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Current Affairs October 2nd 2018

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Current Affairs October 2nd 2018

shape Introduction

Current Affairs is a type of broadcast journalism where the emphasis is on detailed analysis and discussion of news stories that have recently occurred or ongoing at the time of broadcast. The article Current Affairs October 2nd 2018 includes News summary on current events of International, National, Banking, Sports, Awards, Appointments importance of October 2nd 2018.

shape Days

On 2nd October 2018, International Day of Non-Violence was observed throughout the world.
Key Highlights:

  • In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 2 as International Day of Non-Violence.

  • October 2 is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of non-violence.

  • This day aims to propagate non-violence through education and public awareness.
Gandhi Jayanti – October 2
Key Highlights:

  • On 2nd October 2018, Gandhi Jayanti was observed all over India, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s 149th birth anniversary.

  • Every year, Gandhi Jayanti is observed on 2nd October to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

  • He was born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He was fondly called Bapu. He was a freedom fighter and a pioneer of non-violence. He led India’s independence movement against the British rule.

  • October 2 is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence by United Nations.

  • On Gandhi Jayanti, India released commemorative stamps in Russia, Japan and Netherlands.

  • This day also marks the anniversary of the government cleanliness drive “Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan”.

  • Indian government has announced a two-year celebration to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

shape International

India ranked 5th in pictorial warnings on cigarette packets: Canadian Cancer Society
Key Highlights:

  • On October 2, 2018, according to a report released by the Canadian Cancer Society named Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report 2018, India ranked 5th among 206 countries.
  • This was released in Geneva at the 8th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

  • India shared the rank with Thailanad and Hongkong, covering 85% of both sides of the packet.

  • Other countries in the top five are: Timor-Leste with 92.5 per cent on front and back coverage, Nepal (90%) ranking 2nd and Vanuatu (90%) tied for second ranking and New Zealand ranking 4th in the list with 87.5 per cent.

  • In the previous 2016 report, Nepal and Vanuatu were first and second and India had ranked 3rd.

  • 118 countries and territories now require pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages, up from 100 in 2016.

  • There are now 55 countries/jurisdictions that require at least 65 per cent (on average) of the package, front and back, be covered with warning.

  • The report supports the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was ratified by 181 countries.
IMF, World Bank and WTO launched Reinvigorating Trade and Inclusive Growth Report
Key Highlights:

  • On September 30, 2018, A report — ‘Reinvigorating Trade and Inclusive Growth’ — was released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organization.

  • This report seeks to identify areas where trade has the potential of contributing productivity for economic growth.

  • According to the report, full services trade liberalisation could raise manufacturing productivity by an average of 22 per cent across a sample of 57 countries.

  • Better access and reliability of the manufacturing sector brought investment in new opportunities and technologies and helped in enhancing business services and coordination with customers.

  • The digital economy revolution is opening new opportunities for cross-border trade and investment.

  • India’s contribution in reforms to openness in services contributes to long run growth performance.
Overview of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s two-day visit to India
Key Highlights:

  • On September 30, 2018, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev started his 2-day visit to India till October 1, 2018. He was received, on the second leg of his two-day visit to India, in New Delhi.

  • This is the first visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India.

  • The Uzbek President was conferred with a Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

  • He visited Agra and Raj Ghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

shape National

Madhya Pradesh approved the proposal of induction of Niwari district
Key Highlights:

  • On September 30, 2018, the state Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh approved the proposal of induction of Niwari district in the state.

  • It became the 52nd district of the state.

  • IAS officer Akshay Kumar Singh has been appointed as the first interim District Collector of the district.

Government permitted import of pet coke by the graphite electrode industry
Key Highlights:

  • On October 1, 2018, the Directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) anounced that the government allowed imports of pet coke, used for fuel purpose, by graphite electrode industry.

  • The imports were allowed only four industries so far- cement, lime klin, calcium carbide, and gasification industries.

  • The Graphite electrode industry has been added in to the list as the 5th industry.
UPSC to allow facility of withdrawal of applications by candidates
Key Highlights:

  • On October 1, 2018, the Chairman of UPSC Shri Arvind Saxena announced that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will allow the facility of withdrawal of applications by candidates.

  • This was announced on the occasion of the 92nd Foundation Day Celebrations in New Delhi.

  • This will be implemented beginning with Engineering Services Examination, 2019.

  • The process of conduction of examination would also shift from a “pen and paper” mode of examination to a computer-based mode.

  • The Commission will also disclose the scores and ranking of the non-recommended candidates in some examinations on its website.

  • Further, the details of the students who was not selected would be linked with the “National Career Services” portal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Odisha launched its State Food Security Scheme covering 25 lakh poor people on Gandhi Jayanti
Key Highlights:

  • On October 2, 2018, the Odisha government launched its own State Food Security Scheme (SFSS).

