Department of Fisheries (DoF) charts export roadmap for Chhattisgarh tilapia cluster with ₹900 crore PMMSY investment
Key Updates:
- The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying held a meeting on August 20, 2026, with over 1,300 tilapia farmers and stakeholders in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
- India recorded fish production of 198 lakh tonnes and seafood exports worth ₹73,890.46 crore despite global trade disruptions.
- Nearly ₹900 crore has been invested under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Chhattisgarh, leading to a doubling of the state's fish production to nearly 10 lakh tonnes.
- Chhattisgarh has initiated tilapia exports, with 382 tonnes exported to the United States.
- India exported 32,324 metric tonnes of freshwater and inland species worth ₹535.21 crore in FY 2025-26, with tilapia accounting for 22,601 metric tonnes valued at ₹189.73 crore.
- The tilapia cluster in Chhattisgarh has received investments exceeding ₹9 crore, including ₹5 crore under the NFDB Entrepreneurship Model and ₹4 crore in credit support.
- The Department of Fisheries has identified Chhattisgarh as a potential tilapia growth centre along with nine other states.
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) data shows India's total exports (merchandise and services) rose 13.31% year-on-year to USD 80.14 billion in July 2026. Total imports increased 15.83% to USD 95.16 billion…
India aims to increase annual seafood exports by 2.5 times to reach a target of $30 billion over the next five years through higher production and quality. Marine product exports reached a record ₹73,890.46 crore ($8.45…
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh flagged off the season's first export consignment of fresh Halman apricots from Kargil to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New Delhi. The consignment of five metric tonnes was…
The European Union (EU) has authorised India to continue exporting aquaculture products, eggs, honey, and animal casings beyond September. The EU notified an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2021/405 due to growing concerns…
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves Glenmark's Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray
Key Updates:
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray on August 20, 2026.
- Glenmark's Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to Haleon US Holdings LLC's Flonase Nasal Spray.
- The approved product will be distributed in the US by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc, USA.
- The Flonase Nasal Spray market, including brand and all therapeutic equivalents, recorded annual sales of approximately $295.2 million in the 12 months ending June 2026, as per IQVIA sales data.
- Glenmark's consolidated profit after tax in Q1FY27 rose to ₹482.83 crore from ₹46.97 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.
- Glenmark's consolidated total revenue from operations in Q1FY27 stood at ₹4,018.48 crore compared with ₹3,264.44 crore in the year-ago period.
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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…
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 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…
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…
J&K Bank and HDFC Life enter into Corporate Agency Agreement to expand insurance choices
Key Updates:
- J&K Bank has entered into a Corporate Agency Agreement (CAA) with HDFC Life.
- The partnership will enable J&K Bank customers to access HDFC Life's products including Protection, Savings, Investment, and Retirement Planning.
- The agreement was announced on August 17, 2026, in Mumbai.
- The collaboration aims to contribute to IRDAI's vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'.
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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…
HDFC Bank has launched 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts under its Savings Max portfolio. The accounts are designed for senior citizens and women, focusing on financial security, financial management…
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited (Canara HSBC Life Insurance) has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with West Bengal Gramin Bank (WBGB). Canara HSBC Life Insurance will offer its life insurance…
Bajaj General Insurance and Swiss Re Corporate Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a partnership in India's commercial insurance segment. The proposed partnership will focus on developing…
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) allows duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes raw sugar until October 31
Key Updates:
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has allowed duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh metric tonnes (1 million tonnes) of raw sugar until October 31, 2026.
- The imports are permitted under a tariff rate quota (TRQ) of 10 lakh MT, subject to specified conditions.
- The move comes ahead of the festival season and amid concerns over domestic sugar supplies.
- India is the world's second-largest sugar producer.
- India's monsoon rainfall was 13% below normal in the period cited by the India Meteorological Department, after a deficit of more than 40% towards the end of June.
- El Niño-related risks have pushed New York sugar futures to their highest level in about a year.
- The government has allowed a one-time conversion of Advance Authorisations issued under SION E-52 to the TRQ scheme.
- Importers opting for the conversion must pay the GST exemption availed at the time of import.
- Refined sugar manufactured from the imported raw sugar must be sold in the domestic market by October 31, 2026.
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The Centre imposed stockholding limits on sugar dealers, restricting them to a maximum of 4,000 quintals or 30 days of retention, effective from August 1 to November 30, 2026. Retail sugar prices reached an all-time high…
India imported 2.5 million tonnes (mt) of urea in the first quarter of FY27, with 52% sourced from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Georgia. Egypt supplied 609,000 tonnes, Algeria 245,000 tonnes, Nigeria 244,000 tonnes, and…
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman will come into force on June 1, marking the fifth free trade agreement implemented by the Indian government since 2014. Bilateral trade…
The Ministry of Steel has requested the Ministry of Finance to withdraw anti-dumping tariffs on low-ash metallurgical coke (met coke) imports. India is the world's second-largest crude steel producer.
Paul Merchants Finance Private Limited (PMFPL) launches Loan Against Silver, becomes India's first NBFC to set up exclusive silver loan branches
Key Updates:
- Paul Merchants Finance Private Limited (PMFPL), a diversified NBFC and part of the Paul Merchants Group, has launched its Loan Against Silver product.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the Reserve Bank of India (Lending Against Gold and Silver Collateral) Directions, 2025, enabling eligible regulated lenders to accept silver as collateral.
- PMFPL has become India's first NBFC to set up exclusive silver loan branches.
- PMFPL has commenced silver loan operations from Chandigarh and plans to expand to other locations in a phased manner.
- Customers can avail loans ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹15 lakh against eligible silver jewellery, ornaments and approved silver coins, subject to lending policies and regulatory requirements.
