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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister launches Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana
On October 16, 2017 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the ambitious ‘Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojna’ in the presence of the farmers at the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Khurai, Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh.
i. The objective of this scheme is to ensure reasonable prices to the farmers for their agriculture produces and thereby protecting them from losses suffered on account of distress sale
ii. Under this scheme, farmers will be compensated the difference between Minimum Support Price (declared by Union Government) and the actual sale price or Model Price, whichever is higher……………………..Click here to view more detail
India International Cherry Blossom Festival to be held in Shillong
Second edition of India International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from 8th – 11th November, 2017 in Shillong, Meghalaya.
More Details about Second Edition of India International Cherry Blossom Festival:
i. This festival is being organised by Meghalaya State Government in association with the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal, and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.
ii. Cherry Blossom trees bloom for a very short period every year. During this time, the stretch over which the trees are planted bears a pinkish white shade due to the blooming of flowers.
iii. Tradition of celebrating Cherry Blossom festival started in Japan and currently 27 nations celebrate this festival, mostly during the March-June period, depending on the time when cherry blossom trees bloom in that particular country.
iv. In this year’s Cherry Blossom festival in Shillong, there will be several events including guided night walks under illuminated cherry blossoms, musical performances, a beauty pageant and stalls showcasing the local wine, arts and craft of the region.
Haryana records 39% of cancer cases in India
As per a latest report, prevalence of Cancer in India has been on the rise and Haryana is home to 39% of cancer patients in India.
More Information:
i. It is estimated that nearly 17.3 lakh new cancer cases will be registered in India by the year 2020.
ii. As per a report by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer ac counts for 10% of all cancer cases in India, with 1.5 lakh new cases of breast cancer reported every year.
iii. In India, due to lack of awareness and social stigma, women find it difficult to come out in open and discuss about breast cancer and get themselves diagnosed.
iv. Medical experts are of the opinion that in order to reduce breast cancer-related deaths, myths surrounding the disease should be busted by spreading awareness, and information about treatment option should also be disseminated.
Birsa Munda Tribal University inaugurated in Narmada district
On October 14, 2017, Gujarat Minister of State for Tribal Welfare Shabdasharan Tadvi inaugurated the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, a tribal-dominated town in Narmada district of Gujarat.
About Birsa Munda Tribal University:
i. Campus of this University will come up on 25 acres of land at Jitnagar village on the outskirts of Rajpipla. Till then, the University will function from the premises of Adarsh Nivasi Shala.
ii. Bill to set up this University was passed by Gujarat State assembly in March 2017.
iii. Birsa Munda Tribal University would offer graduation, post- graduation, diploma and certificate courses on subjects of Arts, Commerce and Science steam. Courses on traditional art and skill, Herbal Medicine and Sanskrit will also be offered at this University.
iv. It is expected that around 90 lakh tribals in Gujarat will get access to university education through Birsa Munda Tribal University.
PM Modi inaugurates first ever All India Institute of Ayurveda
On October 17, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Delhi on the occasion of ‘National Ayurveda Day’.
About All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA):
i. AIIA has been set up as an apex institute under the Ministry of AYUSH and has been modelled along the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
ii. AIIA has been set up on 10.015 acres of land at a cost of Rs. 157 crore.
iii. The institute will serve as a platform to establish synergy between traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern diagnostic tools and technology.
iv. AIIA holds the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) accreditation.
v. Hospital block of AIIA has several clinical facilities including neurological and degenerative disease care unit, diabetes and metabolic/allergic disorders care unit, Yoga, Panchakarma clinic, Kriya Kalpa, rheumatology and musculoskeletal care unit, diabetic retinopathy clinic and infertility clinic.
Ministry of WCD launches campaign on ‘women for women’: #IamThatWoman
In a bid to end gender bias in women against women, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has started an online campaign #IamThatWoman.
About #IamThatWoman:
i. This campain aims to highlight various aspects of women standing ‘by’ and ‘for’ women.
ii. Through this campaign, Ministry of WCD has urged people to come out of the notion of women harming other women.
iii. Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi has stated that, through this campaign, her ministry wants to draw attention towards enormous contributions made by women for women.
iv. Every woman who considers that some other has helped/contributed to her well being, is urged to share a post/photo using the hash tag #IamThat Woman.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Bangladesh Navy Ship Somudra Avijan on a goodwill visit to Visakhapatnam
On 16th October 2017, Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Somudra Avijan arrived at Visakhapatnam on a 4 day goodwill visit to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
BNS Somudra Avijan:
i. BNS Somudra Avijan carried out Passage Exercise, which included naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal, before entering into the Visakhapatnam port. The ship was received by officials from the ENC and Eastern Fleet with the Indian Naval Band, in Visakhapatnam.
strong>ii. BNS Somudra Avijan is commanded by Commander M Moniruzzaman. It is a part of Cadet Training Squadron with 60 cadets onboard for sea training.
iii. During its stay in Visakhapatnam, a variety of activities including professional, cross deck visit, sports fixture and social interactions would be carried on.