  • Under this scheme, 18.32 lakh poor and eligible people will receive 5 kg of rice at the rate of Rupee 1 per kg.

  • These people were not covered under National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).

  • Additionally, 6.68 lakh people will be added in the list by October 10, 2018.

  • This is in response to the failure of the central government’s approval against the state’s request to include 25 lakh people under the NFSA.

Wage Compensation scheme for Pregnant Women in tea gardens of state Assam launched in Guwahati, Assam Key Highlights:

  • On October 1, 2018, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched Wage Compensation scheme for Pregnant Women in tea gardens of the state in Guwahati.

  • To reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the tea growing areas.

  • For the implementation of this scheme, An amount of over Rs 55 crore has been allotted in the state’s 2018-19 health Budget.

  • According to the scheme, the pregnant woman would receive an amount of Rs. 12,000 given in 4 installments.

  • Over 60,000 women are likely to be benefited with 48,000 pregnant women every year.

  • Additionally, at least 500 girls from the tea community will be given free training on nursing in the coming year.

shape Banking

Paytm tops UPI payments with over 33% market share
Key Highlights:

  • On October 2, 2018, Alibaba and SoftBank-backed Paytm became the leading contributor to Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments with over 33% of overall market share.

  • In September 2018, it registered over 137 million UPI transactions.

  • It also enabled BHIM UPI for offline payments where 5 million offline merchants accept Paytm UPI.

  • More than 20 per cent of all payments on Paytm are made using BHIM UPI for mobile recharge and payments, electricity and water bills and DTH recharges.

  • It also launched its Spam-proof “SMS Inbox” as part of its “Paytm Inbox”.

BSE became the first stock exchange in the country to launch the commodity derivative contracts
Key Highlights:

  • On October 1, 2018, BSE became the first stock exchange in the country to launch the commodity derivative contracts in gold and silver.

  • It also aims to be price setter for 10 commodity products in India.

  • Till date only 2 commodity contracts are available – on MCX and NCDEX.

  • It has also applied for launching of crude oil and copper contracts with Sebi.

  • Thus, the launch of various commodity derivatives platform on BSE will help efficient price discovery, reduce timelines and make it cost effective.

  • It has already registered 150 trading members and 27 clearing members for its commodity derivatives segment.

shape Sports

Yuvraj Wadhwani lifts 25th Asian junior individual squash championship title in Chennai
Key Highlights:

  • On 29th September 2018, Yuvraj Wadhwani won the 25th Asian junior individual squash championship title in Chennai.

  • Yuvraj Wadhwani defeated Pakistan’s Anas Ali Shah 13-11, 11-5, 6-11, 12-10 in the final and won gold medal.

  • Yuvraj Wadhwani has become the second Indian to win the Under-13 title after Veer Chotrani, who had won the title in Iran in 2014.

  • In the Under-15 category, Arnav Sareen won silver medal. He lost to Pakistan’s Mohammad Hamza Khan in the final.

  • India won 1 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals in total. The bronze medals were won by: Kavya Bansal, Tiana Parasrampuria, Sanya Vats and Tushar Shahani.
BCCI covered under RTI Act, rules Central Information Commission
Key Highlights:

  • On 1st October 2018, Central Information Commission ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is covered under the RTI Act and is answerable to the people of India.

  • Central Information Commission has ruled that the status, nature and functional characteristics of BCCI fulfil necessary conditions to be covered under the RTI (Right to Information) Act.

  • This move has been made following the orders of Supreme Court, Law Commission of India report and submissions of Central Public Information Officer in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

  • Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu has directed the President, Secretary and Committee of Administrators to designate officers as central public information officers, central assistant public information officers and first appellate authorities as per the RTI law.

  • He also directed BCCI to implement online and offline mechanisms to receive applications for information under the RTI Act within 15 days.
Rohit Sharma climbs to 2nd spot, Shikhar Dhawan to 5th in ICC ODI batsmen rankings
Key Highlights:

  • Rohit Sharma has improved two places and reached 2nd spot and Shikhar Dhawan has secured 5th position in the latest ICC (International Cricket Council) ODI Rankings for Batsmen.

  • The improvement in ranks is seen following India’s victory in the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

  • Also, India’s spinner Kuldeep Yadav, jumped 3 places and reached a career-best 3rd position in the Bowlers’ rankings.

  • Afghanistan’s leg-spinner Rashid Khan topped the All-rounders list replacing former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan.

  • In the Team Rankings, India has obtained one point, but remains unmoved in the second place. England tops the team rankings. New Zealand is in third position.
Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak announces retirement from international football
Key Highlights:

  • On 1st October 2018, Australian midfielder Mile Jedinak announced his retirement from international football.

  • Mile Jedinak is 34 years old. He has won 79 caps for Australia. He has represented Australia in 3 World Cups, two times as captain.

