August 2026 — exam-ready facts

Context

• Basin area: 81,155 sq km, about 2.7% of India's geographical area, spread across Karnataka (34,273), Tamil Nadu (43,856), Kerala (2,866) and Puducherry.
• Cost: estimated at roughly ₹6,000–9,000 crore across different project reports.
• Objectives: supply 4.75 TMC of drinking water to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region — the additional quantum granted by the Supreme Court — and generate 400 MW of hydroelectric power; Karnataka also argues it would regulate monthly releases to Tamil Nadu and prevent floodwaters escaping to the sea.
• One of India's major east-flowing peninsular rivers, historically called Dakshin Ganga ("Ganga of the South") and Ponni in Tamil.

ADR–NEW Report on Chief Ministers: Criminalisation of Politics

• Section 8, Representation of the People Act, 1951 disqualifies legislators only upon conviction.
• MPs with criminal cases increased from 30% (2009) to 46% (2024).
• MPs with serious criminal cases rose from 14% (2009) to 31% (2024).
• Serious criminal cases among MPs have increased by 124% since 2009.

Nipun: India's Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel

• Project: a two-ship programme contracted with HSL in September 2018 at a total cost of roughly ₹2,393 crore.
• Established in 1941 as Scindia Shipyard at Visakhapatnam; nationalised in 1952.
• Transferred from the Ministry of Shipping to the Ministry of Defence in 2010.
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) formally delivered 'Nipun' — the second indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built for the Indian Navy — at Visakhapatnam on 30 July 2026, roughly a year after the lead ship of the class.

Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Composed by Rabindranath Tagore; first sung at the Calcutta session of the Congress on 27 December 1911.
• Adopted as the National Anthem on 24 January 1950 — the last day of the Constituent Assembly.
• Government's rationale: the Bill recalls the Constituent Assembly proceedings of 24 January 1950, when President Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared that:

India's First Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), Gwalior

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 30 July 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to establish India's first integrated Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) at Gwalior.

Western Ghats and the Ecologically Sensitive Area Notification

• An Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) is a region notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to conserve ecologically fragile ecosystems.
• Older than the Himalayas; total area estimated by the Kasturirangan group at about 1.64 lakh sq km.
• The Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification remains unfinalised more than a decade after the first draft. Following the expiry of the previous draft in July 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) re-issued a fresh draft notification proposing about 56,825.7 sq km as ESA and extended the tenure of the expert committee headed by former Director General of Forests Sanjay Kumar until July 2027.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) — 39 serial sites comprising national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 makes registration of births and deaths compulsory; the certificate issued confers legal identity.
• Companion Bills: the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, extending the scheme to J&K and Puducherry (the 130th Amendment itself covers Delhi).
• Introduced in the Lok Sabha by Home Minister Amit Shah on 20 August 2025; referred to a 31-member Joint Committee constituted on 12 November 2025.
• It amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)

• Aim: to expand India's floating solar capacity from the present ~700 MW to 5,700 MW, mitigate land acquisition bottlenecks, reduce evaporation losses from reservoirs, and enhance grid reliability.
• Project de-risking grants: up to ₹50 lakh per project for initial technical feasibility studies — bathymetry and hydrography surveys, solar yield calculations, and aquatic ecological impact assessments.
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) on 31 July 2026 with an outlay of ₹5,070 crore, to promote floating solar projects co-located with battery storage across reservoirs, dams and other inland water bodies.
• Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) refers to solar power plants installed on floating platforms over water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and dams.

India's Next Growth Frontier Report

• Improved global ranking: India rose from 82nd (2010) to 57th (2023) on the MDPI — a gain of 25 places, making it one of the strongest structural reformers among the economies studied.
• Aim: to track India's structural and pro-competitive reforms between 2010 and 2023, and to recommend further reforms strengthening productivity, investment and global competitiveness.
• In July 2026, the Competere Foundation for Trade and Competition Policy — an independent policy and advocacy group — released its report "India's Next Growth Frontier: Reducing Anti-Competitive Market Distortions (ACMDs) to Build on India's 2010–2023 Reform Progress." As per the report, India has emerged as one of the strongest structural reformers among the economies studied, improving its overall global ranking by 25 places — from 82nd in 2010 to 57th in 2023.
• Need for competition reforms: calls for an evidence-based, consumer welfare-oriented competition policy, especially for digital markets and emerging sectors.

MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Section 18A — Recovery as arrears of land revenue: mediated settlement agreements and arbitral awards may be recovered through the District Collector, Deputy Commissioner or any other authority notified by the State Government. Such awards constitute a legally enforceable debt capable of recognition under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
• Decriminalisation Criminal fines replaced with graded civil penalties. Penalties may increase by 10% every three years. Development Commissioner becomes the adjudicating officer; appeals must be filed within 30 days and disposed of within 60 days.
• Criminal fines replaced with graded civil penalties. Penalties may increase by 10% every three years.
• The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill, amid Opposition demands for an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against protesting students. The Upper House functioned only 19 minutes in the morning and was adjourned soon after passage. Opposition members did not participate in the debate; amendments moved by INDIA bloc members Ajay Maken, John Brittas, V. Sivadasan and A.A. Rahim were defeated by voice vote. The Lok Sabha passed it on 7 August 2026, completing parliamentary approval.

Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)

• The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) on 31 July 2026 with an outlay of ₹5,070 crore, to promote floating solar projects with battery storage across reservoirs, dams and other inland water bodies.
• Mandatory co-located energy storage: Energy Storage Systems with a minimum 2-hour duration, totalling 10,000 MWh, to supply power during peak demand hours and reduce renewable energy curtailment.
• Central Financial Assistance: ₹1 crore per MW, released post-commissioning, to bridge the roughly 25% higher capital cost of floating platforms compared with ground-mounted solar.
• Project de-risking grants: up to ₹50 lakh per project for initial technical feasibility studies — bathymetry and hydrography surveys, solar yield calculations, and aquatic ecological impact assessments.

The Revamped Khelo India Scheme

• Aim: aligned with the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and NEP 2020, it integrates sports with education, expands the talent pool, builds high-performance ecosystems, and supports India's Commonwealth Games and Olympic hosting ambitions.
• National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB): to standardise coaching qualifications, enforce high-performance benchmarks and upscale sports science support personnel.
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, approved an expanded and revamped Khelo India Scheme on 31 July 2026, along with an enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) scheme. Announced by I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Government described it as the country's most ambitious sports development programme since Independence.

Exercise ROTOR CLAP III

• The Indian Air Force concluded its week-long counter-drone exercise, ROTOR CLAP III, on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.

Project SARATHI

• MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) — an autonomous body launched on 31 October 2023 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a technology-driven youth development platform; the National Youth Corps pays volunteers a monthly honorarium.
• National Service Scheme (NSS), 1969 — the older student volunteering programme under the same ministry.
• ABHA — a 14-digit health account number under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (2021), implemented by the National Health Authority.
• PGIMER Chandigarh — an Institute of National Importance established in 1962, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan

• Aim: to build a drug-free, physically and mentally healthy youth population able to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan through video conferencing — a nationwide campaign to build a drug-free youth population as the foundation of Viksit Bharat@2047.
• 100-week national campaign — activities organised every Sunday across the country, rather than as a one-time observance.
• Mass community participation — supported by 125+ spiritual, educational, industrial and public organisations, covering 28,000+ locations nationwide.

Glaw Lake (Glow Lake) — India's 101st Ramsar Site

• Located in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, one of the world's most species-rich and least-explored regions.
• A biodiversity hotspot, surrounded by lush vegetation supporting rich floral diversity.
• Over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species recorded within the site and its catchment.
• UPSC — Prelims (GS-III, Environment): Ramsar sites are among the most reliably tested current-affairs items. Retain: Glaw Lake — 101st Ramsar Site — Arunachal Pradesh's first — Lohit district — Kamlang Tiger Reserve — Kamlang River. Also fix the standing facts: Convention signed 1971 at Ramsar, Iran; India acceded 1982 with Chilika and Keoladeo; Montreux Record entries — Keoladeo and Loktak; Wetland City Accreditation — Indore and Udaipur; World Wetlands Day 2 February. Note the adjacency of Namdapha National Park, itself a frequently asked site. Mains (GS-III): usable in answers on wetland conservation and ecosystem services, on the gap between international designation and domestic legal protection, and on community-based conservation — the Mishmi territories here illustrate why "wise use" rather than exclusionary protection is the Ramsar approach.

The e-Pratyaropan Digital Platform

• Hospital and stakeholder integration — registered hospitals, ROTTOs and SOTTOs log transplant procedures, organ retrieval alerts and recipient updates within mandatory timeframes (e.g. 48 hours post-procedure).
• Real-time organ tracking — interoperable with the NOTTO Mobile App to monitor movement of retrieved organs along green corridors and transport routes.
• Automated and transparent allocation — protocol-based algorithms aligned with THOTA (Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act) guidelines, allocating retrieved organs strictly on medical priority, geography and urgency, eliminating discretionary bias.

UNESCO Tag for Puri Rath Yatra

• European accounts: documented by European travellers since the 13th century, with detailed accounts from the 17th century onward.
• Hereditary artisan guilds. Construction follows ancient architectural canons (Shilpa Shastras), executed by hereditary teams of carpenters (Maharanas), blacksmiths, painters and tailors.
• The divine procession. The deities are brought out of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in the grand Pahandi Bije procession and placed on chariots aligned on the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue), where millions of devotees pull them to the Gundicha Temple.
• UPSC — Prelims (GS-I, Art and Culture): the three chariots and their deities, the Ashadha timing, Gundicha and Mausi Maa temples, and — most importantly — the distinction between the 2003 ICH Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, with India's inscribed ICH elements. UPSC has asked directly about ICH elements before. Mains (GS-I): usable on cultural heritage as a resource for diplomacy and livelihoods, and on the argument that intangible heritage safeguarding protects craft communities and skills — the Maharana carpenters, weavers and painters — rather than merely a festival.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Technology

• Unlike traditional sensors — cameras and radar — which require a direct line of sight, V2V enables proactive accident prevention by warning drivers about hazards beyond their visual range.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to introduce Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication technology in Indian vehicles.
• Aim: to reduce road fatalities and accidents by complementing existing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), expanding situational awareness, and building a foundation for broader Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
• Peer-to-peer data mesh: transmissions occur directly between nearby vehicles within a range of several hundred metres, without relying on cellular towers or cloud servers.

The Clouded Leopard

• Prefers lowland dense tropical rainforest, but adapts to dry woodlands, mangrove swamps (in Borneo), and Himalayan foothill forests up to 2,743 metres.
• On International Clouded Leopard Day (observed 4 August), the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP).
• A comprehensive, multi-state strategic framework to secure habitats, restore ecological corridors, standardise population assessments, and empower local communities for the species' long-term survival in India.
• Aim: to halt population decline, protect critical forest landscapes across Northeast India, establish reliable population baselines through advanced science, and mitigate human-wildlife conflict outside formal protected areas.

India at the Commonwealth Games 2026

• Note: some circulating tables give Para Athletics 2 golds and Athletics 7 silvers — the correct figures are Para Athletics 3 golds and Athletics 5 silvers and 5 bronzes.
• India concluded its Commonwealth Games 2026 campaign in Glasgow, Scotland, with a tally of 39 medals, finishing fourth overall.
• Boxing delivered a record 10 medals including seven golds — the most won by any nation in the sport at a single Commonwealth Games.
• India recorded its best-ever judo performance at a single Games — three medals including its first-ever judo gold.

GOBARdhan — National Circular Bioenergy Scheme

• The Union Cabinet approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme – GOBARdhan, with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore, to catalyse the growth of compressed biogas (CBG).
• Origin: GOBARdhan was originally launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) in 2018 as a solid and liquid waste management component. It has now been recast as a national clean-energy and circular-economy programme.
• Increase domestic CBG production by nearly 10 times.

Agni-IV Ballistic Missile

• Aim: to provide a highly mobile, survivable and precise land-based nuclear deterrent against regional strategic threats across Asia, strengthening India's policy of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use.
• An indigenous, nuclear-capable, two-stage solid-fuelled Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) with a strike range of about 4,000 km, serving as a core land-based component of India's nuclear triad.

E-Samudra Platform

• 24×7 integrated grievance redressal (e-NAVIK) — connects seafarers directly with emergency response, medical help and grievance resolution, accessible onboard or ashore.
• Aim: to transition maritime governance from a paper-based office model to a transparent, predictable digital ecosystem, enhancing Ease of Living for Indian seafarers and Ease of Doing Business for maritime businesses.
• Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA) — verifiable digital employment agreements safeguarding contractual entitlements, transparent wages and labour standards for crew.
• Real-time seafarer tracking dashboard — monitors deployment, safety, location and welfare of Indian seafarers worldwide, regardless of vessel flag.

Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026

• The 8th edition of the Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 is scheduled to take place at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.

Amboseli National Park

Nurses Registration and Tracking System (NRTS)

• Nurses wait months for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required to change their place of employment.
• Those seeking overseas employment face delays in credential verification, affecting career opportunities and livelihoods.

National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Enhanced operational and credit powers — new Sections 9A and 13A granting incidental powers for smoother operations and enabling credit information sharing with the Central Government, RBI and banks.
• The Minister of State for Cooperation introduced the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.
• Share capital participation — empowers NCDC, subject to Central Government approval, to participate directly in the share capital of eligible cooperative societies and supporting development entities.

The Moon Base Programme

• Aim: to establish an enduring human presence on the Moon, explore volatile water-ice resources at the lunar South Pole, and create a technological stepping stone for future crewed missions to Mars.
• Strategic South Pole positioning — capitalises on the region's unique geology, where elevated ridges receive near-continuous sunlight for solar energy while nearby craters shield vast deposits of water ice in permanent shadow.
• Commercial and private sector integration — heavily leverages partners such as Astrobotic, Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines for cargo landers, surface rovers and autonomous drones.
• Phased modular infrastructure — built step by step using expandable surface habitats, uncrewed logistics landers, surface power grids and pressurised rovers.

Shruti — Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel

• Yard 3037 (Shruti), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) built for the Indian Navy, was launched at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
• An indigenously designed and constructed NGOPV of the Shachi class, named after India's ancient cultural heritage — Shruti, referring to the four Vedas. It is engineered for multi-domain maritime operations in both coastal and deep-sea waters.
• Aim: to augment the Navy's surface fleet for constant ocean surveillance, protection of offshore assets, anti-piracy operations, counter-infiltration and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Prakriti Gyan Dham — The Eco-Educational Hub

• PAaVan Path (Heritage Trail) — the centrepiece. Plants and Associated Vegetations for Appreciating Nature — an interpretive trail displaying curated plant species representing India's diverse ecological regions.
• The Bamboosteum — houses 43 indigenous and exotic bamboo species, demonstrating their role as carbon-sequestering, renewable bioresources for soil restoration, green infrastructure and sustainable rural crafts.

The Indonesian Babirusa

Kerala Renamed Keralam

• Presidential assent and Gazette notification — the Act then modifies the First Schedule.
• Parliament passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, officially renaming Kerala as Keralam, following a unanimous resolution by the State Legislative Assembly.
• Reference to the State Legislature — before recommending the Bill, the President refers it to the affected State Assembly to express its views within a specified period.
• Passage by simple majority — under Article 4, treated as an ordinary Bill requiring a simple majority in both Houses.

One Herb, One Standard (OHOS) Initiative

• Phase-wise monograph development — builds on 50 single-herb monographs developed in the first phase, initiated in 2022.
• Aim: to eliminate conflicting quality parameters across different pharmacopoeias, establishing single, clear and scientifically reliable standards for medicinal herbs, improving the quality, safety and international credibility of Indian botanical products.
• The Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare renewed their partnership under the 'One Herb, One Standard' initiative for an additional three years.
• Harmonised quality standards — synchronises testing methods and quality parameters for identical medicinal plants across the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and the Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathic (ASU&H) Pharmacopoeias.

RBI Allows Banks to Link Bulk Deposit Rates to Liquidity Profile

• The SCB/SFB threshold was raised from ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore in June 2024 (it had earlier moved from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore in 2019).
• The threshold for Scheduled Commercial Banks was raised from ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore in 2024.
• Formula: LCR = Stock of HQLA ÷ Total Net Cash Outflows over 30 days. The minimum requirement is 100%.
• For Scheduled Commercial Banks other than Regional Rural Banks, and for Small Finance Banks, a bulk deposit means a single rupee term deposit of ₹3 crore and above.

Sovereign-Backed Protection & Indemnity Cover for Indian Shipping

• Approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2026; formally launched with first policy issuances on 12 May 2026.
• The International Group of P&I Clubs is a not-for-profit association of 12 clubs covering roughly 87–90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage and over 95% of ocean-going tankers.
• Total underwriting capacity of USD 1.5 billion, backed by a sovereign guarantee of USD 1.4 billion (₹12,980 crore).
• Reported to run for 10 years, extendable by a further five, with the corpus funded by ship owners and oil companies and partial backing from GIC Re.

