PMAY-Urban crosses 1.25 crore sanctioned houses milestone.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reviewed additional housing proposals in the 8th Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee meeting on 6 August 2026. PMAY-Urban and PMAY-U 2.0 have now sanctioned over 1.25 crore houses, with one crore completed and delivered to urban beneficiaries.
Key Highlights:
• More than 1.25 crore houses have been sanctioned under PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0.
• One crore completed houses have been delivered to urban beneficiaries.
• One crore houses have been allotted to women through sole or joint ownership.
• The 8th CSMC approved 2.09 lakh EWS houses across 16 States and Union Territories.
• Women beneficiaries received 2.03 lakh houses from the latest sanction.
• The latest allocation includes 75,511 OBC, 21,954 SC and 14,252 ST beneficiary houses.
• Beneficiary Led Construction received approval for 1.42 lakh houses with assistance up to ?2.5 lakh each.
• Affordable Housing in Partnership received approval for 67,045 houses through public and private agencies.
Additional Information:
• PMAY-Urban was launched in June 2015 with the vision of Housing for All.
• The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• PMAY-U includes Interest Subsidy Scheme and Affordable Rental Housing verticals.
RBI retains Tata Sons in upper-layer NBFC list.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Reserve Bank of India updated its Upper-Layer NBFC list on 6 August 2026 and retained Tata Sons while its application to surrender NBFC-CIC registration remains under examination. The total number of Upper-Layer NBFCs has increased to 17.
Key Highlights:
• The NBFC-UL list now contains 17 entities, compared with 15 in January 2025.
• New entities include PFC, REC, IRFC, PNB Housing Finance and Sammaan Capital.
• Private NBFC-ULs must list on stock exchanges within three years of classification.
• NBFCs remain subject to enhanced regulation for at least five years after upper-layer classification.
• Tata Sons had standalone assets of ?1.75 lakh crore as of March 2026.
• Tata Sons had consolidated assets of approximately ?6 lakh crore.
• Tata Sons repaid all debt by March 2024 to avoid mandatory listing deadline of September 2025.
• NBFCs are identified for upper layer based on an asset threshold of ?1 lakh crore.
Additional Information:
• Government-owned NBFC-UL entities are exempt from mandatory listing requirements.
• RBI reviews the ?1 lakh crore upper-layer asset threshold every three years.
• Scale Based Regulation categorises NBFCs into Base, Middle, Upper and Top layers.
RBI extends loan recovery directions deadline to January 2027.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Reserve Bank of India extended the implementation deadline for revised loan recovery directions and recovery-agent engagement norms to 1 January 2027. The extension gives regulated entities additional time to complete technical and operational changes.
Key Highlights:
• The revised loan recovery directions will take effect on 1 January 2027.
• The earlier proposed implementation date was 1 October 2026.
• Existing recovery agents have one year to obtain IIBF certification.
• New recovery agents must obtain certification before contacting borrowers.
• Lenders cannot lock financed mobile devices until loans are overdue for 30 days.
• Full device restrictions are allowed only after loans become overdue for 60 days.
• Incoming calls, SMS and emergency SOS functions cannot be disabled.
• Lenders must update empanelled recovery agency lists within seven calendar days of any change.
Additional Information:
• The directions do not apply to lenders' own employees, periodic instalment collectors or court-representing law firms.
• IIBF was established in 1928 as a professional body for banking and financial sector.
• SARFAESI Act, 2002 enables recovery of NPAs without court intervention.
8th India-US Naval EOD Exercise begins in Kochi.
Dated: 12 August 2026
The 8th India-US Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise commenced at Southern Naval Command in Kochi on 10 August 2026. The five-day exercise will improve interoperability and professional coordination between specialist diving and EOD teams of both navies.
Key Highlights:
• The bilateral EOD exercise will be conducted from 10 to 14 August 2026.
• The exercise is being held at Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
• The exercise will strengthen interoperability between Indian Navy and US Navy specialist teams.
• Subject matter experts will exchange operational concepts and contemporary EOD methods.
• The exercise includes cross-training sessions and equipment demonstrations.
• Practical scenario-based exercises will test operational employment approaches.
• The exercise will facilitate sharing of emerging technologies and operational best practices.
Additional Information:
• India-US joint salvage and EOD exercises were first initiated in 2005.
• Southern Naval Command is one of the three command-level formations of Indian Navy.
• Southern Naval Command is headquartered in Kochi and functions as the Indian Navy's primary Training Command.
Basant Meghwal wins India's first U20 World high jump medal.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Basant Kumar Meghwal became the first Indian athlete to win a high jump medal at World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on 8 August 2026. He won silver after clearing a personal-best height of 2.21 metres.
Key Highlights:
• Basant Meghwal won silver medal in men's high jump with a personal best of 2.21 metres.
• He became India's first medallist in high jump at a global U20 athletics event.