  • He led Australia to win the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. He also led Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Russia’s World Cup hero Igor Akinfeev retires from international football
Key Highlights:

  • Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has announced his retirement from international football.

  • Igor Akinfeev is 32 years old. He played for CSKA Moscow club. He has earned 112 caps for Russia. He made his debut in 2004.

  • He captained the Russian national team to World Cup 2018 quarter-finals in Russia. He had played a major role in helping his team reach the quarter-finals.

shape Awards

James Allison, Tasaku Honjo honoured for ‘immune checkpoint’ cancer therapy
Key Highlights:

  • On October 2, 2018, Nobel Prize committee presented the Nobel Medicine Prize 2018 award to 2 joint winners – James P Allison of US and Tasaku Honjo of Japan.

  • They received this prestigious award for their discovery of cancer therapy by “inhibition of negative immune regulation”.

  • The discovery puts to use the immune system’ ability to attack cancer cells by releasing the brakes on immune cells.

  • Both of them studied a protein that functions as a brake on the immune system with different mechanisms.

  • James Allison received his PhD in 1973 at the University of Texas, Austin and is affiliated with the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

  • He is currently chairing the Department of Immunology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

  • T asuku Honjo is a research fellow in USA at Carnegie Institution of Washington, Baltimore and at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.

  • He received his PhD in 1975 at Kyoto University.
Mahatma Gandhi to be posthumously awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal
Key Highlights:

  • US lawmakers have moved a resolution in the US House of Representatives to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi for his contribution towards promotion of peace and non-violence.

  • Out of the 6 US lawmakers, four were Indian Americans. The resolution (H R 6916) was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York on 23rd September 2018.

  • The resolution is co-sponsored by four Indian American lawmakers Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal.

  • Tulsi Gabbard is the current co-chair of the House Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and also one of the co-sponsors of the resolution.

  • The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honour given by the US Congress. Very few foreigners have received this award.
Haryana’s Maharashi Dayanand University declared cleanest Government university by HRD Ministry
Key Highlights:

  • On 30th September 2018, Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar announced the “Swachh Campus rankings” under various categories.

  • Cleanest Government universities are Maharashi Dayanand University (Haryana), Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar (Punjab), Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) (New Delhi), Algappa University in Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu), Acharya Nagarjuna University in Guntur (Andhra Pradesh).

shape Appointments

India-born Harvard professor Gita Gopinath was appointed the chief economist of IMF
Key Highlights:

  • On October 1, 2018, International Monetary fund appointed Gita Gopinath as its chief economist She succeeded Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld.

  • She is currently working as John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.

  • She is co-editor of the American Economic Review and co-director of the International Finance and Macroeconomics Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

  • She received her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a B.A. from the University of Delhi and M.A degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington.
Rangachari Sridharan named chairperson of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)
Key Highlights:

  • On 28th September 2018, Rangachari Sridharan was appointed the first chairperson of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

  • Rangachari Sridharan is a retired IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer of the 1983 batch of Karnataka cadre.

  • He has been appointed as chairperson of NFRA for 3 years or till he attains 65 years of age.

  • Also, Prasenjit Mukherjee has been appointed as full-time member of NFRA for 3 years. He is a 1980 batch (retired) officer of Indian Audit and Accounts Service.
OPPI Re-elected A Vaidheesh as President for 2nd term
Key Highlights:

  • On October 2, 2018, the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) re-elected A Vaidheesh as President for the second consecutive term.

  • He is working as Vice President, South Asia & Managing Director, in GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals.
Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora appointed as new SWAC chief
Key Highlights:

  • On October 1, 2018, Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora took over as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Gandhinagar.

  • He replaced Retired Air Marshal RK Dhir.

  • He was commissioned in the IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1981 and has commanded a MIG-21 Bison squadron.

  • Earlier, he was Air Defence Commander at Headquarters of Western Air Command as well as Eastern Air Command.

  • He was Defence Attache in the Embassy of India, Bangkok, Thailand from 2006 to 2009.

  • He had also received ‘Ati Vishisht Seva Medal’ by the President of India on 26 Jan 2011.

shape Quiz

Q1. Which of the following has become the India’s first state to give legal protection to good samaritans?
    A. Odisha B. Assam C. Karnataka D. Punjab Answer: C

Q2. Who will lead India at the 2018 Asian Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Muscat?
    A. Manpreet Singh B. Rupinder Pal Singh C. Somwarpet D. Harendra Singh Answer: A

Q3. Sanya Richards-Ross, who will be event ambassador for the Airtel Delhi half marathon, is from which country?
    A. Germany B. United States C. Fran D. Italy Answer: B

Q4. Dr. Evan Atar Adaha, who is the official winner of the 2018 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award, is from which country?
    A. Egypt B. South SudSudan C. Spain D. Brazil Answer: B

