NITI Aayog Releases Report on India’s Manufacturing Sector, Identifies Four Key Sectors for Global Manufacturing Ambition
Key Updates:
- NITI Aayog released a report titled 'Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub' on August 14, 2026.
- The report identified chemicals, textiles, telecom and network equipment, and solar photovoltaic manufacturing as four key sectors for India's manufacturing growth.
- The report highlighted import dependence, fragmented supply chains, infrastructure gaps, limited domestic value addition, technology constraints, and skill shortages as challenges to competitiveness.
- NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri stated that manufacturing will be central to India's economic transformation under the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
- India's median age of around 28 years provides an opportunity to harness the demographic dividend through manufacturing.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The S&P Global HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 53.5 in July from 54.2 in June. The July reading was the lowest level since August 2021 and remained above the 50-point expansion…
NITI Aayog released a 10-year roadmap titled “Future of India’s Semiconductor Industry” to build a $120-150 billion domestic semiconductor value chain by 2035. The roadmap identifies five key pillars: frontier R&D and…
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Shri Ashok Kumar Lahiri released the 8th edition of the Trade Watch Quarterly for the fourth quarter (January–March 2026) of FY2025-26 in New Delhi. India's total goods and services trade grew…
The Government of India has constituted six sector-specific working groups to identify 100 products for promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence. These groups will be chaired by the Secretary in…
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposes mandatory colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter for debt securities
Key Updates:
- SEBI has proposed making the Credit Risk-o-Meter a mandatory additional disclosure mechanism for debt securities.
- The proposed framework maps credit ratings into six risk levels, from lowest credit risk to high to very high risk of default.
- AAA-rated securities will be shown in Irish Green, while ratings from B+ to D will be shown in Red.
- AA+, AA and AA- ratings will be represented by Chartreuse; A+, A and A- by Neon Yellow; BBB+, BBB and BBB- by Caramel; and BB+, BB and BB- by Dark Orange.
- Issuers and Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs) will have to display the Credit Risk-o-Meter in offer documents, abridged prospectuses, private placement memorandums, advertisements, and on web and mobile platforms.
- Where a debt security has multiple ratings, the Credit Risk-o-Meter will be based on the lowest rating, and all ratings must be disclosed alongside it.
- For unsecured debt instruments, issuers and OBPPs must prominently disclose the unsecured nature in bold red text below the meter.
- SEBI has proposed disclaimers stating that the Credit Risk-o-Meter is not investment advice and that debt securities remain subject to market and liquidity risks.
- A separate disclaimer has been proposed for unsecured perpetual bonds such as AT1 bonds, highlighting their structural risks and the possibility of total loss of invested capital.
- SEBI has invited public comments on the consultation paper latest by September 3, 2026.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a comprehensive review of the SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations, 2020. Assets under management (AUM) of the PMS industry more than doubled to ₹42.61 lakh…
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey stated that debt market fundraising has reached nearly ₹9 lakh crore in FY26. The debt market fundraising volume in FY26 is recorded as almost…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2026, replacing the February 2022 framework to permit derivatives on credit indices and total return…
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the deadline for regulated entities to complete digital accessibility audits and resolve platform issues to October 31, 2026. Earlier deadlines were April 30 for…
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) grants investment banking license to Nexent Capital in GIFT City
Key Updates:
- International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) granted the investment banking registration to Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited on July 31, 2026.
- The registration was granted under the IFSCA (Capital Market Intermediaries) Regulations, 2025.
- Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited is the GIFT City-based arm of U.S.-based Nexent Capital Management.
- The license authorizes Nexent Capital to manage IPOs, FPOs, SPAC listings, secondary listings, depository receipt issuances, debt capital market transactions, and other capital market advisory mandates within GIFT City.
- The IFSCA registration enables Nexent Capital to advise on and manage cross-border capital market transactions from India's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
- Nexent Capital plans to support high-growth companies from the United States and Europe seeking capital-raising and listing opportunities through GIFT City exchanges.
