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  • Current Affairs 22nd October 2018

    Updated : 22-Oct-2018

    Current Affairs 22nd October 2018 - Important Points

    • Who has been elected as Treasurer of World Steel Association ? - Sajjan Jindal
    • Dedicated e-mail address to report instances of sexual harassment at workplace launched by - National Commission for Women
    • 12th ASEM Summit held in  - Brussels, Belgium 
    • Shahi litchi from Bihar gets - Geographical Indication tag
    • Former UP and Uttarakhand CM Narayan Datt Tiwari passed away  in - New Delhi
    • PM Narendra Modi chairs 6th meeting of NDMA at - New Delhi
    • Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa party got majority in -Bhutan general elections
    • United States merges its embassy and Consulate General in Jerusalem into - Single diplomatic mission
    • Who has been honoured with Presidential Medal for Combating Human Trafficking? - Minal Patel Davis
    • India’s longest river bridge will be built on Brahmaputra river in - Assam

    Current Affairs 22nd October 2018 - Details

    Who has been elected as Treasurer of World Steel Association ? - Sajjan Jindal

    JSW Steel CMD Sajjan Jindal was nominated as treasurer of World Steel Association. He was designated for 1-year term period from 2018 to 2019 by Board of Directors of World Steel Association at Worldsteel General Assembly held in Tokyo, Japan. The board also has designated Tata Steel Managing Director T.V.Narendran and ArcelorMittal Chief L.N.Mittal as its members. Andre Johannpeter, Executive VC of Gerdau S A was designated as the Chairman. YU Yong, Chairman HBIS Group and Kosei Shindo, Representative Director, Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corporation were also designated as Vice-Chairman.
    More about World Steel Association

    • World Steel Association is a non-profit association and is one of the largest industry organisations in world.
    • It was originated in July 1967 and is HQ in Brussels, Belgium.
    • Its associates represent about 85 percent of the world’s steel production.
    • It consists of more than 160 steel generators with 9 of the 10 largest steel firms, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes.

    Dedicated e-mail address to report instances of sexual harassment at workplace launched by - National Commission for Women

    The National Commission for Women- NCW has published enthusiastic e-mail address “ncw.metoo@gmail.com” to report sexual harassment instances at workplace.  On getting the complaint mail, National Commission for Women will take forward complaints of sexual harassment at workplace received so that suitable action may be taken, according to the law.
    Important Facts

    • The release of dedicated e-mail address comes after various such complaints were reported by females from numerous fields to National Commission for Women by females who have described their ordeal under the “#Metoo” initiative on social media.
    • It is also undertaking of National Commission for Women’s aim of zero tolerance of sexual harassment of females at all workplaces and obligation to make sure safety and dignity of females including at all workplaces.
    • Freshly National Commission for Women had received various formal written complaints from different females about instances of sexual harassment at their workplace.
      National Commission for Women
    • National Commission for Women is a statutory organisation founded under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
    • It was recognized in January 1992 to evaluate the constitutional and legal protections for females.
    • It endorses remedial legislative measures, advise Government on all policy matters distressing females and simplify redressal of grievances associated to females.

    12th ASEM Summit held in  - Brussels, Belgium 

    The 12th Asia-Europe Meeting- ASEM Summit was organised in Brussels, Belgium. The theme of summit was “Global Partners for Global Challenges”. It was led by European Council President Donald Tusk. The summit was witnessed by state heads of 51 European and Asian nations, representatives of European Union and Secretary General of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. India was signified by Indian VP M. Venkaiah Naidu. This edition of summit has prioritised problems related to trade and investment, connectivity, sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, migration, maritime security and cyberspace.
    More about Asia-Europe Meeting Summit

    • Asia-Europe Meeting is unofficial political dialogue and collaboration forum that brings 53 entities
      consisting 51 nations including India, from Asia and Europe and 2 regional bodies European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
    • It represents approximately 62.3 percent of the world’s population, 57.2 percent of the global Gross Domestic Production and about 60 percent of the world’s trade.
    • Asia-Europe Meeting was formally recognized in March 1996 at the 1st summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
    • The dialogue addresses political, economic and cultural matters between the 2 regions. It also pursues to toughen relationship between the 2 regions in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership.
    •  3 main pillars Asia-Europe Meeting process are Political-Security, Economic-Financial and Social, Cultural and Education.

