SpaceX to launch super-computer to space

SpaceX is poised to launch an unmanned cargo ship toward the International Space Station on Tuesday, including a super-computer that could direct astronauts on future deep-space missions. 

The liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon cargo ship, is planned for 12:31 pm local time from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The weather forecast is 70 per cent favorable for launch. 

The mission is the 12th official trip for SpaceX, which has a USD 1.6 billion contract with NASA to supply the astronauts living in orbit over 20 such back-and-forth journeys. About 10 minutes after launch, the rocket will attempt to make a controlled landing back on solid ground at Cape Canaveral, as part of SpaceX's ongoing effort to re-use rocket components after each take-off. 

If today's launch is delayed for any reason, the next attempt would have to wait until next week, due to a spacewalk planned for Thursday by Russian cosmonauts, who will deploy a series of satellites from the orbiting outpost. The Dragon is packed with 2,900 kilograms of supplies, including a sophisticated super-computer made by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), called The Spaceborne Computer. The goal is to test the computer for one year to see if it can operate in the harsh conditions of space, about the same amount of time as it would take for astronauts to arrive at Mars. 

As astronauts travel millions of miles away, communications will become increasingly delayed. Messages from Mars to Earth would be delayed from between four minutes to 24 minutes one-way, depending on the distance between the planets, according to the European Space Agency. "Such a long communication lag would make any on-the- ground exploration challenging and potentially dangerous if astronauts are met with any mission critical scenarios that they're not able to solve themselves," said HPE senior vice president Alain Andreoli in a statement. 

The new super-computer aims to provide "sophisticated onboard computing resources that are capable of extended periods of uptime," he added, describing the year-long effort as "the first step in that direction." Another experiment on board is designed to help scientists study Parkinson's disease in greater detail in the hopes of finding better treatments for this degenerative disease. Un-impeded by gravity, protein crystals can grow larger in space, and scientists hope to use this environment to help them understand an important protein in Parkinson's disease, known as Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). Until now, this protein has been difficult to study in Earth, according to researchers at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which developed the research project. Other experiments on board include a stem cell investigation for growing new lung tissue, and equipment for growing vegetables in space.

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Rs 1.75 lakh crore under scrutiny post demonetization: PM Modi

Vowing to continue the crackdown on black money, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that over Rs 1.75 lakh crore deposited in banks post note-ban and more than 18 lakh people with disproportionate income are under government scrutiny. 

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 71st Independence Day, he said, "Those who have looted the nation and looted the poor are not able to sleep peacefully today." Demonetisation of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes last November, he said, helped bring over Rs 3 lakh crore of hereto unaccounted wealth into the banking system. "This is not government research this is outside experts," he added. 

PM Modi said that out of the money deposited in banks post note ban, over Rs 1.75 lakh crore is under scrutiny. "More than Rs 2 lakh crore black money has reached banks and now people depositing such money are being made to answer questions on their origin." The move, he said, has checked generation of new black money. "The result of this has been that this year, the new tax payers (filing returns) has more than doubled to 56 lakh. Last year this was 22 lakh. This is the result of fight against black money," he said. "More than 18 lakh people have been identified whose income is more than their declared wealth," he said. "And they have to answer questions on how they accumulated such wealth." 

Of the 18 lakh, 4.5 lakh people have come out in open and are seeking to amend their "mistakes," he said, adding that one lakh had not paid income tax ever in past. Recalling the steps taken by his government to unearth unaccounted and untaxed wealth, he said black money of over Rs 1.25 lakh crore has been detected in last three years which people were compelled to surrender. 