- The firm has an active pipeline of companies across sectors including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Centers, Quantum Computing, Space Technology, and Energy.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Standard Chartered received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to distribute capital market products from GIFT City. The bank expects to launch wealth management…
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has revised the Master Circular for Credit Rating Agencies operating in GIFT City. Credit rating agencies (CRAs) must now provide issuers an opportunity to…
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam International Financial Center - Da Nang (VIFC-DN) to share institutional knowledge and best practices. The…
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has granted in-principle approval to LEXI Money IFSC Private Limited to operate as a Payment Service Provider at GIFT-IFSC, Gandhinagar. The Government of…
Ministry of Mines Notifies Rules for Trading of Major Minerals on Exchange from Next Financial Year
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Mines has notified rules to allow trading of major minerals on an exchange, expected to become functional by the next financial year.
- The Indian Bureau of Mines has been appointed as the nodal agency and regulator for the minerals exchange.
- The exchange will initially allow trading in iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and manganese.
- The Ministry of Coal has separately notified rules for a coal exchange, with the Coal Controller Organisation as regulator.
- The minerals exchange will operate through a centralized electronic platform with physical delivery-based contracts.
- The rules mandate quality verification by accredited assaying agencies and market surveillance to check manipulation, cartelisation, and insider trading.
- The government plans to set up four critical minerals processing parks in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- The initial focus of the critical minerals parks will be on lithium and nickel, crucial for the battery sector.
- India depends on imports for about 95% of its critical mineral requirements.
- The National Critical Mineral Mission was announced in 2025 with a financial outlay of Rs 34,300 crore over seven years.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026) was passed by Parliament after the Rajya Sabha approved it on August 13, 2026, following the Lok Sabha's approval on…
The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) introduced Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) in May 2026. EGRs are exchange-traded securities representing ownership of physical gold stored in SEBI-regulated vaults.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched India's first exchange-traded energy derivative linked to a domestic benchmark on July 27, 2026. The contracts trade under the symbol NATGASIND and are cash-settled.
The Government of India launched the eighth tranche of critical mineral auctions, offering 20 blocks. Of the 20 blocks, 13 were newly identified and seven were unsold from previous rounds.
Central Electricity Authority notifies Cyber Security in Power Sector Regulations, 2026
Key Updates:
- The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) notified the 'Central Electricity Authority (Cyber Security in Power Sector) Regulations, 2026', which will take effect from April 1, 2027.
- The regulations require power sector entities to store sensitive data, including cloud-hosted data and historical records, in an encrypted, secure and protected environment, and this requirement also extends to vendors such as cloud service providers.
- The regulations apply to generating companies, captive generating plants, and energy storage system installations of 50 MW and above.
- Power sector entities must report cyber-security incidents to CSIRT-Power and CERT-In within six hours, and incidents determined to be cyber sabotage involving critical systems must be reported within 24 hours.
- Power sector organisations must segregate IT and OT systems, procure OT equipment and services from trusted sources, and carry out remote operation of OT systems only within India through a dedicated communication channel isolated from the internet.
- New critical systems must undergo cybersecurity audits, including vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, before commissioning; critical and high-risk vulnerabilities must be addressed within one month, and medium and low-risk vulnerabilities within three months.
- Organisations must appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and an alternate CISO, maintain a 24-hour information security function, conduct annual self-audits, and maintain cyber-risk assessments, asset registers and incident-response plans.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
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…
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the Digital Threat Report 2025–26 for the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector. The report highlights that cyber risks now extend…
The government has established the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Ministry of Shipping. The BoPS is responsible for regulatory and oversight functions relating to the security of ships and port facilities.
The 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ (NSAs) Meeting was held in New Delhi on 23 June 2026. The NSAs deliberated on non-traditional security challenges including energy security, food security, supply chain…
Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026 to Prevent Misuse of Public Assets
Key Updates:
- The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026.
- The Bill provides a legal framework for the use of government premises and public property by private individuals, organisations, associations and societies.
- It aims to safeguard, preserve, and ensure responsible utilisation of government lands, buildings, playgrounds, parks, roads, and other public assets.
- The Bill proposes clear guidelines and procedures for granting permission to use government properties for events, meetings or other activities.
- It lays down provisions for penalties in case of misuse or damage to public property.
- The Bill will be tabled in the Karnataka legislature for discussion and passage.
- Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the Bill is not targeted at any specific organisation.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The draft Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management (KAOM) Bill, 2025, recognizes every apartment owner's undivided proportionate right in the project land and common areas. Redevelopment proposals require written…
The Delhi cabinet approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026, replacing the 2011 law. The bill makes time-bound delivery of notified public services a legal right for…
The Kerala Cabinet approved a five-point administrative reforms programme led by the General Administration Department. A Special Asset Management Platform will be developed as a registry of all government assets…
The Gruha Jyothi Scheme is a Karnataka government initiative providing free electricity up to 200 units per month to households and tenants. Eligibility requires the beneficiary to be a resident of Karnataka or a…
West Bengal Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY 2026: ₹5 Lakh Health Cover for Eligible Families
Key Updates:
- West Bengal officially implemented the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on August 16, 2026.
- Under AB-PMJAY, eligible families in West Bengal get cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year on a family floater basis.
- The scheme targets over 1.43 crore eligible families, individuals above 70 years, and frontline health workers such as ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and Anganwadi helpers.
- Beneficiaries from West Bengal can avail treatment at over 36,000 empanelled public and private hospitals across India.
- The official beneficiary portal for Ayushman Card registration and download is beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
- Eligibility includes vulnerable rural households, specified urban professions such as street vendors and construction workers, and all individuals above 70 years through the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card.
- Swasthya Sathi cardholders found eligible under the central SECC list will receive PM-JAY coverage, while other existing beneficiaries continue under the MMSBY scheme.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The Rajasthan Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana (MAAY) is a health insurance scheme launched by the Government of Rajasthan, formerly known as the Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Swasthya Bima Yojana. The scheme provides…
West Bengal will become the 36th State/UT to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on June 8. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the National Health Authority…
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on 18 February 2016. PMFBY provides financial assistance to farmers when their…
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Ayushman Sarathi, a 24/7 WhatsApp chatbot integrated with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), on 30 June 2026. Developed by the…
Supreme Court Asks 19 States and UTs to Declare Cancer a Notifiable Disease
Key Updates:
- The Supreme Court asked 19 remaining states and Union territories to declare cancer a notifiable disease.
- 17 states and UTs have already notified cancer as a notifiable disease.
- The direction was given on a PIL filed by Dr. Anurag Srivastava, former head of AIIMS Delhi.
- The court directed the remaining states to consider the recommendations and file compliance affidavits.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the right to trauma care is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. States and Union Territories (UTs) are directed to integrate emergency helplines…
The Supreme Court bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan upheld the 28% retrospective Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming. The court held that online gaming activities involving staking upon…
On 11 August 2026, Andras Baka was elected president of Hungary by the National Assembly with 140 votes. Baka had served as chief of the Supreme Court before being removed from office by the Fidesz government in 2011…
Karnataka has approached the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court Division Bench judgment that directed authorities to consider registering motorcycles as transport vehicles and issuing permits for bike taxis.…
President Droupadi Murmu Approves 78 Gallantry Awards on Independence Day Eve
Key Updates:
- President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.
- The gallantry awards comprise 9 Kirti Chakras, 19 Shaurya Chakras, 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 5 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
- The Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was conferred on nine personnel, including seven posthumously.
- Major Aditya Pratap Singh of 44 Assam Rifles was awarded the Bar to Shaurya Chakra.
- The President also approved 89 Mention-in-Despatches, comprising 75 Army, 4 Navy and 10 Air Force personnel.
- The awards will be presented by President Murmu at a ceremonial investiture later this year.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
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.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Gallantry Awards to personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati…
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Distinguished Service Awards during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-2). The awards were presented to officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for their exceptional…
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…
Iran's Parliament Approves Framework to Criminalise Interviews with US and Israeli Media
Key Updates:
- On August 16, 2026, Iran's parliament approved the broad framework of a bill that would criminalise engagement with foreign media outlets considered hostile to the Islamic Republic.
- Under the proposed legislation, interviews or discussions with US or Israeli media and organisations funded by either country could be prohibited.
- Violations related to such interviews could carry prison terms of six months to two years.
- Interviews with foreign media not classified as hostile would require prior notification to Iran's intelligence ministry.
- Contact with foreign embassies, foreign organisations or non-Iranian institutions without notifying and obtaining written permission from Iran's foreign ministry could lead to fines and loss of certain social rights.
- The bill includes up to 30 years in prison for policy or legislative proposals made at the direction of foreign intelligence services if authorities determine they threaten Iran's security or independence.
- Cases carrying the proposed 30-year penalty would be handled by Iran's Revolutionary Courts.
- If the final version is approved by parliament, the bill will be sent to the Guardian Council for review before becoming law.
