Most Important 17th Oct 2020 Current Affairs Quiz
Important Days
World Food Day
World Food Day (WFD) is observed globally on 16 October every year. The day is celebrated to eradicate worldwide hunger from our lifetime.
This day generates awareness globally for those who suffer from hunger and to ensure the need for food security and nutritious diets for all. Theme 2020: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together”.
Useful notes for all competitive exams:
- Food and Agriculture Organization Head: Qu Dongyu
- Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
- Food and Agriculture Organization Established: 16 October 1945.
National News
Cabinet approves Rs. 5718 crore World Bank-supported STARS project
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project.
STARS is a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education for improving the quality of education, in the Indian School Education System.
The total project cost is Rs 5718 crore with the financial support of World Bank amounting to the USD 500 million (approximately Rs. 3700 crores).
The project will cover 6 states namely Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha.
India contributes 1 million dollars to UNRWA for Palestine Refugees
India has contributed one million dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in Near East.
This aid will support the Agency’s programmes and services, including education, health care, relief and social services.
Useful notes for all competitive exams:
- UNRWA Headquarters: Amman, Jordan.
- UNRWA Commissioner-General: Philippe Lazzarini.
India re-elected as president of International Solar Alliance
India and France were re-elected as the president and co-president of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a term of two years at the virtual meeting of the third assembly.
A total of 53 member countries and 5 signatory and prospective member countries participated in the assembly.
Useful notes for all competitive exams:
- ISA Headquarters Location: Gurgram, Haryana.
- ISA Leader: Upendra Tripathy.
International News
Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov resigns
Kyrgyzstan President, Sooronbai Jeenbekov has resigned from his post, following 10 days of unrest caused by protesters who have demanded his removal from office.
On 4th October 2020, he was re-elected as the President in Parliamentary election, causing political turmoil throughout the country.
The 61-year-old has served as the President of Kyrgyzstan from 2017 to 2020. He was also the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan from April 2016 to August 2017.
Useful notes for all competitive exams:
- Kyrgyzstan Capital: Bishkek
- Kyrgyzstan Currency: Kyrgyzstani som
Appointments
NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh’s term extended till 2025
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has extended the tenure of state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd, chairman and managing director, Gurdeep Singh till 31 July 2025. He had first assumed the charge of utility’s chairman and managing director in February 2016.
Gurdeep Singh has earlier worked at NTPC and also across the power sector in firms such as CLP, CESC, IDFC, Powergen and AES. His second term will start from 4 February next year and extend till 31 July 2025 which is the date of his superannuation.
Useful notes for all competitive exams:
- National Thermal Power Corporation Founded: 1975.
- National Thermal Power Corporation Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
Sports
Constantina Dita named ambassador for Half Marathon C’ships Gdynia 2020
Romania’s 2008 Olympic champion, Constantina Dita has been named an ambassador for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Gdynia 2020.
The 2020 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships, originally scheduled for 29 March 2020 in Gdynia, Poland, was postponed until 17 October 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Obituary
First Indian to win Oscar Bhanu Athaiya passes away
The first Indian to win the Oscar award, Bhanu Athaiya passed away. She won the Best Costume Design Oscar for her work in the 1982 film Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough.
In 2012, Athaiya returned her Oscar to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for safekeeping.
Legendary Malayalam poet Akkitham passes away
Legendary Malayalam poet and Jnanpith laureate, Mahakavi Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri passed away.
He has penned more than 46 literary works including poems, plays, essays and short stories. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2017.
“Nightingale of Gujarat” Kaumudi Munshi passes away
The “Nightingale of Gujarat”, Kaumudi Munshi passed away due to COVID-19. During the early stage of her career, Munshi sang mostly in Gujarati, gaining fame with songs like ‘Sachi re maari satre bhavani maa’.
The singer also sang Bhojpuri songs, for the 1963 movie Bidesiya she sang ‘Neek Saiyan bin’ with renowned singer Geeta Dutt.
Cricket journalist and commentator Kishore Bhimani passes away
Veteran sports journalist and Cricket commentator, Kishore Bhimani passed away. He was a leading cricket commentator in the Eighties and Nineties and is best remembered for being on the air during the tied Test of 1986 between India and Australia in Chepauk, Chennai.
He had received a lifetime achievement award for his decades-long contribution in the fields of media and commentary in 2013.
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