Punjab CM constitutes committee under Randhir Singh for sports varsity in Patiala
On October 30, 2017, Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh constituted a steering committee under International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, Randhir Singh, to work out the modalities for setting up a sports university in Patiala.
More information about Committee for sports varsity in Patiala:
a. This committee has been set up under the aegis of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department.
b. The committee also includes Olympian Pargat Singh, J S Narula – Former Vice Chancellor of Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior and Dr. L S Ranawat – Former Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan Sports University.
c. After studying the existing national and international models of Sports Universities, the committee will prepare a draft legislation which will be presented to the government.
d. The committee will also spot suitable land and buildings in and around Patiala, which can be used for setting up the sports university.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale launches Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in Mumbai
On October 30, 2017, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana in Mumbai.
a. Mr. Athawale launched the scheme in Mumbai during the fourth workshop of ”Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushdhi Pariyojana’.
b. The fourth workshop of ”Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushdhi Pariyojana’ was organized byPratishtha and Sanjivani trust.
c. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana with an objective of making quality medicines available at affordable prices to all, particularly to the poor and underprivileged, through exclusive outlets.
d. Currently, more than 600 medicines and 150 surgical and other medical items are being made available at affordable rates at Janaushadhi Kendras opened across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana.
India tops list of new TB cases in 2016 – WHO
According to ‘Global TB Report 2017’ released by World Health Organization (WHO), India has topped the list of seven countries, accounting for 64 percent of the 10.4 million new tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide in 2016.
a.In 2016, nearly 7 million people died from TB, marking a 4% drop as compared to 2015 report.
b. In terms of new tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide in 2016, India is followed by Indonesia, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa.
India, Tunisia agrees to combat terror, extremism
On October 30, 2017, India and Tunisia agreed to jointly combat terrorism and extremism and scale up bilateral cooperation in the field of security.
a. On October 30, 2017, Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj co-chaired the 12th India- Tunisia Joint Commission Meeting with Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister, Khemaies Jhinaoui.
b. Besides conducting a review of bilateral ties, both the ministers discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
c. Both the ministers initiated a roadmap for India-Tunisia partnership in a bid to give a new impetus to bilateral relations between India and Tunisia.
d. Six agreements in the fields of judicial cooperation, information and communications technology, cooperation in youth issues and trade and business, were also signed during this meeting.
e. A year-long festival of India in Tunisia and festival of Tunisia in India will be held in 2018, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Quick Facts about Tunisia:
a. Capital – Tunis
b. Currency – Tunisian dinar
c. Current President – Beji Caid Essebsi
Government sets up Arun Jaitley led panel on PSU bank mergers
On October 30, 2017, Union Government set up an alternative mechanism panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, to consider and oversee mergers among India’s public sector banks.
Union Railway and Coal Minister, Piyush Goyal and Union Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman are also the members of this alternative mechanism panel on PSU bank consolidation head by Mr. Arun Jaitley.
India signs $200 mn deal with World Bank for rural transformation in Assam
On October 30, 2017, Union Finance Ministry and World Bank signed a loan agreement worth $200 million for the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.
About Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project:
a. The $200 million from International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is for 16.5 yrs term and has a grace period of seven years.
b. This project will not only increase agricultural productivity and market access but will also help Assam Govt. to facilitate agri-business investments.
c. With support from this project, small farm holders in Assam will be able to produce crops that are resilient to recurrent floods or droughts.
d. This Project will be implemented in over 16 Districts of Assam, benefitting over 500000 farming households.
Quick Facts about Assam:
a. Capital – Dispur
b. Current Chief Minister – Sarbananda Sonowal
c. Current Governor – Jagdish Mukhi
SBI-World Bank sanction Rs 2,317-cr for 575 mw rooftop solar projects
On October 30, 2017, State Bank of India (SBI) and the World Bank announced Rs 2317 crore credit facilities to seven companies to finance grid connected rooftop solar projects.
a. Seven corporate to which the credit facilities have been extended include Adani Group, Hinduja Renewables, JSW Energy, Tata Renewable, Azure Power, Cleantech Solar and Hero Solar Energy.
b. These grid connected rooftop solar projects which will together generate 575 mw.
c. As per the arrangement between World Bank and SBI, World Bank will provide dollar funding and based on that, SBI will provide rupee funding to companies.
d. Under this arrangement, SBI has so far funded 43 projects worth Rs 2,766 crore which will add 695 mw of solar rooftop capacity to the grid.
e. Credit facility under this arrangement is being extended only to those companies which possess the sound technical capacity, relevant experience, and creditworthiness.
vi. SBI’s renewable energy loan portfolio currently stands at Rs 12,000 crore.
