Current Affairs Aug 18, 2015

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1. 70% votes polled in Sri Lanka: An estimated 70 per cent of about 1.5 crore voters of Sri Lanka on 17th August exercised their franchise in the eighth parliamentary elections.

2. Russia backs India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat: After the United States, Russia too has clarified that it is open to supporting India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC).

3. IndiGo confirms record 250 aircraft order with Airbus Group: IndiGo, India’s biggest airline, confirmed an order to buy as many as 250 Airbus Group A320 neo single-aisle jets worth $26.6 billion at list prices, giving the plane maker its biggest order by volume.

4. 27 killed as bomb hits Hindu shrine in heart of Bangkok: At least 27 people were killed and 117 others injured when a powerful bomb went off inside a hugely popular Lord Brahma temple in a crowded area of Bangkok on 17th August, the first such attack in the Thai capital. Four foreigners were among the dead.

5. Narendra Modi thanks prince for Hindu temple: Narendra Modi thanked Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for granting land for a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. “Those who live here can easily appreciate how big this decision is,” Modi said in a clear reference to the prohibition on the growth of non-Islamic faiths in Muslim countries, as he asked the huge audience to give a standing ovation to the ruler.

6. Explore M&A Options, Govt Tells Public Sector Banks: The government has asked state-run banks to look for possible merger options before the proposed Bank Board Bureau (BBB) comes into existence.

7. Infosys takes to App for Zero Bench: Infosys has created an Uber-like software application for its employees to apply for different projects that need workers based on their skills, just like Uber drivers pick up passengers through a mobile app. The move is part of its effort to keep a leaner, more disciplined bench and utilise existing company resources better under an initiative called 'Zero Bench' that will aim to work towards 100% utilization.