Union Government confirms, GAAR will be effective from April 1, 2017

TNPSC Current Affairs January 29 2017

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley  has confirmed that General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) will implement from April 1, 2017

GAAR (General Anti-Avoidance Rules) are the set of rules framed to check the avoidance of Tax.

Why GAAR?

GAAR will give more powers to the Tax department to deny double taxation treaty benefits to foreign funds routing from Tax-havens like Mauritius .If the bill is passed foreign institutional investor domiciled in such treaty locations has to prove that thy created this structure for genuine business purposes and not for avoidance of tax.

Background:

In June 2012, then finance minister Pranab Mukherjee released the first GAAR Draft, which was in wide criticism. Then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh formed review committee under Parthasarthi Shome. Shome recommended to postpone GAAR for three years and recommends more ininvestor friendly measures.

In 2013 government of India partially accepted Shome Recommendation and defer the GAAR by 2 more years will be effective from 2016-2017.

Australia has introduced this rule in 1981 and later Singapore, Canada, France, south Africa etc introduced GAAR. However UK and USA introduced with much more cautious and not much aggressive in GAAR.

ISRO test fired cryogenic upper stage of GSLV Mark III Successfully

TNPSC Current Affairs January 29 2017

'Indian space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) has tested successfully the indigenous developed most powerful Cryogenic Engine, C25 in upper stage of GSLV MKIII laucnh vehicle.

'The indigenously developed Cryogenic engine is tested in upper stage of GSLV  MKIII. The Cryogenic Engines are special engines which use liquid fuel and provide biggest pus to a launcher vehicle which is used in the upper stage of launcher vehicle.

'The upper cryogenic stage has challenges with liqied oxygen stored at -195 degree and liquid hydrogen with -253 Degree Celsius in Tanks.

'It is tested for 50 seconds at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu in ISRO Propulsion complex (IPRC). This is the first test in a series of 2 and the next test is planned for flight duration of 640 Sec.

'GSLV MKIII launch vehicle is capable of launching 4 ton satellites in Orbit. It consists of 2 solid strap on motors, one earth torable liquid core stage and the upper cryogenic stage- C25.

'About Cryogenic Engine:

'Cryogenic is the study of substances at very low temperature in which gases like nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen become liquid at minus 150 degree or less.

'This is the reason we called this as cryogenics engine which use liquid hydrogen and oxygen as fuel.

'Cryogenic Engine was first used by US in 1963. India took almost 20 years to develop Cryogenic Engine.

'Only US, Russia, China, France and Japan has used Cryogenic engine successfully

Indian Navy’s Theatre level Exercise ,TROPEX 17

TNPSC Current Affairs January 28 2017

Indian Navy’s Theater Level Readiness operational Exercise (TROPEX) begins in western Seaboard. It is an annual exercise which is conducted last in 2015. The exercise will held for month which has ships and aircraft of both the Eastern and Western naval commands, also assets from the Indian Army, Air force and Coast Guard.

The exercise is aimed to validating combat readiness of the Indian Navy and asset of Indian Army, Indian Air force and coast Guard. It will help to strengthen inter-operability and joint operation in a complex environment.

The exercise will be conducted both in harbor and sea encompassing the various facets of war-fighting and combat operations.

The first TROPEX was held in 2007, Indian Navy experimented the doctrine of influencing a land air to support Indian Air force and Army.

Scientist created world’s first stable semi-synthetic organism.

TNPSC Current Affairs January 28 2017

Scientist has created world’s first stable semi-synthetic organism neither fully organic nor fully artificial, but falls somewhere in between.

The team of Biochemist from the Scripps Research Institute has created the semisynthetic Organism has DNA made up of both natural and artificial bases- a single celled bacterium, which may help in drug discovery and other applications.

It is an Organism that relies on a artificial part to function as part of its essential biology _ said Floyd Rosemberg, Senior Researcher of the Project.

About Semi Synthetic Organism:

All DNA based living thing has a genetic code made up of four natural bases Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), these four letters (A,T,C and G) genetic code have two base pairs (A-T and C-G). Scientist has intervened and inserting synthetic X and bases into the genetic code of a single –celled bacteria.

