The Daily Brief – 19th July, 2016

By Praveen Dwivedi -
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  • The Indian Railways has initiated a process to launch the Terrain Imaging for Diesel Drivers- Infrared Enhanced Optical and Radar Assisted (Tri-NETRA) system to avoid train accidents. The system will be installed on locomotives for enhancing vision in bad weather.
  • The Supreme Court has upheld all the recommendations of the R.M. Lodha Committee Report on cricket administration in the country. The ruling will result in a complete administrative overhaul in the functioning of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in a bid to improve air quality in Delhi, has ordered that all diesel vehicles that are over 10 years old must be deregistered by the Road Transport Offices (RTO). This comes in addition to governmental schemes such as the odd-even rule that was tested in January this year.
  • The fourth limb of the Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) scheme has been opened for subscription. SGB is a government securities scheme denominated in terms of gold. It is an alternative to holding gold in physical form, which is an asset with low returns and high liabilities. The scheme was launched by the Union Government in October 2015.
  • Guruprasad Mohapatra has been appointed as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The Spanish made Talgo train recently became the fastest in India, overtaking the Gatimaan Express. (Source: Talgo)
  • The Union Railway Ministry has launched a project to install Solar Panels in all Railway Buildings in order to reduce expenditure on electricity. The Union Railway Minister also announced the launch of a high-speed train service between Amritsar and New Delhi. It will be initiated following the successful trial run of Spanish-made Talgo, which became the fastest train in the country by clocking a speed of 180 km/hr.
  • The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Netherlands to set up a skill development center to help farmers. The MoU was signed by Dutch Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga and UP Chief Secretary Deepak Singhal in presence of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
  • Legendary playback singer Mubarak Begum has passed away after a prolonged illness. She is known for her Bollywood songs and Ghazals in the 1950s to 70s.
  • A memorial to commemorate the life and works of R.K. Narayan will be opened in Mysore. The author’s old bungalow will be opened to the public, showcasing his room, his collection of books, etc. R.K. Narayan has authored popular children’s books such as Malgudi Days, and Swami and Friends.
  • The Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) has become the first Indian company to issue rupee-denominated bonds “masala bonds” on London Stock Exchange (LSE). The bond will help HDFC, India’s biggest mortgage lender (home finance company) to diversify its borrowing profile and access global investors. The Masala bond refers to a rupee-denominated bond through which Indian entities can raise money from foreign markets in rupee, and not in foreign currency.
  • Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal have won the 73rd Senior National Squash Championship in men’s and women’s single categories respectively. The 73rd Senior National Squash Championship was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 12 July to 17 July 2016.
  • NASA’s SpaceX shuttle has successfully launched its Dragon Cargo capsule filled with supplies for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
  • Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated on the 18th of July every year to mark Nelson Mandela’s birth anniversary. Nelson Mandela is a former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The theme for this year is to ‘Take Action, Inspire Change’. The day marks the anti-apartheid icon’s commitment to democracy, racial justice and human rights for all.
  • Turkish musician Kudsi Erguner was appointed as the UNESCO Artist for Peace by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova. He was appointed after the opening ceremony of the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Istanbul, Turkey.

 

Today’s Quiz

  1. What is the purpose of the Tri-NETRA system that has recently been launched by the Indian Railways?





2. Who has recently been appointed as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India?





3. Which judicial body has recently ordered the deregistration of 10-year-old diesel vehicles in Delhi?





4. The Supreme Court recently upheld all reforms suggested by a committee constituted to study the administration of cricket in India. Who head this committee?





4. Which train has recently become the fastest in India, to clock 180 kmph?





6. Which state government has recently entered into an MoU with the Netherlands for a skill development programme for farmers?





7. R.K. Narayan's bungalow is soon to be opened to the public. Where is it situated?





8. Which financial institution became the first in India to issue masala bonds on the London Stock Exchange?





9. Who has won the Senior National Squash Championship this year?





10. Who is the Director General of the UNESCO?









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