Current Affairs Questions & Answers - Jan 26, 2017

ANSWER: Both of the above are the same

Explanation:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the UAE’s founding President and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was the Chief Guest at the 68th Republic Day celebrations.

Bilateral trade, valued at $ 180 million per annum in the 1970s, with UAE is now around $ 50 billion.

This makes the UAE India’s third largest trading partner for 2015-16 after China and the US.

The UAE is India’s second largest export destination, with exports of over $ 30 billion in 2015-16.

For the UAE, India was the biggest trade partner in 2015 — over $ 28 billion in non-oil trade.

As of March 2016, the estimated investment of the UAE in India is $ 8 billion - around $ 4.03 billion is Foreign Direct Investment, the rest is portfolio investment.

The UAE is the tenth biggest investor in India in terms of FDI.

This marks the first time a leader who is neither a Head of State nor Head of Government is Chief Guest.

MBZ, as the Crown Prince is popularly known, is the next generation of the UAE’s leadership, and its future leader.

About 68th Republic Day: Know More

For first time since 1950, foreign troops marched down the Rajpath on Republic Day last year.

French troops, the 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade, marched alongside Indian soldiers.

This year, 179 soldiers from the UAE (which includes 144 soldiers and 35 band members), led the parade.

India's elite counter-terror group, the National Security Guard, marched in the parade for the first time ever this year.

India's very own Light Combat Aircraft also made its debut appearance this year.

The Padma Vibhushan awardees for 2017 include legendary singer, Yesudas and political leaders Sharad Pawar and Murli Manohar Joshi.

In sports, Virat Kohli (cricketer), Dipa Karmakar (gymnast), Vikas Gowda (discus throw) and P.R. Sreejesh (hockey) have been awarded the Padma Shri.

Other awardees include AIDS researcher Dr Suniti Solomon, Imrat Khan (artist), Anuradha Koirala (social worker), Bhavna Somaiya (film critic), Vishwa Mohan Bhat (music) and Anuradha Paudwal (singer).

The Burj Khalifa will light up in the colors of the Indian flag today and tomorrow (January 25 and 26) in salute to the Indian Republic Day.

Indian Government 2017: Know More

• Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
• President: Pranab Mukherjee
• Vice-President: Mohammad Hamid Ansari
• Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
• Chief Justice: Jagdish Singh Khehar
• Speaker of the Lower House: Sumitra Mahajan

ANSWER: Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana- Grameen

Explanation:
The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme for promotion of Rural Housing in the country.

It will enable people in rural areas to construct new houses. It will also add to their existing pucca houses to improve dwelling units.

Under it, Government will provide interest subsidy to every rural household who is not covered under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (Grameen)-PMAY(G).

Features of the Scheme

It will be implemented by National Housing Bank (NHB).

Under the scheme, the beneficiary will be provided interest subsidy for loan amount upto INR. 2 Lakhs for taking loan.

GoI will provide net present value of interest subsidy of 3% to NHB upfront which will, in turn, pass it to the Primary Lending Institutions (Scheduled Commercial Banks, NBFCs etc.).

Government will also take necessary steps for proper convergence of the scheme with PMAY-G including technical support to beneficiary through existing arrangements.

It will improve housing stock in the rural areas, and create employment opportunities in rural housing sector.

All About Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana

• Scheme Launch Date: 25 June, 2015
• Objective: Affordable Housing for Indian citizens
• Year of Ending: March 2017
• Number of Houses: 2+ crore
• Target: LIG, EWS communities

ANSWER: Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana

Explanation:
The scheme will be launched as part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security.

It will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year i.e. FY 2016-17.

It will be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch. Features of Scheme

The aim of the scheme is to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.

It will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years.

It will also have an option to opt for pension on a monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual basis.

The Union Government will bear the differential return i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum as subsidy on an annual basis.

LIC: Know More

• Type: State-owned enterprise
• government corporation
• Industry: Financial services
• Founded: 1 September 1956
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India
• Chairman: V.K Sharma
• MD: Usha Sangwan
• Total assets: ₹2,009,119 crore (US$300 billion) (2016)
• Owner: Government of India
• Number of employees: 119,767

ANSWER: Both of the above

Explanation:
Union Cabinet has approved the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bill, 2017.

