Current Affairs Questions & Answers - May 22, 2017

ANSWER: Prashant Ranganathan

Explanation:
Prashant Ranganathan has emerged winner in the world’s largest pre-college science competition in the environment engineering category.

He won the award for his work on biodegradation of pesticides.

Prashant is among the 20 high schools students from various parts of the country who participated in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in the US.

More than 1700 students across the world had participated in the event. Prashant Ranganathan is a student of Carmel Junior College in Jamshedpur.

His project titled ‘Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos using native bacteria’ is aimed at helping farmers to biodegrade the harmful pesticides.

In all, Four Indian-Americans received top awards in various categories.

Indian American Pratik Naidu has won an award in the category of computational biology and bioinformatics.

Other Indian-American winners include Adam Nayak who has won in earth and environmental sciences, Karthik Yegnesh in Mathematics and Rahul Subramaniam in the microbiology category.

ANSWER: Both a and b

Explanation:
State-owned telecom operator BSNL has inked a clutch of agreements with Facebook and MobiKwik as its looks to popularise the internet and its value added services among customers.

The pacts were signed to commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Facebook, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will provide connectivity for the social network’s Rs.Express Wi-Fi Program’.

Facebook, through the Express Wi-Fi service, offers internet facility via public hotspots to users in rural parts of the country, in partnership with telecom operators.

Under another MoU, the company will work with digital payments firm Mobikwik to co-create a BSNL mobile wallet to facilitate payment for its products and services.

The wallet will be available exclusively to BSNL customers in India.

Additionally, MobiKwik will also enable “digital sale” of BSNL SIM cards through its app and website. A third MoU with Disney India will provide premium online gaming services to mobile customers of the telecom operator.

The state-run operator which is facing stiff competition from private telcos like Airtel and Reliance Jio, also launched a new solution in partnership with Data Infosys to offer bulk email services to government and private companies.

ANSWER: Chitale

Explanation:
Chitale committee constituted to prepare guidelines for desiltation of river Ganga from Bhimgauda (Uttarakhand) to Farakka (West Bengal), submitted its report to Ministry of Water Resources on 19 May 2017.

The committee in its report has recommended a slew of measures like a study of reach wise sediment transport processes along with establishing annual sediment budgets to guide de-silting activities.

It also recommended the preparation of annual reports (Sand registry) describing the previous de-silting/dredging activity and a technical institute may be entrusted to conduct the sediment budget, morphological and flood routeing studies.

This would examine and confirm the necessity of the de-silting of the reach under consideration.

In July 2016, the Ministry of Water Resources River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation constituted a committee to prepare guidelines for desiltation of river Ganga from Bhimgauda (Uttarakhand) to Farakka (West Bengal).

It was asked to establish a difference between desilting and sand mining and also to establish the need for desilting for ecology and e-flow of the river Ganga.

Chitale Committee: Know More

• Madhav Chitale (Expert Member, NGRBA) was appointed as Chairman of the committee.
• Other members of the committee included Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Dr Mukesh Sinha, Director, Central Water and Power Research Station, Pune.

ANSWER: Yamuna

Explanation:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 19 May 2017 banned open defecation and dumping of waste on the floodplains of the Yamuna.

The tribunal also announced an environment compensation of INR 5000 for those who violated the diktat.

The ban was announced by NGT bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar while hearing a plea on monitoring the implementation of the ‘Maili se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalisation Project 2017’.

In addition to this, the bench also constituted a committee headed by Delhi Jal Board CEO to oversee the execution of work pertaining to the cleaning of the river and asked it to submit reports at regular intervals.

Besides, the bench also directed the Delhi government and the municipal corporations to immediately take action against industries which operate in residential areas and are a major source of pollution to the river.

Earlier on 1 May 21017, the apex green panel had ordered inspection of the STPs at Delhi Gate and Okhla with a view to ensuring that wastewater was cleaned before it reaches the Yamuna.

It had sought a report with regard to the functioning of these plants.

The tribunal was informed that a total of 14 STP projects are to be constructed to clean wastewater. Of these, seven are to be built by the Delhi Jal Board with its own funds.

ANSWER: 5

Explanation:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on 18 May 2017 announced that the number of children travelling alone has increased five times since 2010.

In addition, the agency also warned that many young refugees and migrants are taking highly dangerous routes to reach their destinations.

A vast amount of unaccompanied and separated children were recorded in around 80 countries in the combined years of 2015 and 2016, up from 66000 in 2010 and 2011, as per the new UNICEF report titled A Child is a Child: Protecting children on the move from violence, abuse and exploitation.

The report depicts a global picture of refugee and migrant children, the motivations behind their journeys and the risks they face along the way.

