Current Affairs For Bank, IBPS Exams - 21 July, 2015

Current Affairs for BANK, IBPS Exams

21 July 2015

:: National ::

ISRO tests indigenous cryogenic engine

An indigenous cryogenic rocket engine being developed to power India’s most powerful rocket system, the GSLV Mk III, underwent a successful endurance test for a duration of 800 seconds on July 16 at ISRO’s propulsion complex at Mahendragiri, ISRO reported Monday.
The cryogenic engine which will power the upper stage of the GSLV Mk III was fired for a period that is 25 per cent longer than required in a space flight with a nominal thrust of 19 tonnes and its performance matched prediction made through computer simulation, ISRO reported.
The cryogenic C25 stage engine operates on Gas Generator Cycle using extremely low temperature propellants Liquid Hydrogen at 20 Kelvin (-253 degree C) and Liquid Oxygen at 80 Kelvin (-193 degree C), ISRO stated.
“The successful endurance hot test of the first high thrust cryogenic engine is the tenth test in a series planned as part of the development of the engine employing complex cryogenic technology,’’ ISRO said in an official release announcing the successful tests. “Mastering this complex, high-performance cryogenic propulsion technology will go a long way in building self reliance for the Indian space programme,’’ ISRO said.
The cryogenic engine is being developed as part of plans to enhance India’s capabilities in space programmes by providing more power to launch heavier four tonne category spacecraft. Indian capabilites are currently in the two tonne-plus range

:: Business ::

Bullet train project: costly affair for india

India's maiden bullet train corridor between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will cost nearly Rs one lakh crore and the first train can run in 2024 if work begins in 2017, according to a final feasibility report on the project prepared by the Japanese governmental agency.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) in its report submitted to the Railway Ministy today envisages a reduction in the travel time on the 505-km long corridor between the two western cities to two hours from the existing over seven hours.
The report estimates that the project where the bullet train will run at a speed of over 300 km per hour will cost Rs 98,805 crore. It also suggested that the train fare could be higher than that charged for First AC of Rajdhani Express, a senior rail ministry official involved with the project said.
Railways will examine the report and decide the future course of action, the official said.
As a follow-up action, a Cabinet note seeking approval for the project with an outline of the project feasibility and timelines is likely to be prepared next month.
If work begins in 2017, the line can be completed in 2023 and made operational in 2024, it is projected.
After the study of the financial feasibility of the line, the final report suggests the fare of the bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad may be somewhere around one and half times more than the fare of the first AC of Rajdhani Express and it would be around Rs 2,800.
It is estimated that by 2023 around 40,000 passengers are expected to avail this service everyday and accordingly it would be a financially viable service.
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor is expected to enable trains to run at a top speed of 350kmph.
From the initial estimated cost of Rs 65,000 crore, it has gone up after taking into account various factors like price escalation and interest.

:: Miscellaneous ::

Age does,nt make any difference

Model-actor Milind Soman, who turns 50 in November this year, has won the Ironman title at a triathlon held in Zurich in Switzerland on July 19 in which over 2,000 participants this year included seven Indians.
The triathlon, organised by World Triathalon Corporation, includes a 3.8-km swim, 180.2-km cycle ride and 42.2-km run and is widely regarded as the world’s toughest race, which has to be completed in 16 hours by participants for an Ironman title.

:: Sports ::

Haryana boy wins Junior World Golf title at age 10

Shubham Jaglan, a 10-year-old son of a milkman from rural Haryana, scripted a scintillating one-stroke win at the Junior World Golf Championships at the Welk Resort Fountain Course in San Diego on Friday.
His three-day total of seven-under par 179 was better than rest of the field to become the Junior World Champion in his age category.
Shubham blitzed the golf course over the course of three days of the tournament with as many as thirteen birdies during his three rounds.
Five of them came during Friday's final round, which proved to be the difference as he was in the joint lead at the end of round 2.
Shubham, who had missed out last year with a runner-up finish but through sheer determination, he made sure he got the top billing this year.
Shubham was taken under the wings of the Golf Foundation pioneered by Arjuna Awardee and Asian Games gold medallist, Amit Luthra.
The foundation saw the potential and have given him their unconditional support to make the game accessible to him and he is repaying their faith with his outstanding results.