- The product is intended to cater to individuals, proprietors and MSMEs for personal, business and other legitimate financial requirements.
- PMFPL's silver loan business will form part of its secured lending portfolio alongside Secured MSME Loans, Loan Against Property (LAP), Loan Against Shares (LAS) and Corporate Loans.
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India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raises India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.8%
Key Updates:
- India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) raised India's FY27 real GDP growth forecast to 6.8% from 6.7%.
- The upward revision was attributed to lower crude oil prices, with the baseline assumption cut to $85 per barrel from $95.
- Ind-Ra flagged El Niño weather pattern and geopolitical risks, including the West Asia conflict, as downside risks to growth.
- The agency projected agriculture GVA growth to slow to 2% in FY27 from 3% in FY26.
- Wholesale price index (WPI) inflation is projected to rise sharply to 8.5% in FY27 from 0.4% in FY26.
- Consumer price index (CPI) inflation is forecast to average 4.9% in FY27, peaking at 5.9% in Q3FY27.
- Private consumption expenditure is expected to grow 7.2% in FY27, slower than 7.7% in FY26.
- Current account deficit (CAD) is projected to widen to 1.5% of GDP in FY27 from 0.6% in FY26.
- Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) is projected to grow 8% in FY27.
- Ind-Ra expects the central government to stick to its fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP.
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approves LIC's stake increase in HDFC Bank to 9.99%
Key Updates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Life Insurance Corporation of India's (LIC) application to acquire up to 9.99% of HDFC Bank's paid-up share capital or voting rights.
- LIC currently holds 4.11% of HDFC Bank's total share capital.
- The approval permits LIC to raise its stake subject to RBI conditions and applicable regulatory requirements, including SEBI norms.
- The RBI approval does not obligate LIC to immediately increase its stake to 9.99%.
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S. Somanath Appointed to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Central Board
Key Updates:
- S. Somanath, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was appointed as a part-time non-official director on the central board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for four years, effective August 20, 2026.
- S. Somanath retired from ISRO in January 2025 and later became the chancellor of Chanakya University, a liberal arts university near Bengaluru.
- Anand Mahindra was reappointed as a part-time non-official director on the RBI central board for another four years.
- Other members of the RBI central board include Revathy Iyer, a retired officer from the Indian Audit & Accounts Service, and Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
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31st Southern Zonal Council Meeting Held in Tamil Nadu
Key Updates:
- The 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council was held in Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting.
- The meeting was hosted by the Tamil Nadu government at the Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel in Kovalam.
- The Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
- The council was established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay serves as the vice-chairman of the Southern Zonal Council.
- Chief ministers including DK Shivakumar, Chandrababu Naidu, VD Satheesan and Revanth Reddy attended the meeting.
- The meeting discussed issues including Fast Track Special Courts, education, water sharing, civil aviation, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay introduced a resolution in the Assembly against the Union Government's proposed delimitation exercise. The resolution urges the Centre to permanently fix the Lok Sabha strength at 543…
The Tamil Nadu government enhanced maternity leave for women government employees' third child from 12 weeks to 365 days. The 365-day benefit applies to regular female employees with fewer than two surviving children.
The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) uncovered over 1,000 artefacts during the first phase of excavation at Vellalore in Coimbatore. The artefacts date from the Sangam age to the British period…
The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata. The eight-day Mela was held from July 14 to 22, 2026.
PhonePe, MeitY sign MoU to integrate PulsePro with PM GatiShakti
Key Updates:
- PhonePe and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed an MoU to integrate PulsePro into the PM GatiShakti framework.
- PulsePro is an enterprise data intelligence platform that transforms aggregated and anonymised transaction data into market signals.
- The integration will support national infrastructure planning, economic analysis, and urban and rural development through hyperlocal insights.
- PulsePro metrics will be integrated into the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan portal, managed in collaboration with BISAG-N.
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The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU on August 5, 2026, to accelerate commercialisation and market access for…
The Ministry of Ayush signed a memorandum of understanding with IndiaAI, an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to accelerate AI-driven innovation in the Ayush sector. The…
Bharti Airtel Limited's Airtel Business and ITI Limited (ITI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a strategic collaboration. The collaboration will enable Indian enterprises to modernise legacy systems…
BSE Ltd and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 17, 2026, to promote equity financing for MSMEs. The MoU aims to expand capital-market access for Micro…
Tamil Nadu Raises CMCHIS Cover to ₹25 Lakh
Key Updates:
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a five-fold increase in the annual coverage under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
- The enhanced coverage aims to reduce financial barriers to medical treatment, with healthcare described as a fundamental right.
- CMCHIS provides cashless treatment to eligible families through empanelled hospitals.
- Families with annual income below ₹1.2 lakh are eligible under the general category, requiring an income certificate, family ration card, and Aadhaar for enrolment.
- The scheme operates under the PM-JAY-CMCHIS framework, with treatment subject to specified packages and empanelled hospitals.
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister announced a 'historic hike' in special incentives for paddy and sugarcane farmers. For paddy, the government will offer an incentive of ₹289 per quintal for fine varieties and ₹159 per quintal…
The Tamil Nadu government renamed the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme as the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme. The scheme will be expanded to cover students of Classes 6 to 8 in government and aided schools…
The Tamil Nadu government enhanced maternity leave for women government employees' third child from 12 weeks to 365 days. The 365-day benefit applies to regular female employees with fewer than two surviving children.
Tamil Nadu (TN) recorded a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 52.3% in higher education according to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report for 2023-24. The state surpassed the 50% enrolment mark for the…
Parliamentary Panel Seeks 20% Cap on Drug, Medical Device Mark-ups
Key Updates:
- The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recommended that the gap between landing price and MRP of medicines and medical devices should not exceed 20%.
