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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India’s Gross foreign direct investment Inflows Reach 15-Year High of $30.7 Billion in Q1 FY2026-27

• India attracted gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows of USD 30.7 billion during April–June 2026, the highest quarterly gross FDI inflow in at least 15 years.
• The April–June 2026 gross FDI inflow of USD 30.7 billion was nearly 46% higher than the previous quarter and around 15% higher than the April–June 2025
• Net FDI turned positive again in June 2026, with inflows exceeding outflows by USD 1.3 billion, marking the highest monthly net FDI since June 2022.

Key Highlights :

• India recorded gross FDI inflows of USD 9.3 billion in June 2026, which was 53% higher than May 2026 but slightly below the USD 9.6 billion recorded in June 2025.
• Singapore, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada together accounted for around 74% of India’s FDI inflows during the April–June 2026
• The manufacturing sector received the highest share of FDI inflows, followed by electricity generation, computer services, and communication services.
• The strong FDI inflow reflects continued interest of global investors in India and supports the country’s domestic production and industrial capacity.
• Total FDI outflows stood at USD 7.9 billion in June 2026, nearly 30% higher than May 2026 and 8.6% higher than June 2025.
• On a quarterly basis, total FDI outflows stood at USD 22.8 billion during April–June 2026.
• Net FDI stood at USD 7.8 billion during the April–June 2026 quarter, after accounting for FDI outflows.
• Repatriation and disinvestment by foreign companies operating in India amounted to USD 5.8 billion in June 2026, increasing 57% month-on-month and 36% year-on-year.
• Outward FDI by Indian companies declined to USD 2.1 billion in June 2026, falling 13% from May 2026 and 30% from June 2025.
• The RBI data indicate that FDI inflows are increasingly outpacing outflows, with net FDI negative in only one of the last six months, compared with six of the preceding 12 months.

Bank of Baroda Launches UPI Global Reverse Acceptance for International Visitors in India

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched “UPI Global Reverse Acceptance”, also referred to as “UPI Global QR Payments”, to enable international visitors to make digital payments to Indian merchants.
• The service allows international tourists, overseas Indians, and eligible foreign payment-app users to make payments using their home-country banking or payment applications.
• Under the facility, international visitors can simply scan Bank of Baroda’s UPI QR codes displayed at merchant outlets across India.
• UPI Global Reverse Acceptance facilitates cross-border Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions in India.
• The service eliminates the need for international visitors to carry large amounts of cash, exchange foreign currency, or open a local Indian bank account.
• The initiative extends international QR payment acceptance across Bank of Baroda’s UPI QR merchant network.
• The facility benefits Indian merchants by giving them access to a wider international customer base.
• The service is available to visitors from countries participating in NPCI International’s Global Payments ecosystem.
• Major international payment corridors covered include Singapore, UAE, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, USA, Qatar, and France, among others.

About Bank of Baroda : 

• It is an Indian public sector bank headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat.
• Managing Director & CEO : Debadatta Chand.

Reserve Bank of India Eases FCNR(B) Swap Access Norms for Transactions Exceeding USD 100 Million

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) relaxed access norms for its dollar-rupee swap facility linked to Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits.
• Under the revised norms, banks can access the FCNR(B) swap facility on any day for foreign currency inflows exceeding USD 100 million, instead of being restricted to designated weekly windows.
• Transactions below USD 100 million will continue to follow the weekly swap window arrangement.
• The relaxation aims to improve liquidity management, facilitate the efficient transfer of large dollar inflows, reduce hedging costs, and ease short-term swap market pressures.
• The move is expected to help strengthen India’s foreign exchange reserves and support rupee stability by enabling banks to transfer large foreign currency inflows to the RBI more efficiently.
• Earlier, banks could access the swap facility only once a week on designated days, which created a time lag between mobilisation of foreign currency and its transfer to the RBI.
• The RBI operationalised the dollar-rupee swap facility on 8 June 2026, allowing banks to swap foreign currency raised through eligible deposits with the RBI at the prevailing spot rate.
• Under the arrangement, the RBI provides the foreign currency back to banks at maturity at a concessional cost, making the facility attractive for banks mobilising foreign currency funds.
• The facility attracted total inflows of USD 72.85 billion as of 21 August 2026.
• FCNR(B) deposits were the largest contributor, accounting for USD 65.40 billion, or nearly 90% of total inflows.
• Overseas foreign currency borrowings (OFCBs) contributed USD 4.86 billion, while External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) contributed USD 2.59 billion.
• The FCNR(B) deposit mobilisation window is available until 31 August 2026, while banks can avail themselves of the corresponding swaps with the RBI until 11 September 2026.
• The original schedule had allowed FCNR(B) deposit mobilisation until 30 September 2026 and the swap facility until 16 October 2026.
• The scheme for ECBs and OFCBs will continue to remain open until 31 December 2026, as previously announced.

