20 November 2017 Current Affairs
20 November: Universal Children’s Day
The Universal Children’s Day was observed across the world on 20 November 2017 with the theme ‘2017: It’s a #KidsTakeOver’. This year, UNICEF celebrated the day by inviting children from around the world to voice their support for millions of their friends and kin who are unschooled, unprotected and uprooted. The Universal Children’s Day aims to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights to build a better world for children.
Qatar, the Richest Country in the World Per Capita
Based on the per capita income of its people, Qatar has been named the world’s richest country as per the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report. The per capita GDP (gross domestic product) of Qatar is over Rs. 81 lakh. With per capita GDP of over Rs. 38 lakh, the United States is at No. 12. India, with a GDP of over Rs. 4 lakh per person, is not even in the top 100.
Gleadovia konyakianorum: Parasitic plant found in Nagaland
Scientists from Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of parasitic flowering plant named Gleadovia konyakianorum. The species was named in honour of Konyak tribe of Nagas. The plant was discovered in the semi-evergreen forest at an altitude of 1,500-1,600 metres during an exploration near Tobu town of Mon district in eastern Nagaland. Parasitic plants are often referred to as curious plants, as they steal their nutritional needs from the host.
Afghanistan wins Maiden Under-19 Asia Cup
Afghanistan stunned favourites Pakistan by a massive 185 runs to clinch their maiden Under-19 Asia Cup title, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ikram Ali khil was the man of the match against Pakistan U19 in the ACC U19 Youth Asia Cup Final for his 107 not out and Mujeeb Zadran was the man of series for his 20 wickets in the tournament.
Grigor Dimitrov beats David Goffin to lift ATP finals title
Grigor Dimitrov won the ATP Finals Title in London, UK. The sixth-seeded Bulgarian claimed the title at the season-ending ATP Finals to beat David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 in the final. Dimitrov claimed his first Master’s title in Cincinnati in August and has risen to a career-high No. 3-ranking with victory in London.
Women’s Youth World Boxing Ch’ship begins in Guwahati
Women’s Youth World Boxing Championship begins in Guwahati, Assam. Three young boxers will lock horn in the preliminaries. In 54 kilogram category, Shashi Chopra will play in 60 kg category, Mizoram’s Vanlalhriapuii will bout against Korean player and Astha Pahwa will take on opponent from Bulgaria in 69 kg. Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal has inaugurated the event.
Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar takes charge as SEBI Executive Director
According to the Markets regulator SEBI, Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar has taken charge as an executive director. An Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 1990 batch, Baiwar assumed office on November 16. The Other executive directors are P K Nagpal, S Ravindran, S V Murali Dhar Rao, S K Mohanty and Ananta Barua.
Ex-Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi passes away
Congress leader and former Union Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi passed away aged 72, after being in coma for 9 years. Dasmunsi served as the All India Football Federation President for almost 20 years and was the first Indian to serve as a match commissioner in a FIFA World Cup game. He was paralysed after suffering a stroke in 2008. In 2004, Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi went on to serve as India’s Chef-de-Mission to the Athens Olympics.
Former Wimbledon Champion Jana Novotna passes away
Czech tennis player Jana Novotna, a Wimbledon champion in 1998 and 16-time Grand Slam winner in doubles and mixed doubles, has died at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer. Novotna entered the tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. Novotna was a three-time Olympic medalist and a member of Czechoslovakia’s 1988 Fed Cup championship team
Girish Karnad conferred with 2017 Tata Literature Live Lifetime Achievement Award
Actor-playwright Girish Karnad (79) was conferred with 2017 Tata Literature Live Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution in field of theatre at the eighth edition of the Tata Literature festival held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Trisha becomes UNICEF celebrity advocate
Actor Trisha Krishnan was conferred the UNICEF celebrity advocate status for child rights at an event held in Chennai. She is the first actor from the South Indian film industry to receive this honour. Previously this honour was bestowed upon Bollywood celebrities like Nandita Das, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Raveena Tandon
IFFI to be inaugurated in Goa
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was inaugurated in Goa. The opening and closing ceremonies at IFFI-2017 are being live-streamed on YouTube, Facebook & Periscope of the main Social Media Platforms. The festival will be presenting 195 films from over 82 countries of which there will be 10 World Premieres, 10 Asian and international premieres.