Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy launches Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026

Exam-focused facts from the 30 August 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy launched the Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 (CMiH 2026).
The hackathon aims to strengthen the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission by encouraging innovative technical solutions.
It focuses on two problem statements: Mineral Prospectivity Mapping from Open Data and Smart Technology and Patent Tracker for Critical Minerals.
The hackathon will be organized and hosted by JNARDDC, Nagpur, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Mines.
The last date for idea submission is 20 September 2026.
Winners will be announced during India Mining Week 2026, scheduled from 15–17 November 2026.
Two winning teams will be awarded prizes for each problem statement: first prize of ₹1.50 lakh and second prize of ₹1.00 lakh.