- The committee cited Tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug used during the golden hour of a heart attack, whose landing cost is Rs 18,000 against an MRP of Rs 50,000.
- The committee recommended rationalising the prices of peripheral stents and drug-eluting balloons.
- It recommended standardising the prices of clear aligners and dental materials, noting clear aligners cost between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh.
- It proposed promoting domestic production of costly devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators, heart valves, cardiac cath labs, pacemakers and PET scanners.
- It proposed a dedicated medical-devices subsidy fund for R&D and scaling, with incentives and preferential government procurement for devices having at least 50% domestic content.
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The parliamentary standing committee recommended the formulation of a National Pine-Needle Utilisation Policy to help Himalayan states tackle forest fires and create sustainable rural livelihoods. The policy aims to…
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, recommended that the Centre consider appointing a polar ambassador. According to the committee, the position will help…
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for scrutiny. The JPC will comprise 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched three key surveys on 9 July 2026 to provide critical inputs for formulating monetary policy. The July 2026 round of the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households captures…
NMC proposes single licence for doctors to practise across India
Key Updates:
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) proposed a draft amendment to the 2023 regulations for registration and licensing of doctors.
- Under the proposal, a doctor registered with a State Medical Council and allotted a Unique Identification (UID) number can practise across India without fresh registration.
- The draft was notified on August 11, 2026, and objections and suggestions are invited for 30 days.
- Registration and licensing will be routed through a unified portal of the NMC's Ethics and Medical Registration Board.
- The UID will incorporate the State/Union Territory code and the practitioner's State Medical Register number.
- The National Medical Register will serve as a central repository of registration details and disciplinary proceedings.
- The license validity remains five years; non-renewal within three months of expiry marks the registration inactive.
- An appeal mechanism allows applicants to appeal to the Ethics and Medical Registration Board within 30 days if a State Council rejects an application.
- Existing practitioners without a UID must update their details on the portal as a one-time measure with no fee.
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The National Medical Commission (NMC) decided to discontinue admission to postgraduate diploma medical courses after the 2026-27 academic year. The decision aims to fully transition to degree-based specialist training…
National Doctors' Day is celebrated in India every year on July 1 to recognise the contribution of doctors to society. The theme for National Doctors' Day 2026 is "Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?".
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed a draft amendment to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations 2023 to extend the maximum duration for completing the MBBS course. The proposal seeks to increase the…
The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering innovation, intellectual property management…
MeitY Approves 31 More Projects worth Rs 7,877 Crore under ECMS
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved 31 more applications under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) with a total investment of ₹7,877 crore.
- These approvals are expected to result in production worth ₹82,243 crore and generate employment for nearly 10,000 people.
- The approved products include transducers, rare-earth permanent magnets, optical transceivers, speakers, relays, capacitors, and connectors, among others.
- With these approvals, MeitY has cleared 106 applications under ECMS, covering around 30 products across 15 states.
- The total investment under ECMS has reached ₹69,548 crore, exceeding the original target of ₹59,350 crore.
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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…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved four rail multitracking projects worth about ₹9,450 crore. The projects will add about 410 km to the Indian Railways network across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil…
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved projects worth Rs 2,719.80 crore for six urban development initiatives in Ahmedabad under the Urban Challenge Fund. The Urban Challenge Fund provides Rs 1 lakh crore in…
The High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) approved 20 major industrial projects with a cumulative investment of ₹76,611.86 crore. These projects are expected to generate 50,517 employment opportunities across nine…
Cabinet Approves Establishment of High Court Bench of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh
Key Updates:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the Cabinet decision on X and said the move would improve access to justice for people in remote and far-flung areas of Ladakh.
- The new bench is expected to reduce the time and long journeys required for residents of Ladakh, as the High Court currently has principal seats only at Srinagar and Jammu.
- Ladakh became a separate Union Territory in 2019 following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- The bench is expected to strengthen the judicial framework in Ladakh by bringing higher judicial services closer to its residents.
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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…
The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium recommended the elevation of Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli, and Senior Advocate V Mohana as judges of the SC. The…
The National Conference (NC) held a protest in Delhi on July 20, 2026, demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The protest was led by NC president Farooq Abdullah and included Jammu and Kashmir Chief…
The Jammu and Kashmir Government approved ₹10 crore for the repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda. The project aims to conserve the fort's architectural and historical character while…
Himachal Pradesh Forest Department Signs MoU with ISB-BIPP to Unlock ₹22,600 Crore Forest Economy
Key Updates:
- The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department signed a five-year MoU with the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business (ISB-BIPP) to unlock the state's estimated ₹22,600 crore forest and pastoral economy potential.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
- The joint forest inventory collected over 2 lakh tree-level records and species-tagged images, with participation from more than 500 forest guards.
- The inventory identified untapped value of five bio-resources: amla at ₹8,700 crore, pine needles at ₹5,500 crore, wild mangoes at ₹4,800 crore, sal seeds at ₹2,400 crore, and rhododendron flowers at ₹1,200 crore.
- The MoU covers four areas: development of forest economies and community enterprises, creation of a Forest Intelligence Platform, development of a grazing portal and pastoral database, and training and capacity building for Forest Department personnel and producer companies.
- The Forest Intelligence Platform will be piloted in Palampur, and the grazing portal will be developed under the Himachal Pradesh Grazing Policy, 2026, with linkages to Aadhaar, Him Pariwar, Bharat Pashudhan, and the PEHEL scheme.