About RBI :

• Established: 1 April 1935 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and serves as India’s central bank.
• Nationalised: 1 January 1949
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Governor: Sanjay Malhotra (26th Governor)
• Deputy Governors: Rohit Jain, Shirish Chandra Murmu, Swaminathan Janakiraman, Poonam Gupta
• Wholly Owned by RBI:
• BRBNMPL – Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited
• DICGC – Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
• ReBIT – Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited
• RBIH – Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
• Promoted by RBI (Now Government-owned):
• NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
• NHB – National Housing Bank

REC Limited Set to Become First Issuer of Tokenised Bonds Under Pilot Initiative

• India is set to launch tokenised corporate bonds as a pilot project to test whether blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) can make bond issuance and settlement faster, more transparent and efficient.
• Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), a state-owned company, is expected to become the first issuer under the pilot, with tokenised bonds worth less than ₹500 crore (around USD 57 million).
• The tokenised bond offering is expected to be unveiled at a financial technology event in Mumbai.
• Tokenised bonds are securities whose ownership, issuance, trading and settlement are digitally recorded on a blockchain/DLT, potentially enabling near-instant settlement.
• The use of DLT can reduce the need for lengthy reconciliation between different financial institutions and improve settlement efficiency.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are jointly working on the tokenised corporate bond pilot.
• India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is reportedly proposed to be used by investors to purchase the tokenised bonds.
• Investors participating in the pilot will require two digital wallets: a wholesale CBDC wallet provided by a bank and a new electronic securities wallet.
• Indian depositories are developing “DEMAT 2.0”, a system designed to record bond holdings using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
• The tokenised bonds will initially have a three-month lock-in period and will be available only to a selected group of investors.
• Stock exchanges are expected to develop a secondary market for tokenised bonds by December 2026.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Boost Long-Term Financing for Rural Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership Projects

• NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and NaBFID (National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen financing support for rural infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
• The MoU aims to provide long-term and competitively priced finance for rural infrastructure projects and commercially viable PPP projects.
• The MoU was signed by Shaji Krishnan V, Chairman of NABARD, and Rajkiran Rai G, Managing Director of NaBFID, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• The partnership aims to increase the availability of long-term finance for rural infrastructure and allied value chains.
• The collaboration will support commercially viable and bankable projects, improve connectivity and market access, and contribute to increasing rural incomes.
• The implementation framework covers project identification, project appraisal, credit structuring, debt syndication, joint monitoring, and capacity-building.
• The partnership will also support commercially viable projects in food processing and storage infrastructure.
• Key focus areas include water and sanitation, irrigation, post-harvest storage, cold-chain infrastructure, terminal markets, rural roads and bridges, warehousing, and compressed biogas projects.

About NaBFID : 

• Established : 2021 under the NaBFID Act, 2021.
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• NaBFID functions as India’s Development Finance Institution (DFI) for infrastructure financing.

India and Singapore Discuss Expanding National Stock Exchange and Singapore Exchange Cooperation to Strengthen Capital Market Connectivity

• India and Singapore discussed expanding cooperation in capital markets, particularly through the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Singapore Exchange (SGX), to strengthen financial-market connectivity.
• Both countries discussed the India–Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), aimed at creating a stable and predictable investment environment and promoting greater cross-border investment.
• India and Singapore also discussed expanding collaboration between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore’s PayNow, which was established in 2023.
• During the meeting, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LoI) were exchanged between India and Singapore.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) exchanged an MoU to strengthen cooperation in the field of food safety.
• The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore and India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways exchanged an MoU for cooperation in maritime heritage.

India’s Overall Trade Deficit Rises 31.5% to USD 15.03 Billion in July 2026

• India’s overall trade deficit widened 31.5% year-on-year (YoY) to USD 15.03 billion in July 2026, compared with USD 11.43 billion in July 2025, as imports grew faster than exports.
• Overall exports of goods and services increased 13.3% to USD 80.14 billion in July 2026 from USD 70.72 billion in July 2025.
• Overall imports of goods and services increased faster by 15.8% to USD 95.16 billion in July 2026 from USD 82.16 billion a year earlier.
• Merchandise exports rose 19.63% to USD 44.24 billion in July 2026 from USD 36.98 billion, recording India’s highest-ever merchandise export value for July.
• The July 2026 merchandise export figure of USD 44.24 billion surpassed the previous July record of USD 38.34 billion, recorded in July 2022.
• Merchandise imports increased 17.52% to USD 76.22 billion in July 2026 from USD 64.86 billion in July 2025.
• Services exports increased to USD 35.89 billion in July 2026 from USD 33.74 billion in July 2025.
• Services imports rose to USD 18.94 billion in July 2026 from USD 17.30 billion in July 2025.
• During April–July 2026-27, India’s overall exports increased 13.16% to USD 316.42 billion, compared with USD 279.63 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.
• During April–July 2026-27, overall imports increased 17.28% to USD 365.85 billion from USD 311.94 billion.
• India’s cumulative overall trade deficit widened to USD 49.43 billion during April–July 2026-27, compared with USD 32.32 billion in the year-ago period, registering a 97% increase.
• During April–July 2026-27, merchandise exports increased 04% to USD 173.78 billion, while merchandise imports rose 19.27% to USD 292.38 billion.
• India’s merchandise exports to China increased to USD 7.78 billion during April–July 2026-27 from USD 5.72 billion in the year-ago period.
• India’s merchandise exports to the United States increased marginally to USD 34.49 billion during April–July 2026-27 from USD 33.48 billion.
• The July 2026 trade data presents a mixed picture, with record merchandise exports indicating strong export momentum, while faster import growth continued to widen India’s overall trade deficit.

