Daily GK Update: 17th October, 2016

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: October 17

i. The United Nations' International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 each year since 1993.

ii. This year's theme is moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: Ending poverty in all its forms. 

China launches its longest manned space mission

i. China today launched the two-man Shenzhou 11 space mission, which is its longest-ever manned space mission.

ii. The two astronauts will spend about a month in China's recently-launched experimental space lab, Tiangong 2. While China claims its space programme is for peaceful purposes.

Ashok Leyland launches first India-made electric bus

i. Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland today launched - Circuit - the first “Made in India” electric bus. 

ii. The bus with a minimum seating capacity of 35 to a maximum of 65 can run up to 120 kilometres on a single recharge under standard test conditions.

Cipla signs deals to set up first biosimilars units in South Africa

i. Indian pharmaceutical major Cipla has signed a memorandum of agreement for South Africa’s first biosimilars manufacturing facility to be set up at a cost of nearly USD 91 million. 

ii. The agreement with KwaZulu-Natal Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone for Cipla BIOTEC’s new facility was concluded on the margins of BRICS Summit in Goa.

ICC announces first-ever women's World T20 in 2020

i. The International Cricket Council has decided to organise the first ever ICC Women's World T20 event in 2020. 

ii. A decision to this effect was taken at the ICC Board meetings which concluded in Cape Town. 
iii. Cricket Australia, hosts for the men's and women's ICC World Twenty20 in 2020.

US Navy commissions most advanced stealth destroyer Zumwalt

i. US Navy has commissioned its largest, most expensive and technologically advanced destroyer, Zumwalt. 

ii. The 610-foot-long ship, commissioned in Baltimore also has an advanced power plant and weapon systems. 
iii. The Zumwalt, costing nearly USD 4.4 billion.

Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat retains WBC Asia welterweight title

i. Indian boxer Neeraj Goyat outpunched Australia’s Ben Kite to retain the WBC welterweight Asia title. 

ii. The 24-year-old prevailed 120-110, 119-109, 115-113 in an unanimous decision for the gruelling 12-round contest against his 26-year-old rival.

Amandeep Singh appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva

i. Indian foreign service, 1992 batch officer,  Shri Amandeep Singh Gill  has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, announced by the Ministry of external affairs on 16 October 2016.

C Radhakrishnan selected for Mathrubhumi Literary award

i. Eminent writer C Radhakrishnan has been selected for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award in recognition of his contribution to the field of literature. 

ii. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.