Current Affairs Summary-June 2016
FCRA The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act was enacted in 1976. It regulates all grants, gifts and donations from NRIs. Also, all eligible NGOs should receive donations from abroad in a single designated bank account. This act was amended in 2010 and brought out following three main changes: FCRA registration would expire after 5 years, and had to be renewed afresh, unlike earlier where it was permanent. Restriction (50%) on the proportion of foreign funds that could be used for administrative expenses, thereby controlling how a civil society spends its money. The new law shifts focus from only political parties to “organisations of a political nature”. There are concerns that this enables government to target inconvenient NGOs, especially those working on governance accountability.
Committee on Privileges: This is a standing committee constituted in each house of the Parliament/state legislature. This Committee consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha (LS) and 10 members in Rajya Sabha (RS) to be nominated by the Speaker in LS and Chairman in RS. Its function is to examine every question involving breach of privilege of the House or of the members of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House or by the Speaker. It determines with reference to the facts of each case whether a breach of privilege is involved and makes suitable recommendations in its report.
GORKHALAND ISSUE
Why the agitation?
- Immediate cause: Bengali language being made mandatory upto class 9th by the state government. The
Gorkhas, whose native language is Nepali, has taken it as a threat to their identity.
- Long-term cause: problems in functioning of GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration). The leaders have
accused state govt. of interference and not devolving enough financial resources to GTA.
Who are Gorkha?
Indian Gorkhas are indigenous people living all along the Himalayan belt and the North-East states of India. The Gorkhas inhabit areas in J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Assam, and other states in the North- East.
Gorkhaland
Gorkhaland consists of Nepali-speaking people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong
and other hilly districts. The people belonging to these areas hardly have any
connection with the Bengali community and are different in ethnicity, culture and
language.
History of Demand for Gorkhaland
- In 1780, the Gorkhas captured Sikkim and other areas includes Darjeeling,
Siliguri, Simla, Nainital, Garhwal hills, and Kumaon, that is, the entire region from Teesta to Sutlej. After 35
years of rule, the Gorkhas surrendered the territory to British in the Treaty of Segoulee in 1816, after they
lost the Anglo-Nepal war.
- In 1907, the first demand for Gorkhaland was submitted to Morley-Minto Reforms panel. Later, on several
occasions demands were made to the British government and then government of Independent India. There
have been two mass-movements – first in the 1980s and then in 2007. Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC): Following the agitation that began in 1986, a tripartite agreement was reached between Government of India, Government of West Bengal, and Gorkha National Liberation Front in July 1988. Under this, an autonomous Hill Council (DGHC) under a State Act was set up for “the social, economic, educational, and cultural advancement of the people residing in the Hill areas of Darjeeling District”.
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA): GTA created in 2012 through a tripartite agreement signed by GoI, Govt. of West Bengal and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), replaced the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. It is a semi-autonomous administrative body. It has administrative, executive and financial powers but no legislative powers. GTA presently has three hill subdivisions Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik and some areas of Siliguri subdivision of Darjeeling district and the whole of Kalimpong district under its authority.
COMMIT PROGRAMME
The COMMIT programme has been developed by DoPT in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It will supplement the existing ITP (Induction Training Program) launched in 2014-15 for newly recruited state Government officials to develop in them Generic & Domain specific competencies. COMMIT will be launched in 6 States of Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal initially on pilot basis during the current financial year 2017-18 and within next year it is expected to cover all India.
The Anti-Defection Act needs to be recast, and used only in exceptional circumstances, allowing MPs free rein on their self-expression. The UK, for example, has the concept of a free vote allowing MPs to vote as they wish on particular legislative items.
SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO) Why in news? The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit took place in Kazakhstan’s Astana on June 8-9, 2017. India and Pakistan inducted as full members of the SCO at the summit. Its 2015 summit in Ufa, Russia, the SCO formally adopted a resolution which started the procedures to admit India and Pakistan into the grouping. Importance of India’s membership for SCO India’s entry into the China-dominated SCO is seen as a major milestone as it is expected to increase the group’s heft in regional geopolitics and trade negotiations besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. With the expansion of the grouping, the SCO will now represent over 40% of humanity and nearly 20% of the global GDP.
