17 July 2016 – Daily Current Affairs

Kudsi Erguner appointed UNESCO Peace Artist

Kudsi Erguner was appointed as UNESCO Peace Artist on 10^th July 2016. He is a Turkish musician. He is a famous composer, author, teacher and musicologist. The appointment came from Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General. He was appointed during a Congress Ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey. He was chosen in lieu of his efforts towards promoting universal music values. He has also contributed towards protecting musical heritage. He will be responsible for updating long-forgotten musical heritage.

Vijender Singh clinched WBO-APSM Title

Vijender Singh clinches WBO-APSM (Asia Pacific Super Middleweight) Title. He defeated Kerry Hope from Australia to grab the trophy. It was his 7^th straight circuit win. Vijender won all the 10 rounds during his tournament. He also becomes India’s first professional boxing champion. He is not 15^th world champion in his class. Vijender defeated Sonny Whiting on 10^th October 2015. He again won against Dean Gillen on 7^th November 2015. His next win was against Samet Hyuseinov on 19^th December 2015. On 12^th March 2016, he won against Alexander Horvath at UK.

Pema Khandu elected as Arunachal Pradesh CM

On 17^th July 2016, Pema Khandu was elected as Arunachal Pradesh CM. The sworn-in ceremony was held at Itanagar’s Raj Bhawan. The oath was administered by Tataghata Roy, Governor. Also, Chowna Mein took the oath for Deputy CM. Prema Khandu is 37 years old. He became the nation’s youngest CM (Chief Minister). His predecessor Nabam Tuki resigned on 16^th July 2016. Khandu’s selection as CM was proposed by Tuki. 43 members in the CLP conference unanimously accepted Tuki’s proposal. Prema Kandu is former CM (late) Dorjee Khandu’s son. His first entrance in the AP assembly was in 2011.

TRTL acquired Yatra Online

TRTL acquired Yatra Online for USD 218 Million. The acquisition took place on 14^th July 2016. It was a merger agreement. The management team of Yatra will be remaining same. Dhruv Shringi is the co-founder and CEO of Yatra. He will be retaining this position. Yatra online was established in 2006. It is an online travel agency with 4 million plus customers. It is India’s top known customer travel platform. It is also one of the highest rated eCommerce travel company in India. It has 3 awards from the Tourism Awards in its kitty. TRTL (Terrapin 3 Acquisition Corporation) is an organisation specialising in spearheading mergers, acquisitions etc.

33^rd WHS (World Heritage Site) declared

Nalanda Mahavihara became the 33^rd WHS (World Heritage Site). It is also known as old Nalanda Bihar University. UNESCO inscribed this site as WHS on 15^th July 2016. This makes Nalanda ruins 2^nd WHS in Bihar. Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya is second WHS in Bihar. The Nalanda ruins consist of scholastic and monastic institutional remains. These archaeological remains date between 3 century BC and 13^th Century AD. The ruin consists of shrines, stupas and viharas. The artworks are in metal, stone and stucco. UNESCO listing will ensure protection and conservation of this site. The listing will also provide more funds for site protection.