The modified bacteria contains three base pairs (A-T,C-G and X-Y) which capable of retaining synthetic bases indefinitely when it divides

Although in 2014 they were incapable of keeping the pair stable indefinitely while dividing. Now they have successfully achieved the world’s first stable synthetic organism.

The modified bacteria contains three base pairs (A-T,C-G and X-Y) which capable of retaining synthetic bases indefinitely when it divides.

India, France Sign agreement on maritime Information sharing in Indian Ocean Region

TNPSC Current Affairs January 27 2017

India has signed white Shipping Agreement with France on sharing maritime traffic and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region which will enhance Indo-French maritime Security cooperation in the region.

The agreement is signed to curb China’s expanding naval forays in the area where India wants to establish itself as the net security provider.

The Agreement will be implemented in next few months to enable both Indian and France navies to coordinate to stabilize Indo-Pacific Region.

Background

India and France have been coordinating their naval movements and surveillance in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to counter China’s Presence in Indian Ocean Region. India is setting coastal surveillance radars in the Indian Ocean region, which will monitor the increasing Chinese presence in the IOR. 

France has showing interest in sharing data from surveillance systems on its Indian ocean territories, the territories in the region include Reunion Islands,Mayotte, defense bases in UAE and Djibouti .   

 

China has military bases in Pakistan, Srilanka, Maldives to monitor the anti-Piracy Movements which is slowly rising in size and frequency of its deployments. 

The agreement with France will more helpful to India to watch the Chinese Anti-Piracy Movements in Indian Ocean Region.

India has 6 Surveillance systems in Srilanka, 8 in Mauritius and one in Seychelles and Maldives. 

India and UAE inks deals for strategic Oil reserves Storage

TNPSC Current Affairs January 27 2017

India’s Quest for Energy security got major push after signing the deal with UAE which allows to fill India’s 1/6^th emergency oil reserve storage.

About Strategic Oil Reserve Storage:

The deal is part of New Delhi’s strategic petroleum reserve system, an emergency underground storage to hold 36.87 million barrels of crude oil, which will provide 10 days of its daily oil demand.

The deal to allow the Gulf OPEC country to fill half of the underground crude oil storage facility at Mangalore . 

UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil co will store about 6 million barrels at Mangalore

The world’s largest strategic Petroleum reserve is held by United States with capacity of 727 million barrels which will provide 2 months of its Oil demand.

Why Strategic Oil reserve Storage:

The reserve will help to safeguard the economy and to stabilize the petroleum prise in case of Emergency.

India also has the other storage site in Vishakhapatnam with 7.55 million barrels of Iraq oil and Paduran, Karnataka which has 18.3 million barrels storage capacity.

Ashok Chakra Award 2016.

TNPSC Current Affairs January 26 2017

President Pranab Mukherjee has posthumously conferred the Ashok Chakra Award to Havildar Hangpan Dada of the Rashtiya Rifles, Who was killed in Jammu and Kashmir after killing single-handedly three Terrorist.

The gallantry award was accepted by Hangpan Dada’s widow Chasen Lowang from President Pranab Mukherjee in Republic Day celebration.

Havildar Hangpan Dada was from Bodria village in Arunachal Pradesh. He joined in Assam regiment of Indian Army in 1997

About Ashok Chakra Award:

Ashok chakra is the highest award to an army man for valour, courageous or self-sacrifice during peace-time operations. It was established on 1952 and Lieutenant Suhas Biswas was the first person to be awarded with Ashok Chakra. This can be awarded either military man as well as Civilians.

Anna Medal for Gallantry Award 2016 (Tamil Nadu).

TNPSC Current Affairs January 26 2017

Tamil Nadu Government had given Anna Medal for Gallantry 2016 in Republic Day celebration in Chennai.

The 22 year old Durgadevi.W, from Pernampet in Vellore District has received the Anna Medal of Gallantry from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam.

Durgadevi has chosen for this award for her brave act in saving her classmate Nandhini who accidentally fell into Slushy water by risking her own life. She has received the award of 1 Lakh cheque  along with medal worth 5000 and certificate from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. 