 CURRENT AFAFIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Uttar Pradesh Launches Startup Mission Portal and Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission Portal and unveiled the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026 to strengthen the state’s startup, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• The Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission has been approved as an autonomous body, replacing Uttar Pradesh Electronics Corporation Limited (UPECL) as the nodal agency for implementing startup initiatives. It will be headed by the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Highlights

• Under the new policy, eligible startups can receive a monthly sustenance allowance of ₹20,000 for 2 years.
• The prototype grant has been increased to ₹10 lakh, doubling the earlier assistance.
• Startups can receive cloud service reimbursement of up to ₹2 lakh annually.
• Special provisions have been introduced to support women entrepreneurs, economically weaker sections, persons with disabilities, transgender entrepreneurs, and startups from Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions.
• Uttar Pradesh now has more than 24,000 startups, including 8 unicorns, compared with around 120 startups before 2017.
• More than 50% of startups in Uttar Pradesh are led by women entrepreneurs, highlighting the growing role of women in the state’s startup ecosystem.
• At the launch event, incentives worth more than ₹3.42 crore were distributed to 107 startups, while 9 incubators received ₹1.79 crore in incentives.
• New incubators were also provided certification under the state’s startup-support framework.
• The policy proposes strengthening Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in emerging sectors such as MedTech, drones, quantum computing, space technology, robotics and green hydrogen.
• The state plans to expand its Fund of Funds to provide greater financial support to startups.
• The Government will also facilitate land on lease and plug-and-play spaces for startups and entrepreneurs.
• Startup and innovation initiatives supported by the state include programmes associated with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) (IIT-BHU) and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs).

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Uttar Pradesh Government Approves Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana for Free Bus Travel for Women

• The Uttar Pradesh Government, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved the “Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana” to provide lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 years and above across the state.
• Under the scheme, eligible women will be able to travel free of cost on all Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses.
• Beneficiaries can avail themselves of the facility by presenting a valid government Identity (ID) proof, such as an Aadhaar Card or Voter Identity Card.

Key Highlights

• The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will issue special smart cards to eligible women to ensure systematic and convenient implementation of the scheme.
• The scheme is expected to benefit more than 1 crore women across Uttar Pradesh.
• Around 88,438 women passengers are estimated to use the free travel facility daily.
• The scheme is expected to involve a financial burden of approximately ₹22.5 crore per month on the Uttar Pradesh Government.
• The initiative aims to promote affordable mobility, social inclusion and greater independence for elderly women across the state.

RECENT NEWS

• Uttar Pradesh state government made an announcement of the two digital platforms, that are called Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi. It was launched during the celebration of World Youth Skills Day in 2026.

Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant Inaugurated in Gujarat

• A new Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant was inaugurated at Vinchhiwadi in Dhanera taluka, Banaskantha district, Gujarat.
• The facility is a joint initiative of Banas Dairy, Suzuki Motor Corporation and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• The plant is designed to process up to 100 Metric Tonnes Per Day (MTPD) of cattle dung for producing Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG).

Key Highlights

• Bio-CNG, also known as compressed biogas, is produced from organic waste through anaerobic digestion, a biological process that takes place in the absence of oxygen.
• Cattle dung serves as the major feedstock, while the process produces biogas and organic manure as useful outputs.
• A Bio-CNG filling station was also inaugurated along with the plant.
• The event witnessed the launch of India’s first rural cooperative-model “Gramin Bharat Taxi” service, initially operating with 9 vehicles.
• The Suzuki-backed Bio-CNG initiative involves an investment of around ₹250 crore.
• With the addition of the new facility, Banas Dairy’s Bio-CNG network has expanded to 4 operational plants, with a combined processing capacity of 340 MTPD.
• The initiative represents a waste-to-wealth model, converting cattle dung generated through the dairy ecosystem into clean energy and organic manure.
• The inauguration was attended by Toshihiro Suzuki, Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation; Shankar Chaudhary, Chairman of Banas Dairy; and Minesh Patel, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board.

About National Dairy Development Board (NDDB):

• Established: 1965
• Headquarters: Anand, Gujarat
• CMD: Dr. Meenesh C. Shah

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir, Blackbuck, Gulf of Kutch (Marine), Vansda National Parks
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird, Wild Ass, Kutch Desert, Barda, Purna Wildlife Sanctuaries

Hindalco Commissions India’s First Superfine Precipitated Aluminium Trihydrate Plant

• Hindalco Industries, an Aditya Birla Group company, has commissioned a greenfield Superfine Precipitated Aluminium Trihydrate (PPT ATH) manufacturing plant in Karnataka.
• The facility marks the first domestic production of Superfine Precipitated Aluminium Trihydrate in India, strengthening the country’s self-reliance and reducing import dependence for high-value specialty alumina.
• The plant has an initial production capacity of 30,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), with provisions to expand the capacity to 60,000 TPA in phases.
• The facility is described as the world’s only specialty alumina plant operating entirely on renewable energy, using biomass, solar and wind energy.

Key Highlights

• PPT ATH is a high-value, halogen-free flame-retardant material used in:
• Halogen-Free Flame Retardant (HFFR) cables
• Polymer insulators
• Thermal insulation
• Composites
• Paints
• PPT ATH helps suppress flame propagation and smoke generation without releasing harmful halogen acid gases, thereby improving fire safety in electrical and infrastructure systems.
• The plant’s 30,000 TPA capacity is expected to meet almost the entire current domestic demand for safer cables from India’s wire and cable industry.
• Rising demand for the material is driven by stricter fire-safety standards, Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, infrastructure development and demand for sustainable high-performance materials.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced IS 17048:2018 for HFFR cables, aligning Indian standards with global safety requirements.
• The facility uses indigenous technology developed through Hindalco’s in-house Research and Development (R&D), supporting technological self-reliance.
• The manufacturing unit incorporates automated process controls and an integrated production system to ensure feedstock quality and consistent product standards.
• The new plant is part of Hindalco’s strategy of moving up the value chain and expanding its portfolio of high-value specialty alumina products.

