NATIONAL NEWS

Government launched the Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme.

• The Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme on National Sports Day.

• RESET aims to empower retired athletes by providing them with knowledge and skills to enhance their employability.

• The programme supports retired sportspersons aged 20-50 who have won international or national medals or participated in state-level competitions.

• The initiative will help retired athletes share their expertise with the next generation of aspiring sportspeople.

• RESET will also focus on bridging the generational gap between former and current athletes.

• Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) will lead the implementation of the programme.

• The programme is divided into two levels based on the educational qualifications of participants: Class 12th and above, and Class 11th and below.

• The initiative acknowledges the contributions of retired sportspersons to the nation’s glory.

• This programmed aims to assist athletes in their career development after retirement from competitive sports.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India's GDP growth forecast for FY24 raised to 7.2% by Moody's Ratings.

• Moody's Ratings has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY24 to 7.2%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.8%.

• The growth projection for 2025 has also been increased to 6.6%, compared to the previous 6.4%.

• The upward revision is attributed to strong and broad-based growth driven by resilient private consumption and improved business conditions.

• The Indian economy recorded a 7.8% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2024, despite tight monetary policies and fiscal consolidation.

• The industrial and services sectors have shown significant strength, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) remaining above 60 since the start of the year.

• Moody's noted that the capital expenditure cycle is expected to strengthen, supported by rising capacity utilisation.

• The agency highlighted that continued government infrastructure spending is contributing to this positive outlook.

• The report reflects optimism about India's economic prospects despite global challenges.

• Moody’s emphasizes that the growth momentum is being sustained by various favorable factors within the Indian economy.

STATE NEWS

Mega projects and fintech innovation launched in Maharashtra by PM Modi on August 30.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Maharashtra on August 30, where he laid the foundation stone for the Vadhavan Port project in Palghar, costing around Rs 76,000 crore.

• The Vadhavan Port is set to become one of India's largest deep-water ports, enhancing maritime connectivity and boosting India's status as a global trade hub.

• Modi also addressed the Global Fintech Fest 2024 in Mumbai, highlighting India's advancements in the Fintech sector.

• The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) was jointly organized by the Payments Council of India, National Payments Corporation of India, and Fintech Convergence Council.

• During his visit, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for 218 fisheries projects across the country, worth around Rs 1,560 crore, aimed at improving infrastructure and productivity.

• The Prime Minister also launched the National Roll Out of the Ship Communication and Assistance System, with an investment of approximately Rs 360 crore.

• This project will see the installation of 1 lakh transponders on mechanized and motorized fishing vessels across 13 coastal states and union territories.

• The GFF 2024 served as a platform to showcase India's significant progress in Fintech and brought together key industry stakeholders.

• The initiatives launched by Modi are expected to significantly boost both the maritime and fisheries sectors in India.

Goa shipyard launched India's first pollution control vessel, Samudra Pratap.

• Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) launched Samudra Pratap, India's first pollution control vessel for the Indian Coast Guard.

• Samudra Pratap marks the first time that pollution control vessels have been designed and built indigenously in India.

• The vessel is specifically designed to assist the Coast Guard in managing oil spill response operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• Alongside Samudra Pratap, GSL is also constructing two additional pollution control vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.

• Samudra Pratap features a length of 114.5 meters, a breadth of 16.5 meters, and a displacement of 4,170 tonnes.

• This vessel project boasts over 60% indigenous content, showcasing India's growing capabilities in shipbuilding.

• The launch of Samudra Pratap highlights GSL's significant role in strengthening India's maritime infrastructure.

• The vessel's advanced design and construction reflect the nation's commitment to enhancing its pollution control efforts at sea.

• Samudra Pratap is a key milestone in the Indian Coast Guard's efforts to protect the marine environment from pollution.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

ASSOCHAM Environment and Carbon Conference has been inaugurated by Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh in New Delhi.

• Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh inaugurated the ASSOCHAM Environment and Carbon Conference in New Delhi.

• The conference's theme was "Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem for Achieving Net Zero by 2070."

