WBCS Current Affairs 14/08/2016 to 19/08/2016

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1. Researchers from the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavanagar, Gujarat have developed photocatalyst that can completely degrade three industrial dyes in the presence of sunlight. This photocatalyst is able to completely degrade three industrial dyes — methyl orange, methylene blue and reactive black-5. Key Facts The photocatalyst was developed using titanium dioxide doped with red seaweed polymer carrageenan (a substance extracted from purple and red seaweeds). Conventionally, titanium dioxide was used for photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes, but it took long time to degrade dyes. So the researchers from CSMCRI doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles with sulphur and carbon by treating it with carrageenan. The nanocomposite was found to behave as an excellent photocatalyst that degraded the industrial dyes quickly in a single-step process. The photocatalyst was found to degrade the dyes when exposed to direct sunlight. When a solar concentrator is used, the intensity of the degradation process of dyes also increased. Significance: The nanocomposite photocatalyst is thermally stable. It can be reused up to 6 times with the degradation efficiency remaining at over 97%. It can safely and completely treat harmful dyes in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner. Problems Annually, more than 500 tonnes of non-degradable textile colour wastes without adequate treatments are being disposed of in natural streams. Presently, despite having stringent environmental regulations a comprehensive method of treating industrial dye is not available. The methods which are available do not completely break down the dye molecules to non-toxic constituents and are also expensive.

2. Noted Odia actor and director Gobind Tej passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He was 88. In his career spanning over 50 years, he has contributed in many Odia feature films either as an actor, director or producer.

3. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur has adopted five villages in Uttar Pradesh under the Namami Gange programme. These five villages are Ramel Nagar, Khoyra Katree, Pratapur, Hari Hindpur, and Katri Ladhva Khera. Key Facts Under the initiative, IIT-Kanpur will use its expertise to restrict the flow of sewage into the River Ganga. The task will be undertaken by the institute’s civil engineering department. It will ensure that sewage water is not disposed of in the river, and also keep a check on quality of drinking water and sanitation. IIT-Kanpur is one of the 13 educational institutes directed by the Union Government to adopt villages and turn them into role models in sanitation for others to replicate. About Namami Gange programme Namami Gange Programme is an ambitious integrated Ganga Conservation Mission that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2015. The programme integrates the efforts to clean and protect the Ganga River in a comprehensive manner.

4. Freestyle wrestler Sakshi Malik (23) won India’s first medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games by clinching the bronze in the 58kg category. With this victory she created history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal. It was India’s overall 25th medal in Olympic Games. In the playoff bout, Sakshi defeated Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan by 8-5 points. With this she becomes only the fourth woman athlete from India to win an Olympic medal. Weight-lifter Karnam Malleshwari was the first Indian to win an Olympic medal. She had won a bronze medal in weight lifting event at the 2000 Sydney Games. Boxer MC Marykom and Shuttler Saina Nehwal also had won a bronze medal each in boxing ad badminton respectively at the 2012 London Games. Olympic medals in Wrestling Sakshi Malik’s bronze medal was India’s fifth wrestling medal in the Olympic Games. KD Jadhav was the first Indian wrestler to win a medal in Olympics with his bronze at the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. Sushil Kumar bagged the second wrestling bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and later silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Yogeshwar Dutt also had pocketed a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. About Sakshi Malik Born on September 3, 1992 in Rohtak, Haryana. She had started her training in wrestling at a tender age of 12-years under the guidance of Ishwar Dahiya at an akhara in the Chotu Ram stadium. She has won bronze medal at the 2010 Junior World Championships in the 59-kg category, Gold medal at the 2014 Dave Schultz International Wrestling Tournament (60-kg). She also has won silver medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, bronze medal in 2015 Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in Doha and bronze medal at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix in 60-kg category.

