Daily Current Affairs - August 17, 2024: Key updates for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, and govt. job exam preparation

70th National Film Awards: Assam Films Shine Among National Winners

• Assam films won multiple awards at the 70th National Film Awards 2022.
• Best Assamese Film: "Emuthi Puthi" directed by Kulanandini Mahanta.
• Best Short Film: "Xunyota" directed by Nabapan Deka.
• Best Tiwa Film: "Sikaisal" directed by Dr. Bobby Sarma Baruah.
• Special Mention: "Birubala" and "Hargila – The Greater Adjutant Stork."
• Best Feature Film: "Aattam" (Malayalam).
• Best Non-Feature Film: "Ayena" (Hindi/Urdu).
• Best Actor: Rishab Shetty for "Kantara."
• Best Actress: Nithya Menen for "Thiruchitrambalam."

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur Visits Nathula Pass, Honors Indian Army's Valor

• New Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur visited Nathula Pass on the India-China border during his first state tour.
• Praised soldiers' dedication and honored the 1967 Nathula victory.
• Visited Sherathang War Memorial and Baba Mandir, offering prayers for Sikkim's peace and prosperity.

Location of Nathula Pass

India's First Gaganyaan Rocket Test Flight Scheduled for December 2024

• ISRO plans to conduct the first test flight of the Gaganyaan rocket in December 2024.
• Gaganyaan's rocket stages have arrived at Satish Dhawan Space Centre; crew module integration is ongoing.
• ISRO successfully launched EOS-08 and SR-0 satellites using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
• SSLV technology will be transferred to private industry for commercial production, with training provided by ISRO.
• Second launch pad construction at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, is underway, expected to be completed in two years.

Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Green Tug Transition Programme for Sustainable Maritime Sector

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) to promote a sustainable maritime sector in India.
• GTTP aims to replace diesel-powered tugs with zero-emission tugs, involving an investment of around ₹1,000 crore.
• Phase 1 (October 2024 - December 2027) will see major ports procure or charter green tugs.
• By 2040, all tugs in major Indian ports are expected to be green, with new tugs adhering to ASTDS-GTTP standards from 2033 onward.