ONGC Secures US Licence to Resume Full Venezuela Operations
Key Updates:
- State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has secured a licence from the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to resume full operations in Venezuela.
- ONGC's overseas investment arm, ONGC Videsh Ltd, holds a 40 per cent interest in the San Cristobal oil project and an 11 per cent stake in the Carabobo project in Venezuela.
- The OFAC licence enables ONGC to manage finances of its Venezuelan projects and recover a pending dividend of more than USD 500 million.
- ONGC is in talks with Venezuelan authorities and joint-venture partners regarding its interests in the San Cristobal and Carabobo projects, including a possible transfer of operatorship from Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA).
- The San Cristobal project produced around 0.265 million tonnes of oil equivalent in FY26, which is a tenth of its production potential, and the licence allows ONGC to invest in raising output.
- Venezuela holds the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, estimated at about 303 billion barrels by OPEC, more than Saudi Arabia.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) suspended the nutraceutical manufacturing licence of Dior Pharmaceuticals. The suspension followed inspection of the company's manufacturing unit in Punjab, which…
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has approved the construction of a new strategic crude oil storage facility with a capacity of 1.75 million tonnes at Mangaluru, Karnataka. This project marks the first instance of…
On July 24, 2026, the Government of Venezuela announced its decision to denounce the Rome Statute and initiate the formal process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The notification was sent to the…
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is scheduled to visit India to discuss bilateral ties, although the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet announced the visit. United States (US) Secretary of State…
Government Approves 31 Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) Projects Worth ₹7,877 Crore
Key Updates:
- The Government approved 31 additional applications under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), with proposed investments of ₹7,877 crore.
- The approved projects will manufacture printed circuit boards, camera modules, optical transceivers, electronic enclosures, and materials used to make components.
- Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said facilities by Kaynes Technology, Dixon Technologies, Wipro, and Motherson are expected to begin operations over the next few months.
- The ECMS was notified in April 2025 with an incentive outlay of ₹22,919 crore and was later raised to ₹40,000 crore.
- The ECMS has so far approved 106 proposals spanning nearly 30 product segments and 15 states.
- The approved ECMS proposals have committed ₹69,548 crore in investment, exceeding the initial target of ₹59,350 crore.
- Kaynes Technology is expanding capabilities in printed circuit boards and associated materials.
- Dixon Technologies is investing in components used in smartphones and other electronic products in Noida.
- Wipro's approved project will manufacture laminates, a key base material for printed circuit boards.
- Motherson is investing near Chennai in enclosures used in mobile phones, IT hardware, and related devices.
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The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has waived the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on goods used in the manufacturing of display assemblies, lithium-ion cells, and inductor coil modules. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)…
The Electronics Development Fund (EDF) invested ₹1,335.7 crore in 128 startups and companies as of June 30, 2026. Karnataka received 64% of the total investment (₹854.5 crore) and accounted for 90 of the 128 companies.
Karnataka's 200-acre Semiconductor Park at KWIN City is scheduled to become operational by December 2026. The state approved investments worth ₹23,000 crore in the semiconductor and advanced Electronics System Design and…
Under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), the government approved 111 road projects to connect 134 unconnected villages along the India-China border. The approved road projects have a total cost of ₹2,481.93 crore.
NITI Aayog Releases Report on Regulatory Framework for Professional Services
Key Updates:
- The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog released the report 'India's Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services' on August 10, 2026.
- The report states that professional services account for nearly one-fourth of India's total services exports.
- The report proposes a four-pronged strategy: harnessing emerging trends, elevating professional services in the services value chain, adopting best practices, and continuous professional development.
- The report is the third under NITI Aayog's Services Thematic Series and benchmarks India's regulatory framework against select foreign jurisdictions.
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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…
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the Index of Services Production (ISP) in July 2026 as a monthly macro indicator to measure short-term growth in the formal services sector. The…
The NITI Aayog report titled 'Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat@2047' presents India's caregiving ecosystem and outlines a roadmap for an organised, professional, accessible 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…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposes monetary penalty of ₹59.20 lakh on IndusInd Bank
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹59.20 lakh on IndusInd Bank Limited.
