44th PRAGATI Interaction Held

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 44th PRAGATI meeting, a platform for proactive governance and timely implementation involving both Centre and State governments on August 28, 2024.
• The meeting reviewed seven major projects, including two related to road connectivity, two to railways, and one each for coal, power, and water resources.
• These projects, totaling over ₹76500 crore, span 11 States and UTs:

1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Uttarakhand
3.  Jharkhand
4. Maharashtra
5. Rajasthan
6. Gujarat
7. Odisha
8. Goa
9. Karnataka
10. Chhattisgarh
11.  Delhi

• PM Narendra Modi highlighted that delays in projects lead to increased costs and deny public benefits.
• He advocated for the "Ek Ped Maa ke Naam" campaign to protect the environment during project development and urged continued focus on the Mission Amrit Sarovar program.

‘Joint Russian-Indian Commission Meeting’ Held

• The Second Meeting of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in Emergency Management was held in Moscow on August 28, 2024.
•  Led by Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, the Indian delegation signed the 2025-2026 working plan with Russian Minister Kurenkov Aleksandr Vyacheslavovich.
•  Both nations agreed to implement the plan and continue sharing best practices in disaster management.
• The meeting aimed to strategize the execution of previous agreements, including the 2010 Inter-Governmental Agreement on emergency management and the 2013 Regulation establishing the Indo-Russian Joint Commission.
•  This collaboration underscores the ongoing partnership between India and Russia in disaster prevention and response.

Rufus Launched by Amazon

• Amazon introduced ‘Rufus’, a new generative AI-powered conversational shopping assistant in India on August 28, 2024.
• This beta launch highlights Amazon’s focus on integrating advanced AI to transform online shopping.
• Rufus acts as a smart shopping companion, offering a variety of features including:

1. Product Recommendations: Analyzes user preferences to suggest products.
2. Shopping List Assistance: Helps create and improve shopping lists.
3. Requirement Analysis: Provides relevant help based on customer needs.
4. Product Comparisons: Assists in comparing different product categories.
5. Gift Ideas: Suggests gifts for special occasions.
6. Customer Feedback Integration: Uses insights from other customers to enhance the search experience.

• Rufus will improve searches across categories like consumer electronics, fashion, beauty, and home decor.

Solar-Powered Tricycles for Disabled Individuals Launched

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled solar-powered tricycles at an event by the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam on August 28, 2024.
• These tricycles are designed to help individuals with disabilities by providing them with an eco-friendly, sustainable mode of transportation.
• The event, organized in collaboration with the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) in Nagpur, highlighted the government’s focus on "inclusive innovation" to benefit everyone, particularly those with disabilities.
• The solar-powered tricycles offer an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional vehicles, promoting sustainable transportation.
• This initiative aims to improve accessibility and mobility for people with disabilities, enhancing their independence and inclusion.
• Dr. Jitendra Sharma from AMTZ emphasized the transformative impact these tricycles can have on the lives of people with disabilities.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Approved (Environment)

• The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Central Sector Scheme of ‘Agriculture Infrastructure Fund’ on August 28, 2024.
•  It was approved to boost agricultural infrastructure and support farmers.
•  Established in 2020 with a corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, this fund provides comprehensive financial support to the farming community.
• Additionally, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) sanctioned 2 new railway lines and a multi-tracking project at an estimated cost of ₹6456 crore.
• These projects will improve connectivity, reduce logistics costs, lower CO2 emissions, and generate direct employment for 114 lakh mandays.
• Approved projects include the Jamshedpur-Purulia-Asansol third line and the Sardega-Bhalumuda new double line, benefiting 1300 villages and 11 lakh people.

New Mixed Matrix Membrane Developed

• The Ministry of Science and Technology announced the development of a new composite membrane known as the Mixed Matrix Membrane on August 28, 2024.
• This membrane is designed to detect ammonia and other amine leaks in laboratories or industrial environments.
• Ammonia and aliphatic amines, which are harmful to humans, are commonly used in the chemical, fertilizer, and food industries.
• Detecting these chemicals is crucial for effective environmental and water monitoring and for preventing gas leaks and potential disasters.
• The Mixed Matrix Membrane was developed by Dr. Monika Singh's research team at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology in Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology.

Paralympics Games 2024 began

• The 2024 Paralympic Games officially opened in Paris on August 28, 2024, and will run until September 8, 2024.
• This marks France's first time hosting a summer Paralympics, though it previously held the Winter Paralympics in Tignes and Albertville in 1992.
• India is sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 para athletes to compete in 12 out of 22 sports.
• Shot-putter Bhagyashree Jadhav and javelin star Sumit Antil, a world-record holder and Tokyo 2020 gold medallist, will be India’s flag bearers.
•  Krishna Nagar will defend his title in para badminton, while Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal will compete in para shooting.
• Other events include para archery, para cycling, and para table tennis.
•  Indian judokas Kapil Parmar and Kokila will debut on September 5, and the para canoe team will race on September 6.