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The State Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh and the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) prepared a report titled “Green wealth: Towards a future ready people’s forest…
The state government of Himachal Pradesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable development. The MoU was…
The Himachal Pradesh government signed implementation agreements for 19 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 278 MW and an estimated investment of ₹3,336 crore. The 19 hydropower projects include Soyal Dashal…
Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting in New Delhi where six states agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Kishau Multi-Purpose Dam Project. The six states are Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand…
Centre Holds National Workshop to Strengthen Capacity-Building under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
Key Updates:
- The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, organised a national workshop to strengthen capacity-building for gram panchayats, village water and sanitation committees (VWSCs) and Sujalam Shakti Groups under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0.
- The workshop brought together states, Union Territories, rural water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) partners, training institutions and other stakeholders to review capacity-building modules developed for field-level functionaries.
- Participants reviewed eight training and capacity-building modules developed by the National Jal Jeevan Mission and suggested improvements to enhance their relevance, practicality and scalability.
- Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Kamal Kishore Soan, said JJM 2.0 aims to empower gram panchayats and local stakeholders with knowledge, skills and institutional support to manage village water supply systems.
- Joint Secretary Swati Meena Naik said capacity-building under JJM 2.0 should cover source sustainability, water quality, operation and maintenance, financial management and community participation.
- Naik also emphasised a connected digital ecosystem under JJM 2.0 to support task tracking, monitoring and accountability.
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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…
The National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), popularly known as Mission Karmayogi, was launched in 2020 to transition towards a competency-driven training system. Mission Karmayogi 2.0 aims to…
The Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the use of satellite technology and space-based applications for water resource…
The Government of India launched the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)–Ministry of Jal Shakti MAHA Water Mission with a projected outlay of ₹200 crore over five years. The mission is jointly funded by ANRF…
Sujalam Bharat Policy to Strengthen Rural Drinking Water Data Governance
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Jal Shakti issued a policy on data sharing, interoperability, and stakeholder access under the Sujalam Bharat Digital Public Infrastructure.
- The policy aims to establish a secure and accountable framework for sharing and governing rural drinking water data.
- It provides for governed and interoperable data exchange among the department, states, Union Territories, gram panchayats, government organisations, and authorised stakeholders.
- It aims to strengthen panchayat-centric governance, citizen participation, grievance redressal, participatory asset monitoring, and accountability.
- It includes provisions on privacy, personal data protection, cybersecurity, data classification, access governance, and public-interest safeguards.
- It adopts a tiered data-access framework to ensure secure, responsible, and purpose-limited use of information.
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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…
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation (IDEAS) at the Indian Statistical…
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released Rs 15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds to States and Union Territories for mustard genetic resources. The NBA is a statutory body established under…
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the Data Centre Policy, 2026, aiming to attract investments of more than ₹2 lakh crore. The policy seeks to create over two gigawatts of additional data centre capacity to support green…
Union Cabinet Approves Railway and Highway Projects Worth Rs 13,041 Crore Across Five States
Key Updates:
- The Union Cabinet approved four railway multi-tracking projects and one highway project with a total outlay of around Rs 13,041 crore.
- The railway projects are located across West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, while the highway project is in Bihar.
- The four railway projects will add about 410 km to the Indian Railways network and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.
- The approved railway projects include a 173-km fourth line between Kharagpur and Bhadrak (Ranital), a 75-km fourth line between Bhadrak and Haridaspur, 90-km third and fourth lines between Gummidipundi and Gudur, and 72-km third and fourth lines between Cuttack and Paradeep.
- The highway project involves four-laning of the 83-km Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa corridor on NH-22 in Bihar, with completion expected in 30 months.
- The highway corridor is expected to reduce travel time from two hours to one hour and improve connectivity to Baba Garibnath Temple and Punaura Dham.
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved National Highway (NH) projects worth approximately ₹24,249.6 crore in Odisha, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. The Rameshwar-Paradip section of the Odisha…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved four rail multitracking projects worth about ₹9,450 crore. The projects will add about 410 km to the Indian Railways network across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil…
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two highway projects with a combined investment of ₹14,114.81 crore. A six-lane road tunnel on NH-148AE connecting Shivmurti Interchange on Dwarka Expressway…
The Union Cabinet approved two elevated highway corridors in Varanasi at a total cost of Rs 25,446 crore. The Varuna river corridor (43 km) will connect NH-31 to Varanasi ring road and reduce travel time to Kashi railway…
Indian Navy Inaugurates LARS Test Plinth at Visakhapatnam to Boost Submarine Rescue Preparedness
Key Updates:
- Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, inaugurated the Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam.
- The LARS Test Plinth is an in-house test setup for shore-based trials and maintenance of the Launch and Recovery System of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
- The facility enables routine assessment and validation of critical submarine rescue equipment without relying solely on operational deployments.
- The LARS is vital for safe deployment and recovery of the DSRV during rescue missions, ensuring effective rescue of submariners in distress.
- The initiative enhances the Indian Navy's submarine rescue preparedness along the Eastern Seaboard and reflects its focus on indigenous technical capability.
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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 Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways approved a ₹334.89-crore internal flyover project at Visakhapatnam Port Authority on August 11, 2026. The proposed 3.584-km elevated corridor will connect Convent Junction…
The Indian Navy took delivery of Nipun, its second indigenously built diving support vessel, from Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. Nipun is a 118-metre ship displacing more than 8,560 tonnes, with more than…
The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) successfully conducted a test missile launch in the Pacific Ocean on July 6. The launch involved a strategic missile carrying a training simulation warhead fired from a strategic…
India hosts 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Jaipur
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Tourism hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under India's BRICS Chairship.
- The meeting was chaired by Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
- The meeting built upon the 1st BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting held virtually on May 25.
- Discussions focused on India's thematic priorities: Artificial Intelligence and Tourism, Sustainability and Responsible Tourism, Tourism Skilling and Capacity Building, and Tourism Exchanges and Seamless Travel Facilitation.
- The meeting was held under the overarching theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
- The Working Group recognised tourism as a driver of economic growth, employment, sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges.
