IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF OCTOBER 2nd, 2017

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF OCTOBER 2nd, 2017

1.  On 2nd October  is International Day of Non-Violence, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

a.  In January 2004, Iranian Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi had taken a proposal for an International Day of Non-Violence.

b.  On 15 June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish2nd October as the International Day of Non-Violence. 

2.  On 2nd October  (1st Monday of October) is World Habitat Day.

a.  The purpose of World Habitat Day isto reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. 

b.  It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

c.   Theme of World Habitat Day 2017 : "Housing Policies: Affordable Homes".

3.  On 2nd October  is World Architecture Day.

a.  This is is a day to show appreciation for the work architects do and to celebrate some of the great global architectural works.

b.  Theme of the World Architecture Day 2017 : “Climate Change Action !”

4.  Austria's ban on Islamic face veils in public places came into effect from On 2nd October . 

a.  Claiming that the ban is "religiously neutral", Austrian authorities said that the move is aimed at encouraging people to assimilate into the country's culture.

5. The Nation pays homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his147th Birth anniversary On 2nd October .

6.  The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari  On 2nd October  launched NHAI's countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign and distribution of spectacles for truck drivers, cleaners and helpers.

a.  NHAI - National Highways Authority of India

7.  Mumbai's Gamdevi Police Station, which was built in 1917, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

8.American scientists Jeffrey C Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W Young have been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for "Discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms".

a.  The circadian rhythm or body's inner clock helps regulate sleep patterns, feeding behaviour, hormone release and blood pressure. 

b.  The three scientists will share the $1.1 million prize money.

9.  The State Bank of India (SBI) has waived off account closing charges for all savings bank customers under the condition that their account has existed for over a year. 

a.  Earlier, the bank was deducting ₹500 along with applicable GST as account closing charges on all accounts except for those closed during the 14-day free-look period.

10.India received first ever shipment of US crude oil of 1.6 million barrels, purchased by state-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at Paradip Port in Odisha. 

a.  It was imported on board of MT New Prosperity, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) that had left US Gulf Coast on August 19, 2017 and arrived at Paradip port.

11.Iran has banned the export of fuel to Iraq's Kurdistan as a retaliatory measure against the region's independence referendum.

12.      The United Arab Emirates (UAE) began collecting new "Sin Taxes" on tobacco products, energy drinks, and soft drinks. 

a.  Tobacco and energy drinks will be taxed at 100%, while a 50% tax will be levied on soft drinks.  

b.  Sin Tax : a tax on items such as alcohol or tobacco.

13.Russia and China were among 9 nations suspended from weightlifting competitions for up to 12 months after the International Weightlifting Federation retested samples from Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics.