11 Oct- 17 Oct)

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Top Current Affairs of the Week (11 Oct- 17 Oct)

Lewis Hamilton wins Eifel Grand Prix 2020

• Mercedes racer Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) has won Eifel Grand Prix 2020 held at Nürburg, Germany. • It was Lewis Hamilton’s 7th win of Formula One season and 91st career race victory, which was till now achieved only by Michael Schumacher. • Red Bull’s racer Max Verstappen (Netherlands) bagged the second place, followed by Renault’s racer Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) • It was the 11th race in 2020 F-1 World Championship and first running in history of Eifel Grand Prix

Amazon India ties-up with IRCTC for train tickets booking

• Amazon India has ties-up with ‘Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’ (IRCTC) to provide facility of booking train tickets on Amazon. • Amazon Pay adds another travel category offering one-stop-shop for booking flights, bus and train tickets. • Users will be able to check seat and quota availability along with live checking of PNR status, downloads and cancellations of tickets booked on Amazon. • Customers will get 10% cashback on their first train ticket booking

Meghalaya partners with Israel for Centre of Excellence on vegetables

• Meghalaya has partner with Israel for establishing Centre of Excellence (CoE) on high-value vegetables to improve and promote livelihood of farmers • CoE is important to tap diverse bio-diversity and resources available in terms of its soil and agro-climatic conditions in Meghalaya • It will also strengthen research and expansion of its resources in multi-fold aspects, including tourism • Israel will also provide technology support to the state • Meghalaya Capital: Shillong

Delhi Cabinet approve ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’.

• Delhi Cabinet has approved ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’ for the conservation of trees in Delhi • With this, Delhi becomes the first State in India to pass this policy. • Concerned agencies will have to transplant 80% of the trees affected by their projects to a new location. • 10 saplings will be planted in addition to this. • Dedicated panel of govt agencies is being formed under the policy. • A second smog tower at CP will also be installed along with this policy

Uttarakhand Govt launches ‘Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana’

• Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has launched Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana to generate self-employment for youth & migrants through green energy sector • State will allocate solar plants of 25 kw each to the targeted beneficiaries and loans will be granted by cooperative banks for these plants at 8% interest rate for 15%

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• Each plant will generate 38,000 units of electricity per year and will be bought by Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd for 25 years.

Goa becomes first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State of India

• Goa has earned distinction of becoming first 'Har Ghar Jal' State of India by providing tap water connection to every rural household. • It provides 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) covering 2.30 lakh rural households in all the 191 Gram Panchayats of the state • North Goa with 1,65,000 rural households and South Goa with 98,000 rural households are fully saturated with assured piped water supply for tap connections

Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek wins French Open 2020

• Rafael Nadal (Spain) wins men’s 2020 French Open after beating Novak Djokovic by 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. • It was his 13th French Open men’s singles title and 20th Grand Slam title. • On the other hand, Iga Swiatek (Poland) wins women’s single French Open 2020 by defeating Sofia Kenin (US) by 6-4, 6-1. • She became the youngest women to win the title in the history of the championship in 28 years. • She also became the first Polish tennis player to win the singles’ Grand Slam.

PM launches Property Cards under SVAMITVA scheme

• PM Narendra Modi virtually launched physical distribution programme of Property Cards under SVAMITVA scheme. • SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in April 2020 • Benefit: Allow the villagers to use the property as a financial asset for taking loans and benefits. • Scheme is implemented in a phased manner for 4 years covering 6.62 lakh villages

Eight Indian beaches got International Blue flag Certification

• Union environment minister announced 8 beaches of India has been awarded with Blue Flag certification by an International Jury comprising of eminent members (UNEP, UNWTO, FEE, IUCN) • Blue Flag Beaches of India: Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (A&N Islands) • India became first country in Asia-Pacific region that achieved this feat in just 2 years time

Andhra Pradesh CM launches Jagananna Vidya Kanuka’ scheme

• Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched ‘Jagananna Vidya Kanuka’ scheme to distribute school kits among the poor children of the state. • Scheme will have a total outlay of Rs 650 crore • Under this, govt school students from classes 1 to 10 across the state will get school kits or Vidya Kanuka that will contain three pairs of uniform, one pair of shoes, two pairs of socks, a belt, one set of textbooks, notebooks and one school bag.

