Current Affairs Questions & Answers - July 28, 2016

ANSWER: 74

Explanation:
Government of India has raised FDI limit in pharmaceutical companies to attract and retain latest technologies, capital and follow international best practices.

• FDI cap in brownfield pharma was recently raised to 74 percent under the automatic route from 49 percent earlier.
• Beyond 74 percent, foreign investment is permitted under the approval route for attracting capital and technological advancement.
• Government has also put in place necessary safeguards by providing non-compete clause will not be permitted.
• Indian promoters will operate in the same line of business in new ventures.
• Close to 3088 Industrial Entrepreneurs Memorandum were signed between January 2015 and July 2016 envisaging an investment of INR 4.8 lakh crore.
• Close to 427 IEMs were signed in the electrical equipment sector followed by textiles and food processing.
• Maximum IEMs were inked in Maharashtra followed by Gujarat, Karnataka and Telangana.

ANSWER: Defence

Explanation:
Government approved the abolition of existing guidelines for establishing joint venture companies by Defence PSUs to meet the goal of indigenous manufacturing.

• Department of Defence Production concluded that increasing participation in the defence sector and transformation in defence acquisition eco system have made separate JV guidelines for DPSUs no longer necessary.
• The abolition of the existing JV guidelines will provide a level playing field between DPSUs and private sector and permit Defence PSUs to establish partnerships in an innovative manner.
• There are currently 9 defence PSUs namely Mazgaon Dock Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Mishra Dhatu Nigam.

ANSWER: 241

Explanation:
Around 241 infrastructure projects including those delayed due to land acquisition, forest clearances and other reasons led to cost overrun of INR 1.59 lakh crore according to official data.

• Statistics Ministry monitored around 1076 infrastructure projects an addition INR 150 crore or more across sectors like roads, railways and power in May 2016.
• Out of 1076 projects, 4 are ahead of schedule, 252 are on schedule, 330 are delayed and 241 projects reported cost overrun while 70 projects reported time and cost overrun.

ANSWER: Zika

Explanation:
US researchers have located antibodies in lab mice to prevent infection with the mosquito borne Zika virus in what is a crucial step towards vaccine development.

• Research shows 6 antibodies interact with the virus and they are specific enough to Zika virus.
• Some of the antibodies have been able to neutralise Asian, African and American strains of Zika Virus to some degree.
• Further research should focus on finding ways to vaccinate pregnant women.
• Antibodies will have to be adapted and vaccine trials conducted on primates before they can be tested on people.

ANSWER: Nikon

Explanation:
Nikon has launched the new AF-S NIKKOR 105 mm f/1.4E ED mid telephoto fixed focal length aimed at professional photographers.

• This is held to be the world’s first camera with autofocus lens with 105mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture.
• Lens has a combination of innovation and considerably optimal optical performance.
• Creation of shallow depth of field is now easy thanks to this camera; gradual alteration in the focus position results in the creation of natural reproduction of the subject’s depth.

ANSWER: Sri Mulyani Indrawati

Explanation:
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo announced a fresh Cabinet line up on 27th July 2016 returning a reformist to the Finance Ministry and placing the former head of military as the minister of security.

• Sri Mulyani Indrawati who was Finance Minister from 2005-2010 is returning from the post as an MD at the World Bank.
• She was praised for overhauling the corrupt taxation department and guiding the nation through the 2008 financial recession.
• Former general Wiranto heading the military at the time of East Timor carnage was named minister of security, political and legal affairs.
• Wiranto will replace Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, a Jokowi ally who became CM for maritime issues during the South China Sea despite.
• This is the second reorganisation of Jokowi’s cabinet.
• Total of 13 ministries were changed and 9 of the ministers were new to the Cabinet.
• Many new appointments were in economy related ministries.

ANSWER: Chamoli

Explanation:
Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat has confirmed reports of an incursion by Chinese troops in the state’s Chamoli district.

• Chinese have not touched the canal but vigilance has been increased.
• ITBP on July 19 sent a report to MHA for incursion of the state by Chinese forces.
• Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has indicated government will have to ascertain if it is an intrusion or not.

ANSWER: TA

Explanation:
BJP MP and BCCI President Anurag Thakur has been appointed as an officer of the Territorial Army.