- The outcome of the deliberations will provide a basis for the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting on 21 August.
- BRICS delegates undertook a technical visit to Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Amer Palace in Jaipur.
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India chaired the inaugural Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) 2026 Tourism Working Group (TWG) meeting in virtual mode. The meeting was chaired by the Joint Secretary (Tourism) in the Ministry of…
India hosted the 7th meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs in Pune on August 18, 2026, under India's BRICS Chairship. The in-person meetings of the BRICS Track on Cooperation in Information and…
India will host the second meeting of the BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on June 4-5, 2026. The meeting is conducted under India's 2026 BRICS theme, Building for Resilience, Innovation…
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…
12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting Held in Pune
Key Updates:
- The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune, India, on August 20, 2026.
- The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo, institutionalised at the 7th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting hosted by India in 2021, was held in Pune.
- Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia welcomed delegations and highlighted BRICS ICT initiatives including the Digital Public Infrastructure Focus Group and the Institute of Future Networks.
- Two thematic panel discussions were held: one on Cybersecurity and Trustworthy ICTs including Child Online Protection, and another on Sustainable and Resilient Digital and ICT Ecosystems.
- Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, outlined three pillars for securing the digital landscape: safe-by-design digital public infrastructure, legal obligations for digital content and data, and empowerment of individuals.
- BRICS Communications Ministers participated in a Ministerial Fireside Chat on the theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future' under India's Chairship.
- The Digital BRICS Forum Expo showcased innovations from Indian and BRICS startups, industry, and academic institutions.
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India is hosting the 13th BRICS Education Ministers' Meeting in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from August 5 to 7, 2026, under India's BRICS Chairship 2026. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi is scheduled to participate in the…
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 7th meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs in Pune on August 18, 2026, under India's BRICS Chairship. The in-person meetings of the BRICS Track on Cooperation in Information and…
India hosted and concluded the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur on August 7, 2026, under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting was chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and attended by…
India and Mauritius Sign Oil and Gas Cooperation MoU
Key Updates:
- India and Mauritius signed a government-to-government Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on oil and gas cooperation.
- Indian Oil Corporation and the State Trading Corporation of Mauritius signed a five-year petroleum products supply agreement.
- The supply agreement covers petrol, diesel, marine gas oil and aviation turbine fuel for Mauritius.
- The MoU provides a framework for collaboration in petroleum, gas, biofuels, sustainability and emerging energy areas.
- Indian Oil has been serving the Mauritian market since 2001 through its subsidiary Indian Oil (Mauritius) Limited.
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The Union government, Assam, and Nagaland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to resume oil and gas exploration along the contested boundary of the two states after three decades. The MoU specifically targets the…
India and Armenia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 17, 2026, in Yerevan to enhance cooperation in defence research, development, innovation and shared production. The MoU was signed during a meeting…
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) in New Delhi. The agreement focuses on…
India and Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on water resources during the Saudi Water Week held in Jeddah. The agreement was signed by India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan…
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Visits Nepal from August 17 to 19
Key Updates:
- Indian Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth made an official visit to Nepal from August 17 to 19, 2026.
- The visit aimed to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties between India and Nepal.
- On August 17, General Seth laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, and received a Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters.
- He was conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by President Ram Chandra Paudel during an Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
- On August 18, he addressed student officers of the Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri and interacted with instructors and foreign student officers.
- On August 19, he attended an ex-servicemen rally at Pokhara, felicitated Veer Naris and Gallantry Awardees, and interacted with Indian Army Veterans.
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Dr. Eluri Sreedhar Appointed Honorary Advisor to BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI)
Key Updates:
- Dr. Eluri Sreedhar was appointed Honorary Advisor to the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI).
- The appointment letter was presented by Sameep Shastri, Chairman of BRICS CCI and grandson of former Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
- The recognition reflects Dr. Sreedhar's experience in social development, entrepreneurship, community empowerment and inclusive growth.
- In his advisory role, Dr. Sreedhar is expected to contribute to initiatives related to economic collaboration, strategic partnerships and inclusive development.
- Dr. Sreedhar has been associated with initiatives focused on self-employment, livelihood creation and economic empowerment.
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RIL Proposes India’s First Integrated Underground Coal Gasification Complex in Andhra Pradesh
Key Updates:
- Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has proposed a ₹2.73 lakh crore investment over 30 years for India's first integrated Underground Coal Gasification complex in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
- The complex will be developed at the Chintalapudi and Recherla coal blocks, which together hold an estimated 3,130.61 million tonnes of coal reserves.
- The coal deposits are located at depths exceeding 600 metres, making them uneconomical for conventional mining.
- Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) converts deep-seated coal into synthesis gas (syngas) without physical extraction of coal.
- The investment is planned in three phases: exploration and pilot (up to ₹3,000 crore), development (₹1,20,000 crore), and production (₹1,50,000 crore).
- The project is expected to create 3,000-5,000 direct jobs and 20,000-35,000 indirect livelihoods at steady-state operations.
- The proposal aligns with the National Coal Gasification Mission's objective of 100 MT of coal gasification by 2030.
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The Ministry of Coal (MoC) is providing ₹1,350 crore support under its coal gasification incentive scheme for the Lakhanpur coal-to-ammonium nitrate project. The government has approved coal gasification incentive…
The Union Ministry of Coal and Mines (MoCM) is prioritising surface and underground coal gasification to reduce import dependence and target investments of ₹4 lakh crore. The initiative aims to save approximately ₹3 lakh…
The Union Cabinet approved the Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects with a total financial outlay of ₹46,000 crore. The Ministry of Coal (MoC) initiative aims to convert domestic coal into…
The Ministry of Coal released the 'AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure' on July 23, 2026. The report documents the scientific closure of 42 coal mines, highlighting ecological restoration and sustainable post-mining…
Drosicha turkistanica Raises Quarantine Concerns in Jammu & Kashmir
Key Updates:
- Drosicha turkistanica, a sap-sucking insect pest, has been reported on poplar and willow trees in south Kashmir, including Kulgam, and can weaken trees or cause them to wither in severe infestations.
- The pest is considered new to Kashmir, and its emergence has been linked to inadequate quarantine of planting material entering the region.
- Separately, the apple leaf miner has spread across Kashmir’s orchards, initially in Shopian and later to other apple-growing areas, increasing cultivation costs due to additional pesticide sprays.
- The apple leaf miner's arrival coincided with expansion of high-density apple cultivation using planting material imported from countries including Italy and the United States.
- Private distributors are not following standard operating procedures for quarantine, heightening the risk of further pest introductions.
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The Irani Cup match between Jammu and Kashmir and Rest of India will be held at Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar from October 1 to 5, 2026. This will be the biggest cricket match in Jammu and Kashmir since the…
China has rejected chilli consignments from three Indian exporters due to the presence of methamidophos at excessive levels. Methamidophos is an organophosphate pesticide that is not approved for use by growers in India.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government approved ₹10 crore for the repair and renovation of the historic Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda. The project aims to conserve the fort's architectural and historical character while…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 52nd Group of Seven (G7) Summit held in Evian, France. The Prime Minister presented Ramban Honey from Jammu and Kashmir and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Lakadong Turmeric…
Indian Scientists Develop RK-251 Cancer Drug
Key Updates:
- Indian researchers have developed an experimental cancer drug named RK-251.
- RK-251 is designed to activate primarily inside cancer cells by exploiting high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in them.
- Upon activation, RK-251 releases the anticancer compound NBDHEX, which blocks target proteins used by cancer cells to survive.
- Preclinical studies showed RK-251 exhibited strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells with much less effect on healthy cells.
- Studies on zebrafish embryos showed no obvious signs of toxicity and displayed fluorescence in the presence of ROS, supporting the drug's activation mechanism.
- The research was led by Dr. Asis Bala from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and Dr. K.P. Bhabak from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-Guwahati).
- The findings have been published in the ACS Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.
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Amgen plans to open a Science and Innovation Centre in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, expected to be operational in 2027. The centre will bring together scientists and technologists in discovery chemistry, drug metabolism and…
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) fixed the retail prices of 39 new drug formulations under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 2013. The notification was issued by the Department of…
Novartis India launched Pluvicto, a precision radiotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Pluvicto is the first regulatory authority-approved radioligand therapy in India for patients with prostate-specific…
Teplizumab is the first drug that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes and is being made available on the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. The drug is a form of immunotherapy that can give people…
NASA Abandons Swift Telescope Rescue Mission
Key Updates:
- NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies called off the rescue mission for the Swift Observatory on Wednesday, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
- The Link spacecraft, built by Katalyst, will not attempt to capture and boost Swift to a higher orbit due to problems with controlling the spacecraft.
- NASA had paid $30 million to Katalyst to raise the telescope to a safer, longer-lasting orbit, as intense solar activity caused Swift to lose altitude faster than expected.
- The Link spacecraft went into an uncontrollable spin a few weeks after its liftoff in early July, and issues continued to plague its pointing and positioning.
- Swift's science instruments were turned off earlier this year to slow its descent; as of Wednesday, it was orbiting at 214 miles (345 kilometers) high, down from its original orbit of 373 miles (600 kilometers).
- Katalyst will continue to operate Link in proximity with the telescope to demonstrate capabilities for future rescue operations, while NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, also dropping in orbit, had been next in line for a rescue attempt.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is deploying the Link robotic spacecraft to rescue the Swift Observatory, a 1.6-ton gamma-ray telescope. The Link robot, built by Katalyst Space, is a…
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a new giant exoplanet, Beta Pictoris d, in the Beta Pictoris system. The planet was identified using moderate-resolution spectroscopy, marking the first discovery of a…
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has officially ended the mission of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft. MAVEN had been orbiting Mars since September 21, 2014, to study…
A study published in Icarus analysed 122 scenarios of planetary evolution to examine the history of Uranus. Research simulations indicated that the moon system surrounding Uranus failed to survive in 85% of scenarios…
MC²+ Launches Ignite Programme for Energy Startups
Key Updates:
- MC²+ Ignite, an accelerator programme by the energy innovation platform MC²+, has been launched to support energy deep-tech startups.
- The inaugural cohort will include approximately 30 startups, each eligible for up to ₹2 crore in milestone-linked convertible funding.
- The programme provides access to R&D infrastructure, technical expertise, industry mentors, pilot opportunities, and commercial pathways.
- MC²+ has partnered with IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, C-CAMP, and Venture Center, Pune.
- The programme will operate through a hub in Delhi and nodes within R&D centres of participating oil and gas companies.
- Applications for the inaugural cohort are open from 5 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, with selected startups announced on 15 September 2026.
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Chitkara University launched the Atal Incubation Centre - Chitkara Incubation Foundation (AIC-CIF) and AIC-PRIDE Labs at its Punjab campus. The centre is established with a combined investment of up to Rs. 20 crore over…
The World Economic Forum (WEF) unveiled its 2026 Technology Pioneers cohort, selecting 100 early-stage companies from 23 countries. Nine Indian start-ups were selected: Airbound, Dhruva, OrbitAID, Bellatrix Aerospace…
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) approved the first batch of ₹22 crore support for nine startups under the ₹100 crore startup support programme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The MNRE…
Hyderabad-based startup incubator T-Hub launched the third cohort of ORBIT, a spacetech accelerator programme under the AIC T-Hub Foundation. The third cohort inducts 13 startups: Sanyark Space Technologies, Trishul…
SAIL Bhilai Steel Plant launches CO2 Dashboard to accelerate decarbonization
Key Updates:
- Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) launched a CO₂ Dashboard for BSP and Chandrapur Ferro Alloy Plant (CFP), Chandrapur.