5. The world’s largest (longest) aircraft the Airlander 10 has embarked its maiden flight at an airfield in Cardington in central England. It is a hybrid airship made by Hybrid Air Vehicles in United Kingdom. Its successful flight comes 85 years after another airship the ill-fated R101 took off in October 1930 from the same airfield before crashing in France. Features of Airlander 10 Airlander 10 is hybrid ship i.e. it is a partly plane and partly airship filled with helium gas. It is 92-metre-long and 43.5m wide. It can fly at up to 4,880 metres and reach speeds of 148 kilometres per hour. It can also carry a 10-tonne payload. It can stay airborne for more than two weeks unmanned and up to five days if manned. It was first developed for the US Government as a surveillance aircraft, but the project was shelved amid defence cutbacks. It can also be used for commercial purpose

6. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed a kit for onsite determination of toxic Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI) in drinking water. The detection kit is simple, user friendly, quick and cost effective kit for onsite determination of Cr(VI) in drinking water. It meets Indian standard IS10500 for drinking water as well as US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criterion. Key Facts The detection kit provides the much needed solution to measure the level of Chromium contamination in drinking water and tap water, rivers, lakes as well as in ground water. The detection procedure of kit involves adding specific reagents in specified amount to the water sample and identifying the developed colour. The colour develops within 5 minutes and the distinction can be made with naked eye. For ease of comparison a colour chart is provided with the kit. Based on colour chart, water samples can be immediately categorized as safe or toxic for drinking from Cr(VI) point of view. Advantages of detection kit Onsite detection and instantaneous results. Eliminates need of sophisticated instruments for analysis. Low investment on infrastructure for production of the kit. Easy availability of raw materials. Has very good accuracy for the intended purpose. It is cost effective and cheap compared to imported onsite detection kits. Background Chromium is widely used in various industries like steel, leather, chrome plating, paint manufacturing, wood preservation etc. Untreated effluents from these industries cause widespread contamination of water and has been reported in several parts of the country. Chromium in the environment primarily exists as Trivalent Chromium Cr(III) and Hexavalent Chromium Cr(VI). The Cr(VI) is more toxic compared to Cr(III). The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Cr(VI) as carcinogenic and can cause stomach ulcers, cancers and severely damage kidneys and liver. As per Indian standard IS10500 for drinking water, maximum permissible concentration of Cr(VI) in drinking water is 50 microgram per litre. The US EPA recommends a still lower permissible concentration of 10 microgram per liter.

7. China and ten member countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to form a framework for a code of conduct to ease tension in disputed South China Sea. The agreement was reached between both sides during a meeting at Inner Mongolia in northern China held on August 15 and 16, 2016. Key Facts The two sides also agreed to get the framework for the code of conduct done by mid-2017. They also approved guidelines for a China-ASEAN hotline for use during maritime emergencies. They also agreed that a pact on unplanned maritime encounters signed by countries in the region in 2014 is applied to the SCS. Comment This decision is considered as a significant rapprochement between China and ASEAN bloc, especially after Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling against China in July 2016. The PCA had ruled that China has no historical title over the disputed South China Sea and it has breached the Philippines sovereign rights. However, China had dismissed the ruling and had urged bilateral talks to resolve the issue. Background Since 2010, China and the 10 members of ASEAN have been discussing a set of rules aimed at avoiding conflict among rival claimants in the busy waterway in South China Sea. China based on historical assumptions has claimed almost the entire South China Sea as its part. ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan (not member) also have claimed their rights in the sea through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually and is believed to be rich in energy deposits. 10 ASEAN Members: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

8. Oscar winning music composer AR Rahman was honoured with the Tamil Ratna Award by the New York based Tamil Sangam. He was honoured with this award after his concert at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) chamber to honour M.S. Subbulakshi, the doyen of Carnatic music. The previous recipients of Tamil Ratna Award include Bharatha Natyam exponent Kamala Lakshman, Tamil movie director Bharathi Raja and mathematician Srinivasa Varadhan.

9. President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed former Union Minister Najma Heptulla (76) as Governor of Manipur. She had served as Union Minority Affairs Minister in the Union Cabinet of NDA Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But she had resigned in July 2016. Besides President also appointed Banwarilal Purohit as Governor of Assam. He is a three-time former member of Lok Sabha from Nagpur and Managing Editor of Central India’s daily ‘The Hitavada’, VP Singh Badnore as Governor of Punjab. He hails from Rajasthan and is associated with Mayo College, Ajmer. Jagdish Mukhi as Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He is Delhi-based BJP leader and former MLA from Delhi. There appointments will take effect from the dates the incumbents assume their charge. Constitutional provisions of Governor Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters upon his office.

