Daily Current Affairs - 18 October 2018

INTERNATIONAL

1. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: 17 October

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 each year since 1993.

1. It promotes people’s awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
2. This year’s theme is ‘Accelerating global actions for a world without poverty.

2.India is world’s most depressed country

According to a World Health Organization report, India is the world’s most depressed country, closely followed by China and the US.

1. According to the 2015-16 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), every sixth person in India needs mental health help of some sort.
2. At least 6.5 per cent of the Indian population suffer from some form of the serious mental disorder.

NATIONAL

3. Guidelines for PPP for Non Communicable Diseases in launched by NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog launched the Guidelines and Model Concessionaire Agreement, MCA for Public Private Partnership, PPP for Non Communicable Diseases.

1. The documents have been designed to supplement efforts for provision of prevention and treatment services of non-communicable diseases related to Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, and Pulmonary Sciences at the district hospitals especially in tier 2 & 3 cities.
2. The documents have been developed by NITI Aayog in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, State Governments and representatives from the healthcare industry.
3. Member NITI Aayog, Dr.VKPaulalong with partner agencies involved in preparation of the two documents were present on this occasion.

4. 45 Indian companies participating in Expo Cihac in Mexico City

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1. the construction industry being held in Citibanamex Center, Mexico till October 20, 2018.
2. This event is expected to bring together the best products, technologies and innovations in construction from all over the world.
3. More than 570 exhibitors from the field of architecture, engineering, interior design, lighting, home automation and machinery are participating in the expo.

5. First National Summit on Invest in AYUSH

On the occasion of Ayurveda Day celebrations, Ministry of AYUSH is organising First National Summit on Invest in AYUSH at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi on 4th November, 2018.

1. The summit is to encourage public sector undertakings (PSUs) under different Ministries/Departments of the Government and private companies to invest in AYUSH.
2. NITI Aayog and Department of Industrial and Policy and Promotion are the partner organisations of this first National summit in AYUSH.

6. MJ Akbar resigns as Union Minister

MJ Akbar, Minister of State For External Affairs, has resigned from his post in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment made by several women against him.

1. MJ Akbar said in a statement that he would "seek justice in a court of law" in a "personal capacity".
2. As many as 20 women have accused MJ Akbar of sexually harassing them when he worked as a journalist.

BUSSINESS

7. India’s first Cryptocurrency ATM opens in Bengaluru

Despite the government and Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) crackdown on cryptocurrency in India, virtual currency exchange Unocoin has installed a currency deposit and dispensing ATM at Kemp Fort Mall in Bengaluru.

1. The kiosk, installed by Unocoin, allows its customers to deposit and withdraw minimum amount of Rs 1000 from the platform.
2. First of its kind in India, this ATM circumvents the RBI regulation against bitcoins transaction.

AWARDS

8. Northern Irish Author Anna Burns Wins 2018's Man Booker Prize

Milkman" by writer Anna Burns scooped the 2018 Man Booker Prize, with the Northern Irish writer winning the literary award for her third full-length novel.

1. Set in an unnamed city during the bloody “Troubles” of Northern Ireland, the "Milkman" tells the coming-of-age story of a young girl's affair with an older man.
2. As winner, the 56-year-old writer, who was born in Belfast, received the award from Prince Charles' wife Camilla.
3. Established in 1969, the annual literary prize recognises the judges choice of "the best original.

9. Suheil Tandon wins International Olympic committee award

Social Entrepreneur Suheil F. Tandon has won the International Olympic Committee's Sport and Active Society Commission's Grant Award for his contribution to sports development.

1. Suheil is the Founder of Pro Sport Development (PSD) and Executive Director of Martha Farrell Foundation.
2. The award ceremony was held during the Olympism in Action forum at Buenos Aires.

BOOKS

10. Stephen Hawking’s final book “Brief Answers to the Big Questions” launched

Stephen Hawking’s final work, which tackles issues from the existence of God to the potential for time travel, was launched by his children, who helped complete the book after the British astrophysics giant’s death.

1. Hawking was forever being asked the same things and started work on “Brief Answers to the Big Questions” last year.