- The dashboard was inaugurated by Chittaranjan Mahapatra, Director I/c (BSP), on 18 August 2026.
- It was developed in collaboration with M/s Centra World, a consultant appointed by the Environment Management Division (EMD), Kolkata.
- The dashboard enables real-time tracking and management of carbon emissions across the enterprise.
- It provides accurate tracking and analysis of daily CO₂ emissions at both plant and individual shop levels, allowing prompt identification of anomalies and corrective measures.
- The platform assesses emissions according to the World Steel Association (WSA) methodology, the GHG Protocol, and the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- It will help SAIL align with the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) by monitoring emission-intensity targets and preparing for market mechanisms.
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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a two-stage microalgae cultivation process that enhances CO2 capture, biomass production, and bioenergy generation. The first stage grows…
The Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA) and the Global Stainless Steel Expo (GSSE) have entered a strategic partnership to promote stainless steel for India's clean energy transition. The partnership…
The British government took British Steel into full public ownership on July 18, 2026, nationalising the company from Chinese firm Jingye. British Steel had faced closure after Jingye deemed the Scunthorpe plant…
The dashboard now tracks 165 indicators across six sub-sectors: Civil Aviation (31), Roads (8), Power (14), Ports, Shipping & Waterways (62), Telecommunications (13), and Railways (37). 44 new indicators were added in…
Google Acquires Spirit Airlines’ Business Data for AI Development
Key Updates:
- Google agreed to pay $10 million to acquire bankrupt Spirit Airlines’ enterprise business data for improving AI products and models.
- The dataset includes nearly 100 million passenger names, nearly 13 million active email addresses, about 176,000 employee records, and 500 million Microsoft Teams messages.
- The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, representing more than 5,500 Spirit Airlines flight attendants, filed a court objection to the data sale.
- A U.S. bankruptcy judge postponed a court hearing on the matter until September 9, 2026.
- A court-appointed ombudsman will oversee a deidentification process intended to anonymize the data.
- Google said it will not receive personal information, but the flight attendant union raised concerns that individuals could still be reidentified from the deidentified dataset.
- AI companies are increasingly acquiring defunct businesses’ internal communications, including Slack archives, email threads, and Google Drive files, to train AI models.
- Mercor’s losing bid for the Spirit Airlines data was $7.5 million.
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World Photography Day 2026 observed on August 19
Key Updates:
- World Photography Day is celebrated annually on August 19.
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 was held from June 11 to July 19, with Spain winning the championship.
- NASA's Artemis II Moon mission, launched on April 1, 2026, carried four astronauts on the first crewed flight around the Moon in over 50 years.
- A total solar eclipse occurred on August 12, 2026, visible from parts of Siberia, Iceland, Portugal, Greenland, and Spain.
- On February 28, 2026, US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran, killing former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
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World Hydrography Day is observed on 21 June. The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) marked World Hydrography Day through the Oman National Office.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Energy (DOE) Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has officially launched the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) mission. The LSST camera is the world's…
World Bicycle Day 2026 is observed globally on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The theme for World Bicycle Day 2026 is 'Cycling for a Greener Future'.
The 16th edition of Sourendro-Soumyojit's World Music Day Concert was organised on 21 June 2026 at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal. The theme for the 2026 celebration was the spirit of independent…
World Mosquito Day 2026 observed on August 20
Key Updates:
- World Mosquito Day is observed on August 20 every year.
- The day commemorates Sir Ronald Ross, a British army surgeon working in India, who in 1897 identified malaria parasites inside the gut of a female Anopheles mosquito.
- Sir Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for his discovery that mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.
- Mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and Japanese encephalitis.
- Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Dengue and chikungunya are mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
- Japanese encephalitis is spread mainly by Culex mosquitoes and can cause severe neurological complications.
- Common early symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases include sudden high fever, chills, headache, body ache, fatigue, nausea and skin rash.
- Children, older adults and pregnant women are more vulnerable to complications from certain mosquito-borne infections.
- Preventive measures include using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, installing screens, sleeping under mosquito nets and removing stagnant water.
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World Zoonoses Day is observed every year on July 6 to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases, which are infections that spread from animals to humans. The day marks the 1885 development of the rabies vaccine by Louis…
Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a rare viral infection that causes Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), leading to brain inflammation and swelling. CHPV belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and primarily affects children below…
World Drowning Prevention Day is observed annually on July 25. The theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 is 'Unite to Turn the Tide'.
World Population Day is observed every year on 11 July to raise awareness about global population challenges. The theme for World Population Day 2026 is “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and…
Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce partner to develop indigenous AMCA combat engine
Key Updates:
- Reliance Industries (RIL) announced a partnership with Rolls-Royce to design, develop, manufacture, and deliver an indigenous combat engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
- The proposed alliance combines Rolls-Royce's advanced propulsion expertise with RIL's manufacturing, technology, and execution capabilities.
- The partnership includes exploring the establishment of a dedicated aerospace gas turbine complex as a centre of excellence for power and propulsion technology.
- The RIL-Rolls-Royce partnership will compete with French manufacturer Safran, which has been shortlisted to develop next-generation fighter jet engines for the AMCA programme.
- RIL's executive director Anant Ambani stated that the intent is to build an indigenous aero-engine ecosystem in India, aligning with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat push for defence indigenisation.
- Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç said the partnership marks a major milestone towards building a robust, self-reliant aerospace ecosystem in India.
