ModiWatch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 44th PRAGATI meeting, his first in the third term, to review seven key projects worth over ₹765 billion across 11 states and union territories. The projects span road connectivity, rail, coal, power, and water resources sectors. Modi emphasised the importance of timely project completion, stressing that delays not only increase costs but also deprive the public of intended benefits. He urged both central and state government officials to prioritise efficient project implementation.

On National Sports Day 2024, PM Modi paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Commemorating Chand's birth anniversary, Modi reaffirmed his government's dedication to promoting sports and nurturing young talent. National Sports Day, observed annually on August 29, celebrates Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary.

PM Modi will make two stops in Maharashtra today. He will address the Global Fintech Fest 2024 in Mumbai, followed by a visit to Palghar to inaugurate and launch various development projects.

Indian companies get easier access to global capital markets: The Indian government has streamlined regulations to facilitate the listing of domestic companies on international exchanges within International Financial Service Centres (IFSCs). The Department of Economic Affairs has amended the Securities Contracts Regulation Rules (SCRR), reducing the minimum public offer and continuous listing requirements to 10% for companies listing solely on IFSC exchanges. This move, supported by the 'Direct Listing of Equity Shares' scheme and related rules, creates a comprehensive framework for Indian firms to access global capital markets. The changes particularly benefit startups and technology companies with global ambitions, making it easier for them to expand into international markets and attract foreign investment.

NITI Aayog's edible oil roadmap: NITI Aayog — the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India — has released a report addressing India's growing dependence on imported edible oils. With per capita consumption reaching 19.7 kg/year and domestic production meeting only 40-45% of demand, India imported 16.5 million tonnes of edible oils in 2022-23. The report outlines strategies to bridge this demand-supply gap and achieve self-sufficiency. It projects that under current trends, national edible oil supply could reach 16 MT by 2030 and 26.7 MT by 2047. The comprehensive roadmap aims to tackle existing challenges and develop new approaches to reduce import reliance, aligning with the country's goal of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the edible oil sector.

Strengthening naval ties: The twelfth India-South Africa Navy Staff Talks, held in New Delhi (August 27-28) highlighted the nations' commitment to enhancing naval collaboration. Discussions focused on boosting operational training, establishing secure information exchange protocols, and exploring joint exercises like IBSAMAR (India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise). The talks also emphasised exchanging best practices in nuclear, biological, and chemical defence, diving support, and personnel exchanges, with a strong focus on advanced training opportunities at each other's facilities.

Delhi hit by heavy rain: Overnight rains caused widespread waterlogging in Delhi on Thursday, disrupting traffic. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a minimum temperature of 23°C, 3°C below average, with 100% humidity. Rainfall figures included 77.1 mm at Safdarjung, 92.2 mm at Lodhi Road, 54.5 mm at Palam, and 62.4 mm at Ayanagar.

Strengthening Indo-Russian emergency management cooperation: The second Meeting of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in Emergency Management took place in Moscow, Russia. Both countries signed a working plan for 2025-2026, building upon previous agreements from 2010 and 2013. The commission focused on three key areas: utilising space monitoring technologies, exchanging experiences in large-scale disaster response, and cooperating in training fire and rescue specialists. Both delegations expressed intentions to intensify joint efforts, exchange best practices, extend cooperation between educational institutions, and conduct the next meeting in India in 2026. This plan aims to enhance bilateral efforts in emergency preparedness, prevention, response, and planning, ultimately strengthening the capacity of both nations to manage crises effectively.

India launches second nuclear-powered submarine: India is set to commission its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will oversee the classified event, joined by Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. The 6,000-tonne vessel will operate under India's strategic command, armed with 750-km range K-15 nuclear ballistic missiles. INS Arighat will join INS Arihant in patrolling the Indo-Pacific, strengthening India's nuclear triad and second-strike capability. 

New express container service launched: The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has announced the launch of the Bengal Middle East Express (BMEx), a new container service connecting Haldia Dock Complex with Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. Initiated by Ocean Salute Line of Singapore and MBK Logistix Pvt Ltd, the service will commence on September 6, 2024, with the arrival of the Yong Yue 11 vessel. Following a Haldia-Chittagong-Jebel Ali-Haldia route, BMEx aims to enhance global connectivity for Bengal and Eastern India's industrial hub. By bypassing traditional trans-shipment ports, the service promises reduced transit times, lower costs, and improved supply chain efficiency for regional exporters and importers, offering better access to global markets.

Delhi Today: Partly cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms. 

Lok Sabha: Not in session.

Rajya Sabha: Not in session.