IRDAI Reforms: Intermediary Rules Tightened, Investment Norms Eased

• Statutory body established under the IRDA Act, 1999; headquarters at Hyderabad (shifted from Delhi in 2001).
• IRDAI (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026
• IRDAI (Registration, Capital Structure, Transfer of Shares and Amalgamation of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026
• IRDAI (Policyholders' Education and Protection Fund) Regulations, 2026

Favara–UPI Cross-Border Payment Corridor

• Real-time P2P transfers: individuals in the Maldives send funds instantly, with transactions initiated in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and credited in Indian Rupees (INR) to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India.
• The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) launched the Favara–UPI Cross-Border Payment Corridor, which went live on 30 July 2026, enabling real-time remittances from the Maldives to India.
• Initial banking partners: Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc, through their existing mobile banking applications — no additional payment platform is required.
• Origin: builds on an agreement signed between NIPL and the MMA in July 2025; full operational readiness was reached after an accelerated 10-day implementation covering system testing, certification, institutional onboarding and live transaction validation.

Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bill in the Lok Sabha on 4 August 2026; it was passed on 6 August 2026 by voice vote without discussion, amid Opposition protests over the 20 July police action. It awaits Rajya Sabha approval. The Bill repeals and replaces the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 (promulgated 5 June 2026) and amends three statutes: the Income-tax Act, 2025, the Finance Act, 2026, and the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• The existing bar: banks and payment system providers are currently prohibited from levying any charge, directly or indirectly, on notified electronic payment modes, operating through Section 269SU of the Income-tax Act read with the PSS Act.
• The exemption applies to income arising on or after 1 April 2026.
• Parliament passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, replacing the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 and amending the Income-tax Act, 2025, the Finance Act, 2026, and the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The Bill seeks to attract foreign investment, promote Make in India, enhance ease of doing business, and strengthen India's digital and financial ecosystem.

RBI Monetary Policy — August 2026

• The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously on 5 August 2026 to keep the policy repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility unchanged at 5.25%, after assessing evolving macroeconomic and financial developments.
• The Committee unanimously decided to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent.
• The Standing Deposit Facility rate stood at 5 per cent, while the Marginal Standing Facility rate and the Bank Rate stood at 5.5 per cent.
• Q1. With reference to the Monetary Policy Committee decision of August 2026, consider the following statements:

RBI to Resume Licensing of Urban Cooperative Banks

• The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 expanded RBI powers over cooperative banks after the PMC Bank crisis.
• DICGC deposit insurance of ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank covers cooperative banks.
• Fresh UCB licensing had been paused since 2004, following governance failures and bank collapses in the sector.
• Dual regulation: the RBI regulates banking functions under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; incorporation, management and audit rest with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (State) or the Central Registrar (multi-state).

The Closing Auction Session (CAS)

• The Closing Auction Session was introduced by Indian stock exchanges for cash market stocks with derivatives, following SEBI's directive of 16 January 2026. It became effective from 3 August 2026, launched simultaneously by the NSE and BSE.
• A dedicated 20-minute daily auction mechanism in the cash market segment for equity stocks on which derivative (F&O) contracts are available. Instead of computing closing prices through continuous trade averages, CAS aggregates buy and sell orders to discover a single, fair equilibrium closing price.
• Aim: to curb end-of-day price manipulation, improve price discovery, align Indian equity markets with global best practices, and deliver more accurate benchmark values for mutual funds, ETFs and derivatives settlement.

Licensing of Urban Cooperative Banks

• Strengthened statutory powers: the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 gave the RBI direct powers over UCB management, board constitution and resolution — effectively closing the dual-regulation loophole.
• Four-tier prudential framework: deposit-based tiered regulatory standards (Tiers 1 to 4) in force since December 2022, ensuring calibrated risk oversight.
• Institutional backing: the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC), established in 2024, offers shared technology platforms, liquidity support and capital mobilisation for UCBs.
• Governance failures and frauds: the Madhavpura Mercantile Cooperative Bank crisis (2001) — linked to the Ketan Parekh stock scam — exposed severe corporate governance deficits, conflict of interest and insider lending.

The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026

• Aim: to modernise India's banking evidence law, incorporate technology-neutral provisions for digital records, speed up judicial proceedings in financial disputes, and reduce operational burdens on banking personnel.
• The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 by voice vote amid Opposition protests. Introduced by the Finance Minister on 3 August 2026, it replaces the 135-year-old colonial-era Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, aligning legal evidence standards with modern digital, virtual and cloud-based banking.
• Protection against compulsory court attendance — bank officers cannot be compelled to produce original books or appear as witnesses where the bank is not a party, unless ordered by a judge for a strictly defined special cause.
• Power to extend coverage — empowers the Central Government to extend the Act to other financial sector institutions by notification.

RBI's Draft Framework on Credit Valuation Adjustment Risk

• The existing framework was based on Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) standards issued in 2010.
• Basel III: the post-2008 global regulatory framework covering capital adequacy, leverage and liquidity, issued by the BCBS, which is hosted by the Bank for International Settlements at Basel.
• Banks whose aggregate notional amount of non-centrally cleared derivatives is ₹10 trillion or less may skip the BA-CVA computation altogether.
• Instead, they may set their CVA capital requirement equal to 100% of their capital requirement for counterparty credit risk.

RBI's NBFC Upper Layer List 2026-27

• The Reserve Bank of India released a list of 17 large (Upper Layer) non-banking finance companies for 2026-27, which included Tata Sons — subjecting them to enhanced regulatory norms for at least five years and mandatory listing within three years of identification. The RBI added that Tata Sons' status "is without prejudice to the outcome of its application for de-registration, which is under examination."
• Enhanced regulatory norms for a minimum of five years, even if the NBFC later falls below the parametric benchmarks.
• Mandatory listing within three years of identification.
• Additional requirements including a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio, large exposure norms, differential provisioning, an independent compliance function, and internal capital adequacy assessment.

Polymer Banknotes for ₹10 and ₹20

• The RBI, on the recommendation of its Central Board, sent a proposal to the government under Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934.
• Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934 provides that the design, form and material of bank notes shall be approved by the Central Government after consideration of the recommendations of the Central Board of the RBI.
• The proposal covers one billion pieces each of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes for field trials, and regular issuance in these two denominations after successful completion of field trials.
• The government has approved the introduction of one billion polymer banknotes each of ₹10 and ₹20 for field trials, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

Fitch Affirms India's Sovereign Rating at BBB-

• Still-weak fiscal metrics — high deficits, debt and debt service compared with peers, despite recent consolidation.
• Lagging structural metrics, including governance indicators and GDP per capita.

UPI at 10: India's Digital Payments Revolution

• Zero-MDR mandate (2020): following the Nandan Nilekani Committee recommendations on deepening digital payments, the government mandated 0% MDR on UPI and RuPay cards, subsidising low-value transactions up to ₹2,000.
• Launched as a pilot in April 2016 by the RBI and NPCI, fully operational from August 2016.
• Early policy vision (2012–13): the RBI's payment vision documents identified IMPS as a foundation for rapid proliferation of mobile merchant and peer-to-person transfers.
• As the Unified Payments Interface completed 10 years of operation, Parliament passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which amends Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, removing the statutory prohibition against levying a Merchant Discount Rate on UPI and RuPay debit card transactions.

IDFC FIRST Bank Makes Maiden $500 Million Bond Issuance

• IDFC FIRST Bank completed its maiden $500 million bond issuance through its IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City, Gujarat.
• The bonds have a 3-year maturity, due in 2029, with a fixed 5.625% coupon rate.
• The bonds were issued under the Regulation S format to investors outside the US.
• The issuance marks the bank's entry into the global debt capital market.

S. Somanath and Anand Mahindra Appointed to RBI Central Board

• Their tenure is for 4 years from 20 August 2026.
• Somanath served as the 10th Chairman of ISRO from January 2022 to January 2025.
• Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and Anand Mahindra were appointed/re-appointed as Part-time, Non-official Directors on the RBI Central Board.
• During his tenure, India achieved the Chandrayaan-3 soft landing near the lunar south pole.

Wizzmoni and Oman Air Launch AI-Powered Multi-Currency Travel Card

• The AI-powered prepaid card supports more than 35 currencies.
• It targets international travellers, including students, professionals and tourists.
• The card offers features such as real-time tracking, digital forex services and financial controls.

SEBI Proposes Advertisement Code for Online Bond Platforms

• SEBI introduced the OBPP framework in November 2022, requiring such platforms to register as stock brokers in the debt segment of a recognised stock exchange.
• An OBPP is a SEBI-registered electronic platform that allows retail investors to buy and sell corporate bonds online, in the same way they would buy shares through a broking app.
• Why they were created. Corporate bonds in India have traditionally been an institutional market — traded in large lots between banks, insurers and mutual funds. A retail investor with ₹50,000 had no practical way in. OBPPs broke the market into small, purchasable units and put them on an app.

President Murmu Launches New Initiatives to Mark Four Years in Office

• President Droupadi Murmu launched multiple initiatives at Rashtrapati Bhavan in July 2026 to mark four years of her presidency. The initiatives include an application-based e-Audio Guide, RAAHI heritage connector, Bachpan ‘Bal Parisar’, e-Upahaar (3rd Edition), Net Zero Energy Strategy service block, and infrastructure projects. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also released five commemorative books highlighting her four-year presidential journey.

Delhi Tops e-Zero FIR Registrations for Cyber Financial Fraud

• The Ministry of Home Affairs informed Parliament that over 12,000 e-Zero FIRs were registered for cyber financial fraud in 2025 across 18 States and UTs. Delhi recorded the highest number with 6,115 cases, followed by Chandigarh. The e-Zero FIR system allows victims to report fraud through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the 1930 helpline before converting it into a regular FIR within three days.

India Becomes World's Second-Largest Supplier of Seafarers

• According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India became the world's second-largest supplier of seafarers with over 3.11 lakh professionals, accounting for 12.16% of the global workforce. India moved from fifth position in 2015 to second in 2026, behind the Philippines. The report also highlighted a global shortage of qualified maritime officers.

CCI Approves Go Digit Merger

• The Competition Commission of India approved the merger of Go Digit Infoworks Services with Go Digit General Insurance. It is the first merger between an insurance company and a non-insurance holding company under the amended Insurance Laws Act, 2025. Following the merger, Fairfax Group will hold a 57.28% stake in Go Digit General Insurance.

Delhi Launches Lakshmi Yojana

• The Delhi Government approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana to provide ₹2,500 monthly financial assistance to eligible women. The scheme has a budget allocation of ₹5,110 crore for 2026–27. Eligible women can choose between full payment through RD/FD or a combination of RD/FD and CBDC wallet.

Chhattisgarh Launches DWEEPTI Yojana

• Chhattisgarh launched DWEEPTI Yojana, India's first women-led distributed renewable energy policy. The scheme aims to create 5,000 solar enterprises, generate 50,000 green jobs, and provide clean energy access to five lakh families. Women SHGs will be trained as "Solar Didis" under the initiative.

Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket

• Former Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket in July 2026. Rahane was known for his calm leadership and played a key role in India's historic Test series victory in Australia. He finished his career with 12 Test centuries, including eight overseas.

Four Mathematicians Receive 2026 Fields Medal

• The International Mathematical Union awarded the 2026 Fields Medal to John Pardon, Yu Deng, Jacob Tsimerman, and Hong Wang. Yu Deng and Hong Wang became the first Chinese nationals to receive the honour, while Hong Wang became only the third woman ever to win the prestigious mathematics award.

India Finishes Third at ISSF World Cup 2026

• India finished third at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol 2026 held in Hangzhou, China, with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Esha Singh won gold in the women's 25m pistol, while Sainyam Vij secured silver in the women's 10m air pistol.

International Tiger Day – 29 July

• International Tiger Day is observed every year on 29 July to promote global tiger conservation and protect tiger habitats. Established in 2010 during the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit, the day highlights efforts to conserve the species. India remains home to nearly 70% of the world's tiger population.

International Day of Friendship – 30 July

• The United Nations observes the International Day of Friendship on 30 July to promote peace, solidarity, and mutual understanding among people and nations. First officially observed in 2011, the day encourages friendship as a means of fostering global harmony.

Delhi Launches Registration Portal for Delhi Lakshmi Yojana

• The Delhi Government launched the registration portal for the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month as financial assistance. The scheme is expected to benefit around 17 lakh women, with support aimed at improving financial security for women from economically weaker sections.

Ladakh Declares 23 Heritage Sites as Protected Monuments

• The Union Territory of Ladakh notified 23 heritage sites as Protected Monuments under the Jammu & Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1920. The move provides statutory protection to archaeological, historical and cultural sites across Leh, Nubra, Sham, Zanskar and Kargil, strengthening heritage conservation in the region.

Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2026 Released

• Candere and Hurun India released the second edition of the India Women Leaders List 2026, recognising 117 women achievers across 12 categories. Roshni Nadar, Priya Nair, Avani Lekhara and Sudha Murty were among the leading personalities honoured for their contributions in business, sports and social impact.

RBI Defers Basel III Disclosure Norms

• The Reserve Bank of India postponed the implementation of the revised Basel Pillar III disclosure framework by six months to 1 April 2027. The extension was granted after stakeholder feedback, allowing banks additional time to align with the Expected Credit Loss framework.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026 – 30 July

• The United Nations observed World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July to raise awareness about human trafficking and strengthen victim protection. The 2026 theme was "Trapped Behind the Scam", highlighting the growing misuse of online scams for human trafficking.

World Ranger Day 2026 – 31 July

• World Ranger Day was observed on 31 July to honour rangers who protect wildlife and natural heritage while remembering those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2026 theme was "Rangers: Guardians of a Changing Planet."

Odisha Signs ₹3,385 Crore BharatNet Agreement

• The Odisha Government signed a tripartite agreement with Digital Bharat Nidhi and BSNL to implement the amended BharatNet programme worth ₹3,384.82 crore. The project aims to provide optical fibre connectivity to around 50,000 villages across the state.

Cabinet Approves Expanded Khelo India Scheme with ₹36,441 Crore Outlay

• The Union Cabinet approved the expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31, introducing initiatives such as Khelo India Feeder Schools, Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas and Emerging Khelo India Athletes.

Cabinet Approves ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme

• The Union Cabinet approved the ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan–National Offshore Exploration Scheme to boost offshore oil and gas exploration, strengthen India’s energy security, reduce import dependence and increase domestic oil and gas production.

Cabinet Approves ₹5,070 Crore PM-SSY for Floating Solar Projects

• The Union Cabinet approved ₹5,070 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for developing 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity with energy storage systems, aiming to strengthen renewable energy generation and grid reliability.

Cabinet Extends PM-KISAN Scheme for Five Years

• The Union Cabinet approved continuation of the PM-KISAN scheme for 2026–27 to 2030–31 with an outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore, continuing annual financial assistance of ₹6,000 to eligible farmer families through three equal DBT instalments.

UNESCO Adds Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath to World Heritage List

• The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea, inscribed 25 new sites, including the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, taking the total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to 1,273 across 173 countries.

India-Maldives Launch Favara-UPI Cross-Border Payment Corridor

• The Maldives Monetary Authority operationalised the integration of its Favara instant payment system with India’s UPI, enabling real-time cross-border transfers and strengthening digital payment connectivity between India and the Maldives.

Former COAS General Vishwa Nath Sharma Passes Away

• Former Chief of Army Staff General Vishwa Nath Sharma passed away at the age of 91 in New Delhi, having served as the 14th Chief of Army Staff from May 1988 to June 1990 and receiving the AVSM and PVSM.

Kailash Chandra Pant Passes Away at 90

• Renowned Hindi writer and 2026 Padma Shri awardee Kailash Chandra Pant passed away at the age of 90 in Bhopal, having made significant contributions to Hindi literature, journalism and cultural activities.

World Wide Web Day Observed on August 1

• World Wide Web Day was observed on August 1 to commemorate the development of the World Wide Web by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who developed the first web server and browser in 1990 and launched the world’s first website in 1991.

DSC A24 Launched as India’s Fifth Diving Support Craft

• The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth and final Diving Support Craft, at Titagarh, Kolkata. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, the catamaran-hulled vessel has around 70% indigenous content and will support diving, salvage and coastal operations.

PM Modi Inaugurates Development Projects Worth ₹17,900 Crore in Andhra Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on 1 August 2026. In Andhra Pradesh, he inaugurated and launched projects worth over ₹17,900 crore covering aviation, semiconductors, renewable energy, power transmission, roads and youth development.

CCI Launches ‘Kapas Darshan’ Bulletin on 56th Foundation Day

• Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the Kapas Darshan Bulletin during the 56th Foundation Day of the Cotton Corporation of India. The event also highlighted the ₹5,659-crore Cotton Productivity Mission–Kapas Kanti and saw the signing of four MoUs to improve cotton quality, traceability and market access.

REC and PFC Sign ₹26,850 Crore Loan Agreement for Meja Power Project

• REC Limited and Power Finance Corporation signed a ₹26,850-crore common loan agreement with Meja Urja Nigam for the expansion of the Meja Thermal Power Project in Uttar Pradesh. The project will add 2,400 MW through three 800-MW ultra-supercritical units.

SEBI Extends Digital Accessibility Audit Deadline to October 2026

• SEBI extended the deadline for regulated entities to complete digital accessibility audits and remediation to 31 October 2026. It also introduced the GARUDA framework to streamline the processing of Alternative Investment Fund placement memorandums.

SBI Research Projects Around 7% GDP Growth in Q1 FY27

• SBI Research projected India’s GDP growth at around 7% in Q1 FY27, above the RBI’s 6.6% projection. The estimate was supported by stronger vehicle sales, electricity demand, exports and industrial activity.

