Tamil Nadu Government Signs 97 MoUs Worth ₹67,452 Crore at Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026
Key Updates:
- The Tamil Nadu government signed 97 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) involving over ₹67,452 crore investment at the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026.
- The MoUs were exchanged in the presence of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
- Cumulative investment commitments in the first 100 days of the government are expected to cross ₹1 lakh crore, generating more than 1.2 lakh jobs.
- Around 25 companies are coming to Tamil Nadu for the first time.
- All projects are expected to be grounded within six months to one year.
- The majority of investments have gone to the Kancheepuram region (20 projects), followed by Chennai (14), Tiruvallur (13), and Thoothukudi (10).
- Six deals came from South Korea, four from Germany, three from Singapore, two each from Australia, Japan, and France, and investments also came from Sweden, Taiwan, and Denmark.
- Titan will invest ₹1,000 crore in Hosur to expand facilities for making premium watches, jewellery, and automation equipment for its electronics business, creating 1,200 jobs.
- Lucas TVS will invest ₹2,500 crore across multiple facilities.
- France's Saint-Gobain will invest ₹2,000 crore in a new greenfield plant in Krishnagiri and expansion of its plant in Kancheepuram.
- Japan's YKK will invest ₹1,651 crore in Tiruvallur.
- U.S.-based Super Micro Computer will start server assembly operations in Chennai.
- Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos will invest ₹400 crore for assembly and integration operations for its reusable, liquid-propelled launch vehicles.
- Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace will invest ₹250 crore for storage, assembly, integration, and testing facilities in Thoothukudi.
- Ultraviolette Automotive Private Limited is entering Tamil Nadu to set up its first full-fledged scooter manufacturing facility at an investment of ₹779 crore.
- Eight companies signed MoUs in the life sciences sector.
- Caplin Group of Companies will invest ₹925 crore.
- Hinduja Group will invest ₹2,500 crore in renewable energy, electric mobility, automotive, financial services, energy, battery-charging infrastructure, and digital mobility solutions, including a 200-MW renewable energy project by Hinduja Renewables Energy Private Limited (HREPL) spanning solar, wind, and battery technologies.
- Ramanathapuram has secured its first major investment from Phoenix Kothari Footwear Limited, a ₹1,000-crore project to set up a footwear park.
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The MoU between Tamil Nadu government and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) involves a total investment of Rs 18,600 crore and creation of employment for approximately 8,200 people. L&T will undertake a Data Centre Expansion…
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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed five MoUs with industry leaders to expand support for startups. The MoUs were signed with Cashfree Payments, Darwin Dynamics, Vultr India, Cars24…
The Maharashtra government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four companies for nuclear power generation projects with a total capacity of 25,400 MW and investments amounting to ₹6.5 lakh crore. National…
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Notifies Foreign Asset Disclosure Scheme for Small Taxpayers
Key Updates:
- Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers-Disclosure Scheme (FAST-DS), effective from August 16, 2026, with online declarations open until December 31, 2026.
- Eligible taxpayers can pay 30% tax on declared undisclosed foreign assets or income plus an additional amount equal to the tax, making the effective levy 60%.
- The fair market value of declared foreign assets will be determined as of March 31, 2026.
- For undisclosed foreign assets or income not previously offered to tax, the aggregate value must not exceed ₹1 crore.
- A second declaration category covers foreign assets already offered to tax or acquired while non-resident but not reported, with a threshold of ₹5 crore and a ₹1 lakh fee.
- Valid declarations provide immunity from further tax, penalties, and prosecution under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 for the disclosed assets.
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The Income Tax Department (ITD) has revamped its framework for exchanging tax information with foreign authorities to curb cross-border tax evasion. The new framework mandates that information must be shared within 15…
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced the Amnesty Scheme, 2026, to allow employers with exempted Provident Fund (PF) trusts to regularise their legal status. The scheme was notified on 29 June 2026…
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India Cuts Windfall Tax on Petrol Exports to Zero
Key Updates:
- The Government of India has reduced the windfall tax on diesel exports to ₹24 per litre from ₹25.5 per litre.
- The levy on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) exports has been cut to ₹19.5 per litre from ₹22 per litre.
