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  • Current Affairs 21st August 2014

    Updated : 21-Aug-2014

    Current Affairs 21st August 2014 - Important Points

    Current Affairs 21st August 2014 - Details

    Senior Congress MP from Kerala, Prof K V Thomas appointed as Chairman of Public Accounts Committee

     On 20th August 2014, Senior Congress leader K V Thomas took over as the new Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, a news among important national current affairs. Important to tell that Post of PAC chairman is held by a member of opposition party. 

    This key committee examines CAG reports once they are tabled in Parliament. PAC has a responsibility to check whether money granted by the Parliament has been spent by Government within the scope of the Demand, which makes it very important committee.

    Do you Know : 

    Who was the former PAC chairman ?

    Ans : Murli Manohar Joshi (BJP).

    Shree Swaminarayan Mandir opned in UK is the world's first "Green" Hindu temple

     On 19th August 2014, In Kingsbury of northwest London, United Kingdom, World's first Hindu eco-temple was opened. This temple is dedicated to Shree Swaminarayan so named as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.

    Apart from having traditional Indian architecture, intricate carvings and masterful artistry with green technologies this temple also have solar panels on its roof and a rainwater harvesting system which makes it first green eco friendly hindu temple in the World.

    Imphal Court ordered to release human rights activist Irom Sharmila

     A court in Imphal on 19th August 2014, ordered release of human rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, thus dismissing that she was attempting to commit suicide by doing hunger strike.

    She is known as Iron Lady for his so long protest.

    Do you Know ? 

    Human rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on indefinite fast for 13 years demanding revoking of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, (AFSPA) from the state. She begun her hunger strike in Nov 2000 when 10 persons were killed by Assam Rifles while an encounter with militants.

    Nagpur Metro Rail Project was approved by Union Cabinet

    On 20th August, Union Cabinet approved much awaited Nagpur Metro Rail Project. This project will be of 38.21 Km involving two corridors, North-South Corridor and East-West Corridor.

    North-South Corridor will be of 19.65 Km while East-West Corridor will be of 18.55 km. The project will be implemented by Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited. 50% of this project will be owned by Central Govt and other 50% will be owned by state Govt.

    Deadline of completion of this project is set by March 2018.

    22nd Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award was presented to Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali

     On 20th August 2014, Renowned filmmaker and poet Muzaffar Ali awarded with 22nd Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana award by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi.

    Though his name was already declared on 31st July 2014 for his work and contribution in spreading Communal harmony and peace. 

    Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award carries a citation and cash award of Rs 5 lakh. The decision of selecting him for the award was taken at a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award. 

    Do you Know ?

    Muzaffar Ali is also the recipient of Padma Shri in 2005.