About Karnataka:

• Chief Minister: D.K. Shivakumar
• Governor: Thawarchand Gehlot
• Capital: Bengaluru
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka D.K. Shivakumar unveiled that, Karnataka will establish the country’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University, he announced the ambitious initiative during Google I/O Connect India 2026 in Bengaluru.

National Shipping Board Organises First ‘Sagar Samvad’ to Strengthen India’s Maritime Sector

• The National Shipping Board (NSB) organised its first ‘Sagar Samvad’ in New Delhi to discuss the roadmap for Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.
• Theme: “Charting the Roadmap Towards Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047”.
• Sagar Samvad means “Ocean Dialogue” and carries the theme line “Wisdom in the Ocean, Progress in the Nation.”

Key Highlights

• Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the inaugural session and launched the first official website of the National Shipping Board.
• National Shipping Board Chairperson Sameer Kumar Khare submitted the Board’s Annual Report 2025–26 and various subcommittee reports containing policy recommendations.
• The National Shipping Board is a statutory advisory body that advises the Government on shipping policy, tonnage, seafarer welfare and maritime development.
• The Board was originally constituted in 1958 and was reconstituted in May 2025.
• A major focus of the dialogue was increasing India’s merchant shipping capacity. The roadmap aims to add 100 vessels to India’s merchant fleet within the next five years.
• India currently pays nearly USD 75 billion annually in freight payments to foreign shipping lines for transporting key commodities such as crude oil, natural gas, coal and urea.
• The proposed five-point roadmap for strengthening Indian shipping includes:
• Fiscal reforms
• Assured cargo support
• Access to competitive financing
• Regulatory streamlining
• Ease of Doing Business (EODB)
• The roadmap seeks to reduce the competitiveness gap between Indian-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels, with Indian operations currently estimated to be 16–20% costlier.
• Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur presided over the session on “Augmentation of Indian Tonnage: Opportunities and Challenges.”
• The initiative aims to strengthen India’s domestic shipping capacity and support the goal of making India one of the world’s top five ship-owning nations by 2047.
• Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the session on “Maritime Labour Force: Opportunities and Challenges.”
• The session focused on seafarer skills, employment generation, workforce development, gender participation and emerging opportunities in areas such as cruise shipping and advanced shipbuilding.
• The Government aims to position India as a leading global supplier of skilled and future-ready seafarers.
• The event also highlighted the ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme, under which global shipping company Maersk has placed orders for containers manufactured in India.
• India is also targeting expansion of port capacity to 10,000 million tonnes per annum by 2047.
• The discussions were aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, focusing on self-reliance in shipping, maritime employment, shipbuilding, port modernisation and the Blue Economy.

Samtel HAL Display Systems Inaugurates Defence Avionics Manufacturing Facility in Gurugram

• Samtel HAL Display Systems Limited (SHDS), a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Samtel Avionics, inaugurated a new manufacturing facility at Udyog Vihar, Phase IV, Gurugram, Haryana.
• The facility aims to strengthen indigenisation of defence avionics and reduce India’s dependence on imported avionics systems.

Key Highlights

• SHDS is India’s first public-private joint venture in defence avionics to indigenously design, qualify and serially produce a Multifunction Display (MFD) for fighter aircraft.
• The new facility will support design, development, manufacturing, testing, quality assurance and product support for advanced display systems used in airborne and ground applications.
• SHDS displays are already deployed on the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.
• The company has also been selected for programmes involving Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), while exploring opportunities in Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) programmes.
• SHDS was established in 2006, marking nearly two decades of collaboration between HAL and Samtel in developing indigenous avionics technologies.
• The company expects its annual turnover to reach around ₹200 crore in 2026, with the potential to increase to ₹400–500 crore over the next 3–4 years.
• SHDS holds an industrial licence from the Ministry of Defence, is a Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC)-approved design house, and has a Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA)-approved manufacturing facility.
• The initiative supports the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat objective by promoting domestic defence manufacturing, indigenous technology development and reduced import dependence.

About Haryana:

• Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
• Governor: Ashim Kumar Ghosh
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhindawas Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Morni Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Haryana’s Sirsa Kinnow becoming the first fruit from Haryana to obtain the Geographical Indication (GI) status. The GI status has been accorded by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai, which recognizes the distinctiveness and quality of Kinnow grown in Sirsa.

Mizoram Declares 79 Sites as State Protected Monuments

• Mizoram has declared 79 monuments and archaeological sites as State Protected Monuments under the Mizoram Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2001.
• Two heritage sites in Champhai district have been declared Monuments of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• The two nationally protected heritage sites are:
• Kawtchhuah Ropui and Ralven Puk at Vangchhia village.
• Lianpui Hmun (Lungphun Ropui) at Lianpui village.

Key Highlights

• Kawtchhuah Ropui and Ralven Puk received the Monuments of National Importance status in 2012, while Lianpui Hmun/Lungphun Ropui received the status in 2025.
• Kawtchhuah Ropui, meaning “The Great Entranceway,” is an important archaeological site featuring more than 170 intricately carved standing stones (menhirs).
• Ralven Puk is a rock-cut cave traditionally believed to have been used by Mizo ancestors as a lookout or watchpost during conflicts.
• The sites are located in Champhai district, in eastern Mizoram along the Myanmar border.
• Proposals are also under consideration to declare four additional heritage sites as Protected Monuments.