Demonetisation, he said, was a step in that direction which achieved great success. The move forced "the black money which was hidden to be brought to mainstream. Our effort was to get money into banks and make it a part of formal economy and we have done it successfully," he said. Modi said in a nation where closure of a couple of companies would lead to debates on destruction of economy, more than 1.75 lakh shell companies have been shut. Black money holders hid their wealth behind the veils of shell companies, he said. "After data mining post demonetisation, we have found 3 lakh such companies which are only shell companies." Shell companies are non-trading firms used as a vehicle for various financial manoeuvres to avoid paying taxes. "You will be surprised to know that there are 400 shell companies operating from same address. There was no enquiry and all of it was going on in connivance (between tax evaders and officials). And for this, I embarked on a fight against black money and corruption," he said. 

In nearly an hour long speech, PM Modi said the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), that subsumed over a dozen central and state levies to weave India into one market, has been smooth. "GST has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism. The nation has come together to support GST and the role of technology has also helped," he said. "Our fight against corruption and black money will continue. We are working to bring transparency using technology," he said. "We are fighting corruption - for the bright future of India and the wellbeing of our people." People responsible for "loot" of national wealth will have to give answers, he said. "Our fight against corruption and black money will continue." PM Modi said changing demand and technology is altering the nature of job and his government wants to nurture youngsters to be job creators and not job seekers.
"We are taking the nation on a new track (of development) and are moving ahead with speed," he said, adding that the government was devoting significant attention to eastern states of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha and Northeast. "These parts have to grow further," he said. The Prime Minister said he wants to create an India where poor have a concrete house, electricity and water. "An India where farmer does not have any worry and sleeps peacefully. An India where farmer gets double of what he sows."

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Prime Minister Modi lays out vision for New India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets fellow Indians on Independence Day; lays out his vision for future; Says, will build a clean, healthy India, without corruption and nepotism; Asserts now is time to pledge for new India. 

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi listed the various initiatives and schemes of the government for the welfare of the people. PM Modi said that the government has intensified its efforts to bring the poor and drown-trodden into the developmental mainstream by making various basic facilities available to them at affordable prices.

PM said that the government has eased the FDI norms to connect farmers to the market. He said that 9 crore farmers have been given Mudra Cards while 2.5 crore households have been provided subsidised LPG connections. 

The Prime minister said that a new change in work culture has emerged in the country after government took steps for the development of human resources. 

Prime Minister also said that his government expedited the process of clearing long pending projects. Pointing out the fact that affordable and cheaper medicines are a big relief for the poor, the Prime Minister said that the government has launched new schemes for poor and the middle classes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly displayed his commitment to continue the fight against corruption. He called for people to unite in their commitment to make India a nation free from corruption and nepotism.

The PM strongly displayed his commitment to continue to fight against corruption. He said that government has been able to rein in corruption and unearthed 1.25 lakh crore rupees black money.
He said that after demonetisation, 2.25 lakh crore rupees deposited in banks across the country are under the scanner. He added that those who have looted the nation and the poor are now unable to sleep peacefully due to fear of being held accountable for their misdeeds. He said that this also serves as motivation for the people to pursue honest lives.

The PM said that country is celebrating the festival of honesty today. PM said that the roll-out of Goods and Services Tax GST is a great success and the world is in awe seeing how we implemented the new tax system in such a short notice. PM said that the new indirect tax regime has shown the spirit of cooperative federalism and the the nation has come together to support GST. He also said that benami properties worth Rs 800 crore were seized soon after the government passed the Benami Properties Act. He said those who own "benami" properties are facing difficult times due to the Act.
Prime Minister Modi said that fresh sources of black money are also being unearthed and stopped. 

The PM said that in the period between April 1 to August 5, 2017, the number of those who filed income tax returns was 56 lakh compared to 22 lakh over the same period last year. This is an indication of how far the Indian government has come in eliminating corruption.

Making a strong pitch against terrorism, Prime Minister called to uproot the terror network, which has caused bloodbath in civilised society. He also expressed hope that India's war against terrorism will get wide support at global level. 

Lauding the efforts of security personnel posted at the border, prime minister said that they have always fulfilled their duties, and have dealt severe blow to the enemies. He also said that surgical strike has changed world's outlook towards India. 

Prime Minister also asked the militants, who have long caused mayhem and bloodbath in Kashmir, to give up violence and join the mainstream politics.

Focusing his attention towards people of Kashmir, PM urged them to be part of India's development journey. 

The message was clear, there won't be any compromise with terrorism. The policy of zero tolerance against terrorism will continue, and thus, the flag of Kashmiriyat, Jamhuriat and Insaniyat will continue flying high in the valley.

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7th CPC Transport Allowance 7440 issue settled

7th CPC Transport Allowance 7440 issue settled

7th CPC Transport Allowance 7440 issue settled for Matrix Level 1 and 2 (Grade Pay 1800 and 1900)

Department of Expenditure issued an important amendment order regarding Transport Allowance on 2nd August, 2017. Central Government employees who are drawing pay of 24200 and above in Pay Level 1 and 2 of the Pay Matrix, shall be eligible for grant of Transport Allowance 3600 for TPTA Cities and 1800 for all Other Places.

The Central Government employees those who were in Grade Pay 1800 and 1900 and their pay in the pay band equivalent to 7440 and above eligible for higher Transport Allowance.

So, 7440 is now changed as 24200

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GK & Current Affairs Quiz: August 12, 2017

Who has won the 2017 Kenya Presidential election?

[A] William Ruto
[B] Raifa Odinga
[C] Yoweri Museveni
[D] Uhuru Kenyatta

Correct Answer: D [Uhuru Kenyatta]

Answer Explanation: Uhuru Kenyatta, the current President of Kenya, has officially declared the winner of the 2017 Kenya Presidential election amid allegations of voting fraud by the opposition. According to official figures released by the country’s electoral commission, Kenyatta secured 54.27% of the ballots cast, while his rival, Raila Odinga, won 44.74%.

Maheshwari Chauhan is associated with which sports?

[A] Shooting
[B] Cricket
[C] Boxing
[D] Chess

Correct Answer: A [Shooting]

Answer Explanation: Indian Shooter Maheshwari Chauhan has won a bronze at the 7th Asian Shotgun Championship to earn India’s first women’s skeet individual medal in Astana, Kazakhstanon on August 11, 2017. Before that, Maheshwari also led India to the team silver alongside compatriots Rashmmi Rathore and Saniya Sheikh in the tournament. Besides Maheshwari , Indian shooter Ankur Mittal clinched the individual as well as the team gold medal in men’s double trap in the championship. And, Kynan Chenai from Hyderabad won a bronze in men’s trap event as well as also won bronze in mixed team trap event with partner Shreyasi Singh in the championship. Now, India’s tally stands at two gold, silver and three bronze medals.

What is the theme of 2017 International Youth Day (IYD)?

[A] Change Our World
[B] Youth and Mental Health
[C] Youth Building Peace
[D] Youth Civic Engagement

Correct Answer: C [Youth Building Peace]

Answer Explanation: The International Youth Day (IYD) is observed every year on August 12 to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The 2017 theme is “Youth Building Peace”, which recognizes the contributions of young people to preventing conflict, supporting inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

Which Indian sportsperson has been appointed as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for physical activity in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR)?

[A] Mary Kom
[B] Milkha Singh
[C] Pullela Gopichand
[D] Abhinav Bindra

Correct Answer: B [Milkha Singh]

Answer Explanation: Milkha Singh, the legendary athlete, has been appointed as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for physical activity in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR). As goodwill ambassador, he will promote WHO SEAR’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) prevention and control action plan which seeks to reduce the level of insufficient physical activity by 10% and NCDs by 25% by 2025. Milkha Singh, also known as ‘the Flying Sikh’, is a Padma Shri awardee and had won medals in athletics in Commonwealth and Asian games.

Who has been appointment as the new chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)?