At least 300000 unaccompanied and separated children moving across borders were registered in 80 countries in 2015-16. 92 per cent of children who arrived to Italy by sea in 2016 were unaccompanied.

The figure is up from 75 per cent in 2015. 100000 unaccompanied children travelling alone were apprehended at the Mexico–United States border in 2015 and 2016.

75 per cent of children who arrived in Italy reported experiences such as being held against their will or being forced to work without pay.

The report also finds that children account for approximately 28 per cent of trafficking victims globally.

In Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America and the Caribbean have the highest share of children among detected trafficking victims at 64 and 62 per cent, respectively.

ANSWER: Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism

Explanation:
India along with countries like Argentina, Burkina-Faso, Chad, France, Ivory Coast, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Yemen has jointly commissioned a study to define and structure a Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism (CRMM).

This is in the context of solar power generation projects in solar rich countries.

The commissioning of the study is aimed at dramatic reduction in the cost of finance for renewable energy and the overall price of electricity.

The exercise is part of the international efforts aimed at implementing the Paris Declaration of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) adopted on 30 November 2015.

The study has been entrusted to a task force chaired by Terrawatt Initiative (TWI), the World Bank Group, the Currency Exchange Fund (TCX), the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and also the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

Each of the participating countries will also appoint a qualified representative who will cooperate with the task force and provide information regarding the country specific expectations, experience and needs of the task force.

All the countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics are also invited to join the task force and support this initiative in order to attract investments into solar sector.

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water calculates the cost of capital to form a substantial amount in the total costs of renewable energy.

In India it accounts for 70% of the total cost of solar Power. In this regard, the CRMM is expected to offer a simple and affordable tool that will develop a secure environment for private institutional investment in solar assets. ISA

On the first day of the COP-21 summit, the International Solar Alliance was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande as a union of countries with abundant sunlight.

ISA: Know More

• Under this alliance, 121 countries that fall within the tropics {i.e. between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn} have been invited to make collaborative efforts to harness solar energy to generate the electricity.
• Most of these countries fall within Asia, Africa and South America.
• There are three objectives behind the International Solar Alliance.
• First is to force down prices by driving demand;
• Second is to bring standardization in solar technologies
• Third is to foster research and development.

ANSWER: 5,12,18,28

Explanation:
The GST Council headed by finance Minister Arun Jaitley has finalised a 4-slab service tax structure at the rates of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent as against the single rate of 15% levied on all taxable services.

GST regime is scheduled to be implemented from July 1.

In the next GST Council meeting, tax rates on gold and other precious metals will be taken up for discussion.

Luxury hotels, gambling, race club betting and cinema services will attract a tax rate of 28%.

Education, healthcare and non-AC rail travel will remain exempted from the GST tax regime.

However, the states will be given the option to levy additional taxes on cinema to compensate for the revenue losses entailed due to merging of entertainment tax with GST.

At present, the total tax incidence on cinema including entertainment and 4-slab service tax is in the range of 55%.

The states need to use the legislative route if it wants to levy additional tax on cinema. States will also be permitted to levy any new tax as the taxation powers of the states have only been restricted and not abolished after the rollout of GST.

Telecom and financial services will be taxed at a rate of 18%. Transport services will be taxed at the rate of 5%.

Cab aggregators like Ola and Uber will have to pay 5% under GST in place of 6%. AC rail travel will attract 5% tax. Economy class air travel will attract 5% GST while business class will attract 12%.

Travelling on metro, local train and religious travel such as Haj Yatra would be exempted from GST.

The e-commerce players like Flipkart and Snapdeal would be required to shell out 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS).

Non-AC restaurants and AC restaurants will attract a GST of 12% and 18% respectively.

Advertisements published in newspapers will attract 5% GST. At present it is exempt from 4-slab service tax.

GST Council: Know More

• ST Council is a federal forum with both centre and states in India on board formed in September 2016.
• It is made of: The Union Finance Minister (as Chairman), The Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or Finance, and The Minister in charge of Finance or Taxation or any other Minister, nominated by each state government.
• The decisions of the GST Council are made by three-fourth majority of the votes cast. The centre has one-third of the votes cast, and the states together have two-third of the votes cast.
• Each state has one vote, irrespective of its size or population.
• The Secretary (Revenue) will be appointed as the Ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council. The Chairperson, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), will be included as a permanent invitee (non-voting) to all proceedings of the GST Council.
• One post of Additional Secretary to the GST Council in the GST Council Secretariat (at the level of Additional Secretary to the Government of India) will be created.
• Four posts of Commissioner in the GST Council Secretariat (at the level of Joint Secretary to the Government of India) will also be created.

