21 May 2016 – Daily Current Affairs

HIFiRE hypersonic super-jet technology successfully tried in Australia

On 18^th May 2016, team of space scientists successfully tried HIFiRE hypersonic super-jet technology as a part of their HIFire (Hypersonic International Flight Research Experimentation) Program in Australia. The base of the operations was Woomera; largest ground based testing range across the world. The test included successfully sending the scramjet attached with a rocket-booster to a distance of 278 kilometers at speed Mach 7.5 which is 7 times that of sound. The HIFiRE program is among the largest research collaborations between the USA and Australia. The objective of this program is exploring the fundamental hypersonic science and discovering potential for next-gen aeronautical systems.

27^th India-Indonesian CORPAT concluded in Belawan

On 19^th May 2016, the 27^th India-Indonesian Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) concluded in Belawan, Indonesia. In this closing ceremony in Belawan, the navies from the two nations conducted interactive sessions on tactics for enhancing inter-operability. The 27^th edition of this program took place for 4 days, from 16^th May 2016 to 19^th May 2016. The navies of Indonesia and India have been conducting this Coordinated Patrolling program with support from the IMBL (International Maritime Boundary Line) since 2002 and happen twice every year.

Binali Yildirim to become Turkey Prime Minister

On 20^th May 2016, Turkey government formally announced the next Prime Minister of Turkey. After a closed vote, Turkey’s present Transport Minister Binali Yildirm came out as clear winner. Binali was the only candidate for (AKP) Justice & Development Party leadership during a special event party of the congress on 22^nd May 2016. Benali will be succeeding Ahmet Davutoglu who stepped down earlier after increased Erdogan-Public rift. Binali has been President RT Erdogran’s close ally for two decades. He was the DG (Director General) of (Istanbul Ferries Company) from 1994-2000.

US-House of Representatives approves gave a go ahead to reinforce defense-ties with India

On 20^th May 2016, the US Representative House game its go ahead to reinforce defense-ties with India by initiating a bipartisan legislation. A new amendment in this regard was approved to the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act). The amendment has been referred as ‘Enhancing Defense and Security Co-operation with India’. Once the legislation is approved by US Senate and then US President, the US-India bilateral relations will be at pat with Israel and NATO Allies. The objective of this legislation is to promote bigger defense trade as well as promote extra military collaboration between India and the US.

India and Slovenia sign Protocol improving ISDTA (India-Slovenia Double Taxation Avoidance) Convention

On 17^th May 2016, India and Slovenia (Central European Nation) signed a contract for amending the existing double-taxation avoidance treaty. The objective of this amendment was to curb tax evasion and tax avoidance. The event took place in Ljubljana. The Indian and Slovenian representatives for signing this protocol were Sarvajit Chakravarti (Indian ambassador to Slovenia) and Dusan Mramor (Slovenian Finance Minister) respectively. This agreement is expected to improve the existing ‘tax-exchange related information’ framework. The protocol will also help mutual support in tax collection.