Important Current Affairs 8th August 2017

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Current Affairs 8th August 2017: NATIONAL NEWS

GMR to develop greenfield International Airport at Mopa in Goa 


The GMR Goa International Airport Limited, an SPV formed by the GMR Airports Limited has signed Concession Agreement with Government of Goa for development and operation of Greenfield International Airport at Mopa on 8th November 2016. 
●    The GMR Airports Limited has won the project through international competitive bidding process with highest revenue share of 36.99%. 
●    The project will operate in hybrid till model with 30% cross subsidy, and is to be implemented in four phases. 
●    The total estimated cost of Phase I of the project is Rs, 3,100 crores. 
●    This information was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.


Swachh Bharat launches Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2017 


As the Swachh Bharat Mission approaches the third anniversary of its launch by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation today launched a third party verification survey report to take stock of the progress already made by the Mission in rural India. 
●    The Quality Council of India (QCI) has conducted a transparent third-party assessment of the present status of rural sanitation in all States and UTs, called Swachh Sarvekshan Gramin 2017.
●    Under the Swachh Sarvekshan Gramin 2017, QCI surveyed 1.4 lakh rural households across 4626 villages, and found the overall toilet coverage to be 62.45%. 
●    At the time of the survey, i.e. May-June 2017, the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) MIS reported the coverage to be 63.73%. 
●    The survey also observed that 91.29% of the people having access to a toilet, use it.  
●    The Swachh Sarvekshan Gramin 2017 report was launched at a press conference today in New Delhi by the Union Minister, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, and the Secretary, Shri Parameswaran Iyer.

Britannia to invest ₹1,000 crore in Maharashtra


Britannia Industries is planning a ₹1,000-crore investment to set up a mega food park at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra.
●    The company will relocate its upcoming croissant-making facility from Tamil Nadu to the proposed integrated food-park (in Maharashtra), while it ramps ups international business by exploring the setting up of own facilities at Nepal and in African markets.
●    “There has been a change in strategy (for the croissant-making facility). Instead of Tamil Nadu we are looking at Maharashtra now where we are setting up food park,” Varun Berry, Managing Director, Britannia, told BusinessLine, adding that fiscal “incentives” was the reason for this change in strategy.
●    Berry was in Kolkata for the company’s 98th Annual General Meeting.
●    Britannia had entered into a joint venture with Chipita SA, a Greek company for manufacture and sale of croissants.
●    Meanwhile, investments in the green-field project at Ranjangaon are expected across four to five phases. Work will begin this year.


Grameen Marathon for the youth of rural regions in Delhi 


Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports here today organized the first Grameen Marathon for the youth of rural regions in Delhi. 
●    The marathon started from Nizampur village in Delhi with around 11,000 participants.
●    Arjun Awardee and ace badminton coach Pullela Gopichand was the Chief Guest at the flag off ceremony. 
●    He encouraged the young participants and said that this a unique initiative by the Sports Ministry under the leadership of Sports Minister Vijay Goel. 
●    Gopichand further stated that this will enable us to scout for hidden talent in rural regions and train them for future. 
●    Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel had earlier mentioned that such initiatives would go a long way in providing a platform to talented youngsters to represent India. 
●    Shri Goel had stated that a major chunk of our players come from rural and tribal regions and hence it is vital for us to organize such sporting events that help them grow and provides us chance to train them further so that they represent India.
 

Current Affairs 8th August 2017: SPORTS

Cricket Association of Bengal Announces award For Jhulan Goswami


Indian women's cricket team pacer Jhulan Goswami is set to be rewarded with a cash prize Rs 10 lakh and a plaque by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
●    Jhulan guided India to the final of the Women's World Cup in England. 
●    She hails from Bengal and has captained the national team before.
●    The 34-year old recently scripted history by breaking the record of Australian Cathryn Fitzpatrick to become the highest wicket taker in women's One Day Internationals.
●    Jhulan also returned figures of 3/23 in the summit clash restricting the hosts to 228/7 in 50 overs. 
●    But the batter failed to keep her nerves and frittered away a golden opportunity to capture their maiden World Cup title. India eventually lost by nine runs.


Vijender Singh defeats Chinese boxer Zulpikar Maimaitiali


Boxer Vijender Singh, who on Saturday defeated China's Zulpikar Maimaitiali in the unified WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental Super Middleweight title, has dedicated the victory towards peace and harmony between India and China, more particularly in the backdrop of the Doklam stand-off.
●    "Want to dedicate this victory towards peace and harmony between India and China! Jai hind," Vijender Singh took to Twitter on late Saturday night.
●    Singh earlier in the day maintained his unbeaten streak by defeating Maimaitiali.
●    Singh won his second title and ninth consecutive pro bout as he beat his Chinese opponent on points by a unanimous decision.
●    He, however, returned the title saying, "I don't want this title, because I don't want tension at the border”.
●    Speaking about the much-awaited encounter, Vijender had earlier trolled his opponent and said that he would try to finish the bout as soon as possible as "Chinese products don't last long".


Andy Murray Maintains Top Spot In ATP Rankings


Britain's Andy Murray has maintained his position on top of the men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday, with 7.750 points.
●    There were no changes in this week's rankings, with Spain's Rafael Nadal on the second spot, followed by Switzerland's Roger Federer on third, reports Efe.
●    However, with Murray out of action because of a hip injury.
●    Nadal has the opportunity to take top spot for the first time since July 2014 if he reaches the semi-finals of the Coupe Rogers Tournament in Montreal, which kicks off this week.
 

Current Affairs 8th August 2017: DAYS AND DATES

National Handloom Day observed across India to promote welfare of weavers


The 3rd National Handloom Day was observed across India on 7 August 2017, in order to promote indigenous creations and honour the handloom weavers of the country.
●    The day mainly aims to highlight the contribution of handloom to the socioeconomic development of the country and promote handlooms to increase the income of weavers and also to bring their undying skill and hard work out in the limelight.
●    The Union Textiles Minister, Smriti Irani addressed a gathering at Ahmedabad to mark the occasion. 
●    Various programmes were held in universities, schools and other institutions as well.
●    The main function to celebrate the day this year was held at Guwahati and it was presided over by Union Minister of State, Textiles, Ajay Tamta. 
●    Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government of India was taking various initiatives for the welfare of handloom weavers.
●    He continued saying that he personally not only appreciates but also salutes the handloom weavers for their commitment, dedication and skill.

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