About Eastern Naval Command:
♦ Headquarters – Visakhapatnam
♦ Flag Officer Commanding in Chief – Vice Admiral Harish Bisht
Zimbabwe bans Fruit, Vegetable imports as Forex Crunch Deepens
The east African landlocked country Zimbabwe, with immediate effect, banned the import of fruits and vegetables to preserve the scarce foreign currencies.
i. Already in late 1990’s Hyperinflation occurred and thus the stability of the currency had down and therefore the country had to dump its currency for the US dollar.
iii. The present situation also running short of dollars as well as quasi-currency “bond note” introduced last year to ease cash shortages.
iii. According to national statistics agency Zimstat, Last year Zimbabwe spent more than $80 million on fruit and vegetables which included tomatoes, onions, carrots, grapes, apples and oranges.
iv. Many of the Zimbabweans are keeping U.S. dollars at home or they are spending in buying Hard Currency on the black market. This same situation was prevailing during the period of hyperinflation a decade ago.
v. Agriculture Minister Joseph Made said, the ban would allow local farmers to increase output while saving the country’s foreign currency.
Facts about Zimbabwe
♦ Type – Landlocked
♦ Capital – Harare
♦ President – Robert Mugabe
Pakistan elected among 15 nations to UN Human Rights Council
On October 16, 2017, 15 member nations including Pakistan have been elected to serve on the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.
New Member of UN Human Rights Council:
1.15 new member nations who have been elected are Afghanistan, Angola, Australia, Chile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Senegal, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine.
2.These members would serve three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2018.
About UN Human Rights Council:
i. It is the highest intergovernmental body in the United Nations system for matters relating to safeguarding human rights worldwide.
ii. UN Human Rights Council was created by UN General Assembly in 2006. It has 47 members.
iii. UN Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Delhi ranks among the worst cities in the world for women
As per a survey by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, India’s capital Delhi is one of the worst megacities in the world on the parameter of women safety.
Observations from Survey by Thomson Reuters Foundation:
i. The survey was conducted in 19 megacities (having more than 10 million population) of the world between June and July 2017.
ii. 380 experts in these 19 megacities (20 in each megacity) which included academics, workers of non-government organisations, healthcare staff, policy-makers, and social commentators were asked to assess the risk of sexual violence and harmful cultural practices against women, as well as rank women’s access to health care and economic opportunities in their respective cities.
iii. In the overall ranking, Delhi ranked fourth from the bottom, better than Cairo (Egypt), Karachi (Pakistan) and Kinshasa (Congo).
iv. Delhi along with Sao Paolo (Brazil) were adjudged as the worst cities on the sub-parameter of sexual harassment.
v. Japan’s capital Tokyo emerged as the safest city in terms of risk of sexual harassment.
Poland quits IMF’s Flexible Credit Line
Poland’s Finance Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has stated that Poland will quit a precautionary Flexible Credit Line (FCL) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) worth $9.2 billion.
Reason for Quitting IMF’s Flexible Credit Line:
i. Recent strength in the Polish economy has been given as the reason for quitting the FCL. The Polish budget reported a surplus for the period from January 2017 to August 2017 on account of steep rise in revenue from the value-added tax.
ii. After an analysis of tax data, macroeconomic parameters, assessment of budget stability and currency reserves, the Polish Finance Ministry concluded that they can manage without FCL.
iii. It is to be noted that, Poland had an FCL agreement with IMF since 2009, which was to be used at times of crisis. However, it has never drawn on the funds.
Quick Facts about Poland:
♦ Capital – Warsaw
♦ Currency – Polish zloty
♦ Current President – Andrzej Duda
BANKING & FINANCE
MCX launches first commodity options trading with gold
On October 17, 2017, the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) launched trading in Gold option’s contract in presence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Details about Gold Options Contract launched on MCX
i. Options contract offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock/commodity/asset at an agreed-upon price (referred to as strike price) during a certain period of time up to a specific date.
ii. Underlying for Gold options contract which are currently available for trading are Gold (1 Kg) futures expiring on November 28, 2017 and January 29, 2018.
iii. Options in securities and commodities market are primarily meant for hedging. However they are also used for speculation.
