World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed every year across the world on 31st May.
This day highlights the health risks associated with consumption all forms of tobacco and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
The theme for world No Tobacco Day 2017 is "Tobacco a threat to development".
The Union Health Minister 'Jagat Prakash Nadda' is chosen for this year's WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards for accelerating India's tobacco control initiatives and taking bold measures to protect people against hazards of tobacco use.
Note: In 1988, WHO’s World Health Assembly had passed a resolution calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31st May.
Gadkari lays foundation stone for 8 connectivity projects in Mumbai
The Minister of Shipping and Road Transport and Highways 'Nitin Gadkari' laid down the foundation stone for eight connectivity projects in Mumbai.
The projects worth 1,117.03 crore rupees aim to enhance connectivity of the hinterland to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.
Delhi Police launches Bicycle Patrols for better policing
Delhi Police (DP) has launched the Bicycle Patrols for better policing in the capital.
In the first phase, a total of 65 high-end bicycles (NE District-30, East District-20 and Shahdara District-15) have been operationalised.
It will normally cover distance of 2 to 5 kms per patrol.
The patrolling officers will be equipped with standard police communication equipment which will operate in 'hands-free mode' and function like mobile police posts of the local Police Station.
Govt. doctors in UP to retire at 62 years
The Uttar Pradesh govt. has extended the retirement age of the doctors from 60 to 62 years, who working under provincial medical service.
In view of non-availability of medic practitioners across the state govt. has taken the decision.
More than 7300 posts of doctors at different levels are vacant against the total sanctioned posts of around 18300.
George Kurian appointed as Vice-Chairman of National Commission for Minorities
Minister of State Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has appointed George Kurian as the vice-chairman of National Commission for Minorities.
The other appointed members are Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi (Chairman), Sulekha Kumbhare (former Maharashtra minister), Sunil Singhi (Jain representative) and Vada Dasturji Khurshed Kaikobad Dastoor.
First time a Jain member has been appointed to the panel after the community was notified as minority in Jan 2014.
The six notified minority communities in the country are Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi, and Jain.
Pentagon successfully tests ICBM defense system for first time
According to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), United States has successfully tested its defence system against an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
A ground-based interceptor was launched at a California air base and shot down a mock ballistic missile.
It was the first live-fire test against a simulated ICBM for the Ground-Based Missile Defence.
Fresh tranche of new rupee one notes to hit the market
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), new one rupee notes mainly with pink-green on obverse and reverse in combination with other colours will be soon put into circulation.
Earlier, printing of one rupee notes was discontinued in 1994 but was relaunched in 2015.
The numbering on the new notes will be in black at right hand bottom portion, while on the reverse side, the year '2017' will be mentioned.
There will be also representation of One Rupee coin with rupee symbol having floral design and the surrounding design consists of the picture of 'Sagar Samrat' the oil exploration platform.
Note:
The note will bear signature of Shaktikanta Das (Secretary in the Ministry of Finance).
Rest other currency notes bear the signature of the RBI Governor.
Dasari Narayana Rao passes away
Former union minister and renowned film director ‘Dasari Narayana Rao’ (75-year) passed away at a private hospital in Hyderabad.
Dasari directed 151 pictures in Telugu & other languages and had several super hit films to his credit.
He joined Congress Party in early 2000 and served as minister of State for coal in the cabinet of Manmohan Singh government during UPA -I.
He entered into Guinness book of Records for directing highest number of films.
Rao has the distinction of directing renowned actors like NT Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Kannada film producer Parvathamma Rajkumar passes away
Noted film producer and wife of the late Kannada superstar Rajkumar, Paravathamma Rajkumar (78-years) passed away after a prolonged illness.
She is survived by her three actor sons (Shiva Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar) and two daughters.
Parvathamma was the only woman producer-distributor-exhibitor of Kannada films.
Blockbuster movies produced by her include "Trimurthy", "Haalu Jenu", "Kaviratna Kalidasa" and "Jeevana Chaitra" starring Rajkumar.
Lionel Messi wins fourth Golden Shoe
Argentine Professional football player Lionel Messi (plays for Barcelona) has won the European Golden Shoe for a record equalling fourth time (equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's record.).
He scored 37 goals in this season and secure 74 points.
Previously Messi won the award in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
