India with installed capacity of 7,685 MW of wind energy. With the help of Green Energy Corridor, Tamil Nadu can transmit excess energy to Central India during Excess production.
• When there is shortage of electricity in Tamil Nadu, State can transmit Thermal energy from Central India.
• The Green Energy Corridor with a capacity of  transmitting 6000 MW is passing through Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, to be connected to Raigarh in Chhattisgarh

TNPSC Current Affairs May 25, 2017 for Group 1 and Group 2 Mains (ALL)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Tamil Nadu government to expand new crop insurance Scheme.

Tamil Nadu Government has planned to expand the new Crop Insurance Scheme called Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojana coverage for both farmers and the land. As per the latest report, Government has planned to rope nearly 23.9 lakh farmers and around 30 Lakh hectares of land under this scheme.

About the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojana:

• It is a new insurance scheme introduced in February 2016 to provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
• As per the new scheme, farmers will be paying uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi Crops. For annual commercial and horticultural crops, premium will be 5%.
• The balance premium will be paid by Government to provide full insured amount to the farmers against any loss due to natural calamities.
• There will be no upper limit on Government subsidy. Even if balance premium is 90%, it will be borne by the Government.   

Coverage in Tamil Nadu:

Samba Crop is the main crop for Tamil Nadu, will be considered as Rabi crops. Around 15.1 Lakh farmers are expected to be covered under Rabi crops (1.5% premium borne by farmers)

Remaining 8.8 lakh farmers are covered under Kuruvai(which means Kharif crops), so the premium will be 2 % which is borne by farmers.

Tamil Nadu government to expand new crop insurance Scheme.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017,25

Tamil Nadu Government has planned to expand the new Crop Insurance Scheme called Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojana coverage for both farmers and the land. As per the latest report, Government has planned to rope nearly 23.9 lakh farmers and around 30 Lakh hectares of land under this scheme.

About the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Yojana:

• It is a new insurance scheme introduced in February 2016 to provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
• As per the new scheme, farmers will be paying uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi Crops. For annual commercial and horticultural crops, premium will be 5%.
• The balance premium will be paid by Government to provide full insured amount to the farmers against any loss due to natural calamities.
• There will be no upper limit on Government subsidy. Even if balance premium is 90%, it will be borne by the Government.   

Coverage in Tamil Nadu:

Samba Crop is the main crop for Tamil Nadu, will be considered as Rabi crops. Around 15.1 Lakh farmers are expected to be covered under Rabi crops (1.5% premium borne by farmers)

Remaining 8.8 lakh farmers are covered under Kuruvai(which means Kharif crops), so the premium will be 2 % which is borne by farmers.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 24, 2017 for Group 1 and Group 2 Mains (ALL)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Union Cabinet approves abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board.

To Make India an attractive investment destination, Union cabinet has approved abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). This will simplify procedures for ease of doing business and allowing administrative Ministries/Departments to process applications for FDI requiring government approval.

Significance: 

• Now work relating to processing of applications for FDI and approval of the Government thereon under the extant FDI Policy and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), shall now be handled by the concerned Ministries/Departments in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion(DIPP), Ministry of Commerce. 
• It will also issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing of applications and decision of the Government under the extant FDI policy
• Also Foreign Investors will find India more attractive destination and this will result in more inflow of FDI.
• . The move will provide ease of doing business and will help in promoting the principle of Maximum Governance and Minimum Government ( as per official release)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 24 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Union Cabinet approves abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board.

To Make India an attractive investment destination, Union cabinet has approved abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). This will simplify procedures for ease of doing business and allowing administrative Ministries/Departments to process applications for FDI requiring government approval.

2.Union cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Bangladesh on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space

The Union cabinet has apprised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.   The cabinet was charied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  

Union Cabinet approves abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017, 24

To Make India an attractive investment destination, Union cabinet has approved abolition of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB). This will simplify procedures for ease of doing business and allowing administrative Ministries/Departments to process applications for FDI requiring government approval.

