National:
- On 25 August 2026, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Mission Samriddh Gaon in New Delhi. The programme aims to develop poverty-free, employment-rich and self-reliant villages through convergence of government schemes, livelihood generation and improved basic facilities. Pilot implementation will begin in selected blocks of Sehore and Dewas districts in Madhya Pradesh, with emphasis on reducing rural distress migration.
- On 4 August 2026, the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) granted in-principle approval for private operation of 11 Airports Authority of India airports, grouped into five bundles. The airports are proposed to be operated under long-term PPP concessions. The move aims to attract private investment, modernise airport infrastructure, improve passenger services and financially support smaller airports by bundling them with commercially stronger facilities.
- On 25 August 2026, the Government outlined plans to add around 100 new ships to India's merchant fleet over the next five years. The proposal aims to reduce dependence on foreign-flagged vessels and lower India's large foreign freight expenditure. It is also expected to strengthen domestic shipbuilding, maritime trade, employment and India's overall shipping capacity.
- In August 2026, Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy presented a tax-free Budget of around ₹14,300 crore for FY 2026-27. The Budget focuses on welfare schemes, infrastructure, social security and development programmes without imposing major new taxes. For exams, remember the Union Territory, Chief Minister, financial year and approximate budget size.
- In August 2026, Kerala was officially renamed Keralam, reflecting the Malayalam name traditionally used for the State. The development is important from the perspective of Indian polity because alteration of the name of a State involves the constitutional process under Article 3 of the Constitution, requiring parliamentary legislation after referring the proposal to the concerned State Legislature.
International:
- On 25 August 2026, India and China held another round of boundary discussions in Beijing involving India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both countries agreed to continue efforts toward a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question. The discussions also focused on maintaining peace along the border and improving bilateral relations.
- On 25 August 2026, India and Seychelles held discussions to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the Blue Economy. The talks focused on sustainable marine-resource management, capacity building, scientific cooperation, fisheries development and technology sharing. The engagement is important for India's maritime diplomacy and its strategic partnership with Seychelles in the Indian Ocean Region.
Banking:
- On 24 August 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced an IT Resilience Index framework for Market Infrastructure Institutions, including stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories. The framework aims to assess the ability of these institutions to withstand technology failures, cyber incidents and operational disruptions while ensuring business continuity, faster recovery and greater resilience of India's securities-market infrastructure.
Economy:
- On 25 August 2026, government data showed that India's finished-steel consumption increased by 7.9% year-on-year during April-July 2026, reaching around 56 million tonnes. Finished-steel production also recorded growth during the period. Rising steel consumption indicates strong demand from sectors such as infrastructure, construction, automobiles and manufacturing and is an important indicator of domestic industrial and economic activity.
Military Exercise:
- On 27 August 2026, the Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard conducted the second edition of Sahyog-HOP TAC in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The exercise involved maritime coordination and professional interaction between the two coast guards. It aimed to improve interoperability, maritime law-enforcement cooperation, search-and-rescue capability and coordination in tackling common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Science and Technology:
- On 25 August 2026, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission launched seven Nitrosamine Impurities Reference Standards to improve pharmaceutical testing and quality control. Nitrosamines are potentially harmful impurities that can occur in certain medicines. The standards will help laboratories accurately detect and quantify these impurities, strengthening drug-quality assurance, regulatory compliance and patient safety in India's pharmaceutical sector.
- In August 2026, researchers reported the discovery of a new sunflower-related plant species in Arunachal Pradesh. The finding adds to the rich floral diversity of the Eastern Himalayas, one of India's major biodiversity hotspots. The discovery highlights the ecological importance of Arunachal Pradesh and the need for continued botanical exploration, documentation and conservation of rare and previously unidentified plant species.
- On 21 August 2026, the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, organised Carbon Pathshala to educate farmers about voluntary carbon markets. The programme covered carbon credits, carbon sequestration, biochar and climate-friendly farming practices. It aims to help farmers understand how sustainable agricultural practices can reduce emissions while potentially creating additional income through participation in carbon-credit markets.