• Minister Singh highlighted the government's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070 during his address.

• He acknowledged that climate change is a global issue but reassured that the government is taking substantial measures to protect the nation.

• The Minister linked the net zero goal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "Vikshit Bharat" by 2047.

• He also discussed the impact of the water crisis on rural India, noting that the Jal Jeevan Mission has alleviated many challenges for farmers and rural residents.

• Singh reiterated the government's dedication to supporting businesses and stakeholders in addressing environmental issues.

• The conference aimed to create a collaborative environment among various sectors to achieve sustainability goals.

• Minister Singh emphasized the importance of partnerships and government initiatives in tackling the environmental challenges facing India.

AWARDS

Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare organized the 7th Anubhav Awards.

• The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare hosted the 7th Anubhav Awards Ceremony in New Delhi.

• The event recognized the significant contributions made by government employees during their service.

• V. Srinivas, Secretary of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, presented five Anubhav Awards during the ceremony.

• Additionally, 10 Jury Certificates were awarded to employees from nine different departments and ministries.

• Among the 15 awardees, five were women pensioners, marking the highest number in a single ceremony.

• The ceremony highlighted the achievements and dedication of government employees in various sectors.

• The Department also organized the 11th Nationwide Pension Adalat, chaired by Mr. V. Srinivas.

• The Anubhav Awards underscore the government's commitment to honoring the service of its retiring employees.

• The event served as a platform to acknowledge the valuable experiences shared by retired government officials.

SPORTS

Bangladesh achieved a historic victory in the SAFF U-20 Championship football tournament.

• Bangladesh emerged as the new champion of the SAFF Under-20 Championship by defeating Nepal 4-1 in the final.

• The victory marks Bangladesh's first-ever win in the history of the SAFF U-20 Championship.

• The final match was held at the ANFA ground in Satdobato, Lalitpur, Nepal.

• The 2024 edition of the SAFF U-20 Championship saw participation from six nations: Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan.

• India had previously secured the title in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

• This biennial tournament, organized by the South Asian Football Federation, is a key competition for male footballers under 20.

• The SAFF U-20 Championship was first hosted in Nepal back in August 2015.

• Bangladesh's historic victory is a significant milestone in their football achievements.

MISCELLANEOUS

India and Saudi Arabia signed an MoU in Riyadh to boost cooperation in public sector auditing.

• India and Saudi Arabia signed an MoU on 30 August in Riyadh to enhance bilateral cooperation in public sector auditing.

• The agreement was signed by Shri Girish Chandra Murmu, India's Comptroller and Auditor General, and Dr. Hussam Al-Angari, President of the Saudi General Court of Audit.

• The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration and exchange expertise in the field of public sector audits between the two nations.

• Key cooperation areas include joint training programs on financial, performance, and compliance audits.

• The exchange of audit manuals and methodologies is also part of the cooperation under this MoU.

• The agreement is expected to further solidify the close working relationship between the auditing institutions of India and Saudi Arabia.

• This MoU is particularly significant as Saudi Arabia prepares to assume the ASOSAI chairmanship from India next year.

• India currently holds the Chair of the Association of Asian Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI).

• The signing underscores the ongoing commitment to fostering greater ties in audit practices between the two countries.

Scientists discovered human body’s natural killer cells that protect from cancer.

• Scientists at the University of Southampton have made a breakthrough in cancer research.

• They discovered how the body's natural killer cells can detect and attack cancer cells.

• The immune system plays a crucial role in identifying and fighting cancer, with killer cells being a promising area of immunotherapy.

• A peptide from the XPO1 protein has been found to attract natural killer cells, activating the immune response against cancer

• Patients with active killer cells and high XPO1 levels show notably better survival rates.

• This discovery paves the way for developing therapies that leverage the body's immune system to combat cancer.

• The research highlights the potential of natural killer cells in targeted cancer treatments.

• This finding could lead to more effective and personalized immunotherapy strategies.

• The study underscores the importance of the XPO1 protein in enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer.