Current Affairs Mar 2018 - Persons in NEWS
1 - Michael Bloomberg launched $20 mn anti-tobacco watchdog
Philanthropist Michael Bloomberg launched 20 million US dollars anti-tobacco watchdog to detect and expose deceptive practices by the tobacco industry.
Mr Bloomberg, an Ambassador for the World Health Organization reported that tobacco control measures have saved nearly 35 million lives. Bloomberg's charitable giving organization accuses the tobacco industry of seeking to legitimize itself in the eyes of policymakers, of marketing to children, and pushing cigarette alternatives for which the health care remains inconclusive. Bloomberg launched the World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Cape Town.
2 - MS Dhoni signed as brand ambassador of gaming platform Dream 11
Veteran Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni was signed as brand ambassador of gaming platform Dream 11. Dream11 is India's biggest sports game with over 2 crore users playing fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi and basketball.
He was selected as brand ambassador because of his mastermind leadership as Indian cricket team captain. MS Dhoni is known for his outstanding decisions and management of team as Indian cricket team captain. He has been honoured with rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has signed around 20 endorsements at present.
3 - Virat Kohli named as Brand Ambassador for Uber India
Uber India has appointed Virat Kohli, Captain of the Indian Cricket team as its first brand ambassador in India, a first of its kind initiative across the Asia Pacific region.
Virat will be actively involved in a series of innovative marketing and customer experience initiatives to be rolled out by Uber India. Virat is currently valued at $144 million in terms of brand value, more than anyone, according to a report titled ‘Rise of the Millennials: India’s most valuable celebrity brands.’
4 - Steve Smith and David Warner banned for 1 year over the ball tampering case
Cricket Australia has handed a 12-month suspension to Steve Smith and David Warnerfor their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. Cameron Bancroft has been handed a nine-month suspension.
Smith and Warner also stepped down as captains of Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. Smith and Bancroft have also been banned from captaining Australia for at least the next two years, while Warner will not be considered for any team leadership positions in the future.
5 - Anushka Sharma, PV Sindhu in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List
Bollywood actor-producer Anushka Sharma and India’s badminton ace PV Sindhu have featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2018 list, which includes innovators who are reshaping their industries and changing Asia for the better.
The Forbes list highlights 300 young individuals driving change in Asia. Forbes has selected names in various sectors including entertainment, finance and venture capital, retail, social entrepreneurs and enterprise technology.