- The proposed restrictions follow Iran's 2025 legislation, passed after its 12-day war with Israel, which toughened penalties for alleged cooperation with states considered hostile.
- Iranian photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was sentenced this month to 15 years in prison under the 2025 law over allegations including interviews with deemed hostile media and providing photographs to organisations linked to the United States and Israel.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Mohsen Rezaee was appointed as the representative of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). He replaced Mohammad Baqir Zolghadr, who had taken up leadership of the council in…
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that inspections at Iranian atomic sites were 'going to happen' but did not offer a specific timeline. The statement followed a preliminary…
Iran is to receive up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-launched air-defence missile systems within weeks, worth US$60-70 million. The contract covers QW-12 and FN-16 man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) and was signed…
President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill criminalises intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram'.
Iran and Oman Reach Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route
Key Updates:
- Iran and Oman have agreed on a specific route for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The two countries are finalising joint management arrangements for the waterway.
- Iran has controlled the strait since the conflict began on February 28.
- Iran denies US claims that it wants to reopen the route for all shipping.
- Iran warns the strait remains unsafe due to US naval blockades and aggressive actions.
- Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the agreement on August 5.
- Any reopening of the strait would depend on the United States ending its naval blockade of Iran's ports.
- Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried around a fifth of the world's oil and LNG exports.
- Iran has imposed an effective blockade and insists ships use a route hugging the Iranian coast.
- Many vessels have instead used a southern route near Oman, occasionally coming under fire.
- Iran seeks to control the strait and charge tolls, a move fiercely opposed by the US.
- US President Donald Trump recently threatened to hit Iran 'very hard' but pulled back, hinting a deal was near.
- Iran's foreign ministry denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
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 United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran signed the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding' (MoU), a 14-point interim agreement to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The interim deal declares…
Mohsen Rezaee was appointed as the representative of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). He replaced Mohammad Baqir Zolghadr, who had taken up leadership of the council in…
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin proposed exploring a rail link to the Indian Ocean with a possible route through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The proposed rail corridor is intended to…
India and Nepal Sign MoUs for Eight Development Projects Worth NPR 803 Million
Key Updates:
- India and Nepal signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for eight development projects valued at NPR 803 million.
- The projects are implemented under India's High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) framework.
- The initiatives cover health, education, and agriculture sectors across various regions of Nepal.
- Since 2003, India has undertaken 605 HICDPs in Nepal, of which 512 have been completed.
- India has also gifted 1,049 ambulances and 381 school buses to Nepal, covering all 77 districts for ambulances and 65 districts for school buses.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
India and Bhutan held the fifth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Bhutanese Foreign Secretary Dasho Pema Lektup Dorji. India and Bhutan exchanged a concessional…
President Droupadi Murmu made a historic visit to Romania, the first by an Indian President in three decades, and signed three MoUs in science & technology, sports, and culture. India and Romania set a target to double…
The Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur, Nepal, was granted the Award of Merit under the 2025 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage…
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly unveiled development projects worth more than ₹47,600 crore in Odisha to enhance energy security and infrastructure. The foundation stone was laid for the…
JSW Neo Energy and Bhutan's DGPC Sign Pact for 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydro Project
Key Updates:
- JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, signed a shareholders' agreement with Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) to jointly develop the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III hydroelectric project.
- The joint venture company will have DGPC holding a 51% stake and JSW Neo Energy holding 49%.
- This marks JSW Energy's first power generation venture outside India.
- The agreement was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
- The project is located in Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan.
- DGPC and JSW Neo are jointly preparing the detailed project report for the project.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed an initial pact to build a training framework for developing 5,000 MW clean energy capacity in Bhutan. The training programmes will be delivered through the Tata…
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) approved the proposal of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) to import electricity from the Khorluchu Hydro Power Ltd (KHPL) project in Bhutan. The…
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) and Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership. The project will establish a 500 kW River…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Afsluitdijk, a 32-kilometre-long dam and causeway in the Netherlands used for flood control and land reclamation. India and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent for technical…
India and Nepal Set Three-Year Target for UAV-Based Border Land Mapping
Key Updates:
- India and Nepal have agreed to complete mapping of cross-border land occupation within three years using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- The joint survey is expected to begin after the monsoon, likely in September or October 2026.
- The decision was taken at the 13th meeting of the Survey Officials' Committee (SOC) concluded in Lucknow.
