National Affairs
Ohmium launches India’s first green hydrogen electrolyzer gigafactory
US-based Ohmium international has started India’s first green hydrogen electrolyzer manufacturing unit at Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The factory will manufacture an India-made Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolyzer with a capacity of about 500 MW per year gradually scaling it up to 2 GW per year.
Making green hydrogen in India will give a cost advantage for manufacturers rather than going for import while also reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
international Affairs
UAE announces the world’s tallest observation wheel ‘Ain Dubai’
The world’s largest and tallest observation wheel is set to be unveiled in Dubai, UAE.
The observation wheel called ‘Ain Dubai’ is 250m (820 ft) in height and is located at Bluewaters Island.
The record-breaking wheel is 42.5m (139 ft) taller than the current world’s tallest observation wheel, High Roller in Las vegas measuring 167.6m (550 ft).
Quick Fact: United Arab Emirates Dirham is the currency of UAE.
Government Schemes
Ministry of Jal Shakti launches ‘SUJALAM’ Campaign
Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched a ‘100 day campaign’ named ‘SUJALAM’ to create more and more ‘Open Defecation Free’ (ODF) Plus villages by undertaking wastewater management at the village level.
The initiative will help in wastewater management and would help revive the water bodies through the creation of 1 million soak-pits including other greywater management activities.
The campaign started on August 25 and is part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
Quick Fact: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is the Minister of Jal Shakti.
Defense
India-Kazakhstan to conduct Joint Training Exercise ‘KAZIND-21’
The 5th edition of Indo-Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise ‘KAZIND-21’ will be held from August 30 to September 11 at training Node, Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan.
The Indian Army contingent represented by a battalion of the Bihar Regiment consists of a total of 90 personnel led by a Contingent Commander whereas the Kazakhstan Army will be represented by a company group.
The exercise will boost bilateral relations and is also a platform for the Armed Forces of both the countries to train for Counter Insurgency operations in the mountains, rural scenarios under the UN mandate.
Quick Fact: Askar Mamin is the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
Summits and Conferences
Ajit Doval chairs 11th BRICS NSA Virtual Meeting
The 11th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives Responsible for National Security held via video conferencing was hosted by the NSA of India, Ajit Doval.
NSA Ajit Doval and other top security officials of the BRICS discussed the Afghanistan scenario, developments in Iran, West Asia, and the Gulf region.
The BRICS NSA meeting also adopted and recommended the BRICS counter-terrorism action plan for consideration by the BRICS Summit which is scheduled to be held in September 2021.
Science and Technology
BharatPe launches P2P lending app ‘12% Club’
BharatPe has launched a ‘12% Club’ app that will allow customers to earn up to 12 percent annual interest or borrow at a similar rate.
BharatPe has partnered with LenDenClub (RBI-approved NBFC) for this app and lending arrangement.
Consumers can invest their savings anytime by choosing to lend money on the ‘12% Club’ app while also having the feature of availing loans up to 10 lakhs for a tenure of 3 months.
Quick Fact: Ashneer Grover is the CEO of BharatPe.
Government Schemes
Maharashtra Government launches Special Programme for Widows
The government of Maharashtra has launched a special mission called ‘Mission Vatsalya’ to help women who lost their husbands to COVID-19.
Designed for widows coming from rural areas and poor backgrounds, the program will provide several services and some 18 benefits under one roof to these women.
The mission is being implemented by the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of Maharashtra.
Quick Fact: Bhagat Singh Koshyari is the Governor of Maharashtra.
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