United States withdraws from UNESCO accusing the cultural body of 'anti-Israel bias'
- The United States announced, that it will withdraw from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, accusing the body of anti-Israel bias.
- US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that Washington will establish an observer mission to replace its representation at the Paris-based agency.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris. Formed in 16th November 1945.
- Its declared purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter.
- UNESCO has 195 member states and ten associate members. Most of its field offices are "cluster" offices covering three or more countries; national and regional offices also exist.
China has overtaken the US as the world's largest ice cream producer.
- A spokesperson with the frozen food committee of China Association of Bakery & Confectionery Industry was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency that in 2016, China's major frozen drink producers yielded over 3.3 million tonnes of frozen drinks, ringing up nearly 6.6 billion US Dollars in sales.
- China's total production of ice cream last year surpassed that of the US. China's per capita consumption of ice cream has grown from one litre 20 years ago to 3 litres in 2016.
MoC between India and Japan on the "Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
- The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of "Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)" between India and Japan on the "Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)".
- This MoC is expected to be signed during the forthcoming visit of Hon'ble Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship during October, 16-18, 2017 at Tokyo.
German Railways to help Indian Railways to increase speed
- German Railways will assist Indian Railways to make country's existing rail corridors semi high speed. The semi high speed trains will run at 200 km per hour.
- A joint declaration of Intent was signed between Ministry of Railways and Germany in Rail Bhavan regarding carrying out of feasibility study on existing 643 km Chennai-Kazipet corridor of Indian Railways by German Railways for increasing the speed of passenger trains to 200 kmph on 50.50 percent cost sharing basis.
- German Railways is likely to undertake more such projects for Indian Railways.
Aleksandra Chichikova becomes "First-ever Miss Wheelchair World 2017"
- A psychology student from Belarus, Aleksandra Chichikova, was chosen 2017 Miss Wheelchair World in the first-ever edition of the beauty pageant held in Warsaw.
- The pageant was organised by the Poland-based Only One Foundation. India’s Rajalakshmi won the ‘Miss Popularity award’ at pageant. This is three years after she won Miss Wheelchair India in 2014.
Standing Committee on External Affairs to look into China-India Relations
- A parliamentary committee has decided to examine the whole gamut of Sino-Indian relations, including the border situation.
- The Standing Committee on External Affairs, which will examine the relations between the two Asian powers, is headed by Shashi Tharoor, Congress member of the Lok Sabha.
Madhu Valli from USA crowned "Miss India Worldwide 2017"
- Madhu Valli, an emerging hip hop artist and a student of criminal law at George Mason University in Virginia, has been crowned as Miss India Worldwide 2017.
- Stephanie Madavane from France was declared runner up at the 26th edition of the beauty pageant held in New Jersey.
- The beauty pageant attracts people of Indian origin from across the world. Sarita Pattnaik from Texas was declared Mrs India Worldwide.
International Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations – IV in India
- The International conference on “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” has started from October 8 –15, 2017 at Delhi, Gandhinagar and Dholavira.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Union Ministry of Culture are hosting the conference in collaboration with National Geographic Society (NGS).
- The purpose of the conference is to encourage scholarly and public discourse about the five ancient, literate civilizations of the world, i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia, China and Mesoamerica and how the study of the past can share our present and future towards the right direction.
"World Dental Show 2017" opened in Mumbai
- The 3-day international exhibition – ‘World Dental Show 2017’ has opened in Mumbai, Maharashtra on October 6, 2017 to showcase the evolving global technologies and techniques in dentistry.
13 year Military Peacekeeping Mission in Haiti ends
- The UN soldiers left Haiti finishing their 13 year military peacekeeping mission in Haiti. UN troops reached more than 10,000 in number after the January 2010 earthquake. The UN lowered its flag at its headquarters in Port-au-Prince.
First ASEAN-India Music Festival 2017 in New Delhi
- The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival has started at Purana Quila in New Delhi on October 6, 2017.
- The 3-day festival is organised by External Affairs Ministry in collaboration with Culture Ministry to celebrate the 25th year anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
2017 Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians held in Colombo
- The 8th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians has started in Colombo, Sri Lanka from October 4, 2017, which is inaugurated by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
- In the 3-day conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is leading the Indian delegation.
Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar Upgraded
- The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Myanmar on upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar.