K. Rajaraman’s Tenure as IFSCA Chairman Extended Till 2028

• The Government extended K. Rajaraman’s tenure as Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority until 24 October 2028. He is a retired 1989-batch IAS officer and became IFSCA’s first full-time Chairperson in 2023.

India Finishes Fourth at 2026 Commonwealth Games with 39 Medals

• India finished fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze. Australia topped the medal table with 171 medals, followed by England and Canada.

Nirmal Purja Dies in Avalanche on Broad Peak

• Renowned Nepali-British mountaineer Nirmal Purja died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. He was famous for completing all 14 eight-thousanders in 6 months and 6 days under Project Possible 14/7 in 2019.

Indian Organ Donation Day Observed on August 3

• Indian Organ Donation Day was observed on 3 August to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. In 2026, the government launched the ‘Jug Jug Jiyo’ campaign, e-Pratyaropan platform and NOTTO mobile application.

World Breastfeeding Week 2026 Observed from August 1–7

• World Breastfeeding Week was observed from 1–7 August 2026 to promote breastfeeding and support systems for mothers. The 2026 theme was “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works.”

Cabinet Approves GOBARdhan Scheme with ₹23,731 Crore Outlay

• The Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme aims to promote clean energy, strengthen the rural economy and create around 1.5 lakh jobs through the conversion of organic waste into bioenergy.

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

• India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The Defence Ministry stated that the launch successfully validated the missile’s operational and technical parameters, strengthening India’s strategic defence capabilities.

Lok Sabha Passes Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026

• The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which seeks to modernise the legal framework governing evidence related to bankers’ books. The Bill provides for the recognition and use of electronic and digital records of banking transactions as evidence.

Cabinet Approves GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme

• The Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore to promote clean energy and rural prosperity. The scheme is expected to generate around 1.5 lakh jobs and strengthen India’s circular bioeconomy.

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

• India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The Defence Ministry said the launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters.

Lok Sabha Passes Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026

• The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, providing legal recognition to electronic and digital records of bankers’ books as evidence. The legislation seeks to modernise the legal framework governing banking records.

Tri-Services Future Warfare Course Begins in New Delhi

• The 4th Tri-Services Future Warfare Course commenced in New Delhi under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. The four-week programme aims to enhance jointness and prepare military officers for emerging and future warfare challenges.

India’s Economy Likely to Grow Around 7% in Q1 FY27

• According to SBI Research, India’s economy is likely to grow by around 7% in Q1 FY27, supported by stronger economic indicators, industrial activity and recovering exports. The estimate is higher than the RBI’s earlier projection of 6.6%.

PM Modi Calls for Promotion of Indian Handloom

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to promote Indian handloom products ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7. He also recalled the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, highlighting the cultural and economic significance of India’s handloom sector.

U.S. Senate Passes Bill Threatening 100% Tariff on India

• The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, 2026, which could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to import Russian oil under specified conditions. India faces potential exposure as one of the major importers of Russian crude oil.

Odisha to Launch Five Food Parks at Investor Summit

• The Odisha Government will launch five food parks at the Odisha Food Pro 2026 investors’ meet in New Delhi. The state is targeting around ₹10,000 crore in investments and more than 20,000 jobs through the initiative.

Guwahati–Tezpur Highway Corridor Approved

• The Union Cabinet approved the ₹8,970 crore Guwahati–Tezpur Highway Corridor in Assam as a four-lane, access-controlled section of NH-15. The project will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model to improve connectivity in the region.

12 Rat-Hole Miners Receive Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak

• The Union Government conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, India’s highest-tier Jeevan Raksha Padak award, on 12 rat-hole miners for their extraordinary bravery during the Silkyara Tunnel rescue operation. The award recognises exceptional courage in saving human lives under extreme risk.

IIT Hyderabad Launches Nuclear Technology Programme ANUGYAN

• IIT Hyderabad and Crimson Energy Experts India launched ANUGYAN, India’s first industry–academia nuclear technology orientation programme. The three-month residential programme aims to develop skilled professionals to support India’s goal of expanding nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

Prasanta Mahapatra Appointed SEBI Executive Director

• Prasanta Mahapatra assumed charge as an Executive Director of SEBI, overseeing the Corporation Finance Investigation Department and Recovery and Refund Department. He brings more than 27 years of experience in securities market regulation and supervision.

D. Y. Patil Passes Away at 90

• Former Governors of Tripura and Bihar, D. Y. Patil, passed away at the age of 90 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. A renowned educationist and founder of the D.Y. Patil Group, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 for his contributions to education and social service.

Annapurni Subramaniam Wins COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026

• Indian astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, received the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 in Italy. She became the first Indian woman and the fourth Indian scientist to receive the prestigious award.

T. V. Somanathan Gets One-Year Extension as Cabinet Secretary

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a one-year extension for T. V. Somanathan as Cabinet Secretary, extending his tenure beyond August 30, 2026. The ACC also approved a one-year extension for Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan until August 2027.

Justice M. S. Liberhan Passes Away at 87

• Former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court and Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice M. S. Liberhan, passed away at the age of 87. He was widely known for heading the Liberhan Commission, which investigated the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.

National Javelin Day Observed on August 7

• National Javelin Day was observed on August 7 to commemorate Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and promote javelin throw in India. The Athletics Federation of India declared August 7 as National Javelin Day in 2021.

Tamil Nadu Presents First Budget of TVK Government

• Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson presented the TVK government’s first budget for FY27, targeting a $1.5 trillion state economy by 2031. The budget focused on AI, industrial expansion, education, infrastructure and social welfare, with major allocations for education, health and energy.

Hiroshima Day 2026 Observed on August 6

• Hiroshima Day was observed on August 6 to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. The year 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of the tragedy.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth Becomes IAF’s First Woman Fighter Combat Leader

• In August 2026, Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force to complete the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course at TACDE, Gwalior. She became the first woman graduate of the IAF’s elite “Top Gun” school. The 20-week course trains selected pilots to lead complex air combat and tactical missions.

LASPL and Massivit Sign MoU for India’s First Large-Format Additive Manufacturing Facility

• In August 2026, Lohia Aerospace Systems Private Limited (LASPL) signed an MoU with Israel-based Massivit to establish India’s first commercial large-format additive manufacturing facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The project involves an investment of USD 8–10 million over 1–2 years. It will support aerospace and defence manufacturing through advanced 3D-printing technology.

RBI Expands Upper-Layer NBFC List to 17 for FY27

• In August 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) identified 17 NBFCs for inclusion in the Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for FY 2026–27. The number increased from 15 in January 2025. REC, PFC, IRFC and HUDCO were added to the list, while Tata Sons continued as an upper-layer NBFC.

RBI Extends Loan Recovery Norms Deadline to January 1, 2027

• In August 2026, the RBI extended the implementation deadline for its revised framework on loan recovery and recovery agents from October 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027. Existing recovery agents not previously covered will receive a transition period to obtain certification from IIBF or an institute having a tie-up with IIBF. Certain bank employees, regular instalment collectors and assisting law firms are exempted.

SBI Life Partners with J&K Bank to Offer Insurance Solutions Across India

• In August 2026, SBI Life Insurance Company entered into a corporate agency partnership with Jammu & Kashmir Bank. The partnership will distribute SBI Life’s protection, savings, retirement and child insurance products through J&K Bank’s branch network. It aims to improve insurance penetration and financial inclusion in line with the vision of Insurance for All by 2047.

Standard Chartered Gets IFSCA Approval for Wealth Management Services from GIFT City

• In August 2026, Standard Chartered Bank received approval from IFSCA to offer wealth management products and services through its GIFT City branch. The approval will allow the bank to provide retail wealth management, capital-market products and other financial solutions. It further strengthens GIFT IFSC as an international financial hub.

Indian Bank Approves Rs 500 Crore MSME Loans During Credit Outreach Programme

• In August 2026, Indian Bank approved nearly Rs 500 crore in MSME loans to 128 beneficiaries during its Credit Outreach Programme. The bank also mobilised credit proposals worth around Rs 1,250 crore. The programme included the launch of a Unified MSME Portal enabling digital lending through PAN, GST and Udyam Registration data.

Kroll Report 2025: Shah Rukh Khan Tops Indian Celebrity Brand Rankings

• In August 2026, Kroll released its 11th Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025 report, ranking Shah Rukh Khan as India’s most valuable celebrity with a brand value of USD 177.9 million. Ranveer Singh ranked second at USD 162.9 million, while Virat Kohli ranked third at USD 158.4 million. The combined brand value of India’s top 25 celebrities stood at around USD 2 billion.

National Handloom Day 2026 – August 7

• National Handloom Day is observed annually on August 7 to honour India’s handloom weavers and highlight the sector’s contribution to socio-economic development. The Government declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015 to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement of 1905. The 12th National Handloom Day was celebrated in New Delhi in 2026.

Nagasaki Day 2026 – August 9

• Nagasaki Day is observed annually on August 9 to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945 during World War II. In 2026, the world marked the 81st anniversary of the bombing. The US B-29 bomber Bockscar dropped the plutonium-based “Fat Man” atomic bomb on the city.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 – August 9

• The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9 to recognise the rights, cultures, traditions and knowledge systems of indigenous communities. The UN proclaimed the day in 1994, with the first observance held in 1995. The 2026 theme is “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.”

NASA Invites ISRO to Join Moon Base Programme

• NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and eventually establishing a permanent settlement. The offer was made during the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on August 5–6, 2026. The partnership builds on India’s participation in the Artemis Accords.

Prof. Deepak Dhar Wins 2026 Dirac Medal

• Renowned Indian theoretical physicist Prof. Deepak Dhar received the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). He shared the award with Bernard Derrida, Marc Mézard and Haim Sompolinsky. He became the first Indian physicist to receive the Dirac Medal.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship & Awards

• The President of India will confer the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for 2024 and 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Akademi Ratna is the highest honour of the Akademi and is limited to 40 living eminent personalities. The awards recognise outstanding contributions to India’s performing arts.

Amit Shah Flags Off ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra’ in Puducherry

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra in Puducherry to promote the Tricolour as a symbol of national unity and identity. The campaign, launched in 2022 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, will also focus on the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram. Shah also presented the President’s Colours to Puducherry Police.

RBI’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters Projects 6.6% GDP Growth

• The RBI’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.6% for FY27, up from 6.5% in the previous survey. Growth is projected at 7.0% for FY28. The survey also estimated real GDP growth at 6.8% in Q1 FY27.

Rahul Navin Gets One-Year Extension as ED Director

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a one-year extension for Rahul Navin, Director of the Enforcement Directorate. His tenure has been extended until 13 August 2027 or until further orders. Navin, a 1993-batch IRS officer, has held several key positions in the ED since joining it as Special Director in 2019.

Astrobase Unveils India’s First Private 800 kN FFSC Rocket Engine

• Indian deep-tech startup Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled ‘EVEREST’, an 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine. The LOX–methane engine is designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles and orbital missions. The company plans full-scale hot-fire testing in 2026 and targets its first launch for December 2028.

Ariha Pangambam Wins India’s First Senior Women’s Gold in Asian Aerobic Gymnastics

• Manipur’s Ariha Pangambam won India’s first-ever individual gold medal in the senior women’s category at the 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships. She scored 19.100 points in the event held in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Thailand’s Chanyapit Manee won silver and Japan’s Mahiro Kishibe won bronze.

World Biofuel Day 2026 – August 10

• World Biofuel Day is observed on 10 August to promote biofuels as renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. In India, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has observed the day since 2015. The date commemorates Rudolf Diesel’s demonstration of a diesel engine powered by peanut oil in 1893.

PM E-DRIVE Incentive for Electric Two-Wheelers Revised

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries amended the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, limiting the incentive for electric two-wheelers to ₹2,500 per kWh, capped at ₹5,000 per vehicle, for April 2025–March 2028. The scheme promotes EV adoption, charging infrastructure and domestic EV manufacturing. It has a total outlay of ₹11,900 crore.

PLFS April–June 2026: Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.4%

• The National Statistics Office released the Quarterly PLFS Bulletin for April–June 2026. The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above rose to 5.4%, compared with the previous quarter. Overall LFPR stood at 54.6%, while rural and urban LFPR were 56.9% and 50.2%, respectively.

MoSPI Signs MoUs with IDEAS and ISI Kolkata

• MoSPI signed two MoUs with IDEAS and the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata to strengthen data-driven statistical analysis. The collaboration will develop a GDP nowcasting tool and a harmonised indicator framework linking government scheme data with NSS household data. It aims to support evidence-based policymaking under Viksit Bharat @2047.

Deepak Dhar Becomes First Indian to Win Dirac Medal

• Indian theoretical physicist Prof. Deepak Dhar became the first Indian physicist to receive the Dirac Medal in 2026. The award recognised his pioneering work in statistical mechanics, stochastic processes and complex physical systems. He shared the honour with Bernard Derrida, Marc Mézard and Haim Sompolinsky.

V.O.C. Port Becomes First Indian Port with ISO 50001:2018 Certification

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu became India’s first port to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System. The port also received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission-Free Port, with renewable energy meeting 93.89% of its electricity needs in FY26. The certification promotes efficient and sustainable energy management.

Vietnam’s VinSpace Signs SpaceX Launch Deal

• Vietnamese aerospace company VinSpace signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch its first satellites through a 2027 Transporter rideshare mission. The partnership will support Vietnam’s indigenous satellite capabilities and reduce launch costs through shared Falcon 9 missions. VinSpace will manage satellite design, testing, launch coordination and in-orbit operations.

Retail Inflation Rises to 19-Month High of 4.45%

• India’s retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July 2026, marking a 19-month high. The rise was driven mainly by higher food and fuel prices. The data indicates renewed inflationary pressure on household consumption and the overall economy.

Hungary Elects András Baka as President

• The Hungarian Parliament elected former Supreme Court chief András Baka as the country’s new President. He secured 140 votes in favour and 6 against. He is scheduled to assume office on 19 August 2026 for a term of up to five years.

Skyroot Aerospace Signs Multi-Launch Agreement with HEX20

• Skyroot Aerospace signed a Multi-Launch Agreement with HEX20 for three dedicated Vikram-series missions. The missions will support Earth observation, payload demonstrations and rideshare opportunities. Launches are scheduled to begin from Q4 2027.

Don Nelson, Five-Time NBA Champion, Passes Away

• Legendary American basketball coach Don Nelson passed away at the age of 86. He won five NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics and later coached for 31 years. He recorded 1,335 regular-season wins and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

International Youth Day 2026 – August 12

• International Youth Day is observed annually on 12 August to highlight youth contributions and address issues affecting young people. The 2026 theme is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The first official observance was held in 2000.

World Elephant Day 2026 – August 12

• World Elephant Day is observed on 12 August to promote elephant conservation and protection. It was first observed in 2012 and was conceptualised by Patricia Sims, Michael Clarke and Sivaporn Dardarananda. Elephants are the world’s largest land animals and have a gestation period of around 22 months.

Gujarat Approves ₹20 Crore for Four Centres of Excellence in Natural Farming

• The Gujarat Government approved ₹20 crore for 2026–27 to establish four Centres of Excellence for natural farming. The centres will be located in Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Chhota Udepur. They will provide farmers with training, technology support, soil testing, value addition and post-harvest facilities.

National Biodiversity Authority Releases ₹15 Crore ABS Proceeds

• The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released over ₹15 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism from mustard genetic resources. The amount will be distributed among 26 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils. The move supports fair sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.

India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement

• About SACU: SACU is the oldest customs union in the world, established in 1910, with its secretariat in Windhoek, Namibia. It has five members — South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.

PM-KISAN Extended to 2030-31

• The Union Cabinet on 31 July 2026 approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of ₹3,15,614 crore (about ₹3.15 lakh crore). This is a five-year extension covering FY 2026-27 through FY 2030-31, announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the Cabinet meeting.

India's Gene-Edited Rice Varieties

• On 4 May 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that ICAR scientists had, for the first time anywhere, developed two rice varieties using gene-editing technology.
• Aim: To develop climate-resilient, high-yielding rice varieties tolerant to drought, salinity and alkalinity, compressing varietal development from 8–10 years to 3–5, and to move India's genome-editing capability from laboratory research to farmers' fields.
• Field-tested: validated in multilocation field trials during 2023 and 2024.
• Seed multiplication ready: IARI already holds about 2 tonnes of Pusa DST Rice 1 seed, sufficient to begin multiplication in the coming rabi season.

Framework for Fertilizer Sale (FFS)

• AgriStack / Farmer Registry — a registry of about 102.8 million (10.28 crore) farmer IDs is being integrated with PM-KISAN, the Jan Samarth platform for Kisan Credit Card loans, and MSP-based crop procurement systems.
• A new digital platform for transparent and farmer-centric fertiliser distribution has been implemented on a pilot basis in 56 districts across 23 states, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel informed the Rajya Sabha on 4 August 2026 in a written reply. The pilot has expanded rapidly — it covered 40 districts across 20 states as of late July 2026.
• Registration — the farmer or an authorised representative registers through a mobile application, entering land and crop details.
• NABARD Grade A — Very high relevance for Phase II Paper II. Know the DBT mechanics, the 2025-26 figures (746.57 LMT, 8.4 crore farmers, 2.87 lakh retailers, ₹2.17 lakh crore subsidy), the 50-bag limit and state variations, and AgriStack's three registries (farmer registry, geo-referenced village maps, crop-sown registry). The Jan Samarth–KCC linkage is directly relevant to NABARD's credit mandate, as is the exclusion risk for tenant farmers — connect to Joint Liability Groups as the standard workaround for landless cultivators.