Shuttler Chetan Anand named brand ambassador of ‘Transform’

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• Commonwealth Games (CWG) medallist in Badminton, Chetan Anand has been named as the brand ambassador for India’s first-ever homegrown professional badminton brand ‘Transform’. • Chetan Anand: Former world no. 10 and men's singles bronze medal winner at the 2006 Melbourne CWG and was an Arjuna Awardee • Transform racquets/ Badminton is India’s 1st professional badminton brand at par with the best racquets in the market that are currently imported in India

Nihal Sarin wins Chess.com's 2020 Junior Speed Online Championship

• Indian player Nihal Sarin (16 year) wins in Chess.com's 2020 Junior Speed Online Championship in Chennai, beating Russia's world junior No. 6 Alexey Sarana by 18-7 • He is awarded with $8,766 and enabled him to qualify for the 2020 Speed Chess Championship Final which will feature the world's best players • Nihal Sarin is a former world Under-10 champion and will join Indian men's team that is taking part in Asian Online Nations (Regions) Cup Team Championship

Chaitanya Venkateswaran becomes British High Commissioner for a day

• Chaitanya Venkateswaran from New Delhi became UK's senior-most diplomat in India for a day. • British High Commission has been organizing 'High Commissioner for a Day' competition annually since 2017, inviting young Indian women aged 18 to 23 years to take over as their most senior diplomat. • Chaitanya is the 4th young woman to take over as the British High Commissioner in an annual competition run by the UK mission in celebration of International Day of the Girl Child

PM released Rs 100 coin on birth anniversary of Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia

• PM Narendra Modi virtually released commemorative coin of Rs. 100 denomination to celebrate Birth Anniversary of Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia. • Vijaya Raje Scindia, known popularly as the Rajmata of Gwalior, was a prominent Indian political personality. • She was an active member of the Jana Sangh and co-founder of Bharatiya Janata Party. • She was one of the personalities who gave direction to India in the last century and witnessed every important phase of Indian politics

Two-day Coastal security exercise “Sagar Kavach” concludes

• Indian Navy along with Indian Coast Guard and other stakeholders involved in Coastal security from Kerela jointly conducted 2-day Coastal Security Exercise titled as ‘Sagar Kavach’ • It was monitored from Joint Operations Centre, Kochi. • Sagar Kavach is a half-yearly exercise to check the Coastal Security mechanism and validate Standard Operating Procedures. • The exercise is conducted along the coastal areas of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep.

Former Indian footballer Carlton Chapman passes away

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• Former Indian football captain Carlton Chapman (49 years) passed away due to a heart attack in Bengaluru • Carlton Chapman won 14 titles including the first edition of National Football League along with I M Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia. • He also won gold at 1997 South Asian Football Federation. • He is also known for scoring a hat trick for the Kolkata club against Al Zawra of Iraq in Asian Cup Winning Cup. • He joined Tata Football Academy as an instructor.

International Day for Disaster Reduction being observed today

• International Day for Disaster Reduction is being observed annually on 13 October to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction • The day also observes how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raise awareness about its importance • It was first observed in 1989 and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction was adopted in 2015 for this day • Theme 2020: ‘Disaster risk governance’.

Los Angeles Lakers wins 17th NBA Championship

• Los Angeles Lakers has defeated Miami Heat to win National Basketball Association (NBA) Championship 2020. • This is the 17th NBA title for Los Angeles Lakers and their first since 2010, after late Kobe Bryant’s won this titled in 2010 • LeBron James of the Lakers’ was named as the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the fourth time in his career • With this, he became first player in league history to be named Finals MVP with three different franchises

Paul R. Milgrom & Robert B. Wilson won 2020 Nobel in Economic Sciences

• Paul R. Milgrom and Robert B. Wilson has been conferred with the Nobel Prize 2020 in Economic Sciences for improvements to auction theory and inventions of new auction formats • Both the economists used their insights to design new auction formats for goods and services that are difficult to sell in a traditional way, such as radio frequencies • It is technically known as Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel • It was first awarded in 1969.

