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• On 11th October 2018, World Sight Day 2018 was observed throughout the world.


• World Sight Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000. It is observed on the second Thursday of October every year. It is coordinated by IAPB (International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness).


• This day highlights issues of blindness and vision impairment and efforts needed to support affected people.


• Theme for World Sight Day 2018 is “Eye Care Everywhere”.

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• On 12th October 2018, World Arthritis Day was observed all over the world.


• World Arthritis Day was established in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI). It is observed on 12th October every year.


• This day creates awareness on issues affecting people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Arthritis is an inflammatory condition causing pain and stiffness in joints.


• European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)’s campaign for World Arthritis Day 2018 is “Don’t Delay, Connect Today Campaign”.

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• On 13th October 2018, World Migratory Bird Day was observed all over the world.


• In 2017, International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) and World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) were merged.


• From 2018, World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and in October. In 2018, it was celebrated on 12th May and now on 13th October.


• World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) aims to create awareness on the need for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.


• Theme for World Migratory Bird Day 2018 is “Unifying our Voices for Bird Conservation”. Also 2018 is the “Year of the Bird”.

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• On 13th October 2018, International Day for Disaster Reduction was observed all over the world.


• In 1989, United Nations (UN) General Assembly, declared the second Wednesday of October as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. Also, 1990-1999 was designated as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.


• In 2009, UN General Assembly declared 13 October as the commemoration day and also changed the day’s name to International Day for Disaster Reduction.


• It celebrates how people are reducing their exposure to disasters and creates awareness about the importance of handling the potential risks.


• T heme for International Day for Disaster Reduction 2018 is ‘Reducing Disaster Economic Losses’.

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• On 8th October 2018, Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid signed Digital Security Bill, 2018 and enacted it as a law.


• Digital Security Bill, 2018 has been passed by the Parliament to handle cybercrimes, which includes hurting religious sentiment, negative propaganda against 1971 Liberation War and Bangabandhu (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman), and illegal activities in e-transactions and spreading defamatory data.


• As per this law, illegal access and destruction of any important information related to state affairs will be punished with a minimum of 7 years and a maximum of 14 years imprisonment, and a minimum fine of Taka 25 lakh and a maximum of Taka 1 crore, or both.


• The law was opposed by journalists and rights campaigners stating that it would affect the freedom of speech.

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• “Idiocracy” is among 1,400 new words, senses, and phrases added in the latest update of the Oxford English Dictionary.


• Idiocracy means a government formed of people considered ignorant or idiotic. The word is first attested in 1967. But it reached prominence due to the title of the 2006 film named Idiocracy.


• This quarterly update of Oxford English Dictionary has also added the words ‘Trapo’ – this term in Philippine English describes a politician perceived as belonging to a conventional and corrupt ruling class. It is an abbreviation of the English phrase ‘traditional politician’.


• ‘Bongga’ – adjective from Philippine English which means extravagant, flamboyant, impressive, stylish, or excellent.


• ‘Bedunged’ – which means soiled with or covered in dung. This word was first recorded in the 15th century.

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• On October 11, 2018, Indian navy ship and aircraft joined in for the 16-day 32nd edition of India – Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) held from 11 – 27 Oct 2018 in Belawan harbour,Indonesia.


• The Indian side is represented by Indian Naval Ship Kulish, a Kora class missile corvette, commanded by Commander Deepak Bali and Indian Dornier (naval maritime time patrol aircraft) from Andaman and Nicobar command.


• The Indian delegation is led by Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command.


• Under CORPAT, both the countries would undertake patrolling on the respective sides of 236 nautical miles long International Maritime Boundary Line.


• It would be conducted in three phases: From 14 – 24 Oct 2018 followed by a closing ceremony at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island, scheduled from 25 – 26 Oct 2018.


• It is a part of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

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• On October 12, 2018, a draft electronics policy named ‘The National Electronics Policy 2018’ was released by the government that aims a turnover of $400 billion in domestic electronics manufacturing by 2025.


• The policy targets to double the manufacturing to 1 billion mobile handsets by 2025 worth $190 billion including export of 600 million mobile handsets valued at $110 billion.


• It has also proposed creation of 200 electronic manufacturing clusters (EMC) by 2020.