Quick Facts about Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX):
♦ Established in – 2003
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Current CEO – Mrugank Paranjape
BUSINESS
Google viewed as Most Authentic Brand in India: “Authentic Brands Study 2017”
On 17th October 2017, a new survey named “Authentic Brands Study” stated that, Indian consumers regard Google as the most authentic brand.
Google – Most Authentic Brand in India:
i. In India, Google is considered as the most authentic brand, stated by “Authentic Brands Study 2017” survey conducted by Cohn & Wolfe. It is followed by Microsoft, Amazon.com, Maruti Suzuki and Apple.
ii. Globally, Amazon occupies the 1st place and Apple the 2nd, as the most authentic brands, according to the Cohn & Wolfe survey.
iii. According to the survey, 67 % of consumers in India report increased purchase interest in a brand they consider as authentic.
iv. Cohn & Wolfe’s Authentic Brands Study series examines the role of authenticity in business, the attributes associated with an authentic brand and the impact of authenticity on consumer etc.
About Google:
♦ Headquarters – Mountain View, California, U.S
♦ CEO – Sundar Pichai
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan awarded UN medal
On 17th October 2017, 50 Indian peacekeepers placed in South Sudan were awarded the UN Medal for their service in maintaining peace in South Sudan.
Indian peacekeepers awarded UN medal:
i. The Indian peacekeepers were awarded UN medal for their professionalism and service in protecting civilians and building peace in the conflict driven South Sudan.
strong>ii. The Indian peacekeepers are a part of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). They are deployed with the Indian Battalion stationed at Bor in the Jonglei region of South Sudan.
iii. The award was presented by UNMISS Force Commander General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi. Indian Ambassador to South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, attended the medal ceremony.
iv. Indian peacekeepers have been carrying out patrols across the region and have provided a safe environment for civilians at the UN Protection of Civilians site at Bor.
About South Sudan:
♦ Capital – Juba
♦ Currency – South Sudanese pound (SSP)
♦ President – Salva Kiir Mayardit
Swraj Paul honoured Life Time Achievement Award for contributions to manufacturing, education
Swraj Lord Paul, a famous NRI industrialist and Chairman of “The Caparo Group” a leading UK-based manufacturer of steel products, has been honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the 2nd British Asian Achievers Awards which was organised by Jagatwani a Hindi weekly.
i. Lord Paul’s daughter Anjli received the award as he was on a business trip to US.
ii. He is also a Philanthropist, Labour politician and the chancellor of the University of Westminster.
iii. He was honoured for his outstanding contributions in the fields of manufacturing industry, education and philanthropy.
iv. Paul was the first person from Indian origin to hold the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, from 2008 to 2010.
vi. In the field of education, Lord Paul was Chancellor of Thames valley University in 1998. He is the Chancellor of Wolverhampton University and is the longest serving University Chancellor in the UK.
vii. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1983
Indian-origin teenager Akshay Ruparelia becomes one of UK’s youngest millionaires
Indian-origin teenager Akshay Ruparelia has become one of UK’s youngest millionaires, after his online real estate agency business reached the value of 12 million pounds.
One of UK’s youngest millionaires:
i. Akshay Ruparelia, a 19 year old Indian-origin teenager had started online real estate agency, “doorsteps.co.uk” a year ago. This online real estate agency sells houses to buyers for just 99 pounds as service charge.
ii. This is very less compared to other real estate firms that charge 800 pounds to 1,000 pounds. Ruparelia juggled his school work with his real estate business.
iii. This week “doorsteps.co.uk” became the 18th biggest estate agency in the UK just 16 months after the website was launched. Ruparelia has already sold 100 million pounds worth of properties.
iv. He started his company with 7,000 pounds, borrowed from relatives and now has employed 12 people. He has got an offer to study economics and mathematics at Oxford University, but has put that on hold to grow his business.
Top 5 British Billionaires of 2017:
1.Hinduja family
2.David and Simon Reuben
3.James Ratcliffe
4.Ian and Richard Livingstone
5.Joe Lewis
Indian-American Attorney Ajay Raju Recognised With Philanthropy Award
Noted Indian-American attorney Ajay Raju has been honoured with the 3rd American Bazaar Philanthropy award. Ajay Raju has been awarded for his philanthropic activities in the US.