Significance: 

• Now work relating to processing of applications for FDI and approval of the Government thereon under the extant FDI Policy and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act), shall now be handled by the concerned Ministries/Departments in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion(DIPP), Ministry of Commerce. 
• It will also issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing of applications and decision of the Government under the extant FDI policy
• Also Foreign Investors will find India more attractive destination and this will result in more inflow of FDI.
• . The move will provide ease of doing business and will help in promoting the principle of Maximum Governance and Minimum Government ( as per official release)

Union cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Bangladesh on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017, 24

The Union cabinet has apprised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.   The cabinet was charied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

About MoU:  

• The MoU will enable the areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology. 
• It also lead to set up Joint Working Group, drawing members from Department of Space/ Indian Space Research Organisation and the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing. 
• MoU will push to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space.
• It will lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity (as per official release)

Union Cabinet given nod for Joint Declaration of Intent between Germany and India cooperation in the sector of alternative medicine

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017, 24

The Union Cabinet  has given its nod for the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between Germany and India regarding cooperation in the sector of alternative medicine.

About JDI: 

• Joint Declaration of Intent will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of traditional/alternative medicine.
• Under Joint Declaration of Intent the Initiation of collaborative research, training and scientific capacity building in the field of alternative medicine between India and Germany which will contribute to the enhanced employment opportunities in the AYUSH sector.
• Under this there will be no additional financial implication involved. Only the research, training courses, conferences, meetings will be met from the existing allocated budget and existing plan schemes of Ministry of AYUSH.

The 52nd annual meeting of African Development bank has begun in Gandhinagar , Gujarat

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.The 52nd annual meeting of African Development bank has begun in Gandhinagar , Gujarat

The 52nd annual meeting of African Development bank has begun in Gandhinagar , Gujarat with the theme of "Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa.” This is the first time, the annual meeting of African Development bank held in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the annual Meeting

About AFDB

• The African Development Bank was founded in 1964, which comprises The African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund.
• The main objective is to reduce the poverty, through sustainable economic growth and social progress among regional member countries.
• AFDB has its headquarters is in Tunis, Tunisia., with the moto of "Building today, a better Africa tomorrow"

India’s Stand.

• In 1982 India had joined the African Development Fund and became a member of the African Development Bank in 1983.
• This Meet is very much important to India,hence it boycott's China’s Belt and Road forum and need to take its own connectivity, infrastructure and developmental projects, particularly in geographies where it competes with China, because despite having goodwill, India lagged behind China in project execution.
• This meet also a follow-up to the India-Africa Forum Summit held  in New Delhi in 2015 which is attended by 40 African Government heads and representatives of all 54 countries from the continent.
• India has offered $10 bilion for development projects  during the  Summit held in 2015.
• India -Africa trades is almost doubled in last few years with worth of $72 B,
• So this summit is so much important as per India’s point of view.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 23 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.The 52nd annual meeting of African Development bank has begun in Gandhinagar , Gujarat

The 52nd annual meeting of African Development bank has begun in Gandhinagar , Gujarat with the theme of "Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa.” This is the first time, the annual meeting of African Development bank held in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the annual Meeting

About AFDB

• The African Development Bank was founded in 1964, which comprises The African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund.
• The main objective is to reduce the poverty, through sustainable economic growth and social progress among regional member countries.
• AFDB has its headquarters is in Tunis, Tunisia., with the moto of "Building today, a better Africa tomorrow"

  

2.Tirukkural has been translated to Korean Language.

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai received the first copy of Tirukkural translated in Korean Language which was released by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami

Nauru has become the 6th country to ratify the international solar alliance (ISA) framework pact.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 for Mains

The world smallest country Naura, has ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which was launched by India along with France in 2015 at the UN Climate Change conference in Paris in November 2015.