BIOFACH INDIA 2026

• Established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry; headquartered in New Delhi.
• 200+ exhibitors, including 60+ under APEDA Pavilion — exporters, women entrepreneurs, FPOs/FPCs, startups and organic enterprises.
• 35+ international buyers from 13 countries, including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Egypt, through Buyer-Seller Meets.
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with Nuernberg Messe India, is organising BIOFACH INDIA 2026 from 6–8 August 2026 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR — a platform for trade, knowledge exchange and business networking across the organic, natural and sustainable food sectors.

FarmerChat 2.0

• Digital Green India launched an upgraded version of its FarmerChat app, even as the number of users of the AI-powered farming advisory app crossed 10 lakh, spanning farmers and frontline extension workers across the country.
• Conversational interface — farmers can ask questions by voice, photo or text, accommodating low literacy and the reality that many field problems are easier to photograph than to name.
• What 2.0 adds — saves farmer preferences, such as speaking to the digital assistant or uploading photographs of field problems.

India's First T2T Genome of Pigeonpea

• 2011 — ICAR–NIPB published the world's first draft genome of pigeonpea variety 'Asha' — the first crop genome sequenced entirely in India.
• 2017 — an improved draft genome was published.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research announced that it has developed India's first fully annotated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.), variety 'Asha'.
• A T2T assembly closes those gaps, reading each chromosome continuously end to end. The 92 contigs for 11 chromosomes indicates near-complete chromosome-level assembly, and the 99.9% transcriptome read alignment is the accuracy check — nearly every RNA sequence maps cleanly onto the assembly.

Proposed Central Law on Women Farmers' Rights

• In Maharashtra, women hold only about 15.5% of operational farmland, though they perform a large share of agricultural labour.
• The Union government is considering a separate legislation to protect the rights of women farmers, on the lines of the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026, said S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, in Chennai. He was speaking at the inauguration of a conference on "Building Gender-just Food, Land and Water Systems" at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).
• NABARD Grade A — Very high relevance for Phase II Paper II. Women in agriculture, land rights, Kisan Credit Card access and Self-Help Group linkage are core themes, and NABARD directly finances women's SHGs and Joint Liability Groups — the standard workaround for cultivators without land title. Retain the 15.5% operational holding figure, the certificate mechanism, and the institutions created under the Maharashtra Act.

Learning from Self Help Groups

• Self Help Groups are small, voluntary, community-based groups, usually comprising 10–20 members, who come together for savings, credit, livelihood activities and mutual support.
• Members make regular savings and create a common fund.
• The group provides small loans to members, reducing dependence on informal moneylenders.
• SHGs promote financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and livelihood generation.

Reorienting PM-KISAN

• The scheme has been extended for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
• The annual support has remained at ₹6,000 since the scheme began.
• Provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three instalments.
• Around 95 million farmers have benefited.

National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge

Regenerative Farming and Climate Resilience — The Beforest Model

• Beforest, founded in 2018, works at the intersection of agriculture, ecology and climate resilience. It has built six collectives across Kodagu, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bhopal, spanning about 1,300 acres with 196 members.
• What a collective is — per founder and CEO Sunith Reddy: a group of people bound by a shared commitment to regenerative living who co-own and co-manage a single landscape, with a minimum land requirement of about 100 acres.
• Succession progresses — bare soil disappears, green cover thickens, biodiversity climbs.
• New diversity increases seed dispersal, which accelerates green cover, which attracts more diversity.

Precision Agriculture — ICAR's Network Programme

• ICAR-NePPA develops technologies using sensors, remote sensing (ground, drone, satellite), AI and ICTs, across five domains:
• Machinery and drones: drone-based spraying, AI-enabled precision planters, variable rate fertiliser applicator.
• Aquaculture: a tank-based super-intensive precision shrimp farming system yielding 120–150 tonnes/ha/year over three cycles, with smart automation and strict biosecurity.

Parichha Weir Recognised as World Heritage Irrigation Structure

• Three other Indian structures were also selected: Ashti Medium Project (Maharashtra), Chhapawara Dam (Rajasthan) and Pechiparai Dam (Tamil Nadu). Awards will be presented in October 2026 at Marseille, France.
• The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage designated the 140-year-old Parichha Weir in Jhansi, UP, as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure.
• It serves as the headworks of the 2,654-km Betwa Canal System, irrigating 4,28,360 hectares across five districts of UP and MP.

GoI Approves Incentive Scheme for Domestic PNG Connections

• The scheme, effective from 1 September 2026, aims to expand piped natural gas access as a clean, safe and affordable cooking fuel.
• It will be disbursed in two tranches over six months. India currently has 1.74 crore domestic PNG connections.
• City Gas Distribution companies will receive 200 SCM of lower-priced domestic APM gas for every incremental billed domestic PNG connection above a threshold set for each Geographical Area.

Digital Bharat Nidhi Signs BharatNet Agreement with Chhattisgarh

• Digital Bharat Nidhi, which functions under the Department of Telecommunications, signed the agreement with the Chhattisgarh government on 18 August 2026.

Tamil Nadu Raises CMCHIS Cover to ₹25 Lakh

• The state increased the annual cover under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme five-fold, from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA)

• Launched: formally announced by Quad leaders at the Tokyo Summit in May 2022, as a non-military, public-good initiative supporting regional maritime transparency.

MALHAR 2026

• Objective: a cultural programme showcasing India's classical music traditions and celebrating its diverse artistic heritage, while providing a platform for classical musicians, traditional performers and music enthusiasts.
• A classical music tradition associated with the monsoon season (Varsha Ritu), linked to the legendary 16th-century court musician Tansen.
• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated 'MALHAR 2026', a youth-centric, monsoon-themed celebration of Indian classical music, organised by Antar Hriday Connect in New Delhi.

Reclaiming Assam's Elephant Habitat Through Invasive Plant Management

• Implementing organisation: Aaranyak, a Guwahati-based biodiversity conservation organisation
• Three — Conversion of cleared biomass into biochar.
• How it differs from burning: instead of burning to ash, this thermal process transforms the biomass into a stable, solid form of carbon that resists decay and can remain in the ground for thousands of years.
• The process is called pyrolysis. Ordinary burning releases the carbon back into the atmosphere as CO2. Pyrolysis locks most of it into a solid form that does not decompose — which is why biochar counts as carbon sequestration rather than disposal.

Himachal Pradesh and ISB Sign MoU for Forest Economy

• The partnership aims to unlock an estimated ₹22,600 crore forest and pastoral economy.
• Himachal Pradesh Forest Department signed a 5-year MoU with ISB-BIPP.
• Major resources include amla, pine needles, wild mangoes, sal seeds and rhododendron flowers.

National Campaign on Entrepreneurship-II Launched

• It aims to train 5 lakh SHG women, formalise 50,000 enterprises and support the goal of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis.
• The Ministry of Rural Development launched National Campaign on Entrepreneurship-II under DAY-NRLM.
• The three-month campaign will run from 21 August to 21 November 2026.

SKM Opposes NCDC (Amendment) Act as Attack on States' Rights

• The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) called the NCDC (Amendment) Act, 2026 an "onslaught" on the federal rights of States. The Bill was passed by Parliament on 12 August, amending the NCDC Act of 1962.
• The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2026 amends the NCDC Act, 1962 to expand NCDC’s role in financing and supporting the cooperative sector. The President gave assent to the Act on 14 August 2026.
• Entry 32, State List — cooperative societies
• Entry 43, Union List — only multi-state cooperative societies

Floating Solar in India and PM Surya Sarovar Yojana

• Outlay and target: ₹5,070 crore for 5,000 MW, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
• Higher efficiency: Water cooling can improve solar output by around 5–15%.
• PM Surya Sarovar Yojana refers to the government’s initiative to promote floating solar power plants on reservoirs and water bodies.
• Approval/Launch:31 July 2026 — approved by the Union Cabinet.

India's First Soil Texture Map Developed by NBSS&LUP

• The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), a premier institute under ICAR, announced India's first Soil Texture Map during its 50th Foundation Day in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The map, released in July 2026, provides hectare-level soil information to support crop planning, irrigation management and land-use decisions.

Regenerative Agriculture

• Aim: rebuild soil fertility, improve water retention, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen natural agro-ecosystems — making farming resilient against climate stress while ensuring long-term productivity and secure farmer livelihoods.
• 3. Multi-tier ecosystem diversification
• A holistic farming approach that places soil health and biodiversity at its core.

Fertiliser Subsidy: 58.04% of FY27 Budget Used

• ₹99,128.70 crore spent by 19 August 2026.
• 58.04% of the fertiliser subsidy budget already used.

Government Tightens E20 Petrol Quality Rules

• E20 = 20% ethanol + 80% petrol.
• E20 petrol must have less than 3 ppm chloride contamination.
• Aim is to protect vehicle components and improve fuel quality.

Periyar Kullan: Kerala's Second Registered Indigenous Cattle Breed

• NBAGR — ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, located at Karnal, Haryana; it registers India's animal genetic resources
• Vechur is the world's smallest cattle breed, at about 130 kg
• Periyar Kullan weighs 150–200 kg; yields 2.5–4 litres daily; A2 beta-casein
• Related programme: Rashtriya Gokul Mission, for indigenous breed conservation and development

Government Proposes Ban on Insecticide Carbosulfan

• The Insecticides Act, 1968 is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Proposed ban under the Insecticides Act, 1968
• Expert panel constituted 14 January; report submitted 12 June
• Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) registers pesticides in India

RBI August Bulletin: Monsoon Revival Eases Agriculture Risks

• Rainfall deficit improved from −35.4% at June-end to −13% at July-end.
• Kharif sowing deficit narrowed from −22% to −2.9%.
• By August 24, rainfall deficit was only −1%.

Mission Samriddh Gaon Launched

• Family-level saturation: Maps eligible households and plans at family, Gram Panchayat and block levels for universal scheme access.
• It coordinates Central and state welfare programmes to deliver: Comprehensive infrastructure Assured basic amenities Diversified income streams Targeted social protection
• Diversified income streams
• Aim: build self-reliant, poverty-free and economically vibrant villages where every rural family has sustainable livelihood opportunities and access to basic amenities — thereby eliminating distress rural-to-urban migration.

The e-Shram Portal

• The e-Shram Portal completed five years of operation on 26 August 2026, marking a milestone in building India's social security architecture for the informal economy.
• Assigns every registered worker a portable 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN)
• Workers aged 16 and above
• Launch date: 26 August 2021

Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Assam's Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary recorded its first-ever sighting of the rare migratory Smew (Mergellus albellus) during the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count 2026 — alongside sightings of the critically endangered Bengal Florican.
• A protected area spanning 70.13 sq km
• Smew (Mergellus albellus) — a small migratory diving duck that breeds in northern Europe and Asia and winters further south. Its appearance this far south and east is unusual, which is why the sighting was recorded as a first.
• Position: on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River

Bihar Leads India’s Mushroom Revolution

• India’s mushroom production increased from 51,000 tonnes in 2015 to nearly 3.48 lakh tonnes in 2024.
• Mushroom production recorded a 23.76% CAGR during the period.
• India has become the world’s third-largest mushroom producer, but its global share is only around 0.7%.

Ministry of Rural Development Highlights Community-led Water Security

• The Ministry of Rural Development participated in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Nepal Flash Flood 2026

• On 26 August 2026, a devastating flash flood struck the mountainous region along the Nepal–China border.
• Worst-affected areas: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan in Nepal
• A GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) occurs when a glacial lake suddenly releases a large volume of water, usually because its natural dam fails.

The DAANVEER Initiative

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj called for nationwide public participation under the 'DAANVEER' initiative — encouraging citizens, CSR entities and the Indian diaspora to donate desktop computers to verified Gram Panchayats.
• Allows individuals, philanthropic organisations, CSR partners and the diaspora to directly purchase and donate standardised desktop computers
• Aim: bridge the rural digital divide and strengthen grassroots digital governance by augmenting IT hardware across Gram Panchayats through voluntary, transparent public contributions.
• Standardised hardware: Donors choose government-approved computer bundles meeting required technical specifications.

Ammannia telanganensis

• Ecosystem: grows in wet, sandy soils along seasonal streams, temporary puddles and marshy margins of freshwater bodies
• Rangareddy district — Narsingi and Gachibowli
• Cyme — a flower cluster in which the central flower opens first
• Riparian — relating to the bank of a river or stream

NABARD-NaBFID MoU on Rural Infrastructure Financing

• NABARD and the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) signed an MoU to enhance financing support for rural infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, by providing long-term and competitively priced finance.

Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant Inaugurated

• Processes 100 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) of cattle dung
• Nine taxis were flagged off under the country's first rural-level cooperative-model "Gramin Bharat Taxi" service
• Under which drivers own their vehicles

Climate-Proofing India's Food System

• Diversified procurement: Expand MSP beyond rice and wheat to millets, pulses and oilseeds suited to local climates.
• Diversified PDS: Add millets and pulses to PDS, PM POSHAN and Anganwadi programmes for better nutrition and lower water use.
• Sustainable farming: Promote micro-irrigation, climate-resilient seeds and weather-indexed crop insurance under PM Fasal Bima Yojana.

Global Drought Resilience Architecture: DRI and DRIF

• At UNCCD COP17, a new global drought resilience architecture was launched to shift from reactive crisis response to proactive preparedness — featuring the world's first Drought Resilience Index (DRI) and Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF).
• What it is: the world's first comprehensive technical monitoring metric to evaluate a country's systemic capacity to handle and withstand drought.
• Aim: enable countries to assess their capacity to anticipate, prepare for and adapt to droughts, while identifying structural vulnerabilities to inform data-driven policies and investments.
• AI-powered analytics — helps policymakers, technical experts and the public interpret complex climate and geographical data into practical insights

Government Introduces Fortnightly Sugar Allocation System

• Mills must sell at least 40% of their allocation in the first week.

Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS)

• Ensure timely availability of fertilizers to farmers.
• Monitor the supply and movement of fertilizers across States and districts.
• Help prevent shortages, diversion and black marketing.

The Spoon-tailed Duskhawker

• Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Borders Myanmar

Neelakurinji-like Bloom in Kudremukh Hills

• Added to Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in 2024, giving it legal protection
• Famous for blooming once in 12 years
• The last major bloom in the Munnar region was in 2018
• Located in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, in the Western Ghats

Carcass Dump Relocation Reduces Vulture Electrocution in Dehradun

• Diclofenac was banned for veterinary use in 2006; meloxicam is the safe substitute
• Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-25; Vulture Conservation Breeding Centres at Pinjore, Rajabhatkhawa and Rani

Gangaichthys indonepalicus — New Subterranean Fish

• First recorded subterranean fish from the Indo-Gangetic Basin.
• Important for biodiversity, taxonomy and aquatic ecosystems.

Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026

• Launched 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme
• The Asian elephant is Endangered on the IUCN Red List and listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
• Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh — 2 caregivers, the only recipients from the Northeast: Ganesh Tamang (Senior Mahout, over 26 years of service) and Sumit Gogoi (Elephant Attendant, 5 years).
• India holds about 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• Under the newly launched Nuclear Energy Mission, the Government informed the Lok Sabha that it plans to develop and operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033. This supports India's goal of 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047.
• The SHANTI Act, 2025 enables private sector participation in nuclear technology manufacturing and deployment — the change that makes SMR scale-up possible.
• Aim: deliver clean, flexible, low-carbon baseload electricity and industrial heat, while cutting initial capital cost, construction time and land requirement compared with large nuclear plants.
• Nuclear fission — heavy nuclei such as Uranium-235 are split in a controlled chain reaction to produce heat

PM Vishwakarma Scheme 2.0

• Traditional artisans and craftsmen above 18 years of age.
• Covers 18 identified traditional trades.
• Launch Year: 2023
• Type: Central Sector Scheme

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• The scheme targets 1 crore households by March 2027.
• Launch: February 2024
• Households can get up to 300 units of free electricity per month through rooftop solar generation.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Shakti Ki Saptadhara: Seven Streams of India's Growth Explained

• The Prime Minister, in his Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, outlined "Shakti Ki Saptadhara" — seven streams of national strength that can drive India towards Aatmanirbharta and Viksit Bharat.
• Saptadhara means seven streams. It refers to the seven strategic areas of India's growth and national strength identified by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort.
• It brings together manufacturing, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, defence, the green and blue economy, and soft power as interconnected pillars for India's next phase of development.
• Technology & Innovation: Develop India as a hub for data centres, robotics, emerging technologies, next-gen communication and 6G, building on UPI and DPI.

Jal Jeevan Mission Completes 7 Years

• On 15 August 2026, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) completed seven years of implementation. Rural tap-water coverage has risen to over 15.91 crore households, and more than 2 lakh villages have been declared 'Har Ghar Jal' certified.
• Objective: to provide a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household, at 55 litres per person per day.
• (d) — All four correct. Remember the three ratios: 90:10 for Himalayan and NE states, 100% for UTs, 50:50 for others.
• a. It was launched on 15 August 2019 to provide a Functional Household Tap Connection to every rural household. b. It aims to supply 55 litres of water per person per day. c. It is implemented by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. d. It is a Central Sector Scheme funded entirely by the Union Government.

