Current Affairs 9th October 2015

Current Affairs 9th October 2015

Updated : 09-Oct-2015

Current Affairs 09th October 2015 - Important Points
Current Affairs 09th October 2015 - Details
Name the service lauched by ICICI Bank -- mVisa
On 8th October 2015, a mobile payment service based on mVisa was launched by ICICI Bank enabling customers to make electronic payments from their smartphones at radio taxi, e-commerce sites, deliveries made at home, traditional stores and utility bills among others.

At present, the service is made available only in Bengaluru with 1500 merchants. Although, it will be extended shortly in other cities as well.
Features of the mVisa-based Mobile Payment Service
- Users of Pockets app can make cashless payments from their smartphones using their debit card by simply scanning a mVisa quick response (QR) code at a merchant location without swiping the card at an EDC machine.
- Customers only need to click on the mVisa icon on the home screen of the Pockets app which activates the camera in the phone, allowing customers to scan the QR code and enter their debit card PIN.
World Sight Day observed on - 8th October
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 8th October 2015, World Sight Day (WSD) was observed with theme "Eye care for all". The Day is observed on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
In the year 2000, the SightFirstCampaign of Lions Club International Foundation initiated this day. WSD is co-ordinated by International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) under the VISION 2020 Global Initiative.
It is the third year of the WHO Global Action Plan.
Do You Know :

In 1975, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) was established as a coordinating, umbrella organisation to lead international efforts in blindness prevention activities. Its first major achievement was to promote the establishment of a WHO programme for prevention of blindness, with which it has remained strongly linked, and which is now embodied in the global initiative, VISION 2020: The Right to Sight.
South Africa won the - 3-match T-20 series
Among the important Sports Current Affairs, On 8th October 2015, the three-match T-20 International series against India 2-0 was won by South Africa. The third and the final match of the series was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of a wet outfield.
The umpires cancelled the match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata after the inspection of the ground.
Series Report
In the first match of the series, JP Duminy (South Africa) was declared as the Man of the Match.
In the second match of the series, Albie Morkel (South Africa) was declared as the Man of the Match.
Which drug has been approved by USFDA to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer - Keytruda drug
On 2nd October 2015, Keytruda (pembrolizumab) drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Although, the agency approved its use to treat patients with advanced (metastatic) form only whose disease has advanced even after other available treatments and with tumors that express a protein called PD-L1.

