Current Affairs 5th August 2015

Current Affairs 5th August 2015

Updated : 05-Aug-2015

Current Affairs 5th August 2015 - Important Points
Current Affairs 5th August 2015 - Details
Name the scheme launchedd by Rural Development Minister for Gram Panchayats - SAMANVAY
On 4th August 2015, a selection of all schemes of both Union and State governments for Gram Panchayats named SAMANVAY has been launched by Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh.

The objective of SAMANVAY is to help MPs in employing relevant schemes in the planning and implementation of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). It will work as a database for mapped and compiled information on various gram panchayat activities through schemes undertaken by the Centre and State Governments.
Schemes documented in SAMANVAY are more than 1800 from across all states.
A magazine named 'Panchayat Darpan' has also been launched to monitor the progress of the SAGY which will behave as a mirror of all the development activities.
Name the technology for an Eco-friendly way of treating water - SHEFROL
In August 2015, SHEFROL (SHEet Flow ROot Level), a scientific technology based on waste water treatment plant built at Chinna Kalapet fishing hamlet in Puducherry, was found to be successful.
PhD student Ashraf Bhat as part of his thesis work with the guidance of Assistant Professor Tasneem Bhat set this waste water treatment plant in November 2014.
The plant uses clean, green and inexpensive technology called SHEFROL method to treat wastewater using two aquatic plants, four leaf clover and water hyacinth.

Characterstics of waste water treatment plant
- The plant has a capacity of 10000 litres and measures around 9 metres.
- To absorb nutrients, pathogens and micro organisms from water, bio-reactor uses the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).
- The plant contains a sedimentation tank, bags placed in pits and channels and a non-permeable sheet which ensures wastewater does not seep into the ground.
- A total of 6 hours is the time taken by the plant to treat waste water.
Do You Know :
SHEFROL was first tested in 2006 within the Pondicherry University to treat the wastewater. Later, two more plants were brought in the university using the same technology.
Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology, registered a patent claim in 2011 for the SHEFROL technology.
Which government has extended the retirement age of medical officers - Maharashtra government
On 4th August 2015, the retirement age for group 'A' category medical officers has been extended from 58 to 60 years by Maharashtra government. The relaxation will be provided for all those who retired on 31 May 2015.
Special increments will also be awarded by the state government to officers holding post graduate diplomas and degrees to fortify the availability of sufficient human resources to provide health services.
The Cabinet also accepted a proposal to modify the lacunae in the Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994, and increase quantum of punishment for crimes pertaining to human organ transplants.
Who is the winner of 2015 Ramanujan Prize - Mathematician Dr. Amalendu Krishna
On 3rd August 2015, Ramanujan Prize for year 2015 was won by Mathematician Dr. Amalendu Krishna.

He has been accorded with this award for his remarkable contributions in the area of the theory of motives, algebraic K-theory and algebraic cycles.
At present, Dr. Krishna is mathematician professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai.
Do You Know :
- Ramanujan Prize was established in 2005 and is named after the noted Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
- It is presented to a researcher from a developing country who has carried out an outstanding research in a developing country and is less than 45 years of age.
- International Mathematical Union (IMU), Italy based International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and Department of Science and Technology (DoST) of India jointly present this award.
- The prize carries a citation and a monetary prize of US 15,000 dollars with itself.
- Sujatha Ramadorai in 2006 is the first Indian to win this award.
Which project has been launched by Haryana Government - Thari Pension, Thare Pass project
On 5th August 2015, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana Government, launched Thari Pension, Thare Pass project to directly transfer pension into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
This project has been launched in the view of bringing more transparency in payment of social security pensions for Widows, Handicapped and Old age. The programme also gives the facility of tracing account online to know the balance in pensioner's account.
State government’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department has implemented this and Team Kalyankarini of the department has been undertaken it.
Who is selected for Election Commission’s award - Ex-Jalore EO Rajan Vishal
On 4th August 2015, Under the Best Electoral Practices Award-2014, Former Jalore Electoral Officer (EO) Rajan Vishal has been chosen for Election Commission’s Zonal award. On 10th August 2015, Election Commission will present him this award.
He was accorded with this award for his endeavour during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections of creating awareness related to voting in Jalore constituency of Rajasthan. His attempt had helped to reach out to remote areas of Jalore constituency and persuaded people especially women to play their major role in democracy of the country.
Through his awareness campaign and education, about 22% increment in voters was seen. Presently he is District Collector of Nagaur and is a 2008 batch IAS officer.
Who has won the special achievement in GIS Award - NDDB wins
On 4th August 2015, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was awarded by The Esri Special Achievement in GIS Award 2015 for exemplary work in Dairy Geographical Information System (GIS).
NDDB has i-DGIS application that uses to integrate data of dairy operations at the village level.
About Esri
- It develops geographic information systems (GIS) and offers project consulting and implementation services so as to provide knowledge to help users to deploy GIS on their own and delivery of ready-to-use enterprise systems.
- GIS Awards are presented to those having a special achievement in their GIS Projects.