17th Oct 2017 - Current Affairs Today

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National Current Affairs

Punjab police launches foot patrolling in all districts

On October 16, 2017, Punjab police launched foot patrolling i.e. an initiative whereby police personnel will patrol designated areas on foot to keep a watch on anti-social elements.

The aim of this initiative is to reduce incidence of crime by increasing the presence of police in vulnerable locations.
The initiative would ensure safety and security of women, children and senior citizens, and also build a bridge for people-friendly policing.
Foot patrolling involves beat patrolling on foot in a designated area which will be identified on the basis of criminal incidences, vulnerability, footfall in markets, strategic installations, educational, financial and religious institutions.
It will also involve intelligence gathering and detection of crime.
Foot patrol officers would do a round of their designated areas round the clock every day in eight-hour shifts depending on the type of beat area.

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.

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
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.

India International Cherry Blossom Festival to be held in Shillong

The India International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in Shillong from November 8 to 11.

The first cherry blossom festival in Shillong was held in 2016 but this year, it is being held on an international level. With this year’s event, India will join the leagues of the US, New Zealand, Holland and South Korea who hold such festivals.
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.
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.
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.
The event will also hold a rock concert, western and traditional folk music, dance performances from North East India, choir performances, photography contests, bicycle rallies, football matches, and much more.

Haryana records 39 percent of all cancer cases in India

Haryana has a major share of cancer cases, with over 39% of cases recorded in the state.

Approximately 17.3 lakh new cancer cases are being estimated by the year 2020 in India, therefore with the present trends Haryana might have around 6.5 lakh cancer cases by then.
Breast cancer has a majority share of cancer cases and is the leading cause for deaths in women suffering with non-communicable disease. According to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report, breast cancer shares 10% of all cases. By that rate, Haryana may report around 2 to 2.5 lakh cases alone.

Ministry WCD launches campaign on ‘women for women’: #IamThatWoman

In an attempt to end gender bias in women against women and to showcase instances where women have stepped forward to help others of their gender, Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) is undertaking an online campaign #IamThatWoman.

This campain aims to highlight various aspects of women standing ‘by’ and ‘for’ women.
Ministry of WCD has urged people to shun stereotypes associated with ‘women being their own worst enemy’.
Twitter and Facebook users have been encouraged to tag and share stories of women helping women with a photograph and post online with the hashtag #IamThatWoman.

International Current 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 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.
BNS Somudra Avijan is commanded by Commander M Moniruzzaman. It is a part of Cadet Training Squadron with 60 cadets onboard for sea training.
During its stay in Visakhapatnam, a variety of activities including professional, cross deck visit, sports fixture and social interactions would be carried on.

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.

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.
These members would serve three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2018.

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.

In the overall ranking, Delhi ranked fourth from the bottom, better than Cairo (Egypt), Karachi (Pakistan) and Kinshasa (Congo).
Delhi along with Sao Paolo (Brazil) were adjudged as the worst cities on the sub-parameter of sexual harassment.
Japan’s capital Tokyo emerged as the safest city in terms of risk of sexual harassment.
The survey was conducted in 19 megacities (having more than 10 million population) of the world between June and July 2017.
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.

Science & Technology

Indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warship INS Kiltan commissioned into Navy

On October 16, 2017, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commissioned India’s third indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kiltan into the Indian Navy.

The commissioning ceremony was held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and was attended by Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba.
INS Kiltan is the third of the four ASW corvettes to be built under Project-28.
It has been designed by Directorate of Naval Design and has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
INS Kiltan is 109 meters long and 14 meters at the beam. Its displacement tonnage (ship’s weight) is 3500 tonnes.

Awards & Recognition

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.

He is also a Philanthropist, Labour politician and the chancellor of the University of Westminster.
He was honoured for his outstanding contributions in the fields of manufacturing industry, education and philanthropy.
Paul was the first person from Indian origin to hold the post of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, from 2008 to 2010.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
He started his company with 7,000 pounds, borrowed from relatives and now has employed 12 people.

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.