• 41-year-old Thakur became a regular officer of the TA becoming the first serving BJP MP to join the military force.
• As a regular officer, the LS member from Hamirpur in HP will under training.
• Territorial Army is the second line of defence after the regular army.
• It comprises volunteers who receive military training for a month in a year so in case of emergencies they can be mobilised for the defence of the nation.
• This is not a employment or profession and is only meant for those persons who are already in civilian professions.
• Gainful employment or self employment in a civil profession is a prerequisite for joining the Territorial Army.

ANSWER: Both a and c

Explanation:
Indian human rights activist Bezwada Wilson and south Indian classical musician TM Krishna have been conferred the Ramon Magsaysay award for 2016.

• Wilson born to a Dalit family in Karnataka has worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the masses and the right to a life of human dignity.
• Chennai born Carnatic musician TM Krishna has been award for ensuring social inclusiveness and promoting culture.
• The Ramon Magsaysay award has bee instituted after former president of Philippines Ramon Magsaysay to honour selfless service to the Asian people.
• Four other awardees for 2016 are Conceit Carpo-Morales from the Philippines, Domput Dhaufa from Indonesia and Vientiane Rescue from Laos as well as the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.

ANSWER: Central

Explanation:
Cochin Shipyard Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of India for the financial year 2016-2017.

• MoU comprises performance evaluation parameters and targets for Cochin shipyard for the coming year.
• MoU will be reviewed by the Shipping Ministry on a regular basis and the performance of the PSU will be evaluated as per certain criteria towards the close of the financial year.

ANSWER: Hero

Explanation:
Hero Group’s electronics venture Hero Electronix has acquired the Indian business of German firm TES DST Holding Europe Limited. With this, Hero Electronix will now be able to provide technological products for domains such as home automation, avionics and transportation.

• The business has been acquired through Tessolve Semiconductor, in which Hero Electronix acquired a strategic stake in April.
• It is said Hero subsidiary and its parent company plan to invest INR 1000-1200 crore over next 7 years for expansion.

ANSWER: 7

Explanation:
Scientists have identified a rare new species of beaked whales measuring up to 7 metres that range from northern Japan across the Pacific Ocean to Aleutian Islands in Alaska.

• The enigmatic black whale has been called karasu, the Japanese word for raven.
• The new species are darker in colour and 2/3 the size of the common Baird Beaked whale.
• DNA analysis of 178 beaked whales from around the Pacific Rim found 8 known examples of the new species.
• An earlier Japanese study had suggested black whales might represent a new species.

ANSWER: Hillary Clinton

Explanation:
Hillary Clinton has been selected officially as the first woman to lead a major political party (Democrats) towards the White House, breaking the barrier that eluded her eight years ago.

• Former American President Bill Clinton also spoke of how his wife was a change maker who put a lot into making people’s lives better.
• If she wins in November, Clintons will be the first married couple to serve as president.

ANSWER: Boeing

Explanation:
India on 27th July 2016 inked a USD 1 billion deal with Boeing for the acquisition of Poseidon 81 long range surveillance and anti submarine warfare aircraft taking total value of arms contracts with US to over USD 15 billion in the previous decade.

• Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the big ticket acquisition in June.
• The aircraft packed with radars and weapons will join 8 first such aircrafts inducted by the Navy in 2013-2015 under a USD 2.1 billion deal inked in 2009.
• P-81s have a reach and flexibility to carry out maritime surveillance and be sent to intelligence gathering missions.

ANSWER: Kerala

Explanation:
Kerala government launched the first ever water metro project in the country- the Kochi Water Metro Project.

• It was launched by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in Kochi.
• Project is associated with provision of water connectivity to people on islands in Kochi area and city.
• Project proposes development of existing and new access roads providing increased accessibility to jetties and enhanced mobility within the islands.
• It also stresses on better constructed and safe infrastructure active and well lit streets equipped with CCTV cameras.
• New boats will be procured for this project providing the same transportation experience as the Metro and will be called Water Metros.
• Kochi Water Metro is an integrated water transport project developed as a feeder service to the Kochi Metro Rail.
• It will be operational in 2 years.

ANSWER: Andhra Pradesh

Explanation:
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu along with Kalraj Mishra and Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation of MSME technology centre in Pudi, Vishakhpatnam district.

• Centre has decided to locate world class technology centre with investment of INR 140 crore.
• The centre will be set up under Technology Centre Systems Programme (TCSP) at Pudi village near here in Atchutapuram mandal which is a World Bank-funded project being implemented by Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

ANSWER: Earth Sciences

Explanation:
Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated the anniversary and foundation day on 27th July, 2016. Dr. Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences released the Vision and Strategy Document for coming 15 years (upto 2030) at the Foundation Day function.