RBI to discontinue system based automatic caution-listing of exporters

• RBI has decided to discontinue system-based automatic caution-listing of exporters to provide flexibility to exporters for export proceeds • The move will also empower exporters to negotiate better terms with overseas buyers making the system more exporter-friendly and equitable. • 'Caution/De-caution Listing' of exporters was automated in 2016 in which exporters were caution listed automatically, if any shipping bill remained outstanding for more than 2 years.

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India Ranks 129 in Oxfam International’s CRI Index 2020

• India has been ranked 129 in the 2020 Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index released by ‘Oxfam International’ in partnership with Development Finance International • The report covers 158 countries and focused on Fighting Inequality during COVID-19 by monitoring government of nation. • The index is based on 3 pillars: Public Services Pillar, Progressive Tax Pillar and Workers Rights Pillar. • CRI Index 2020 has been topped by Norway. • Lowest Ranker: South Sudan

Nagaland Environment Minister C.M. Chang passes away

• Nagaland Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change C.M. Chang (77 years) passed away at Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima due to COVID-19 • He was serving as the sitting MLA of NDPP from 51-Noksen Assembly Constituency. • He started his political career in 2002. • He was elected to 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 and 51 Vidhan Sabha in 2013 becoming Minister of Education. • He also served as Justice & Law Minister of Nagaland.

NIT Trichy signs MoU with C-DAC Pune for installing supercomputer

• NIT, Tiruchirappalli has signed MoU with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C- DAC), Pune for installing a state of art super computer under National Super Computing Mission (NSM) • It has a worth of Rs 17crore and will be made available to neighbouring educational institutions in line with NEP-2020 • NSM: It aims to empower 10 centrally funded institute such as IISc, Bangalore, 7 IITs and NIT, Trichy with high-performance computing capabilities

Arunachal Pradesh to get its greenfield airport at Hollongi

• Arunachal Pradesh is all set to feature on India’s aviation map with greenfield airport at Hollongi • The airport project will have estimated cost of Rs 650 crore and includes development work, construction of airport pavements, air side work, terminal Building. • Hollongi Airport covers an area of 4,100 square metres and can handle 200 passengers during peak hours. • It will be equipped with 8 check-in counters with Rain Water Harvesting system and sustainable landscape.

Aava Murto took charge as Prime Minister of Finland for a day

• Aava Murto (16 year) assumed charges as the Prime Minister of Finland for one day, under the Girls Takeover program. • Girls Takeover program is organised as a part of the U.N. International Day of the Girl to raise more awareness about gender equality. • Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin handed over her power to Aava Murto for a day. • Capital of Finland: Helsinki • Finland's Currency: Euro • President: Sauli Niinistö

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FM announces Rs 73,000 crore measures to stimulate consumer spending

• FM Nirmala Sitharaman announces measures of Rs 73,000 crore to stimulate consumer spending in fight against COVID-19 • Central Govt employees can avail cash payment and leave encashment in lieu of one LTC during 2018- 21 according to entitlement • Special Festival Advance Scheme has also been revived as a one-time measure for both Gazetted and non-Gazetted employees • Additional budget of Rs. 25,000 crore is being provided for Capital Expenditure

PM releases autobiography of Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil

• PM Narendra Modi has released the autobiography of Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil titled as Deh Vechwa Karani which means dedicating one's life for a noble cause • Balasaheb Vikhe Patil is known for his path-breaking work in various fields • PM also renamed Pravara Rural Education Society as 'Loknete Dr Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Pravara Rural Education Society' that provides world class education to rural masses • Balasaheb Vikhe Patil served as Member of Lok Sabha for multiple terms

TRIFED launched “Tech For Tribals” initiative

• TRIFED in association with Chhattisgarh MFP Federation and IIT, Kanpur has launched ‘Tech for Tribals’ initiative • The initiative aims at the holistic development of tribals with a focus on entrepreneurship development, soft skills, IT, and business development through SHGs operating through Van Dhan Kendras (VDVKs). • Vandhan-ESDP Training Programs in Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan will be carried out under the initiative

Kerala becomes first State to go fully digital in public education sector

• Kerala has become first state in India to have high-tech classrooms and labs in all its public schools as declared by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan • This high-tech classroom project was implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) with financial support from Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education • Financial support from MP and MLA funds, local self-government institutions fund were also utilised for setting up the classrooms