NABARD Launches RSVC-AMRIT Platform for Rural Innovation

• On 15 August 2026, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, launched the RSVC-AMRIT platform, developed by NABARD in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA), to strengthen rural innovation and technology transfer.
• The digital backbone of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) ecosystem.
• The RSVC model extends this by creating village-level centres where those technologies are demonstrated, adopted and maintained — and RSVC-AMRIT is the digital system that ties the centres, the technologies and the users together.

Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Launched in West Bengal

• The scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
• West Bengal formally launched Ayushman Bharat–PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on 16 August 2026.
• All citizens above 70 years will be covered, including around 35 lakh elderly beneficiaries.
• Around 2,000 government and private hospitals in the state will be available under the scheme.

NITI Aayog Report on Key Sectors for Global Manufacturing Hub

• Contributes about 2% of GDP, 11% of manufacturing GVA and 9% of merchandise exports.
• India is the world's second-largest telecom market, with over 1.2 billion subscribers.
• Q1. With reference to the NITI Aayog report on key manufacturing sectors, consider the following statements:
• (c) — Statements a, b, c are correct. Statement d is wrong: India is the sixth-largest textile exporter globally, with a 4.1% share of global textile and apparel exports.

Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)

• The Lok Sabha referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, following strong objections from Opposition parties and civil society.
• Recommendations and dissent — prepares an advisory report; dissenting members may append formal Notes of Dissent
• An ad hoc (temporary) parliamentary committee set up for detailed, clause-by-clause examination of a controversial Bill, a complex legislative proposal, or a major financial or governance issue.
• Summoning power — may call for official records and papers, and summon officials, experts and stakeholders

Mahadayi (Mandovi) River: Origin, Course and Tributaries

Black-necked Crane

• The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), working with the Indian Army and local authorities, has sterilised over 2,950 free-ranging dogs in Ladakh since 2022 to reduce predation on the Black-necked Crane and its chicks.

Fertiliser Subsidy Rises Despite Low Nutrient-Use Efficiency

• India is spending more on fertiliser subsidies, while only around 40% of applied nutrients are absorbed by crops.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

• To combat desertification, reverse land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas (drylands) — in order to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030 and support sustainable livelihoods.
• At COP17, India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems
• Roughly 30% of India's land area is affected by degradation, per the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas prepared by SAC-ISRO
• India hosted COP14 in New Delhi (2019), where the Delhi Declaration was adopted

Meghalaya Opens Centre of Excellence for Eri Silk Weaving

• Meghalaya's handloom sector supports more than 50,000 households, with women making up over 70% of the workforce.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Completes 12 Years

• Overdraft: Up to ₹10,000, subject to eligibility.
• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has completed 12 years. Announced by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort on 15 August 2014, the scheme has crossed 58 crore accounts with deposits of about ₹3 lakh crore, and became the first layer of India's JAM trinity and wider digital public infrastructure.
• Launch Date: 28 August 2014
• To ensure universal access to banking services for every household.

RBI Closes FCNR(B) Swap Window

• Launched on 8 June 2026, the facility lets banks swap the foreign currency they raise through FCNR(B) deposits with the RBI.
• It is a term deposit held in foreign currency by a non-resident Indian with an Indian bank. Both the principal and interest are paid in the same foreign currency, so the depositor faces no rupee conversion risk.
• The bank collects dollars from NRI depositors
• RBI bears the full hedging cost. Because the exchange rate is fixed at both ends, the bank carries no currency risk. That is what allows banks to offer attractive interest rates to NRI depositors.

L&T to Build NVIDIA B300 AI Factory in Chennai

• Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured a ₹10,000–15,000 crore order to build a large AI computing facility for Together AI.
• It will deploy 10,000 NVIDIA B300 GPUs.

NCLT Launches e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy Services

• NCLT was established on 1 June 2016 under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Users can digitally inspect case records and obtain certified copies through the NCLT e-Filing portal.
• The initiative is part of the e-Courts 2.0 programme.

FAST-DS: Foreign Assets Disclosure Scheme for Small Taxpayers

• Where such asset or income has escaped assessment within the meaning of Section 147 of the Income-tax Act, 1961
• The Income Tax Department has notified a new voluntary disclosure scheme allowing small taxpayers to declare certain undisclosed foreign assets and income by paying an effective 60% tax. The scheme lets eligible individuals come clean without facing further penalties or prosecution.
• Failure to disclose the asset or income in a return filed before the scheme commenced

SEBI Proposes Colour-Coded Credit Risk-o-Meter

• The aim is to make credit risk easier for investors to understand and compare.
• Existing credit ratings such as AAA, AA+ and BBB- would be converted into 6 visual risk levels.

IFSCA Grants Investment Banking Licence to Nexent Capital

• The registration was granted under the IFSCA (Capital Market Intermediaries) Regulations, 2025.

RBI Proposes Ban on NBFC Revolving Credit

RBI Imposes ₹59.20 Lakh Penalty on IndusInd Bank

• RBI imposed a monetary penalty of ₹59.20 lakh on IndusInd Bank.
• The violations were identified during RBI's inspection based on the bank's financial position as of 31 March 2025.
• The bank was found to have: Paid interest on certain current account deposits in violation of RBI directions. Undertaken synthetic securitisation of standard assets against RBI guidelines.

US Transshipment Report

• Corridors named in the report:

WIPO Report: India Ranks Fifth in Generative AI Patent Filings

• India ranks fifth globally in generative AI (GenAI) patent filings, driven by a 64% compound annual growth rate between 2024 and 2025, according to a report by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a specialised agency of the United Nations.
• That equals nearly 70% of the 1,350 patents India published over the entire previous decade (2014–2023)
• Published 929 GenAI patents in 2024 and 2025 alone
• India's fifth place is therefore not secure. Its 2% share is small in absolute terms, and countries behind it are growing faster than the gap allows for comfort.

BHEL and Hystar Collaborate on PEM Electrolysers

• The partnership will promote green hydrogen, indigenous manufacturing and clean-energy technology.
• The collaboration supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

India Celebrates 80th Independence Day

• The celebrations focused on: 150 years of Vande Mataram "Yuva Shakti – Leading the Journey to Viksit Bharat@2047"
• 150 years of Vande Mataram
• India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
• "Yuva Shakti – Leading the Journey to Viksit Bharat@2047"

India Approves First Fully Commercial Earth Observation Satellite Constellation

• Investment: Over ₹1,200 crore
• Expected operationalisation: 2029
• IN-SPACe approved India's first fully commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation under the PPP model.
• The consortium is led by PixxelSpace India and includes Dhruva Space, PierSight Space and SatSure Analytics.

Shaurya Chakra Awardees 2026

• 19 personnel received the Shaurya Chakra.
• Awardees included: 11 Army personnel 1 Navy personnel 1 Air Force personnel 6 Police and Central Armed Forces personnel
• 11 Army personnel
• 1 Navy personnel

Reform Utsav: Citizen-Driven Governance Reform Campaign

• The Union Government plans to launch a three-month "Reform Utsav" campaign, likely from 2 October 2026, to systematically capture citizens' suggestions and turn them into actionable governance reforms.
• Aim: to institutionalise citizen participation in governance and create a responsive mechanism for identifying, prioritising and implementing administrative and structural reforms.
• Jan Manthan – Discover Citizens submit reform suggestions through a portal, meetings, webinars and outreach. AI will classify and organise suggestions. A multilingual call centre may improve accessibility.
• Citizens submit reform suggestions through a portal, meetings, webinars and outreach.

Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) conferred the Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026 during World Elephant Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam.
• 7 mahouts and elephant handlers from Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal were honoured.
• They rescued six stranded captive elephants and helped move 13 wild one-horned rhinoceroses to safer areas during severe floods.

Karnataka Approves Sandhya Kiran Scheme

• The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Sandhya Kiran Scheme for state pensioners below 70 years and their families.
• The scheme provides ₹5 lakh annual family health cover.
• Around 4.93 lakh beneficiaries will be covered.
• It covers secondary, tertiary and emergency treatment at empanelled hospitals.

Green India Mission

• Improve ecosystem services — biodiversity, water and carbon sequestration
• Increase forest and tree cover over 5 million hectares
• Improve the quality of forest and tree cover over another 5 million hectares

MMDR Amendment Bill 2026

• It amends the principal MMDR Act, 1957 to:
• The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Parliament to establish a uniform, Centre-directed fiscal framework for mining and restrict state-level taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
• Section 9D does not abolish the state's power to tax — it makes that power conditional on central permission. The state may still levy, but only within limits the Centre sets.
• Section 13 is where those limits will actually be written. The Bill itself does not specify ceilings; it delegates that to executive rules. So the real extent of the restriction will emerge later, through rules rather than legislation.

India–Nepal Sign MoUs for 8 Development Projects

• India and Nepal signed MoUs for 8 High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).
• Total estimated cost: NPR 803 million.
• The projects will be implemented across 7 districts in 4 provinces of Nepal.

JSW Neo Energy–Bhutan Pact for 920 MW Hydroelectric Project

• DGPC will hold 51% and JSW Neo Energy 49% in the joint venture.
• JSW Neo Energy and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed an agreement to develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydroelectric Project.
• It is JSW Neo Energy's first power generation venture outside India.

Andhra Pradesh–CSIR-NGRI Pact for Critical Mineral Exploration

• The project has an estimated cost of ₹140 crore and will be fully funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET).
• Earlier studies indicated lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 ppm and gallium up to 250 ppm.

Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved projects collectively worth ₹7,877 crore for incentives under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
• Metalised films for capacitors
• A scheme to build domestic manufacturing of electronic components — the parts that go inside finished devices, which India has largely imported even while assembling phones and laptops here.

SEMICON India 2026 to Be Held in September

• The three-day event will have over 500 exhibitors.
• The 5th edition of SEMICON India 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 17 September 2026.
• Around 240 companies from more than 40 countries are expected to participate.

VIHAAN: India's First Indigenous Broadband Networking Chip

• Aim: deliver high-performance, domestically designed telecom silicon for Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployments and broadband routers across Indian households and businesses, reducing reliance on imported foreign networking chips.
• Chennai-based fabless semiconductor startup Aheesa Digital Innovations, supported under MeitY's Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, has achieved first-pass silicon success for its indigenous broadband networking System-on-Chip (SoC) named 'VIHAAN'.
• First-pass silicon success — the chip worked on its very first fabrication attempt, without needing a redesign
• RISC-V — an open-standard instruction set architecture, free to use, unlike proprietary architectures such as ARM or x86

N. Chandrasekaran to Step Down as Tata Sons Chairman

• Natarajan Chandrasekaran will step down as Executive Chairman of Tata Sons after completing his current term on 20 February 2027.
• He became Chairman of Tata Sons in February 2017 and was reappointed in 2022.
• Before becoming Tata Sons Chairman, he served as CEO and MD of TCS from 2009.

Kirti Chakra Awardee Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan Passes Away

• Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan (Retd.) passed away on 13 August 2026 at the age of 70.
• In a 1994 counter-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir, he led an operation that rescued hostages despite suffering severe injuries.
• He became the Indian Army's first wheelchair-borne General.
• He received the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.

NITI Aayog Releases Report on Professional Services

• Professional services contribute nearly 25% of India's total services exports.
• NITI Aayog released its 3rd Services Thematic report, "India's Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services."
• Key regulatory barriers include nationality/residency requirements, licensing rules, qualification requirements and recognition of foreign qualifications.
• The report suggests a four-pronged strategy: Harness emerging trends Strengthen professional services in the wider value chain Adopt global best practices Promote continuous professional development

Sapt Dhara of Shakti: Agriculture and Rural Development Roadmap

• Aim of the meeting: translate the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 into a clear and actionable roadmap for agriculture and rural development.
• Who will participate: progressive farmers, Lakhpati Didis, agricultural exporters and food processors.
• Commitment to providing fertilisers to farmers at subsidised prices amid global crises and uncertainties
• Creating new global markets and opportunities for farmers, particularly in agriculture and marine products, including seafood

Exercise MAITREE-XV

• An 85-personnel Indian Army contingent, primarily from 9 Gorkha Rifles, departed for Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026).

MoD Signs ₹1,577 Crore Contracts for Loiter Munition Systems

• The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth about ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and NIBE Ltd.
• TASL will receive 64% of the order, while NIBE will receive 36%.
• Delivery is to be completed within 12 months.

Divyastra Mk3 Completes Maiden Flight

• Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. successfully conducted the maiden flight of Divyastra Mk3.
• It is described as India's first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition.

MIDHANI Gets GE Aerospace S400 Lab Approval

• Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) became the first Indian company to receive S400 laboratory approval from GE Aerospace.
• The approval covers testing of high-performance metallic materials and aerospace alloys.
• MIDHANI is a Miniratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Defence.

NIELIT Launches Cyber Kushti 2026

• NIELIT launched Cyber Kushti 2026, a national cybersecurity and AI hackathon.
• The winning team will receive the title "Cyber Kesari 2026" and a Gada.
• It aims to test human decision-making and judgment in AI-driven cybersecurity situations.

SpaceX Sets Record with Two Falcon 9 Launches

• The second carried the classified USSF-366 mission for the US Space Force.
• SpaceX launched two Falcon 9 rockets just 38.5 minutes apart.
• One rocket carried 8 Globalstar satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
• This set a company record for the shortest gap between two Falcon 9 launches.

Magnus Carlsen Wins Esports World Cup Chess 2026

• Magnus Carlsen won the Esports World Cup Chess 2026 title for the second consecutive year.
• The tournament was held in Paris, France, from 11–15 August 2026.
• He defeated Denis Lazavik 2–0 in the final.
• Carlsen received a prize of USD 250,000.

Sculptor Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi Passes Away

• He received the National Award for Master Craftspersons 2024 and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2014.
• National Award-winning sculptor Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi passed away at the age of 75 in Karnataka.

PM-MKSSY and India's Fisheries Sector

• Launched: September 2020
• The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, celebrated the 80th Independence Day in New Delhi in the presence of fishers and fish farmers from across the country — in line with the national themes of "150 Years of Vande Mataram" and "Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047".
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) About: PMMSY is the flagship scheme of the Government of India for the comprehensive development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Launched: September 2020 Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Implementing Department: Department of Fisheries
• Aim: Increase fish production, improve infrastructure, employment and fisher livelihoods.

Fog Harvesting: How Morocco Collects Water from Mist

• CloudFisher nets are three-dimensional and food-safe, developed along with WaterFoundation and Aqualonis. They can withstand mountain winds of up to 120 km per hour, and work without electricity.
• It reduces the burden on women. In such regions, water collection is overwhelmingly women's work, often involving hours of walking. Piped supply returns that time — which is also why a women-led organisation built the project.

Defence Ministry Notifies 6th Positive Indigenisation List

• The Department of Defence Production (DDP) notified the 6th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) on 18 August 2026.
• The list contains 405 defence items.
• These items will be progressively sourced from domestic manufacturers.

Government Approves Incentive Scheme for Domestic PNG Connections

• The scheme will be effective from 1 September 2026.
• The government approved an Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections.
• The scheme aims to expand access to clean, safe and affordable piped cooking gas.

New Rail Connectivity in Gwalior-Chambal Region

• A 56-km gauge-converted rail section connecting Kailaras–Sabalgarh–Birpur in Madhya Pradesh was inaugurated on 18 August 2026.

VB-G RAM G Replaces MGNREGA

• Key milestones: Bill passed: December 2025 Replacement announced: 1 April 2026 Draft Rules: 22 May 2026 Final Rules: End of June 2026
• Bill passed: December 2025
• Replacement announced: 1 April 2026
• Draft Rules: 22 May 2026

The Garbhini Mitra Course

• The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, launched the "Garbhini Mitra" course for the 2026–2027 academic session.
• Aim: create a cadre of skilled community health workers and maternal wellness guides delivering pre-conceptional, antenatal and postnatal support, while facilitating timely clinical referrals to qualified medical professionals.
• Its purpose: develop non-clinical support personnel who provide lifestyle guidance, dietary advice and wellness assistance to women through pregnancy and the postpartum period.
• Implementing body: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi — an autonomous premier institution under the Ministry of Ayush.

Odisha Launches ‘Bidesh Sikhyabruti’ Scholarship Scheme

• Selected students can receive up to ₹25 lakh per year.
• 50 students will be selected annually for universities ranked among the Top 200 in QS World University Rankings.
• Odisha launched the scheme for meritorious SC/ST students pursuing higher education abroad.
• The scheme operates under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY).

MeitY Launches GENESIS EIR Cohort 3.0

• Selected innovators can receive financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh.
• It supports aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, students and early-stage startup founders.
• Focus areas include AI/ML, IoT, semiconductors, VLSI and cybersecurity.

NITI Aayog Report: 8.7 Crore Youth Not Studying, Working or in Training

• Around 87 million (8.7 crore) youth aged 15–29 years were identified as not in education, employment or training.
• Only 8.25% of graduates are employed in jobs matching their qualifications.
• NITI Aayog released “Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047.”
• Fewer than 1 in 12 secondary schools offer vocational subjects.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Completes 12 Years

• PMJDY was launched on 28 August 2014 to promote financial inclusion.
• Its 12-year milestone highlights India's progress in financial inclusion and digital banking.
• It aims to provide access to bank accounts, credit, insurance, pension and remittance facilities.
• The scheme has played a major role in bringing unbanked sections into the formal financial system.

PMFME Scheme Showcases Micro Food Enterprises

• The PMFME Conclave 2026 was held on 24–25 August 2026 in New Delhi.
• PMFME Bazaar showcased products from micro food enterprises across 25 States and UTs.
• It supported SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs through branding and market access.