ANSWER: PN Pradhan

Explanation:
Air Marshal PN Pradhan has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

IDS Integrated Defence Staff was created in 2001 following the recommendation of GoM which was set up after the Kargil war to review India’s defence management.

IDS was established to ensure a high degree of synergy between the Armed forces.

IDS works towards integration of policies, war fighting and procurement by employing best management practices.

The IDS comprises of Service Officers, Civilian Officers and Scientists who perform roles and functions allocated to them based on responsibilities of Integrated Defence Staff.

PN Pradhan was commissioned as a pilot in Indian Air Force in 1981.

Pradhan has held four command tenures and various key positions like Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Transport and Helicopters) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personal Airmen & Civilians) at Air Headquarters and served as the Senior Air Staff Officer of Southern Air Command.

Pradhan was associated with the induction and operationalisation of Embraer-135, BBJ and C-130 fleets into the Indian Airforce.

In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014.

Ati Vishisht Seva Medal: Know More

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal is a military award of India given to recognize “distinguished service of an exceptional order” to all ranks of the armed forces. The award can also be granted posthumously.
• Category: Peacetime distinguished service medal
• Awarded for: Distinguished service of an exceptional order.
• Established: 26 January 1960
• Next (Lower): Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
• Next (Higher): Vir Chakra

ANSWER: Antarctic

Explanation:
According to a new study conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Exeter in the UK, plant life on Antarctica is growing rapidly due to climate change.

The scientists have observed a sharp increase in biological activity in Antarctica in the last 50 years.

For ascertaining the growth, the scientists conducted tests at five cores from three sites and observed the occurrence of major biological changes across the Antarctic Peninsula.

The scientists made use of 150 years’ worth of data to arrive at the conclusion.

The study has been published in the journal Current Biology.

According to the scientists, Antarctica will be much greener in the future and the continent’s plants and soils will change substantially even with only modest further warming.

The continuous retreat of glaciers will make Antarctica much greener in the future.

As per the study, the growth of moss in the continent is a signifier that the region is already undergoing change.

At present, the plant life exists only in 0.3% of Antarctica.

With increase in land cover occurs decrease in snow and ice cover.

The thinner ice cover permits the penetration of sunlight into the previously dark areas allowing the planktons to grow.

This would bring ecosystem shift to Antarctica similar to what has happened in Arctic.

In March 2017, the US and European scientists had observed that the extent of sea ice at both poles has hit new record lows in this year’s season.

The disappearing sea ice comes as the Earth marks three consecutive years of record-breaking heat and temperature rise, raising fresh concerns about the accelerating pace of global warming.

Also, for the past two years, Antarctica saw record high sea ice extents and decades of moderate sea ice growth.

Recently, the researchers have also found that the Southern Antarctic Peninsula showed no signs of change up to 2009.

But after 2009, multiple glaciers along a vast coastal expanse suddenly started to shed ice into the ocean.

These glaciers measure around 750 km in length and are shrinking nearly at a constant rate of 60 cubic km and adding about 55 trillion litres of water each year.

With this level of shrinking, the region has become the second largest contributor to sea level rise in Antarctica causing small changes in the gravity field of the Earth.

Antarctica: Know More

• Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole, is a virtually uninhabited, ice-covered landmass.
• Most cruises to the continent visit the Antarctic Peninsula, which stretches toward South America. It’s known for the Lemaire Channel and Paradise Harbor, striking, iceberg-flanked passageways, and Port Lockroy, a former British research station turned museum.
• The peninsula’s isolated terrain also shelters rich wildlife, including many penguins.
• Area: 14 million km^²
• Population: 5,000 temporary residents

ANSWER: Hasan Rouhani

Explanation:
Hassan Rouhani has been re-elected as the President of Iran.

He was elected as president for his first term in 2013.

He won 2013 elections by pledging to end Iran’s isolation and improve civil rights at home.

Rouhani was born in Semnan province on November 12, 1948.

He is a graduate of University of Tehran and did his PhD from Scotland’s Glasgow Caledonian University.

The 68 year old Rouhani is a lawyer, academic and a former diplomat.

Rouhani has won his second term by presenting himself as the candidate of change and social freedoms that ended many sanctions and a 13 year standoff over Iran’s nuclear programme.

He has held various key positions like the key defence portfolios during the 1980 -88 Iran-Iraq war. He had spent 16 years as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, which is Iran’s top security post.

Rouhani consistently worked to rebuild Irans’ relations with the West.

He also became the first Iranian leader to speak with the President of United States when Barack Obama phoned in September 2013.

Iran: Know More

• Capital: Tehran
• Currency: Iranian rial
• President: Hassan Rouhani
• Supreme leader: Ali Khamenei