Current Affairs Questions & Answers: February 12-13, 2017

Notes:
The World Radio Day (WRD) is observed every year on February 13 to celebrate radio as the medium for entertainment, information and the mode for communication. The 2017 theme is “Radio is You!” a call for greater participation of audiences and communities in the policy and planning of radio broadcasting. The day provides an opportunity to honour how radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and promote positive dialogue for change.

Notes:
India has won the 2017 T20 Blind World Cup by defeating Pakistan in the final by 9-wickets at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Indian player Prakash Jayaramaiah was adjudged as man of the match for his outstanding innings in the match while Badar Munir from Pakistan was given the man of the series award for his 570 runs in the tournament.

Notes:
Jiro Taniguchi (69), a legendary comic manga artist of Japan, has recently passed away in Tokyo, Japan. He was known for his elegant line drawings and intricately-constructed landscapes. Taniguchi achieved an international following with works such as The Walking Man, The Summit of the Gods and The Magic Mountain.

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The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed every year on February 11 to promote gender equality and encourage girls and women to get involved in science and research.

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The 2nd edition of the International Spice Conference has started in Kovalam, Kerala on February 12, 2017. The event is hosted by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF), which represents about 80% of spices exports, in association with the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The central theme of the conference is “21st century spice industry: Disrupt or be disrupted”. The 3-day conference will discuss effective strategies and innovative technologies to improve the livelihood of farmers; address industry challenges, food safety concerns and demand supply disparity; and seek to foster sustainable growth. Over 700 delegates representing various States, industry leaders from 40 countries, representatives of international spice associations, policymakers and end-users are expected to attend.

Notes:
The 2017 UNESCO Natural Heritage Festival was held at Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Sairopa, Himachal Pradesh from February 11th to 12th. The fest was held in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and would be attended by prominent conservationists, including Dr George Schaller and Dr A J T Johnsingh, The festival feature a media workshop on environmental journalism, discussions on natural and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region and a heritage walk. Notably, GHNP was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2014 in recognition of its outstanding significance for bio-diversity conservation.

Notes:
The 3-day International Coin Fair has started at Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from February 13, 2017 and is hosted by District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). More than 2,500 coins from around 500 regions, including those from the times of empires and princely states will be displayed in this fair. The coins on display will include those from the time of Alexander the Great, to various Mughal, Chera, Chola emperors and Kanishka, besides Persian, Roman and Islamic coins. Additionaly, the coin released by Subhash Chandra Bose during British rule and Somalian guitar-shaped coins, Princess Diana tribute coins, flower-inscribed coins, among other rare pieces, will be the major attractions.

Notes:
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a member of the Social Democratic party (SPD), has been elected the new President of Germany by the Federal Assembly meeting in Parliament in Berlin. He won 931 out of 1,260 votes. Steinmeier will succeed Joachim Gauck on March 18, 2017.

Notes:
Sandeep Jajodia, the CMD of Monnet Ispat & Energy Ltd., has been appointed the new President of industry chamber Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM). He succeeded Sunil Kanoria. The ASSOCHAM is one of the apex trade associations of India. The organisation represents the interests of trade and commerce in India, and acts as an interface between industry, government and other relevant stakeholders on policy issues and initiatives.

Notes:
Nilesh Shivji Vikamsey, who has been a member of the ICAI since 1985, has become the new President of Institute of Chartered Accountant of India (ICAI). Prior to this appointment, Vikamsey was the Vice President of the CA institute in 2016-17. ICAI is the national professional accounting body of India. The affairs of ICAI are managed by a council in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988. The council has 32 elected members and eight are nominated by the central government.