- The MoU was signed on 6th September, 2017. The MoU covers upgradation of the Yamethin Women’s Police Training Centre to further augment the capabilities of the Myanmar Government to build capacities of its police force with technical and financial assistance from Government of India.
Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt visit Sasebo, Japan
- In pursuance of India’s Act East Policy and demonstration of India’s commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region, Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kadmatt are visiting Sasebo, Japan from 12th to 15th October 2017.
- The visit of these ships is part the Indian Government’s initiatives to strengthen the long standing, mutually supportive and strong relationship between Japan and India.
First "BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise-2017" held in New Delhi
- Rajnath Singh, the Union Home Minister, has inaugurated the first annual BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise- 2017 (BIMSTEC DMEx-2017) in New Delhi on October 10.
- The 4-day exercise is conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as the lead agency and its focus on testing the region’s preparedness and resilience towards effective activation of inter-Governmental interaction for immediate deployment of regional resources for disaster response.
Important Days
World Animal Day observed on October 04
- The World Animal Day (WAD) is observed every year on October 4 to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe.
- It is done by encouraging individuals, animal welfare organisations, community groups, youth and children’s clubs and businesses to organise events in celebration of this day.
World Teachers’ Day observed on October 05
- The World Teachers’ Day (WTD) is observed every year on October 5 to 1994 to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
- The day also aims to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers. The 2017 theme is “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers”.
World Mental Health Day observed every year on October 10
- The World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is observed every year on 10 October, to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
- The 2017 theme is “Mental health in the workplace’.
International Day of the Girl Child celebrated on October 11
- The International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) is celebrated every year on October 11 to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
- The 2017 theme “ EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises” marks the beginning of a year-long effort to spur global attention and action to the challenges and opportunities girls face before, during, and after crises.
"World Space Week" from October 4-10, 2017
- The World Space Week (WSW) is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition, which is held every year from October 4-10.
- The 2017 theme “Exploring New Worlds In Space” is an outward facing theme that serves to inspire the world.
Awards/Prizes
Gauri Lankesh from India to win "Anna Politkovskaya Award 2017"
- Bengaluru journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017, has been awarded a prestigious global Anna Politkovskaya Award 2017, which is given in the memory of a slain Russian reporter and political activist.
- Gauri Lankesh, became the first person from India to receive the honour. Lankesh shared the award with Gulalai Ismail, a Pakistani peace activist who has faced death threats for speaking out against the Taliban.
- Anna Politkovskaya Award: The award marks the 11th anniversary of the killing of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian investigative reporter and activist who uncovered state corruption and rights abuses, especially in Chechnya.
- The award is presented annually by Reach All Women in War (the RAW in WAR organisation) and honours women human rights defenders from around the world.
President of India Presents "18th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award 2017"
- The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics and Management for the year 2017 to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- He said that Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak was the most deserving person for an award named after Shri Shastri as he has contributed immensely in the direction of getting rid of the practice of manual scavenging.
- The Mayor of New York had declared April 14, 2016 as the ‘Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak International Day’ keeping in mind this contribution made by Dr. Pathak. He also received the Padma Bhushan in 1991.
Amul company received IAA Leadership Award
- India’s largest food products marketing organisation, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), which markets the Amul brand of milk and milk products, has been recognised as the country's best Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in the food sector by the International Advertising Association (IAA).
Amul was presented the Fifth IAA Leadership Award for this recognition at Mumbai.
- The prestigious awards instituted by the IAA’s India Chapter recognise excellence towards contribution in marketing, advertising and media sectors as well as celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and teams.
Boxing coach urbax Singh Sandhu gets "National Award for Senior Citizens"
- Long-serving Indian boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu has been honoured with the National Awards for senior citizens by President Ramnath Kovind.
- Sandhu, who has the distinction of coaching both the men and women boxers, was bestowed the honour at a function.
- Sandhu was India's longest-serving men's national coach, occupying the position for two decades. Sandhu was the chief coach when India won its maiden Olympic medal in boxing through Vijender Singh in 2008.
Prof. P C Narayan Selected For Teaching Innovator Award 2016
- IIM Bangalore's Prof. P C Narayan, a faculty from the Finance & Accounting area, has been selected for the 'Teaching Innovator Award-2016' by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.