- The export duty on petrol has been set at zero, down from ₹3.5 per litre.
- The revised rates are effective from August 15, 2026.
- The government reviews these export levies every fortnight based on global oil prices.
- The latest revision does not change excise duty on petrol or diesel for domestic consumers, so pump prices remain unaffected.
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The Himachal Pradesh government imposed a 60-paise-per-litre cess on petrol and diesel from August 12, 2026. The 'Widow and Orphan Cess' aims to fund welfare measures for widows and orphans from economically weaker…
An estimated 645 million people faced hunger in 2025, down from 2024 but still 61 million higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Africa overtook Asia as the region with the largest number of hungry people, with 309…
Net direct tax collections grew 16.4% year-on-year to ₹6.51 lakh crore as of July 13 in FY27. Net corporate tax collection rose 22% to ₹2.40 lakh crore.
State-run oil companies will sell E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol, at a discount of ₹20 per litre compared to the E20 blend. The government targets the rollout of E85 fuel across 500 fuel stations by the…
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) releases draft rules to attract private and foreign investment, targeting 100 GW nuclear capacity
Key Updates:
- The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has released draft rules to allow private companies to develop and operate nuclear power projects.
- The draft rules propose a single unified license covering construction, ownership, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear projects.
- Foreign-designed reactors must receive approval from their origin country's nuclear regulator and have a proven operational track record.
- India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts over the next two decades, nearly 12 times current levels.
- Major Indian companies including Adani Green, Tata Power, and Reliance Industries are expected to explore opportunities in the nuclear sector.
- Changes in nuclear liability rules are expected to attract global firms such as General Electric, Westinghouse Electric, and EDF.
- Under the SHANTI Act draft rules, nuclear plant operators must maintain insurance or financial security for possible nuclear damage.
- The government will review the maximum liability limit for nuclear damage every five years through an expert committee.
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Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves 38 Hectares for New High Court Complex in Haldwani
Key Updates:
- The Uttarakhand cabinet approved the transfer of 38-hectares of forest land at Lamachaur in Haldwani for the proposed new Uttarakhand high court complex.
- The high court currently functions from a heritage building constructed in 1900 that cannot be renovated.
- The Supreme Court directed the state government to transfer the identified land within six weeks while hearing a petition filed by the High Court Bar Association last month.
- The number of pending cases has risen sharply from 356 when the state was created in 2000 to 61,859 as of July 2, 2026.
- The state cabinet had, in May 2023, approved shifting the high court to 26.08 hectares of forest land at Gaulapar in Haldwani, but the proposal was stalled after a high court order in May 2024.
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Uttarakhand's first Geographical Indications (GI) Products Gallery opened at the Uttarakhand Forest Training Academy (FTA) in Haldwani. The gallery features more than 30 GI-tagged products from across the state.
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge of the Bombay High Court as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. The Collegium also recommended Justice Mahesh…
The Maharashtra cabinet approved the establishment of five exclusive special courts under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Ahilyanagar, Parbhani, Solapur, Nanded and Yavatmal. Each special court will have one…
The Supreme Court observed that compensation disputes under the National Highways Act, 1956 should be adjudicated by judicially trained authorities instead of bureaucrats. A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya…
Fourth Rail Line Approved in Siliguri Corridor
Key Updates:
- The Centre approved a fourth railway line through the strategically important 'Chicken's Neck' corridor.
- 'Chicken's Neck', also known as the Siliguri Corridor, is a narrow stretch about 20-22 km wide and nearly 60 km long in north Bengal.
- The Siliguri Corridor connects the northeastern states with the rest of India.
- Northeast Frontier Railway General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava said the Malda-New Jalpaiguri section is a crucial rail corridor connecting the Northeast with other parts of the country.
- Approval was accorded for a fourth line on the Malda-New Jalpaiguri section, where a third line had earlier been proposed.
- A nearly 29-km double-line underground project between Tinmai Ghat and Bagdogra is also part of the railway infrastructure initiative.
- Doubling work in the Barsoi section is underway, and infrastructure is being expanded across the Katihar division.