Raju has been honoured for his commitment to revive Philadelphia through the Germination Project.
Germination Project is an initiative of the Pamela and Ajay Raju Foundation.
Under Germination Project, teenagers are recruited and trained to be tomorrow’s leaders.
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.
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.

Under Bhakshi, Voltas has given foreign brands such as LG, Samsung and Whirlpool a tough competition in air conditioners.
Bakshi succeeds Sanjay Johri as the MD and CEO.
Also, Anil George who is currently executive director for finance and corporate affairs, would be elevated as the deputy managing director.

Naresh Kumar Gupta appointed as Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta

On 16th October 2017, the Madhya Pradesh government appointed Naresh Kumar Gupta as the Lokayukta (Ombudsman) of the state.

Naresh Kumar Gupta is a retired judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court.
UC Maheshwari, former judge of MP High Court, who is six years senior to Naresh Kumar Gupta, was looking after the work of Lokayukta since June 2016.
Appointment of Naresh Kumar Gupta as Lokayukta, who is six years junior to UC Maheshwari has faced a lot of criticism.

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.

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.
He had won the Tony award for best actor in 2000 for his Broadway performance in the ‘A Moon for the Misbegotten’ revival.
He also played various sci-fi roles in ‘Space: 1999’, ‘Angel’ etc.

Business

Myntra, Textile Ministry tie-up to promote handloom industry

On 16th October 2017, E-commerce major Myntra has tied up with the Union Textile Ministry, to work directly with weavers and improve their economic status.

This has been done in a move to support to the Government’s plan to improve demand for arts and handloom products in India.
These products will retail on Myntra through a dedicated online store. This would create a one-stop shop for all handloom products. This would provide the weavers, access to new customers and opportunities.
Myntra is also planning to launch a new handloom brand during its upcoming annual Brand Summit, “The Tech Threads” on 2nd November 2017 in Bengaluru.

Sports

Legendary Brazilian sailor Scheidt announced his retirement from Olympics

On 16th October 2017, Brazilian sailor Robert Scheidt announced his retirement from Olympic competition.

Robert Scheidt has ended his 25 year career. He is 44 years old. He said that, he would continue to participate in non-Olympic events and support Brazil’s sailors to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Robert Scheidt said that, his decision to retire, has been very tough for him to make. He said he no longer felt competitive.
Scheidt won Olympic gold in the laser class in 1996 and 2004. He also won silver at the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He won bronze in London in 2012 and finished fourth in Rio in 2017 games.

Banking & Finance

Yes Bank commits Rs 156 cr for Namami Gange project

On October 16, 2017, Yes Bank announced that it has committed Rs 156 crore to fund first Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to be constructed at Varanasi under Namami Gange Project.

Yes Bank has signed a deal with Essel Infraprojects for the above mentioned STP which will be constructed under Hybrid Annuity-Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model.
‘Namami Gange Programme’ is Union Government’s Integrated Conservation Mission, which was launched to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.

Important Days

World Food Day – October 16

On 16th October 2017, World Food Day was observed all over the world.World Food Day.

The theme for World Food Day 2017 is ‘Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development’.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) celebrates World Food Day to mark its creation. FAO was formed on 16th October 1945.
World Food Day is a day dedicated to manage global hunger. It is held annually on 16th October.
People from all over the world come together to show their commitment to eradicate worldwide hunger.
On this day, events are organized in more than 150 countries across the world. These events promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.

Books & Authors

Beyond the Dream Girl – Hema Malini’s Biography launched

On 16th October 2017, Deepika Padukone launched the biography of veteran actress Hema Malini named ‘Beyond the Dream Girl’ in Mumbai.

The biography of Bollwood actress Hema Malini titled ‘Beyond The Dream Girl’, is written by Ram Kamal Mukherjee. It was unveiled on Hema Malini’s 69th birthday by Bollwood actress Deepika Padukone.
The biography’s foreword has been written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hema Malini is currently a BJP MP from Mathura constituency. Hema Malini debuted in 1968 with Raj Kapoor’s Sapno Ka Saudagar. She is also an accomplished classical dancer.