• Gold medallist Younes Ayachi of Algeria also cleared 2.21 metres in first attempt.
• Basant Meghwal cleared 2.21 metres in the second attempt and won silver on countback rules.
• Otis Poole of Great Britain cleared the same height in third attempt and won bronze.
• Basant had also won gold medal at Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong earlier in 2026.
• He represents Indian Navy after joining through sports quota entry.
Additional Information:
• Basant Kumar Meghwal belongs to Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan.
• World Athletics U20 Championships is a biennial global competition for athletes under 20 years of age.
• The championship was formerly known as World Junior Championships in Athletics.
NBA disburses ?3.79 crore under Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism.
Dated: 12 August 2026
National Biodiversity Authority disbursed ?3.79 crore on 9 August 2026 under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism to 33 State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils. The funds are intended for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development of local communities.
Key Highlights:
• NBA disbursed ?3.79 crore to 33 State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
• The cumulative Access and Benefit Sharing disbursements by NBA have crossed ?166 crore.
• Madhya Pradesh received the highest allocation of ?46.93 lakh.
• West Bengal and Odisha received ?44.76 lakh and ?44.08 lakh respectively.
• Andhra Pradesh received ?29.21 lakh, Chhattisgarh received ?18.49 lakh and Maharashtra received ?16.15 lakh.
• Tomato and chilli genetic resources accounted for ?86.56 lakh and ?83.76 lakh respectively.
• Advanta Enterprises Limited contributed ?1.48 crore for accessing vegetable and oilseed germplasm.
• The funds will support People's Biodiversity Registers and Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
Additional Information:
• Access and Benefit Sharing is implemented under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• It ensures equitable sharing of benefits derived from commercial use of biological resources.
• The mechanism supports the Nagoya Protocol and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
CCI hosts BRICS Heads of Competition Authorities meeting in Udaipur.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Competition Commission of India organised the Meeting of Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on 8 August 2026 under India's BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in competition law and policy, including renewable energy markets.
Key Highlights:
• The meeting was hosted by Competition Commission of India in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• The event took place under India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
• CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur delivered the inaugural address.
• The authorities adopted a Joint Statement on strengthening cooperation to promote fair competition, including in renewable energy markets.
• A report titled Emerging Competition Landscape in the Renewable Energy Sector in BRICS was presented.
• The report identified areas for future cooperation among BRICS competition authorities.
• Brazil will host the 10th BRICS International Competition Conference in 2027.
• Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense will organise the 2027 conference.
Additional Information:
• CCI is a statutory body established under the Competition Act, 2002.
• CCI became fully functional in May 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• BRICS was formalised in 2006, while its first summit was held in 2009 at Yekaterinburg, Russia.
• South Africa joined BRIC in 2010, forming BRICS.
SBI Life partners with J&K Bank for insurance solutions.
Dated: 12 August 2026
SBI Life Insurance and J&K Bank entered into a strategic corporate agency partnership on 6 August 2026 to distribute life-insurance products across India. The partnership will use J&K Bank's branch network to expand insurance access, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Key Highlights:
• SBI Life Insurance and J&K Bank signed a strategic corporate agency agreement.
• The tie-up will distribute SBI Life insurance products across India.
• More than 1,000 J&K Bank branches will offer insurance services.
• The partnership focuses on Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and other pan-India locations.
• The product portfolio includes protection, savings, retirement and child plans.
• The partnership seeks to improve financial literacy and insurance penetration.
• The agreement was signed by Budhaditya Banerjee of SBI Life and Masood Ahmad Lankar of J&K Bank.
• The partnership aligns with IRDAI's objective of Insurance for All by 2047.
Additional Information:
• A corporate agency partnership allows an insurer to distribute products through a corporate agent such as a bank.
• The partnership is intended to widen access to life-insurance products through the bank's distribution network.
India achieves 300 GW non-fossil fuel power capacity.
Dated: 12 August 2026
India crossed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity on 31 July 2026, achieving over 60 percent of its 500 GW target for 2030. The milestone reflects rapid expansion of solar, wind, hydro, bio-power and nuclear capacity.
Key Highlights:
• India's non-fossil electricity capacity reached 300.50 GW.
• This capacity accounts for over 54 percent of India's total 552 GW power capacity.
• Solar capacity reached 164.59 GW, rising from 2.8 GW in 2014.
• Wind capacity reached 58.14 GW, rising from 21 GW in 2014.
• Hydro capacity reached 57.24 GW, including large and small hydro projects.
• Bio-power and nuclear power capacities reached 11.75 GW and 8.78 GW respectively.
• India added a record 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity during 2025-26.
• Solar module capacity under ALMM reached 200 GW, up from 2.3 GW in 2014.
Additional Information:
• India aims to achieve 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under Panchamrit commitments.
• India aims to meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
• India has committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
India successfully test-fires Agni-4 ballistic missile in Odisha.
