PM chairs 44th PRAGATI Interaction... Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier on August 28, chaired the meeting of the 44th edition of PRAGATI, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments. This was the first meeting in the third term..

National Sports Day 2024... Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring the spirit of sports in the country. This day goes beyond celebrating India’s athletic achievements; it emphasizes the crucial role of sports in maintaining health, fostering community, and inspiring generations. At the heart of this celebration is the legacy of India’s legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand, whose extraordinary skills and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting history. While the theme for 2024 has not been announced at the time of writing, the previous year’s theme was “Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society.”

International Day against Nuclear Tests 2024 Observed on 29th August... Every year on August 29, the world observes the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. This significant day serves as a global reminder of the devastating effects of nuclear weapons testing and the urgent need for a world free from the threat of nuclear destruction. Since the dawn of the nuclear age in 1945, over 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted, leaving a legacy of environmental damage and human suffering.

2nd Meeting of Joint Russian- Indian Commission... The Second Meeting of the Joint Russian- Indian Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management was held on 28th August 2024 in Moscow, Russia. Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, India is leading the Indian delegation.

Satish Kumar Appointed as Railway Board Chairman and CEO... In a significant development for Indian Railways, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a change in leadership at the highest level. This decision marks a new chapter in the administration of one of the world’s largest railway networks.

Pakistani Christian Becomes First Goan to Obtain Indian Citizenship Under CAA... On August 28, 2024, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant awarded Indian citizenship to Joseph Francis Pereira, a 78-year-old Pakistani Christian, under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). This marks the first instance of a Goan receiving citizenship through this amendment.

Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy: Influencer Incentives and Scheme Promotion... The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced the Digital Media Policy, 2024, which incentivizes social media influencers to promote state initiatives, schemes, and achievements through various online platforms. This policy aims to enhance the visibility of government projects and create employment opportunities within the state.

Iran Appoints Fatemeh Mohajerani As First Female Government Spokesperson.... In Iran, for the first time, a woman will be the government spokesperson. At the suggestion of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers, Fatemeh Mohajerani was appointed as the first female government spokesperson.

Typhoon Shanshan Makes Landfall On Japan’s Kyushu Island... Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on Japan’s southwestern main island of Kyushu on August 29, the weather agency said, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that left at least 40 people injured in three prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents in affected areas to remain on high alert for natural disasters, while public transport operators canceled trains and flights, and some homes were left without power as the storm advanced.

Himachal Government Approves ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana...The Himachal Pradesh government has allocated Rs 53.21 crore annually to fund the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana,’ aimed at supporting the education and well-being of children from vulnerable families. This initiative will provide financial aid to widows, destitute women, divorced women, and disabled parents.

Cabinet Approves Setting Up of 12 Industrial Smart Cities In 10 States... The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). This ambitious initiative, with an estimated investment of Rs. 28,602 crore, is set to transform India’s economic geography, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that promise to significantly boost economic growth and enhance global competitiveness.

India’s 2nd Nuclear Missile Submarine Commissioned by Rajnath Singh... Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to commission India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat (S-3), at a quiet event in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant boost to India’s nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability. This submarine, armed with 750-km range K-15 nuclear ballistic missiles, will patrol the Indo-Pacific under India’s strategic command.

Hurun India Rich List 2024: Mumbai’s Named as Asia’s Billionaire Capital... The Hurun India Rich List 2024 has unveiled a significant shift in the landscape of wealth distribution across Asia, with Mumbai emerging as the new “billionaire capital of Asia”. This development marks a pivotal moment in the economic narrative of India and Asia at large, showcasing the growing financial prowess of India’s commercial hub. .

Union Minister Launches SHe-Box Portal to Enhance Workplace Safety for Women... The Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, launched the new SHe-Box portal, a centralized platform aimed at making workplaces safer for women by addressing complaints of sexual harassment. The launch event, held in New Delhi, also included the introduction of a revamped ministry website. .

INDUS-X Summit 2024... The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum announced the third edition of the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Summit at Stanford University on Sept 9-10, 2024. The summit will focus on leveraging private investment to advance defense innovation and will feature top policymakers, panel discussions, and a tech expo. .

Bangladesh Triumphs in SAFF U-20 Championship 2024... Bangladesh has emerged as the new champion of the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) U-20 Championship football tournament. This victory marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s football history, as it is the first time the nation has claimed this prestigious title. The tournament, which showcased the talent of young South Asian footballers, concluded with a thrilling final match that saw Bangladesh defeat the host nation, Nepal. .

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2024... The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, observed annually on August 30th, sheds light on a horrific practice that continues to plague societies worldwide. Enforced disappearances, a tool of oppression and terror, involve the arrest or abduction of individuals by state actors, followed by a refusal to acknowledge their whereabouts or fate. This article delves into the history, impact, and global prevalence of this human rights violation.. .