[A] Shyam Benegal
[B] Prasoon Joshi
[C] Naresh Chandra Lal
[D] Vivek Agnihotri

Correct Answer: B [Prasoon Joshi]

Answer Explanation: Prasoon Joshi, the famous lyricist, has been appointment as the new chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a period of three years. He succeeded Pahlaj Nihalani, who has been accused of autocratic conduct and of morally policing films. Joshi is known for putting forth his opinion on contemporary issues. He became more prominent after penning songs for films like Fanaa, Rang De Basanti, Black, Delhi 6 and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He twice won the National Award for Best Lyricist – first in 2008 for ‘Maa’ (Taare Zameen Par) and then in 2013 for ‘Bolo Na’ in Chittagong. He also wrote the lyrics for the anthem of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Which of the following have won the 2017 The Hindu Playwright Award?

[A] Deepika Arwind and K. Madavane
[B] Manjima Chatterjee and Arshia Sattar
[C] Gerish Khemani and Akshat Nigam
[D] Sunil Shanbag and Keval Arora

Correct Answer: C [Gerish Khemani and Akshat Nigam]

Answer Explanation: Gerish Khemani and Akshat Nigam have won The Hindu Playwright Award 2017 for their play ‘In Search of Dariya Sagar’ at the 13th edition of The Hindu Theatre Fest in Mumbai. ‘In Search of Dariya Sagar’ is a play that brings together public events and private lives, political history and personal memory, in a manner that resonates both the real and the magical. The Rs 2 lakh award, instituted in 2008 to reward the best new unpublished and unperformed play-script in English.

Which nationwide campaign has been launched by the Union Government to protect elephants?

[A] Gaj Kesari Yatra
[B] Gajanan Yatra
[C] Gajraj Yatra
[D] Gaj Yatra

Correct Answer: D [Gaj Yatra]

Answer Explanation: Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, has launched a nationwide campaign “Gaj Yatra” in New Delhi to protect elephants on the occasion of World Elephant Day (WED). The campaign is planned to cover 12 elephant range states. The World Elephant Day (WED) is celebrated every year on August 12 to focus the attention of various stakeholders in supporting various conservation policies to protect elephants, including improving enforcement policies to prevent illegal poaching and trade in ivory.

Which state government has launched mobile therapy vans for elderly people?

[A] Bihar
[B] Assam
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Kerala

Correct Answer: A [Bihar]

Answer Explanation: Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, has recently flagged off mobile therapy vans which would provide basic medical assistance to elderly people, widows and other section who requires social security. The therapy vans will be equipped with basic medical apparatus and accompanied by a technical team. The van is an outcome of a joint project of the World Bank and the Bihar government which is run by Social Welfare department.

Ruth Pfau, popularly known as Pakistan’s Mother Teresa has passed away. She hailed from which country?

[A] Italy
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] France

Correct Answer: C [Germany]

Answer Explanation: Dr Ruth Pfau (87), a German doctor and nun who dedicated her life to eradicating leprosy in Pakistan, has passed in Karachi, Pakistan on August 10, 2017. She was hailed as Pakistan’s “Mother Teresa” after her work towards helping people displaced by the 2010 Pakistan floods. Dr. Pfau trained Pakistani doctors and attracted foreign donations, founded Pakistan’s National Leprosy Control Programme and the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, which has a presence in every Pakistani province. She received numerous awards in Pakistan and Germany including the Hilal-e-Imtiaz – Pakistan’s second highest civilian award – in 1979, the Hilal-e-Pakistan in 1989 and the German Staufer Medal in 2015. She wrote four books in German about her work in Pakistan, including To Light A Candle, which has been translated into English.

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) is located in which state?