Under this, the IIMs will be declared as Institutions of National Importance.

It will also enable IIMs to grant degrees rather than diplomas to their students.

At present IIMs are not authorised to award degrees as they registered as societies.

Hence, they are awarding Post Graduate Diploma and Fellow Programme in Management.

Key features of the Bill

- Allow IIMs to grant degrees to their students.

- Grant complete autonomy to IIMs, combined with adequate accountability.

- Coordination Forum of IIMs as an advisory body will be established.

- Board of an IIM will drive the management of the institution.

- It will select Chairperson and Director of IIM.

- Board will have greater participation of experts and alumni.

- It will also include women and members from Scheduled Castes/Tribes.

- Periodic review of the performance of IIM will be conducted by independent agencies and their results will be placed in public domain.

- The Annual Report of the IIMs will be placed in the Parliament and CAG (Comptroller and auditor general of India) will audit their accounts.

About IIMs

• Indian Institutes of Managements (IIMs) are the country’s premier management institutions.
• They are imparting best quality education in management.
• They are recognized as world-class management Institutions and Centres of Excellence.
• All IIMs are separate autonomous bodies registered under the Societies Act.
• This makes them ineligible to award degrees.
• These awards are treated as equivalent to MBAs and PhD, respectively, but their equivalence is not universally acceptable.

ANSWER: National Welfare Plan for Children

Explanation:
The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD) has released National Action Plan for Children (NPAC), 2016 .

It was launched on the occasion of National Girl Child Day (24th January) by Union Minister of Women & Child Development Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi.

NPAC has been developed by the Ministry of WCD.

Features of NPAC, 2016

• The Action Plan has four key priority areas namely survival, health and nutrition; education and development; participation and protection.
• It defines objectives, sub-objectives, strategies, action points and indicators for measuring progress under the four key priority areas.
• It also identifies key stakeholders for the implementation of different strategies.
• It puts focus on new and emerging concerns for children such as children affected by natural and man-made disasters, climate change and online child abuse etc.
• Its strategies and action points largely draw upon the existing programmes and schemes of various Ministries and Departments.
• It takes into account the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a roadmap towards achieving them though co-ordination and convergence with different stakeholders.

About NPAC


• The National Action Plan for Children (NPAC), 2016 is per the mandate of the National Policy for Children (2013).
• The policy provides for formation of a National Co-ordination and Action Group (NCAG).
• This is under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• It is for coordinating and implementation of the plan and monitor the progress with other Ministries concerned as its members.

ANSWER: 14

Explanation:
India and the United Arab Emirates inked 14 agreements in numerous areas to boost bilateral cooperation.

This was delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi.

The Crown Prince who is Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces is on a three-day visit.

He is chief guest of 2017 Republic Day Parade.


List of Agreements/MOUs exchanged during the State visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to India