Tamil Nadu Announces ‘Annapurnam Super Six’ Scheme

• The scheme is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore families.
• Beneficiaries include families with annual income up to ₹2.5 lakh, small and marginal farmers and transgender families.
• The estimated annual cost is around ₹4,000 crore.
• Tamil Nadu announced three free LPG cylinders for eligible economically disadvantaged families.

Tamil Nadu Expands Free Bus Travel for Women and Transgenders

• The scheme is scheduled to come into force from 2 October 2026.
• The estimated annual expenditure is around ₹6,000 crore.
• The Vetri Payanam scheme will expand fare-free bus travel for women and transgenders.

World Water Week 2026 Focuses on Water Security

• World Water Week 2026 is being held from 23–27 August 2026.
• The 2026 theme is “Water for People and Progress.”

PM SVANidhi Completes One Year of Restructured Phase

• The scheme has been extended up to 31 March 2030.
• It provides collateral-free working-capital loans to street vendors, with a 7% interest subsidy on timely repayment.
• PM SVANidhi completed one year of its restructured phase on 27 August 2026.
• The revamped scheme goes beyond credit to include digital payments, social security, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.

MGNREGA Workers Migrated to VB-G RAM G

• All workers registered under MGNREGA have been migrated to VB-G RAM G.

BHU–CII E2EE Career Lounge

• Provides skill training, internships, placements, career counselling and entrepreneurship support.
• Connects higher education with employability and entrepreneurship.

RSSDI Rural Outreach Digital Portal and VISHWAS Video Library Launched

BRICS Youth Summit Held in Gandhinagar

• Held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 19–20 August 2026.

IIMA Healthcare Summit Focuses on AI in Healthcare

• 3rd IIMA Healthcare Summit 2026 held on "Advancing AI in Healthcare."
• Aim is to move India from "Pharmacy of the World" to "Laboratory of the World."

India Remains Canada's Top Source of Permanent Residents

• India's share fell from about 30 per cent (2023) to 25 per cent (2025)
• Canada admitted 1.8 lakh new permanent residents (PRs) in the first half of 2026, with Indians accounting for 44,335 — nearly one in four admissions — according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• First half of 2026 — top source countries:
• Combined 2025 and first half of 2026: 1.4 lakh Indian citizens became Canadian PRs.

8.7 Crore Indian Youth Outside Education, Employment and Training

• NITI Aayog identified 8.7 crore youth aged 15–29 years who are not studying, working or receiving training.
• Only 8.25% of graduates are employed in roles aligned with their qualifications.
• The report highlights a major education-to-employment gap.
• The report stresses the need for stronger vocational education and industry-linked skills.

Odisha’s Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship for SC/ST Students

• Students can receive up to ₹25 lakh annually.
• The Odisha Government launched the scholarship for SC/ST students pursuing higher education abroad.
• 50 students will be selected every year.
• The scheme aims to improve access to quality international higher education.

UNDP-HUL Partnership to Support 50,000 Safai Mitras

• The initiative aims to support 50,000 Safai Mitras by 2028.
• UNDP India and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced the next phase of their partnership.
• Waste-management systems will be strengthened across 50 cities and Urban Local Bodies.
• The partnership focuses on social inclusion, recycling efficiency and better urban waste management

Mizoram Declares 79 Heritage Sites as State Protected Monuments

• Mizoram declared 79 monuments and archaeological sites as State Protected Monuments.

MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G Migration

• Migration of all MGNREGA workers to VB-G RAM G is important for rural employment administration.

E2EE Career Lounge

• BHU–CII initiative focuses on education-to-employment and entrepreneurship.

SEBI Launches Two Cybersecurity Portals and NISM RegTech Lab

• SEBI is the regulator of India's securities markets, established under the SEBI Act, 1992, headquartered in Mumbai.
• NISM is a public trust established by SEBI in 2006 for education, training and research in securities markets.
• SEBI's Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) governs cybersecurity requirements for regulated entities.
• (c) — a, b, c correct. Statement d is wrong: the Financial Stability Board is an international body monitoring the global financial system, hosted by the Bank for International Settlements at Basel. It has no connection to SEBI's institutional structure.

Currency in Circulation Rises Despite Digital Payments Growth

• Reserve Money (M0) is also called High-Powered Money or Monetary Base.
• Bankers’ deposits with RBI — reserves that commercial banks maintain with the RBI.

CCI Approves Tata Steel's Stake Purchase in TM International Logistics

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Tata Steel's acquisition of an additional 23% stake in TM International Logistics Ltd.
• The approval was given on 18 August 2026.

Razorpay Launches Vulcan: India's First AI Payments Foundation Model

• Founded: 2014
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Founders: Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar

SEBI Bars Two Entities for CAS Trade Manipulation

• SEBI is the regulator of India's securities markets, established under the SEBI Act, 1992, headquartered in Mumbai
• The CAS is a short window at the end of the trading day, used to discover a single closing price for stocks that have derivative contracts. Instead of averaging trades over 30 minutes, it collects all buy and sell orders and matches them at one equilibrium price.
• According to SEBI's earlier findings, both entities placed very large orders and then cancelled them within seconds.
• The tactic is known as spoofing — placing orders with no intention of letting them execute, purely to move the price, then withdrawing them.

PSBs Propose 2% Climate Finance Sub-Target Under Priority Sector Lending

• Priority Sector Lending requires scheduled commercial banks to lend 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit to specified sectors
• Public-sector banks (PSBs) have proposed carving out a 2% sub-target for climate and transition finance within the existing Priority Sector Lending (PSL) requirement of 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) for scheduled commercial banks.
• A 2% sub-target for climate and transition finance within PSL
• Scheduled commercial banks must lend 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit to priority sectors. At present there is no separate climate or transition sub-target under PSL. Within that, there are existing sub-targets:

J&K Bank Partners with HDFC Life

• The partnership supports IRDAI's vision of "Insurance for All by 2047".
• HDFC Life, established in 2000 and headquartered in Mumbai, is promoted by HDFC Bank.
• Customers will get access to HDFC Life's range covering protection, savings and investment, retirement planning and other life-stage needs.
• Jammu & Kashmir Bank signed a Corporate Agency Agreement with HDFC Life Insurance Company to distribute insurance products through its branch network.

LIC Gets RBI Approval to Increase Stake in HDFC Bank

• The RBI approved LIC to increase its stake in HDFC Bank up to 9.99% of the bank's paid-up share capital or voting rights.
• LIC currently holds around 4.11% stake in HDFC Bank.
• The approval does not mean LIC will immediately increase its holding to 9.99%.
• Any further acquisition must comply with RBI, SEBI, FEMA and Banking Regulation Act requirements.

Paul Merchants Finance Launches Exclusive Silver Loan Branches

• Customers can avail loans ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹15 lakh against eligible silver jewellery, ornaments and approved silver coins.
• The initiative follows RBI's Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral Directions, 2025.
• Paul Merchants Finance became the first NBFC in India to establish exclusive branches for silver loans.

CCI Approves Prudential's Majority Stake Acquisition in Bharti Life Insurance

• Prudential currently holds a 22% stake in its life insurance joint venture with ICICI Bank and will need to reduce this holding to meet regulatory requirements.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Prudential Corporation Holdings' proposal to acquire a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance.
• The proposed transaction is valued at around ₹3,500 crore.
• CCI also approved Tata Steel's acquisition of an additional 23% stake in TM International Logistics Limited.

Paramotor Digital Partners with NSDL Payments Bank

• The company had filed confidential draft IPO papers with SEBI in May 2026.
• The partnership will support digital spending, gifting, rewards and loyalty platforms.
• Paramotor Digital Technology partnered with NSDL Payments Bank to issue co-branded prepaid cards across India.

President Gives Assent to Taxation and Payment Laws Amendment, 2026

• President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026 and amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• The taxation law replaces the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026.
• It provides tax exemptions for specified foreign institutional investors and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) on interest and capital gains from government securities.

IRDAI Tightens Enforcement of Expense of Management Limits

• IRDAI barred four insurers from opening new places of business for six months, after they breached the regulator-mandated EoM limits for 2024-25:
• EoM is the total of an insurer's operating expenses and distribution costs — salaries, office costs, marketing, and crucially commissions paid to agents and brokers.
• Why the cap exists. Every rupee an insurer spends on running itself is a rupee not available for paying claims or for reducing premiums. A regulator that lets expenses run unchecked ends up with policyholders paying more for less.

Rural-Urban Divide in Female Labour Force Participation: PLFS 2025

• Overall FLFPR (age 15+): rose from 30% in 2019-20 to 40% in 2025
• Rural FLFPR: rose from 33% to 45.9%
• Urban FLFPR: rose from 23.3% to 27.7%
• The article uses Average Annual Percentage Point (AAPP) change — how many percentage points a State's FLFPR rose each year on average between 2019-20 and 2025.

SEBI Study Shows Heavy Losses for Retail Derivatives Traders

• SEBI studies found that retail participation in equity derivatives declined for the first time in a decade in FY26.
• The number of unique investors fell to 8.75 million, while retail traders suffered a combined net loss of ₹91,685 crore.
• Nearly 9 out of 10 traders made losses, with options accounting for around 92% of total losses.

EPFO 3.0: Pension Plan Proposed for Construction Workers

• EPFO is considering a pension scheme for construction workers using surplus funds collected through the Building and Other Construction Workers (BoCW) cess.
• The proposal is part of the planned EPFO 3.0 reforms.
• The initiative could provide greater social-security coverage to construction workers.

Razorpay Launches Multi-Currency EEFC Facility

• Razorpay launched a multi-currency EEFC settlement facility for exporters in partnership with RBL Bank.
• The facility allows exporters to retain foreign-currency earnings and manage forex conversion more efficiently.

SEBI Unveils IT Resilience Index for Market Infrastructure Institutions

• The index will assess MIIs across nine parameters:
• Other relevant factors
• Detect deterioration in ITRI parameters that could lead to performance issues, system slowness or other disruptions

Government Appoints Three Part-Time Directors to RBI Board

• Appointment made under Section 8(1)(c) of RBI Act, 1934.
• They will serve for a 4-year term from 24 August 2026.

VinFast India and Federal Bank Sign MoU

• Federal Bank headquarters: Aluva, Kerala.
• Helps VinFast dealers manage working capital and vehicle inventory.
• Supports expansion of VinFast's EV dealership network in India.

PNB Launches Special Credit Cards for Indian Army

• PNB LUXURA Metal for officers and PNB Parakram for JCOs and other ranks.

UPI Completes 10 Years of Digital Payment Revolution

• UPI completed 10 years on August 25, 2026.
• It accounted for around 84% of India's digital payments in FY26, according to the uploaded source.
• Annual transaction volume increased from 1.78 crore in FY17 to over 24,162 crore in FY26.
• Transaction value increased from ₹0.07 lakh crore to around ₹314 lakh crore.

Citigroup and Axis Bank Partner for NRI FCNR Investments

• Axis Bank will issue Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) to support the arrangement.
• The partnership is expected to support forex inflows and India's foreign exchange reserves.
• Citigroup and Axis Bank partnered to provide financing support to NRIs investing in FCNR deposits.

Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (iCRR)

• Suppose a bank had deposits of ₹1,000 crore earlier and now its deposits increase to ₹1,200 crore.
• If RBI imposes an Incremental CRR of 10%, the bank has to keep: 10% of ₹200 crore = ₹20 crore with the RBI as additional cash reserve.
• The incremental deposit = ₹200 crore.
• 10% of ₹200 crore = ₹20 crore

SEBI's IT Resilience Index (ITRI)

• Availability — 20 per cent
• Cybersecurity — 20 per cent
• Business Continuity — 10 per cent
• Reliability — 10 per cent

SIDBI-RRB Co-Lending Arrangement to Expand MSME Credit

• The initiative is important for rural entrepreneurship and employment generation.

Tata Capital and Resona Bank Partner to Support Japanese Companies

• The agreement follows Resona Bank’s USD 20 million investment commitment in Tata Capital Growth Fund III.
• The partnership will help Japanese companies enter or expand their operations in India.
• Tata Capital Limited signed an MoU with Japan’s Resona Bank.
• Resona Bank will leverage Tata Capital’s Indian network and market expertise.

PMJDY: 12 Years of Financial Inclusion

• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completed 12 years since its launch by the Prime Minister in 2014.
• PMJDY launched 28 August 2014 by the Prime Minister; announced from the Red Fort on 15 August 2014
• Provides universal, affordable access to formal financial services for unbanked adults
• Integrates with Direct Benefit Transfers through the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity

RBI Relaxes FCNR(B) Swap Access for Large Transactions

• The relaxation applies to FCNR(B)-related transactions exceeding $100 million.

India’s Forex Reserves at Record High

• Forex reserves reached $729.3 billion for the week ended 21 August 2026.
• Around $47 billion was added after RBI’s swap scheme announced on 5 June.
• Reserves now cover approximately 11 months of imports.

Current Account Deficit

• India’s CAD was around 0.6% of GDP in 2025–26.

Maharashtra Makes Snakebite a Notifiable Disease

• Maharashtra declared snakebite a notifiable disease on 18 August 2026.
• Government and private hospitals, medical colleges and other healthcare facilities will have to report snakebite cases.

NTA Introduces Four-Tier Question Paper Checks

• The announcement was made on 18 August 2026 in New Delhi.
• NTA also removed 600 experts from its panels as part of the process.

QpiAI Opens Quantum Processing Unit Facility in Bengaluru

• Bengaluru-based QpiAI inaugurated an 8-inch Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) manufacturing facility.

LandSpace Lands Zhuque-3 Booster

• China-based private space company LandSpace successfully landed the first-stage booster of its Zhuque-3 Y2 rocket.
• The 66-metre rocket was launched on 19 August 2026.
• The mission also deployed the Honghu-3 commercial satellites.

SEMICON India 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi

• SEMICON India 2026 will be held from 17–19 September 2026.

Karnataka Plans Expansion of Tumakuru Industrial Node

• The project targets around ₹7,000 crore investment.
• Karnataka has earmarked 1,736 acres for the Tumakuru Node of the Bengaluru-Chennai Industrial Corridor.
• It is expected to generate more than 88,000 jobs.

NHAI Extends Digital FASTag Local Pass to 121 Toll Plazas

• NHAI expanded its digital FASTag Local Pass facility to 121 toll plazas across India.

The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB)

• 2012 — the idea of a South–South development bank was first mooted by India at the 4th BRICS Summit in New Delhi
• July 2015 — the bank entered into force, with India's K.V. Kamath as its first elected President
• Members admitted since: Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Algeria and Uzbekistan, which officially joined on 5 June 2026 as the bank's tenth member.
• 15 July 2014 — the formal Agreement establishing the NDB was signed at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, alongside a $100 billion Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

The PM CARES Fund

• Established: registered on 27 March 2020 under the Registration Act, 1908, in New Delhi
• Tax benefit: donations qualify for 100 per cent tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• CSR eligibility: corporate contributions count as eligible Corporate Social Responsibility spending under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
• The PM CARES Fund released its delayed FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25 audited statements, showing expenditure of just ₹87.85 lakh in FY25 against ₹1,279.9 crore income and an ₹8,452.06 crore closing balance.

Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in July 2026: PLFS

• The National Statistics Office released the 16th monthly PLFS bulletin, showing the unemployment rate (Current Weekly Status, age 15+) fell from 5.5% in June to 5.1% in July 2026.
• Rural unemployment stood at 4.5% while urban unemployment was 6.7%.
• The Labour Force Participation Rate improved to 55.4% from 54.4% in June.
• The Worker Population Ratio rose to 52.5% from 51.4%, indicating more people entering and finding work.

MoD Notifies 6th Positive Indigenisation List of 405 Items

• It includes line replaceable units, sub-systems, sub-assemblies, spares, components and raw materials, with estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.
• The Department of Defence Production notified the list comprising 389 items of Defence PSUs and 16 items of the Indian Coast Guard.
• Platforms covered include ALH, LUH, Su-30MKI, LCA, T-72, T-90, BMP-II, missile systems and defence electronics.
• DPSUs involved include HAL, BEL, BDL, BEML, AVNL, GRSE, GSL, HSL, MIDHANI and MIL; the full list is on the SRIJAN portal (srijandefence.gov.in).

DRDO Invites Private Firms for Missile Production

• DRDO issued an Expression of Interest on 18 August 2026 through Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
• It seeks long-term partnerships with private industry to manufacture missile systems, deepening private participation in defence production.

Rajnath Singh Flags Off 'Aparajita – Parang La 2026'

• The team has 28 NCC girl cadets (average age 19, youngest 16.5) led by three women officers from the three services.
• The Defence Minister flagged off the All India Girls High Altitude Long Trek, a flagship NCC adventure activity, in New Delhi on 18 August 2026, with DG NCC Lt Gen Virendra Vats in attendance.
• The 250-km, 30-day expedition crosses the Parang La Pass (5,578 m / 18,300 ft), linking Spiti Valley (HP) with the Changthang region of Ladakh via Kibber, Dumla, Thaltak, Norbu Sumdo, Kiangdom and Korzok.
• It aims to promote women empowerment, leadership and national integration, reflecting "Nari Shakti" and "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat".

