Current Affairs Questions & Answers - Jun 20, 2017

ANSWER: James Webb Space Telescope Mission

Explanation:
Mission officials for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have announced the initial science targets for the James Webb Space Telescope.

The JWST has been scheduled to look at a large number of things in the universe including icy moons, distant exoplanets and galaxy clusters.

It will look at very first galaxies after the Big Bang, search for fingerprints of life on Enceladus, Europa, and exoplanets like TRAPPIST-1e etc.

As a part of the initial observations, 2100 observations has been planned for the JWST by the mission handlers.

JWST, being the most powerful telescope designed and built on Earth is scheduled to be launched in October 2018 on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana.

James Webb Space Telescope: Know More

• JWST is a joint project of the NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore will conduct Webb science operations.
• The JWST will be the successor of 26-year-old Hubble Space Telescope.
• JWST is 100 times powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope and will be the largest telescope ever sent into space.
• JWST will have a very large infrared telescope with a 6.5-meter primary mirror. Its sun shield is 22 metres which is roughly the size of a tennis court and has a mirror 6.5 metres which is over twice the size of the Hubble Space Telescope.
• The JWST is named after the former NASA administrator, James Webb. JWST was formerly known as the “Next Generation Space Telescope” (NGST).
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had completed the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) after more than 20 years of work.
• Instruments of JWST include Cameras and spectrometers that are able to record extremely faint signals. NIRSpec having programmable micro-shutters for observation of up to 100 objects. Cryocooler for cooling the mid-infrared detectors.

ANSWER: June 17 2017

Explanation:
Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture & Tourism on 17 June 2017 launched the implementation of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India at Goverdhan Block, Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh.

The national mission on cultural mapping was launched in a day long, Block level mega talent hunt programme (Sanskritik Pratibha Khoj Samaroh).

This Mission is part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ umbrella.

Ministry of Culture launched it in the year of commemoration of the birth centenary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, who hailed from Mathura.

After launching the National Mission on Cultural Mapping of India, the cultural minister informed that his ministry will be organising similar Block level events in other States.

The exercise will help the government to kick start the process of scaling up the efforts to cover all the Blocks of the Country. The current round includes Shimoga Block in Shimoga District, Karnataka, Thanesar Block in Kurukshetra District, Haryana, Chauri - Chaura Block in Gorakhpur District in Uttar Pradesh & Saraikela Block in Saraikela - Kharsawan District in Jharkhand.

Ministry of Culture has planned to hold talent hunt competitions with various rounds from Block level to National level. The scheme is set to cover all the Blocks of the Country, involving a total of 6.40 Lakh villages over the span of next 3 years.

National cultural mapping mission: Know More

• 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.
• The Mission also seeks to open a direct channel of communication for artists with the Government and peer to peer communication among artists for talent honing and handholding of each other.
• The Cultural Mapping of India portal will serve as a repository/consolidated database of information about cultural assets and resources i.e. a cultural inventory at one place for essential planning, sustainable economic development and for preserving the scattered and near extinct art forms. Artist/Organisations also may register online at www.culturalmapping.nic.in.

Academy to Promote Braj Bhasha

• Also on the anvil is an academy to promote Braj Bhasha, a dialect of Hindi which is spoken by people primarily in Braj region including Agra, Mathura, Etah and Aligarh.
• Braj Sahitya Academy most likely will be set up in Mathura.
• Braj language descended from Shauraseni Prakrit and commonly viewed as a western dialect of Hindi. It is spoken by some 575000 people, primarily in India.

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
The Commerce & Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman on 19th June 2017 launched theStartup India Virtual Hub, an online platform for all stakeholders of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India to discover, connect and engage with each other.

Startup India Virtual Hub is an effort to create a marketplace where all the stakeholders can interact, exchange knowledge, and enable each other to grow.

It will streamline the lifecycle of existing and potential startups, helping them access the right resources at the right time.

All entrepreneurs in India will utilize this portal and all enabling stakeholders will contribute to the platform as much as possible.

The Minister also announced a new initiative, wherein a Startup exchange program amongst the SAARC nations would be organized.

The portal will host startups, investors, funds, mentors, academia, incubators, accelerators, corporates, Government bodies and more.

The Hub attempts to solve the problem of information asymmetry and lack of access to knowledge, tools, &experts, especially in the nascent ecosystems across Tier II and III towns.