Q5. Jasdev Singh, who passed away recently, was associated with Doordarshan for 48 years as?
    A. Legal Expert B. Marketing Advisor C. Content Manaager D. Hindi Commentator Answer: D

Q6. Recently, Arun Kumar was appointed as new Director-General of Railway Protection Force (RPF). Which of the following is the Motto of RPF?
    A. Duty Unto Death B. Service and Loyalty C. Bahujana Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya D. Service, Security and Brotherhood Answer: B

Q7. Which city has launched India’s first Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS)?
    A. Chennai B. Kochi C. Hyderabad D. Kolkata Answer: D

Q8. Which alcohol control initiative has been launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), recently?
    A. SAFER B. TRUST C. UNITE D. HAWK Answer: A

Q9. The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded jointly to James P Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discovery of which cancer therapy?
    A. Chemotherapy B. Radiation C. Surgery D. Immunotherapy Answer: D

Q10. What is the India’s GDP growth forecast for 2018, according to UNCTAD’s latest report “Trade and Development Report”?
    A. 6.7% B. 7.2% C. 7.0% D. 7.4% Answer: C

Q11. The nation celebrates the 114th birth anniversary of India’s second Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on October 2. Shastri coined the slogan
    A. Satyameva Jayathe B. Aaram Haram Hai C. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas D. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan Answer: D

Q12. According to RBI,India’s external debt declined by how much percent at end June 2018?
    A. 2.5 B. 2.8 C. 3.5 D. 2.0 Answer: B

Q13. Which application tops UPI payments with over 33% market share?
    A. Freecharge B. Paytm C. PhonePe D. Tez Answer: B

Q14. Who was appointed as special representative of young people by UNICEF?
    A. Ajay Singh B. Preeti Sharan C. Dilip Shenoy D. Ravi Venkatesan Answer: D

Q15. Who was appointed as Chief Economist by IMF?
    A. Sanjay Bhattarcharya B. Gita Gopinath C. Jayant Mathew D. Ajay Tyagi Answer: B

Q16. Who was elected as the president of the prestigious Indian Newspaper Society?
    A. Jayant Mammen Mathew B. Gita Saran C. Chuck Robbins D. Bimal Jalan Answer: A

Q17. Who was appointed as first chief of National Financial Reporting Authority(NFRA)?
    A. Anil Khosla B. Ajit Mohan C. Abhirup Bhattarcharya D. Rangachari Sridharan Answer: D

Q18. Who were awarded the Noble Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work in the fight against cancer?
    A. James P Allison B. Tasuko Honjo C. Both a and b D. Paul Rhymes Answer: C

Q19. What is the theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons ?
    A. Human and Ageism B. Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions C. Stepping into the Future D. Take a stand against Ageism Answer: B

Q20. Three-day conclave Kalahandi Dialogue was held in which state?
    A. Bihar B. Odisha C. Manipur D. Uttar Pradesh Answer: B

Q21. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in New Delhi on his maiden visit to India as the head of the world body that coincides with the commencement of events marking which birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi?
    A. 165th B. 145th C. 150th D. 140th Answer: C

Q22. Who will head the committee to examine modalities for revenue mobilisation in case of natural calamities and disasters?
    A. Smriti Irani B. Bimal Jalan C. Sushil Modi D. Bibek Debroy Answer: C

Q23. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has said that 1.5 lakh primary health centres(PHCs) and sub-centres will be converted into wellness centres by which year?
    A. 2030 B. 2025 C. 2019 D. 2022 Answer: D

Q24. Which state government unanimously passed a resolution to declare cow the “Rashtra Mata” or the mother of the nation?
    A. Haryana B. Uttar Pradesh C. Uttarakhand D. Maharashtra Answer: C

Q25. RBI will inject how much amount into the system through purchase of government bonds in October to meet the festival season demand for funds?
    A. 36000 cr B. 30000 cr C. 25000 cr D. 20000 cr Answer: A

Q26. With which country,India signed 17 agreements to boost connectivity and set an annual bilateral trade target of $1 billion?
    A. Afghanistan B. Uzbekistan C. China D. Ukraine Answer: B

Q27. Where is the HQ of Indian Newspaper Society?
    A. Pune B. Mumbai C. New Delhi D. Chennai Answer: C

Q28. Where is the HQ of International Monetary Fund?
    A. Paris B. London C. Washington DC D. New York Answer: C

Q29. Which of the following has become the first stock exchange in India to launch the commodity derivative contracts in gold and silver?
    A. National Stock Exchange B. Bombay Stock Exchange C. OTC Exchange of India D. Calcutta Stock Exchange Answer: B

Q30. Canada and the U.S. along with Mexico have agreed on a new free trade pact known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It will replace?
    A. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation B. North American Free Trade Agreement C. Transatlantic Free Trade Area D. United States–Colombia Free Trade Agreement Answer: B
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