06 February 2017 - Daily Current Affairs
Science & Defence
India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-1
- India has successfully test-fired nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile as part of a user trial from a test range off the Odisha coast.
- The trial was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army from Launch Pad 4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore, Odisha.
- Ground radars, telemetry stations, and naval ships positioned close to the intended impact point monitored the course of the missile.
- Agni-I is a single stage, solid fuel, road and rail mobile, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by DRDO of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.
Note:
- Agni missiles consist of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range).
- These are rail and road mobile and powered by solid propellants.
Japan launches the smallest rocket ever to carry tiny satellite into orbit
- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched the world’s smallest rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan.
- The objective of the launch for testing the ability of JAXA to launch low-cost rockets that can put microsatellites into space at affordable rates.
- The rocket measuring 10 meters in length, 50 centimeters in diameter and some 2.6 tons in weight.
- The satellite was developed by the University of Tokyo to capture images of the Earth’s surface.
International Appointments
Jerome H Powell sworn in as 16th Chairman of Federal Reserve
- Jerome H. Powell took the oath of office as the 16th Chairman of the Federal Reserve for a four-year term.
- The oath was administered by Vice Chairman Randal K. Quarles in the Board Room.
- He succeeded Janet Yellen, the first woman to lead the US central bank.
- Earlier, Mr. Powell served as a member of the Board of Governors.
- In November 2017, Powell was nominated for the post by President Donald Trump.
Note:
- The Federal Reserve System is the central banking system of the United States.
- It was created on December 23, 1913, with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act, after a series of financial panics (particularly the panic of 1907) led to the desire for central control of the monetary system in order to alleviate financial crises.
Important Dates
6th February: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
- International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is a United Nations-sponsored annual awareness day that takes place on February 6 as part of the UN's efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation.
- It was first introduced in 2003.
National Affairs
PM Modi to go on 4-day visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman on 9th February
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go on four days visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman on 9th February.
- This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine.
- During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in many community events.
- In Dubai (UAE), Prime Minister would be addressing the Sixth World Government Summit being at which India has been extended 'Guest of Honour' status.
- Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
- At Oman, he will address a community event at a stadium in Muscat.
Maharashtra govt approves new wildlife sanctuary at Ghodazari
- The Maharashtra Govt. has approved ‘Ghodazari’ in Chandrapur district as a new wildlife sanctuary in the state.
- The decision was taken at the 13th meeting of the Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Note:
- Wildlife sanctuaries are established by IUCN category IV protected areas.
Railways to phase out diesel locos in Delhi by March 2019
- According to the railway board, no diesel locomotive will be allowed in the Delhi area after March 2019.
- They also released the news bulletin ’GARVITA’ and launched a mobile app for public transparency.
- Railways will be completely LED lit in the next eight months.
- The railway ministry has set a target of 2022 to switch to electric locomotives completely by phasing out their diesel counterparts with a focus on increasing speed.
Lt Gov of Delhi today launches upgraded version of original Himmat App & QR code
- Anil Baijal (Lieutenant Governor of Delhi) has launched the upgraded version of original Himmat App and QR code containing complete information of taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers across the NCR- region.
- The new version with a new logo is called ‘Himmat Plus’.
- ‘Himmat Plus’ intends to ensure that only genuine and verified drivers take the passengers to their destination from Airport and Metro stations.
- This app has been transformed into 'Utility' app from an 'Emergency Safety' app and it is linked to police's Facebook page and Twitter handle.
- It has a special feature like scanning QR code for drivers of taxi cabs, auto and e-rickshaws and Report Journey button which when pressed sends the location with driver's unique ID to police headquarters.
Sports
Shubhankar Sharma wins Malaysia title after stunning final round
- India's Golfer Shubhankar Sharma (21-year) roared back from a four-stroke deficit to claim a remarkable two-shot win at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia for his second European Tour title.
- He shot 10 birdies in a sizzling closing round of 10-under-par 62 to aggregate 21-under for the tournament, finishing ahead of joint overnight leader Jorge Campillo who carded a 68.
- Now, He is the two-time winner of the Asian Tour and European Tour.