20 YEARS OF BIMSTEC The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) celebrates its 20th anniversary on June 06, 2017. About BIMSTEC BIMSTEC or Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation was formed nearly two decades ago, in June 06, 1997. The BIMSTEC comprises India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The permanent secretariat of BIMSTEC was established in Dhaka in 2014. It was originally called BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand – Economic Cooperation) and was formed at a meeting in June 1997 in Bangkok. Myanmar was admitted in December 1997 and the organisation was renamed as BIMST-EC. The grouping expanded when Nepal and Bhutan were admitted in February 2004. The grouping’s name was changed to BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) at Bangkok in July 2004”. The BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion people which constitute around 22% of the global population. BIMSTEC is a sector-driven cooperative organization, starting with six sectors—including trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheriesIt expanded to embrace eight more sectors—including agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change—in 2008.
MCKINSEY EMPLOYMENT REPORT Why in News? McKinsey Global Institute has recently released its report titled “India’s Labour Market: A new emphasis on gainful employment”. Background The employment estimates in the report are based on employment and unemployment surveys carried out by the National Sample Survey Office as well as the annual surveys of the labour bureau. Findings of the report The report focuses on “gainful employment” i.e. better work that promises more money. It highlights the structural shift i.e. shifting from agriculture to non-farm sectors. Between 2011 and 2015, the number of agricultural jobs reduced by 26 million while the number of non-farm jobs rose by 33 million. This was especially driven by creation of jobs between 2013 and 2015. Despite the growth of non-farm jobs, overall labour force participation rate fell from 55.5% in 2011 to 52.4% in 2015 Gig economy (or increase in independent work opportunities available), government spending and increased entrepreneurial activity have created gainful employment of 20-26 million people between 2014 and 201
SATH PROGRAMME
Why in news?
NITI Aayog has launched SATH, a program providing ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital’ with
the State Governments. About the programme
- The vision of the program is to initiate transformation in the education and health sectors.
- The program addresses the need expressed by many states for technical support from NITI aayog.
- SATH aims to identify and build three future ‘role model’ states for health systems.
- NITI Aayog will work in close collaboration with their state machinery to design a robust roadmap of
intervention, develop a program governance structure, set up monitoring and tracking mechanisms, handhold
state institutions through the execution stage and provide support on a range of institutional measures
to achieve the end objectives.
- The program will be implemented by NITI along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium, who
were selected through a competitive bidding process.
GST SUVIDHA PROVIDERS Why in news? Goods and services tax network (GSTN) has allowed GST suvidha providers (GSP) for providing innovative and convenient methods to taxpayers and other stakeholders seeking to interact with the system. What are these providers? These are third-party application providers which are allowed by GSTN to smoothen the process of tax administration under GST. The GSTN has selected 34 GSPs to provide an additional channel for filing returns and other compliances relating to GST. The GSTN portal will be able to handle the load of smaller taxpayers who will enter up to 100-200 invoices, but for those whose invoices run into thousands, GSPs are the recommended route since the GSTN portal can cater only to around 80 lakh taxpayers. GSPs are expected to help large businesses with complex internal processes in complying with the GST regime Further, while the GSTN has laid down broad guidelines for GSPs to adhere to, it has left the pricing for the market to decide.
