Daily GK Updates - 28th February, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. National Science Day- 28th February: National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on 28 February. The theme of NSD-2018 is “Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future”. NSD is celebrated to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’, which led to Sir C.V. Raman winning the Noble Prize. The theme has been chosen for the purpose of raising public appreciation of the scientific issues involved.

2. Indian Railways to install sanitary pad dispensers: The Railway Ministry said it aims to install sanitary pad dispensers and incinerators at about 200 stations by International Women’s Day on March 8. The move is aimed to benefit Railway employees and passengers from financially weaker sections. The dispensers have already been installed at railway stations in New Delhi and Bhopal.

3. CSIR inks MoU with IORA-RCSTT for medicinal plants: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed a MoU with the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer. The MoU is for designating Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Lucknow as the coordinating centre on medicinal plants. The IORA Centre will establish a database on the important medicinal plants.

4. GOBAR Dhan Yojana to be launched: The Union Government is going to roll out Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme. It was first announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during his 2018-19 budget speech. The scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to the use composition. It will also help in keeping the village clean while increasing income of farmers and cattle herders.

5. India 2018 book released: Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani released 'India 2018' (English Version) and 'Bharat 2018' (Hindi Version). The books are published by the Publications Division. The book available in both print and online versions. It is an exhaustive publication dealing with all aspects of the country's development. With its latest edition, the book has entered into its 62nd year of publication.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Moon to get its first mobile phone network: The moon will get its first 4G mobile network next year to allow lunar exploration vehicles to stream high-definition data back to a base station. Vodafone Germany, Nokia, and carmaker Audi said that they were working in collaboration with Berlin-based space exploration scientists. The project is a part of the first privately-funded mission to the Moon.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. Fastest distance measurements using LIDAR: Germany and France-based researchers have recorded 100 million distance values per second, demonstrating the fastest distance measurement so far. The team studied a bullet travelling at 540 kmph with micrometre accuracy using laser-based LIDAR (light detection and ranging). This technology could be used in autonomous navigation and 3D cameras.

2. Jupiter’s icy moon Europa may host life-Researchers: Jupiter’s moon Europa may host life in an ocean of liquid water under its 10-km-thicker ice crust, suggested Brazilian researchers. The team based their claims on a bacterium that survives deep underwater without sunlight in environments similar to Europa. The bacterium in 2.8-km-deep South African mines was found to synthesise its energy from rock sulphates, formed via ionising radiation.

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. Amazon buys video doorbell startup Ring: E-commerce giant Amazon has agreed to buy US-based video doorbell startup Ring, the companies confirmed. According to reports, the deal could be worth more than $1 billion, making it one of the most expensive acquisitions in Amazon’s history. Founded in 2012, the startup makes video doorbells and security cameras that connect to users’ phones or computers.

SPORTS:

1. Davis Cup to convert into ‘WC of Tennis’: The Davis Cup, in existence since 1900, may be converted into a ‘World Cup of Tennis’ from next year. The new format will feature 18 teams playing a week-long event at one venue, instead of the existing 16 teams playing across four different months. A 25-year, $3 billion partnership with investment group Kosmos is in place for the new event.

2. Karnataka beats Saurashtra to win Vijay Hazare Trophy: Karnataka defeated Saurashtra by 41 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final on Tuesday to win the tournament for the third time. Batting first, Karnataka put up a total of 253/10 and Saurashtra were bowled out for 212 in 46.3 overs.

3. Cricket Team India and South Africa donate  Rs. 5.5 lakh to Cape Town Water Crisis aid: Team India captain Virat Kohli and his Proteas counterpart Faf du Plessis have donated ₹5.5 lakh to the Cape Town Water Crisis on behalf of both the teams for drought relief efforts in Cape Town. This comes days after Cape Town pushed back ‘Day Zero’ to July 9, the day the city is expected to run out of water.

4. Federer becomes the most decorated Laureus Award winner: Tennis legend Roger Federer became the most decorated winner in the history of Laureus World Sports Awards after he won twin honors at the 18th edition of the awards ceremony in Monaco. It was his sixth award. American tennis great Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year Award. She is now the most decorated female Laureus Award winner with five Laureus statuettes.