Current Affairs 29 August 2026

India Achieves 1st 15-Metre Sleeper Bus Certification with ICAT.

• ICAT issued India’s first compliance certificate for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus.
• The certificate was awarded to Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd.
• The bus complies with AIS-119, AIS-153 and CMVR standards.
• The full-sleeper variant has 42 berths, while the hybrid variant has 21 berths and 42 seats.
• The bus underwent tests for structural, emergency and fire safety.
• The certification supports the development of advanced long-distance passenger vehicles in India.

WAE Enters the United Nations Global Compact Network India.

• WAE Limited joined the UN Global Compact Network India.
• WAE committed to the UN Global Compact’s principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
• The partnership supports 5 SDGs: 6, 9, 12, 13 and 17.
• Focus areas include water resilience, circular water systems and atmospheric water generation.
• WAE will use IoT-based monitoring and digital technologies for efficient water management.
• The company will report its sustainability progress through the Communication on Progress (CoP) framework.

ICAR-CCARI Launches Carbon Pathshala Initiative in Goa.

• ICAR-CCARI organized the Carbon Pathshala workshop in Old Goa on August 21, 2026.
• The workshop focused on Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) for farmers.
• Around 100 farmers were trained in carbon sequestration and carbon markets.
• Farmers were encouraged to convert agricultural waste into biochar for soil improvement and carbon credits.
• ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal provided practical training on portable biochar production units.
• The programme focused on women and smallholder farmers in Goa.

Mission Samriddh Gaon Launched to Build Poverty-Free Villages.

• Mission Samriddh Gaon was launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan on August 25, 2026.
• The scheme aims to create poverty-free and employment-rich villages.
• It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Focus areas include self-reliance, basic amenities and rural economic development.
• The mission aims to build prosperous and self-reliant rural communities.
• It supports the vision of a Developed India.

Tamil Nadu Introduces Free LPG and Cancels Parandur Airport Project.

• Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announced free LPG cylinders for lower-income families.
• The fare-free bus travel scheme for women will be expanded.
• The proposed Parandur greenfield airport project has been scrapped.
• The announcements were made under the leadership of TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam).