1.Global satellite to be named after APJ Abdul Kalam
(i) A global satellite for earth observation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) proposed under the UN framework is to be named after former Indian president and noted rocket scientist APJ Abdul Kalam.
(ii) The GlobalSat for DRR is an initiative undertaken by the UN for sharing space technology with a view to reduce disasters. The idea for this was mooted at the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held at Sendai, Japan in March 2015.
(iii) Milind Pimprikar, Chairman of CANEUS (Canada-Europe-US-Asia) Organisation on Space Technologies for Societal Applications headquartered in Canada said, ‘We now plan to dedicate the UN GlobalSat initiative as a tribute to late Dr. Abdul Kalam by renaming it ‘UN Kalam GlobalSat’.
2. Essel Group to launch global news channel with an Indian standpoint
(i) Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra plans to launch a global news channel with an Indian point of view.
(ii) The group aims to launch a news channel along the lines of CNN – IBN, Al Jazeera, said Chandra.
(iii) The Essel group owns English newspaper Daily News & Analysis (DNA) and runs news television channels under the ZEE brand.
3. SEBI to discuss SIT suggestions on black money
(i) Stock market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has begun an internal study on the Supreme Court-appointed special investigativve team’s (SIT) suggestions on black money.
(ii) SEBI has already acted against 950 domestic entities suspected of tax evasion and around 25 offshore entities are under its scanner.
(iii) This step is a result of SEBI’s continued efforts to act against black money being routed through stock markets.
4.Thomas Cook acquires Kuoni Group’s travel businesses in India and Hong Kong
(i) Tour operator Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. has signed an agreement with Kuoni Group to acquire its travel business in India and Hong Kong for Rs. 535 crore.
(ii) With this agreement all other brands of Kuoni such as SOTC, SITA and Distant Frontiers are to be transferred. Thomas Cook will absorb around 1800 of Kuoni’s employees and continue to run the business as an independent company.
5. India needs to utilise technology to sustain GDP: Accenture report
(i) As per a recent report published by Accenture, given that India’s population is projected to reach 1.47 billion by 2030, the nation is likely to be hardpressed for resources, unless it utilises information and communications technology (ICT) and creates smarter cities.
(ii) Only these measures will enable India to sustain its current GDP growth at 5% per year.
(iii) Further, with increased reach of smartphones, ICT can play a crucial role in shaping sustainable growth in India while addressing issues like poverty, pollution, job creation and resource shortage. Smartphone penetration reached 13% in 2014 and is expected to reach 70% by 2030.”
(iv) Nearly 78 out of 100 Indians have at least a basic mobile phone connection.
6. CNG-run vehicles emit cancer-causing nanocarbon, says CSIR study
(i) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) study finds that compressed natural gas (CNG)-run buses and autos can be harmful for humans as they emit cancer-causing ‘nanocarbon’ particles.
(ii) The study was conducted in Delhi on a limited sample, but considering the likelihood of health hazards, CSIR alerted the Central government to initiate action.
(iii) CSIR director general, Dr M.O. Garg added, “These nano particles are rich in polynuclear aromatic, having a huge surface area. They are also carcinogenic. You can see smoke coming out from diesel engine and tell that it is dangerous. But, nanocarbon particles from CNG-run vehicles is something we need to look at.”
7. Typhoon Soudelor batters Taiwan
(i) Typhoon Soudelor thrashes Taiwan with fierce winds and rains leaving four people dead and wide spread devastation before heading to mainland China.
(ii) The typhoon left homes without power, rooting out trees and snapping the wind turbines. Heavy rains have left some regions waist-deep under water.
(iii) The Typhoon is reported to have moved toward Chinese province of Fujian where 158,000 people have been evacuated.
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