International news affairs
- Today (17th June 2017) is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
- This day is a United Nations observance with the purpose highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought. Each annual celebration has a different theme. It should be celebrated all over the world.
- Theme of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2017: “Our land. Our home. Our Future”
- Swedish Parliament voted 254-41 in favour of adopting a climate bill and pledged to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045to tackle climate change.
- The target demands at least 85% reduction in Sweden’s greenhouse gas emissions from its 1990 levels.
- Important Note : This makes Sweden the first country to significantly strengthen its climate targets since the Paris Agreement in 2015.
National news AFFAIRS
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated Kochi Metro, Kerala’s first metro rail system
- Modi, along with other dignitaries including ‘Metro Man’ E Sreedharan and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, took a ride on the 13-km long stretch inaugurated in the first phase.
- The Kochi Metro, which started in 2012, was commissioned in 45 months, the shortest time among all Indian metro services.
- The Puducherry Assembly today passed a resolution, seeking curtailment of the powers granted to Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.
Awards & Honors
- Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s mother-in-law Annabel Mehta has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her 40 years of work and service to the underprivileged communities in Mumbai.
- The award will be presented to her at an official ceremony at the Buckingham Palace in London later this year.
- American singer Katy Perry today became the 1st ever person to hit 100 million (10 crore) followers on microblogging site Twitter.
- Syama Sanju was declared the Queen of Dhwayah, the winner at Kerala’s first ever beauty pageant for transgender women.
- Jaz D’souza was crowned the first runner-up while Harini Chandana came third from among fifteen participants.
- A ceremonial Bat-Signal was lit up at Los Angeles’ City Hall to honour late actor Adam West, known for his portrayal of Batman in American Broadcasting Company’s (ABC) 1960’s television series.
- France has named the medieval village of Kaysersberg as its favourite village of the year, beating 12 contenders.
- It won the title because of its architecture and friendly locals, according to reports.
Banking, Business & Economic news
- India and Switzerland are going to start exchanging financial account information starting 2019, with the Swiss government formally ratifying the global convention for information exchange on tax matters with 38 countries today.
- The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has introduced “APY@eNPS“, providing a complete digital enrolment process for Atal Pension Yojana (APY).
- The ministry asked the subscribers to link their Aadhar with APY for availing co-contribution.
- Note: APY was launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and presently, the scheme has over 54 lakh subscribers.
- The Central Vigilance Commission has asked public sector banks not to report frauds below ₹1 lakh to local police, unless their staff is involved.
- Cases of up to ₹1 lakh and not below ₹10,000 are to be scrutinised by bank officials for further action, CVC said.
- The decision was taken amid practical difficulties faced by banks in reporting such cases.
Science & Technology
- NASA and US-based researchers have revealed plans detailing various missions that could be sent to Uranus and Neptune by mid-2030s.
- The proposed missions include orbiters and a fly-by around the icy planets.
- Note: NASA’s Voyager 2, launched in 1977, has completed flybys of all four gas giants in Solar System- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, before heading towards interstellar space.
New Appointments
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Thursday nominated Ana Brnabić as the Prime Minister of the country.
- With this, she became the country’s first female and first openly gay Prime Minister.
Obituary
- John Avildsen (81), the Oscar-winning director of 1976 boxing saga Rocky and 1984 karate drama The Karate Kid, passed away.
- Former German Chancellor and architect of Germany’s reunification, Helmut Kohl (87), passed away.
- He led Germany for 16 years, making him the longest-serving German chancellor since Otto von Bismarck.
Current Sports Affairs
- The Indian hockey team defeated Canada 3-0 in their second match in the Hockey World League Semi-Final 2017
- Note : India will next face Pakistan on Sunday, the same day the Indian cricket team faces Pakistan in the Champions Trophy final.