S. No.	Name of Agreement/MoU	Details
1.	Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership	This is a general framework agreement which highlights the areas of bilateral cooperation identified under the comprehensive strategic partnership as agreed upon in the high level joint statements issued in the August 2015 and February 2016.
2.	MoU between the Ministry of Defence of the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Defence of the Government of UAE on cooperation in the field of Defence Industry	This MoU aims to establish cooperation in the identified fields of defence manufacturing and technology, including through studies, research, development, innovation and cooperation between public and private sector institutions of the two countries. The two sides will cooperate in areas of armaments, defence industries and transfer of technology.
3.	MoU on Institutional Cooperation on Maritime Transport	This MoU provides a framework for enhancing bilateral maritime trade ties through facilitating maritime transport, free transfer of monies between contracting parties and reciprocal recognition of ships’ documents.
4.	MOU between the Directorate General of Shipping, Republic of India and the Federal Transport Authority- Land and Maritime in the UAE on Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency as per the provisions of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping Convention (STCW78) and amendments thereof	This MoU aims to deepen the maritime economic activities in general by establishing a framework for Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency of marine officers, engineers and crews.
5.	MoU between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of the Republic of India and the Federal Transport Authority, Land and Maritime of the UAE on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Highways Sector	This MoU aims to establish cooperation in the sectors of Highways and Road transport through sharing of technologies, systems and best practices in freight logistics, warehousing and value added services.
6.	MOU on cooperation in prevention and combating of human trafficking	This MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation on the issue of prevention, rescue, recovery and repatriation related to human trafficking, especially of women and children expeditiously.
7.	MoU for the cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and innovation between the Ministry of Economy of United Arab Emirates and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoSMSME) of the Republic of India	This MoU aims at promoting cooperation in MSMEs Sectors, including in joint projects, R & D and related activities.
8.	MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment of UAE in agriculture and Allied sectors	This MoU aims to develop a framework for cooperation in various agricultural fields of mutual interest, including through enhancement of cooperation in food processing and transfer of technology in cultivation methods.
9.	MOU on mutual exemption of entry visa requirements to the holders of Diplomatic, special and Official Passports	The agreement allows holders of diplomatic, special and official passports visa free travel between the two countries
10.	MoU between Prasar Bharati, India and Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAE for cooperation in programme exchange	This MoU aims to strengthen ties between Prasar Bharati and Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAE through cooperation in the field of broadcasting, mutual exchange of programmes, news and best practices.
11.	MoU between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Economy of United Arab Emirates on trade remedial measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest	This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the field of anti-dumping and allied duties through exchange of information, capacity-building, seminars and trainings in mutually indentified areas related to trade remedial measures.
12.	Agreement on Oil Storage And Management between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company	This agreement aims to establish a framework for the storage of crude oil by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in India and to further strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries in the field of energy.
13.	MOU between National Productivity Council and Al Etihad Energy Services Co. LLC	This MOU is on Cooperation in Energy Efficiency Services.
14.	MOU between National Security Council Secretariat of India & National Electronic Security Authority of the UAE	This MoU is on technology development and cooperation in cyberspace

Source: Press Information Bureau

ANSWER: 2

Explanation:
President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee has approved award of 398 Gallantry and other defence decorations to armed forces:

• Two Kirti Chakras,
• 12 Shaurya Chakras,
• Three Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry),
• 91 Sena Medal (Gallantry),
• Two Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry),
• Four Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry),
• 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medal,
• Five Uttam Yudh Seva Medal,
• Two Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal,
• 49 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal,
• 14 Yudh Seva Medal,
• Four Bar to Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty),
• 36 Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty),
• Eight Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty),
• 14 Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty),
• Four Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal and
• 119 Vishisht Seva Medal.

Three Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) have been awarded to Commandant Anwar Khan, Pardeep, U/NVK(ME) and Sandeep, U/NVK(QA).

One President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service) has been awarded to Inspector General Virender Singh Pathania, TM.

Three Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) have been awarded to Deputy Inspector General Satyajit Krishnaji Vaidya, Deputy Inspector General Shajen Kurian and Commandant Jashbir Singh Randhaawaa.

Besides these, 44 personnel from Army and others have also been awarded ‘Mention-in-Despatches’ by the Government, which include:

• Four for ‘Operation Meghdoot’,
• 32 for ‘Operation Rakshak’,
• Five for ‘Operation Rhino’,
• Two for ‘Operation Orchid’ and
• One for ‘Operation Hifazat’

ANSWER: 7

Explanation:
The government on 25^th Jan 2017 announced Padma awards to citizens of the country. This is in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres.

These awards are conferred by the President of India.

It is bestowed at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.

This year the President of India has approved conferment of Padma Awards to 89 persons as per the list below.

The list comprises of 7 Padma Vibhushan, 7 Padma Bhushan and 75 Padma Shri Awardees.

19 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 5 persons from the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and 6 posthumous awardees.
PADMA VIBHUSHAN

Name	Field	State
Shri K J Yesudas	Art-Music	Kerala
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev	Spiritualism	Tamil Nadu
Shri Sharad Pawar	Public Affairs	Maharashtra
Shri Murli Manohar Joshi	Public Affairs	Uttar Pradesh
Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao	Science & Engineering	Karnataka
Late Shri Sunder Lal Patwa (Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Madhya Pradesh
Late Shri PA Sangma(Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Meghalaya

Padma Bhushan

Name	Field	State
Shri Vishwa Mohan Bhatt	Art-Music	Rajasthan
Prof. (Dr.) Devi Prasad Dwivedi	Literature & Education	Uttar Pradesh
Shri Tehemton Udwadia	Medicine	Maharashtra
Shri Ratna Sundar Maharaj	Others-Spiritualism	Gujarat
Swami Niranjana Nanda Saraswati	Others-Yoga	Bihar
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (Foreigner)	Literature & Education	Thailand
Late Shri Cho Ramaswamy (Posthumous)	Literature & Education - Journalism	Tamil Nadu

