Current Affairs of 9th October

1. Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize 2015
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize 2015. It was announced by the Kaci Kullman Five, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee on 9 October 2015.
It was awarded for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of Jasmine revolution of 2011.
The Quartet was picked from the pool of 273 nominees with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Pope Francis among the list of top contenders to win the prize.
The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly in 1901 to Jean Henry Dunant, founder of International Committee of Red Cross and French peace activist and economist Frederic Passy.
About Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet
The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet comprised four key organizations in Tunisian civil society. These are:
• The Tunisian General Labour Union
• The Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts
• The Tunisian Human Rights League
• The Tunisian Order of Lawyers

2. Music composer AR Rahman named as Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman was  named as the Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles for his contribution in enhancing the country’s Art and Culture Development.
One of the most globally popular Indian music icons, Rahman has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe, besides national recognition in his illustrious career.
Despite of all these awards, Rahman will also receive the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar award 2015 on 26 October 2015 by veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai on the birth anniversary of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the late younger brother of legendary playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

3. World Egg Day Observed across the world
20th World Egg Day was observed on 9 October 2015 across the world. The Day is a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the benefits of eggs and is celebrated in countries all around the world.
Countries all around the world celebrate the day by highlighting the benefits of eggs. Festivals, charitable events and city celebrations form part of the celebrations of the day for recognition of this small but mighty food source. Eggs are the source of life and a symbol of fertility.
Now part of the World Egg Organisation, World Egg Day provides the perfect platform for reminding us all of the many health benefits of eating eggs. 
World Egg Day was established at the International Egg Commission (IEC) Vienna 1996 conference when it was decided to celebrate World Egg Day on the second Friday in October each year.

4. World Post Day observed globally
World Post Day was observed globally on 9 October 2015 with the theme Posts claim their place in the changing communication landscape. The day marks the date of establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. 
The UPU was the start of global communications revolution, allowing people could write to others all over the world.
World Post Day is observed to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives as well as its contribution to the social and economic development of countries.
World Post Day celebrations in India 
In India, the day is celebrated as a part of the National Postal Week and it continues till 15 October. This week is observed in different forms and they are 
• 11 October – Savings Bank Day
• 12 October –Mail Day
• 13 October –Philately Day
• 14 October – Postal Life Insurance Day 
• 15 October – Business Development Day 

5. FIFA suspended President Sepp Blatter, VP Michel Platini and Secretary General Jerome Valcke
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body of association football, futsal and beach football,  provisionally suspended its president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days.
FIFA’s ethics committee handed out the punishments due to alleged charges of corruption on Blatter, Valcke and Platini.
The association also banned ex-FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-joon for six years.
Issa Hayatou, head of Africa's football confederation (Caf), will act as the interim FIFA president during Blatter's ban.
Blatter, Platini, who is also the football administrator of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and Valcke were banned from any football activity in the interim.
Sepp Blatter has served as the 8th president of FIFA since June 1998. However, after the ban, he is not allowed to represent the football's world governing body in any capacity.
However, the UEFA saw no need to remove Michel Platini from his position of football administrator.

6. Joint Declaration of the Heads of the Migration Authorities of the BRICS countries released
The Joint Declaration of the Heads of the Migration Authorities of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations was released  after the first BRICS Ministerial meeting on Migration. The meeting was held in Sochi, Russia.
The declaration guided by the Ufa Declaration and the commitment to respect human rights is a major milestone so far as orderly and legal migration amongst BRICS countries is concerned.
The members also resolved to combat and prevent transnational organized crime in line with the Ufa declaration.
The Indian delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.
Following is the Text of the Joint declaration:
Affirm the interest of BRICS countries in exchanging views and sharing experience on migration issues
Acknowledge the interrelationship between transnational migration and development and the need to deal with the opportunities and challenges that migration presents and take advantage of its positive impacts
Reaffirm the openness of the BRICS to deepen collaboration with other countries, international and regional organizations, based on principle of equality and mutual respect for discussing and addressing the issue of international migration including the facilitation of safe and orderly migration
Acknowledge the impact of migration to the social and economic development and demographic situation in the BRICS countries
Express the interest of BRICS countries in sharing best practices in the development and implementation of national migration policies or procedures
Acknowledge the relevance of cooperation in the field of migration in the BRICS space
Recognize the importance of promoting the mobility of skilled workers in the space of the BRICS countries
Reiterate the commitment to combat and prevent organized criminal human trafficking and migrant smuggling
Welcome strengthening of the dialogue and cooperation in the field of migration, including migration policies, procedures and strategies as well as working meetings of representatives of the migration authorities of the BRICS countries
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and other International bodies on migration.

