CURRENT AFFAIRS JULY 2016

Antarctic ozone hole is starting to heal: 

 Scientists July 1, 2016 Scientists for the first time have found clear evidence that the thinning in the ozone layer above Antarctica is starting to heal. Ozone layer in the atmosphere’s stratospheric layer comprises of Ozone (O3), an allotrope of oxygen. It plays important role in blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the Sun. 

 The healing of ozone layer was due to the long term phasing out (banning) of ozone destroying chemicals (ODCs) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in Montreal Protocol 1987. More than half the shrinkage of ozone hole was due solely to the reduction in atmospheric chlorine. However, it has found that on the role of volcanoes in thinning of the ozone layer is making the problem worse.

Argentina women’s team wins 2016 Champions Trophy title of Hockey 

 July 1, 2016 Argentina women’s team has won the 2016 Champions Trophy title of Hockey by defeating Netherlands. In the final match played at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London, UK, Argentina women’s team defeated Netherlands by 2-1 goals. 

World Bank, ISA sign agreement for India’s solar-energy program 

 July 1, 2016 The World Bank (WB) Group has signed an agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA 17 to provide more than 1 billion dollars to support India’s solar initiatives. 

 The agreement was signed in the presence of World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Under this agreement World Bank will support projects such as solar rooftop technology, infrastructure for solar parks, introducing innovative solar and hybrid technologies to market and transmission lines for solar-rich state. 

 It will provide 625 million dollars to India’s grid-connected rooftop solar programme that will finance the installation of at least 400MW of solar photovoltaic installations. This programme will provide clean, renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions by displacing thermal generation. 

 World Bank will also collaborate with the 121-member International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilise 1 trillion dollars in investments by 2030 to promote solar energy worldwide. 

 For this purpose, World Bank will develop a roadmap to mobilize financing for development and deployment of affordable solar energy. It will also work with other multilateral development banks and financial institutions to develop financing instruments to support solar energy development.