15h October 2017 Important Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs of 15th October 2017

International Current Affairs

Today (15th October) is the International Day of Rural Women.
- Aim of this Day : "To recognize the critical role and contribution of rural women".
- Theme of International Day of Rural Women 2017 : “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”
Today (15th October) is Global Hand-washing Day.
- This is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
- Theme of the Global Hand-washing Day 2017 : “Our hands, our future !”
The 5th India-Sri Lanka joint training exercise “Mitra Shakti 2017” was held Aundh Military Station in Pune, Maharshtra.
- The two week long exercise (October 13 and 25) is based on Counter Terrorist Operations (CTO) and Infantry company from both countries are participating in it.
In an effort to end a decade-long rift, the Palestinian political parties Hamas and Fatah have signed reconciliation deal.
- According to this deal, legislative, presidential and national council elections should be conducted within one year of its signing.

National Current Affairs

PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate India's first All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi on 17th October 2017 (Ayurveda Day).
The Union Government has launched Sampoorna Bima Gram (SBG) Yojana and expanded coverage of Postal Life Insurance (PLI) in a bid to provide affordable life insurance services to people particularly those living in rural areas.
For the first time, Indian city Kolkata is going to host ‘PUN (Puppets Unite Neighbours) International Puppet Festival’ from 26th to 31st October 2017.
- The puppet festival is aimed at regenerating the emotions attached to puppetry.

New Appointments

India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Gautam H. Bambawale was today appointed as next Ambassador to China.
- He will replace Vijay Gokhale.

Banking, Business & Economic Affairs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed banks and non-bank entities to make their digital wallets/prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), interoperable through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) within six months.
IndusInd Bank today announced merger with microfinance lender Bhart Financial Inclusion (BFIL).
- The deal is subject to approvals from the Reserve Bank of India, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India and Competition Commission of India among others.
A new Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) Act 2016 which was notified on 22nd March, 2016, has been brought into force with effect from 12th October, 2017.
- This act replaced Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
- The Act establishes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.
- It aims to help in ease of doing business in country, enhance ‘Make In India’ campaign and ensure availability of quality products and services to the consumers.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a public sector oil company became first Indian oil company to trade lubricants in Myanmar.
- HPCL started operations in Myanmar’s commercial hubs of Yangon and Mandalay.

MOUs & Agreements

The Odisha government's Directorate of Treasuries and Inspection and the State Bank of India (SBI) have signed an MOU for integration of SBI e-Pay with cyber treasury.
- The MoU is a landmark initiative by the state government to facilitate revenue collection from citizens through digital banking platform.

Science & Technology

An indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette INS Kiltan will be commissioned into the Indian Navy by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the Naval Dockyard, Vishakhapatnam on October 16.

Awards & Honors

Renowned writer M K Sanu was chosen for Mathrubhumi Literary Award for the year 2016 to honour his contribution to the Malayalam literature.

Sports Current Affairs

Switzerland's Roger Federer defeated world number one Rafael Nadal for the fourth time in as many matches this year to claim his sixth title of 2017 and 94th overall at the Shanghai Masters today.
Former world number one tennis player Maria Sharapova won her first title since returning from a 15-month doping ban, clinching the Tianjin Open today.
Indian cricket player Ashish Nehra (38) announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
- He will play his final game against New Zealand on November 1st.

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