- Redevelopment of New Jalpaiguri station is expected to be completed by April 2027.
- New local train services are planned from Jogbani, Radhikapur, and Balurghat.
- The Northeast Frontier Railway network has achieved 100% electrification, and Vande Bharat services are planned beyond Guwahati to Tinsukia and Agartala.
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The Union Government has revived the 39.68-km broad-gauge Qadian-Beas railway line project in Punjab at an estimated cost of approximately ₹1,400 crore. The project was originally approved by the North-Western Railway…
The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third and fourth railway line on the Ballari-Guntakal section under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The project has an estimated cost of ₹1,264 crore and will add…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Paradeep-Haridaspur Doubling Project and the Rajkharsawan-Dangoaposi Fourth Rail Line Project on July 15, 2026. The projects cover approximately 145 km across…
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Union Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurates IIHT SUTRA 2026, first National Conclave of IIHTs in New Delhi
Key Updates:
- Ministry of Textiles (MoT) organised IIHT SUTRA 2026, the first National Conclave of Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology, on 12 August 2026.
- The conclave was inaugurated at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh.
- The event was organised under the theme 'IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform.'.
- The conclave brought together policymakers, academia, industry leaders, research institutions, alumni and students to discuss the future of handloom education.
- Three strategic MoUs were exchanged with Grasim Industries, Northern India Textile Research Association, and IIM Sambalpur.
- Meritorious IIHT students were awarded Gold Medals and Rank Certificates for their academic performance.
- The Ministry released the publication 'Handloom Change Makers' and launched the film 'Weaving India's Handloom Future'.
- Six Central IIHTs and five State IIHTs were noted as having produced skilled professionals over the past seven decades.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, at the Sonipat campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Param Pragya is expected to…
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted the Cotton Productivity Mission, with an outlay of ₹5,659 crore, at the 56th Foundation Day celebrations of the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI). The Cotton Productivity…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first 157.92 km stretch of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Greenfield Expressway. The total length of the expressway corridor is 667 km, built at an estimated cost of ₹38,905 crore.
Wanted drug trafficker Virender Singh Basoya was brought back from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and arrested at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on August 14, 2026. Basoya was arrested in the UAE in June…
PM Modi Announces ₹85,000 Crore for Samudra Manthan
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an allocation of ₹85,000 crore for the Samudra Manthan initiative to accelerate offshore exploration.
- The Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme was approved on 31 July 2026.
- The scheme has a Phase-I outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to FY 2030-31.
- The initiative aims to convert India's previously no-go coastal waters into go-ahead areas for exploration and discovery of new reserves.
- It seeks to boost hydrocarbon exploration and production in India's offshore basins.
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The Union Cabinet approved the 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas until FY 2030-31.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 51st meeting of Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) at Seva Teerth. The meeting reviewed seven major infrastructure projects in the Railways, Power, and Road…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed incentives worth around ₹2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). PM-VBRY is an employment-linked incentive scheme aimed at supporting first-time…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), transferring Rs 18,880 crore to over 9.44 crore farmers across the country. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima…
PM Modi Unveils Sapta Dhara Framework for Viksit Bharat
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 'Sapta Dhara' seven-point reform framework on August 15, 2026, from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day.
- The framework aims to accelerate India's progress towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- The seven streams of Sapta Dhara are manufacturing power, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti, defence power, green and blue economy, and soft power.
- Under manufacturing power, India must build complete value chains, become a trusted global supply chain partner, and meet global standards of cost, quality, and scale.
- Under agriculture and food processing, Indian farmers should access global markets using new FTA opportunities, and traditional cuisine, millets, spices, fruits, flowers, and chemical-free produce can become global brands.
- Under technology and innovation, India should become an innovation hub in emerging technologies, promote its digital public technologies globally, and aim for Made in India 6G connectivity across the world.
- Under Gati Shakti, cities should be connected through high-speed rail and ports should be transformed into engines of growth.
- Under defence power, India must become self-reliant in defence, emerge as a global supplier of next-generation defence technologies, and lead in hypersonic, drones, counter-drone systems, and cyber security.
- Under the green and blue economy, India should scale up green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy storage, green mobility, green manufacturing, fisheries, coastal tourism, and ocean technology.
