Important Current Affairs 9th June 2016

India Becomes 3rd Largest Oil Consumer

1. India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s 3rd largest oil consumer.
2. India is behind the U.S. (19.39 million bpd) & China (11.96 million bpd).
3. Japan slipped to the 4th spot after its oil usage contracted to 4.15 million bpd in 2015.
4. Oil remained the world’s leading fuel, accounting for 32.9% of global energy consumption.
5. This was according to BP Statistical Review of World Energy.

India, ADB Sign $120 million Loan Pact

1. India & the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $120 million loan pact to improve irrigation & water management infrastructure in Odisha.
2. The soft loan is the second tranche of a $157.5 million financing facility under the Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture & Water Management Investment Program.
3. The financing will be used for modernising seven irrigation subprojects.

Indo-Korean Coast Guard Exercise Begins

1. The fifth edition of the Indo-Korean ‘Sshyog-Hyeoblyeog'(cooperation)  between coast guards of the two countries begins in the Bay of Bengal off Chennai.
2. The Joint exercise is aimed at anti-piracy operations & boosting naval ties.
3. Korea Coast Guard ship 3009 participating in the exercise.
4. The Indian Coast Guard ships & aircraft will be demonstrating their prowess before the Korean delegation.

Naresh Goyal Re-elected to IATA Board

1. Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal has been re-elected to IATA’s Board of Governors.
2. This would be the fifth successive tenure for Goyal at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Board of Governors.
3. He is the only representative from India on this board.
4. IATA represents more than 260 member airlines & plays a key role in helping formulate global policy on critical aviation issues.

Railway to Provide Baby Food at Stations

1. Railways have launched a facility Janani Sewa to provide baby food at stations.
2. Railways will ensure availability of essential items like hot milk & water at stations under the scheme.
3. The facility is being introduced at over 25 stations including New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Chennai & Pune .
4. Railways also launched children menu items like burgers for children between 5-12 years.

France Launches ‘Terror Alert’ App

1. The French govt has launched a smartphone app that would alert users to possible terror attacks
2. It will also provide them with information on how to stay safe.
3. The app called SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations) was developed following the Nov 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris.
4. It will use geolocation to deliver information tailored to each user’s location with alerts

Sharapova Suspended for 2 yrs for Doping

1. Tennis star Maria Sharapova was suspended for two years by the Intern
2. National Tennis Federation for testing positive for the banned substance meldonium.
3. The ruling was by an independent three-person panel appointed by the ITF.
4. The five-time Grand Slam champion was provisionally suspended by the ITF in early March.
5. The ruling can be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Indian-Origin Professor in UK Awarded

1. Eminent Indian-origin professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya has been awarded the prestigious Regius Professorship by Queen Elizabeth II.
2. He was awarded for his outstanding contribution in manufacturing.
3. Through his career, he has advised the UK govt on manufacturing, innovation & technology.
4. Regius Professorships falls under the Royal Prerogative, with each appointment being approved by the Queen.

Mexico Backs India’s Bid for NSG Entry

1. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has announced his country’s support to India’s bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
2. Mexico is a key member of the NSG & its support to India’s bid for entry into NSG is seen as important.
3. The NSG looks after critical issues relating to the nuclear sector.
4. Its membership will help India significantly expand its atomic energy sector.

Veteran Journalist KK Katyal Dies

1. Veteran journalist KK Katyal has passed away.
2. During his career spanning several decades, he worked with The Statesman, Hindustan Times & The Hindu.
3. He was also the founder president of the India chapter of the South Asia Free Media Association,a body of media persons recognised by the SAARC.
4. He was awarded the GK Reddy Memorial prize in 1994 by the PV Narsimha Rao for his columns & analyses.