IMF’s World Economic Outlook projects India’s GDP to contract 10.3% in 2020

• International Monetary Fund (IMF) has launched its biannual World Economic Outlook report that projected Indian economy to contract by 10.3% in 2020-21, from its earlier prediction of 4.5% due to rising Covid cases. • IMF has also estimated 8.8% growth of India’s GDP in 2021-22, as compared to 6% predicted earlier • As per the report, World economy will contract by 4.4% in 2020, which was projected 5.2% earlier. • IMF HQs: Washington, D.C. • MD: Kristalina Georgieva 6

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IMD launches impact-based cyclone warning system

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched impact-based cyclone warning system to minimize economic losses and damage to property from cyclones • To prevent economic loss/ damage to infrastructure, specific warnings will be issued and Ministry of Earth Sciences is upgrading its plans and strategies in the regard • It has been commissioned from this cyclone season (October-December) • The system has high spatial resolution and better forecast skills.

EPFO launched Whatsapp based helpline under Nirbadh initiative

• Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched WhatsApp based helpline-cum- grievance redressal mechanism under Nirbadh initiatives to ensure seamless and un-interrupted service delivery to subscribers during COVID-19 pandemic. • This new mechanism gained immense popularity amongst EPFO's stakeholders with more than 1,64,040 grievances and queries through WhatsApp. • This resulted in decline in registration of grievances/queries on social media and EPFiGMS

Ayush Ministry inaugurates Regional Raw Drug Repository

• Union Minister for AYUSH has inaugurated Regional Raw Drug Repository (RRDR) for ASU&H Medicine (Southern Plateau Region) at National Institute of Siddha. • It will play a stellar role in collection, documentation, and authentication of raw drugs collected from the agro-climatic region, i.e., the Southern Plateau Region • Establishment of RRDR was initiated through National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) • It will act as collection center and accredited reference library

Army’s Agnibaaz Division organized Exercise Suraksha Kavach

• Agnibaaz Division of Army has organized Exercise Suraksha Kavach at Lullanagar Pune • It is a Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise for both Indian Army and Maharashtra Police. • Aim: To harmonize the drills and procedures of both Army and Police for activating anti-terrorist Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) to counter any terrorist actions in Pune. • It also involved participation of QRTs, Dog Squads and Bomb Disposal Teams of Army as well as Anti- Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Police

Nightingale of Gujarat, Kaumudi Munshi passes away

• Renowned Gujarati Singer Kaumudi Munshi (91 years) passes away due to COVID-19 at Somaiya Hospital in Sion • She is known as the Nightingale of Gujarat • Some of her popular songs in Gujarati are 'Sachi re maari satre bhavani maa’, and ‘koi aghe aghe thi venu vai che' • She sang as a classical singer and was also known for her work in thumri, dadra, chaiti, kajari, ghazals and Bhojpuri folk songs • She also compiled Gujarati album for children called Chhaani Maani Raat Padi

AIM signs agreement with CGI India to promote innovation in school 7

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• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent with CGI India to promote innovation across the schools. • Under this, CGI has agreed to adopt 100 schools with ATLs across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai to promote and train students by CGI volunteers to enhance technical literacy and experiences using STEM tools. • Training workshops will also be conducted • AIM: flagship programme that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship

21st All India Conference of Directors, Fingerprint Bureau 2020

• Union Minister of State for Home G.Kishan Reddy has inaugurated 21st All India Conference of Directors, Fingerprint Bureau 2020 • It focused on the importance of fingerprints and creating Crime Free India • He also inaugurated eCyber Lab with state of the art cyber forensic tools set up by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). • October is observed as National Cyber Security Awareness Month and eCyber Lab will provide virtual experience in investigation of cyber crimes.