Michael Jackson named top-earning dead celebrity for 5th time
Michael Jackson, who died in the year 2009 i.e, Eight years ago, is still generating millions of dollars.
a. He was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. He was one of the most popular entertainers in the world, and was the best-selling music artist at the time of his death. Jackson’s contributions to music, dance, and fashion along with his publicized personal life made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
b. Late singer Michael Jackson has been named the highest-earning dead celebrity for the 5th consecutive year by Forbes list of top-earning dead celebrities. His earnings have been estimated to be $75 million (₹485 crore).
c. Two other singers who have featured among the top five are Elvis Presley and Bob Marley, with earnings of $35 d.Forbes says Jackson’s earnings are boosted by a new greatest hits album, a Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show and a stake in the EMI music publishing catalogue.
Michael Jackson
a. Born – Aug 29, 1958
b. Died – June 25, 2009
c. Place – Gary Indiana, US
SK Sinha appointed Secretary (security) in Cabinet Secretariat
On 30th October 2017, senior police officer SK Sinha was appointed as the Secretary (security) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
SK Sinha – Secretary (security) in Cabinet Secretariat:
a. SK Sinha is a 1983 batch IPS officer of Bihar cadre. He is at present special director in the Intelligence Bureau. b. The Secretary (security) is the administrative head of the Special Protection Group (SPG), who is responsible for closely monitoring the security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former prime ministers and members of their immediate families in India and abroad.
a. Purpose – responsible for the administration of the Government of India
AP Maheshwari appointed DG, Bureau of Police Research
On 30th October 2017, senior police officer AP Maheshwari was appointed as Director General of Bureau of Police Research and Development.
AP Maheshwari – DG of Bureau of Police Research and Development:
a. AP Maheshwari is a 1984 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is currently a Special Director in Border Security Force.
b. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Maheshwari to the post for a period up to his superannuation on 28th February 2021.
c. He has been appointed in place of Meeran C Borwankar. Meeran C Borwankar is a 1981 batch IPS officer of Maharashtra cadre, whose tenure ended last month.
About Bureau of Police Research and Development:
a. Consists of the 4 divisions: Research, Development, Training and Correctional Administration.
Tata Steel elevates T V Narendran as global CEO, MD
On 31st October 2017, Tata Steel Ltd promoted T V Narendran as chief executive officer and managing director globally.
TV Narendran – global CEO, MD of Tata Steel:
a. TV Narendran is 52 years old. He joined the Tata Steel in 1988. He was serving as Managing Director (India and South East Asia) for the past four years.
b. During TV Narendran’s tenure as Managing Director, Tata Steel executed and commissioned the Kalinganagar steel plant and also enhanced the plant’s ability to serve higher value segments like steel for automobiles.
c. Tata steel board also re-appointed Koushik Chatterjee as executive director and chief financial officer for five years with effect from 9th November 2017.
About Tata Steel Limited:
a. Headquarters – Mumbai
b. Chairman – Natarajan Chandrasekaran
Vikram Singh appointed Private Secretary to President
On 30th October 2017, Railway officer Vikram Singh was appointed as Private Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind.
Vikram Singh – Private Secretary to President:
a. Vikram Singh is a 1997 batch officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment to the post of Private Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind for 2 years.
b. This was said in an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Also, IAS officer PC Meena was appointed as Private Secretary to Minister of State for Commerce and Industry CR Chaudhary. Meena is a 2004 batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre.
About Appointments Committee:
a. Purpose – decides appointments to several top posts under the Government of India
b. Chairman – Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi
Birendra Prasad Baishya re-elected as President of IWLF
On 30th October 2017, Birendra Prasad Baishya was re-elected as President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) in the Annual General Body Meeting.
Birendra Prasad Baishya – President of IWLF:
a. The newly formed Executive Committee of IWLF consists of seven vice-presidents, and Sahdev Yadav has become the secretary general.
b.The elections of IWLF was conducted under guidelines issued by the sports ministry. New members of the elected body for the term 2017-21 are:
a. President: Birendra Prasad Baishya
b. Vice Presidents: D Chandrahas Rai, Tara Singh, Sunil Elangbam, K Suryanarayana, Narayan Sahu, Paramjit Singh, Abraham Techi.
a. Secretary-General: Sahdev Yadav
b. Secretary: Badeti Venkataramaiah
About Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF):
a. Purpose – National governing body that oversees weightlifting in India
b. Headquarters – New Delhi
Saudi Arabia to Allow Women into Sports Stadiums from 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off ‘Run for Unity’ to mark Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary
Thomas Cook India acquires Tata Capital’s travel firm
On 30th October 2017, Thomas Cook India announced the acquisition of the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tata Capital Limited, Tata Capital Forex Limited(foreign exchange) and TC Travel and Services Limited (travel services).