Naura is the 6th nation to  ratify the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework pact. The other countries which ratified are, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, Ghana and Djibouti

About ISA

• Internaional Solar alliance is a common platform for cooperation among sun-rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn in efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
• It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
• it also aim to set up 1,000 GW of solar capacity across the world to help people gain access to clean and emissions-free electricity with cost more than $1Trillion.
• So far there was the 6 countries ahave ratified the ISA Freamework  Agreement. It will come into existence once 15 countries ratify it.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 22 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Nauru has become the 6th country to ratify the international solar alliance (ISA) framework pact.

The world smallest country Naura, has ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which was launched by India along with France in 2015 at the UN Climate Change conference in Paris in November 2015.

Naura is the 6th nation to  ratify the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework pact. The other countries which ratified are, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, Ghana and Djibouti

2.May 22 - International Day for Biodiversity 2017 is being celebrated in Goa.

International Day for Biodiversity 2017 has been celebrated in GOA and the  theme for which is ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”

Largest map of universe created with quasar positions.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Largest map of universe created with quasar positions.

Astronomers and scientists from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), have created the largest map of universe based entirely on the positions of Quasars. Quasars are the incredibly bright and distant points of light powered by super-massive black holes.

About Quasars: 

• Quasars are the brightest and the most distant objects in the Universe. Astronomers are still not sure what exactly these objects are, but what we know is that they emit enormous amounts of energy.
• Quasars are so bright and can see them all the way across the universe, that makes them the ideal objects to use to create the largest map in Universe.
• The amazing brightness is due to the super- massive black holes found at their centres of Quasars.
• As matter and energy fall into a quasar's black hole, they heat up to high temperatures and begin to glow.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 21 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Largest map of universe created with quasar positions.

Astronomers and scientists from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), have created the largest map of universe based entirely on the positions of Quasars. Quasars are the incredibly bright and distant points of light powered by super-massive black holes.

2.The India’s First Tejas Express Between Mumbai and Karmali 

Indian Railways has introduced the high speed, Air-conditioned Tejas Express between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai and Karmali ,Goa for the first time. Tejas Express is a state of the art train can run at a speed of 200 kmph with ultra modern amenities run between Mumbai and Karmali

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) to be held at Cancun, Mexico.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 20, 2017

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju will represent India in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) to be held at Cancun, Mexico from May 22-26, 2017. 

About GPDRR:

Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is a global platform for strategic advice, coordination, partnership development and review of progress in the implementation of  SFDRR (the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction) 2015-2030 which was adopted at the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in 2015 in Sendai, Japan .        

About Sendai Framework:

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted during the Third United Nation World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan on 2015.

The Sendai Framework aims for substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries over the next 15 years.

The Sendai Framework provides four priorities for action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks:

• Understanding disaster risk
• Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk
• Investing in disaster reduction for resilience
• Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 20 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Hassan Rouhani Re-elected as president of Iran.

President Hassan Rouhani of Iran has re-elected as President of Iran. Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated him for re-election.

In his message to Hassan Raouhani, Prime minister said, Iran will continue to achieve new heights under the dynamic leadership of President Hassan Rouhani and India remains committed to strengthening our special relationship with Iran.

2.The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) to be held at Cancun, Mexico.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju will represent India in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) to be held at Cancun, Mexico from May 22-26, 2017.

About GPDRR:

Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is a global platform for strategic advice, coordination, partnership development and review of progress in the implementation of  SFDRR (the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction) 2015-2030 which was adopted at the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in 2015 in Sendai, Japan .        

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 19 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO and other exams

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.President inaugurates integrated bio-solar-wind Microgrid centre at West Bengal

Indian President ,Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a Bio-solar-wind Microgrid Centre and Centre for Water and Environment Research at IIEST (Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, West Bengal.

2.Madhav Chitale Committee recommends several measures for De-siltation of River Ganga.