India re-elected as President of International Solar Alliance

• India has been re-elected as the President of International Solar Alliance (ISA) for another 2 years term during 3rd assembly meet • Along with this, France has been re-elected as Co- President for 2 years • Fiji & Nauru for Asia Pacific; Mauritius & Niger for Africa; UK, Netherlands for Europe and Cuba, Guyana for Latin America and Caribbean Region also assumed vice presidency • ISA was an initiative of India and France for scaling up of solar energy • HQs: Gurugram

Ministry of AYUSH launches Jan Andolan Campaign on COVID

• Ministry of AYUSH has launched the Jan Andolan Campaign on COVID-19 that emphasises on Unlock with Precautions slogan • The campaign is launched with theme ‘Public Health Response to COVID-19: Campaign for COVID- Appropriate Behaviour’. • The campaign is focused on spreading 3 key massages across the sectors: Wear Mask, Follow Physical Distancing and Maintain Hand Hygiene • The campaign will involve practitioners and other Ayush professionals as a catalysts

World Students Day being observed today

• World Students Day is being observed annually on October 15 to mark the birth anniversary of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam • United Nations has declared 15 October as World Students’ Day in 2010 to honour Dr APJ Abdul Kalam • APJ Abdul Kalam has served as the 11th President of India and worked with DRDO and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). • He was known as the ‘Missile Man of India' • Theme: Learning for people, planet, prosperity, and peace

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Union Health Minister launches 2nd phase of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna

• Union Health Minister has launched 2nd phase of ‘Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna’ for underprivileged Thalassemic patients • Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna: Launched in 2017 to provide 1-time cure opportunity for Haemoglobinopathies like Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Disease for patients who have a matched family donor • It is a Coal India CSR funded Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) program • Haemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders of red blood cell and preventable

Naval Investiture Ceremony conducted in New Delhi

• Naval Investiture Ceremony 2020 has been conducted at INS India, New Delhi to felicitate naval personnel who have demonstrated leadership, professional achievements, and distinguished service of high order • Distinguished Service Awards like YudhSeva Medal, Nao Sena Medal, VishishtSeva Medal were also been conferred by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh. • It is traditionally conducted as a ceremonial parade centrally for all awardees of Indian Navy.

Odisha launches ‘Sujal’ Mission to Provide Tap Water Fit for Drinking

• Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated ‘Sujal’- ‘Drink from Tap Mission’ scheme to provide round the clock quality tap drinking water supply in all urban areas of Odisha • The scheme will be completed by March 2022. • The scheme has a total cost of Rs 1300 crore benefitting over 15 lakh people in 15 towns in a phased manner. • Once fully implemented, Odisha will become the first state in the country to provide quality drinking water, fit for direct consumption, in urban areas

Renowned Kuchipudi dancer Shoba Naidu passes away

• Renowned Kuchipudi dance exponent, Shobha Naidu (64 years) passed away due to illness. • She was the disciple of the legendary guru Vempati China Satyam. • She also mastered the programme titled as Bhama Kalapam and choreographed several dance dramas. • She was honoured with Padma Shri in 2001, Nritya Choodamani and Sangeet Natak Akademi award. • She also served as the principal of Kuchipudi Art Academy, Hyderabad

Microsoft ties-up with AICTE to empower student, educators in next-gen tech

• Microsoft has partnered with All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE) to empower students and educators in new-age technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, data science and cloud computing • Under this, Microsoft will provide 1,500-course modules free of cost through AICTE’s e-learning portal Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) • For availing this, Microsoft has integrated its learning resource centre Microsoft Learn with ELIS

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Olympic champion, Charlie Moore passes away

• 1952 Olympic 400 hurdles champion Charlie Moore (91 years) passed away due to pancreatic cancer • He won gold medal in the 400 metre hurdles in 1952 Summer Olympics in record time of 50.8 seconds. • He also earned silver medal on the United States’ 1,600-meter relay team in Helsinki • He set a world record of 51.6 seconds in 440 hurdles at the British Empire Games held in London • He was inducted into Cornell’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978 and USA Track and Field Hall in 1999.

Renowned Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri passes away

• Renowned Malayalam poet Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri (94 years) passed away in Thrissur in Kerala due to age related ailments. • He was instrumental in heralding modernism in Malayalam poetry, was also a true Gandhian, social reformer, journalist and an example of simplicity • He was conferred with the highest literary award in India, Jnanpith award in 2019 • He was also honoured with Padma Shri in 2017, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971, Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971

World Food Day being observed today

• ‘World Food Day’ is observed every year on 16th October globally to mark the foundation of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. • Theme for 2020 World Food Day: 'Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together: Our Action Are Our Future’ • World Food Day 2020 is also marking 75th anniversary of FAO • FAO is an agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its parent organization is UN Economic and Social Council (UNECOSOC).