              

About Anna Medal:

Anna Medal for Gallantry award is constituted by Government of Tamil Nadu . It is awarded for brave act every year during Republic Day Celebration. The Award included 1 Lakh money , medal and Certificate. 

India Celebrates 68th Republic Day

TNPSC Current Affairs January 26 2017

India Celebrates 68^th Republic Day on 26^th January. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Skill India and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”.

The Chief Quest for the Republic day parade is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In 2016 the chief guest was France President Francois Hollande.

The Republic day parade is the largest parade marking the Republic day Celebration. It will showcase India’s Defence strength, cultural and Social Heritage every Year.

Republic Day celebration is mark of adaptation of Indian Constitution on January 26 1950. The framers of Indian constitution have chosen January 26 because of Historical reason importance. Indian national Congress has Declared January 26 1930  Poorna Swaraj (Complete Independence).

India UAE signs 14 Agreements Including Comprehensive Strategic partnerships.

TNPSC Current Affairs January 25 2017

India and UAE has signed 14 agreements in various fields to boost bilateral cooperation. Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi’s Crown prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a joint statement underscoring various agreements signed between two countries. Sheikh has arrived India for 3 days visit and he is also the Chief Guest of Republic Day Celebrations.

About MoU:

The MoU on Agreement for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

MoU on cooperation on the field of Defence Industry.               

MoU on institutional Cooperation on Maritime Transport.

MoU on Cooperation on Roads and Highways Sectors

Mou on Prevention and Combating of Human Trafficking,

MoU on Cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises and innovations.

Mou on Mutual exemption of entry visa requirements to the holders of diplomatic and official Passports.

MoU on  News Agency for Cooperation in Programme exchange.

Mou on Cooperation in Energy Efficiency Services. 

Union Cabinet approves Ratification Of Kyoto Protocol's 2nd Commitment Period On Climate Change

TNPSC Current Affairs January 25 2017

The Central Government has given its approval to ratify the 2^nd commitment period of Kyoto Protocol which commits countries to contain the Emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs).

The Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister gave its nod to ratify the 2^nd commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol which was adopted by countries in 2012 to containing the emission of Green House Gases and so far 75 countries have ratified the second commitment period.

The Ratification of Treaty will encourage other developing nations to undertake this exercise. This decision will further underlines India’s leadership in the comity of nations committed to global cause of environmental protection and climate justice.

UNFCC View:

UNFCC (The United Nations Framework convention on Climate Change) seeks to stabilize GHGs concentration in Atmosphere. Recognizing the developed countries are principal responsible for the high concentration of GHGs in Atmosphere.

The Kyoto Protocol places commitment on developed nations to undertake mitigation targets and to provide financial resources and transfer technologies to developing nations.

Developing countries like has not targets or mandatory mitigation obligation under Kyoto Protocol.

About Kyoto Protocol:

The Kyoto Protocol is the first International agreement between countries to mandate country by country reduction of six greenhouse gases in order to prevent global warming. Kyoto emerged from the UN Framework Convention on climate Change, which was signed by almost all nations on 1992 mega-meeting popularly known as Earth Summit to curb global Warming.

To put teeth into the pledge, a new treaty was finalized in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 for Green House Gas reduction after years of negotiations and entered into force on February 16 2005.

About Commitment Period:

The first commitment period was from 2008-2012. 

The second commitment period adopted for the period 2013-2020 as per the amendments to Kyoto Protocol at Doha in 2012.

Guided Pinaka rockets successfully tested second time

TNPSC Current Affairs January 25 2017

The Guided Pinaka rocket was successfully test fired second time from launch complex-III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. Its first successful test was conducted on same venue on January 12 2017.

Pinaka Rocket Mark-II equipped with navigation, guidance and control kit which transformed into a guided Pinaka. It will enhance and improve the Pinaka’s Accuracy.

Defence said that, all the mission objective were successfully met during the test. The Radars, electro optical and telemetry systems at chandipur tracked and monitored the weapon all through the flight path.