[A] Uttrakhand
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Gujarat
[D] Chhattisgarh

Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]

Answer Explanation: The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS) is located in Virudhunagar and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu and covers an area 485.2 sq Kms. Over 240+ species of birds are seen in this sanctuary including 14 species of birds endemic to the Western Ghats, such as the critically endangered Oriental white-backed vulture and the long-billed vulture. In addition to grizzled giant squirrels, the sanctuary is home to numerous animals such as barking deer, bonnet macaque, common langur, elephants, flying squirrels, gaur, Indian giant squirrel, leopard, lion-tailed macaques, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri Tahrs. There are over 220 species of butterflies including many rare and endemic species. Some of the rare butterflies spotted here include Eversheds ace , Silver royal , Orange awlet , Hampsons hedge blue , etc.

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India celebrates her 71st Independence Day

As the country is celebrating its 71st Independence Day, President Kovind laid out a 'New India' blue print which has to be achieved by 2022. 

 

On the eve of the 71st Independence Day, when India's first citizen Ram Nath Kovind addressed the nation, he not only spoke about the country's development but also provided a blueprint for the making of New India. He clearly said that the goal of making of New India has to be completed by 2022 when India completes 75 years of independence. The President said the New India will have no place for poverty and will build upon a partnership between citizen and the government.


The President also explained the meaning of new India. He said true India will have a home for every family, 24X7 electricity, better roads and communication facilities along with a modern rail network ensuring fast and all round development.


The President said New India should be such a society which while moving quickly towards the future is also compassionate.


Explaining the uniqueness of this society, the President said:

-- It should be one where traditionally deprived sections - whether dalits, tribals or backwards - are part and parcel of the nation's development process

-- One where frontier area populations are embraced as brothers and sisters without feeling any sense of alienation

-- One where where the deprived child, the aged and the ailing senior citizen, and the poor and the under-privileged are always in our thought

-- A society that does not discriminate on gender or religious background
-- A society that enriches our human capital and equips our young people by promoting accessible, affordable and world-class educational institutions

-- And where quality health-care and nutrition are not a challenge
The President added that there should be no room for poverty in New India and technology should be used to eliminate it. "There is also need to adopt technology. We must use technology to empower our people and achieve the goal of poverty elimination in a single generation. Poverty and New India are simply not compatible"

The first citizen also stressed on honesty and transparency in New India adding that it has increased following demonetisation. "Your immense patience and understanding in the days following demonetisation - and your whole-hearted support in the battle against corruption and black money - reflected a responsible and enlightened society. Demonetisation has boosted our efforts to build an honest society. We must sustain this spirit and this momentum"

The President also appealed to all citizens to work selflessly while heaping praise on those who gave up on their LPG subsidy heeding the Prime Minister's call. He also urged the people to look for ways to contribute to making New India. "I salute those families that gave up their subsidy. No law or government order made them do what they did. Their response came from within. We should draw inspiration from these families. Each of us must find a way to give back to society. Each of us must choose one thing we can do to help another, less-fortunate Indian"

Referring to India's increasing global role and stature, the President said the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo is another opportunity for all citizens to boost respect for India. "The Tokyo Olympics of 2020 offer another opportunity for us to raise our standing in the world's eyes. Over the coming three years, we should absorb ourselves in this national mission. Government agencies, sports bodies and business enterprises need to join hands to identify and support our talented sportspersons and provide them world-class training facilities - so that they can be even more successful in Tokyo"
The first citizen also mentioned the Centre's missions and decisions like Swacch Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, digital india, transparent administration and GST. He added that everyone will have work together to ensure that the govt's efforts each the people's ears.

The President congratulated all citizens on even of Independence Day while playing tributes to the country's martyrs. He also thanked those guarding our borders, keeping us secure in our homes, keeping us fed with hard work in the fields and those who help voluntarily in tackling numerous challenges.

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Google doodle celebrates Indian independence

Search giant Google on Monday celebrated India's Independence Day with a special doodle. 

A Google Doodle is a temporary alteration of the logo on the homepage to celebrate holidays, events, achievements and people. 

 


To honor the anniversary, Mumbai-based artist Sabeena Karnik used a unique paper-cut art style to create a Doodle fit for the bold and colorful celebration of today’s events.
DD News wishes everyone a very Happy Independence Day!

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