India designated Vice-Chair of GLP Working Group of OECD

• India has been designated as the Vice-Chair of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Working Group for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) • OECD has acknowledged the contribution of Indian GLP program and designated Dr. Ekta Kapoor (Scientist E, NGCMA, DST) as the Vice-Chair of OECD Working Group on GLP for 2021 and 2022. • GLP: It is a quality system, evolved by OECD for safe data generation on various chemicals that can be relied upon by authorities.

UP Govt announced to establish women help desks in all police stations

• Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has announced to establish women help desk at every policy station of UP for women security • Women police personnel will be given the charge of these women help desks so that every woman in state can register her complain freely and fearlessly. • Police personnel deputed on helpdesk will listen to the complaints of women and will always be ready to help them anytime. • Women Cops are also deployed at major Crossings in various big cities.

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Cabinet approves Rs 5718 crore World Bank supported STARS project

• Union Cabinet has approved World Bank supported STARS (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States) project • STARS Project will support states in developing, implementing and evaluating interventions with direct linkages to improved education outcomes. • The total outlay of the project is Rs 5,718 crore • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Dept of School Education and Literacy covering Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, MP, Kerala and Odisha.

India’s first Oscar winner Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya passes away

• India's first Oscar winner Costume designer Bhanu Athaiya (91 years) passed away in Mumbai • She won Oscar for her work in epic film Richard Attenborough's Gandhi in 1983 jointly with John Mollo • She began her career as a costume designer in movie 'C.I.D.'. • She is known for Bollywood's looks, including Vyjayantihmala in Aamrapaali, Waheeda Rehman in Guide and Zeenat Aman in Satyam Shivam Sundaram. • She also won 2 national awards for Lekin (1990) and Lagaan (2001)

Asia's longest ZojiLa Tunnel in Ladakh works initiated

• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has initiated Asia's longest ZojiLa Tunnel works virtually by igniting ceremonial blasts • Project initiated with twin blasts at East portals of Meenamarg and Baltal • Zojila tunnel is situated at a height of 3000 mtrs in Peerpanjal mountain range and is a historic necessity to provide an all-weather road connectivity between Ladakh and world • It will have bi-directional 2 lane with speed of 80 kilo meters

Union Minister launches KAPILA Kalam program

• Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' has launched 'KAPILA' Kalam Program for IP Literacy and Awareness Education campaign to bring awareness towards patenting of inventions • Under this, students pursuing education in higher educational institutions will get information about correct system of application process • Institution Innovation Council (IIC 2.0) Report was also presented • October 15th-23rd will be celebrated as 'Intellectual Property Literacy Week'

DG of Shipping authorized as National Authority for Recycling of Ships

• Central govt has notified to authorize Director-General of Shipping as the National Authority for Recycling of Ships under the section 3 of Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 • After, DG Shipping will be the apex authority for the ship recycling industry of India and will will administer, supervise and monitor all activities relating to ship recycling. • National Authority of Ship Recycling head office will be set up in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

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Cabinet announces special package of Rs. 520 cr for J&K, Ladakh

• Cabinet has approved special package of Rs 520 crore for Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY- NRLM) • DAY-NRLM will ensure sufficient funds for both J&K and Ladakh, eliminating rural poverty and improved access to financial services. • The package is active till the financial year 2023-24. • The decision is in line with centrally sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes in J&K and Ladakh

Leather Sector Skill Council launches SCALE India Android App

• Leather Sector Skill Council under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees (SCALE) India android app • The platform is a one-stop place to caters to need of all the stakeholders like trainee, employer, employee, etc for skilling and employment ecosystem • Services can be made accessible through web and android application • It will also provide a marketplace for human capital

India and Kazakhstan held webinar for defence cooperation

• India and Kazakhstan hold a webinar for defence cooperation under the aegis of Dept of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence through FICCI. • Webinar’s Theme was ‘Make in India For The World, India–Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation: Webinar and Expo’. • It is the part of the series of webinars that are being organized with friendly foreign countries to boost defence exports and achieve defence export target of $5 billion • More than 350 participants attended the webinar.

World's Largest Zinc Smelter plant to be set up in Gujarat

• Vedanta Group firm Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) has signed a pact with Gujarat government to set up a greenfield zinc smelter in the state. • The project will entail an investment of up to Rs 10,000 crore. • The facility will create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and will be operational by 2022. • The new facility - the first for Hindustan Zinc Ltd in Gujarat - will be set up with zero discharge technology and will be among the lowest-cost smelters in the world.