• Under this, 20 greenfield EMCs and three brownfield EMC projects have been sanctioned with outlay of Rs 3,898 crore, including Rs. 1,577 crore from the Government of India.

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• Central Government has approved a special package for generation of employment in leather and footwear sector.


• The package consist of implementation of Central Sector Scheme – Indian Footwear, Leather & Accessories Development Programme (IFLADP) with approved expenditure of Rs. 2600 Crore for 2017-20.


• This scheme aims to develop infrastructure and address environmental issues related to leather sector, help with additional investments, generate employment and increase production.


• Under IFLADP 4 projects worth 107.33 crore have been approved in Tamil Nadu by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).


• DIPP has also approved mega leather cluster at Bantala in West Bengal. This will attract an investment of Rs. 400 to 500 crore.


• Leather Technology, Innovation and Environmental Issues sub-scheme under IFLADP offers financial support at 70% of the project cost to leather clusters to manage pollution control discharge norms.DIPP has also approved mega leather cluster at Bantala in West Bengal. This will attract an investment of Rs. 400 to 500 crore.

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• Five new battalions of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were sanctioned by the central government in January 2018 and their new bases have been sanctioned now.


• With the new additions, the total number of RAF battalions in India will increase to 15.


• Varanasi will be the 4th base of RAF in Uttar Pradesh. Three other bases are in Meerut, Allahabad and Aligarh.


• Land acquisition for the new bases are in process. The existing battalions will start functioning from their permanent locations soon.

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• On 11th October 2018, Home Ministry issued an advisory asking the Chandigarh administration to exempt Sikh women from wearing helmets while driving two-wheelers.


• This decision has been made following the representation of Sikh bodies, led by Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal to Home Minister Rajnath Singh.


• Home Ministry has directed Chandigarh administration to follow Delhi government’s notification, with an exemption to Sikh women from wearing helmets while driving two-wheelers in Chandigarh.


• Delhi government’s transport department notified on June 4, 1999, to carry out the amendment in Rule 115 of Delhi Motor Vehicle Act 1993, which makes it optional for women whether riding on pillion or driving motorcycle to wear a helmet.


• The rule has been further amended through a notification on August 28, 2014, in which the word “women” has been replaced by “Sikh women”.

• On October 12, 2018, as per the provisions given in Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Election Commission of India (ECI) can fill casual vacancies.


• As per the norm, it can fill the casual vacancies in the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures through bye elections within six months of occurrence of vacancy.


• This can only be allowed when the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is one year or more.


• In the present scenario, the term of sixteenth Lok Sabha is upto 3rd June, 2019.


• Accordingly, the vacancies occurred in Karnataka have occurred more than one year before the expiration of the term of House which is why bye elections are required to be held under Section 151A of R. P. Act 1951.
  
• Vacancies have occurred from 9-Bellary(ST), 14-Shimoga and 20-Mandya Parliamentary Constituencies of Karnataka on 18th May, 18th May and 21st May, 2018.


• In case of Andhra Pradesh, there is no need to hold bye elections as the remaining term of the Lok Sabha is less than one year as they have occurred on 20th June, 2018.

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• On October 12, 2018, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 13th Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission (CIC) in New Delhi.


• Measures to improve the transparency and accountability of information for better governance.


• It consisted of the Annual Convention on the topic “Data privacy and Right to information, Amendment in the RTI Act and Implementation of the RTI Act”.


• The convention focused on discussions of free flow and availability of information to the citizens.


• For this reason, the Government is committed to strengthening the RTI Act and Institutions.


• Also, the government has already initiated the process of selection of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioner (ICs).

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• On October 11, 2018, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed an MoU with the Central University of Jammu (CUJ) in Jammu to set up Satish Dhawan Center for Space Science, a Space Applications Centre in the University campus.


• It is the first of its kind institute coming up in Jammu and Kashmir and the building is proposed in an area of about 1,150 sq. m.


• This will help in various fields like disaster management, health, education, communication, weather forecasting, land use planning, etc.


• Considering the recurring natural calamities, the area can be easily monitored from space through remote sensing.


• The centre will have facilities for Geo spatial Data analysis that will help in sustainable use of natural resources and planning land-use pattern.


• Further a Disaster Management Center will also be set up to research in the area of different disasters like flood, Landslides, forest fires, drought and climate change.