RECENT NEWS

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Natural History Museum (NHM) of Mizoram University as the country’s 21st Designated Repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

About Mizoram:

• Chief Minister: Lalduhoma
• Governor: Vijay Kumar Singh
• Capital: Aizawl
• National Parks: Murlen National Park, Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage Recognises 140-Year-Old Parichha Weir in Jhansi as World Heritage Irrigation Structure

• The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) designated the 140-year-old Parichha Weir (Parichha Dam) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS).
• The WHIS recognition was given to the Parichha Weir in recognition of its historic, engineering, cultural and operational significance, as well as its continued role in irrigation.
• The Parichha Weir is built across the Betwa River in the Jhansi region and serves as the headworks of the Betwa Canal System.
• The WHIS Award 2026 will be formally presented in October 2026 in Marseille, France, during the 26th ICID International Congress and the 77th International Executive Council Meeting.
• ICID generally recognises historic irrigation structures that are more than 100 years old, remain functional, and have significant engineering, cultural and operational value under the WHIS programme.
• The idea of developing a canal system for Bundelkhand was first proposed by Captain Strachey in 1855 after conducting a detailed survey of the region.
• Construction of the Parichha Weir began in 1881 at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh, while the associated Betwa Canal System was commissioned in 1886.
• The Parichha Weir is a rubble-stone masonry structure measuring 1,174 metres in length and standing 8 metres above the riverbed.
• The weir has 318 steel falling shutters, which helped increase its reservoir capacity from 1,700 million cubic feet to 2,400 million cubic feet.
• The Betwa Canal System extends for approximately 2,654 km and irrigates around 4,28,360 hectares of agricultural land across five districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (MP).
• The Betwa Canal has a designed discharge capacity of 5,052 cusecs at its head and bifurcates at 30.90 km into the Kuthond Branch on the left and the Hamirpur Branch on the right.
• Several original British-era features, including iron and wooden components dating back to the commissioning period, continue to be preserved at the Parichha Weir site.
• The Parichha Weir continues to play an important role in irrigation, supplies water to the adjoining Parichha Thermal Power Project, and has also developed into a tourist attraction during the monsoon season.
• The adjoining Parichha Thermal Power Project has an installed capacity of 920 MW.
• The Parichha Weir is expected to play a role in the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, further enhancing its importance in regional water management.
• Three other Indian irrigation structures were also selected for the WHIS Award 2026: Ashti Medium Project (Maharashtra), Chhapawara Dam (Rajasthan) and Pechiparai Dam (Tamil Nadu).
• The Sukwa-Dukwan Weir in Jhansi was the previous irrigation structure from the region to receive ICID heritage recognition in 2022.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Yuko Keicho of Japan Named World Bank Group Vice President and Auditor General

• Yuko Keicho, a Japanese national, has been appointed as Vice President (VP) and Auditor General of the World Bank Group.
• Yuko Keicho will lead the Internal Audit Vice Presidency (IAD) of the World Bank Group.
• In her new role, she will oversee governance, risk management, internal controls, accountability, and operational integrity across World Bank Group institutions.
• Yuko Keicho will provide independent assurance and advisory services to strengthen effective governance and internal oversight.
• She will report directly to World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and maintain functional reporting to the Audit Committee, ensuring independent internal audit oversight.
• Yuko Keicho brings more than 30 years of experience in internal audit, governance, risk management, and development finance across multilateral institutions and the private sector.
• Before joining the World Bank Group in this role, she served as Auditor General of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• At the ADB, she strengthened governance and risk management frameworks and modernized the internal audit function.
• Keicho previously spent more than two decades at the World Bank Group, most recently serving as Director for Strategy and Operations in Internal Audit.
• Her appointment marks a return to the World Bank Group, where she had previously held senior positions for over 20 years.
• She also contributes to the global internal audit profession through roles including membership of the International Internal Audit Standards Board and other international oversight positions.

About World Bank Group :

• Established : 1944
• Headquarters : Washington, D.C., USA.
• President: Ajay Banga.

Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury Appointed as Permanent Judge of Calcutta High Court, Six Others Get Extension

• Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury, currently an Additional Judge of the Calcutta High Court, was elevated as a Permanent Judge of the Calcutta High Court.
• The appointment of Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury as a permanent judge was made by the President of India, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, under the Constitution of India.
• Six Additional Judges of the Calcutta High Court — Justice Prasenjit Biswas, Justice Uday Kumar, Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta, Justice Supratim Bhattacharya, Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, and Justice Md. Shabbar Rashidi — were given a fresh six-month term.
• The fresh six-month tenure of these six Additional Judges will be effective from 31 August 2026.
• Additional Judges are generally appointed for a period of two years before being considered for appointment as Permanent Judges.
• In certain cases, the tenure of an Additional Judge may be extended through a fresh appointment, as in the case of the six judges mentioned above.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Publications Division Wins Seven Awards at Federation of Indian Publishers Awards 2026

• The Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, received 7 awards at the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) Awards for Excellence in Book Production 2026.
• The awards recognised the Division’s books, journals and reference publications published in Hindi, English and Urdu.

