ASSOCHAM Environment Conference Held

• Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, inaugurated the ASSOCHAM Environment and Carbon Conference in New Delhi on August 31, 2024.
• The conference focuses on achieving India's goal of net zero emissions by 2070.
• The Minister emphasized that climate change is a global issue requiring international cooperation, beyond political boundaries.
• He highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening its environmental resilience and meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets.
• ‘The Mission Life Initiative’ promotes sustainable living through small daily changes, contributing to broader environmental goals.
• To achieve net zero emissions, a comprehensive strategy considering global impacts on local environments and sustainable development is essential.

3 New Vande Bharat Launched

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched three new Vande Bharat trains: Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil on August 31, 2024.
•  He highlighted that this expansion signifies a new phase in the country's development, aligning with the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
• These trains will link significant and historic cities, such as connecting Madurai with Bengaluru.
• He described Vande Bharat as the modern face of Indian Railways and mentioned that the demand for these high-speed trains is growing.
• With 102 Vande Bharat services now operating, Narendra Modi emphasized the ongoing transformation of railway stations to modern facilities and the government's commitment to ensuring comfortable travel for all, including the poor and middle class.
• The new trains will enhance connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, offering speed and comfort for various travelers.

Charter and MoU Signed for Establishment of the Colombo Security Conclave

• India, Maldives, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka signed a Charter and MoU to establish the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Secretariat in Colombo to tackle security and stability issues in the Indian Ocean Region on August 31, 2024.
• The signing, hosted by Sri Lanka, was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and representatives from the other member countries.
• Ajit Doval highlighted the CSC's role in addressing traditional, non-traditional, and emerging hybrid security threats and emphasized the need for ongoing regional cooperation.
• The CSC aims to enhance regional security by tackling transnational threats through five key pillars:

1. Maritime Safety and Security
2. Counter-Terrorism
3. Combating Trafficking and Organised Crime
4. Cyber Security and Humanitarian Assistance
5. Disaster relief

‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’ Came into Effect

• As of August 31, 2024, the initial regulations under the Telecom Act 2023, named 'Digital Bharat Nidhi,' have been implemented.
• This new fund will replace the previous Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• The Digital Bharat Nidhi will allocate resources to support projects and schemes aimed at improving telecommunications.
•  It specifically targets providing enhanced access to underserved communities, including women, individuals with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged groups.
• This initiative, introduced by the government, focuses on improving telecom infrastructure in rural and underserved regions, contributing to India's goal of becoming a leader in telecommunications.
• The fund will facilitate connecting these areas, integrating them into the broader digital landscape of the country.

Jio Brain AI Suite Introduced

• Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), announced a new AI initiative named “Jio Brain” at the company’s 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 31, 2024.
• This initiative aims to enhance company operations and customer interactions using advanced AI tools.
• Jio Brain is a set of AI technologies designed to boost efficiency and engagement across Reliance’s businesses.
• To support this, Reliance plans to establish large, AI-focused data centers in Jamnagar, Gujarat, powered by green energy to reflect their commitment to sustainability.
• Mukesh Ambani highlighted the goal of achieving the lowest global costs for AI operations and making this technology more affordable through partnerships with leading international firms.
• Jio Brain is intended to integrate AI across all Reliance operations, accelerating technological advancement throughout the company.

Four CPSEs Receive ‘Navratna’ Status

• Four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)—NHPC, SECI, Railtel, and SJVN—have been granted Navratna status, bringing the total to 25 as of August 31, 2024.
• This status provides these companies with greater financial and operational autonomy, allowing them to make more flexible decisions and strategic moves.
•  Railtel Corporation is the 22nd Navratna, with a turnover of ₹2622 crore and a net profit of ₹246 crore for FY24.
• The Solar Energy Corporation (SECI) is the 23rd Navratna, reporting a turnover of ₹13035 crore and a net profit of ₹436 crore for FY24.
• NHPC, the 24th Navratna, had a turnover of ₹8405 crore and a net profit of ₹3744 crore. SJVN, the 25th Navratna, posted a turnover of ₹2833 crore and a net profit of ₹908 crore.
• The Navratna status, awarded to CPSEs with outstanding performance and high composite scores, enhances their ability to make autonomous decisions on capital investments, joint ventures, and restructuring, supporting their growth and efficiency.
•  This status aligns with India's goals for sustainable energy and economic development.