REVERSE CHARGE MECHANISM Why in news? Recently the government gave a description about the reverse charge mechanism under the GST. What is reverse charge mechanism? Under the reverse charge mechanism in the GST regime, the liability to pay tax is of the recipient of goods & services rather than the supplier when the goods or services have been received from an unregistered person. Usually, the supplier is liable to pay tax and avail input tax credit, if applicable, but in this case the mechanism is reversed. Also, the GST Council has specified 12 categories of services for reverse charge that include radio taxi, services provided by an individual advocate or firm of advocates etc. If these services are provided through an e-commerce operator, it will be liable to pay the tax. No separate list for reverse charge for goods has been issued by the CBEC. If the supply of goods or services or both is exempt under GST, then the recipient is not liable to pay tax under the reverse charge mechanism. However, the CGST law mandates registration for those who are required to pay tax under reverse charge, even if their turnover is less than the threshold limit of Rs 20 lakh.
INDIA SIGNS OECD MULTILATERAL CONVENTION TO PREVENT Base Erosion and Profit Sharing
DONER LAUNCHES HILL AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Why in news? The Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) launched the “Hill Area Development Programme” (HADP) for Northeast that aims at giving a focused attention to the lesser developed hilly areas. It will be initiated on a pilot basis in the hilly districts of Manipur. Out of 80 districts of Northeast, 3 districts of hilly areas, which ranked lowest in the Composite District Infrastructure Index, belonged to Manipur.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was launched in 1983 to develop five missile systems in the country viz. Trishul, Akash, Nag, Prithvi and Agni-I (intermediate-range surface-to-surface missile). In 1990s, the program was expanded to develop the long range Agni Missile, Sagarika (ballistic missile), Surya (medium-range version of the Agni ballistic missile) and Dhanush (naval version of the Prithvi).
ORANG TIGER RESERVE Why in News? Orang tiger reserve has seen an increase in tiger density from 17 in 2013 to 28 tigers in 2017. The count was revealed during phase IV of the all-India tiger estimation programme of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). More on the News All India tiger estimation is carried out once in every four years based on the Tiger Task Force approval. The tigers are monitored in tiger reserves through a special field protocol (Phase-IV monitoring) which involves recording day to day field evidence collating camera trap pictures of tigers Using information technology for improved surveillance (e-Eye system) using thermal cameras Collection of scat samples in difficult areas, besides using smart patrolling protocols like M-STrIPES in some reserves. THE NTCA REPORT ON STATUS OF TIGERS, CO-PREDATORS AND PREY IN INDIA, said the density in Kaziranga National Park was 12.72 per 100 sq. km., followed by Jim Corbett National Park (11) in Uttarakhand and Bandipur National Park (10.28) in Karnataka. Moreover, apart from North-East region tri-arc landscape sustain good grassland and good number of prey such as hog deer, wild boar and wild buffalo. In the fourth phase of monitoring Karnataka has witness the highest number of tiger population.
Orang tiger reserve in Assam with the smallest core of 78.28 sq. km among 50 nationally protected areas. It Spread over Darrang and Sonitpur districts and notified in February 2016. Orang has the highest tiger density nationally, Kamlang Tiger Reserve in Arunachal is the 50th and latest to be notified.
NILGIRI TAHR Why in News? The first ever State-wide population estimation of Nilgiri tahrs, has put the total population of the endangered species at 1,420, More on the News In 2013, Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife planned to reintroduce Nilgiri thar into Mudanthurai tiger reserve. Majority of number is 664 at the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. Found in Eravikulam National Park, Adimali forest (Idukki), Silant Valley National Park, Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
State animal of Tamil Nadu. Endemic: Western Ghats from the Nilgiris to Kanyakumari. IUCN status: Endangered status (because number fewer than 2,500 mature individuals). Protected (Schedule I) by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Confined to a narrow belt of higher elevation of Shola Forest.
Biodiversity Hotspot Term coined by Norman Myers Conservational International (American NGO) designates biodiversity hotspot. Criteria ü Least 1,500 species of vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s total) as endemics. ü It has to have lost at least 70% of its original habitat. Total 36 biodiversity hotspots on Earth (4 in India) Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) provides fund for management of hotspot. CEPF is joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Development, Conservation International, European Union, Global Environment Facility, Government of Japan, MacArthur Foundation and World Bank.
