Important Current Affairs 11th October 2018 English

(International News)

Defence Minister on a three-day visit to France
 Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has left for Paris on a three-day visit to France.
Objective:-
Nirmala  Sitharaman will hold wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries and also deliberate on major regional and global issues of mutual interests.
Both the leaders are expected to deliberate on joint production of military platforms and weapons by the two countries. 
Important:
French President Emmanuel Macron had visited India in March during which the two countries decided to expand strategic ties and deepen counter-terror cooperation. 

(Day & Dates News)
International Day of the Girl being observed on 11th October
 
International Day of the Girl is being observed today. This day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. 
The theme this year is With Her: A Skilled Girl Force. 

(National News)
13th Annual Convention of Central Information Commission
 
President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the 13th Annual Convention of Central Information Commission (CIC) here on Friday on October 12, 2018. 
The Annual Convention on the topic “Data privacy and Right to information, Amendment in the RTI Act and Implementation of the RTI Act” is aimed at recommending measures for improving the transparency and accountability with a view to improve governance. 
The Convention shall deliberate on three specific subjects viz. “Data privacy and Right to Information”, “Amendment in the RTI Act” and “Implementation of the RTI Act.”

India’s First National Environment Survey In 2019
 
India’s first ever National Environment Survey (NES) will be kicked off in January, 2019 to map environment data of 55 districts across 24 states and 3 Union Territories.
The NES will rank all districts on their environmental performance and document their best green practices based on various environmental parameters. The earliest first set of complete green data from this survey will be available in 2020.

Cyclone Titli makes landfall near Gopalpur in Odisha 
 
The Cyclone Titli made landfall near Gopalpur in Odisha this morning. The bordering district of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh was severely hit due to the cyclone.  Several parts of Odisha are experiencing heavy rain as the Cyclone intensifies.
'Titli', which has been categorised as a "very severe cyclonic storm", hit the coast with a speed of 140 to 150 kmph, the Met department said. The cyclone is moving towards West Bengal and is expected to weaken gradually with decreasing wind speed.

(Appointment News)
Tushar Mehta appointed as the new Solicitor General of India
 
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta was appointed as the Solicitor General of India by the central government. The post was vacant since October 20, 2017 after the resignation of former solicitor general of India Ranjit Kumar.
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Mehta with effect from the day of assumption of charge of the office for a period till June 30, 2020.

(Science & Technology News)

Scientists develop the first bio-electronic medicine

Scientists from Washington University in the US have developed the first bioelectronic medicine -- an implantable, biodegradable wireless device that speeds nerve regeneration and improves the healing of a damaged nerve.
The technology, called "bioelectronic medicine," provides therapy and treatment over a clinically relevant period of time and directly at the site where it's needed, thereby reducing side effects or risks associated with conventional, permanent implants.

(Sports News)
Asian Para Games:
Sundar Singh Gurjar wins silver in javelin throw
 
Indian javelin thrower Sundar Singh Gurjar won a silver medal in the men’s F46 category of the Asian Para Games.
In the same event, Rinku picked up a bronze medal to make it an India-dominated podium. The F46 category of disability covers upper limb deficiency, impaired muscle power or impaired range of movement.
India also logged a bronze in the men’s 400m T13 category with Avnil Kumar claiming the third position. The T13 classification deals with visual impairment.