Brightest Quasar Ever Discovered

• Astronomers discovered an extraordinary quasar named J0529-4351, the brightest object ever seen in the universe on August 31, 2024.
• Detected by the European Southern Observatory's ‘Very Large Telescope’ (VLT), this quasar is remarkable for its extreme brightness and rapid expansion.
• Quasars, which are luminous centers of distant galaxies powered by supermassive black holes, emit immense light and radiation as surrounding gas and dust fall into them.
• J0529-4351 stands out for its extraordinary brightness, shining over 500 trillion times brighter than the Sun, and its rapid growth, absorbing one solar mass of material per day.
• Astronomer Christian Wolf noted that this quasar exists in a harsh environment with high-speed clouds, intense heat, and massive cosmic lightning storms, making it one of the universe's most extreme locations.

Durand Cup 2023-24

• NorthEast United Football Club from Guwahati made history by winning their first Durand Cup title on August 31, 2024.
•  At the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, they triumphed over the defending champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), with a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout.
• The match ended in a draw after regulation time, leading to the shootout.
•  NorthEast United FC’s goalkeeper, Gurmeet Singh, played a crucial role by making two key saves, securing the win for his team.
• The 133rd Durand Cup was held in four cities: Kolkata, Kokrajhar (Assam), Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), and Shillong (Meghalaya), with Jamshedpur hosting matches for the first time.

Rubina Francis

• Indian shooter Rubina Francis won a bronze medal in the women’s 10 m air pistol SH1 final qualification round at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games on August 31, 2024.
•  The 25-year-old Rubina from Madhya Pradesh scored 211.1, placing third in the final. Rubina started strong in Stage 1, holding second place with a score of 97.6.
• Despite a challenging Stage 2, she maintained her focus to stay competitive. In the final elimination round, she faced Turkey’s Ayşegül Pehlivanlar.
•  Rubina’s consistent shooting, including a crucial 9.8 in the final moments, secured her medal despite Pehlivanlar’s pressure.

TV Somanathan

• TV Somanathan has taken over as the Cabinet Secretary of India, succeeding Rajiv Gauba, who retired on August 31, 2024.
• TV Somanathan, who has substantial experience in central and state government roles as well as international experience at the World Bank, assumes this role with a strong background.
• He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and is also a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.
• His notable positions include:-

1.  Joint Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office
2. Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
3. Finance Secretary
4. Secretary of the Department of Expenditure

• Additionally, he was the Director of Corporate Affairs at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

Youth Icons of India 2024

• The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) held its prestigious Young Leaders Awards ceremony in New Delhi on August 31, 2024.
• The event celebrated the achievements of young artists, entrepreneurs, and social leaders, highlighting their significant contributions to their fields and society.
•  The ceremony honored two prominent figures with the FICCI Young Leaders Youth Icon award: Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra.
•  The awards aim to recognize excellence, honor outstanding young leaders, and acknowledge those dedicated to societal improvement.
• Ayushmann Khurrana’s award is particularly notable for his broad influence and inspirational career, demonstrating hard work and unique talent that have brought national pride.

7th Edition of ‘Rashtriya Poshan Mah’ in Gandhinagar

•  Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi launched the 7th edition of the nationwide “Rashtriya Poshan Mah” at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on August 31, 2024.
• This edition emphasizes awareness about anemia, integrating nutrition with education, technology-based initiatives, and providing additional diets to combat malnutrition.
• Minister Annapurna Devi highlighted that India’s vision of development hinges on the health and empowerment of women and girls, supported by a recent budget allocation of ₹3 lakh crore for women-focused schemes.
• She praised Gujarat’s advanced Anganwadis and technology use and inaugurated the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in Anganwadis nationwide.
• Food baskets were distributed to pregnant and lactating women, and various scheme beneficiaries received assistance.