- The penalty was levied for non-compliance with RBI directions on interest rates on deposits and securitisation of standard assets.
- The RBI sustained two charges: payment of interest on deposits in certain current accounts and undertaking activities classified as 'Synthetic Securitisation'.
- The penalty was imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
- The supervisory inspection covered the bank's financial position as on 31 March 2025.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a total monetary penalty of ₹66.7 lakh on Bank of Baroda and GIC Housing Finance for non-compliance with regulatory norms. Bank of Baroda was fined ₹63.6 lakh for violating…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹41.80 lakh on Canara Bank. The penalty was levied for non-compliance with directions regarding Know Your Customer (KYC) and Unclaimed Deposits and…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued directions to the Etawah-based Nagar Sahakari Bank Ltd restricting it from granting or renewing loans, making investments, or accepting fresh deposits without prior written…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹10.10 lakh on City Union Bank for levying loan-related charges on agriculture advances qualifying as priority sector loans up to ₹25,000. The RBI penalised…
Draft SHANTI Rules 2026 mandate nuclear damage cover for plant operators
Key Updates:
- The draft rules under the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy (SHANTI) Act, 2025 require nuclear plant operators to maintain an insurance policy, financial security, or a combination of both to cover nuclear damage.
- The financial security must remain in place until all spent fuel is removed from the concerned storage pool.
- The Centre must constitute an expert group once every five years to review the maximum limits of an operator's civil liability for nuclear damage.
- A nuclear power plant or reactor of foreign design must have its design certified or approved by the regulatory body in the country of origin.
- The country of origin is defined as a country self-reliant in nuclear reactor design and supply-chain ecosystem with globally trusted regulatory approvals.
- The licensing authority may grant in-principle approval before site or technology is selected, allowing the applicant to negotiate with technology vendors and acquire land and infrastructure.
- A single composite licence will authorise building, owning, operating and decommissioning of a nuclear plant, with no separate licences for these activities.
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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 Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued new norms for planned re-entry of space objects on July 23. The norms mandate that any object intentionally brought back to Earth must have…
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…
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…
National Anubhav Awards 2026 to Be Conferred at Vigyan Bhawan
Key Updates:
- The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, will organise the 9th National Anubhav Awards Ceremony and the 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop on August 17, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, will confer the National Anubhav Awards, 2026.
- The Anubhav platform provides a forum for retiring/retired employees of the Central Government, 12 Public Sector Banks, and Central Public Sector Enterprises to share their experiences of working in the Government.
- For the National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2026, 15 selected awardees have contributed to nation-building and projects such as Passport Seva Kendra, repealing old rules, technological adaptation in administration and accounting, and energy conservation.
- The 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop is being organised for retiring Government of India employees primarily posted in the National Capital Region (NCR) to provide information on processes required for timely payment of retirement benefits.
- The event will feature the release of the Handbook on Pension Mitra and Guidelines for the Nation-wide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 5.
- A Bank Exhibition will be organised with 17 Pension Disbursing Banks showcasing products and services designed for retiring employees.
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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…
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the winners of the National Sports Awards 2025 on Tuesday. Tejaswin Shankar, who won India's first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in the decathlon, was awarded the Arjuna…
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 72nd National Film Awards were announced on July 18, 2026 in New Delhi. The Best Feature Film award was given to 'Article 370'.
Karnataka's Tumakuru Industrial Node Expansion to Attract ₹7,000 Crore Investment
Key Updates:
- Karnataka Industries Minister M B Patil announced the expansion of the Tumakuru industrial node through acquisition of 1,736 acres of land.
- The expansion is expected to attract investments worth ₹7,000 crore into Karnataka.
- The announcement was made at the third meeting of the Apex Monitoring Authority of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust.
- The Tumakuru node is part of the Bengaluru–Chennai Industrial Corridor and has achieved 30% physical progress and 20% financial progress.
- Of the earmarked land, 300 acres have been allotted for a Japan Industrial Township and 200 acres for micro, small and medium enterprises.