- The Award will be presented at a ceremony by the MHRD, soon. The teaching innovation that fetched Prof. Narayan the award was titled "Transitioning from a 'Teacher-centric' to a 'Student-centric' Classroom and Online Learning".
2017 Nobel Prize Winners List
2017 Nobel Prize Economic Sciences
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2017
- The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2017 was awarded to Richard H. Thaler "for his contributions to behavioural economics".
Richard H. Thaler, Born: 1945, East Orange, NJ, USA, Affiliation at the time of the award: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA, Prize share: 1/1
All Prizes in Economic Sciences
- The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel has been awarded 49 times to 79 Laureates between 1969 and 2017.
The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2016
- The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2016 was awarded jointly to Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmström "for their contributions to contract theory"
2017 Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize 2017 - International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)
- The Nobel Peace Prize 2017 was awarded to International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) "for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons".
The Nobel Peace Prize 2016 - Juan Manuel Santos
- The Nobel Peace Prize 2016 was awarded to Juan Manuel Santos "for his resolute efforts to bring the country's more than 50-year-long civil war to an end".
All Nobel Peace Prizes (1901-2017)
- The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 98 times to 131 Nobel Laureates between 1901 and 2017, 104 individuals and 27 organizations.
- Since the International Committee of the Red Cross has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize three times (in 1917, 1944 and 1963), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize two times (in 1954 and 1981), there are 24 individual organizations which have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
2017 Nobel Prize in Literature
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2017 - Kazuo Ishiguro
- The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2017 is awarded to the English author Kazuo Ishiguro "who, in novels of great emotional force, has uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world".
Kazuo Ishiguro, Born: 1954, Nagasaki, Japan, Prize share: 1/1
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 - Bob Dylan
- The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 was awarded to Bob Dylan "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition".
The Nobel Prize in Literature
- Awarded to 114 Nobel Laureates since 1901.
- The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy, Stockholm, Sweden.
2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2017 was awarded to Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson "for developing cryo-electron microscopy for the high-resolution structure determination of biomolecules in solution".
Jacques Dubochet
Born: 1942, Aigle, Switzerland, Affiliation at the time of the award: University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland, Prize share: 1/3
Joachim Frank
Born: 1940, Siegen, Germany, Affiliation at the time of the award: Columbia University, New York, NY, USA, Prize share: 1/3
Richard Henderson
Born: 1945, Edinburgh, Scotland, Affiliation at the time of the award: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Prize share: 1/3.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016
- Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa "for the design and synthesis of molecular machines"
2017 Nobel Prize in Physics
- The Nobel Prize in Physics 2017 announced, 3 October 2017. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2017 with one half to Rainer Weiss and the other half jointly to Barry C. Barish and Kip S. Thorne "for decisive contributions to the LIGO detector and the observation of gravitational waves".
The Winners of Nobel Prize in Physics 2017 - Details
Rainer Weiss (USA)
Born: 1932, Berlin, Germany, Affiliation at the time of the award: LIGO/VIRGO Collaboration, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA, Prize share: ½
Barry C. Barish (USA)
Born: 1936, Omaha, NE, USA, Affiliation at the time of the award: LIGO/VIRGO Collaboration, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA, USA, Prize share: 1/4
Kip S. Thorne (USA)
Born: 1940, Logan, UT, USA, Affiliation at the time of the award: LIGO/VIRGO Collaboration, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA, USA, Prize share: 1/4
The Nobel Prize in Physics 2016 Winners
- David J. Thouless, F. Duncan M. Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz "for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter"
2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
- The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2017 was awarded jointly to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young "for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm".
Jeffrey C. Hall
Born: 1945, New York, NY, USA, Affiliation at the time of the award: University of Maine, Maine, ME, USA, Prize share: 1/3
Michael Rosbash
Born: 1944, Kansas City, MO, USA, Affiliation at the time of the award: Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA, Prize share: 1/3
Michael W. Young
Born: 1949, Miami, FL, USA, Affiliation at the time of the award: Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA, Prize share: 1/3
National Affairs
General Electric's first diesel loco arrives in India
- The first diesel-electric locomotive built by US conglomerate General Electric as part of a 2.5 billion US Dollars deal to supply 1,000 such engines to the Indian Railways has arrived in India.