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Indian-origin Lakshmanan Meyyappan Became World’s Youngest Male Chartered Accountant at 16 Years
Key Updates:
- Indian-origin, Dubai-based teenager Lakshmanan Meyyappan was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male Chartered Accountant.
- He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 16 years and 170 days on 30 June 2021.
- The record was formally announced in February 2026 through his employer, Century Financial.
- He began preparing for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification at age 15 and completed it in nearly a year.
- He later earned the CFA charter and currently works as a Senior Research Analyst at Century Financial in Dubai.
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Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves Prudential Corporation Holdings Ltd's ₹3,500 crore acquisition of 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance
Key Updates:
- The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Prudential Corporation Holdings Ltd's acquisition of certain equity shareholding in Bharti Life Insurance Company Ltd.
- Prudential plc announced in May 2026 that it would acquire a majority 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance for ₹3,500 crore from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd and 360 ONE Asset Management.
- The transaction involves an initial cash consideration of ₹3,500 crore (about $389 million) payable on completion.
- Post completion, Prudential's Indian operations will comprise majority-owned Bharti Life Insurance Company and Prudential HCL Health Insurance Ltd.
- Prudential currently holds around 22% stake in its life insurance venture with ICICI Bank.
- As part of the transaction, Prudential will need to reduce its holding in the existing ICICI venture to meet regulatory requirements.
- Bharti Life will look into securing strategic distribution agreements with Bharti Airtel and 360 ONE.
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Hyderabad-based AkinAnalytics launches indigenous NIKA2 Kisan medium drone for farmers
Key Updates:
- AkinAnalytics, a Hyderabad-based women-led DeepTech and defence technology startup, launched the indigenous NIKA2 Kisan medium drone for farmers.
- Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled the NIKA2 drone during a demonstration in New Delhi.
- The NIKA2 is a multi-payload agricultural drone with a 16-litre spraying payload and a 12-litre spreading payload.
- The drone's payload-change mechanism allows operators to switch between spraying and spreading applications.
- The platform includes terrain-following capability, fail-safe features, and night-operation capability.
- The drone can also be used for aquaculture feed distribution beyond conventional agricultural operations.
- The terrain-following technology is intended for uneven and sloping agricultural landscapes, with potential use in plantation regions including tea-growing areas of Shillong and Meghalaya.
- AkinAnalytics is developing an AI-Augmented Drone Analytics Platform and Digital Twin technologies for converting drone and field data into actionable intelligence.
- The company operates a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
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New Himalayan plant Impatiens nimspurjai named after mountaineer Nirmal Purja
Key Updates:
- A newly discovered Himalayan plant has been named Impatiens nimspurjai in honour of mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
- The plant was discovered in the Myagdi district of Nepal at an altitude of 2,800–2,900 metres.
- The discovery is credited to researchers Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti and Rita Ale.
- Nirmal Purja was recognised as a Mountain Advocate by the United Nations Environment Programme.
- Through the Nimsdai Foundation, Purja championed the Big Mountain Cleanup to remove waste from high-altitude peaks.
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World Mosquito Day 2026 – August 20
Key Updates:
- World Mosquito Day is observed annually on August 20.
- On August 20, 2026, a commentary published in the journal Eurosurveillance urged stronger mosquito control as dengue, chikungunya and West Nile virus become established risks in Europe.
- The commentary was authored by scientists from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission.
- The scientists linked the rise of mosquito-borne diseases to climate change, environmental transformation and increased international travel.
- The article also highlighted the sterile insect technique (SIT) as a pilot method for suppressing mosquito populations in Europe.
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Veteran Actor Sowcar Janaki Dies at 94
Key Updates:
- Veteran actor Sowcar Janaki died on August 21, 2026, at the age of 94 in Chennai.
- She was hospitalised at Kauvery Hospital in Chennai before her death.
- Her death was confirmed by Nassar, President of the South Indian Artistes' Association (Nadigar Sangam).
- She acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films.
- She made her Telugu debut in 1950 with the film Shavukaru and her Tamil debut in 1952 with Valayapathi.
- She received the Padma Shri in 2022 for her contribution to cinema.
- She was born in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, and also worked in television.
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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…
Sumit Sarkar, a prominent historian of modern India, died at the age of 87 at his Delhi residence on August 14, 2026, following age-related ailments. He was a founding member of the Subaltern Studies Collective, a group…
Shubhada Varadkar received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from President Droupadi Murmu. Shubhada Varadkar is an Odissi dancer and a two-time cancer survivor.
Renowned Odia litterateur, art historian, and playwright Jagannath Prasad Das passed away at the age of 90 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Born on April 26, 1936, in the Puri district of Odisha, he joined the IAS in 1958.
Ashutosh Parida Selected for Sarala Puraskar for Poetry Collection
Key Updates:
- Ashutosh Parida, a noted Odia poet and former scientist, has been selected for the Sarala Puraskar for his poetry collection 'Bishwas De Pruthwi'.
- The Sarala Puraskar is awarded annually by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) for best literary achievement.
- The award carries a citation, copper plaque, and a cash prize of ₹7 lakh.
- The Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman for lifetime excellence in art was also announced for 2026, to be conferred on Odissi maestro Guru Durga Charan Ranbir and sculptor and art educator Damodar Behera.
- The Kala Samman includes a citation, copper plaque, and a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh each.
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Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami was selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025. The award was announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Union Ministry of Culture for the 2024-25 awards.
Acharya Ranchhodlal Goswami, an Ahmedabad-based Haveli Sangeet scholar, has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025. The award was announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Union Ministry of…
Puviyarasu, a renowned Tamil poet, translator, screenwriter, and actor, died at the age of 96 in Coimbatore. He was among the few Indian litterateurs to win the Sahitya Akademi Award twice, for translation and poetry.
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…
