Top News Today (29 August): India, World, Economy & Odisha

India

1. PM Modi Begins Four-Day Central Asia Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, holding talks on trade, investment, digital connectivity and energy. He will also attend the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, focusing on regional security, connectivity and multilateral cooperation.

2. India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi
India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12–13. Under its 2026 chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” leaders will discuss economic, political and financial cooperation.

3. UP Launches Startup Policy 2026 to Boost Entrepreneurship
Uttar Pradesh launches Startup Policy 2026 to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship, offering enhanced financial support, incubation, mentorship and investment opportunities while promoting startups across sectors and regions.

4. Sarnath Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List
Sarnath near Varanasi has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage Site. The ancient Buddhist site is revered as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon and established the Buddhist Sangha.

World

5. Trump Claims ‘Biggest Oil Deal’ with Venezuela
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he described as the “biggest oil deal in world history” with Venezuela. The proposed energy agreement could reshape global oil supply chains, bilateral trade and Venezuela’s role in international energy markets.

Economy

6. Jio Platforms Gets Approval for $4 Billion IPO
Jio Platforms has received regulatory clearance to proceed with a proposed $4 billion initial public offering. The mega listing is expected to become the largest IPO in India’s history, highlighting growing investor interest in the country’s digital and telecom sectors.

Odisha

7. Odisha Colleges Told to Remove Fried Foods from Canteens
Odisha’s Higher Education Department has directed educational institutions to prohibit fried and processed junk foods from their canteen menus. The move aims to encourage healthier eating habits among college students and promote greater awareness of nutrition and lifestyle choices.