- The node is expected to generate more than 88,000 jobs and is scheduled for completion in 2027.
- Jindal Aluminium is the anchor investor with 151 acres allotted, while 41 acres have been earmarked for institutional use.
- The node will prioritise sectors such as food and beverages, textiles and apparel, electronics, chemicals, general engineering and logistics.
- The overall industrial corridor project is estimated to cost ₹50,759 crore, with potential investments of ₹5.35 lakh crore and generation of 14 lakh jobs across 49,120 acres.
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Karnataka's 200-acre Semiconductor Park at KWIN City is scheduled to become operational by December 2026. The state approved investments worth ₹23,000 crore in the semiconductor and advanced Electronics System Design and…
The Karnataka government has recommended Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi to the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) for the Global Destination Development Scheme. Destinations selected under the scheme are expected to receive a total…
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) approved 20 names for induction into the Karnataka cabinet, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for August 3, 2026. The induction of 20 new ministers will take the Karnataka…
Venkataramanappa, a veteran leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), passed away at the age of 80 in Bengaluru. He died following a heart attack at a private hospital on Friday morning.
PMAY-G: Rajasthan Gets Approval for 2.89 Lakh Rural Houses with ₹3,473 Crore Outlay
Key Updates:
- Rajasthan received approval for 2,89,355 additional rural houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) with a total outlay of ₹3,473 crore.
- Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the approval letter to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma at Baran.
- A survey covering 29,13,749 new potential beneficiaries has been completed in Rajasthan under PMAY-G.
- PMAY-G eligibility was expanded to include families owning a two-wheeler, women earning up to ₹15,000 per month, and small farmers owning up to five acres of unirrigated or 2.5 acres of irrigated land.
- An approval letter for ₹340.59 crore was also handed over for agricultural development initiatives and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
- Under the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana, a ₹12,000 crore rural development investment target has been set for Rajasthan over the next nine months.
- The government aims to increase the number of Lakhpati Didis in Rajasthan from 16 lakh to 32 lakh, with banks having disbursed ₹13,400 crore to women for entrepreneurial activities.
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The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) released a mother sanction of ₹10,021.42 crore to 12 states under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). The 12 recipient states are Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat…
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) has crossed 1.25 crore sanctioned houses across India. Over 1 crore houses have been completed and delivered to beneficiaries under the scheme.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹6,453 crore across 17 Rajasthan districts at Alwar. The total package includes 954 development works…
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…
Jal Jeevan Mission Completes 7 Years: Rural Tap Coverage Rises from 16.72% to 82.24%
Key Updates:
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched on 15 August 2019, has increased Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) coverage from 16.72% (3.23 crore households) at launch to 82.24% (15.91 crore households) currently.
- A total of 12.68 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under the mission.
- The mission has certified 188 districts, 1,090 blocks, 1.01 lakh Gram Panchayats, and 2.04 lakh villages as 'Har Ghar Jal'.
- JJM has achieved 90.86% coverage in schools (9.34 lakh) and 86.21% coverage in Anganwadi centres (9.73 lakh) with drinking water tap connections.
- The Union Government has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission until December 2028, with the focus under JJM 2.0 shifting to service delivery, source sustainability, and community ownership.
- The 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain 2026' initiative was launched on 1st June 2026 to enhance community action for rainwater harvesting and water security.
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The Gujarat government implemented the Nal Se Jal mission to provide clean drinking water to remote villages in the Dang district. The state's efforts are aligned with the Central Government's Har Ghar Jal initiative.
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) was launched on 1 July 2015 to advance irrigation-led agricultural transformation. The PMKSY aims to ensure sustainable water management, expand irrigation coverage, and…
The Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan was launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel from Gandhinagar on February 23, 2026, under the 'Catch the Rain' campaign. Over the past eight years, the campaign has increased Gujarat's…
The Ministry of Jal Shakti informed Parliament that the Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project has been included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The…
Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma Inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Eri Silk Weaving at Ri Sai
Key Updates:
- On National Handloom Day, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Eri silk weaving at the Integrated Textile Tourism Complex at Ri Sai, Nongpoh.
