SHe-Box Portal Launched

• The government on August 29, 2024 launched the SHe-Box portal to enhance workplace safety for women.
• Initiated by Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi in New Delhi, this centralized platform aims to streamline the registration and monitoring of sexual harassment complaints at work.
• The SHe-Box portal allows users to file complaints, track their status, and ensures that complaints are processed promptly by Internal Committees.
• Minister Annpurna Devi emphasized that this initiative is crucial for creating a safer and more inclusive work environment.
• She assured that the portal will allow complaints to be registered securely, without exposing personal information publicly.
• The SHe-Box portal can be accessed at shebox.wcd.gov.in, along with the ministry's new website at wcd.gov.in.

Nepal’s First ‘Healthy City’ Dhulikhel

• The World Health Organization on August 29, 2024 recognized Dhulikhel Municipality in Nepal’s Kavrepalanchok district as the country's first 'healthy city' and the second healthiest city in Asia on August 29, 2024.
• Since 2014, Dhulikhel has undertaken various initiatives to earn this status and has been monitored by the WHO since 2021.
• The municipality achieved a score of 65.48 points across different health indicators and joined the WHO Healthy City Network.
• Evaluations covered aspects such as healthcare access, citizen participation in health policies, political commitment, nutrition, child health, and innovative health programs like tuberculosis-free and nutrition-friendly initiatives.
• Dhulikhel received US$ 5000 for its efforts and has made notable progress in poverty alleviation, quality education, clean drinking water access, and zero carbon emissions.

Approval to Establishment of 12 Industrial Smart Cities

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 12 new projects under the ‘National Industrial Corridor Development Programme’ (NICDP) on August 29, 2024.
• With an estimated investment of ₹28602 crore, this initiative aims to reshape India’s economic landscape by developing a network of industrial nodes and cities, boosting economic growth, and enhancing global competitiveness.
• The NICDP’s new phase will cover 10 states along 6 major corridors, including locations like Khurpia (Uttarakhand), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Dighi (Maharashtra), and more.
• The project focuses on creating “greenfield smart cities” that feature ready-to-use infrastructure (“plug-n-play”) and compact, mixed-use developments (“walk-to-work”) to support future growth and improve living conditions.

2nd Nuclear Missile Submarine of India Commissioned (Defence)

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned INS Arighat (S-3), India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), in Visakhapatnam on August 29, 2024.
• This milestone enhances India's nuclear deterrence and second-strike capability.
•  INS Arighat is equipped with K-15 nuclear ballistic missiles with a range of 750 km and will operate in the Indo-Pacific region under India’s strategic command.
• With the addition of INS Arighat, India now has 2 SSBNs, including INS Arihant (S-2), which strengthens its nuclear triad.
• These SSBNs offer strategic advantage by remaining submerged for long durations, thus bolstering India's deterrent capability in the Indo-Pacific.

2nd National Championship title for Karthik Venkataraman

• Karthik Venkataraman secured his 2nd Indian National Championship title by scoring 9 out of 11 points in the 61st edition of the Chess tournament, organized by the Haryana Chess Association on August 29, 2024.
• He had previously won the championship in 2022.
• Despite scoring the same number of points, Surya Ganguly and Neelash Saha placed second and third, respectively, due to tiebreakers.
• Karthik Venkataraman’s tiebreak score was 78, slightly higher than Surya Ganguly’s 77.
• Surya Ganguly, who had won his first seven games, missed out on his seventh national title due to his fourth consecutive draw against Himal Gusain in the final round.

RESET Programme Launched

•  Central Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme in New Delhi on National Sports Day on August 29, 2024.
• The RESET Programme is designed to support retired athletes who have represented the country and achieved significant honors.
• The initiative aims to equip these retired sports persons with the skills and knowledge needed for career development, enhancing their employability.
• The program will help bridge generational gaps by leveraging the expertise of retired athletes to mentor aspiring athletes.
• This will contribute to the advancement of sports in India and nation-building.
• Applications for the programme will be accepted through a special portal, with two levels of training available based on educational qualifications.

Fatemeh Mohajerani

• Fatemeh Mohajerani was appointed as Iran's first female government spokesperson on August 29, 2024.
•  The decision was made following a proposal from President Masoud Pezeshkian and approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.
• Before this role, Fatemeh Mohajerani was the head of the Technical and Vocational Training University of Shariati for women in Iran's 11th government.
• She has also been a prominent academic and administrator, previously serving as the chief of the Center for Brilliant Talents under Education Minister Seyyed Mohammad Bat’hai in 2017.
• Fatemeh Mohajerani has held various positions within Iran's Education Ministry throughout her career.

Dawid Malan

• Dawid Malan, the former top-ranked T20 batsman and a versatile cricketer, announced his retirement from international cricket at age 36 on August 29, 2024.
• Dawid Malan’s career was distinguished by notable achievements, especially in T20 cricket.
• He was ranked the world’s No. 1 T20 batsman in 2020, played a key role in England’s T20 World Cup victory in 2022, and appeared in 62 T20 internationals.
•  His versatility was evident across formats, with 22 Test matches and 30 One Day Internationals (ODIs) to his name.
• Dawid Malan also achieved the rare accomplishment of scoring centuries in all three international cricket formats.

Satish Kumar

• Satish Kumar was appointed as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board by the ACC on August 29, 2024.
• This key appointment will guide the future direction and management of Indian Railways. Satish Kumar is set to assume his role on September 1, 2024.
• His appointment is subject to standard terms and conditions or until further notice.
• His promotion to Chairman and CEO comes from his previous role on the Railway Board, reflecting his extensive experience in railway operations and mechanical engineering.

Digital Media Policy 2024 in Uttar Pradesh

• The Uttar Pradesh government on August 29, 2024 introduced the Digital Media Policy, 2024, which encourages social media influencers to promote state initiatives and achievements.
• This policy aims to boost the visibility of government projects and generate employment.
• It features a payment scheme for influencers based on their social media presence, with payments up to ₹8 lakh per month depending on the platform and category.
• For example, influencers on X, Facebook, and Instagram can earn between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh, while YouTube creators and podcasters can receive between ₹4 lakh and ₹8 lakh.
• Agencies will manage and distribute advertisements, and the policy includes content guidelines, with severe penalties for anti-national, defamatory, and obscene content.

Minimum Marriage Age for Women Raised in Himachal Pradesh

• The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on August 29, 2024 enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, 2024, raising the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years.
• This amendment updates the Prohibition of Child Marriage (PCM) Act of 2006 to more effectively address issues related to early marriage. Key changes include:

1. Updated Definition of “Child”: The Bill now defines anyone under 21, regardless of gender, as a “child,” removing previous gender distinctions.
2. Precedence Over Other Laws: The new minimum age of 21 will override conflicting laws, customs, or practices to ensure uniform application across the state.
3. Extended Time for Annulment: Individuals now have five years, instead of two, to annul a child marriage after reaching adulthood.

• For the Bill to become law, it requires approval from both the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and the President of India.
• The Governor can approve the Bill or forward it to the President for consideration, particularly because it may conflict with existing central laws.

Sports University Inaugurated in Rajgir

• Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated a cutting-edge sports academy, sports complex, and sports university in Rajgir to mark National Sports Day on August 29, 2024.
• This sports complex, unique in the country, combines a sports complex and sports university in one location.
• It features a 24-bed hospital with modern facilities for treating sports injuries. The Rajgir Sports Complex includes amenities for 24 different indoor and outdoor sports.
• To foster emerging talent, it has established 3 centers of excellence for wrestling, weightlifting, and athletics.
• The new sports university will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in sports management, sports nutrition, and sports science technology.
• It will also house a large sports library, the second-largest in India after the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.