- The project, a joint venture between the Indian Railways and GE to supply and maintain modern diesel-electric locomotives of 4,500 Horse Power and 6,000 Horse Power to the public transporter, was announced in November 2015.
- GE clarified that the work on a diesel locomotive factory in Bihar's Marhowrah is on track. The plan is to deliver 100 locomotives per year on an average adding that they plan to deliver the 1,000 locomotives to the Indian Railways over 11 years.
48th Governors Conference 2017 held in New Delhi
- The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, opened the 48th Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 12, 2017.
- The Conference is being attended by Twenty-seven Governors and three Lt. Governors of States and Union Territories.
- The two-day Conference theme of the opening session was ‘New India-2022’. The first session of the Conference was addressed by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. There was also a presentation by Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, on the elements of ‘New India 2022’.
150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi From 2nd October 2019 To 2nd October 2020
- Government of India will commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, during the period from 2nd October, 2019 to 2nd October, 2020.
- It has been decided to celebrate the event at both national and international levels, to propagate the message of the Mahatma. A National Committee (NC) headed by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has been constituted for this purpose.
“Make in India: Sweden 2017” - Series of Industry and Government Meetings
- Make in India: Sweden 2017, organized by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in Stockholm, from October 12-13aims to enhance Indo-Swedish cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.
- Several run-up events and high level meetings took place a day before the commencement of Make in India: Sweden 2017.The Indian delegation led by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Stefan Löfven.
IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn 2017, World’s largest Handicrafts and Gifts Fair 2017
- The Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inagurated the IHGF - Delhi Fair Autumn 2017, world’s largest handicrafts and gifts fair.
- The fair is being held at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, during October 12 - 16, 2017.
Dilli seminar on ‘India and Southeast Asia – Maritime Trade, Expedition and Civilisation Linkages’
- The 2017 edition of the annual Dilli seminar on ‘India and Southeast Asia – Maritime Trade, Expedition and Civilisation Linkages’ commenced this morning at the Indian Naval Academy (INA).
- The two day seminar is being attended by a large delegation of serving senior Naval and Coast Guard officers, eminent academicians, distinguished luminaries, representatives from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and cadets of INA.
IIT-Kharagpur signed a MoU with Samsung for "Digital Academy"
- IIT-Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung India for the setting up of a digital academy on the institute’s campus.
- The Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the institute will host the Samsung Innovation Lab and train students on the Internet of Things (IoT) through Tizen-based operating systems, commonly used by the company for its mobile phones and home appliances.
Bengaluru's Kempegowda Airport will be India's first Aadhaar-enabled airport
- Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is all set to be become country's first Aadhaar-enabled airport by 2018.
- After a two-month pilot project in 2017 February, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has decided to make KIA fully compliant with Aadhaaar-enabled entry and biometric boarding system.
Anupam Kher appointed as Chairman FTII
- Anupam Kher, veteran cine star, has been appointed as Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Shri Kher succeeds Shri Gajendra Chauhan.
- Shri Kher who has appeared in over 500 films is a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts.
- FTII is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is regarded as a center of excellence across the world.
Uttarakhand launched "Solar Briefcase" to provide electricity in remote areas
- The Uttarakhand Government and a charitable funding agency ‘Swan Cultural Center and Foundation’ launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ in Kedarnath Dham to provide electricity to far-flung areas in the hill state.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan become the first Indian to hold Deputy Director General of WHO
- Dr Soumya Swaminathan has become the first Indian to hold deputy director general post for Programmes at the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Currently, she is the Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Dr Swaminathan is a paediatrician and is known for her research in tuberculosis and HIV.
President of India inaugurates "India water Week-2017"
- The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated India Water Week-2017 on October 10, 2017 in New Delhi.
- Speaking on the occasion, the President said that water is essential to life. It is fundamental to the economy and to ecology – and to human equity.
India’s first-ever "Industrial Training Institute for the Divyangans" will come up in Assam
- India’s first-ever Industrial Training Institute (ITI) for the Divyangans will come up in Assam. Recently, the foundation stone for the institute was laid at Dibrugarh ITI Complex at Borboruah in Assam.
- As per the guidelines of National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), the ITI will have sixty seats for three different trades with 20 seats per trade.