- Under soft power, India should build global strength through yoga, Ayurveda, spiritual centres, the 'Heal in India' movement, handicrafts, culture, films, digital content, and foreign tourism.
- PM Modi added that the seven streams of Sapta Dhara should be pursued through a holistic approach and not as separate sectoral initiatives.
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PM Announces Modern Civil Defence Volunteer Force on Independence Day
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to establish a large, modern civil defence volunteer network.
- The proposed force will be trained in modern systems to respond to challenges within the country and across its borders.
- The announcement was made during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day.
- The initiative aims to enhance preparedness to protect citizens from contemporary security threats and crises.
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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Task Force Falcon Strike, an inaugural task force focused on multi-domain, multinational attack drones. Task Force Falcon Strike will use one-way attack drones composed of…
On Independence Day 2026, the Centre awarded 301 Medals of Gallantry to Police and Fire Service personnel. Of the 301 Gallantry Medals, 197 were awarded to personnel serving in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.
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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced the setting up of a task force to support the toy sector. The task force targets achieving a 5% share in the global toy market by 2032.
Government removes 12-minute advertisement duration cap for TV channels
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting removed the 12-minute advertisement duration cap for television channels.
- The decision will take effect from the date of notification of the amendment in the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 in the Gazette.
- The cap was introduced in 2006 when there were only 62 TV channels, compared with more than 900 currently.
- The Ministry cited adequate competition within the TV industry and between TV and digital media as the reason for the removal.
- The removal aims to enable fair competition and ensure ease of doing business.
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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mandates that private FM radio broadcasters ensure at least 20% of daily broadcast content is in the local language of the city. A total of 386 private FM radio channels are…
Swiss voters rejected a proposal to limit the country's population to 10 million, with nearly 55% voting against and 45% in favour, and a turnout of 60%. The proposal was brought by the right-wing Swiss People's Party…
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, to bring television channels, radio stations, DTH operators, and other…
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) removed the requirement for exporters to submit physical duty payment challans for Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODC) under the Advance Authorisation and EPCG…
Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce Partner to Develop Engine for India’s AMCA Programme
Key Updates:
- Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announced a partnership on August 14, 2026, to develop and manufacture an engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
- The partnership will explore the formation of a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India as a centre of excellence for power and propulsion technology.
- Rolls-Royce will contribute its global engine leadership, while Reliance will provide industrial strengths for building sovereign end-to-end Indian capability across design, development, manufacturing, testing, production and through-life support.
- The initiative supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for technology indigenisation and positioning India as a global leader in advanced propulsion capabilities.
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The government will release a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) by next month to three private sector-driven industrial groups for the manufacturing of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Cabinet Committee on…
Bengaluru-based Paninian India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the Yantur 4.5 kN Turbofan Engine Programme. The engine is designed to power the proposed Svayatt L1 autonomous cruise missile platform.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated concerted efforts to co-join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme. Germany has parted ways with the FCAS…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) designed India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class. The engine was manufactured…
Saudi Arabia and Oman launch land corridor to bypass blocked Strait of Hormuz
Key Updates:
- Saudi Arabia and Oman signed a bilateral logistics and trade agreement to boost cross-border trade via the Saudi-Oman Highway.
- The pact was signed between Oman's Arkan Logistics and Saudi Arabia's Spark Logistics.
- The agreement includes increased freight movement, reduced customs procedures, and access to Oman's ports.
- The deal comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked for maritime traffic, disrupting West Asia's crude trade.
- Oman's ports of Salalah, Sohar, Muscat, and Duqm lie outside the Strait of Hormuz and remain operational for maritime trade.
- The pact enables Saudi Arabia to export goods using the highway and Oman's ports, though Omani ports face potential risk if Iran targets them amid renewed fighting.
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United States Names India Part of Shadow Transhipment Network in White House Report
Key Updates:
- The White House report titled 'The Great Transhipment Scam', prepared by US President Donald Trump's adviser Peter Navarro, estimated illegal transhipment of Chinese goods at roughly $60 billion.