10. The first South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Youth Parliamentarians Conference on `Peace and Harmony for Development’ was held in Islamabad, Pakistan. The two-day (from August 16 to 18, 2016) intends to offer young Parliamentarians’ narrative as a prelude to the 19th SAARC Summit to be hosted by Pakistan in November 2016. Key Facts 8 parliamentary delegates from 8 SAARC member countries are participating in the conference. Lok Sabha MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, is leading the three member Indian delegation. The conference was hosted by the Pakistan National Assembly and was inaugurated by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The goal of the conference is to build bridges between the future leaders of South Asia on a platform that supports continued engagement and cooperation. It is dialogue among Young Parliamentarians of SAARC region to create democratic space to meet expanding expectations of burgeoning youth population in region. It seeks to provide an opportunity for the youth and Parliamentarians to apprise respective Government leaders on where the youth of South Asia stands on a vision for the region ahead of the High Level Summit. Besides, it also seeks to set the foundation of strong inter-parliamentary linkages between parliamentarians from across South Asia. The linkages will be to setup a network that can nurture regional interaction, support democratic norms and build a coalition for sustained dialogue and peaceful cooperation.

11. The Union Government has allowed online authentication using Aadhar for new mobile connections. In this regard Department of Telecom (DoT) has issued guidelines for Aadhaar Electronic-Know Your Customer (e-KYC). Key Facts The e-KYC seeks to make the online process of application and authentication faster and simpler for subscribers. Customer through their Aadhaar number and biometrics will online authorise UIDAI to provide demographic details. The details will include name, address, date of birth and gender, along with the digitally-signed photograph, to the mobile operator. The e-KYC seeks to bring down the cost of subscriber acquisition significantly as telecom companies will not have to spend on physical transportation of forms, verification, scanning and storage. Besides it will be an instant, secure and green mobile subscriber verification project, where a customer’s Aadhar card and fingerprints are adequate for both validating and activating prepaid and postpaid connections.

12.China has successfully launched the world’s first quantum satellite dubbed as Quantum Experiments at Space Scaler (QUESS) satellite. The satellite was launched on board of Long March-2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the remote northwestern province of Gansu. Key Features The QUESS satellite has been nicknamed as Micius after a 5th century BC Chinese philosopher. It will be located in sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 500 km and will circle the Earth once every 90 minutes. The satellite will help China to establish hack-proof communications system by transmitting uncrackable keys from space to the ground. Applications: Ranges from highly secured military and government communications to online shopping. Significance Earlier, researchers around the world had successfully sent quantum messages on land. But this first of its kind satellite-based quantum network would make it possible to send quickly encrypted (hack proof) messages around the world. It also opens door to other possible uses of the technology. The launch is also a major triumph for China in the field of quantum technology. What is Quantum communication? Quantum communication boasts ultra-high security communication. It uses subatomic particles to securely communicate between two points. In case intruder (hacker) tries to crack the message in Quantum communication, it will change its form in a way that would alert the sender and cause the message to be altered or deleted. Note: Chinese philosopher Micius has been credited for conducting optical experiments.

13. The Bihar State Legislature has unanimously ratified the The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 for introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in the country. The Bill was moved by the State Commercial Taxes Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav which was unanimously adopted by both of the houses (Bihar has bicameral legislature). With passage of the bill by the state legislature, Bihar becomes the second state in India to ratify the GST. Benefits to state GST will bring uniform indirect tax system throughout the country and there will be simplicity in the tax system. Revenue of the state will increase after GST bill. State will get share of those service taxes which were earlier collected by the Central Government only. Manufacturing state were getting lion’s share of taxes, now the consumer states will also get benefit.

14. World famous prominent Punjabi writer, novelist and short story writer and Jnanpith awardee Gurdial Singh passed away at Bathinda, Punjab. He was 83. He was one of the greatest writers of Punjabi Literature and had focused on the economically and socially marginalised people in rural Punjab in his short stories and novels.

15. Joao Havelange, former president of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the global governing body of football passed away in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was 100. He had served as president of FIFA for two decades and had played pivotal role in transforming football’s governing body into a multibillion-dollar business.

16. The Union Government has constituted a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) to develop the pan-India road map for trade facilitation. It has been constituted in line with the World Trade Organisation (WTO’s) Trade Facilitation Agreement (FTA), which India also has ratified. The NCTF will inter – ministerial body on trade facilitation and will be headed by Pradeep Kumar Sinha, who is the Cabinet Secretary of India. Terms of References of Committee It will be a national level body that will facilitate domestic co-ordination and implementation of TFA provisions. It will play lead role in developing the pan-India road map for trade facilitation. It will have three tier structure with main national committee for monitoring implementation of TFA. It will synergise the various trade facilitation perspectives across the country and focus on an outreach programme for sensitization of stakeholders about it. It will be responsible for identifying the nature of required legislative changes and spearheading the diagnostic tools needed for assessing compliance to TFA.