Key Highlights

• The Division won 4 Second Prizes and 3 Third Prizes across various publishing categories.
• Second Prize Winners:
• Bharat 2026 (Hindi) – Reference Books – Hindi category.
• Wings to Our Hopes – Volume 2 – General and Trade Books – English category.
• Yojana – July 2026 (Hindi), themed ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ – Journals & House Magazines – Hindi category.
• Kurukshetra – A Rural Development Monthly Since 1952 – Journals & House Magazines – English category.
• Third Prize Winners:
• Dharti Ki Sehat – Children’s Books (General Interest), 0–10 Years – Hindi category.
• Rangoli Roop Sur Lay Ki – Art and Coffee Table Books – Hindi category.
• Ajkal Urdu – July 2026 – Journals & House Magazines, Indian Languages (Urdu) category.
• Dr. Dhiraj Kakadia, Director General of the Publications Division, felicitated the editors of the award-winning publications and congratulated the officers and personnel associated with the achievement.
• The recognition highlights the Publications Division’s contribution to disseminating credible and informative content on national development, knowledge, science, literature, culture, art and contemporary issues.
• Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) is a representative body of publishers in English, Hindi and other regional languages, with members across India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Andhra Pradesh and United Kingdom Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Develop Amaravati as Smart City

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh and the United Kingdom (UK) signed a government-to-Government (G2G) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform Amaravati into a world-class smart city and strengthen urban infrastructure across the state.

Key Highlights

• The agreement was signed at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Velagapudi, between Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, and Chaz Walia, Deputy Director for Government Partnerships, UK Department for Business and Trade.
• The partnership will benefit all 123 municipalities and municipal corporations across Andhra Pradesh, with Amaravati serving as a major focus area.
• The cooperation is based on four core pillars:
• Infrastructure Planning
• Sustainable Urban Development
• Technology Transfer and Innovation
• Integrated Urban Mobility
• Under Infrastructure Planning and Urban Management, the two sides will cooperate in long-term project planning, project prioritisation, financial feasibility assessment and preparation of investment-ready business cases.
• UK institutions and expert agencies will provide technical support for modern urban planning, sustainable construction and environmental conservation to promote smart and liveable cities.
• The partnership will facilitate adoption of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for improved urban project planning and execution.
• Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programmes will be undertaken between UK institutions and Andhra Pradesh Government agencies to strengthen the skills of engineers and urban planners.
• Under Integrated Urban Mobility, the initiative will support integrated public transport connecting metro rail, city bus corridors, airport connectivity and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Data-driven traffic management systems will be introduced to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and urban carbon emissions, and strengthen last-mile connectivity.
• Andhra Pradesh is currently implementing urban infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹40,000 crore, covering arterial roads, storm-water drainage, protected drinking water supply and modern solid and liquid waste management systems.
• The state plans to integrate UK technical expertise, global best practices and innovative project-execution models into these ongoing and upcoming urban infrastructure projects.
• The initiative is expected to improve project quality, operational efficiency, infrastructure longevity and timely delivery across Andhra Pradesh.
• Foster + Partners, a London-based architecture firm, had earlier designed major Amaravati government buildings, including the State Legislative Assembly, High Court and Secretariat Complex.
• The new partnership will build upon this earlier cooperation by bringing additional UK institutions and expertise into the next phase of Amaravati’s capital development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Receives Its First Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel, ‘Samarthak’

• ‘Samarthak’, the first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) of the Indian Navy, was delivered on 27 August 2026.
• Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T) built and delivered Samarthak at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Samarthak has more than 75% indigenous content, supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and strengthening the domestic defence industrial ecosystem.
• The vessel has been conceived primarily as a versatile trial and evaluation platform for testing next-generation indigenous weapons and sensors being developed for the Indian Navy.
• Samarthak is designed to perform maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• The vessel can launch and recover surface and aerial targets and operate autonomous/unmanned surface and aerial vehicles for various maritime missions.
• Samarthak also has capabilities for marine pollution response, heavy-lift operations and towing support.
• The name ‘Samarthak’ means ‘The Proponent’, signifying the vessel’s role as a dependable enabler of multiple missions.
• L&T has built two MPVs for the Indian Navy, namely INS Utkarsh and INS Samarthak.
• INS Utkarsh was launched in 2025 and is currently undergoing tests and sea trials before its final handover to the Indian Navy.
• The delivery of INS Samarthak marks another major milestone in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding and maritime self-reliance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ENVIRONMENT

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology Discovers New Sunflower-Family Species ‘Doronicum sanctum’

• The Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), discovered a new sunflower-family plant species named ‘Doronicum sanctum’.
• Doronicum sanctum was discovered in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of around 4,000 metres.
• The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas and was based on botanical surveys and laboratory analysis.
• The findings were published in an international peer-reviewed journal by Springer Nature.
• The discovery marks the first documentation of the Doronicum genus in Northeast India.
• Before this discovery, Indian records of the Doronicum genus were restricted to the Western Himalayan region.
• Doronicum sanctum is commonly known as Leopard’s bane.
• The species was named ‘sanctum’ because its type locality is located near the Chumi Gyatse Holy Waterfalls, a site of deep spiritual significance to the local community.
• The plant has distinctive characteristics including hairy seeds (pubescent ray cypselae), a short-lived feathery pappus, dilated flower stalks, flat lance-shaped bracts, and bright yellow flowers.
• The species also has heart-shaped leaves, indicating its rare and distinctive botanical features.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Prudential Plc to Offload 2% Stake in ICICI Prudential AMC for Around $333 Million