The Virtual Hub is a dynamic & interactive platform that will facilitate learning & development, networking, mentorship, funding, etc. for startups.

The basic principle behind developing this platform is to aggregate different offerings of the ecosystem and enable discovery by the right audience.

Startup India Hub has partnered with various organizations to on-board entrepreneurs & investors, as well as build knowledge modules.

To ensure accessibility across various platforms, dedicated Apps are also available on both Android and iOS.

India is the third largest startup ecosystem around the globe, with 3-4 startups commencing every day.

Startup Hub: Know More

• The Hub will act as a nodal platform and will enable users to connect with ecosystem stakeholders, access free learning resources, tools & templates on legal, HR, accounting & regulatory issues and discussion forums.
• The Hub has also aggregated over 50 relevant Govt schemes/programs.
• In the next phase, the platform will also aggregate schemes available across various state governments. To provide a better user experience, the platform has been enabled to build smart intelligence along with Chatbots to automatically collate, update information and respond to queries.
• The launch event of the Hub was kick-started by a panel discussion on ‘Navigating the Startup Landscape’ with a representative from each of the startup, investor, incubator, accelerator, and mentor communities.

ANSWER: Ministry of Power

Explanation:
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC 2017) on 19th June 2017.

Developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), ECBC 2017 prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed across India.

The updated version of ECBC provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth.

ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies.

The code aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants, and prefers life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality in commercial buildings.

ECBC 2017 will give clear direction and have criteria for new buildings to be Super ECBC

In order for a building to be considered ECBC-compliant, it would need to demonstrate minimum energy savings of 25%.

Additional improvements in energy efficiency performance would enable the new buildings to achieve higher grades like ECBC Plus or Super ECBC status leading to further energy savings of 35% and 50%, respectively.

With the adoption of ECBC 2017 for new commercial building construction throughout the country, it is estimated to achieve a 50% reduction in energy use by 2030.

This will translate to energy savings of about 300 Billion Units by 2030 and peak demand reduction of over 15 GW in a year.

This will be equivalent to expenditure savings of Rs 35,000 crore and 250 million tonnes of CO2 reduction.

ECBC 2017 was developed by BEE with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the U.S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy – Deployment Technical Assistance (PACE-D TA) Program.

ANSWER: Celebrating Yoga

Explanation:
Minister for Science & Technology Dr. Harshvardhan launched a Mobile App "Celebrating Yoga" developed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology in New Delhi on 19th June 2017.

The Mobile App has been developed by DST on the occasion of International Yoga Day 2017. The purpose of the APP is to popularise Yoga and encourage people to participate in it for a scientifically healthy living.

Healthy life of citizens improves productivity and economy of the country as a whole. Practicing Yoga is a means of maintaining a healthy society in harmony with nature and fulfil developmental aspirations.

This aspect of quality of life is aligned with the National Mission "Swasth Bharat" of the Government of India.

The Department of Science & Technology has launched a research programme "Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)" under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI).

As Yoga and Meditation are interdisciplinary endeavors that interface with Neuroscience, Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Philosophy etc., yoga can contribute in a holistic way to derive integrated benefits.

Celebrating Yoga provides a platform to share information and insights about peoples’ participation in Yoga activities on the occasion of the International Yoga Day 2017; create awareness and encourage a scientifically healthy living.

The App will enable in capturing both mass events being organized in public places, schools and office complexes across the country and individual enthusiasts who are performing yoga to promote the celebration of the day and yoga performances.

The App will be connected with Google Map where shared information can been seen by the users. Subsequently the information posted will also be visible on DST website through a social wall.

The App Celebrating Yoga (DST) can be downloaded from Google Play Store

The information gathered through this app will be shared subsequently with the Ministry of AYUSH to complement their efforts.

ANSWER: Delhi

Explanation:
The Third Meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board was held today under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture.

In the Second Meeting of the Board held on 28th March, 2017, it was announced that comprehensive framework and roadmap on Medical and Wellness Tourism would be prepared and presented before the nation in time for the International Yoga Day on June 21st 2017.

The Committee presented its report for adoption by the Board in which a standard framework for assessment and accreditation of all AYUSH facilities that cater to Tourism has been created.

The institutions can apply online for self-assessment which would then be reviewed for accreditation.

All organisations that are already accredited and/or qualified and/or certified by NAAC, NABH, ISO-9004, Indian Yoga Association (IYA), Center of Excellence (CoE), Organisations affiliated by Universities, Approved Integrative Hospitals and government AYUSH Institutions and Green Leaf / Olive Leaf organisations approved by Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala would be listed on the Ministry of Tourism website by 21st June 2017.

The Ministry of Tourism is also celebrating the 3rd International Day of Yoga through various initiatives:

• A 30 second Radio Spot promoting Yoga was developed and is airing on 17 AIR FM stations starting 14th June.
• A 60 second Television commercial promoting India as a land of Yoga has been developed. A month long TV campaign promoting Yoga is to be launched on Doordarshan network on 21st June.
• A campaign promoting Yoga is running on all social network channels of Ministry of Tourism from 15th May 2017 to 21st June 2017.
• IDY 2017 posters and standees developed to be used by India tourism international and domestic offices.
• The International Day of Yoga was highlighted at the India stand at SATTE, Delhi in Feb 2017 and Yogshala Expo held in Delhi in June 2017.
• The private sector is also encouraging participation in Yoga Day events with Tour Operators planning special trips to Yoga camps and special Yoga Experiences for groups who are visiting on the Yoga Day.

National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board

• The National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board was constituted under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Tourism.
• It was formed in October 2015.
• It aims to provide dedicated institutional framework to take forward Medical Tourism and position India as competent and credible medical and well tourism destination.

ANSWER: Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes Through Justice and Deterrence

Explanation:
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict was observed globally on 19 June 2017 with the theme ‘Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence’.

The United Nations will be hosting a panel discussion to commemorate the day at its headquarters in New York on 20 June 2017.

The common public would be able to follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #EndRapeinWar.

The United Nations General Assembly on 19 June 2015 proclaimed the day as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The day was designated in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual-violence.

It was also to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.

The particular date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) on 19 June 2008, in which the Council had condemned sexual-violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peace building.

Endemic sexual violence including rape, abduction, human trafficking, sexual slavery and forced marriage contributes to the disproportionate suffering of women and girls in conflict.

ANSWER: Manoharan frogs

Explanation:
A Delhi University student has found four new species of burrowing frogs from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.

A student of professor SD Biju, who is known as the frogman of India, Sonali Garg, made the discovery after five years of research.

Unlike other members of the genus, the new frogs have burrowing skills.

The new findings will help in saving these frogs as now it is clear that five different species with different conservation requirements exist.

The frogs were confirmed as new species in a DU lab by using an integrated taxonomic approach that included DNA studies, detailed morphological comparisons and bioacoustics.

The study highlights a fairly common group of frogs that is usually found closer to human habitations but still not documented properly .

More extensive studies are required to scientifically identify and describe the Western Ghats frogs that are already facing extinction threats," said Garg.

The four species are:

• Manoharan's burrowing frog, found in Agasthyamala Hills of Kerala and named after T M Manoharan, the former principal chief conservator of forests of Krala for his service and conservation efforts;
• Kadar burrowing frog from Vazachal forest of Kerala, which is named after the Kadar tribe that lives in the region;
• CEPF burrowing frog discovered in the Maharashtra's Amboli and named after the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (USA) to recognise its role in protecting global biodiversity hotspots;
• Neil Cox's burrowing frog found in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and named after Dr Neil Cox in recognition of his role in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List assessment of global amphibian species.

Exponential Increase in Species

• The past decade has witnessed an exponential increase in the number of amphibian species found in the Western Ghats region.
• A total new species of amphibians (1,581) described globally between 2006 and 2015 has been discovered.
• The highest number of species (182) was found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

ANSWER: Indonesia Open

Explanation:
Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth clinched his third Superseries title, lifting the Indonesia Open men’s singles trophy with a straight-game victory over Japanese qualifier Kazumasa Sakai in the finals here on 18th June.

World No.22 Srikanth, who had reached the finals at Singapore Open in April, outclassed Sakai, ranked 47th, 21-11, 21-19 in just 37 minutes to take home a cheque of $75,000.

Later, reacting to the win, the Badminton Association of India announced a cash award of ?5 lakh.

Kidambi Srikanth: Know More

• Born: 7 February 1993 Guntur
• Height: 1.76 m
• Weight: 66 kg
• Coach: Pullela Gopichand
• Siblings: Nanda Gopal
• Awards: Arjuna Award for Badminton