• Ministry of Earth Sciences was established in 2006 brining met, ocean development and operational seismology activities under one roof.
• Mission of the ministry is providing services for weather, natural hazards, climate, ocean and coastal state, seismology and exploration of marine living and non living resources and polar regions.

ANSWER: CRPF

Explanation:
On the 77th anniversary day of CRPF, PM Modi saluted the personnel for fortitude and key role in security system.

• CRPF came into existence in July 1939.
• It became a police force on enactment of CRPF Act December 1949.
• It has completed 76 years of operations.
• The Force has grown into a massive organisation with 235 Bns, (including 203 executive Bns, 5 Mahila Bns, 10 RAF Bns, 10 CoBRA Bns, 5 Signal Bns and 1 Special Duty Group, 1 Parliament Duty Group), 42 Group Centres, 20 Training Institutions, 3 CWS, 7 AWS, 3 SWS, 4 Composite Hospitals of 100 bed and 17 Composite Hospitals of 50 bed.

ANSWER: Bilateral Investment Treaty

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for the Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Cambodia.

• Treaty seeks to promote and protect investments from either country in the territory of the other country with the aim of increasing bilateral investment flows.
• Treaty encourages each country to create favourable conditions for investors of other countries to make investments in territory and admit investments in accordance with laws.
• This is the first such treaty in accordance with the text of the Indian Model Bilateral Investment Treaty approved by the Cabinet in December 2015.

ANSWER: Rural Development

Explanation:
Backing away from an earlier government decision to set up Concurrent Evaluation Office for managing Concurrent Evaluation Network in the Ministry of Rural Development, the Union Cabinet has decided to rescind the decision.

• CEO was envisaged to undertake concurrent evaluation of rural development programmes along with Independent Evaluation Office of the former Planning Commission.
• Decision has paved the way for strengthening of the Economic and Monitoring Wing of the Ministry of Rural Development for managing and carrying out evaluation studies of Rural Development programmes.

ANSWER: 15

Explanation:
Union Cabinet under PM Modi has approved the raising of foreign shareholding limit from 5 to 15 percent in the Indian Stock Exchanges for the following category of bodies:

• Stock exchange
• Depository
• Banking Company
• Insurance Company
• Commodity Derivative Exchange
• The Cabinet has also approved the proposal and enable FPI to acquire shares through initial allotment besides secondary market in the stock exchanges.
• Move will help in enhancing global competitiveness of Indian stock exchange by acceleration of technology and international best practices leading to development of the Indian Capital Market.

ANSWER: Port dependent

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has approved the policy for awarding waterfront and associated land to port dependent industries in major ports and its operationalisation.

• Policy will result in transparency in the procedure for awarding captive facilities.
• As per the policy, concessions will be granted to Port Dependent Industries for setting up dedicated facilities in major ports for import or export of cargo and storage before transportation to destination for a period not more than 30 years.

ANSWER: Bhatinda

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for the establishment of a new AIIMS at Bhatinda, Punjab under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

• The institution shall have a hospital with capacity of 750 beds which will include Emergency/Trauma Beds, AYUSH Beds, Private Beds and ICU Speciality & Super Speciality beds. In addition, there will be an Administration Block, AYUSH Block, Auditorium, Night Shelter, Hostels and residential facilities.
• The cost of the project for establishment of the new AIIMS in Bhatinda shall be Rs. 925 crore.
• New AIIMS will provide super speciality health care to the population.
• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana was first announced in August 2003 with the objective of correcting regional imbalances.
• Under the scheme, AIIMS has been established in Raipur, Rishikesh, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur and Patna. AIIMS Rae Bareilly is currently under progress while three more AIIMS in Nagpur, Kaylani and Mangalagiri have been sanctioned.

ANSWER: Nagaland

Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has approved the amendment in the relevant clause of the Central Agricultural University 1992 to include Nagaland under the jurisdiction of, CAU, Imphal.

• After inclusion of State of Nagaland under jurisdiction of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, the College of Veterinary Sciences in Nagaland will produce the much-needed professional manpower in the fields of animal husbandry, which will facilitate socio-economic growth in the region.
• The new college will help familiarise the farmers with new techniques, thereby contributing to the production and productivity of domestic animals in the State of Nagaland.
• CAU Imphal is for the benefit of the entire NE region.