    Shahi litchi from Bihar gets - Geographical Indication tag

    Shahi Litchi from Bihar has received Geographical Indication- GI tag from Chennai based Geographical
    Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India. The Geographical Indication registration was
    completed in name of Muzaffarpur-based Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, which had filed for the tag. Shahi Litchi which famous for its sweet, juicy, unique flavour and aroma is generally grown in
    Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas of East Champaran, Vaishali, Samastipur and Begusarai districts of
    state. Bihar harvests 40 percent of the litchis grown in India on 38 percent of the area.
    Importance

    • The Geographical Indication tag for Shahi Litchi will improve needed for fruit and decrease fear of fake and poor-quality litchis.
    • It will also assist and advantageous for thousands of litchi cultivators who will gain access to more markets and get better price for their produce in the nation and overseas.
    • Shahi Litchi is 4th agricultural product from Bihar after Katrani rice, Jardalu mango and Magahi paan, to receive Geographical Indication tag.
    • In addition to 4 Geographical Indication tags in agricultural field, few art-forms from Bihar including Madhubani painting, applique – Khatwa patch work, Sikki grass work, Sujini embroidery work and Bhagalpur silk have also been given Geographical Indication tag under handicraft category.
      Geographical Indication
    • Geographical Indication tag is name utilised on certain items which resemble to specific geographical location/derivation.
    • It is utilised for agricultural, natural and manufactured items having distinct quality and recognized reputation.
    • The goods and products having this tag are known for their origin, quality and reputation and issues it an essential edge in global market.
    • It also makes sure that no-one can custom their name, giving them individuality.
    • The registration of Geographical Indication is effective for ten years after which it requires to be renewed. Violation of Geographical Indication tags is punishable offence under law.
    • The motive of Geographical Indication tag enables shareholders to validate their production while earning a premium and derive an enhanced income.
    • Geographical Indication is covered as element of intellectual property rights under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property.
    • At international level, Geographical Indication is ruled by World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.

    PM Narendra Modi chairs 6th meeting of NDMA at - New Delhi

    PM Narendra Modi chaired 6th meeting of National Disaster Management Authority- NDMA at New Delhi. In this meeting, he reviewed activities of National Disaster Management Authority to successfully manage and respond to disasters affecting nation. He also reviewed enduring projects undertaken by National Disaster Management Authority. During this meeting, PM Modi stressed on urge for better management between various shareholders and undertake additional joint exercises to  bring about effective response to protect life and property. He also urged upon necessity to bring in global expertise in the field of disaster management.
    National Disaster Management Authority

    • It is a statutory organisation under the guidance of Ministry of Home Affairs. It was founded in 2009 and its necessities are envisaged in Disaster Management Act, 2005.
    •  Its mandate is to synchronize the response to natural and man-made disasters and capacity-building in case of disaster resiliency and emergency response.
    • It is also accountable for designing policies, laying down strategies and best-practices and harmonizing with State Disaster Management Authorities to make sure a holistic and disseminated approach to disaster management.
    • It is ruled by 9-member board led by PM India.

    Former UP and Uttarakhand CM Narayan Datt Tiwari passed away  in - New Delhi

    Earlier UP and Uttarakhand CM Narayan Dutt Tiwari deceased in New Delhi. He was 93 years old. He is
    the only Politician who has worked as Chief Minister of 2 states. He was known as Vikas Purush and was
    contributory in evolving the industrial sector in Uttarakhand.
    More about Narayan Dutt Tiwari

    • Born on October 18th, 1925 in Baluti, United Provinces in then British India which these days is in
      Uttarakhand, India.
    • He was 3-time Chief Minister of UP and was 1st nominated Chief Minister of Uttarakhand as well. His 1st stint as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister was from January 1976-April 1977 and then again from August 1984-September 1985 and from June 1988-December 1988.
    • He was nominated to Lok Sabha in 1980 and Rajya Sabha in 1985.
    • He was also Union minister and had apprehended a variety of portfolios. He was Union Minister of
      External Affairs in late Rajiv Gandhi’s cabinet and thereafter he became Minister for Finance and
      Commerce and detained the ministry till June 1988.
    • He was CM of Uttarakhand from 2002-2007 following Uttarakhand was carved-out of Uttar Pradesh in November 2000. He also had worked as Governor of AP from 2007-2009.
    • He was 1st nominated to Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Praja Samajwadi Party ticket from Nainital in 1952 and 1957.
    • He linked with Congress in 1963 and designated to Uttar Pradesh Assembly from Kashipur in 1965. He was 1st president of Youth Congress in 1969.
    • He had floated the All India Indira Congress (Tiwari) in 1995 along with Arjun Singh after he had left Congress party. He also had secured the Lok Sabha polls in 1996 and 1999.

    Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa party got majority in -Bhutan general elections

    Dravk Nyamrup Tshogpa Party has secured the current general elections organised in Bhutan. This party secured 30 of the total National Assembly’s 47 seats. The National Assembly is the Lower House of Bhutan Parliament. This was total 3rd general election since democracy was implemented in Bhutan in 2008 and the 1st general elections were organised same year itself.
    Important Facts

    • In 2018 general elections of Bhutan, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa developed as largest single majority party by securng 30 seats, while Druk Fenasum Tsogoga got only 17 seats.
    • PM Tshering Tobgay of ruling People’s Democratic Party was defeated in this general election. In this general election, there was 71 percent voter turnout.
    • This poll percentage was higher than 66 percent in 2013. Late Tshering, President of Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, will be the succeeding Prime Minister of Bhutan.

    United States merges its embassy and Consulate General in Jerusalem into - Single diplomatic mission

    US has finalised to unite its Consulate General with its new embassy in Israel into single diplomatic mission in Jerusalem. This conclusion was accepted as part of United States’ global efforts to advance efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.

    Important Highlights

    • It also comes following United States under President Donald Trump administration predicted Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December 2017 and shifted its Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018.
    • The embassy general in Jerusalem was top mission of United States for Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem for their capital.
    • After this merger, United States will begin new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside embassy in Jerusalem to endure reporting, outreach and programing in West Bank and Gaza and with Palestinians in Jerusalem.
      Did you know?

    The status of Jerusalem is one of prickliest disagreements between Israel and Palestinians. Palestinians,
    with broad international backing, pursue East Jerusalem as capital of state they want to begin in occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, Israel regards all of city, with eastern sector it captured in 1967 Middle East war and occupied, as its eternal and indivisible capital, but this is recognized internationally.

    Who has been honoured with Presidential Medal for Combating Human Trafficking? - Minal Patel Davis

    Indian-American Minal Patel Davis was bestowed with Presidential Medal for Fighting against Human
    Trafficking’. She was honoured with award by United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for her
    extraordinary contribution towards fighting against human trafficking. It is United States’ highest honour in the field.
    More about Minal Patel Davis

    • Minal Patel Davis is special advisor on Human Trafficking to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.
    • She was designated to this position in July 2015 and since then she has created local influence on human trafficking in America’s 4th largest city.
    • She has accomplished this from policy-level perspective and by assisted in advancing systems change.
    • She is presently implementing Mayor Turner’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategic Plan, which is 1st comprehensive municipal response to human trafficking by United States city.
    • She was also earlier speaker at United Nations World Humanitarian Summit. She grabbed her MBA from the University of Connecticut and Bachelors of Arts from New York University.

    India’s longest river bridge will be built on Brahmaputra river in - Assam

    India’s longest river bridge with total length of 19.3 kms will be constructed on river Brahmaputra in
    Assam. This bridge will join Dhubri of Assam to Fulbarani of Meghalaya. This bridge will decrease the
    distance between these 2 places by 203 kilometres and also travel time. Presently, India’s largest river
    bridge is Dhola-Sadia bridge, its length is 9.15 kms.
    Important Points

    • This bridge will have total length will be 19.3 kms and will be 4-lane. Its edifice will be accomplished by 2026-27 and will be public-funded work.
    • Japanese Finance Agency has permitted the loan for this project as part of road infrastructure improvement package in the north-east following evaluating the economic advantage of the big project.
    • Presently, the road connecting Assam and Meghalaya is approximately 200 kms long.
    •  This bridge will decrease travel time to 15-20 minutes to cross the river post it becomes working from 2.5 hours.
    • Two north-eastern states of Assam and Meghalaya will be linked by NH127B with the assistance of this bridge. On completion this bridge will push economic actions and progress on both sides of the river.
    • It will also progress connectivity from West Bengal to Assam.