Current Affairs - October 7, 2017 Current Affairs

Government of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 - Series-III. These bonds will be issued by Reserve Bank India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. Simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the last 3 business days of the week preceding the subscription period. Discount of Rs. 50 per gm, for those who subscribe online and pay through digital mode.

The 3-day international exhibition - 'World Dental Show 2017' was opened in Mumbai showcasing the evolving global technologies and techniques in dentistry. Indian Dental Association (IDA) hosted the exhibition which has witnessed participation from the international exhibitors from China,Germany, Israel, Malaysia, Russian Federation, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, UK and US, numbering about 120 are displaying their latest dental wares in 250 well-furnished stalls.

14th Annual Summit between India and the European Union (EU) was held in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council and Mr. Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission reviewed the wide-ranging cooperation under the India-EU Strategic Partnership.

Rajesh Nath, Managing Director of VDMA India, has been conferred Germany's Highest Civilian Honour, 'Cross of the Order of Merit'. VDMA is a German Engineering Federation. 'Cross of the Order of Merit' was instituted in year 1951 and is also called Bundesverdienstkreuz or Federal Cross of Merit. It is Germany's only honour that is awarded to both, Germans and foreigners for achievements in the economic, social, political or intellectual realms.

The Supreme Court of India (SCI) has appointed senior advocate and former additional solicitor general Amrender Sharan as amicus curiae on a petition seeking reprobe into the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The matter is posted for further hearing on October 30, 2017. The petition filed by Mumbai-based Dr. Pankaj Phadnis, a researcher and a trustee of Abhinav Bharat, has sought reopening of the probe on several grounds, claiming it was one of the biggest cover-ups in history.

Vijaya Bank has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for enabling all HPCL retail outlets with BHIM/UPI merchant solutions. This rollout will empower all petrol pump attendants and LPG delivery personnel to accept digital payments. Customers can make payments by scanning a payment QR code, using BHIM Vijaya or any BHIM app that supports payments via UPI.

Morgan Hurd from America won the women's all-around title in world gymnastics championships at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. The 16-year-old won the United States' seventh straight Olympic or world all-around title by edging out Canada's Elsabeth Black 55.232 to 55.132. U.S. champion Ragan Smith withdrew minutes before the competition with an ankle injury.

Chhattisgarh Government has completely banned the usage of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) carry bags in their state. The government also banned the manufacture, storage, import, sale, transport and use of such plastic-borne goods. Due to plastic borne goods our environment is facing serious issue such as blockages in drains and gutters. The advertising and materials promoting the PVC also has banned with immediate effect.

Private insurer Tata AIA Life announced the launch of 'Eazy Connect', that will extend online customer service to social media platforms. Eazy Connect Chabot is an innovative offering and has been created to match customers' fast paced lives where they need quick and simple ways to stay connected to us. Social media integration is the need of the hour and Eazy Connect will help customers resolve queries on platforms.

The Finance Ministry announced that PAN (Permanent Account Number) card and Aadhaar card details will not be mandatory for jewellery purchases above Rs. 50,000. Any entity dealing in gems, jewellery that has a turnover of Rs. 2 crore or more in a financial year will not be covered under PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) This decision was taken at the 22nd GST Council meeting.

The India Water Week (IWW)-2017 is a strong effort by the Government of India towards conservation, preservation and optimum utilization of available water resources. President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 5th edition of India Water Week (IWW) on October 10 with theme "Water and Energy for Inclusive Growth" in New Delhi. About 1500 delegates from India and 13 other countries will attend the five day international event. The event will be celebrated with a multi-disciplinary conference and a concurrently running exhibition enriching the theme and showcasing the technologies and solutions available for the areas under deliberation of the meet.