- The Centre of Excellence will preserve and pass on Eri weaving skills and traditions to future generations.
- The Centre includes an Ahimsa Silk training and design centre, restaurant, cottages, and retail plaza, integrating craft, cuisine, culture, trade, and tourism.
- Under the Income Generation Programme, looms, accessories, and yarn were distributed to 2,141 weavers in 2024–25 and to 2,448 weavers in 2025–26.
- A Cluster Development Programme project under the National Handloom Development Programme, worth Rs 571.15 lakh, is under implementation with Rs 260.35 lakh released as first instalment and targeting 981 beneficiaries.
- Since 2022–23, Meghalaya has received Rs 2,198.24 lakh under Silk Samagra-2 from the Central Silk Board, including Rs 201.61 lakh in the current year.
- In 2024–25, Geographical Indication (GI) recognition was secured for Ryndia and Khasi handlooms, and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Organisation now holds the GI.
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India’s Geographical Indication (GI) system is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. A GI tag is granted to products with a specific geographical origin and qualities…
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…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a traditional Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh to Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received a Muga Silk stole from Assam, which possesses a…
Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched Mission Senehjori in collaboration with the Government of Assam, Central Silk Board (CSB), and the Ministry of Textiles. The…
Defence Ministry Notifies Sixth Indigenisation List of 405 Items
Key Updates:
- The Defence Ministry has notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising 405 defence items to be sourced only from Indian suppliers.
- Of the 405 items, 389 belong to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and 16 to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- The list covers air platforms including the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft and AL-31FP Engine.
- It also includes armoured platforms such as the T-72, T-90 and BMP-II, along with warships and missile systems such as Konkurs-M, Invar and MRSAM.
- Defence electronics in the list include radars, sonars, fire control systems and satellite communication systems, as well as High Explosive Anti-Tank ammunition.
- The items are listed on the SRIJAN Defence Portal with indicative timelines for indigenisation and will be developed through routes including the ‘Make’ procedure and in-house development.
- The sixth PIL is part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to reduce import dependence and strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
- Up to June 2026, the SRIJAN Defence Portal had offered more than 33,000 defence items for indigenisation, including 5,012 items notified through the first five Positive Indigenisation Lists.
- Over 15,700 defence items have been successfully indigenised, resulting in an estimated import substitution value of about Rs 9,000 crore in the last five years.
- DPSUs placed procurement orders worth approximately Rs 10,000 crore with domestic vendors up to March 2026.
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The Indian Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately Rs 1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and NIBE Private Limited for Loiter Munition Systems. The contracts, signed in New Delhi on…
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that India's annual defence production reached an all-time high of Rs 1.78-lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year. This output represents a 15.6% growth over the previous fiscal…
eSARAS is the official online marketplace of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), built exclusively for products made by women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations. As of…
The Centre notified the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, 2025, which will come into force across the country from July 1, 2026. The VB–G RAM G Act replaces the Mahatma…
India to Host Semicon India 2026 from September 17-19 in New Delhi
Key Updates:
- India will host the fifth edition of Semicon India 2026 from September 17-19 at Yashoobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the event on September 17, 2026.
- The event is themed 'Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem' and is jointly organised by SEMI and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
- The event is expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors, over 290 international companies, over 150 speakers, and delegations from more than 40 countries.
- A roundtable with global CEOs, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, is planned for September 16, a day before the formal inauguration.
- The event will be held against the backdrop of semiconductor projects under the first phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0) moving towards commercial production.
- The government has approved ISM 2.0, focusing on chip design, equipment, materials, fabs, advanced packaging, R&D, and talent development.
- India accounts for nearly 20% of the global semiconductor design workforce.
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India will host the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi on August 18, 2026. The meeting will be preceded by the BRICS Senior Officers' Meeting of the Environment Working Group and Contact Group on…
India hosted the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26, bringing together top diplomats from Australia, Japan and the United States. The meeting was held at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S.…
India is hosting the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi on July 16, 2026. The summit brings together representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will host the 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium 2026 on August 1-2, 2026 at its Research Park in Chennai. The symposium is organized in partnership with the…
MIDHANI becomes first Indian company to secure GE Aerospace S400 lab approval
Key Updates:
- MIDHANI became the first Indian company to secure GE Aerospace's S400 approval for its metallic-material testing laboratory.
- The S400 approval qualifies the laboratory for a wide range of chemical, mechanical and metallurgical testing to GE Aerospace standards.
- The approval strengthens MIDHANI's position in the global aerospace supply chain and marks a step in building India's capabilities in advanced materials.
- The S400 approval is unrelated to Russia's S-400 air-defence system.
- MIDHANI is a defence public-sector undertaking under India's Ministry of Defence.
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Gp Capt. K.K. Venugopal has become the first Indian test pilot to be elected as a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP). Gp Capt. Venugopal is the Executive Director and Chief Test Pilot (Fixed Wing)…
The Chhattisgarh Assembly passed the Ease of Doing Business Act 2026 on July 16, 2026. The Act introduces a risk-based and trust-based approval system, making Chhattisgarh the first Indian state to adopt such a…
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted Design Organisation Approval (DOA) to Sarla Aviation on August 8, 2026. The DOA, issued under CAR 21 Subpart J, qualifies Sarla Aviation to proceed with type…
Skyroot Aerospace signed a multi-launch agreement (MLA) with space technology company HEX20 for launches aboard the Vikram series of launch vehicles. Under the agreement, HEX20 has booked three dedicated launches with…
Kawa UAV conducts maiden flight test of Divyastra Mk3 loitering munition on August 11, 2026
Key Updates:
- Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd., a defence start-up based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, conducted the maiden flight test of the Divyastra Mk3 loitering munition on August 11, 2026.
- The Divyastra Mk3 is India's first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition to take flight.
- The munition is powered by an indigenous jet engine developed by DG Propulsion, with no imported jet engine or foreign critical subsystem.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed final deliverable configuration development trials of the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes at a test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
- DRDO partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited for production of the ULPGM, which was integrated with UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies.
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The Indian Army conducted an operational demonstration of the Divyastra Mk-1, a tactical loitering munition platform developed by Hoverit, in Jodhpur. The Divyastra Mk-1 is an indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)…
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight test of the 'Kusha' Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The test successfully…
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…
Indigenous unmanned systems including one-way attack drones, long-range loitering munitions, and cargo UAVs will be showcased at a special event for the Indian Air Force at Pokhran firing ranges. The event is planned for…
PM Modi Announces Nationwide Talent Hunt for Children Aged 5–15 Ahead of India's 2036 Olympics Dream
Key Updates:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day.
- India is targeting participation in at least three-fourths of Olympic events at the 2036 Games.
- The talent hunt will use AI-assisted fitness tests covering cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, speed, agility, flexibility, balance and movement.
- Ahmedabad, which is hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, is also in contention to stage the 2036 Olympics.
- The Sports Ministry has scheduled 11 international competitions in India over the next six months, including the Badminton World Championships.
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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…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will host…
The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced assistance to National Sports Federations with a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The Khelo India Scheme receives Rs 29,054…
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) has proposed a new Strategic Dialogue stage to shortlist interested parties for hosting the Olympic Games. India is currently in the Continuous Dialogue…
Vignesh Vermula and Saranya Devi Win Asian Junior Blitz Titles
Key Updates:
- Vignesh Vermula won the Open title at the Asian Junior Chess Championship 2026 Blitz event in Mumbai.
- Saranya Devi clinched the Girls' title at the same championship.
- Vignesh Vermula, seeded 23rd, finished tied on points with Sharnarthi Viresh and Nandish V.S., but won on superior tie-break.
- Sharnarthi Viresh secured the silver medal and Nandish V.S. took the bronze in the Open section, completing an all-India podium.
- Saranya Devi, seeded 9th, won the Girls' title, while top seed Shohradova Lala of Turkmenistan claimed silver and India's Sannidhi Bhat finished third.
