Daily Current Affairs 29th August 2024, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

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.

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.

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.

International News

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.

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.

States News

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.

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.

Appointments News

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.

Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar Takes Over as Director General Project Seabird

On August 28, 2024, Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, NM, assumed duties as the Director General of Project Seabird, taking over from Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti. He is now responsible for overseeing India’s largest defense infrastructure project at the Karwar Naval Base. The change of guard took place at the Headquarters of Project Seabird in New Delhi.

Subhasri Appointed MD & CEO Of Shriram Capital

Shriram Capital, the holding company of the Shriram Group, has appointed Subhasri as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective 1 September. Subhasri, who previously served as Joint Managing Director, has been a key figure in the company since joining as an Officer in the NBFC business in 1991.

Banking News

ESAF Small Finance Bank Launches Inori RuPay Platinum Credit Card

ESAF Small Finance Bank, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has introduced the Inori RuPay Platinum Credit Card. This premium financial product offers cardholders exclusive benefits and privileges.

Summits and Conferences News

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 28^th  August 2024 in Moscow, Russia. Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, India is leading the Indian delegation.

Sports News

England’s Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket

Dawid Malan, the former top-ranked T20 batter and a versatile player who achieved the rare feat of scoring centuries for England in all formats, has announced his retirement from international cricket. At 36 years old, Malan leaves behind a legacy marked by significant achievements, particularly in the shorter formats of the game.

Karthik Venkataraman Clinches Second Indian National Title

Karthik Venkataraman won the 61st edition of the Indian National Championship after scoring 9/11 points at the event organised by the Haryana Chess Association. This is the second victory in a national championship for Karthik, who had also won the tournament in 2022. Surya Ganguly and Neelash Saha scored as many points as the champion, but finished in second and third place on tiebreaks.

Important Days

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.

National Sports Day 2024, Date, Significance and History

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.”