• Prudential Plc, a London-based British insurer, plans to sell up to a 2% stake in ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (ICICI Prudential AMC) through an open-market sale on 27 August 2026.
• The proposed 2% stake sale is valued at around ₹3,190 crore (USD 333.3 million) based on the previous market closing price.
• Currently, ICICI Bank holds around 53% of ICICI Prudential AMC, while Prudential Corporation holds approximately 59%.
• The combined promoter and promoter-group shareholding in ICICI Prudential AMC currently stands at around 6%.
• After the proposed stake sale, the combined promoter shareholding is expected to decline from 6% to 85.6%, thereby increasing the company’s public shareholding.
• The stake sale is aimed at helping ICICI Prudential AMC comply with India’s Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) requirement of 15%.
• ICICI Prudential AMC was listed through its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on 19 December 2025.
• Under Indian regulations, companies that list with less than 15% public shareholding are required to increase their public float to at least 15% within five years.
• Such companies have 10 years to increase their public shareholding to 25%.

Government Announces Sale of Up to 6% Stake in Hindustan Copper Through Offer for Sale

• The Government of India announced the sale of up to 6% stake in Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) through an Offer for Sale (OFS).
• The base offer under the OFS involved 3% equity, with an additional 3% stake available through the Green Shoe Option.
• The OFS was opened for non-retail investors on 25 August 2026 and for retail investors on 26 August 2026.
• The HCL OFS received strong investor demand and was oversubscribed on both days.
• Before the stake sale, the Government of India held 14% shareholding in Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), and the OFS further reduced the government’s ownership.
• Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) is a Schedule ‘A’ Mini-Ratna, Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines.
• HCL was incorporated in 1967 and is India’s only company engaged in copper ore mining with operating copper mining leases.
• HCL operates major copper mines at Malanjkhand in Madhya Pradesh, Khetri in Rajasthan, and Ghatsila in Jharkhand.
• HCL also has smelting, refining and copper wire-rod facilities located in Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Chinese Humanoid Robot Ro-But Beats Human 100m World Record with 9.39-Second Sprint

• China’s World Humanoid Robot Games 2026 were held in Beijing, showcasing China’s rapid progress in advanced humanoid robotics.
• A humanoid robot set a new 100-metre sprint record of 86 seconds, improving on the previous robot record of 9.39 seconds.
• The new 86-second robot record is faster than the human 100-metre world record of 9.58 seconds, set by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in 2009.
• In the standing high jump, a humanoid robot achieved 88 metres, surpassing the previous humanoid record of 0.95 metres and the human world record of 2.45 metres, set by Cuba’s Javier Sotomayor in 1993.
• Both the 100-metre sprint and standing high-jump record-breaking robots were developed by Beijing-based X-Humanoid.
• Before the Games, a humanoid robot from Chinese smartphone company Honor reportedly completed a 100-metre sprint in 32 seconds, reaching a peak speed of 14.5 metres per second.
• The second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games features more than 2,000 robots competing across 51 events, including running, long jump, table tennis, football and ballroom dancing.
• The five-day event includes more than 1,000 competitions, highlighting the growing capabilities of humanoid robots in sports and other activities.
• The Games are being held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, a venue built for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
• The event coincided with the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, where companies showcased around 3,000 robotics products, including humanoid robots.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Sign Agreement to Jointly Develop and Manufacture Next-Generation Helicopter Engine

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France-based Safran Helicopter Engines signed a final contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply and provide lifecycle support for the next-generation Aravalli helicopter engine.
• The Aravalli engine programme will be implemented through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines.
• The Aravalli is a 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) turboshaft engine selected to power HAL’s 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
• The design and development of the Aravalli engine is expected to be completed by 2032–33, subject to the required Acceptance of Necessity (AON) and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
• The Aravalli engine will be jointly developed on a 50:50 basis and manufactured by SAFHAL at Tumakuru, Karnataka.
• The programme marks a shift from licensed production to joint development of a high-power helicopter engine, strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace propulsion capabilities.
• Through the programme, HAL will gain access to critical engine technologies such as the High-Pressure Compressor, power turbine, fuel and oil systems, accessory gearbox and engine external systems.
• Indian engineers will work alongside Safran engineers, providing exposure to international engine-design methodologies, testing practices and certification requirements.
• The Aravalli programme will help India develop expertise and intellectual property in aero-engine design, supporting future indigenous aero-engine development programmes.
• The programme is expected to create opportunities for the Indian aerospace industry in advanced manufacturing, including raw materials, precision machining and castings.
• The programme will also support the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India.
• The IMRH and DBMRH have potential applications beyond military use, including offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport, creating future opportunities in the civil aerospace sector.
• The Aravalli programme is a major step towards India’s long-term capability to design, develop and manufacture advanced helicopter engines and strengthens the technological foundation for future-generation rotorcraft programmes.

About HAL :

• Founded : 22 December 1940
• Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Chairman & Managing Director : D. K. Sunil
• HAL is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Defence Production (DOPD), Ministry of Defence (MoD), specializing in the manufacturing of engines, communication equipment, navigation systems, display systems, hydraulic systems, and other aerospace and defence equipment.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the book ‘Kaho Kalidasa!

• Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched and participated in a discussion on the book ‘Kaho Kalidasa!’, authored by Yugul Joshi and published by Manjul Publishing House.
• The event was organised by the Kala Nidhi Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) at the Samvet Auditorium, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• The book explores various dimensions of Kalidasa’s life and literary works, including love, separation, responsibility, nature and female characters.
• The title ‘Kaho Kalidasa!’ is presented as an intimate dialogue with the ancient poet, connecting his literary world with contemporary readers.
• Author Yugul Joshi highlighted the enduring cultural significance of Kalidasa and noted that different regions, including Mithila, Ujjain and Uttarakhand, have strong associations with the poet.
• The book launch brought together personalities from literature, art, culture and academia, underlining Kalidasa’s continuing relevance in Indian cultural heritage.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Sports Day 2026 is observed annually on 29 August

• National Sports Day (Rashtriya Khel Divas) is observed annually on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
• India officially began observing National Sports Day in 2012 to honour Major Dhyan Chand and promote awareness about the importance of sports, physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
• Major Dhyan Chand is widely regarded as one of the greatest field hockey players in history. His career contributed significantly to India's dominance in international hockey.
• India won the Olympic field hockey gold medal in 7 of the 8 Olympic Games held between 1928 and 1964, highlighting the country's historic dominance in the sport.
• On National Sports Day, the President of India presents major sporting honours, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Awards, to outstanding sportspersons.
• National Sports Day 2026 is being observed from 28 to 30 August 2026 as a three-day nationwide campaign themed “Tribute, Play, and Move”.
• The 2026 campaign focuses on fitness, sports participation, youth engagement and community involvement, while commemorating Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary on 29 August.
• BRIC-IBSD, Imphal, inaugurated its National Sports Day 2026 celebrations with a floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand.
• BRIC-IBSD: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council – Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development.
• The inaugural programme was attended by Sanggai Ibemhal, Hockey Coach, Sports Authority of India (SAI), North Eastern Regional Centre (NERC), Imphal, as the Chief Guest.
• The celebrations at Imphal are being conducted under the national slogan “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat”.
• 28 August: Activities included the Fit India Pledge, distribution of sports uniforms and competitions such as Badminton, Table Tennis, Blind Hit and Spoon Race.
• 29 August: Competitions include Football, Tug of War and Musical Chair at the Sports Authority of India Complex, Imphal, followed by prize distribution.
• 30 August: The celebrations will conclude with a “Sundays on Cycle” bicycle rally, promoting physical activity and community participation.

Daily CA One- Liner: August 30 & 31

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission Portal and unveiled the Uttar Pradesh Startup Policy 2026 to strengthen the state’s startup, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
• The Uttar Pradesh Government, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved the “Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana” to provide lifelong free bus travel to women aged 60 years and above across the state
• A new Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant was inaugurated at Vinchhiwadi in Dhanera taluka, Banaskantha district, Gujarat
• Hindalco Industries, an Aditya Birla Group company, has commissioned a greenfield Superfine Precipitated Aluminium Trihydrate (PPT ATH) manufacturing plant in Karnataka
• The National Shipping Board (NSB) organised its first ‘Sagar Samvad’ in New Delhi to discuss the roadmap for Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.
• Samtel HAL Display Systems Limited (SHDS), a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Samtel Avionics, inaugurated a new manufacturing facility at Udyog Vihar, Phase IV, Gurugram, Haryana
• Mizoram has declared 79 monuments and archaeological sites as State Protected Monuments under the Mizoram Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2001
• The Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, received 7 awards at the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) Awards for Excellence in Book Production 2026
• The Government of Andhra Pradesh and the United Kingdom (UK) signed a government-to-Government (G2G) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform Amaravati into a world-class smart city and strengthen urban infrastructure across the state
• Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched and participated in a discussion on the book ‘Kaho Kalidasa!’, authored by Yugul Joshi and published by Manjul Publishing House
• National Sports Day (Rashtriya Khel Divas) is observed annually on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
• India attracted gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows of USD 30.7 billion during April–June 2026, the highest quarterly gross FDI inflow in at least 15 years.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched “UPI Global Reverse Acceptance”, also referred to as “UPI Global QR Payments”, to enable international visitors to make digital payments to Indian merchants.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) relaxed access norms for its dollar-rupee swap facility linked to Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) [FCNR(B)] deposits.
• India is set to launch tokenised corporate bonds as a pilot project to test whether blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) can make bond issuance and settlement faster, more transparent and efficient.
• NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and NaBFID (National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen financing support for rural infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
• India and Singapore discussed expanding cooperation in capital markets, particularly through the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Singapore Exchange (SGX), to strengthen financial-market connectivity.
• India’s overall trade deficit widened 5% year-on-year (YoY) to USD 15.03 billion in July 2026, compared with USD 11.43 billion in July 2025, as imports grew faster than exports.
• The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) designated the 140-year-old Parichha Weir (Parichha Dam) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS).
• Yuko Keicho, a Japanese national, has been appointed as Vice President (VP) and Auditor General of the World Bank Group.
• Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury, currently an Additional Judge of the Calcutta High Court, was elevated as a Permanent Judge of the Calcutta High Court.
• ‘Samarthak’, the first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) of the Indian Navy, was delivered on 27 August 2026.
• The Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), discovered a new sunflower-family plant species named ‘Doronicum sanctum’.
• Prudential Plc, a London-based British insurer, plans to sell up to a 2% stake in ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (ICICI Prudential AMC) through an open-market sale on 27 August 2026.
• The Government of India announced the sale of up to 6% stake in Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) through an Offer for Sale (OFS).
• China’s World Humanoid Robot Games 2026 were held in Beijing, showcasing China’s rapid progress in advanced humanoid robotics.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France-based Safran Helicopter Engines signed a final contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply and provide lifecycle support for the next-generation Aravalli helicopter engine.