Padma Shri

Name	Field	State
Smt. Basanti Bisht	Art-Music	Uttarakhand
Shri Chemanchery Kunhiraman Nair	Art-Dance	Kerala
Smt. Aruna Mohanty	Art-Dance	Odisha
Smt. Bharathi Vishnuvardhan	Art-Cinema	Karnataka
Shri Sadhu Meher	Art-Cinema	Odisha
Shri T K Murthy	Art-Music	Tamil Nadu
Shri Laishram Birendrakumar Singh	Art-Music	Manipur
Shri Krishna Ram Chaudhary	Art-Music	Uttar Pradesh
Smt. Baoa Devi	Art-Painting	Bihar
Shri Tilak Gitai	Art-Painting	Rajasthan
Dr. Prof. Aekka Yadagiri Rao	Art-Sculpture	Telangana
Shri Jitendra Haripal	Art-Music	Odisha
Shri Kailash Kher	Art-Music	Maharashtra
Smt. Parassala B Ponnammal	Art-Music	Kerala
Smt. Sukri Bommagowda	Art-Music	Karnataka
Shri Mukund Nayak	Art-Music	Jharkhand
Shri Purushottam Upadhyay	Art-Music	Gujarat
Smt. Anuradha Paudwal	Art-Music	Maharashtra
Shri Wareppa Naba Nil	Art-Theatre	Manipur
Shri Tripuraneni Hanuman Chowdary	Civil Service	Telangana
Shri T.K. Viswanathan	Civil Service	Haryana
Shri Kanwal Sibal	Civil Service	Delhi
Shri Birkha Bahadur Limboo Muringla	Literature & Education	Sikkim
Smt. Eli Ahmed	Literature & Education	Assam
Dr. Narendra Kohli	Literature & Education	Delhi
Prof. G. Venkatasubbiah	Literature & Education	Karnataka
Shri Akkitham Achyuthan Namboothiri	Literature & Education	Kerala
Shri Kashi Nath Pandita	Literature & Education	Jammu & Kashmir
Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry	Literature & Education	Delhi
Shri Harihar Kripalu Tripathi	Literature & Education	Uttar Pradesh
Shri Michel Danino	Literature & Education	Tamil Nadu
Shri Punam Suri	Literature & Education	Delhi
Shri VG Patel	Literature & Education	Gujarat
Smt. V Koteswaramma	Literature & Education	Andhra Pradesh
Shri Balbir Dutt	Literature & Education-Journalism	Jharkhand
Smt. Bhawana Somaaya	Literature & Education-Journalism	Maharashtra
Shri Vishnu Pandya	Literature & Education-Journalism	Gujarat
Dr. Subroto Das	Medicine	Gujarat
Dr. (Smt.) Bhakti Yadav	Medicine	Madhya Pradesh
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Waheed	Medicine	Telangana
Dr. Madan Madhav Godbole	Medicine	Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Devendra Dayabhai Patel	Medicine	Gujarat
Prof. Harkishan Singh	Medicine	Chandigarh
Dr. Mukut Minz	Medicine	Chandigarh
Shri Arun Kumar Sharma	Others-Archaeology	Chhattisgarh
Shri Sanjeev Kapoor	Others-Culinary	Maharashtra
Smt. Meenakshi Amma	Others-Martial Art	Kerala
Shri Genabhai Dargabhai Patel	Others-Agriculture	Gujarat
Shri Chandrakant Pithawa	Science & Engineering	Telangana
Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray	Science & Engineering	West Bengal
Shri Chintakindi Mallesham	Science & Engineering	Andhra Pradesh
Shri Jitendra Nath Goswami	Science & Engineering	Assam
Shri Daripalli Ramaiah	Social Work	Telangana
Shri Girish Bhardwaj	Social Work	Karnataka
Shri Karimul Hak	Social Work	West Bengal
Shri Bipin Ganatra	Social Work	West Bengal
Smt. Nivedita Raghunath Bhide	Social work	Tamil Nadu
Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari	Social Work	Maharashtra
Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal	Social Work	Punjab
Shri Virat Kohli	Cricket	Delhi
Shri Shekar Naik	Cricket	Karnataka
Shri Vikasa Gowda	Discus Throw	Karnataka
Smt. Deepa Malik	Athletics	Haryana
Shri Mariyappan Thangavelu	Athletics	Tamil Nadu
Smt. Dipa Karmakar	Gymnastics	Tripura
Shri P R Shreejesh	Hockey	Kerala
Smt. Sakshi Malik	Wrestling	Haryana
Shri Mohan Reddy Venkatrama Bodanapu	Trade & Industry	Telangana
Shri Imrat Khan(NRI/PIO)	Art-Music	USA
Shri Anant Agarwal(NRI/PIO)	Literature & Education	USA

