Current Affairs Update – 24 August 2018

Current Affairs Update 24 August 2018

Current Affairs is an important part for many exams. Be prepared for this section with ByScoop which brings all the important Current Affairs in one place. 24 August 2018.

NITI Aayog launches 5 Thematic Reports on Sustainable Development in Indian Himalayan Region

  • NITI Aayog has released 5 thematic report that aims to recognize the uniqueness of the Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development in the region.
  • The government think tank had set up 5 Working Groups (WGs) in June 2017 to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic areas to discuss the significance, the challenges, the ongoing actions and a future roadmap in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
  • The themes include:   
    • Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security,
    • Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region,
    • Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation,
    • Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas and
    • Data/Information for Informed Decision Making
  • The report of the Working Group will help provide specific solution for resilience building to address socio-economic and environmental challenges in the IHR mountain setting.

India’s First ISTS Connected Wind Power Project Commissioned

  • Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) had conducted India’s first auction of wind power projects in February 2017 in which tariff of Rs. 3.46 was discovered, which was much lower than feed in tariffs in vogue those days.
  • This was a 1000 MW bid for projects to be connected on ISTS (Inter State Transmission System) wherein power generated from one state (renewable resource rich state) could be transmitted to other renewable deficient states. Mytrah, Inox, Ostro, Green Infa and Adani were winners of the bid.
  • As a part of this bid, M/s Ostro Kutch Wind Private Limited was issued letter of award on April 5, 2017 for a capacity of 250 MW, with commissioning period of 18 months.
  • A part capacity of 126 MW, located in Bhuj (Gujarat) was commissioned by M/s Ostro on August 24, 2018 ahead of schedule. The energy generated from this project is being purchased by Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and UP.
  • This 126 MW ISTS project marks the beginning of capacity additions in wind power based on market discovered tariffs, in line with the Government’s plan of 175 GW RE by the year 2022.

Ex-Prez Launches App to Rate and Review Your Neta

  • Former President Pranab Mukherjee launched a mobile application named “National Electoral Transformation (NETA App)” in New Delhi. It  provides a platform where voters can review and rate their elected representatives and hold them accountable as well.
  • Created by 27-year-old entrepreneur Pratham Mittal, the app seeks to let users rate their MLAs and MPs.
  • The platform uses combination of Artificial Intelligence, advanced algorithms, one time password and Aadhaar numbers to ensure that the voters who rate leaders are genuine.
  • The app is available on Andriod and iOS and web in 16 languages to cater to a diverse user profile.
  • To ensure participation across demographics including rural areas, NETA uses multiple mediums like IVR calls, SMS and even offline activation with the help of ASHA and Aanganwadi workers.

World Bank Launches World’s-First Blockchain Bond

  • The World Bank has launched a first of its type blockchain-only bond called ‘bond-i’ where the entire bond process, from creation to allocation and management, throughout the two year life cycle of the bond takes place on blockchain technology.
  • Bond-i is the acronym for Blockchain Operated New Debt Instrument and perhaps also for Australia’s famous Bondi Beach in Sydney.
  • The two-year bond that was arranged by Commonwealth Bank of Australia has raised 110 million Australian dollars ($80.48 million) for the World Bank since its issuance.

Atal Ji Ne Kaha: A book on Vajpayee launched

  • “Atal Ji Ne Kaha” is the latest of the books on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee launched by P.M. Modi. The book has been authored and compiled by Brijendra Rehi, noted Doordarshan producer, senior journalist.
  • The book is a rich repository of the former Prime Minister’s select speeches and photographs besides having three interviews by the author.

Scott Morrison Sworn in Australia’s New Prime Minister

  • Scott Morrison has been chosen as Australia’s 30th Prime Minister. He succeeds Malcolm Turnbull who was forced out by party rivals in a bruising leadership contest.
  • The leader of the Liberal Party, Morrison is also the nation’s sixth Prime Minister in six years. Mr Morrison defeated Peter Dutton 45 votes to 40 in the secret ballot. 

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition: August 23

  • International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed annually on August 23 each year. The day was designated by UNESCO to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade.
  • The day is commemorated to pay tribute to all those who fought for freedom and worked hard to abolish the slave trade and slavery throughout the world.

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