- The Blitz event was held at the ITC Maratha Sheraton in Mumbai.
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Ariha Pangambam became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the senior women's individual event at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. She scored 19.100 in the final, with 8.650 in artistry, 7.600 in…
Savitha Shri Baskar won the 2026 Women’s Asian Individual Chess Championship in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Chennai-based International Master finished the tournament with 7.5 points from nine rounds.
India won the gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay at the second edition of the Asian Relays Championships held in Shaoxing, China. The gold-winning women's 4x100m relay team comprised Srabani Nanda, SS Sneha, Sudeshna…
Suraj Kumar Chand won the men's singles gold at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash in Mumbai. He defeated Hungary's Benedek Takacs 3-2 in the final.
Most Skydivers with National Flags Set Guinness World Record on August 7, 2026
Key Updates:
- Three Indian skydivers were among 65 participants who set a Guinness World Record for the most skydivers jumping together with national flags from a single aircraft.
- The record-breaking jump took place in Libya on August 7, 2026, at an altitude of 13,000 feet.
- The Guinness World Records officially confirmed the record on August 14, 2026.
- The Indian participants were Jamsheer Thanalot from Kerala, Abhishek Rawat from Uttar Pradesh, and Isha Raj from Bihar.
- The skydivers represented 38 nationalities and jumped from a military Ilyushin Il-76TD aircraft.
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Nathan Thomas, an 18-year-old from Florida, became the world's youngest male professor at the age of 18 years and 346 days. He broke a 306-year-old Guinness World Record previously held by Scottish mathematician Colin…
A group of divers established a new Guinness World Records (GWR) for the tallest human stack underwater at Swaraj Dweep in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 3 May 2026. The underwater structure reached an official…
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) set a Guinness World Record by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour. The plantation drive was conducted at Bhadaj in the Thaltej Ward using the Japanese Miyawaki afforestation…
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), the flagship youth engagement platform of the Department of Youth Affairs, achieved a Guinness World Records title for the highest participation in an online quiz within one week. The record…
POWERGRID Receives PMIS Award for Innovation in Exit Pathways on August 14, 2026
Key Updates:
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) received the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Recognition of Partner Company Award in the 'Innovation in Exit Pathways' category.
- The award was conferred at a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on August 14, 2026.
- Power Grid's Director (Personnel) Dr Yatindra Dwivedi received the award from Ministry of Corporate Affairs' Secretary Dr Pallavi Jain Govil.
- Power Grid has been a partner company in PMIS since its launch in December 2024, offering 6,265 internship opportunities in Pilot Rounds 1 and 2.
- Power Grid coordinated with Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC) to upload intern details on the Rozgaar portal for employment facilitation.
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Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, secured a green loan worth JPY 80 billion from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation…
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was presented with the Achievement Award in the Operational Excellence category by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) on June 23, 2026. The UITP Awards Ceremony…
Jammu and Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) won a Gold award at the Finacle Innovation Awards 2026 for its Data Insights and Analytics Platform. The award was presented in the category “Modern Technologies-led Innovation – Data…
SBI Life Insurance has partnered with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the Principal Partner of the Indian Contingent for the 2026 para sports season. The company will serve as the Official Life Insurance…
Supreme Court Directs Karnataka to Comply with CWMA Directions on Cauvery Water Release
Key Updates:
- The Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed Karnataka to comply with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directions on releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) endorsed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's direction for Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 13.
- The inter-state water flow monitoring point for Cauvery water is at Biligundlu on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
- The Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Karnataka takes about 48 hours for released water to reach the downstream inter-state point.
- The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award governs the sharing of Cauvery water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
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The Himayat Sagar reservoir in Telangana recorded inflows of 150 cusecs and released 651 cusecs of water downstream. The water level at Himayat Sagar stood at 1,761.70 ft against its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 1,763.5…
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 (SC) has directed the priority implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to remove encroachments from the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape. The Agasthyamalai ecological landscape is located across…
The Ministry of Jal Shakti extended the tenure of the Ravi and Beas Water Disputes Tribunal by one year until August 5, 2027, and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal by one year until July 31, 2027. The Ravi and Beas…
Key Updates:
- The Central Information Commission (CIC) launched AppCoMS 2.0, the upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System, on August 17, 2026.
