29 August 2017 Current Affairs
International Day against Nuclear Tests: 29 August
The United Nations (UN) every year on 29 August observes the International Day against Nuclear Tests. The Day was adopted at the 64th session of UN General Assembly (UNGA) vide resolution 64/ 35 in the year 2009. The resolution was adopted with an aim to increase awareness and education about the effects of nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation so as to acheive the goal of “Safer world”.
National Sports Day: 29 August
The National Sports day is celebrated on 29th August every year to mark the birthday of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. To celebrate the day various programs are being conducted through the country. On this occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind will give away the sports Awards. A total of 29 players have been selected to receive the honours from President. The President will confer Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
Olympian Footballer Ahmed Khan passes away
India’s two-time Olympic footballer and East Bengal legend Ahmed Khan passed away at the age of 90. Khan, who played in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics, was one of the most famous of the legendary quintet of forwards called the “Five Pandavas” who played for East Bengal in an India that had just become an independent nation.
Kenya Imposes World’s Toughest Law against Plastic Bags
In Kenya, selling or even using plastic bags will risk imprisonment of up to four years or fines of $40,000. It is the world’s toughest law which is aimed at reducing plastic pollution came into effect. The East African nation joins more than 40 other countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed single use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda, and Italy.
Govt launches National Sports Talent Search Portal
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched ‘National Sports Talent Search Portal’ to unearth sporting talent from every nook and cornner of the country. The portal will be also available as smartphone application. The portal will enable any person from across country to upload their information through a simple three step process for registration, profile creation and also upload their achievements. Using this portal, a child or his parents, coaches or teachers can upload their bio data or video on the portal.
Indian U-15 Football Team wins SAFF Championships
The Indian U-15 football team completed a brilliant comeback win over Nepal to win the SAFF U-15 Championships in Kathmandu, Nepal. They were trailing 0-1 at the interval, but second half goals from Lalrokima and Vikram clinched the trophy for the Indian side. India beat Nepal by 2-1 in the final and the match took place at ANFA Complex, Lalitpur in Nepal.
Kerala CM launches FIFA U-17 World Cup logo for Kochi venue
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched the host city logo for Kochi, one of the venues of FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017. The logo launched by the CM represents Kochi’s identity and will also serve as a valuable tool in linking the local community in a global World Cup. Alongside the FIFA U-17 World Cup India official emblem, the logo for Kochi venue will form a crucial link in the promotions and communications regarding the host city. The tournament will be hosted in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium of the city.
Modi dedicates 11 completed highway projects in Rajasthan to Nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation 11 completed highway projects in Rajasthan, covering a total length of about 873 kilometres. The projects include six Lane Cable Stayed Bridge across River Chambal at Kota, four laning of Gomati Chauraha – Udaipur section and four laning of Rajsamand – Bhilwara section. During his visit to Udaipur, Modi also laid the foundation stone of national highway projects including the Jaipur Ring Road. The total outlay on these projects is estimated to be over Rs 15000 crore.
Government to launch Deep Ocean Mission
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is going to launch Deep Ocean Mission by January 2018 to spur research activities in ocean science and develop technology to harness ocean resources. The proposed inter-ministerial and interdisciplinary project aims to explore and harness mineral resources beneath the ocean floor. The mission is intended to harness ocean resources in responsible way and play important transformative role in prosperity and security of the nation. It will also seek to create jobs and business opportunities in ocean science.
IAEA opens world’s first low Enriched Uranium bank in Kazakhstan
The UN global nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has opened world’s first low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank in Oskemen in Kazakhstan. The bank is owned and managed by IAEA. It will be the first of its kind LEU bank not to be under control of any individual country. The IAEA also manages 123 tons of uranium in Angarsk, Russia but it is under the control of Russian government.
West Bengal’s Gobindobhog rice gets geographical indication status
The Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) has granted geographical indication (GI) status to Gobindobhog rice, a speciality from Burdwan district of West Bengal. The state government had applied for GI status for Gobindobhog rice in August 2015. Gobindobhog variety of rice is a short grain, white, aromatic, sticky rice having a sweet buttery flavor. It derives its name from principal ingredient usage in preparation of offerings to Govindajiu, the family deity of Setts of Kolkata.