Current Affairs Questions & Answers - Nov 18, 2016

ANSWER: Google Photo Scan

Explanation:
Search engine major Google has launched the scanning app Google PhotoScan on 16th November 2016 to scan and digitise physical photographs.

• The app is maintained by Google PhotosIt detects edges of the picture, straightens the image and rotates it to the correct orientation
• It ensures old photos are clear and glare-free
• It also uses AR to create 4 points near the frame and uses the 4 photos to create composite image without glare
• The set up of the app is effortless as it directs users on how to try out the app; users can adjust corners and rotate scanned pictures as per their preferences
• Once photos have been scanned, one tap enables them to be saved to Google Photos
• Saved photos can be stored, searched and shared
• The App can be used on Android and iOS devices both
• This app makes it easy to preserve memories in old printed photos
• The app lets users adjust the crop to remove the hint of background surface peeking into the photo
• Once the scanning is complete the app saves your photo
• There are also a host of new photo-editing options on board
• Auto enhance feature tweaks brightness, contrast, saturation and other characteristics of the photo
• It recognises what a photo editor might need to enhance the image

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
In a first move of its kind, the Central Reserve Police Force deployed 135 women commandos in counter Naxal operations in Jharkhand.

• The 135 women officers belonged to the 232 battalion’s Delta company
• At present, they are under the guidance of the CRPF 133 battalion near Khunti outside of Ranchi
• The women commandos have proved to be equally capable of neutralising Maoists, as the men commandos
• They will play an important role in women empowerment and have been trained in several case studies to carry out their operation in a perfect manner
• They are equipped with modern weapons and software to assist them in plan execution
• The largest Central Armed Police Forces, the CRPF functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• Its primary role is assisting states and UTs in police operations to maintain law and order
• It also assists in counter-insurgency operations
• Following the Independence of India, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on 28 December 1949 when the CRPF act was passed
• With 235 battalions and numerous other establishments, it the largest paramilitary force in India
• It currently has 308862 personnel.

ANSWER: Chhattisgarh

Explanation:
Chhattisgarh became the first state of India to adopt a resolution welcoming demonetisation scheme of the Union government

• The resolution was moved in the state assembly by CM Raman Singh
• Resolution passed on 16th November 2016 saw 41 votes in favour and 25 against
• On Nov 8, at 8:00 pm , PM Modi had announced the demonetisation of high value currency notes of India and that INR 1000 and 500 notes will cease to be legal tender from 8-9 Nov midnight
• The decision aims to remove black money from the system
• It will usher in clean transactions and clean up the money system and impact contentious issues plaguing the system
• The Chhattisgarh government has also pledged to take steps to encourage people in small businesses to switch over to e-payment system and places with swipe machines would be exempt from VAT
• The state government has also made arrangements to make online payments to farmers for their paddy procured under the support price system

ANSWER: Post Truth

Explanation:

• The word was selected after research conducted by the dictionary saw the use of the word rose 2000 percent over usage in 2015
• Word of the Year of is an expression or word chosen to reflect the passing year in language
• Words are chosen after debating on merits of the words, ethos, mood or preoccupation of the particular year
• Post truth is an adjective; it means relating or pertaining to circumstances in which objective facts have less influence in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal beliefs
• The phrase post truth politics has caught on
• It was used maximum number of times in June 2016 EU referendum in the UK
• It also saw the increase in usage in the US Presidential elections, especially when Donald Trump was declared the Republican nominee
• Word post truth was first used in a 1992 essay in Nation Magazine written by the late Serbian-American playwright Steve Tesich.
• Other words in the contest included Adulting, Alt-right, Brexiteer, Chatbot, Coulrophobia, Hygee, Latinx.

ANSWER: None of the above

Explanation:
Thailand celebrated the festival of lights called Loi Krathong which is celebrated in honour of Lord Buddha

• The main event includes releasing sky lanterns and aerial krathongs, meaning decorated baskets
• Restrictions on festivities were placed in light of the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Loi Krathong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar; therefore, the exact date of the festival changes annually
• In the Western calendar it usually falls in the month of November.
• In 2015 it was celebrated on Nov 25
• Thailand is a SE Asian country known for its monuments and beaches
• The capital is Bangkok and the currency is Thai baht
• Prime minister of Thailand is Prayut Chan-o-cha, while official language is Thai

ANSWER: 21 Nov 2002

Explanation:
World Philosophy Day was conceived by UNESCO; it is celebrated every 3rd Thursday of the month of Nov

• It was first celebrated on 21 Nov 2002
• UNESCO underlies the enduring value of the philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and individual
• UNESCO has been linked to philosophy in the global context
• The objective of the day is to encourage the peoples of the world to share their philosophical heritage and to open their minds to new ideas
• The day also aims at public debate between intellectuals and civil society on the challenges confronting society.
• UNESCO’s World Philosophy Day falls in line with International Day for Tolerance on 16th Nov 2016

ANSWER: Ekrona

Explanation:
Sweden has to decide whether it wants to issue a digital currency known as “Ekrona” within a period of two years

• Deputy governor of Sweden’s central bank Riksbank announced the bank is considering the move after fall in sage of cash
• Amount of notes and coins in circulation has fallen by 40 percent since 2009 with rise in online shopping and card payments
• This is the first time a nation would give direct access to citizens for virtual money issued by a central bank
• It is not the only country considering this
• UK is also reported to be considering whether digital currency created and owned by the central government may be a positive way out of economic problems
• Sweden is located in Scandinavia and it has capital city Stockholm built on 14 islands
• Sweden has more than 50 bridges and open air Skansen
• Its current currency is the Swedish krone and the official language spoken here is Swedish.

ANSWER: PM

Explanation:
Turkey is set to scrap the office of the PM in a historic switch under a proposal backed by the government for a new presidential system

• Forestry and water affairs minister Vessel Eroglu indicated there could be one and possibly two vice presidents under President Recept Tayyip Erdogan in the new format.
• It will submit the referendum next year
• There will not be a PM in the new system
• Erdogan who was elected to the top post in 2014 after serving the PM for more than 10 years, is seeking a strong presidency similar to France or the US
• His ruling Justice and Development Party AKP needs 330 votes in a 550 seat parliament to call referendum to legislate the changes
• Eroglu predicted that the proposed package would be put to referendum next spring along with support of MPs from nationalist movement party
• Opponents say this could drag Turkey into a one man rule
• Before Erdogan became head of state, the Turkish prime minister was seen as the number one but current Prime Minister Binali Yildirim is very much his subordinate.