- India was placed in Tier 1 of the report's list of around 40 countries enabling Chinese goods to evade US tariffs.
- Other major US trading partners placed in Tier 1 included Canada, Japan, the European Union, Israel, and Mexico.
- The report estimated that approximately $67 billion in US-bound goods were transshipped from China through Mexico, India, and Vietnam in 2025, causing about $28 billion in lost tariff revenue.
- The report called for firm action against enabling countries, including interdiction, penalty tariffs, sanctions, and potential loss of market access.
- The report traced the origins of the shadow transhipment network to the Section 301 tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by the Trump administration in 2018.
- The report was released six days after the US Senate approved a bill authorising tariffs of up to 100% on countries, including India, buying Russian oil.
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a multi-million, multi-year deal with ABB to transform its global network operations. The deal marks a 20-year partnership milestone between TCS and ABB.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) barred communication infrastructure providers from sharing any data outside India under a new authorisation framework. All telecommunication network data, logs, and information must be…
India hosted the International Governing Board (IGB) meeting of the BRICS Network University (BRICS NU) virtually on July 21, 2026, as part of its BRICS Presidency 2026. The meeting followed the BRICS Network University…
Wazed Ali Choudhury was named the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Assam. Joy Prakash Das was named the Deputy Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader.
India signs Rs 1,577 crore loitering munition contracts with TASL and NIBE on August 14, 2026
Key Updates:
- The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth approximately Rs 1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and NIBE Private Limited for loitering munition systems, munitions, and accessories for the Indian Army.
- The contracts were signed on August 14, 2026, under the 'Buy (Indian)' category through the Fast Track Procedure.
- The procurement covers 84 sets of loitering munition systems and 840 loiter munitions, with deliveries to be completed within 12 months.
- TASL, as the L1 vendor, will supply 54 sets with 540 loiter munitions (64% share), while NIBE, as L2, will supply 30 sets with 300 munitions (36% share); NIBE's order is valued at Rs 563.35 crore.
- The loitering munitions, also known as 'kamikaze' drones, are intended to enhance artillery regiments' precision-strike capability, including striking targets beyond 100 km for the Army's Shaktibaan and Divyastra formations.
- The deal is described as the biggest-ever one-time purchase order for drones in Indian military history.
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Indian defence manufacturer SMPP signed a teaming agreement with European defence major KNDS (formed through the merger of France's Nexter and Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann) to manufacture advanced loitering munitions…
Nibe Limited successfully completed technical trials of the indigenous Vayu Astra-1 loitering munition system designed for precision strikes. The trials for the munition system were conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan and…
On May 23, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the first batch of Suryastra universal rocket launchers from Nibe Ltd's facility in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The Suryastra system, developed using technology from…
The Indian Army introduced 'Army Uniforms-2026', a 174-page manual replacing previous regulations issued eight years ago. A new winter uniform, Winter Dress No. 3B, consisting of an angola shirt, battle jacket, and…
Saudi Arabia Launches Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition Involving 39 Countries
Key Updates:
- Saudi Arabia has officially launched a multinational maritime defense coalition involving representatives from 39 countries.
- The coalition aims to strengthen maritime security and protect trade and energy routes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
- The coalition entered its institutional and operational phase after its third planning meeting held at the Western Fleet Command in Jeddah.
- 15 countries have signed the joint declaration, while 13 countries have completed national procedures and formally joined.
- A Saudi commander has been appointed to lead the coalition, with Pakistan providing the deputy commander for the first term.
- The coalition's headquarters, official logo, and operational framework have been approved.
- Member states will increase intelligence sharing, strengthen operational planning, conduct joint naval exercises, and cooperate on military capacity-building.
- The coalition may carry out joint maritime operations when required.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper to discuss defense cooperation.
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India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047
Key Updates:
- India has set a target of 100 GWe nuclear power capacity by 2047, including commissioning five new nuclear reactors in the current decade.
- India currently has 25 operational nuclear reactors totalling 8.7 GWe capacity, 10 reactors under construction with about 8 GWe capacity, and 10 units in the pre-project stage with about 6.6 GWe capacity.
- India is pursuing a two-pronged approach of deploying large-capacity reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing three SMR types: the 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), a 55 MWe SMR, and a 5 MWt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen production.