ANSWER: Both a and c

Explanation:
Hedging up its political capital ahead of the 2018 assembly polls, Karnataka government has sought amendment to the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act of 1960.

It seeks to move the sport of Kambala and bullock carts race from attracting clauses.

The ban was imposed by the SC in the 2014 order along with Jallikattu and other sports.

The state could be cashing in on wide spread protests for Jallikattu in TN.

On 25th Jan 2017, law minister TB Jayachandra said the amendment bill will be moved in February joint session.

Kambala sport has been rooted in Karnataka tradition for 600 years.

The Government will also fix guidelines for the sport in the state to ensure no cruelty towards the bull.

Sport will be played under taluk and district magistrates to oversee the entire Kambala event in their jurisdiction.

Amendment to the act cannot be brought by state government as prevention of animal cruelty falls under concurrent list. Presidential assent will be required for the bill.

Symbolic Kambala is a Kannada traditional annual buffalo race in the marshy fields in coastal districts.

Kambala was once a pastime for the royal family.

According to one belief, the festival was started by the Hoysala Kings to see if the buffaloes could be trained and used during wartime.

The festival may also have originated in the farming community of Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Kadri Manjunatha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Know More About Kambala

• In the earlier days of the festival, it was called Karaga celebrations.
• Later it came to be known as Kambala celebrations.
• There are two types of Kambala: Pookere Kambala and Bale Kambala.
• However Bale Kambala was discontinued 900 years ago, so only the former kind of Pookere Kambala gets celebrated.
• The buffalo race in Karnataka takes place between November and March every year.
• The places where it takes place are Baradi Beedu, Bolantur, Kolatta, Majalu, Puttur, Kamalakettu and Uppinagadi.
• It is also called Kadri Kambala or Mangaluru Hobali Kambala.

ANSWER: France

Explanation:
France has issued its first “green bonds” with record USD 7.5 billion or 7 billion euro sale.

This has marked the way for establishing a genuine market in renewable energy bonds.

Money from the sale of the 22 year bonds will finance projects for addressing climate change.

Credit Agricole CIB was one of many banks handling the placement of these bonds with institutional investors.

This marks a historic event for the bonds market on account of the size and long period of loan maturity.

Move also proves France has a credible, robust framework to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Bond coupons were set at 1.75 percent. This marks an interest rate comparable to conventional borrowing on the same time frame.

Issue also shows France is able to finance expenditure on green projects at the same price as traditional borrowing.

The initiative was announced in April 2016 by President Francois Hollande. He championed his country's role as a leader in energy transition.

The first country to enter the green bond market was Poland with a 750 million euro issue in December 2016.

Before this, green bonds had been issued by companies or finance institutions like World Bank.

On account of its size and maturity, the French transaction marks the entry of states into the green bonds market.

France has also become the first country to issue a sovereign green benchmark bond.

Issue was reserved for institutional investors such as banks and pension funds.

It was oversubscribed with total demand exceeding 23 billion euros.

Meanwhile the European Environment Agency has said the continent is facing rising sea levels and extreme weather due to climate change.

Copenhagen-based agency indicated assessments are on the latest trends and projections on climate change and impact across the EU.

EU body also said that the climate change will impact ecosystems, economy and human health.

European Environment Agency: Know More

• Formed: 30 October 1993
• Jurisdiction: European Union
• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Executive Director: Hans Bruyninckx
• Management Chairperson: Elisabeth Freytag-Rigler
• Website: www.eea.europa.eu