Accomplishments of Ajay Raju:
i. Raju has been honoured for his commitment to revive Philadelphia through the Germination Project.
ii. Germination Project is an initiative of the Pamela and Ajay Raju Foundation.
iii. Under Germination Project, teenagers are recruited and trained to be tomorrow’s leaders.
iii. Indian-American Frank Islam and Suri Sehgal, founder of the SM Sehgal Foundation are the other philanthropists who have received this award in the past.
iv. American Bazaar is an online ethnic news publication about Indian-Americans.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Voltas appoints Pradeep Bakshi as MD, CEO
On 16th October 2017, Voltas announced the elevation of Chief Operating Officer Pradeep Bakshi as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.
Pradeep Bakshi – MD & CEO of Voltas:
i. Pradeep Bakshi is 55 years old. He is a consumer durables expert. He has been with Voltas for the most of his professional life for around 30 years.
ii. Under Bhakshi, Voltas has given foreign brands such as LG, Samsung and Whirlpool a tough competition in air conditioners. Bakshi suceeds Sanjay Johri as the MD and CEO. This elevation would be effective from 2018.
iii. Also, Anil George who is currently executive director for finance and corporate affairs, would be elevated as the deputy managing director.
About Voltas:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ Products – Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning, Refrigeration
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Scientists develop futuristic military watch that can survive nuclear blast
Scientists have developed a military watch for the Russian army kit, that can resist high impact, and even survive the consequences of a nuclear blast, in Russia.
Military watch that can survive nuclear blast:
i. The watch has been developed by experts of the Central Scientific Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering (TsNIITochMash) — part of the Rostec State Corporation in Russia.
ii. It has been included in the new combat system for land forces, airborne forces, coastal troops of the Russian Navy, special operations units. It is designed for continuous time determination.
iii. The mechanical watch with automatic movement enables fast and accurate time determination in severe climatic and operating conditions, during routine and combat operations. The weight of the watch with a band is not more than 100g.
About Russia:
♦ President – Vladimir Putin
♦ Prime Minister – Dmitry Medvedev
SPORTS
India’s Selena clinches triple gold at Egypt Junior and Cadet TT
On 15th October 2017, India’s Selena Selvakumar won three gold medals in Egypt Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Open 2017, with the junior girls’ singles and doubles titles at Sharm El Sheikh, in Egypt.
Selena wins triple gold at Egypt Junior and Cadet TT:
i. Selena Selvakumar is a 17 year old Chennai girl. She won the girls’ singles and doubles gold medal and a team championship gold in in Egypt Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Open 2017.
strong>ii. In the girls’ singles final, Selena defeated Marwa Alhodaby by 4-3 (11-5, 12-10, 8-11, 6-11, 11-3, 6-11, 11-4) and won the gold medal.
iii. In the girls’ doubles final, Selena Selvakumar and Nigerias Esther Oribamise pair defeated Egypt-Greek pair Farida Badawy and Malamatenia Papadimitriou by 3-2 (11-8, 12-10, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9) and won the gold.
About Egypt Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Open 2017:
Date – 11th October 2017 – 15th October 2017
Venue – Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
OBITUARY
Veteran British Actor Roy Dotrice dies at 94
On 16th October 2017, Veteran British actor, Roy Dotrice, best known for playing Leopold Mozart in the Oscar-winning film ‘Amadeus’, died at the age of 94.
Death of Roy Dotrice:
i. Roy Dotrice died at his home in London. He is survived by three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandson.
ii. Dotrice holds the Guinness World Record for the most characters voiced by a single actor in an audio book. He was also an award-winning actor.
iii. He had won the Tony award for best actor in 2000 for his Broadway performance in the ‘A Moon for the Misbegotten’ revival.
strong>iv. He also played various sci-fi roles in ‘Space: 1999’, ‘Angel’ etc. He was married to fellow actress Kay Newman until her death in 2007. They had three daughters, Karen, Michele and Yvette, who are actors.
About Roy Dotrice:
♦ Nationality – British
♦ Awards – 1 Tony Award, 1 Drama Desk Award, 1 British Academy Television Award
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – October 17
On 17th October 2017, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed all over the world.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty:
i. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the declaration by the UN General Assembly to celebrate 17th October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
ii. This day was chosen because on 17th October 1987, over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris, where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.
iii.Theme for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2017 is: ‘Answering the Call of October 17 to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies’.
Top 5 poorest countries of the world (2017) by Global Finance Magazine:
1.Central African Republic
2.Democratic Republic of Congo
3.Burundi
4.Liberia
5.Niger