- The mapping will use UAVs to capture aerial images, with data jointly examined by technical teams from both countries.
- The cross-border land issue is partly linked to changes in river courses; the boundary was originally established using the Fixed Boundary Principle.
- Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah raised the issue of cross-border land occupation in Parliament in May 2026.
- The Survey Officials' Committee operates under the Boundary Working Group (BWG), headed by the survey chiefs of India and Nepal.
- India and Nepal share a border of approximately 1,880 km with 8,554 boundary pillars, of which 1,325 are missing and 1,956 are damaged.
- Previous deadlines for technical boundary work in 2015 and 2017 were missed; the new three-year target is another attempt to complete the work.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has lifted the nearly decade-long restriction on Indian ₹200 and redesigned ₹500 notes. Indian and Nepalese nationals can now carry these denominations up to ₹25,000 per person.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Land Port Management System (VINIMAY) in New Delhi on 9th June 2026. VINIMAY is a digital platform under the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), a statutory body under the…
Border trade through the Nathu La Pass between India and China will resume on 1 August 2026, ending a suspension of over six years. Trade was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal arrived in New Delhi on June 5 for a three-day official visit to India. Minister Khanal is scheduled to hold talks with the External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Lala causes widespread damage and power outages across Hawaii
Key Updates:
- Tropical Storm Lala brought heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii, causing flooding and landslides.
- At least 100 homes were damaged or lost across the islands.
- Approximately 184,000 customers were without power, with nearly 70% of the Big Island affected.
- Hurricane-force wind gusts were reported in Hawaii, Honolulu, and Maui counties.
- A highway collapse in Pahala left up to 2,500 residents trapped.
- The National Hurricane Center warned of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with up to 6 inches of additional rain expected in parts of Kauai.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the honorary 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon' title by Seychelles. The honour was presented by President Patrick Herminie and is the first such title bestowed by Seychelles.
Researchers have documented a giant coral colony of the species Pavona clavus, known locally as the "Potato Patch", on the southeastern side of Kadmat Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. The colony covers an estimated…
The United States-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise commenced on 25 June 2026 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The maritime training event involves 31 surface ships, five submarines, 197 aircraft…
Saudi Arabia joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its new member on 23 May 2026. The IBCA is a treaty-based global entity headquartered in New Delhi and was launched as India's brainchild.
Key Updates:
- The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) approved and signed an agreement with a private consortium for India's first fully commercial Earth observation satellite constellation.
- The consortium, named Allied Orbits Private Limited, is led by Pixxel Space India and includes Dhruva Space, PierSight Space, and Satsure Analytics India.
- The consortium will invest more than Rs 1,200 crore to set up the 12-satellite constellation, which is to be developed and operationalised by 2029.
- The constellation will have panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities, supported by indigenous ground infrastructure.
- All satellites will be manufactured domestically and launched on Indian launch vehicles, with mission control based in India.
- The programme includes five ultra-high resolution optical satellites with 4 bands, three multispectral satellites with 8 bands, two hyperspectral optical satellites with 250 bands, and two SAR satellites in X-band.
- The programme allows collaboration with academic and research institutions for capacity building and application development.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) granted technical clearance to Reliance Jio's proposed 1,600-satellite Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. The technical evaluation was carried out…
Pakistan launched six Earth-observation satellites between January 2025 and June 2026 with development and launch support from China. The expanded satellite fleet includes PAUSAT-1, PRSC-EO1, PRSS-2, HS-1, PRSC-EO2, and…
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited expressions of interest (EoI) for the transfer of technology (ToT) of the LVM-3 launch vehicle to the private sector. LVM-3, previously…
Agnikul Cosmos (Agnikul) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Finnish space technology firm ICEYE to build, launch, and operate Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth observation systems from India. SAR…
L&T's Vyoma.AI to build India's largest Nvidia B300 AI factory in Chennai for Together AI
Key Updates:
- Vyoma.AI, the data centre business of L&T, secured India's largest single-cluster AI infrastructure order for a 10,000-GPU Nvidia B300 AI factory.
- The AI factory will be set up at Vyoma's Chennai data centre campus, which has a gigawatt-scale AI infrastructure site with Phase-1 designed for 250 MW and power infrastructure readiness of 150 MVA.
- The order is valued at ₹10,000-15,000 crore and will power an AI-native cloud platform for large-scale inferencing, fine-tuning, and training workloads.
