Current Affairs Questions & Answers - Jan 19, 2016

ANSWER: WhatsApp

Explanation:
Service which has over a billion users globally indicated no third party ads will be used for monetisation. Company was acquired by FB for USD 19 billion in 2014 indicated it will experiment with new models to remain ad free.

ANSWER: MindTree

Explanation:
Mid-tier IT company Mindtree has named Rostow Ravana as the new CEO and appointed Krishna kumar Natarajan as executive chairman as one looks for growth acceleration. Bangalore based IT company also purchased US based Magnet360 for USD 50 million that includes an upfront payment of USD 37 million and earnest and additional payments of USD 13 million over a span of the next 2 years. Company’s board has also made the recommendation of a 1:1 issue of bonus shares.

ANSWER: NALCO

Explanation:
Looking to tap PSU funds to create makeup for shortfall in disinvestment proceeds, government has asked state run aluminium maker NALCO to purchase 25% of the shares to gain estimated INR 3250 crore. NALCO board may consider the proposal and sources indicate government could raise above INR 3250 crore through sale of 25% of shares in NALCO.

ANSWER: Andhra Pradesh

Explanation:
EXIM Bank has entered into MoU with AP to promote exports from the state. MoU was signed by EXIM Bank CMD Yaduvendra Mathur and Shamsher Singh Rawat, Secretary and Commissioner for Industrial Promotion, AP. EXIM Bank aims to support exporters possessing operations in the AP in attaining higher exports by facilitation of market linkages through market advisory services that will assist in identification of suitable partners.

ANSWER: 67P

Explanation:
Researchers including that of Indian origin have identified 2 large patches of water ice on the surface of comet 67P which is the most studied comet in the history of mankind. Elusive ice was detected using data collected through ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft on the lower region of the comet in a region called Imhotep. Bright patches in visible light is located on cliff walls and debris falls. The surface of 67P Churyumov-Gerasimenko, like most comets, is mainly covered by materials so dark they appear almost black.

ANSWER: Both a and b

Explanation:
Renowned Kannada lyricist and film maker Geethapriya has suffered a heart attack on 17th January 2016 in Nebgaluru. He was 84 and survived by a wife, son and two daughters. Lakshman Rao Mohite was born in June 1931 and his pen name is Geethapriya. The movie bagged National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada and State awards and the artist was awarded the Puttanna Kanagal Award in 1986 in recognition for his contribution to the Kannada film industry.

ANSWER: Dinesh Sharma

Explanation:
India is one of the founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has been elected to the board of directors of China sponsored AIIB expected to commence loan approvals towards the close of the year. Dinesh Sharma Additional Secretary of Ministry of Finance has been elected to the 12 member board for which a secret ballot has been held. Authorised capital of USD 100 billion and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion will yield investment of various sectors such as urban construction and energy as well as transportation.

ANSWER: Guenter Butschek

Explanation:
Commercial vehicle marker TATA Motors has made the announcement that Guenter Butschek has been appointed as the CMD. Butschek will work to lead operations of TATA Motors in India as well as South Korea, South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia. Butschek will be joining the company by February 15, 2016.

ANSWER: David Bowie

Explanation:
David Bowie has had a constellation named after him, namely 7 stars in the shape of an iconic lightning bolt. Astronomers have announced the registration of the constellation situated in the vicinity of Mars following the death of the artist. Lightning bolt first appeared on Bowie’s face on the cover of the Aladdin Sane album.

ANSWER: Sikkim Organic Festival 2016

Explanation:
PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Sikkim Organic Festival 2016 and addressed the Plenary Session of the National Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers Welfare at Gangtok, Sikkim. The PM also launched three new Orchid species developed in Sikkim. He named two of the orchids- one after national icon Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the other after Jan Sangh leader Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay - Cymbidium Sardar and Lycaste Deendayal. Chamling named the third one after the Prime Minister, who thanked the Sikkim government for this honour. PM also digitally launched the logo of Sikkim Organic.