• Also, a Materials Sciences Lab for space applications will be set up where synthesize and designing of new sensors and materials for space applications will take place.

• On October 11, 2018, Inland Water Authority of India (IWAI) launched a Roll-on-Roll-off (RO-RO) service from Neamati to Manjuli island in Assam.


• It will reduce the road route distance of 423 km to 12.7 km via river route.


• For the commenment of the service a new vessel MV Bhupen Hazarika has been procured at a cost of Rs. 9.46 crore.


• The vessel is 46.5-metre-long, 13.3-metre-wide and has the carrying capacity of 8 trucks and 100 passengers.


• The IWAI is also planning to procure more such Ro-Ro vessels for use on river Brahmaputra.


• Earlier, IWAI had started a similar Ro-Ro service between Dhubri and Hatsingimari with 190 km of reduced distance.


• Further, Floating terminals have also been constructed at 11 locations along the length of the Brahmaputra waterway. These are: Hatsingimari, Dhubri, Jogighopa, Tezpur, Silghat, Biswanathghat, Neamati, Sengajan, Bogibeel, Dibugarh/ Oakland and Oriumghat.


• This will enable connectivity not only to Assam but also to many parts of North-east.

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• On October 12, 2018, the Deep Depression over Odisha moved east-northeastwards advancing towards West Bengal with speed of 8 kmph.


• The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘LUBAN’ over west central Arabian Sea moved slightly northward about 450 km east-southeast of Salalah (Oman), 460 km east-northeast of Socotra Islands (Yemen) and 610 km east-southeast of Al-Ghaidah (Yemen).


• It is estimated to advance west-northwestwards towards and cross Yemen & adjoining South Oman Coasts as a severe cyclonic storm.

• On October 12, 2018, the schedule for holding 2018 general election to the Legislative Assemblies of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana, was announced.


• The EC stated the Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits displaying any election matter by means of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency.

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• On October 12, 2018, Mahindra Mutual Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL), launched new open ended equity scheme called ‘Mahindra Rural Bharat and Consumption Yojana’.


• It aims to seek investments in the equity and equity related instruments of entities related to benefits of consumption in rural India.


• The New Fund Offer will open on October 19 and close on November 2.


• This will provide investors an opportunity to participate in India growth story predominantly in Rural India.

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• On October 8, 2018, a human rights activist Oyub Titiev won the Council of Europe’s Vaclav Havel prize.


• The prize consists of 60,000-euro ($67,000) prize as a recognition to his struggle defending human rights in the troubled Russian Caucusus republic. Titiev is the prize’s 6th recipient.


• He heads the Grozny office of the Memorial Human Rights Centre in Chechnya.


• The chairman of Memorial’s board accepted the award on Titiev’s behalf.


• The Memorial was set up in 1989 and is the oldest existing Russian non-governmental organisation for human rights.


• In 2016, Yazidi women’s advocate Nadia Murad, a co-winner of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize won this award.

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• AirAsia India has appointed Sunil Bhaskaran as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from 15th November 2018.


• AirAsia India is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad.


• At present, Sunil Bhaskaran is vice president of corporate services at Tata Steel. He has vast experience in manufacturing, export and commercial operations with the Tata group.

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• On 10th October 2018, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor introduced his new book “The Paradoxical Prime Minister” and a 29-letter word “floccinaucinihilipilification”.


• Shashi Tharoor has described his new book on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “more than just a 400-page exercise in floccinaucinihilipilification”.


• Oxford dictionary states the meaning of floccinaucinihilipilification as “the action or habit of estimating something as worthless”.


• The cover of the book shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi examining a wax figure of himself at Madame Tussauds museum. The book is available on Amazon for pre-order.


• Shashi Tharoor is a second-term parliamentarian from Thiruvananthapuram constituency. He has served as Under-Secretary General in the United Nations.

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• On 11th October 2018, environmentalist GD Agrawal, died due to heart attack in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, after a 111-day hunger strike demanding the government to clean river Ganga.


• G D Agrawal who was 86 years old, was on ‘fast unto death’ since June 22, 2018, demanding the government to stop hydel projects on the tributaries of Ganga in Uttarakhand, and to pass a law protecting the river.


• At the initial stages of his protest he had taken honey with water. Recently, he stopped taking any fluid.


• He had written three letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this issue and all the three letters were unanswered.