- AppCoMS 2.0 is a digital platform for filing and processing Second Appeals and Complaints under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
- Chief Information Commissioner Raj Kumar Goyal launched the new system.
- The original AppCoMS was introduced in September 2016 to allow citizens to submit Second Appeals and Complaints online and to support digital case processing.
- The upgraded portal provides dedicated user accounts linked to email and mobile number for accessing case timelines, documents, hearing notices, and decisions.
- AppCoMS 2.0 also provides Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) with digital access to case documents and supports Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for digitally signed notices and orders.
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The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) launched its e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy Services on August 12, 2026. NCLT President Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal inaugurated the services through video conferencing.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) 2.0 Portal and the e-OCI card in New Delhi. The FCRA 2.0 Portal is designed to reduce paperwork, enable faster…
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme 'Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA)' as DISHA 2.0 for five years from 1 April 2026 to 31…
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the Auto Mutation System and Paperless Registration 2.0 on Tuesday. Under the new system, residents are no longer required to submit separate applications for mutation of…
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Received Nepal's Honorary General Rank in Kathmandu
Key Updates:
- Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth received the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army from Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel in Kathmandu.
- The honour was conferred during his three-day official visit to Nepal from August 17 to 19, 2026, at the invitation of Nepali Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel.
- General Seth received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters and laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel.
- The tradition of conferring honorary General rank between the Indian and Nepali armies dates back to 1950 and is regarded as a symbol of close historic ties between the two forces.
- General Seth arrived in Kathmandu with a five-member delegation and was received at Tribhuvan International Airport by Nepal's Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Pradeep Jung KC.
- On August 19, General Seth will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara, felicitate Veer Naris and gallantry awardees, and interact with Indian Army veterans.
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General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on June 30. General Seth introduced the 'VIJAY' vision to define key priorities for the future transformation of the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), has been appointed as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). He will assume office on the afternoon of June 30, 2026, succeeding…
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)…
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.
Shabnam Sinha to Succeed Sunil Bharti Mittal as Airtel Payments Bank Chair
Key Updates:
- Shabnam Sinha will succeed Sunil Bharti Mittal as non-executive chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank Limited.
- Sunil Bharti Mittal will step down from the board effective September 30, 2026.
- Shabnam Sinha will assume the role for a three-year term beginning October 1, 2026, after approval by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Mittal was appointed non-executive chairman of Airtel Payments Bank in April 2016.
- Sinha currently serves as an independent director on the board and chairs the Special Committee for Monitoring Frauds.
- She has over three decades of experience including a stint at the World Bank.
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Mukesh Ambani (Chairman, Reliance Industries), Sunil Bharti Mittal (Chairman, Bharti Airtel), Lakshmi N Mittal (Executive Chairman, ArcelorMittal), and Vishal Talwar (President, FedEx Dataworks) were named founding…
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) conferred the 2026 Leadership Award on Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. Mittal was recognised for his contribution to transforming the…
Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the executive advisor to the chairman of Air India. He will serve as a full member of the management committee of Air India.
National Award-Winning Sculptor Chandrashekhar Shilpi Passes Away
Key Updates:
- Chandrashekhar Shilpi, a national award-winning sculptor, passed away on August 15, 2026, in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.
- He was admitted to a private hospital on August 13, 2026, with pneumonia and suffered a severe heart attack during treatment.
- He received the National Award for Master Craftspersons for 2024 from the Handicrafts Department under the Union Ministry of Textiles, presented by President Droupadi Murmu on December 9, 2025.
- He was known for preserving Kalyana Karnataka's sculptural heritage through traditional wood and stone carvings, and had trained under master craftsman Nadoja Naganna Monappa Badiger.
- He received the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy honorary award in 2012 and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2014, and served as a member of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy from 1998 to 2001.
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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.
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.
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.
The Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the birth centenary of Satish Gujral. The stamp was unveiled by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