- The AI factory is being built for US-based startup Together AI, which also signed a $240 million multi-year deal with IBM to build a large-scale AI cluster on IBM Cloud using Nvidia systems.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured an ultra-mega offshore contract valued at ₹15,000+ crore from ADNOC Offshore. The contract will be executed through a consortium led by L&T Energy Hydrocarbon Offshore (LTEH Offshore).
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…
Uttar Pradesh is India's largest milk-producing state, accounting for 15.66% of the country's total milk production in 2024-25. According to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025, Uttar Pradesh's milk production…
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…
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Norway’s Hystar AS partner for PEM electrolyser manufacturing in India
Key Updates:
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Norway-based Hystar AS have entered into a strategic tie-up for phased indigenisation and local manufacturing of PEM electrolyser systems in India.
- The partnership is aimed at supporting green hydrogen projects in India by strengthening BHEL’s capabilities in PEM electrolyser systems.
- Earlier in 2026, BHEL entered into a strategic tie-up with Thyssenkrupp Nucera India for alkaline electrolyser systems.
- The collaboration strengthens BHEL’s position as one of the few Indian players capable of offering both alkaline and PEM electrolyser solutions.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Pawan Hans Limited signed a non-binding MoU with Norway-based Noemi Aerospace on 5 August 2026 in New Delhi to explore electric seaplane technologies and sustainable aviation cooperation. The MoU covers collaboration in…
SBI Life Insurance and Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) have entered into a strategic corporate agency tie-up to offer life insurance solutions across India. Under the tie-up, over 1,000 branches of J&K Bank will offer…
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) and Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership. The project will establish a 500 kW River…
India plans to develop and operationalise at least five indigenously-designed small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2033. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is designing three SMRs: the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular…
20 Blackbucks Released in Gujarat’s Banni Grasslands on Independence Day
Key Updates:
- The Gujarat Forest Department, with technical support from the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC), Vantara, released 20 blackbucks (five males and 15 females) into the Banni Grasslands on India’s 80th Independence Day.
- The release was part of an initiative to restore the native herbivore community in the Banni Grasslands, one of India’s largest grassland landscapes.
- The blackbucks were transferred from Vantara in Jamnagar after obtaining approvals from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Gujarat, and the Central Zoo Authority.
- The animals underwent veterinary examinations, health screening, quarantine, and disease surveillance before being transported and released in accordance with wildlife translocation protocols.
- The Central government, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has approved the translocation of 500 blackbucks and 100 chinkaras in Gujarat.
- Vantara had previously supported the Gujarat Forest Department in rewilding nearly 80 spotted deer in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Some components of the broader programme are intended to augment prey populations in connection with the planned cheetah reintroduction programme.
- The Banni Grassland Forest Division has sought Vantara’s technical assistance for the wider translocation programme, including specialised vehicles, portable boma systems, and veterinary expertise.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approved the proposal for the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Deesa in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district. The project will be developed by the Gujarat Forest Department on 103…
The Indian Grey Hornbill, which disappeared from Gujarat's Gir forests in the 1950s–1960s due to hunting, has been successfully reintroduced. A total of 40 Indian Grey Hornbills were translocated from healthy populations…
The conservation breeding programme for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has hatched 26 chicks in its fourth year, comprising 18 through artificial insemination, 4 through natural breeding, and 4 from wild-collected eggs.…
A Great Indian Bustard (GIB) chick born on May 21, 2026, in Naliya, Kutch district, Gujarat, has survived the critical 40-day survival stage. The chick was born using the jumpstart conservation technique, which involves…
Suryapath Tiranga global relay held on August 16 to mark 80th Independence Day
Key Updates:
- The 'Suryapath Tiranga' campaign was a first-of-its-kind global relay of the Indian tricolour held on August 16, 2026, to mark the 80th Independence Day.
- The relay began at the Indian High Commission in Suva, Fiji, and concluded at the Indian consulate in San Francisco, USA.
- It connected 54 Indian missions and posts across countries and continents, spanning more than 19 hours.
- The campaign was part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative and followed the path of the rising sun.
- Mass singing of 'Vande Mataram' and the national anthem was an integral part of the programmes at each mission.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
The 'Har Ghar Tiranga 2026' campaign marks the fifth consecutive year of the movement, which originated in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav banner. The campaign coincides with the 150th anniversary of India's…
National Flag Day, also known as National Flag Adoption Day, is observed in India on July 22 every year. The day commemorates the adoption of the Tiranga by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947.
