Current Affairs Questions & Answers - Nov 09, 2016

ANSWER: Rajgir

Explanation:
Indian archaeologists are using high end lasers to map the ancient Bihari city of Rajgir.

• This plan is a part of their inter-disciplinary Rajgir Archaeological Survey Project which includes the survey of archaeological evidence and the flora and fauna of the area.
• Archaeologists are planning to make use of remote sensing technique Light Detection and Ranging using laser light to survey the earth’s surface.
• The LIDAR device will be mounted on drones or helicopters to get the expected result, for which permissions are needed.
• It is a collaborative project between the society and Nalanda University in partnership with Bihar Ministry of Art, Culture and Youth.
• The aim is to better understand the historic city’s landscape by studying the existing archaeological remains through a comprehensive survey.
• Located in Bihar’s Nalanda district, this is one of the most significant tourist places for Buddhist pilgrims.
• It was the first capital of the Magadha Empire.
• Gautama Buddha spent many years of his life in this city.
• He delivered numerous sermons as well.
• The city was the venue of the first Buddhist Council.
• Apart from Buddhism, the ancient city is also known for its association with Jainism as its founder Lord Mahavira spent 14 years there.

ANSWER: Both of the above

Explanation:
The 39th Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards for 2016 were conferred on 7th Nov 2016 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• Eminent Gandhian and President of Tunisia’s Ennahdha Party, Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi was awarded this honour.
• Other recipients of the award were Mohan Hirabai Hiralal. Bon Behari Vishnu Nimbkar, and Nannapaneni Manga Devi.
• Hiralal is the founder and convenor of Vrikshamitra.
• Nimbkar is the founder of Nimbler Agricultural Research Institute.
• The fourth awardee, NM Devi is the founder secretary of Sri Venkateswara Bala Kuteer and Chetana Charitable Trust.
• This is an Indian award for promoting Gandhian values, social development and community services.

ANSWER: 9th Nov

Explanation:
PM Narendra Modi has announced that INR 1000 and 500 rupee notes will cease to be legal tender from 12:00 am 9-10 Nov 2016.

• The announcement was made through a special nationwide televised address on Nov 8, 2016.
• PM Modi also appealed that those in possession of the notes can deposit it in accounts in banks and post offices from Nov 10 to Dec 30.
• Those unable to deposit the notes within the deadline for some reason can further change them till March 31, 2017 by furnishing ID proof namely Aadhaar card and PAN card.
• He also announced new currency notes of INR 500 and 2000 rupee denomination to be introduced.
• Major objective behind the Government’s decision is to ban the existing currency denomination is to curb black money in the market and phase out fake currencies.
• ATMs will dispense only INR 2000 per day later to be increased to INR 4000 per day.
• Till Nov 11, midnight, hospitals will accept INR 500 and 1000 notes on basis of prescription, they can buy medicines from drug stores on hospital shops.
• Government buses ticket booking counter and airlines will accept them for booking tickets till Nov 11 midnight.
• Petrol and CNG outlets, crematoriums and international airports will also have the leeway to accept INR 500 and 1000 notes till Nov 11.
• ATMs will be closed on Nov 9 and 10.
• Banks will be closed on Nov 9 for public transactions.

ANSWER: Theresa May

Explanation:
India and the United Kingdom released a Joint Statement on Nov 7, 2015 to strengthen their strategic partnership.

• The joint statement was released following the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Theresa May.
• May was on a three day visit to India from 6-8 Nov 2016.
• This is her first bilateral visit outside EU after taking over as the UK PM.
• This meet stressed toe need for both sides to work together to build a forward looking international partnership to promote peace, prosperity and security of the two nations.
• Both countries call for greater participation of respective investment communities to stimulate the Indian and UK economic growth.
• Both sides agreed to create the closest possible commercial and economic relations when UK leaves the EU.
• Newly established JWG reporting to JETCO will drive progress.
• Financing India’s infrastructure growth, energy climate change, science and technology, VISA laws, counter terrorism operations, UK-India research collaborations and more partnerships between India and UK were the highlight of the Joint Statement.
• India and the UK also signed agreements in the field of intellectual property rights and ease of doing business.

ANSWER: INR 12000 crore

Explanation:
Replacing INR 500 and 1000 denomination notes will cost RBI INR 12,000 crore based on number of notes in circulation and the cost incurred in printing them.

• RTI queries show it costs INR 2.50 to print each INR 500 denomination note and INR 3.17 to print an INR 1000 note.
• This costs the central bank INR 3917 crore to print INR 1567 crore Rs. 500 notes in circulation and INR 2000 crore to print the 632 crore INR 1000 notes in circulation recently.
• Removing all notes and replacing them with new INR 500 and 2000 notes will cost the apex bank INR 12000 crore therefore.
• By replacing the INR 1000 notes, the government is doing away with the cheapest note to print in relation to the face value of the note.

ANSWER: The Apprentice

Explanation:
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is edging closer to victory over Hillary Clinton after shock swing state victories.

• Trump took Florida, Ohio, Iowa and North Carolina while Democrat Clinton took Nevada and Virginia.
• Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Michigan were traditionally part of the Clinton firewall.
• But even here, Trump has taken a lead.
• The US Dollar and the Mexican peso plummeted while Dow futures fell by 800 points.
• Trump’s Ohio victory was a big boost as no Republican has taken the White House without succeeding in this state.
• Lowa last voted for Republican candidates in 2004.
• Trump won the key state of Pennsylvania in defeating Clinton.