The Zhuque-3 Y2 Reusable Launch Vehicle

• Aim: cut space transportation costs by recovering and reusing the expensive first stage multiple times, enabling high-frequency, low-cost deployment of large Low Earth Orbit satellite internet constellations.
• United States — Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Starship, New Shepard, New Glenn
• Beijing-based private firm LandSpace launched its Zhuque-3 Y2, placing the Honghu-03 satellite into orbit and successfully soft-landing the reusable first stage in Gansu Province.
• China — Long March-10B, Zhuque-3

Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)

• Scheme outlay: ₹62,500 crore
• The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) is a ₹62,500 crore, five-year government scheme aimed at making India a stronger global hub for mobile phone manufacturing.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS), aimed at incentivising domestic assembly of smartphones and greater local value addition. The ₹62,500 crore scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 15 July and continues the earlier PLI Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, which ran from 2020 to FY26.
• Duration: through 2030-31

India to Surpass China in Affluent Consumers by 2036: Report

• India is projected to have 10.8 crore affluent consumers by 2036, marginally surpassing China's 10.3 crore, according to a joint report by NielsenIQ and World Data Lab.
• Affluent consumers — people spending more than $90 a day
• Core consumers — people spending between $13 and $90 a day

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• 69 members — 49 regional, 20 non-regional
• ADB established 19 December 1966; headquartered at Manila, Philippines
• Compare with AIIB (Beijing, 2016) and NDB (Shanghai, equal founder voting)
• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $230 million loan agreement for the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project, to modernise Chennai's water supply and wastewater infrastructure.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 (TCQ 3.0)

• The Indian Army's Territorial Army, with the non-profit think tank CyberPeace, launched the third edition of Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 (TCQ 3.0).
• It serves as an open-innovation bridge connecting the Armed Forces with ethical hackers, software developers, AI researchers and digital communicators.
• Aim: develop indigenous cyber solutions, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen India's defence against cyber and information warfare.

Paradip Port Gets ₹427.80 Crore Infrastructure Projects

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven projects worth ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port in Odisha.
• Three additional mechanisation projects worth ₹1,580.36 crore were also taken up to improve port capacity.

INS Mangrol Delivered to Indian Navy

• The vessel has around 80% indigenous content.

DGFT Eases Rupee Invoicing Rules for Exporters

• DGFT has relaxed rules allowing exporters greater flexibility to invoice overseas transactions in Indian rupees or foreign currencies.

ADB Provides $230 Million for Chennai Water Infrastructure

• India and the Asian Development Bank signed a $230 million loan agreement to modernise Chennai's water supply and sanitation system.

India-Singapore Expand Cooperation in Key Emerging Sectors

• India and Singapore strengthened cooperation in semiconductors, digital payments, fintech, green energy, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
• Both countries are also exploring cooperation in space technology, Small Modular Reactors and cybersecurity.
• The partnership includes initiatives related to semiconductors, green hydrogen and digital connectivity.

India-Mauritius Sign Energy Cooperation Agreements

• Indian Oil Corporation signed a 5-year agreement with Mauritius for assured supplies of petrol, diesel and ATF.

Chhattisgarh Strengthens PM GatiShakti Implementation

• The state has onboarded 35+ departments and mapped 600+ additional data layers.

Supreme Court Bans Construction Near Jojari River in Rajasthan

• The Supreme Court imposed an interim ban on construction and development within 100 metres of the Jojari River in Rajasthan.
• The case is being heard in In Re: 2 Million Lives at Risk, Contamination in Jojari River, Rajasthan.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism

• The day was observed on 21 August 2026.
• 2026 Theme: Healing Through Memory.
• The UN observes the day to honour victims and survivors of terrorism and support their recovery and rehabilitation.

International Day for Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

• The day was observed on 22 August 2026.
• It was established by the UN General Assembly in 2019.

Exercise Udara Shakti 2026

• The Indian Air Force concluded its participation in Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 in Malaysia, following its deployment at Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia.
• Aim: strengthen defence cooperation, tactical interoperability, joint air-combat capabilities and operational flexibility across the Indo-Pacific.

Nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative

• Aim: provide underserved youth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns with industry-ready technical skills, credentials and direct access to technology jobs.
• A 100 per cent online digital workforce development programme designed to bridge the technical divide in non-metropolitan regions.
• The pathway: from self-paced digital literacy → instructor-led technical coursework → globally recognised AWS certifications → employer interview linkages.

India Hosts BRICS ICT Track in Pune

• Major events included the BRICS Digital Forum and 12th Communications Ministers Meeting.
• Held in Pune, Maharashtra, from 17–21 August 2026.
• India and Brazil signed an MoU on AI, 5G/6G, Open RAN, IoT and D2D.

BRICS Tourism Meeting Held in Jaipur

• India hosted the 2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group Meeting.

BRICS Environment Ministers Meet in New Delhi

• 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi.

Maharashtra and Germany's Hesse Sign MoU

• Cooperation also covers AI, IT, healthcare, automobiles and financial services.
• A Joint Working Group will be formed within 90 days.

Samarthak — India's First Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel

• Displacement: about 3,750 tonnes
• A versatile naval auxiliary platform for secondary combat, trials, training, logistics and environmental protection missions

Her Harvest 2026: Women Farmers Report

• Equal access to resources could raise yields on women-run farms by 20 to 30 per cent
• Higher harvest income for women could raise household incomes by 20 to 30 per cent
• A report by grain commerce platform Arya.ag, titled "Her Harvest 2026: The Hidden Cost of Women's Invisible Work in Indian Agriculture", finds that unequal access to land, finance and technology is leaving a large part of India's farm potential untapped.
• Recognise women as farmers irrespective of land ownership, and publish gender-disaggregated data on credit, procurement and FPO membership

Digital Bharat Nidhi Partners with Chhattisgarh to Digitise Gram Panchayats

• Established: under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act, 2003
• Renamed: as Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Telecommunications Act, 2023
• Came into effect: 31 August 2024
• Objective: to upgrade and expand the existing BharatNet network, provide future-ready broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats and villages on a demand basis, and strengthen digital inclusion in rural and remote areas.

India's Exports Rise 13.31% to USD 80.14 Bn in July 2026

• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released trade data showing total exports (merchandise + services) rose 13.31% year-on-year, from USD 70.72 billion in July 2025 to USD 80.14 billion in July 2026.
• Merchandise exports grew 19.63% to USD 44.24 billion, surpassing the previous record of USD 38.34 billion set in July 2022.
• Total imports grew 15.83% to USD 95.16 billion, widening the trade deficit to USD 15.03 billion from USD 11.43 billion a year earlier.
• Services exports were estimated at USD 35.89 billion, up from USD 33.74 billion.

MeitY Approves 31 More Projects Worth ₹7,877 Crore under ECMS

• The approvals, handed over in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS Jitin Prasada in New Delhi, take the total sanctioned projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme to 106, covering 30 products across 15 states.
• The new projects cover 20 target segment products — 3 sub-assemblies, 10 bare components, 6 supply chain products and 1 capital goods item.
• They span 10 states: Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Glenmark Gets USFDA Approval for Fluticasone Nasal Spray

• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals received US Food and Drug Administration approval for Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray USP, 0.05 mg (50 mcg) per spray.

2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting Held in Jaipur

• The meeting was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 19 August 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship.
• It was organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism to discuss cooperation on tourism among member nations.

Core Sector Growth Slows to 5.4% in July 2026

• India's core industrial sector growth slowed to 5.4% in July 2026, from 6% in June 2026.
• The Index of Core Industries covers 8 major sectors, including coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement and electricity.
• Coal growth reached 7.6%, an 11-month high.
• Fertilizer output contracted 8%, while iron ore growth slowed to 29.5% and steel growth to 2.9%.

India's FY27 Growth Forecast Raised to 6.8%

• India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raised India's FY27 GDP growth forecast from 6.7% to 6.8%.
• Ind-Ra projected nominal GDP growth at 10.4% for FY27.
• CPI inflation was projected at 4.9%, while WPI inflation was estimated at 8.5%.

Export Payments in Indian Rupees: Rules Eased

• The DGFT amended the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to allow exporters to receive payments in Indian rupees while retaining eligible export benefits.
• Earlier, exporters could face difficulty claiming FTP benefits when export payments were realised in rupees.

PhonePe Partners with MeitY and DPIIT

• The partnerships aim to promote data-driven infrastructure planning and innovation.

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce Partner for AMCA Engine

• The AMCA is India's planned 5th-generation stealth multi-role fighter aircraft.
• The programme is managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence.

Google to Acquire Spirit Airlines' Business Data

• Google emerged as the winning bidder to acquire part of Spirit Airlines' internal enterprise data and software assets for US$10 million.
• The dataset includes business information such as emails, Teams messages, spreadsheets, calendars and operational data.
• The data will be de-identified and will not include customer information or personally identifiable information.

India and ADB Sign $230 Million Loan for Chennai Water Infrastructure

• India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $230 million loan agreement for the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project.
• It aligns with urban development initiatives including AMRUT 2.0 and the Urban Challenge Fund.

Jindal Steel and IIT Hyderabad to Establish Centre of Excellence

• The initiative aims to promote lighter, stronger and more efficient steel solutions for infrastructure and strategic sectors.

RBI August Bulletin: Monsoon Revival Eases Agriculture Risks

• Rainfall deficit improved from −35.4% at June-end to −13% at July-end.
• Kharif sowing deficit narrowed from −22% to −2.9%.
• By August 24, rainfall deficit had narrowed to just −1%.

TCS Acquires Porsche’s IT Arm MHP for €320 Million

• The acquisition has an enterprise value of €320 million, around ₹3,575 crore.
• The deal is part of a five-year, €1.25-billion strategic partnership focused on AI, digital transformation and software-defined mobility.
• MHP is the management and IT consulting subsidiary of Porsche AG.

UP and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture Sign Five MoUs

• Yamanashi announced a ₹600-crore fund for MSMEs from the prefecture to invest in Uttar Pradesh.
• Cooperation covers skills, energy, tourism, industry and institutional ties.
• The partnership also aims to establish Japanese Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Noida and Greater Noida.

Foreign Direct Investment

• India attracted $30.7 billion in gross foreign direct investment during the April–June 2026 quarter — the highest level in at least 15 years. Net FDI rose to its highest since June 2022.
• FPI: Foreign investors mainly buy financial assets such as shares and bonds without seeking management control.

Tamil Nadu Announces Major Welfare Expenditure

• The free LPG scheme is expected to cost around ₹4,000 crore annually.
• The expanded free bus programme is expected to cost nearly ₹6,000 crore annually.
• Tamil Nadu announced new welfare measures including free LPG cylinders and expanded free bus travel.

Russia Remains India’s Largest Crude Oil Supplier

• Despite the decline, Russia continues to account for more than 40% of India’s crude imports.
• India’s Russian crude imports are expected at around 2.1 million barrels per day (mbpd) in August 2026.
• This is lower than the record 2.6 mbpd recorded in June and July.
• Lower imports reflect factors such as refinery maintenance, reduced Russian availability and increased competition from China, rather than weakening Indian demand alone.

The PARIVARTAN Scheme

• Aim: phase out and replace over 2 lakh older, high-emission commercial trucks and buses across the NCR, to curb vehicular air pollution and particulate emissions.
• Funding Agency: National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• The newly launched PARIVARTAN Scheme has gained rapid traction — registering over 1,300 beneficiaries, onboarding 42 banks and NBFCs, and partnering with 15 auto OEMs across Delhi-NCR.
• Implementing Ministry: Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

India–Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

• India and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.
• Aim: expand bilateral trade and investment, reduce trade barriers, deepen financial cooperation, and create a predictable framework for businesses and investors.

The Javelin Missile System

• Entered service: 1996, with the US Armed Forces; extensively combat-tested globally
• India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, under emergency procurement powers.
• Designed to neutralise main battle tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, fortified bunkers and low-flying helicopters
• Produced by: the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) — a partnership between Raytheon (RTX) and Lockheed Martin

Sovereign AI — Gnani Artha

• Gnani Artha is an indigenous sovereign AI stack comprising Evon 3.3 and Plexus.
• Evon 3.3 is a 30-billion-parameter open-weights LLM.

India–Taiwan Industrial Collaboration

• FICCI and CNFI organised the 10th Taiwan–India Industrial Collaboration Summit.

DoT Enforces Nine-SIM Limit Using Subscriber Photographs

• The Department of Telecommunications issued a circular on 17 August 2026 directing telecom service providers to deny new mobile connections to subscribers who have already reached the nine-SIM limit.

BHU Secures Six ICMR Research Grants

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, secured approval for six biomedical research grants under the Indian Council of Medical Research scheme on 20 August 2026.
• The grants will support research projects in medical sciences at the university.

Sadbhavana Diwas 2026 — August 20

• The first Sadbhavana Diwas was observed on 20 August 1992, following his assassination in 1991.
• Observed annually on 20 August to promote peace, unity, goodwill and harmony among communities.
• It marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

World Photography Day 2026 — August 19

• The 2026 theme is “HOME”, encouraging people to share photographs reflecting their personal meaning of home.
• The term “photography”, meaning “drawing with light”, was coined by Sir John Herschel in 1839.
• Observed globally on 19 August to celebrate the art, science and history of photography.

Trains to Run at 100 kmph on Katra–Banihal Section

• The Ministry of Railways approved a maximum permissible speed of 100 kmph on the 111-km Katra–Banihal broad-gauge section on 19 August 2026.

Visakhapatnam Gets Submarine Rescue Test Plinth

• A shore-based Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth was inaugurated on 19 August 2026 at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam.

National Sports Awards 2025 Announced; No Khel Ratna

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports named 17 Arjuna Awardees, including Tejaswin Shankar, Divya Deshmukh, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
• Former footballer I Arumainayagam, a 1962 Asian Games gold medallist, received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime).
• Dronacharya Award (Regular): Parveer Singh, Chhote Lal Yadav and Neha Nandkumar Chavan.
• Dronacharya Award (Lifetime): Dharmendra Singh Yadav and Virender Kumar.

India Beats Pakistan 5–3 at Hockey World Cup

• India defeated Pakistan 5–3 in the Pool D match at Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands, on 19 August.
• India initially led 3–0 and later 4–1.

Sindhu and Shetty Advance at Badminton World Championships

• Sindhu, the 2019 world champion, will face World No. 3 Wang Zhi Yi of China in the pre-quarterfinals.

China Recovers Rocket First Stage on Land for First Time

• China successfully recovered a rocket first stage on land, marking a milestone in its reusable launch technology programme.
• It was reported as China’s second successful first-stage recovery, following a recovery on a sea platform in July.

ESPN Co-founder William F. Rasmussen Passes Away at 93

• He and his son Scott Rasmussen launched ESPN in 1979 from Bristol, Connecticut.
• He was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025.
• He authored books including Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN and ESPN: One Giant Leap for Fankind (2023).
• William F. Rasmussen, co-founder of ESPN, died in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 93.

Makhana

• India's makhana market is projected to reach ₹11,000–₹12,000 crore by 2029-30, supported by rising global demand and modern cultivation. The Centre has approved a ₹476.03-crore scheme and established the National Makhana Board.
• India produces 85–90 per cent of the world's makhana — effectively a global monopoly. Smaller pockets exist in Nepal, Bangladesh, China and Japan.
• Bihar contributes nearly 90 per cent of India's makhana, concentrated in the Mithilanchal and Kosi-Seemanchal regions — districts including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria and Sitamarhi.
• GI tag: Mithila Makhana received the Geographical Indication tag in 2022, registered by the Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh, Purnia.

NCW's Yashoda AI Programme for Women's Digital Empowerment

• Established: 1992
• Statutory basis: the National Commission for Women Act, 1990
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairperson: Vijaya Rahatkar

AkinAnalytics Launches NIKA2 Kisan Drone

• Hyderabad-based AkinAnalytics launched the indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone for agriculture and other field-intensive sectors.
• The drone has a 16-litre spraying payload and 12-litre spreading payload.

UNHCR, SICCI and Ethiraj College Partner for Refugee Inclusion

• UNHCR is a UN agency established in 1950 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The partnership will focus on education, research, community engagement and livelihood support.
• The partnership will particularly support refugee communities, including Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu.
• The Department of Social Work at Ethiraj College will act as the nodal department for implementing activities.

World Mosquito Day 2026 – August 20

• In 1902, Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on malaria.
• World Mosquito Day is observed every year on 20 August.
• The day commemorates Sir Ronald Ross's discovery in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria.

India–Japan Maritime Security Cooperation Strengthened

• The cooperation is part of the broader Japan–India Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

Indian Army Chief Dhiraj Seth Visits Nepal

• Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth visited Nepal from 17–19 August 2026 to strengthen India–Nepal defence relations.
• He held talks with Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel on military cooperation and matters of mutual interest.
• He also laid a wreath at Tundikhel and received a Guard of Honour at Nepal Army Headquarters.

Thermal Protection System (TPS) of Gaganyaan

• ISRO is testing the TPS as part of preparations for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

New Himalayan Plant Species Named After Nirmal Purja

• Nirmal Purja climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in 6 months and 6 days in 2019.
• The species was discovered in Myagdi district of Nepal by researchers Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti and Rita Ale.
• The plant grows on humid slopes and forest margins at around 2,800–2,900 metres altitude.

Dr. Eluri Sreedhar Appointed Honorary Advisor to BRICS CCI

• Dr. Eluri Sreedhar was appointed Honorary Advisor to BRICS CCI in August 2026.
• Dr. Sreedhar is known for his work in education, entrepreneurship, social development and community empowerment.
• As Honorary Advisor, he will support economic cooperation, strategic partnerships and inclusive development.

