Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: December 19, 20, 2016
National
Environmentalist Anupam Mishra no more
- Mishra traveled to villages across India describing the value of time-tested systems of water harvesting. He also advocated conservation of traditional water structures in India and abroad.
- Mishra was awarded the 1996 Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP) award instituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The award is given to those who have made a measurable impact on environment protection.
- Books authored by Mishra- Aaj Bhi Khare Hain Talaab (Lakes are still Standing, 1993) and Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein (Radiant Raindrops of Rajasthan, 1995).
Garv II, mobile app launched to monitor rural electrification
- Ministry of Power has launched Garv II, which helps citizens track rural electrification on a real-time basis.
- The progress is being monitored under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY).
- The app has SAMVAD, a window which aims to improve people participation. It forwards feedback received from people to concerned authorities through SMS/email.
Dead zone discovered in Bay of Bengal
- An area of around 60,000 sq. km in Bay of Bengal has been discovered by scientists of National Institute of Oceanography which is a dead zone
- Dead zone is an area in oceans which has low oxygen concentration. Lack of oxygen is harmful to marine life leading eventually to their death. The main cause for forming of a dead zone is nutrient pollution.
Sports
Karun Nair scores triple century in Tests
- Karun Nair became the second Indian cricket player to score a triple century (300 runs) in the fifth test match at Chennai where India played against England
- First Indian cricket player to score two triple centuries in test matches is Virendra Sehwag.
- Other players to score a triple century more than once are Donald Bradman of Australia and Brian Lara and Chris Gayle of West Indies.