It is combined developed by Pune-based armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Hyderabad-based Research centre Imarat(RCI) and Defence Research and Development LAbortory (DRDL).

The Guided Pinaka rocket was fired from a multi-barrel rocket launcher(MBRL) which can fire 12 rockets with 12 tonne of high explosives and can destroy a target area of 4 sq km at a time

ISRO to launch record 103 satellites in single rocket PSLV C37

TNPSC Current Affairs January 23 2017

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be launching 103 satellite at one go and will set another record with it in first week of February.

If the launch is success , India will set a world record for launching more satellites in one go beating Russia's launch of 39 satellites in single mission in June 2014.

The rocket PSLV C37 will launch from Satish dhawan space centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The rocket will carry 3 Indian and 100 foreign satellites including US, Israel Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Switzerland as part of an outsourcing Tie up between these countries.

The most of the foreign Satellites is for commercial purpose and the while the Indian satellites were intended to observe and measure the Earth's atmosphere

About PSLV:

PSLV is known as Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is launch system operated and developed by ISRO (Indian space research Organisation). It is one of the world’s most reliable launch vehicle is in service for more than 20 years. It has launched various satellites including chandrayaan 1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System etc

India finalizes MoU on MSME Cooperation with IORA Member countries..

TNPSC Current Affairs January 21 2017

Union Government ,the Ministry of MSME has finalized MoU on micro, small and medium enterprises cooperation with IORA(Indian Ocean Rim Association ) member countries.

The MoU focused on to finalize linkages and alliances amongst MSME's organizations, associations and various institution engaged in MSME development in their countries and exchange best practice, programs and policies for development of the sector.

It also exchange greater involvement of MSME's in the global supply chain and increase their market access, also promote women and youth economic empowerment and encourage synergies with the IORA Forum.

About IORA

Indian ocean rim association is an international organization includes the coastal nation bordering Indian ocean is established in 1997 for  promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

IORA Secretariat will be coordination agency for the implementation of the MoU which is located at Ebene, Mauritius. IORA special fund created for member countries to carry out this activities.

Center clears Tamil Nadu Ordinance on Jallikattu.

TNPSC Current Affairs January 21 2017

Union Government has cleared the Ordinance on Jallikattu , paving the way for the Tamil Nadu government to promulgate it in an effort to end the protests in the state.

Background:

Jallikattu is a traditional bull taming sport, it is an age old annual sport held during festival Pongal.  In May 2014 Supreme court has banned the Jallikattu .To lift the ban , there should be an amendment in Prevention of cruelty of Animals Act 1960 on which the judgment was passed.

PCA falls under concurrent list of government, it means both Central and State Government can enact Laws. 

Tamil Nadu Governor promulgate the ordinance to amend PCA has brought prior instruction from president under article 213.

About Concurrent List

The legislative system in India is divided into 3 section, Union, State and concurrent list under seventh Schedule of constitution.

Union-100 (Originally 97)

State- 61(Originally 66)

Concurrent- 52(Originally 47)

As per the list Union and State government can enact laws in their respective list under seventh schedule of Indian constitution.

Under concurrent list both Union and State can enact law but if there is any conflict the law enacted in parliament will prevail.

About Article 213

Article 213 in Indian constitution is power of governor to promulgate ordinance during recess of legislature. Once the ordinance is approved then there is 6 month time to pass it in legislature. If the Legislature passed the law then the ordinance will become permanent. Even Ordinance promulgate by governor is also under Judicial review if it is not satisfied the constitution.

Scientist produced new form of Hydrogen

TNPSC Current Affairs January 20 2017

Scientist has produced the new form of hydrogen –negatively charged hydrogen clusters.

Physicist Michael Renzler of the University of Innsbruck in Austria and colleagues have produced the new form of Hydrogen, negatively charged hydrogen clusters.

  

Scientist has injected the cold liquid helium droplets with hydrogen molecules, which forms clusters with neutral charge. Then they exposed the droplets with a beam of electrons that caused some of the hydrogen molecules into negatively charged hydrogen ions. Surrounding hydrogen molecules started clustered around the ions and scientist discovered that these newly formed groups could boast a few or many molecules each.