Tegbhir Singh

• Teghbir Singh, a 5-year-old from Ropar, Punjab, made history as the youngest Asian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5895m on August 28, 2024.
• His remarkable journey started on August 18, when he began his ascent of the mountain in Tanzania.
•  Despite his young age, Teghbir, Singh supported by a dedicated team, demonstrated remarkable courage and determination.
• After successfully reaching the summit, he was awarded an official climbing certificate by the conservation commissioner of Tanzania National Parks, including Kilimanjaro National Park.
• This certificate formally acknowledges his exceptional accomplishment.

First Comic Book of Indian Air Force

• Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, introduced the first comic book in a series celebrating heroes of the Indian Air Force on August 28, 2024.
• Published by the Indian Air Force, the book presents historical and heroic tales from its inception.
•  It aims to educate readers on the Air Force's war history and inspire the nation's youth.
• The comic features 2 stories: one about Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC and another about the 1971 Battle of Boyra.
• It also provides information on career opportunities and eligibility criteria in the Indian Air Force.
• The book will be distributed for free to children through Induction Publicity drives and a digital version will be available on Air Force Day, October 8, at www.careerairforce.nic.in.

7th Anubhav Awards

• The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare held the 7th Anubhav Awards Ceremony in New Delhi to honor the contributions of government employees on August 28, 2024.
• V. Srinivas, Secretary of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, presented 5 Anubhav awards and 10 Jury Certificates to employees from 9 different departments and ministries.
• He praised the employees' role in nation-building and hoped the awards would motivate current employees to excel.
•  Additionally, the department hosted the 55th Pre-Retirement Counseling Workshop for those retiring by March 31 next year.
• The workshop included sessions on the retirement process, necessary forms, and post-retirement benefits to prepare employees for their transition.

PATA Gold Awards 2024

• Kerala Tourism earned global recognition by winning the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024 on August 28, 2024.
• The award, given during the PATA Travel Mart 2024 at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, honored Kerala’s innovative online contest, ‘Holiday Heist’, in the Digital Marketing Campaign category.
•  This accolade reinforces Kerala's status as a leader in creative tourism promotion.
• The event, which brought together tourism leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, highlighted Kerala as the sole Indian destination to win a PATA Gold Award this year.
• This recognition showcases Kerala's dedication to innovative tourism strategies and its competitive edge on the international stage.

‘Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana’ Approved by Himachal Government

• The Himachal Pradesh government on August 28, 2024 allocated ₹53.21 crore annually for the 'Mukhya Mantri Sukh Shiksha Yojana'.
•  It was approved to support the education and well-being of children from widows, destitute women, divorced women, and disabled parents.
•  Under this scheme, children under 18 from eligible families receive a monthly grant of ₹1000 for educational, health, and nutritional expenses.
•  Financial assistance for tuition and hostel costs is also provided for those pursuing higher education or vocational courses.
• The scheme aims to assist vulnerable women and disabled parents, addressing issues like child protection, abuse, trafficking, and poverty.
•  Eligible families with an income below ₹1 lakh per annum can apply through the local Child Development Project Officer.

₹1000 Crore Fine Imposed on the Punjab Government by NGT

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on August 28, 2024 fined the Punjab government ₹1000 crore for failing to manage solid and liquid waste despite multiple warnings and legal obligations.
• The fine, totaling ₹10261908,000, is to be paid to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• The penalty is based on environmental fines accumulated over 6 months and includes charges for legacy waste and untreated sewage.
• Punjab has accumulated 5.387 million tonnes of old waste, incurring a fine of ₹ 0.01 per kg per day, and has a 314.06 million liters per day gap in sewage treatment, leading to an additional ₹0.01 per liter per day charge.
•  The NGT’s decision is grounded in the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 and the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.

Pakistani Christian became the First Goan Under CAA

• Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on August 28, 2024 granted Indian citizenship to Joseph Francis A. Pereira, a Pakistani Christian, under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
• This is the first time a Goan has received citizenship through this amendment.
• Joseph Francis A. Pereira, originally from Paroda village in South Goa, went to Pakistan for studies before India's liberation.
• He returned to India in 2013 after retiring but faced difficulties in obtaining Indian citizenship until the CAA was passed.
• He is now registered as an Indian citizen under Section 6B and Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
•  Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted that while Joseph Francis A. Pereira is the first Goan to benefit from the CAA, many others across India have also gained citizenship through this amendment.
• The Goa Home Department is now identifying individuals who might qualify for similar citizenship and encourages them to seek assistance from the government.