Defence:
- The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission INS Nipun on 31 August 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. It is the second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. The vessel is designed for deep-sea diving, underwater rescue and salvage operations and can support Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles used during submarine emergencies.
- On 25 August 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved transfer of technologies for conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to eligible Indian defence industries. The decision will allow domestic companies to manufacture complete missile systems, expand production capacity, encourage private-sector participation and strengthen India's defence self-reliance under the Make in India initiative.
- On 25 August 2026, Goa Shipyard Limited handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit to the Indian Coast Guard. The indigenously built vessel is designed for coastal surveillance, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling operations, protection of offshore assets, maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue missions. It also supports India's efforts to enhance indigenous defence shipbuilding capabilities.
- On 26 August 2026, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines signed the final agreement for development and production of the Aravalli helicopter engine. The engine is intended to power India's future medium-lift helicopter platforms, including the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and its naval variant. The project supports indigenous aerospace-engine capability, technology development and defence manufacturing.
MoUs Signed:
- On 24 August 2026, the United Nations Development Programme India and Hindustan Unilever Limited announced an expanded partnership to strengthen the plastic circular economy across 50 Indian cities. The initiative aims to improve plastic-waste collection, segregation and recycling while supporting thousands of Safai Mitras. It also promotes social inclusion, sustainable waste-management systems and progress towards responsible consumption and sustainable cities.
- In August 2026, Tata Capital Limited and Japan's Resona Bank signed an MoU to support Japanese companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in India. The partnership aims to provide financing support, advisory services and business connections, helping Japanese enterprises access opportunities in the Indian market while strengthening India-Japan commercial and investment relations.
- On 25 August 2026, water-technology company WAE Limited partnered with the United Nations Global Compact Network India to strengthen its commitment to sustainable water management and responsible business practices. The association focuses on technology-led water purification, circular water systems, resource efficiency and environmental sustainability while aligning business operations with internationally recognised sustainability principles.
Appointments:
- On 25 August 2026, senior IPS officer Satish Golchha was posted as Officer on Special Duty in the Directorate of Home Guards, Delhi. He is scheduled to take over as Director General of Delhi Home Guards from 1 October 2026, following the retirement of incumbent DG Virender Singh Chahal. Golchha is a 1992-batch AGMUT cadre IPS officer.
- On 24 August 2026, the board of Fino Payments Bank approved another three-month extension for Ketan Merchant as interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective from 27 August 2026, subject to Reserve Bank of India approval. Merchant earlier served as the bank's Chief Financial Officer. The development is important for questions related to payments banks and banking-sector appointments.
- On 24 August 2026, Ketan Merchant's tenure as interim Managing Director and CEO of Fino Payments Bank was extended for another three months from 27 August 2026, subject to RBI approval. Merchant had earlier served as Chief Financial Officer of the bank and has been handling the interim leadership role since February 2026.
Obituaries:
- American country-music legend Dolly Parton died on 25 August 2026 at the age of 80. She was one of the world's best-known singer-songwriters and was famous for songs including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You. She won multiple Grammy Awards and was also widely recognised for philanthropy, especially her Imagination Library literacy programme.
Questions:
Q1. SEBI introduced the IT Resilience Index framework for which category of institutions?
a) Cooperative Banks
b) Insurance Companies
c) Market Infrastructure Institutions
d) NBFCs
Answer: c) SEBI introduced the IT Resilience Index framework for Market Infrastructure Institutions, including stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories, to assess their ability to withstand technology failures, cyber incidents and operational disruptions.
Q2. Which company signed an MoU with Japan’s Resona Bank to support Japanese companies expanding operations in India?
a) HDFC Bank
b) Tata Consultancy Services
c) Tata Capital Limited
d) State Bank of India
Answer: c) Tata Capital Limited and Resona Bank signed an MoU to provide financing support, advisory services and business connections to Japanese companies looking to establish or expand operations in India.