7. Alibaba's UC top mobile browser in India, Chrome dominates PC: Report 
Alibaba's UC browser is dominating the Indian mobile market with over 51 per cent share in the browsing space while Google's Chrome leads the personal computer segment in the country, according to web analytics and statistics firm Stat Counter. 
"India is the world's fastest growing mobile country and our largest overseas market and we are deeply committed to it. We constantly strive to reach new users through unique customisation and localisation efforts,.
As per the data shared by Stat Counter, share of UC browser has grown from around 37.46 per cent to over 51 per cent at the end of September, while share of it's close competitor Opera mobile browser has came down from 23 per cent to 21.09 per cent. 
Besides UC, Chrome is the only mobile internet browser that saw growth in its market share from 7.03 per cent to 13.21. 
However, in personal computer space, Chrome dominates Indian market with 67.85 per cent share and has registered continuous growth. 
Shares of Chrome's close competitors Firefox and Internet Explorer (IE) have been witnessing decline in their market. 

8. Amazon ties up with Mahindra to get Jeeto for delivery personnel
E-commerce giant Amazon is rolling out from Hyderabad a nationwide vehicle loan scheme for its delivery associates. Announcing this on Friday, the company said it has tied up with Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. for providing commercial vehicle Jeeto.
The programme, whose underlying objective is to facilitate those in its delivery chain graduate from two-wheeler to Jeeto. "Under the scheme, delivery associates can secure zero down payment loans.
For this pilot, Amazon has partnered with Quess, its staffing partner. Delivery associates on the rolls of Quess for a minimum of five months can enroll. Quess will help them obtain commercial transport driving licence at no cost. Medical and accident insurance benefits would continue as they did with two wheelers.
Jeeto that will be made available to the associates, under the programme, has been specially customised for the delivery associates

9. ICICI Bank Launches mVisa Electronic Cardless Transactions for Pockets App
The ICICI Bank on Thursday launched a service enabling customers to make electronic payments from their smartphones at physical stores, e-commerce portals, radio taxis and utility billers, among others, without swiping a debit card.  The service is based on 'mVisa', a new mobile payment solution from Visa. ICICI Bank, India's largest private bank, is the first bank globally to launch a mobile app based on 'mVisa' solution for consumers and merchants.  The service has been introduced for its customers in Bengaluru only with 1,500 merchants brought under the fold of mobile electronic payments. The service will be rolled out in other cities shortly.
The process involves scanning a Quick Response code at a merchant location without swiping the card.

10. China launched the first phase of China International Payment System
 China  launched the first phase of China International Payment System (CIPS), a milestone in bolstering Yuan’s global usage and furthering cross-border clearing of its currency from the Chinese mainland instead of offshore centres abroad.  The launch of the CIPS was expected to boost the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) launched in 2013 as a test bed for new reforms.
Developed and administered by the People's Bank of China, CIPS enables market participants outside China to clear Yuan transactions with their Chinese counterparts directly from 9 am to 8 pm. The CIPS provides capital settlement and clearing services for cross-border Yuan transactions for financial institutions domestically and abroad. It will enhance efficiency and increase global use of the Chinese currency. CIPS will help shore up China’s real economy and promoting the going abroad strategy of domestic enterprises.
Previously, cross-border Yuan clearing was done either through one of the offshore Yuan clearing banks in places like Hong Kong, Singapore and London, or else with the help of a corresponding bank on the Chinese mainland.

1. Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize 2015
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet won the Nobel Peace Prize 2015. It was announced by the Kaci Kullman Five, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee on 9 October 2015.
It was awarded for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of Jasmine revolution of 2011.
The Quartet was picked from the pool of 273 nominees with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Pope Francis among the list of top contenders to win the prize.
The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded jointly in 1901 to Jean Henry Dunant, founder of International Committee of Red Cross and French peace activist and economist Frederic Passy.
About Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet
The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet comprised four key organizations in Tunisian civil society. These are:
• The Tunisian General Labour Union
• The Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts
• The Tunisian Human Rights League
• The Tunisian Order of Lawyers

2. Music composer AR Rahman named as Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman was  named as the Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles for his contribution in enhancing the country’s Art and Culture Development.
One of the most globally popular Indian music icons, Rahman has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe, besides national recognition in his illustrious career.
Despite of all these awards, Rahman will also receive the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar award 2015 on 26 October 2015 by veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai on the birth anniversary of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, the late younger brother of legendary playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

3. World Egg Day Observed across the world
20th World Egg Day was observed on 9 October 2015 across the world. The Day is a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the benefits of eggs and is celebrated in countries all around the world.
Countries all around the world celebrate the day by highlighting the benefits of eggs. Festivals, charitable events and city celebrations form part of the celebrations of the day for recognition of this small but mighty food source. Eggs are the source of life and a symbol of fertility.
Now part of the World Egg Organisation, World Egg Day provides the perfect platform for reminding us all of the many health benefits of eating eggs. 
World Egg Day was established at the International Egg Commission (IEC) Vienna 1996 conference when it was decided to celebrate World Egg Day on the second Friday in October each year.

4. World Post Day observed globally
World Post Day was observed globally on 9 October 2015 with the theme Posts claim their place in the changing communication landscape. The day marks the date of establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland. 
The UPU was the start of global communications revolution, allowing people could write to others all over the world.
World Post Day is observed to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives as well as its contribution to the social and economic development of countries.
World Post Day celebrations in India 
In India, the day is celebrated as a part of the National Postal Week and it continues till 15 October. This week is observed in different forms and they are 
• 11 October – Savings Bank Day
• 12 October –Mail Day
• 13 October –Philately Day
• 14 October – Postal Life Insurance Day 
• 15 October – Business Development Day 

5. FIFA suspended President Sepp Blatter, VP Michel Platini and Secretary General Jerome Valcke
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body of association football, futsal and beach football,  provisionally suspended its president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days.
FIFA’s ethics committee handed out the punishments due to alleged charges of corruption on Blatter, Valcke and Platini.
The association also banned ex-FIFA vice-president Chung Mong-joon for six years.
Issa Hayatou, head of Africa's football confederation (Caf), will act as the interim FIFA president during Blatter's ban.
Blatter, Platini, who is also the football administrator of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and Valcke were banned from any football activity in the interim.
Sepp Blatter has served as the 8th president of FIFA since June 1998. However, after the ban, he is not allowed to represent the football's world governing body in any capacity.
However, the UEFA saw no need to remove Michel Platini from his position of football administrator.

6. Joint Declaration of the Heads of the Migration Authorities of the BRICS countries released
The Joint Declaration of the Heads of the Migration Authorities of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations was released  after the first BRICS Ministerial meeting on Migration. The meeting was held in Sochi, Russia.
The declaration guided by the Ufa Declaration and the commitment to respect human rights is a major milestone so far as orderly and legal migration amongst BRICS countries is concerned.
The members also resolved to combat and prevent transnational organized crime in line with the Ufa declaration.
The Indian delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.
Following is the Text of the Joint declaration:
Affirm the interest of BRICS countries in exchanging views and sharing experience on migration issues
Acknowledge the interrelationship between transnational migration and development and the need to deal with the opportunities and challenges that migration presents and take advantage of its positive impacts
Reaffirm the openness of the BRICS to deepen collaboration with other countries, international and regional organizations, based on principle of equality and mutual respect for discussing and addressing the issue of international migration including the facilitation of safe and orderly migration
Acknowledge the impact of migration to the social and economic development and demographic situation in the BRICS countries
Express the interest of BRICS countries in sharing best practices in the development and implementation of national migration policies or procedures
Acknowledge the relevance of cooperation in the field of migration in the BRICS space
Recognize the importance of promoting the mobility of skilled workers in the space of the BRICS countries
Reiterate the commitment to combat and prevent organized criminal human trafficking and migrant smuggling
Welcome strengthening of the dialogue and cooperation in the field of migration, including migration policies, procedures and strategies as well as working meetings of representatives of the migration authorities of the BRICS countries
The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and other International bodies on migration.

