10 PM Current Affairs Quiz : May 16, 2018

With an aim to boost renewable power generation, the government announced a national wind-solar hybrid policy, which seeks to promote new projects as well as hybridisation of the existing ones. The policy provides for a comprehensive framework to promote large grid-connected wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid system for optional and efficient utilisation of transmission infrastructure and land, thereby reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability, the ministry of new and renewable energy said in a release. Besides, the policy also aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and so. The policy provides for procurement of power from a hybrid project on tariff-based transparent bidding process for which government entities may invite bids.It also permits use of battery storage in hybrid projects for optimising output and further reduce variability.

The International Day of Families provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them.It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, this day is an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families.The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

2018 Theme: “Families and inclusive societies”.This year’s observance will explore the role of families and family policies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

Ministry of Textiles, Central govt. has launched Samarth Scheme 2018 for training and employment in textiles sector. Under this scheme, govt. will provide skill training to youths to promote sustainable employment to youths in textile sector.

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). It is responsible for appraisal of activities involving large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.

First all-women Passport Seva Kendra comes up in Phagwara, Punjab. It is the 192nd Passport Sewa Kendra in India but the first one to have an all women staff.

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a top state-run Chinese bank has launched China’s first India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund, urging the Chinese to invest heavily stating that the Indian economy is entering the “golden age of economic take-off”.The fund, named as the Industrial and Commercial Bank Credit Suisse India Market Fund, will “invest in exchange-traded funds listed on more than 20 exchanges in Europe and the US that are based on the Indian market.”