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was launched in 2022 during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The campaign encourages Indians to hoist the national flag at their homes to foster national pride.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honoured the tri-services all-women crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on July 30, 2026. The crew completed the Samudra Pradakshina Expedition, India's first-ever…
Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 Conferred on August 13
Key Updates:
- The Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 was conferred on seven mahouts from the Jaldapara Wildlife Division.
- The award ceremony was held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on August 13, 2026.
- The award is given by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- The mahouts were honoured for their role in flood rescue operations in North Bengal.
- They helped rescue stranded tourists and guide displaced rhinoceroses back to the forest.
- The rescue operation involved 19 kumki elephants.
- The award was presented on the occasion of World Elephant Day.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
World Elephant Day is observed annually on August 12. The first World Elephant Day was observed on August 12, 2012.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan reaffirmed the government's commitment to elephant protection on World Elephant Day (August 12, 2026). He described elephants as guardians of forests and symbols of…
The Uttarakhand Forest Department plans to fit radio collars on herd-leading elephants to track their movements and reduce human-elephant encounters during the 2027 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. The initiative is being…
The Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded to 12 rat miners for their exceptional courage and selfless service during the 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue operation. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari…
Iran and Oman Reach Mutual Understanding on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route
Key Updates:
- Iran and Oman have reached a mutual understanding on the geographic coordinates of a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The understanding is part of a temporary arrangement where Iran would oversee inbound shipping and Oman would oversee outbound traffic.
- The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and about a fifth of liquefied natural gas shipments.
- The talks follow months of heightened Gulf tensions due to the US-Israel-Iran war, with shipping disrupted since March 2026.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that negotiations were constructive and a joint announcement is being prepared.
- The agreement is still in final review and drafting stages, with operational details remaining under discussion.
- Oman has historically played a regional mediator role, maintaining relations with both Iran and Western governments.
- The deal does not guarantee maritime security and is not seen as a final settlement of the Hormuz crisis.
No connected coverage yet.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Kirti Chakra Awardee Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan Passed Away
Key Updates:
- Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan, an officer from 7 PARA SF, passed away.
- He was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his gallantry in a counter-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 1994.
- He led the rescue of hostages from Lashkar-e-Toiba militants, neutralizing threats despite multiple gunshot wounds, and refused evacuation until the mission concluded.
- He became the Indian Army's first wheelchair-borne General after being paralyzed below the waist.
- He served at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) during his active service.
- He also received the Vishisht Seva Medal.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 7 Kirti Chakras (2 posthumously), 15 Vir Chakras (3 posthumously), and 29 Shaurya Chakras (1 posthumously) to personnel of the defence forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and…
The Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded to 12 rat miners for their exceptional courage and selfless service during the 2023 Silkyara tunnel rescue operation. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari…
Kailash Chandra Pant, a Hindi writer and journalist, died at the age of 90 on July 31, 2026, due to cardiac arrest. He was born on April 26, 1936, in Mhow, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred Gallantry Awards to personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati…
Raja Sen, Three-Time National Award-Winning Bengali Filmmaker, Dies at 71
Key Updates:
- Raja Sen, a three-time National Film Award-winning Bengali filmmaker, died at the age of 71.
- He died at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after a prolonged illness.
- He won the National Award for Best Arts/Cultural Film in 1993 for his documentary on Suchitra Mitra.
- He won the National Award for Best Children's Film for his feature film Damu.
- He won the National Award for Best Film on Family Welfare for Atmiyo Swajan in 1999.
- His film Desh featured actors Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.
Related Current Affairs Coverage
Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning Malayalam actor, passed away in Kochi on 7 June 2026, at the age of 56 after suffering a heart attack. He made his film debut in 1997 with the movie Ishtamanu Nooru Vattam and…
Poomani, a celebrated Tamil writer, died at the age of 79 on 13 June 2026 in Chennai. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his novel Agnaadi.
M.P. Parameswaran was born on 18 January 1935 and died at his residence in Kottappuram on 11 August 2026 at the age of 91. He served as a nuclear scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) from 1957 to 1975.
Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, known as the 'Nightingale of South India,' passed away at the age of 88 in a private hospital in Mysuru due to age-related health issues. She recorded over 40,000 songs in about 20…