2017 International Conference on Yoga in New Delhi
- M Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice President of India, has inaugurated the 3rd International Conference on Yoga in New Delhi with theme “Yoga for Wellness”on October 10, 2017.
- The 2-day conference is being organized by the Ministry of AYUSH as a part of year long events being organized to celebrate 21st June as International Day of Yoga.
"SECURE Himalaya project" launched
- Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Environment Minister, has launched SECURE Himalaya project in association with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference in New Delhi.
- The purpose of the 6-year project is to secure livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems, which is meant for specific landscapes.
Tamil Nadu Cabinet approves implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendations
- The Tamil Nadu Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations to benefit the state government employees and teachers.
- The Cabinet met at the Secretariat in Chennai (12.10.2017) Chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy. It looked into the report submitted by a high-level committee led by State Finance Department Principal Secretary K Shanmugam over the implementation of the pay panel report.
Sports Affairs
Ashish Nehra set to retire from International cricket on November 1
- Veteran speedster Ashish Nehra has decided to retire from competitive cricket after the first T20 International against New Zealand at his home ground, Feroz Shah Kotla, on November 1.
- Making his India debut back in 1999 under Mohammed Azharuddin, Nehra has so far played 17 Tests, 120 ODIs and 26 T20 Internationals for the country. He has picked 44 Test wickets, besides 157 ODI and 34 T20 scalps.
FIFA Suspended Pakistan Football Team
- Pakistan has been suspended from international football because of what global soccer body FIFA described as undue third-party interference in the country’s football federation (PFF).
- FIFA said in a statement that the suspension would prevent Pakistani teams, including the national side, from playing in international competition and the PFF from benefiting from FIFA development and training programmes.
Rafael Nadal wins 2017 China Open Tennis tournament
- Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player, has won the 2017 China Open Tennis tournament by defeating Nick Kyrgios in the final by 6-2, 6-1 in Beijing, China.
- It is his 6th ATP title of the year. Nadal’s six trophies this year include a record 10th title at the French Open and a third at the US Open.
Ajeetesh Sandhu wins First Asian Golf Tour Title 2017
- Indian golfer Ajeetesh Sandhu fired a superb two-under 70 to clinch his maiden Asian Tour title at the USD 500,000 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) in Taipei.
- The 28-year-old sunk three birdies against a lone bogey to return with a winning total of 12-under 276 to defeat USA's Johannes Veerman (71) by one-shot at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club.
Lewis Hamilton Wins Japanese Grand Prix 2017
- Lewis Hamilton romped to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix to close in on a fourth world title after Sebastian Vettel retired with engine failure on lap four.
- Max Verstappen finished second and Daniel Ricciardo secured third spot. Valtteri Bottas finished fourth and Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari finished fifth.
Business/Economy Affairs
World Bank reduces India GDP growth forecast to 7%
- In its South Asia Economic Focus (Fall 2017), the World Bank reduced India’s GDP growth forecast to 7% for 2017-18 from 7.2% estimated earlier.
- After remaining the world’s fastest-growing region for eight consecutive quarters, South Asia has slipped to the third position behind East Asia and the Pacific regions, as India’s economy slowed to its lowest level in 13 quarters, the World Bank said.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) cuts India’s 2017 growth forecast
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) pared its growth forecast for India by half a percentage point to 6.7% for 2017.
- In its latest World Economic Outlook, IMF said the world economy is going through a cyclical upswing that began midway through 2016. It raised the global growth estimate marginally for 2017 to 3.6% while flagging downside risks.
Rajnish Kumar as new State Bank of India chairman
- Rajnish Kumar, 59, the senior most of the managing directors at State Bank of India (SBI), will become the 25th chairman of the country’s largest lender, succeeding Arundhati Bhattacharya, who is set to retire on 6 October.
- The government announced his appointment for three years. Kumar currently is in charge of retail banking at SBI.
Environmental Affairs
Turtle Sanctuary to be set up in Allahabad
- In order to protect the rich aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga from escalating anthropogenic pressures, development of a Turtle sanctuary in Allahabad along with a River Biodiversity Park at Sangam have been approved under Namami Gange programme.
- The project at an estimated cost of Rs 1.34 crore would include development of River Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati), establishment of a Turtle Rearing Centre (Permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries) and awareness about the importance of river Ganga and imperativeness of its conservation has been approved.