Thomas Cook India acquires Tata Capital’s travel firm:
a. The acquired companies will be hereafter referred as TC Forex Services Ltd. and TC Travel and Services Ltd. Value of the transaction was not shared.
b. The network of the two acquired entities includes 24 locations and 263 employees across India. This acquisition creates opportunities for stronger customer service and stakeholder value.
About Thomas Cook India:
a. Products – India Holidays, International Holidays, Foreign Exchange, Education Forex, Insurance, Visa & Passport Services, Flights
b. Headquarters – Mumbai
ERO-Net launched in Rajasthan
On 30th October 2017, Rajasthan’s Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Bhagat launched the Election Commission’s web-based project, ERO-Net, using which voters can register their names on electoral rolls.
ERO-Net:
a. Till now, the Electoral Roll Management System (ERMS) software was being used to make voter lists. It could not identify multiple entries of a voter.
b. ERMS software has been replaced with ERO-Net, which is a transparent mechanism to identify whether the voter was listed anywhere in the country.
c. Using ERO-Net, people can register their names on electoral rolls, rectify the details of their voter identity card, and transfer their names to another constituency online.
d. Voters can see their registration details on the official website of the state chief electoral officer (http://ceorajasthan.nic.in) or through an SMS.
About Rajasthan:
a. Capital – Jaipur
b. Governor – Kalyan Singh
c. Chief Minister – Vasundhra Raje
West Bengal to lease land for football centre to AIFF for Rs 1
On 30th October 2017, the West Bengal cabinet decided to provide a 15-acre land to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on lease for Rs 1 to help set up the National Centre of Excellence.
West Bengal to lease land for AIFF for Rs 1:
a. The West Bengal cabinet has decided to give 15 acres of land to the AIFF for 90 years on an exchange of Rs 1 only.
b. AIFF President Praful Patel has said that a National Centre of Excellence for football will be set up with the land, at Rajarhat New Town in Kolkata, with help from the FIFA.
c. The national senior men’s and women’s football team and the age group teams will be housed in this centre.
About All India Football Federation (AIFF):
a. Purpose – governing body of association football in India
b. Headquarters – Dwarka Sub City, Delhi
c. President – Praful Patel
Diya wins one gold, one silver in ITTF World Cadet Challenge
On 29th October 2017, Indian table tennis player Diya Chitale won silver medal in the girls’ doubles category of the 2017 ITTF World Cadet Challenge, in Suva, Fiji.
Diya Chitale – silver medal in ITTF World Cadet Challenge:
a. Diya Chitale hails from Mumbai. She was the only Indian player selected to represent Asia in this tournament.
b. Diya Chitale (India) and Hanna Ryu (South Korea) pair were defeated by Yingqi Huang (China) and Yumeno Soma (Japan) pair by 0-3 (7-11, 11-13, 7-11). Diya Chitale (India) and Hanna Ryu (South Korea) pair and won silver medal.
c. Diya had won gold medal in the Team event, as part of Team Asia. In the singles also, she did well and finished tenth.
About 2017 ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) World Cadet Challenge:
a. Date – 21 – 29 October 2017
b. Venue – Suva, Fiji
South Korean veteran actor Kim Joo-hyuk passed away
On 30th October 2017, South Korean veteran actor Kim Joo-hyuk died in a car crash in Seoul, South Korea.
Death of Kim Joo-hyuk:
i. Kim Joo-hyuk is a South Korean actor. He had won Best Supporting Actor Award recently, at the inaugural Seoul Awards. He died in a car crash in Seoul. He was 45 years old.
ii. Kim was driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV that clipped the car ahead of him, overturned and crashed into an apartment and caught fire. He was taken to Konkuk University Hospital, where he died on 30th October 2017. Police have been investigating the accident.
iii. He is known for films like Yourself and Yours, The Servant and My Wife Got Married, and several TV series.
About Kim Joo-hyuk:
a. Occupation – Actor
b. Country – South Korea
Writer and journalist Khadri Achyuthan dies at 71
On 29th October 2017, veteran Kannada writer and journalist Khadri Achyuthan died after a brief period of illness, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Death of Khadri Achyuthan:
a. Khadri Achyuthan was 71 years old. He died on 29th October 2017 after a brief period of illness.
b. His contribution to the development of Kannada television news is enormous. He has also contributed to the coinage of new Kannada words.
c. He is a veteran print and broadcast journalist, author, academic and translator of various literary works. He was the former Doordarshan news director in the Bengaluru Kendra.
d. He has written a book in Kannada on ISRO. He has worked on Kannada translations of Sardar Patel and Dr. Ambedkar.