- India has set a target of having at least five indigenously designed and operational SMRs by 2033.
- The Nuclear Energy Mission for SMR research and development has a total budgetary outlay of Rs 20,000 crore.
- India’s first indigenous fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam attained criticality in April.
- India’s three-stage nuclear programme starts with pressurised heavy water reactors using natural uranium, moves to fast breeder reactors, and later uses thorium to obtain uranium-233.
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The Nuclear Energy Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, aims to expand India's nuclear energy capacity to 100 GWe by 2047. The government's two-pronged approach includes deployment of large indigenous 700 MWe…
Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that India’s installed power generation capacity is likely to reach 874 GW by 2031-32. As of June 30, 2026, India had a total…
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) released the 2026 World Hydropower Outlook, noting that South and Central Asia added 5839 MW of hydropower capacity in 2025. India aims to expand its pumped storage capacity…
Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Pralhad Joshi announced that India aims to achieve 100 GW of installed wind energy capacity by 2030 and 155 GW by 2035. India launched its first dedicated digital…
7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Flores Region, Killing 38
Key Updates:
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores region at 5.58 am local time, killing at least 38 people.
- The epicentre was located 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.
- Authorities issued a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi, but later lifted it after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes.
- The earthquake triggered landslides and cut off the Trans-Flores highway in Ende regency.
- Around 2,000 villagers in Nagekeo regency fled to temporary shelters after the quake.
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Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala has been appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). His tenure is for a period of two years from the date of assuming charge.
Wildfires have burned over 107,000 hectares (264,000 acres) of land across Indonesia as of Monday, with 43 helicopters deployed for firefighting. The largest blaze is in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java…
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) included heatwaves and lightning in the list of notified natural calamities under the operational guidelines for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response…
The 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono in New Delhi on 7 June. Discussions covered key priorities under the…
PM Modi Independence Day Speech 2026: AI Training, Saptadhara, Free Coaching and Viksit Bharat 2047
Key Updates:
- PM Modi announced a nationwide mission to provide AI skill training to 1 crore youth over the next year.
- Free online coaching for competitive examination aspirants was announced to ease the burden on poor and middle-class families.
- A modern Civil Defence network with a large volunteer force will be established to tackle contemporary crises.
- A nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 years was announced to identify sporting talent early.
- 7-8 new semiconductor production plants are expected to become operational within the next one to two years.
- India aims to achieve 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, with five new nuclear reactors expected in the next six to seven years.
- PM Modi outlined 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' – seven areas of strength including manufacturing, agriculture, technology, Gati Shakti, defence, green and blue economy, and soft power – to drive India's development.
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India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. The theme for Independence Day 2026 is 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The meeting was held under…
A high-level forum to strengthen United Kingdom (UK)-India relations and support the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision was held at the House of Lords on June 19. The event was organised by the Non-Resident Indian (NRI)…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan' on August 2, 2026. The campaign is led by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Shubhada Varadkar Conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Key Updates:
- Shubhada Varadkar received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from President Droupadi Murmu.
- Shubhada Varadkar is an Odissi dancer and a two-time cancer survivor.
- She is the first cousin of former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
- She is the grand-niece of Savitri Bai Khanolkar, the designer of the Param Vir Chakra.
- Her parents, Manohar and Manik Varadkar, were active participants in the Quit India Movement.
- She was trained under the legendary Odissi maestro Kelucharan Mohapatra.
- She is currently researching the ancient roots of Odissi through 'Odramagadhi'.
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The President of India will confer the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for the years 2024 and 2025 to 115 artists on 13 August 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship carries a…
Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), established in 1953 under the Ministry of Culture, is India's apex national body for the performing arts. Seven personalities were selected as Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna): Ramlal Bareth…
The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Samman Ceremony 2026 was held at the Gandhi Auditorium of Jan Bhavan in Lucknow. A total of 51 distinguished artistes were honoured for their contributions to music, dance…
Tamil poet and lyricist R. Vairamuthu was conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025. He is the third Tamil literary figure to receive the award, after Akilan and Jayakanthan, ending a 24-year gap.