Animal Discoveries 2016, New Species and Records, brought out by the Zoological Survey of India, and Plant Discoveries 2016, by the Botanical Survey of India reported that 313 species of animal and 186 of plants have been discovered from various areas of the country last year. More on News Most discoveries were made in the Western Ghats (17%), followed by the Eastern Himalayas (15%), the Western Himalayas (13%), the Eastern Ghats (12%) and the west coast (8%) Apart from this Manoharan’s Burrowing Frog (FEJERVARYA MANOHARANI) was discovered from the Agasthyamala hills and Kadar Burrowing Frog (FEJERVARYA KADAR) was collected from the Vazhachal forests.
New biodiversity species were from the four biological hotspots of the country o Himalaya: Includes the entire Indian Himalayan region. o Indo-Burma: Includes entire North-eastern India, except Assam and Andaman group of Islands o Sundalands: Includes Nicobar group of Islands o Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: Includes entire Western Ghats. Sundaland:
The Sundaland hotspot covers the western half of the Indo-Malayan archipelago, an arc of some 17,000 equatorial islands, and is dominated by two of the largest islands in the world: Borneo (725,000 km²) and Sumatra (427,300 km²). It covers A small portion of southern Thailand (provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat) Nearly all of Malaysia Singapore Brunei Darussalam Western half of the megadiversity country of Indonesia, including Kalimantan (Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Bali) Nicobar Islands, India.
NEW BIODIVERSITY AREAS IN GOA
Recently, BirdLife International has recognised three new sites in Goa as hotspots for protection, taking the total to 7. The sites have been added to their list of “Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas”. New sites: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Navelim Wetlands and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Goa earlier had 4 recognised biodiversity areas: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Carambolim Wetlands, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The updated list has been published by the Bombay Natural History Society Goa harbours a good population of the lesser adjutant and the Nilgiri wood pigeon. Bird’s biodiversity is directly correlated with healthy wetland. Site under Important Bird and Biodiversity Area does not ensure that the site gets legal protection or becomes inaccessible to people. Bird Life International UK based Global partnership of Conservation organisations. Identify: Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Each BirdLife Partner is an independent environmental not-for-profit, or NGO. Publishes a quarterly magazine, World Birdwatch. Manage Red List of Birds for IUCN. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Non-governmental organization in India engaged in conservation research Collaborated with technology company Accenture to create Internet of Birds. Internet of Birds: online tool for birdwatchers that identifies birds based on their photos
AMEENPUR LAKE: THE FIRST BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITE IN THE COUNTRY Why in news? Ameenpur Lake was declared a ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’ by Telangana government in Nov 2016, under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and the Telangana State Biological Diversity Rules 2015. It has become the first water body in the country to be declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site. Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) These are areas of biodiversity importance, which harbour rich biodiversity, wild relatives of crops, or areas, which lie outside the protected area network. The purpose is not to cover the already designated protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act for notification of BHS by State governments in consultation with local bodies.
Conventional photovoltaic panel casts a shadow and dramatically reduces plant growth and crop yield. The new approach would instead use the same land mass for all three purposes o Through innovative technologies. o Split the spectrum into three segments. The proposed photovoltaic designs o Transmit photons responsible for plant growth. o Some photons can help generate electricity o Remaining photon collect heat for energy recovery and water purification.
GSLV MK III
Recently, GSLV MK III D1 rocket (GSAT 19) was launched successfully from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Currently ISRO’s geosynchronous satellite (GSLV MK II) can carry satellites weighing only two tonnes. The first experimental flight of LVM3, the LVM3- X/CARE mission lifted off from Sriharikota in 2014 and successfully tested the atmospheric phase of flight. Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment was also carried out in this flight. This was the first testing of the indigenous cryogenic engine.