7. Alibaba's UC top mobile browser in India, Chrome dominates PC: Report 
Alibaba's UC browser is dominating the Indian mobile market with over 51 per cent share in the browsing space while Google's Chrome leads the personal computer segment in the country, according to web analytics and statistics firm Stat Counter. 
"India is the world's fastest growing mobile country and our largest overseas market and we are deeply committed to it. We constantly strive to reach new users through unique customisation and localisation efforts,.
As per the data shared by Stat Counter, share of UC browser has grown from around 37.46 per cent to over 51 per cent at the end of September, while share of it's close competitor Opera mobile browser has came down from 23 per cent to 21.09 per cent. 
Besides UC, Chrome is the only mobile internet browser that saw growth in its market share from 7.03 per cent to 13.21. 
However, in personal computer space, Chrome dominates Indian market with 67.85 per cent share and has registered continuous growth. 
Shares of Chrome's close competitors Firefox and Internet Explorer (IE) have been witnessing decline in their market. 

8. Amazon ties up with Mahindra to get Jeeto for delivery personnel
E-commerce giant Amazon is rolling out from Hyderabad a nationwide vehicle loan scheme for its delivery associates. Announcing this on Friday, the company said it has tied up with Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. for providing commercial vehicle Jeeto.
The programme, whose underlying objective is to facilitate those in its delivery chain graduate from two-wheeler to Jeeto. "Under the scheme, delivery associates can secure zero down payment loans.
For this pilot, Amazon has partnered with Quess, its staffing partner. Delivery associates on the rolls of Quess for a minimum of five months can enroll. Quess will help them obtain commercial transport driving licence at no cost. Medical and accident insurance benefits would continue as they did with two wheelers.
Jeeto that will be made available to the associates, under the programme, has been specially customised for the delivery associates

9. ICICI Bank Launches mVisa Electronic Cardless Transactions for Pockets App
The ICICI Bank on Thursday launched a service enabling customers to make electronic payments from their smartphones at physical stores, e-commerce portals, radio taxis and utility billers, among others, without swiping a debit card.  The service is based on 'mVisa', a new mobile payment solution from Visa. ICICI Bank, India's largest private bank, is the first bank globally to launch a mobile app based on 'mVisa' solution for consumers and merchants.  The service has been introduced for its customers in Bengaluru only with 1,500 merchants brought under the fold of mobile electronic payments. The service will be rolled out in other cities shortly.
The process involves scanning a Quick Response code at a merchant location without swiping the card.

10. China launched the first phase of China International Payment System
 China  launched the first phase of China International Payment System (CIPS), a milestone in bolstering Yuan’s global usage and furthering cross-border clearing of its currency from the Chinese mainland instead of offshore centres abroad.  The launch of the CIPS was expected to boost the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) launched in 2013 as a test bed for new reforms.
Developed and administered by the People's Bank of China, CIPS enables market participants outside China to clear Yuan transactions with their Chinese counterparts directly from 9 am to 8 pm. The CIPS provides capital settlement and clearing services for cross-border Yuan transactions for financial institutions domestically and abroad. It will enhance efficiency and increase global use of the Chinese currency. CIPS will help shore up China’s real economy and promoting the going abroad strategy of domestic enterprises.
Previously, cross-border Yuan clearing was done either through one of the offshore Yuan clearing banks in places like Hong Kong, Singapore and London, or else with the help of a corresponding bank on the Chinese mainland.

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