17 March 2017 Current Affairs
Saudi Arabia Inaugurates Girls Council
In a bid to encourage women participation in Work Force, Saudi Arabia has for the first time decided to launch a Girl’s Council. The meeting in the al-Qassim Province was attended by 13 male numbers while the women were present too but they were in another room linked via video due to strict Saudi laws on gender segregation between unrelated men and women. The council was about women participation in the work force from 22% to 30% as part of its vision 2030 program.
Tata Steel, Wipro in World’s most ethical companies list
Two Indian Companies, Tata Steel and Wipro have been named in the list of world’s most ethical companies by American think tank Ethisphere Institute. In 2017, there were 124 honorees spanning five continents, 19 countries and 52 industry sectors. Ethisphere honours those companies who recognize their role in society to influence and drive positive change in the societies around the world.
Manhar Valji as Chairperson of Safai Karamcharis
Manhar Valji as Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. Along with two members-Manju Dealer and Dalip Kallu assumed office on 16 March 2017. The Commission consists of a Chairperson, a vice-Chairperson and five members. Among them at least one of the members shall be a Women.
Indrani Das wins “Junior Nobel Prize for Science
Indian – American teenager Indrani das won the top prize- $250,000 in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search Competition for her research on treating brain injuries and diseases. Another Indian-American. Arjun Ramani, took the third place, which carries a prize of $150,000 for his project on networks using the mathematical field of graph theory and computer programming.
Jwala Gutta appointed as a member of SAI Governing Body
India’s most successful doubles specialist Jwala Gutta has been appointed a member of governing body of Sports Authority of India (SAI) The 14-time national champion said she is looking forward to play her role in the development of sports in the country. The two-time Olympian Jwala, who has won the bronze medal at the 2011 World Championship said, the first meeting will be held on March 28 in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
Rowsell shand Announces Retirement for International cycling
Two times Olympic Gold medalist Joanna Rowsell Shand announced her retirement from International cycling. The 28-year old track cyclist won gold in the Women’s team pursuit at London Olympics 2012 and Rio Olympics 2016. Rowsell Shand was a five times World Champion and four-time European Champion.
India Joins WHO To End TB By 2030
India with World Health Organization (WHO) signed a ‘call for action’ and pledged to scale up measures to end the Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030. India among other countries in the South East Asian REgion, which bear half of the global tuberculosis burden. India reports 2.8 million new TB cases annually and nearly half a million deaths due to this disease.
G 20 meet of Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors begin in Germany
The Finance ministers and central bank governors from the group of G 20 economies are due to meet in Baden-baden in Germany from 17-18 March 2017. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening economic resilience in finance and digitization and to promote investment in Africa. This meet will be the first such gathering of G 20 leaders to discuss global economic challenges.
Karan Avtar Singh appointed as CS of Punjab
Senior IAS officer Karan Avtar Singh was appointed as the Chief Secretary (CS) of Punjab on 16 March 2017. His appointment came after the swearing in ceremony of captain Amarinder Singh as Punjab Chief Minister. Avtar Singh succeeded Sarvesh Kaushal. He was also given the charge of Principal secretary of Department of personnel.
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