Apart from the upper cryogenic stage, the vehicle has two solid strap-on motors (S200) and a core liquid booster (L110). For the first time there will be no transponders on the satellite. It will be using a new way beaming data down using multiple frequency beams. It is therefore called “a high through put satellite“. For the first time, it would have indigenously made Lithium ion batteries. This spacecraft would have advanced technologies including miniaturized heat pipe, fibre optic gyro, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: WHO REVISES ANTIBIOTICS PROTOCOL
WHO has revised antibiotics protocol to curb antibiotic resistance. This is the biggest revision of the antibiotics section in the essential medicines list (EML) WHO has divided the drugs into three categories — access, watch and reserve. The ‘access’ category includes commonly used antibiotics. They will be available at all times as treatment for a wide range of common infections. The ‘watch’ group covers antibiotics that are recommended as first or second choice treatment for a small number of infections. Prescription of these drugs should be reduced to avoid further development of resistance. The ‘reserve’ category includes antibiotics that are considered last-resort options, and used only in the most severe circumstances such as for life-threatening infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria.
CRYPTOCURRENCY
China, South Korea and Japan have adopted use of bitcoins with regulations. Since 2014, the American tax authorities have treated cryptocurrencies as ‘property’ subject to appropriate capital gains tax rate.
ISRO SET TO LAUNCH BACK-UP SATELLITE Background To keep India’s regional navigation satellite system fully operational, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch a back-up for IRNSS-1A that has been hobbled by the failure of the atomic clocks on board. Details Replacing IRNSS-1A is needed as all the three rubidium atomic clocks on board had stopped functioning. IRNSS-1A is the first of the seven satellites comprising the Navigation Indian Constellation (NavIC). NavIC is a multi-purpose satellite-based positioning system. It has been designed to support vehicle tracking, fleet management, disaster management and mapping services besides terrestrial, marine and aerial navigation for India and its neighbourhood.
An atomic clock is a clock device that uses an electronic transition frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum of atoms as a frequency standard for its timekeeping element. Atomic clocks are the most accurate time and frequency standards known, and are used as primary standards for international time distribution services, to control the wave frequency of television broadcasts, and in global navigation satellite systems such as GPS. A rubidium atomic clock is a frequency standard in which a specified hyperfine transition of electrons in rubidium-87 atoms is used to control the output frequency. It is the most inexpensive, compact, and widely used type of atomic clock.
Stem Cells: Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types.
AstroSat ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory. ASTROSAT observes universe in the optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereas most other scientific satellites are capable of observing a narrow range of wavelength band. LIGO: LIGO is the world’s largest gravitational wave observatory and a cutting edge physics experiment. LIGO exploits the physical properties of light and of space itself to detect and understand the origins of gravitational waves. Its mission is to detect gravitational waves from some of the most violent and energetic processes in the Universe. The data it will collect will have far-reaching effects on many areas of physics including gravitation, relativity, astrophysics, cosmology, particle physics, and nuclear physics. GROWTH (Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen) network of observatories GROWTH is an international scientific collaborative project in astronomy studying the physics of fast-changing events in the cosmos like supernovae, neutron stars or black hole mergers, and near-earth asteroids. It is partnership of eleven universities and research institutions from US, India, Sweden, Taiwan, Japan, Israel and Germany. It continuously gathers data of cosmic transient events in the first 24 hours after detection to build a more complete picture and better understand the physical processes of their evolution.
The exoplanets must orbit within a distance of their stars in which liquid water can exist on the planet’s surface, receiving about as much sunlight as Earth. This distance is called the “Goldilocks” zone because it is neither too far or too close to the star that life becomes impossible.
Tidal Locking Tidal locking is the name given to the situation when an object’s orbital period matches its rotational period. A great example of this is our own Moon. The moon takes 28 days to go around the Earth and 28 days to rotate once around it’s axis. This results in the same face of the Moon always facing the Earth.
Cartosat satellites: The Cartosat series are earth-observation satellites in a sun-synchronous orbit. The imagery sent by satellite are useful for cartographic applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, land use maps, change detection to bring out geographical and manmade features and other Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications. The Cartosat-2 series satellites are extremely “agile”. They can be programmed to take very specific pictures of very specific designated areas. This will give India’s defence surveillance a major boost as the satellite can spot terrorist camps and even the bunkers in them.