About Khadri Achyuthan:
a. Occupation – journalist, author and translator
b. Language – Kannada
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas(National Unity Day) – October 31, 2017
October 31 is celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in India.
a. This day marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played an instrumental role in the integration of princely state with Indian Union post-independence.
b. The celebration of October 31 as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.
c. On October 31, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to the Sardar Patel’s statue at Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi.
d. Prime Minister Modi also flagged off the 1.5 km ‘Run for Unity’ event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
e. Over 15,000 students, athletes and volunteers participated in this year’s ‘Run for Unity’ event.
f. Sports players including Badminton player P V Sindhu, Indian Women’s Cricket team Captain Mitali Raj and former Indian Hockey team captain, Sardar Singh were also present at the event.
World Savings Day – October 31, 2017
On 31st October 2017, World Savings Day was observed all over the world.
World Savings Day:
a. World Savings Day is also called the World Thrift Day. It is celebrated every year on 31st October all over the world. In India World Savings Day is celebrated on 30th October.
b. The theme for World Savings Day 2017 is: Our future starts with savings. World Savings Day was established to spread awareness among people around the world about the idea of saving money in a bank.
c. The World Savings Day was established in 1924, during the 1st International Savings Bank Congress (World Society of Savings Banks) in Milano, Italy.
d.The World Savings Day is promoted through educational films, broadcasting, chorus singing, press-articles, leaflets, brochures, lectures, posters etc.
Some of the saving schemes:
a. Fixed Deposits (FD)
b.Personal Provident Fund (PPF)
c. National Saving Certificate (NSC)
d. Mutual Funds
e. Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
World Cities Day – October 31, 2017
‘World Cities Day’ is observed on 31st October, every year across the world.
a. It is observed to promote public interest in global urbanization, to seek cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development across the world.
b. In December 2013, United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to designate 31st October as ‘World Cities Day’.
c. ’World Cities Day’ is observed with ‘Better City, Better Life’ as a general theme. However, every year a different sub-theme is selected, to promote successes of urbanization or address challenges resulting from urbanization.
d. Sub-Theme of ‘World Cities Day’, 2017 is ‘Innovative Governance, Open Cities’ which highlights the important role of urbanization as a source of global development and social inclusion.
Life term for Govt officials indulging in torture, recommends Law Commission
On October 30, 2017, Law Commission of India has recommended that Indian Government should ratify a United Nations Convention against Torture in order to avoid difficulties in the extradition of criminals from foreign countries.
UN Convention Against Torture:
United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) is an international treaty, under the review of the United Nations, that aims to prevent torture and other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment in member countries.
a. This treaty came into force on June 26, 1987.
b. As per the terms of this treaty, signatory countries are required to take effective measures to prevent torture in any territory under its jurisdiction.
c. Moreover, the treaty also forbids signatory countries to transport people to any other country where they may be tortured.
Major Recommendations of Law Commission on UN Convention Against Torture:
Law Commission has stated that as India does not have a law preventing harsh treatment by authorities, quick extradition of criminals from foreign countries cannot be carried out. Most foreign countries follow specific laws which make ‘prevention of torture laws’ in the country seeking extradition as a pre-condition for extradition.
a. It has been recommended that, if Indian Government ratifies the UN Convention Against Torture, then a bill should be passed by the parliament to amend various laws to prevent torture by government officials.
b. Draft of the proposed Prevention of Torture Bill, 2017, prescribes stringent punishment to people inflicting torture so as to create a deterrent effect in discouraging such acts.
c. Law Commission has recommended that Government Officials convicted of torture should be sentenced to life imprisonment.
d. Section 375 B of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, should be amended by including payment of compensation, in addition to the payment of fine provided in the Indian Penal Code.
e. A new section 114 B should be inserted in Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which will ensure that in case a person in police custody sustains injuries, it is presumed that those injuries have been inflicted by the police.
List of MoUs Signed During the Visit of Prime Minister of Italy to India
Jasprit Bumrah Secures Top Spot in ICC T20 Rankings
a. Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah climbed to the number one spot in the latest ICC T20 rankings while his fifth-ranked team could go as high as second if it beats New Zealand in the three-match series beginning.
b. Bumrah, who attained a career-best third position in the ODI rankings, has regained the T20 top spot after Pakistan spinner Imad Wasim slipped one place.
Heena Sidhu Wins Air Pistol Gold at Commonwealth Shooting Championships
a. Ace Indian shooter Heena Sindhu has bagged gold in women’s 10m Air Pistol event at Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Brisbane, Australia.b. Heena shot a score of 240.8 in the finals to beat Australia’s Elena Galiabovitch, who has to settle for silver after posting 238.2. Kristy Gillman of Australia picked up the bronze medal with a score of 213.7. India also picked up their second medal through Deepak Kumar as he won bronze in men’s 10m Air Rifle event.
India Makes it to Top 100 in ‘ease of doing business World Bank
