07 September 2017 Current Affairs
Parineeti First Indian Women Ambassador for Tourism Australia
The Tourism Australia has roped in Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra to be its first Indian woman Ambassador to encourage Indians to visit the country. She was presented the Friend of Australia (FOA) recognition by Australian Consul General Tony Huber for her contribution to promote Australia. Chopra will be the first Indian woman ambassador to be a part of the FOA advocacy panel. The panel also includes influential personalities like Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.
Dr Inder Jit Singh appointed Chairperson of NACWC
Dr. Inder Jit Singh has been given the additional charge of the post of Chairperson, National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC). Dr. Inder Jit Singh is a 1985-batch IAS officer of Kerala Cadre and at present he is serving as the Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat.
UJALA scheme launched in Melaka, Malaysia
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) of India launched UJALA (Unnati Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for All) Scheme in the State of Melaka, Malaysia. With this, Malaysia becomes the second country after the United Kingdom (UK) where EESL has launched the UJALA scheme. Under this scheme, each household in Melaka will get 10 high quality 9-watt LED bulbs at a cost of only RM 10. With this initiative Melaka will be able to reduce carbon emissions by around 19,000 tones per year.
Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU to Build India’s First Hyperloop
The Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the US-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT)to build India’s first Hyperloop system. The planned project is aimed at connecting cities Amaravati and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, supposedly covering the distance of over 35 km in just five minutes. The AP Economic Development Board (AP-EDB) and HTT signed the MoU in Amaravati. Under the MoU, a six-month feasibility study would be conducted from October.
World University Rankings 2018: IISc ranked highest from India
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) retained top position among Indian Universities in the Times World University Rankings 2018, but its position fell in global rankings compared to its last year position. Top 10 in Universities in World are Oxford University (1st, UK), Cambridge University (2nd, UK), California institute of Technology (3rd, US), Stanford University (4th, US), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (5th, US), Harvard University (6th, US), Princeton University (7th, US), Imperial College London (8th, UK), University of Chicago (9th, US), ETH-Zurich (10th, Switzerland). IISc slipped from the 201-250 band to the 251-300 one due to drop in its research influence score and research income. IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur, which were among best Indian institutions, slipped down from previous year’s position of the 401- 500 club to 501-600 band. IIT Bombay was placed in t351-400 club, same as in 2017 ranking and. IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee also retained their positions in 501-600 bracket.
SLINEX 2017: India-Sri Lanka joint maritime naval exercise
The seventh edition of India-Sri Lanka joint maritime naval exercise SLINEX 2017 was held near Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) in Bay of Bengal. It will be conducted from 7th to 14th September 2017. The seven days exercise aimed to reinforce strong neighbourly ties between both countries underscored by extensive maritime interaction and improved understanding. SLINEX 2017 focuses on fleet work, seamanship, communication, replenishment at Sea, Visit Board Search and Seize (VBSS) operations as well as helicopter operations.
Parali I island: Uninhabited Lakshadweep island vanishes
According to a study, Parali I island, one of biodiversity-rich uninhabited islands part of Lakshadweep has disappeared due to coastal erosion and another four such islands in Lakshadweep sea are shrinking fast. The researcher had conducted studies on assessment of biodiversity confining to five uninhabited islands– Parali I, II and III, Bangaram, Thinnakara in Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands in Lakshadweep sea.
India’s Ankur Mittal wins silver at ISSF World Shotgun Championship
India’s Ankur Mittal won silver medal in the men’s double trap event at the ongoing ISSF World Shotgun Championship. Sangram Dahiya ended in 20th place with 135, while Md. Asab came in 23rd with 133 hits in the qualifying round. The trio combined for a fifth spot in the Team category with 413 points, where Italy won Gold with 418. In the junior category, 17-year-old Ahvar Rizvi also won a silver medal in the same event.
Mother Teresa declared as co-patron of Archdiocese of Calcutta
Saint Teresa, also known as Mother Teresa, was declared as the co-patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta, 131 years after St Francis Xavier was declared as first patron. the declaration was made by Vicar General, Archdiocese of Calcutta in the presence of the Vatican’s ambassador to India Giambattista Diquattro, bishops from across the state and nuns of the Missionaries of Charity which was founded by Mother Teresa in 1950 within Archdiocese of Calcutta.
Ashish Kashyap resigns as President and Co-founder of MakeMyTrip
Ashish Kashyap resigned as the President and Co-founder of MakeMyTrip with effect from 30 September 2017. As per the settlement agreement, kashyap will be under non-solicitation and non-competition obligation for the next two year. Kashyap had assumed the role of President and Co-founder after MakeMyTrip acquired Ibibo Group in October 2016. Kashyap was earlier designated as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ibibo Group.
GIFT City wins ASSOCHAM Services Excellence Awards
India’s first operational Smart City and IFSC, Gujarat International Finance-Tec City (GIFT City), has won the prestigious Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) Services Excellence Award. At a summit held in New Delhi, GIFT SEZ was honored for its contribution to the growth of the International Financial Services and Technology Hub in India.
India to host Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in 2019
India will host the 2019 edition of the Commonwealth (Youth, Junior and Senior) Weightlifting Championships. The Executive Board of Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation met at Gold Coast, Australia and decided to allot the 2019 edition of the competitions to India. The current edition of the tournament is being held at the Gold Coast, Australia.