Antarctica Treaty : The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957- 58. It entered into force in 1961 and has since been acceded to by many other nations. The total number of Parties to the Treaty is now 53. The treaty is framed to ensure ‘in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord.’ The Treaty prohibits military activity, except in support of science; prohibits nuclear explosions and the disposal of nuclear waste; promotes scientific research and the exchange of data; and holds all territorial claims in abeyance. India has acceded to the treaty.
MAA (Mothers Absolute Affection)
- Flagship programme to ensure that adequate awareness is generated among masses, especially mothers and related family of newly born child, about the benefits of breastfeeding.
- To enhance optimal breastfeeding practices. Programme will focus on initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for at least two years
- Training for nurses in government hospitals, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Mid-wives (ANM).
- MAA secretariat and a steering committee will be created in all states and at the district level.
- The programme will be monitored by UNICEF and other partners.
KASTURIRANGAN COMMITTEE FOR EDUCATION POLICY Dr. K. Kasturirangan committee has been constituted to prepare preparation final draft of National Education Policy
NATIONAL MISSION ON CULTURAL MAPPING OF INDIA
Ministry of Culture launched National Mission for Cultural MappingMission is a part of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. The mission aims at converting the vast and widespread cultural canvas of India into an objective cultural map, designing a mechanism to fulfil the aspirations of the whole artist community of the nation and preserving the rich cultural heritage of this country in the form of a cultural repository of artists and art forms. This Mission encompasses data mapping, demography building formalising the processes and bringing all the cultural activities under one web based umbrella for better results.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat It aims to actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different States and UTs in India, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding amongst them. As per the programme, each year, every State/UT would be paired with another State/UT in India for reciprocal interaction between the people. It is envisaged through this exchange, that the knowledge of the language, culture, traditions and practices of different states will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between one another, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
TOTAL YOGA VILLAGE
Kunnamthanam in Kerala has become a complete yoga village with at least one member of each family in the panchayat trained in yoga.
LAUNCH OF INAM-PRO+ Why in news? The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping launched INAM-Pro + in New Delhi. What is INAM-PRO? It is a web portal designed by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and launched by the Ministry two years back It is a common platform to bring cement buyers and sellers together. The portal facilitated comparison of price, availability of materials etc. and made it very convenient for the prospective buyers to procure cement at reasonable rates in a transparent manner. What is INAM PRO+? It is an upgraded version of INAM-PRO to include everything related to construction materials, equipments/machinery and services like purchase/hiring/lease of new/used products and services in the domains of Construction Materials
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) It was set up under Ministry of Power (India) to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. It is a Joint Venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID. It also leads the market-related actions of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE). It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs.
FIRST INDIGENOUSLY BUILT FLOATING DOCK Why in news? The Indian Navy’s first indigenously built Floating Dock (FDN-2) was launched at shipyard in Kattupalli, Near Ennore port, Chennai. About the dock The floating dock is 185 metres long and 40 metres wide. It will enable docking of all kinds of vessels. This will include naval ships and submarines of up to 8,000 tonnes displacement. It would include draughts of up to seven metres, during both day and night. FDN-2 will be based in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Importance of FDN-2 It will enhance the Navy’s technical repair infrastructure. FDN-2 adds much more capability and flexibilty to undertake repair and maintenance works
NASA’S SUPERSONIC JET
NASA has developed a quieter supersonic passenger jet that can safely travel over land. NASA has completed preliminary design review of the Quiet Supersonic Transport (QueSST) aircraft design. QueSST is the initial design stage of NASA’s planned Low Boom Flight Demonstration (LBFD) experimental airplane, otherwise known as an X-plane. This is the first in a series of ‘X-planes’ in NASA’s New Aviation Horizons initiative. The QueSST design is able to create a soft “thump” instead of the disruptive sonic boom associated with supersonic flight today.