How Keytruda works?
This drug works by targeting the cellular pathway known as PD-1/PD-L1 (proteins found on the body’s immune cells and some cancer cells). By blocking this pathway, Keytruda may help the body’s immune system fight the cancer cells.
Which scheme has been lauched by Tata Power - LED tube light
On 8th October 2015, Tata Power, India's largest integrated power company, launched LED tube light scheme in Mumbai for its residential consumer. As per the scheme, Tata will provide five lights to each household at 525 rupees per piece against market price of 1325 rupees.
The purpose of the scheme is to encourage the residents in Mumbai to adopt energy efficient lights, thus, saving power.
The scheme was initiatedd in assocciation with Osram India, a German MNC and one of the two leading light manufacturers in the world. The initiative is a part of the demand side management programme to promote the use of highly efficient LED technology amongst households.
Cipla Medpro partnered with - Serum Institute India
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 8th October 2015, Drug maker Cipla announced that its South African subsidiary Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd. has entered into an exclusive agreement with Serum Institute of India (SII) to provide vaccines in South Africa.
About Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd
It is a leading provider of affordable medicines to the public and private sectors and the third largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in South Africa. Cipla Medpro manufactures world class pharmaceuticals at reasonable prices, making quality medicines affordable, and advancing healthcare for all South Africans.
About Serum Institute of India Limited
It is the world's second largest vaccine manufacturer in number of doses manufactured and supplied to more than 140 countries.
The first phase of China International Payment System was launched by - China
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 8th October 2015, the first phase of China International Payment System (CIPS), a milestone in bolstering Yuan’s global usage and furthering cross-border clearing of its currency from the Chinese mainland instead of offshore centres abroad has been launched by China.
It was expected to boost the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) launched in 2013 as a test bed for new reforms.
About China International Payment System (CIPS)
- Developed and administered by the People's Bank of China, CIPS enables market participants outside China to clear Yuan transactions with their Chinese counterparts directly from 9 am to 8 pm.
- It will enhance efficiency and increase global use of the Chinese currency.
- CIPS will help shore up China’s real economy and promoting the going abroad strategy of domestic enterprises.
- The CIPS provides capital settlement and clearing services for cross-border Yuan transactions for financial institutions domestically and abroad.
Forbes Asia’s Richest Families list released
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 7th October 2015, the inaugural list of Forbes' 50 richest families in Asia was released by Forbes. Lee (Byung-Chull) family of South Korea with 26.6 billion dollar is at the top of the list. The revenue of Lees of Samsung Group in 2014 was equivalent to 22 % of South Korea’s GDP.
Top 10 in the list are :
- Lee (Byung-Chull) family (Samsung) 26.6 billion dollar
- Lee (Shau Kee) family (Henderson Development) 24.1 billion dollar
- Ambani family (Reliance Group) 21.5 billion dollar
- Chearavanont family (Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group) 19.9 billion dollar
- Kwok family (Sun Hung Kai & Co) 19.5 billion dollar
- Kwek / Quek family (Hong Leong group) 18.9 billion dollar
- Premji family (Wipro) 17 billion dollar
- Tsai (Wan-Tsai) family (Cathay Financial) 15.1 billion dollar
- Hinduja family (Hinduja Group) 15 billion dollar
- Mistry family (Shapoorji Pallonji Group) 14.9 billion dollar
Indian families in the list includes
- Ambani family of Reliance Group with combined wealth of 21.5 billion dollar was ranked at 3rd position
- Premji family of Wipro with combined wealth of 17 billion dollar was ranked at the 7th position
- Mistry family of Shapoorji Pallonji Group with wealth of 14.9 billion dollar was ranked at 10th position
- Goodrej family of Godrej Group with wealth of 11.4 billion dollar was ranked at 15th position
- Mittal family of ArcelorMittal with combined wealth of 10.1 billion dollar was ranked at 19th position
- Birla family of Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd. with combined wealth of 7.8 billion dollar was ranked at 22nd position
- Bajaj family of Bajaj Group with combined wealth of 5.6 billion dollar was ranked at 29th position
- Burman family of Dabur India Ltd. with combined wealth of 5.5 billion dollar was ranked at 30th position
- Patel family of Cadila Healthcare with combined wealth of 4.8 billion dollar was ranked at 33rd position
- Lal family of Eicher Group with combined wealth of 4 billion dollar was ranked at 40th position
- Bangur family of Shree Cement with combined wealth of 3.9 billion dollar was ranked at 42nd position
- Jindal family of Jindal Group with combined wealth of 3.8 billion dollar was ranked at 43rd position
- Munjal family of Hero Group with combined wealth of 3.2 billion dollar was ranked at 46th position
- Hamied family of Cipla with combined wealth of 2.9 billion dollar was ranked at 50th position
Who has been chosen for 2015 Hridaynath Mangeskar Award - A R Rehman
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 8th October 2015, A R Rehman was chosen for the 2015 Hridaynath Mangeskar Award for his contribution to the Indian music in his career spanning over two decades.
About Hridaynath Mangeskar Award
- Hridayesh Art, a Mumbai- based socio-cultural organisation instituted the award in honour of music composer and singer Hridaynath Mangeskar.
- Since 2011, the award is given annually in recognition of contributions to Indian music.
- Lata Mangeshkar, Amitabh Bachchan, Sulochana Tai and Asha Bhosle are the recepeints of the earlier awards.
For how much rupees Amrita Sher-Gil self-portrait sold - 17 crore rupees
On 8th October 2015, An untitled self-portrait of renowned modernist painter Amrita Sher-Gil was sold for around 17 crore rupees in London at an auction by international auction house Sotheby’s.
In 1931, she created the self-portrait and gave it to French artist Boris Taslitzky.
In addition, the Modern and Contemporary South Asia Art auction, a part of the Indian Art Week in London, fetched record-breaking prices for the works of four artists Nasreen Mohamedi, Gagendranath Tagore, Gieve Patel and Prodosh Das Gupta.
Who has been named as Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles - Music composer AR Rahman
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 8th October 2015, Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman was named as the Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles for his contribution in enhancing the country’s Art and Culture Development.
Till now, Rahman has won two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe, besides national recognition in his illustrious career.
Nobel Peace Prize 2015 was won by - Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 9th October 2015, Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize 2015 announced by the Kaci Kullman Five, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
He was awarded for its determined contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of Jasmine revolution of 2011.
About Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet
It comprise of four key organizations in Tunisian civil society. These are:
- The Tunisian Human Rights League
- The Tunisian Order of Lawyers
- The Tunisian General Labour Union
- The Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts
World Post Day observed globally on - 9th October
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 9th October 2015, World Post Day was observed globally with the theme Posts claim their place in the changing communication landscape. The day is observed to mark the date of establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.
The UPU was the start of global communications revolution, allowing people could write to others all over the world.
The day is observed to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives as well as its contribution to the social and economic development of countries.
World Post Day celebrations in India
In India, the day is celebrated as a part of the National Postal Week and it continues till 15 October. This week is observed in different forms and they are
- 15 October – Business Development Day
- 14 October – Postal Life Insurance Day
- 13 October –Philately Day
- 12 October –Mail Day
- 11 October – Savings Bank Day
Mobile app ASCmeI.T to help people with autism has been developed by - British researchers
On 2nd October 2015, British researchers developed a new mobile app named ASCmeI.T that will help people with autism in the development of new technologies for their own use.
The app is a highly effective way to enable people with autism to get their voices heard and to allow the creativity of a previously neglected group to be realised.
In order to bring new developments in digital technologies for autism users can upload a one-minute video explaining their idea, which will be shared with researchers.
Autism Spectrum Conditions
Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others. With autism, the different areas of the brain fail to work together.
It is the world's third most common development disorder.
World Egg Day Observed on - 9th October
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 9th October 2015, 20th World Egg Day was observed across the world. The Day is observed to help raise awareness of the benefits of eggs.
The day was initiated in 1996 at the International Egg Commission (IEC) Vienna.
Benefits of Eggs
- The egg, which comes in a unique shell of its own, is the only farm product that cannot be adulterated.
- The egg white consists primarily of water (87 %) and protein (13 %) with all the essential amino acids in the right ratios.
- Eggs also contain decent amounts of vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, folate, selenium and zinc.
- Eggs are highly fulfilling and help in losing weight.