MAdhav Chitale Committee has recommended for slew of measures for De-siltation of River Ganga. The committee was constituted in July 2016 under the chairmanship of MAdhav Chitale by the Ministry of Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

The committee was constituted to prepare a guidelines for desiltation of River Ganga from Bhimgauda (Uttarakhand) to Farakka (W.Bengal)

TNPSC Current affairs May 2017 18 for group 1 & group 2 mains (ALL)

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Maritime Bilateral Exercise Between India and  Singapore - SIMBEX-17 Commences 

The 24^th Maritime Bilateral Exercise between India and Singapore navy named SIMBEX-17 has commenced in South China Sea. 

The year’s exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability amongst the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)and Indian Navy as well as developing common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

About SIMBEX: 

• Abbreviation of SIMBEX is “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises”.
• The first bilateral training between Singapore and India navy was formalised in 1994 .
• This year exercise is divided into 2 phases , first wide-ranging professional interactions during the Harbour Phase and second diverse range of operational activities at sea during the Sea Phase.
• This year exercise would focus mainly on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), integrated operations with Surface, Air and Sub-surface forces, Air Defence and Surface Encounter Exercises.
• Indian navy is represented by  Naval ships, INS Sahyadri, INS Kamorta, Shivalik, Joti and one P8-I Maritime Patrol and Anti-submarine warfare Aircraft.
• Singapore Navy is represented by RSN Ships Supreme, Formidable and Victory and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fokker F50 in addition to the RSAF F-16 aircraft.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017 18 for Group 1, Group 2,2a, Group 4, VAO prelims

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

1.Maritime Bilateral Exercise Between India and  Singapore - Simbex-17 Commences 

The 24^th Maritime Bilateral Exercise between India and Singapore navy named SIMBEX-17 has commenced in South China Sea. 

The year’s exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability amongst the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)and Indian Navy as well as developing common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

2.The annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise at Naval Station, Karwar. 

The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise was held at Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command Station Karwar, Karnataka. The Exercise was named as KARAVALI KARUNYA, which means assistance to the coast of Karnataka.

The exercise, which involves both professional exchange and actual disaster response mechanisms for Tsunami disaster scenario.

Maritime Bilateral Exercise Between India and Singapore - Simbex-17 Commences

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

The 24^th Maritime Bilateral Exercise between India and Singapore navy named SIMBEX-17 has commenced in South China Sea. 

The year’s exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability amongst the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)and Indian Navy as well as developing common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

About SIMBEX: 

• Abbreviation of SIMBEX is “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises”.
• The first bilateral training between Singapore and India navy was formalised in 1994 .
• This year exercise is divided into 2 phases , first wide-ranging professional interactions during the Harbour Phase and second diverse range of operational activities at sea during the Sea Phase.
• This year exercise would focus mainly on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), integrated operations with Surface, Air and Sub-surface forces, Air Defence and Surface Encounter Exercises.
• Indian navy is represented by  Naval ships, INS Sahyadri, INS Kamorta, Shivalik, Joti and one P8-I Maritime Patrol and Anti-submarine warfare Aircraft.
• Singapore Navy is represented by RSN Ships Supreme, Formidable and Victory and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fokker F50 in addition to the RSAF F-16 aircraft.

The annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise at Naval Station, Karwar.

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

The Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise was held at Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command Station Karwar, Karnataka. The Exercise was named as KARAVALI KARUNYA, which means assistance to the coast of Karnataka.

The exercise, which involves both professional exchange and actual disaster response mechanisms for Tsunami disaster scenario.

About the Exercise: 

• The exercise which aims in synergising civil-military disaster relief efforts post a natural disaster.
• The exercise is planned in 2 phases, first phase - action taken prior to tsunami hitting and second  phase -  action taken post to tsunami hitting the coast.
• The exercise will make armed forces and central and state government agencies working together towards providing relief in a post-tsunami scenario.
• It also showcased modern high-tech equipment to manage the aftermath of a tsunami.