International Day For Eradication Of Poverty 2020 observed today

• Every year, October 17 is observed as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. • A research done by The World Bank has revealed that, as of 2020 around 1.89 billion people or nearly 36% of the world's population, is living in extreme poverty. • Nearly half of the population in developing countries have been living on less than $1.25 a day. • The theme for the day in 2020 is "Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all”.

IWF appoints Michael Irani as interim president

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• The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) appointed Michael Irani as its interim president. • Irani is chair of the IWF Medical Committee and a former chair of the IWF Anti-Doping Commission. • He has extensive experience of the fight against doping and in safeguarding athlete welfare. • Irani was appointed following the resignation of Tamás Ajan. • He is a leading physician in Rheumatology, works as a Consultant Rheumatologist at Ashford Hospital NHS Trust.

Vishal V Sharma Appointed India's Next Permanent Representative To UNESCO

• Vishal V Sharma has been appointed as the next permanent representative of India to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). • Sharma has succeeded Jawed Ashraf. • Vishal V. Sharma was also Narendra Modi's officer on special duty in Gujarat and said to be responsible for his public meetings conducted via holograms. • He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

A book titled ‘The Battle of Belonging’ authored by Shashi Tharoor

• Member of Parliament and author Shashi Tharoor is set to release his new book titled 'The Battle Of Belonging' in November 2020. • The book is published by Aleph Book Company. • The book is about nationalism, patriotism, citizenship, belonging and what they really mean. • Tharoor has written many books, mostly nonfiction like the upcoming book, and a novel. • His most recently published is 'Tharoorosaurus' a vocabulary book that released in September 2020.

J&K L-G announces ‘My Town My Pride’ programme

• J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced the ‘My Town My Pride’ programme. • It will start from October 19, as a part of the public outreach initiative “in J&K’s towns to deliver services at doorsteps to the urban population”. • The programme will also ensure that on-the-spot grievance redressal, instant delivery of services to the masses, and on the ground speedy execution of people-centric projects.

SC appoints Justice Lokur to monitor steps to curb stubble burning

• The Supreme Court has appointed a one-man monitoring committee headed by a former judge, Justice Madan B Lokur to address the issue of air pollution in the NCR. • He has given wide powers to direct states of Punjab, Haryana, and UP to take additional measures to control stubble burning. • It will get assistance from chief secretaries of all states as well as National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme and Bharat Scouts. • It will submit its report within 15 days to the SC.

India ranked 94th in the Global Hunger Index 2020

• The Global Hunger Index 2020 was released, it is jointly prepared by Welhunger life and Concern Worldwide. • As per the report, India ranked 94th among 107countries. 13

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• According to the report India has the highest prevalence of wasted children under five years in the world, which reflects acute undernutrition. • India's rank is lower than it neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka (64), Nepal (73), Bangladesh (75), Myanmar (78) and Pakistan (88).

Union Bank of India's Rajkiran Rai elected IBA chief

• Managing Director and CEO, Union Bank of India, Rajkiran Rai G has been elected as the Chairman of the Indian Bank Association (IBA) for the term 2020-21. • Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India, was elected as Deputy Chairman of the Association. • IBA is an association of banks and other entities in the banking ecosystem in India catering to its members. • The decision was taken during a meeting of the managing committee of IBA.

Asan Conservation Reserve becomes Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site

• Asan Conservation Reserve has become Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site. • The Reserve is located on the banks of Yamuna river near Dehradun district in Garhwal region of the Himalayan state. • Ramsar declares Asan Conservation Reserve as a site of international importance. • With this, the number of Ramsar sites in India goes up to 38, the highest in South Asia. • Asan is home to many rare and endangered species like the Ruddy Shelduck, Red Crested Pochard, among others.

Odisha to sponsor National rugby teams

• The Odisha government will sponsor the Indian rugby teams for the next three years, till 2023. • Regarding this an agreement between the state government and Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) signed. • The Odisha Government will pay the Indian Rugby Football Union (also known as Rugby India) ₹3 crores as the sponsor of National teams over three years.