17. India’s first facility to produce nickel was launched by the Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) at its Indian Copper Complex (ICC) at Ghatshila in Jharkhand. The new facility “Nickel, Copper and Acid Recovery Plant” will be first facility in India to produce nickel metal of London Metal Exchange (LME) grade from primary resource. Key Facts Initially, the capacity of the plant is poised to be 50 tonnes per annum, given the current production rate from the Surda mines. However, the nickel output will be increased nearly eight times after the completion of mine expansion projects located at Ghatsila. The plant will utilize eco-friendly technology and help check pollution and also eliminate use of lead, reduce liquid effluents and cut down solid waste by 75%. It will also utilise less energy, provide a safe working environment and conserve natural resources, the statement added. Significance: The annual demand for pure nickel in India is around 45,000 MT and country’s domestic market is totally dependent on import. Thus it will help to curb import dependence.

18. India’s first ever BIO-CNG plant producing CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) from agricultural residue was inaugurated in Pune, Maharashtra. It was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister of Transport Nitin Gadkari and Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Key Facts The plant was commissioned by Pune-based Primove Engineering Private Limited. It has been set up as a Proof of Concept (PoC) which can be replicated elsewhere. It uses special bacterial solution for treating agricultural waste in the process of generation of CNG. The gas generated is cleaned and compressed for use in vehicles. Significance: The bio-fuel will help in reducing the import of diesel up to 50% and therefore the huge amount of foreign exchange can be saved. This energy source is also cost effective and pollution free. This project is remarkable step in Make In India and also will help reduce problem of disposal of agricultural waste was a major concern in the country.

19. Justice Manjula Chellur has been selected as the new Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. Currently, she is the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. She will succeed CJ Dhirendra Hiralal Waghela who retires on August 24, 2016. She will be second woman Chief Justice of the Bombay HC, after Sujata Manohar in 1994. About Manjula Chellur Justice Manjula Chellur was born on December 5, 1955 in Karnataka. She was the first woman advocate to practice in Bellary district and later in 1988 became a district judge. In 2000, she was appointed as the first woman judge of Karnataka High Court. She was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court in November 2011. She had sworn-in as the Chief Justice in September 2012 and was transferred to Calcutta High Court in 2014.

20. Jamaica’s speedster Usain Bolt has won the Gold medal in 100 meters final event at 2016 Rio Olympics by sprinting at recorded time of 9.81 seconds. With this he has retained his coveted title “Fastest man alive on the planet”. Besides, American Sprinter Justin Gatlin won silver medal (9.89 seconds) and Andre De Grasse of Canada won bronze medal (9.91 seconds). This was Usain Bolt’s third Olympic Gold medal in the 100m event after he had won in 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He also has all the sprinting world record to his name including the 100m, 200m and 4x100m. He is the first man to hold both the 100 metres and 200 metres world records.

21. India’s first Nuclear Suppliers’ insurance policy for ‘Right to Recourse’ was unveiled by India Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP). The policy was unveiled by Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman Sekhar Basu in Mumbai, Maharashtra. INIP is the 27th global nuclear insurance pool which was launched by state run General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), in association with non-life insurance companies. New India Assurance Co (NIAC) and INIP will issue the policy and administer the claims on behalf of the pool. Earlier NIAC had issued a policy for the operators of nuclear power plants under INIP by underwriting premium to the tune of Rs 100 crore. What is India Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP)? Indian Nuclear Insurance Pool (INIP) of 1,500 crore rupees was launched as per the mandatory provision under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLND), 2010. The pool provides capacity for insurance coverage to operators and suppliers for any nuclear liability towards third party. INIP also will offer policies on the nuclear operators liability insurance policy and a nuclear suppliers’ special contingency (against right to recourse) insurance policy. It will also address third-party liability insurance and later expand into property and other hot zone i.e. inside reactor areas risk. At present, it only covers cold zones (outside reactor areas). It will also provide the risk transfer mechanism to the operators and suppliers to meet their obligations under the CLND Act, 2010.