10 PM Current Affairs Quiz #53 January 4, 2020

Explanation: About MANI’ (Mobile Aided Note Identifier)
•It seeks to aid visually impaired persons in identifying the denomination of currency notes.
•It can scan currency notes using the camera of the mobile phone and gives audio output in Hindi and English. It can work in offline mode too.
•However, the app cannot authenticate a currency note as being genuine or counterfeit.

Explanation: About DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs)
•The DYSLs are located in five cities: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
•These labs will work on a key advanced technology of importance to the development of futuristic defence systems. This includes Artificial intelligence, Quantum technologies, Cognitive technologies, Asymmetric technologies and Smart materials.

Explanation: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas signed contracts for 7 blocks, awarded under Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP) Bid Round – IV.
Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP):
•Launched in 2016, OALP, is a part of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP).
•It is aimed at enabling faster survey and assessment of areas with oil and gas potential.
•It enables companies apply for particular areas they deem to be attractive to invest in, and the Centre then puts those areas up for bids.
Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP): Introduced in 2016, it is a contractual and fiscal model for award of hydrocarbon acreages towards exploration and production (E&P).
Major Characteristic Features:
•Single License for both conventional and unconventional Hydrocarbons
•Transition from Cost Recovery mechanism to Revenue Sharing mechanism.
•Full Marketing & Pricing Freedom
•Low regulatory burden
•Fiscal incentives provided to investors
Implementing Agency: Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Explanation: Palau has become the first country to ban sun cream that is harmful to corals and sea life. The ban covers chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate used in sunscreen. These chemicals are toxic to wildlife species such as corals, fish, and macroalgae. They can cause:
•corals to become more susceptible to coral bleaching,
•damage the DNA of coral, and
•deform and kill juvenile corals

Explanation: On January 3, 2020, Cyber Safe Initiative was launched by Maharashtra Government. The initiative was launched commemorating the birth anniversary of Indian Social Reformer Savitribai Phule. Savitribai Phule was the first female teacher of India.
The aim of the initiative is to spread awareness against atrocities committed against children and women. It will also create awareness about laws on cybercrime. The campaign is to be implemented all over the state by the State Government in collaboration with state police, public relations department and cyber cell. The campaign is to be launched in all districts of Maharashtra creating awareness about laws existing in cybercrimes. It will also create awareness against crimes such as bank frauds, child pornography, photo shuffling, online gaming, cyber defamation information and false information sites.