Lakshmanan Meyyappan Becomes World's Youngest Male CA

• He achieved the record at the age of 16 years and 141 days in June 2021.
• He completed the ACCA qualification at the age of 16 after beginning the course at 15.
• He later obtained the CFA Charterholder designation in 2025.
• He is pursuing an MSc in Finance at the American University of Sharjah and works as a Senior Research Analyst in Dubai.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism

• The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism was observed on 21 August 2026.
• The day was established by the UN General Assembly in 2017 through Resolution A/RES/72/165.
• 2026 Theme: "Healing Through Memory".
• The observance focuses on honouring victims and survivors of terrorism and supporting their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.

World Senior Citizen's Day 2026

• The UN separately observes 1 October as the International Day of Older Persons.
• The day was officially proclaimed by US President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
• According to the source, the global population aged 60+ is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050.
• India is projected to have more than 300 million senior citizens by 2050.

MALHAR 2026 Celebrates India's Classical Music Heritage

• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated MALHAR 2026 in New Delhi.
• The Vice President highlighted the role of youth as custodians and ambassadors of India's cultural heritage.

Japan Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi Visits India

• Japan's Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi visited India from 19–20 August 2026 to strengthen defence and maritime security cooperation.

Flying Wedge Defence Unveils AI-Piloted Fighter Jet Programme

• The platform is projected to have up to 30 hours of endurance and a 3,000-km range.
• Indian defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace Technologies unveiled FWD Supreme Lite, described in the source as India's first AI-piloted fighter jet programme.
• Phase-I targets speeds up to Mach 0.9, while Phase-II aims for Mach 2 and autonomous multi-aircraft teaming.
• The programme is based on the proposed "Mobbing Doctrine", involving large numbers of AI-piloted aircraft.

Astronomers Discover 'Mega-Earth' GJ 523b

• Astronomers confirmed the existence of GJ 523b, an unusually large exoplanet informally called a "mega-Earth."
• The planet orbits a K-dwarf star located around 87 light-years away.
• It is around 23 times Earth's mass and has a radius about 2.55 times that of Earth.
• It completes one orbit in approximately 17.75 days.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Elected Bangladesh President

• The 2026 election was described in the source as Bangladesh's first contested presidential election in 35 years.
• Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a senior BNP leader, was elected the 23rd President of Bangladesh.
• He was elected by the Jatiya Sangsad for a 5-year term.
• He secured 255 votes, defeating Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, who received 88 votes.

Two Indian Doctors Nominated for Pakistan's Nishan-e-Imtiaz

• The award is scheduled to be conferred posthumously in March 2027.
• Pakistan nominated Mumbai-based doctors Dr Jal Ratanji Patel and Dr Jal Dhaybho-Koo for the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's highest civilian award.
• They had diagnosed Jinnah with advanced tuberculosis in 1946 through an X-ray.
• The doctors reportedly treated Muhammad Ali Jinnah and kept his terminal illness confidential before Partition.

Ahmedabad to Host Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships 2026

• Ahmedabad, Gujarat, will host the 2nd Commonwealth Cue Sports Championships in October 2026.
• Athletes from 45 countries will compete across 5 disciplines and 10 medal events.

Sri Lankan Singer Nanda Malini Dies at 82

• She was born in 1943 in British Ceylon and became one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated Sinhalese artistes.
• Nanda Malini, an iconic Sri Lankan singer, passed away at the age of 82 in Nawala near Colombo.
• Her music reflected the political and social changes in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s.

India Demonstrates Indigenous 5 kN Rotating Detonation Engine

• Defence startup D-Propulse Aerospace demonstrated India's first indigenous 5 kN air-breathing Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE).
• The technology has achieved Technology Readiness Level-5 (TRL-5).

Sowcar Janaki Dies at 94

• She received the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contribution to Indian cinema.
• Veteran actress Sowcar Janaki passed away at the age of 94 in Chennai.

Nanda Malini Dies at 82

• Iconic Sri Lankan singer Nanda Malini passed away at the age of 82.
• She was an influential voice in Sri Lankan music during the political and social changes of the 1970s and 1980s.

Indian Navy Receives Mahe-Class Vessel Mangrol

• Has more than 80% indigenous content.

DRDO Transfers Two Defence Technologies to Indian Industry

• NSTL signed two LAToT agreements in August 2026.
• LM2500 Gas Turbine technology transferred to Vertex Engineering Systems.
• Aim: strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing.

China Develops Hypersonic Air-to-Air Weapon Capability

• China has developed hypersonic weapons capable of launching air-to-air missiles.
• Designed to threaten high-value aircraft such as tankers and command aircraft.
• Highlights growing importance of hypersonic weapons in modern warfare.

National Space Day Observed on 23 August

• 2026 Theme: "Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership."
• First observed in 2024.
• Observed every year on 23 August.
• Marks the success of Chandrayaan-3's Moon landing.

Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Walk in Space

• Spacewalk lasted 6 hours 23 minutes.
• ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk.

East Bengal Wins 135th Durand Cup 2026

• East Bengal FC defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4–1.
• East Bengal won the title after a 22-year gap.
• Victory took East Bengal to a record-equalling 17 Durand Cup titles.

Pranesh M Wins Kanizsa Open 2026

• Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M won the Kanizsa Open 2026 in Hungary.
• Finished with 7 points from 9 rounds.
• His FIDE rating reached around 2673.

Ashutosh Parida Selected for 47th Sarala Puraskar

• Award carries ₹7 lakh, citation and copper plaque.
• Award ceremony scheduled in Bhubaneswar on 25 October 2026.
• Odia poet Ashutosh Parida selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar.
• Award given for poetry collection 'Bishwas De Pruthwi'.

India Condemns Attack on UNMISS Peacekeepers in South Sudan

• India condemned a deadly ambush on UNMISS peacekeepers near Pajut in Jonglei State.
• An Ethiopian Blue Helmet was killed and several personnel were injured.
• UNMISS is a multidimensional UN peacekeeping mission operating in South Sudan.

Kaziah Liz Mejo Wins Miss Universe India 2026

• Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala won the Miss Universe India 2026 title.
• She will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in November 2026 in Puerto Rico.
• She became the first woman from Kerala to win the title.

India Test-Fires First 100% Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle

• Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) produced and test-fired the first fully indigenised AK-203 ‘Sher’ assault rifle.
• A ₹5,200-crore contract covers 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles.

US Navy Unveils AIM-424 Malice Missile

• The US Navy unveiled the AIM-424 Malice, a next-generation long-range air-to-air missile.
• Its reported range exceeds 250 nautical miles or 463 km.
• It is designed to target high-value airborne assets such as AWACS, refuelling tankers and bombers.

Guwahati to Host 2028 India Open Badminton Tournament

• The 2028 India Open will be held at the National Centre of Excellence for Badminton in Guwahati, Assam.
• The tournament is scheduled to return to New Delhi in 2029.
• The tournament is part of the BWF World Tour Super 750 category.

Karn Sharma Announces Retirement From All Formats

• He recorded 270 First-Class, 153 List-A and 168 T20 wickets.
• Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced retirement from all formats of competitive cricket at the age of 38.
• He represented India in 1 Test, 2 ODIs and 1 T20I.
• He won four IPL titles with Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

Arindam Chaudhuri Launches ‘Africa Before America’

• It also presents the 1.25:1 egalitarian concept related to income inequality.

International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade and Its Abolition – August 23

• UNESCO's 29th General Conference in 1997 adopted the resolution declaring the day.
• The International Day is observed every year on 23 August.
• It commemorates the 1791 uprising in Saint-Domingue, present-day Haiti.

UP–Japan Cooperation to Promote Skills, Tourism and Industry

• Japanese-language training will support employment opportunities in Japan's hospitality, healthcare and engineering sectors.
• The partnership aims to strengthen India–Japan economic and institutional relations.

India-Vietnam Coast Guard Exercise ‘Sahyog HOP TAC’ Held in Chennai

• The first edition of the exercise was held in 2018 in the Bay of Bengal.
• The 2nd India-Vietnam Joint Exercise Sahyog HOP TAC was hosted in Chennai.

India Strengthens Water Sustainability Partnership with UN GCNI

• The partnership promotes technology-driven water sustainability solutions.
• It supports SDGs including SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13 and SDG 17.

India-Seychelles Cooperation Strengthens Blue Economy

• The partnership strengthens India's engagement with Indian Ocean island nations.

Trishuli River System Hit by Catastrophic Flash Flood

• The event followed a 4.4-magnitude earthquake and sent an estimated 20 million cubic metres of excess water downstream.
• The affected system includes the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli–Narayani rivers.

DRDO Tests Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System

• The system demonstrated jumps from 22,000 feet in temperatures of around −15°C.

SpaceX Announces Starbase Louisiana

• Construction is planned to begin in 2027, with the first Starship launch targeted for 2029.
• SpaceX announced plans for a USD 100 billion rocket launch complex in southern Louisiana.
• The facility, called Starbase Louisiana, is planned as a large-scale spaceport for Starship operations.
• It would become SpaceX’s fourth US launch site and second Starship-focused launch complex.

L&T Delivers Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel ‘Samarthak’

• The Ministry of Defence had signed an ₹887-crore contract with L&T in 2022 for two MPVs.
• The vessel has more than 75% indigenous content.
• The Indian Navy received its first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), Samarthak, built by L&T.
• It will serve as a versatile platform for testing indigenous naval weapons and sensors.

New Sunflower Family Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

• CSIR-IHBT researchers discovered Doronicum sanctum in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The species was found at an altitude of around 4,000 metres.
• It is the first documented species of the Doronicum genus in Northeast India.
• The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

Praggnanandhaa Becomes First Indian to Win Grand Chess Tour

• Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won the Grand Chess Tour 2026 Finals.
• He defeated Fabiano Caruana 15–13 in the final at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
• He became the first Indian champion of the Grand Chess Tour.
• He received a USD 200,000 winner’s prize.

Lando Norris Wins 2026 Dutch Grand Prix

• Lando Norris of McLaren won the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Netherlands.
• The race was the 12th round of the 2026 Formula One World Championship.

World Sanskrit Day Observed on 28 August

• The observance was initiated by the Ministry of Education in 1969.
• World Sanskrit Day 2026 was observed on 28 August.

International Day Against Nuclear Tests

• Declared by UNGA Resolution A/RES/64/35 in 2009.
• The date commemorates the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan in 1991.
• Observed annually on 29 August.

NASA — Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

• NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on 30 August 2026.
• Important for research on dark energy, exoplanets and the infrared universe.

India–USA Javelin Deal

• Indian Army signed a $93 million deal for nearly 100 Javelin ATGMs.

The Zonal Councils

• Established: 1956
• Statutory basis: Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956
• Chairman: the Union Home Minister, who chairs all five Zonal Councils
• The 1956 Act divided the country into five Zonal Councils:

The GISAT-1A Mission

• An agile Geo-Imaging Satellite designed to operate from geostationary orbit, about 36,000 km above the equator.
• Launch vehicle: GSLV Mk-II (Flight F17), with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CE-7.5) and a 4-metre Ogive payload fairing
• Aim: near real-time, high-frequency imaging of the Indian subcontinent and surrounding seas, for disaster monitoring, agricultural assessment and national security surveillance

Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

• Launched: 23 September 2018
• Policy origin: recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3
• Coverage: the bottom 40 per cent of India's vulnerable and low-income population
• ₹5 lakh annual cover per family, for secondary and tertiary care at empanelled public and private hospitals

National Report on Deep-Sea and Distant-Water Fishery Resources of the Indian EEZ

• Important ocean species: The report covers tuna, billfish, sharks, squid and Antarctic krill.
• Biodiversity hotspots: Important areas include Kollam Bank, Angria Bank, Mangalore Deep-Sea Slope, Trivandrum Terrace, Lakshadweep and Andaman-Nicobar Islands.
• An EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline. Within it, the country has exclusive rights to explore and exploit marine resources — fish, minerals, energy — though other countries retain freedom of navigation.
• India's EEZ, at 2.37 million sq km, is larger than two-thirds of its land area.

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

• Originally established: 1990, as an autonomous body to oversee and streamline child adoption
• Statutory status: conferred under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as amended in 2021
• International mandate: designated as India's Central Authority for inter-country adoption under the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, which India ratified in 2003
• CARA is reviewing the Adoption Regulations, 2022 to address procedural bottlenecks and improve the adoption of special needs children, including those with treatable conditions.

PNGRB Approves 1,800-km LPG Pipeline Network

• The projects involve an estimated investment of around ₹7,000 crore.
• PNGRB approved around 1,800 km of LPG pipelines across six states.
• The common-carrier LPG pipeline network will increase from about 7,700 km to nearly 9,500 km.

Dak Sewa and Dak MITRA Apps Revamped

• Dak MITRA is designed for operations across more than 1.4 lakh Branch Post Offices.
• Dak Sewa provides services such as tracking, booking, complaints and Post Office/PIN-code locators.
• The app supports 23 Indian languages through BHASHINI.

CBN and PHARMEXCIL Sign MoU to Boost Pharma Exports

• It aims to promote legitimate pharmaceutical exports and prevent diversion of controlled substances.
• The partnership will include workshops, awareness programmes and regulatory information sharing.

India-Seychelles Bilateral Meeting Focuses on Fisheries and Blue Economy

• The Department of Fisheries held a high-level bilateral meeting with Seychelles on 25 August 2026.

SIDBI-RRB Conclave Focuses on MSME Co-Lending

• SIDBI organised a conclave with the Heads of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on 25 August 2026.
• It strengthens the role of RRBs in supporting rural enterprises and entrepreneurship.

PPPAC Approves Private Operation of 11 Airports

• The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) gave in-principle approval for privatisation of 11 airports.
• Estimated private-sector investment is around ₹8,622 crore.
• The concession period will be 50 years, with concessionaires required to retain 60% of AAI employees for up to three years.

PMFME Conclave 2026 Promotes Micro Food Processing Enterprises

• Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated the PMFME Conclave 2026 in New Delhi.
• The PMFME Bazaar showcased traditional and regional food products from 25 States and UTs.
• The event promoted branding, digital commerce, market access and entrepreneurship.

National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums Held in Mysuru

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised the National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums from 24–26 August 2026.
• The upgraded Adi Vaani Platform and Jago AI Conversational Assistant were launched.

India’s Maritime Roadmap Discussed at Sagar Samvad

• India also plans to add 100 new vessels to its foreign-dependent merchant fleet over the next five years.
• The theme focused on Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
• The five-point roadmap covers fiscal reforms, assured cargo, competitive financing, regulatory simplification and Ease of Doing Business.

Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 Launched

• Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launched CMiH 2026 to promote innovation in critical minerals.
• The initiative supports the National Critical Mineral Mission by involving students, researchers, startups and innovators.

DoT–C-DOT Optical Network Testbed

• DoT and C-DOT signed a 5-year agreement for an end-to-end optical network testbed.

CISF–Drone Federation of India MoU

• Partnership focuses on counter-drone capabilities for critical infrastructure.

ILO-NCAER Report

• Platform workers increased from 7.7 million (2020) to 12 million (2024–25) and may reach 23.5 million by 2029–30.
• Women make up less than 1% of two-wheeler delivery drivers in urban India.
• Rural women able to conduct online banking: 17.1%

Rare Waterspout Spotted Over Brahmaputra River

• A rare rotating water column resembling a waterspout was observed over the Brahmaputra.
• A waterspout is a rotating column of air and condensed water vapour over a water body.

India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

• India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
• The summit is scheduled for 12–13 September.
• It will bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries.

GSL Hands Over ICGS Ajit to Indian Coast Guard

• The project is part of a ₹473-crore contract awarded to GSL in 2022.
• It is the 7th vessel in a series of eight Fast Patrol Vessels.

CSIR-NAL Develops Indigenous Gas Turbine Engines for UAVs

• CSIR-NAL unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines: NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100.
• They have thrust capacities of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg, respectively.

Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO

• Tim Cook ends his tenure as Apple CEO on 31 August 2026.

Peyman Kargar — TVS Motor

• Has more than 30 years of global automotive experience.
• Peyman Kargar will become TVS Motor’s CEO and Director from 27 January 2027.

DARPG — Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan

• Award to be presented on Hindi Diwas, 14 September 2026.
• DARPG selected for Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan 2025–26.

YJ-18A Missile

• China reportedly tested a new stealth-coated YJ-18A anti-ship cruise missile variant.

China–Bangladesh 2+2 Dialogue

• China and Bangladesh are preparing for their first 2+2 diplomatic and defence dialogue.
• Combines foreign affairs and defence-level engagement.

Sone River Water Pact

• Intended to resolve a 25-year-old inter-state water dispute.

S&P Flags Risk of Fiscal Slippage in India

• The Centre’s FY27 fiscal deficit target is 4.3% of GDP.
• S&P expects the Centre’s deficit to decline to 3.9% by FY30.
• General government fiscal deficit is projected at 7.3% of GDP in FY27, declining to 6.6% by FY30.

Ease of Doing R&D in India — NITI Aayog

• Nearly 80% of ANRF funding is concentrated in IITs.
• Proposed UPMS requires Persistent Digital Identifiers (PIDs) and metadata infrastructure.

Forex Reserves

• India’s forex reserves reached a record $729.3 billion.
• Reserves provide around 11 months of import cover.