Daily Current Affairs : 17th and 18th October 2020 | Daily GK update Quiz

Exp. Uttar Pradesh government launched a 6-month long women empowerment programme ‘Mission Shakti’ on October 17, 2020. The initiative was launched in order to raise awareness and tackle crime against women in the state.

Governor Anandiben Patel launched the campaign in Lucknow while chief minister Yogi Adityanath started it in Balrampur. Six-month campaign has two phases- Mission Shakti’ and ‘Operation Shakti.

This is the phase one of the campaign. It features awareness campaigns related to women’s safety. Under this, awareness campaign such as gender-based sensitisation, training, corporate activity, interviews, voice messages, programmes in Durga Puja and other cultural pandals will be organised.

Exp. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on 16th october announced the ‘My Town My Pride’ programme, starting 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”.

three main objectives — public outreach in towns, strengthening grassroots democracy, and service delivery at doorsteps.

Exp. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh said on October 16, 2020 that the aim of the government is to make India Trans Fat free by 2022. It is in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a New India on 75 years of independence.

If this is achieved, India would be a year ahead of target as set by World Health Organization (WHO).

Exp. Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has virtually launched the campaign ‘KAPILA’, which stands for Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness campaign on 15th October 2020.

The day was launched in honour of 89th birth anniversary celebration of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Aims: Through the campaign, the government will spread awareness through educational programs about the importance of patenting an invention, to lead India towards self-reliance.

Exp. Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 102nd meeting of World Bank Development Committee Plenary through video conferencing on 16th October.

The Finance Minister stated that collective action is the key for an effective response to the pandemic and welcomed the strong performance in Q4 of FY 2020 wherein the World Bank Group has committed 45 billion Dollars for COVID-19 response.

Exp. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s centre-left Labour Party won a landslide victory in New Zealand’s general election on Saturday as voters rewarded her for a decisive response to COVID-19.

Labour was on track to win 64 of the 120 seats in the country’s unicameral parliament, the highest by any party since New Zealand adopted a proportional voting system in 1996.

Exp. Vishal V Sharma has been appointed as the next Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Vishal V Sharma replaces Jawed Ashraf.

Exp. Dr. Michael Irani, Chairman of the IWF Medical Committee and Executive Board Member, will become the IWF’s fourth leader since January of this year.

In January, a documentary was released accusing former IWF President Tamas Aján of covering up doping and participating in a financial scandal. He stepped down, and Papandrea took over as Interim President. Papandrea supported organizational changes such as creating the IWF Athletes Commission and reinstating the IWF’s Anti-Doping Commission, which includes a partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA).

Exp. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 every year to spread the message of peace and love and honour the victims of poverty, hunger, violence and fear.

In 1992, the United Nations (UN) had dedicated October 17 as ‘International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’ in honour of Joseph Wresinski, the founder of International Movement ATD Fourth World.

Exp. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 every year to spread the message of peace and love and honour the victims of poverty, hunger, violence and fear.

In 1992, the United Nations (UN) had dedicated October 17 as ‘International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’ in honour of Joseph Wresinski, the founder of International Movement ATD Fourth World.

Theme 2020: “Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all”

Exp. The Global hunger index was launched on October 16 2020. It has been jointly prepared by Welhunger life and Concern Worldwide.  This year, India has been ranked 94th Out of 107 countries.  In 2018 was India ranked 103 while, in 2019 India was ranked 102. The report ranked the countries on the basis of four indicators – undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting and child mortality. Nepal has been ranked 73rd, Bangladesh has been ranked 75th while Pakistan has been ranked 88th this year.

Exp. Renowned Author and Politician, Shashi Tharoor is set to release his new book titled “The Battle of Belonging” is set to be released in November 2020.

Shashi Tharoor described this book as his “magnum opus” on the Theory, evolution and practice of Nationalism across the globe and especially in India.