                  

Union Cabinet approves the exclusion of States from National Small Savings Fund (NSSF)

TNPSC Current Affairs January 20 2017

The union Cabinet has given approval to exclude state government and union territories (with  legislature) from national small saving fund (NSSF) investment except Arunachal  Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi effect from April 1 2017

It also approved providing Rs 45000 cr from NSSF to Food corporation of India to meet its food subsidy requirement as one-time Loan.

 

Overview:

The exclusion of State government and Union territories from the investment operations of the NSSF is recommended in the 14th finance commission.

The NSSF loans are more comparing to the market rates.

 

However Arunachal Pradesh is eligible to get the loans amounting 100 5 of NSSF collected withing its territory and Delhi, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh will get 50 % of its collections.

 

The Exclusion of State from NSSF the availability of the funds of NSSF with government  will increase, which reduce the Government borrowing FROM MARKET.

 

About NSSF: 

The NSSF in the public account of India came into effect on April 1 1999. The new sub sector has been introduced in major and minor heads of Government accounts. All the small savings are credited to this new sub sector NSSF and the withdrawals under small saving scheme by the depositors are given from the accumulation in this funds. Remaining fund will be invested in government securities as per Government of India norms.

 

These funds are administered by ministry of finance under NSSF Rules, 2001, framed by the President under Article 283(1) of the Constitution

MoES commissions Higher Resolution Weather Prediction Model

TNPSC Current Affairs January 19 2017

The ministry of earth sciences (MoES) made operational its very high resolution  (12 km) global deterministic model for generating weather forecasts in India. This will help India further improvement in Weather Prediction

The new model will replace the previous version which had a horizontal resolution of 25 km

The new model was very helpful in predicting and the intensity of recent cyclone Vardah and the cold wave over North India.

AS per ministry statement_ " Ministry of Earth science operational ensemble prediction system will also upgraded to 12 km from the horizontal resolution of 25 km. The EPS (Ensemble Prediction System) is adopted to overcome the problem of uncertainties in the forecasts and involves the generation of multiple forecasts using slightly varying initial conditions. Ensemble Prediction system also helps generate probabilistic forecasts and quantify the uncertainties”

MoES provides weather, climate and hydrological services to various users around the year. Both operational and research aspects for these services are implemented through IMD (India Meteorological Department) ,NCMRWF ( National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting),  IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology) and INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System)

Union Cabinet approves Trade agreement with Peru

TNPSC Current Affairs January 18 2017

Union cabinet approved holding negotiations for Trade Agreement with South American nation Peru on trade in goods, services and investment.

The union Cabinet is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given approval for negotiation.

In January 2015 the Joint Study Group (JSG) was constituted to explore the possibility for entering into a Trade agreement between India and Peru. Both India and Peru concluded the study on October 20 2015 and agreed to carry forward the discussion on trade in goods, services and investment.

Peru Ranked 3^rd amongst Latin America and Caribbean region for export destination of India during 2016-2016. The bilateral trade increased from $107.32 M to  $1.52 B in 2015-16

India becomes associate member of CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research)

TNPSC Current Affairs January 18 2017

India and CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) signed as agreement on making India an Associate member state of the research Organisation on January 16,2017. CERN which operates the Largest nuclear and Particle physics laboratory in the world.

The Agreement was signed by Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, Sekhar Basu and Secretary of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and CERN Director General Dr Fabiola Gianotti at the Department of Atomic Energy office.

Union Government gave nod for India officially entering the Geneva based body in 2015, following CERN Council accepted the India as associate member.

India previously had the ‘observer’ status till September, 2016, but CERN Council adopted a resolution upgrading its position on November 2016.

The benefits of becoming associate member is industrial participation and education/ training which allow CERN to directly engage Indian industries and enhance Indian students participation in various experiments and research activities.      

What is CERN?

European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) which was founded in 1954 in a north-west of Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border. It is an European research organization which operates the world largest particle physics laboratory in the world. It is well known for its operation of the large Hadron Collider, which found the Higgs Bason.