Dated: 12 August 2026
India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, on 7 August 2026.
Key Highlights:
• The Agni-4 test was conducted from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
• The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
• The launch validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile system.
• The mission strengthens India's strategic deterrence capability.
• Agni-4 was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Additional Information:
• DRDO was established in 1958 and functions under the Ministry of Defence.
• Strategic Forces Command was established in January 2003 and forms part of India's Nuclear Command Authority.
• Integrated Test Range at Chandipur evaluates missiles, rockets and airborne weapon systems.
Shah Rukh Khan tops Kroll's 2025 Celebrity Brand Value Rankings.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Shah Rukh Khan emerged as India's most valuable celebrity brand in Kroll's 2025 Celebrity Brand Value Rankings, released on 5 August 2026, with a value of USD 177.9 million.
Key Highlights:
• Shah Rukh Khan ranked first with a brand value of USD 177.9 million.
• Ranveer Singh retained second place with USD 162.9 million.
• Virat Kohli ranked third with USD 158.4 million.
• Sachin Tendulkar and M.S. Dhoni ranked fourth and fifth respectively.
• Alia Bhatt was the highest-ranked female celebrity at sixth place with USD 93.9 million.
• The combined value of India's top 25 celebrity brands was USD 2 billion.
• Digital endorsements account for 60 to 75 percent of brand associations for leading celebrities.
Additional Information:
• Kroll is a global provider of risk and financial advisory solutions.
• Kroll annually values Bollywood celebrities and Indian sports icons using endorsement portfolios and social-media presence.
• Kroll is headquartered in New York, United States.
Indian Bank launches Unified MSME Portal and sanctions ?500 crore in loans.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Indian Bank approved nearly ?500 crore in MSME loans and launched the Unified MSME Portal on 10 August 2026 during its 120th Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Key Highlights:
• Indian Bank approved nearly ?500 crore in MSME loans.
• Sanction letters were distributed to 128 beneficiaries.
• The bank mobilised credit proposals worth ?1,250 crore for future growth.
• The Unified MSME Portal provides an integrated digital banking experience to MSME customers.
• The event was led by Binod Kumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indian Bank.
• Foundation Day activities included mega loan melas, CSR initiatives and digital-banking programmes.
Additional Information:
• Indian Bank was established on 15 August 1907 during the Swadeshi movement.
• The bank is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Allahabad Bank merged into Indian Bank with effect from 1 April 2020.
R Praggnanandhaa wins maiden Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz title.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz championship on 7 August 2026 with 23.5 points.
Key Highlights:
• Praggnanandhaa won the title with 23.5 points.
• Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan finished second with 22 points.
• Wesley So of the United States finished third with 20.5 points.
• Praggnanandhaa scored 11.5 points out of 18 in the blitz section.
• He sealed the title with one round remaining and lost only one blitz game.
• The victory moved him to second place in the overall Grand Chess Tour standings.
Additional Information:
• Grand Chess Tour is an international chess circuit established in 2015.
• R Praggnanandhaa belongs to Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• He became a Grandmaster in 2018 at the age of 12.
England fast bowler John Turner retires from professional cricket.
Dated: 12 August 2026
England and Hampshire fast bowler John Turner announced retirement from all professional cricket on 6 August 2026 at the age of 25 because of persistent back stress fractures.
Key Highlights:
• John Turner retired from all professional cricket at the age of 25.
• He cited persistent back stress fractures as the reason for retirement.
• He represented England in four international matches during the 2024 West Indies tour.
• His international career included two ODIs and two T20Is.
• He took three wickets in international cricket.
• Turner represented Hampshire County Cricket Club from 2021.
• He received his first England call-up in 2023 after strong performances in The Hundred.
Additional Information:
• England and Wales Cricket Board is the governing body of cricket in England and Wales.
• ECB was established on 1 January 1997 and is headquartered at Lord's Cricket Ground, London.
• Hampshire County Cricket Club was established in 1863 and plays home matches at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Puducherry Police awarded President's Colours.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police on 9 August 2026. The award is the highest recognition conferred on a disciplined force for bravery and service.
Key Highlights:
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented President's Colours to Puducherry Police.
• The award ceremony was held on 9 August 2026.
• President's Colours is the most prestigious recognition for a disciplined force.
• The recognition honours bravery and distinguished service.
Additional Information:
• The post of Director General of Police in Puducherry was established on 1 October 1963.
• Puducherry Police maintains law and order across four geographically separated regions.
• Puducherry remained under French rule for a long period before integration with India.
India dispatches 8 MT essential medicines to Bolivia.
Dated: 12 August 2026
India dispatched a humanitarian consignment of 8 metric tonnes of life-saving and essential medicines to Bolivia on 10 August 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs coordinated the assistance to support Bolivia's public healthcare capacity.
Key Highlights:
• India dispatched 8 metric tonnes of life-saving and essential medicines to Bolivia.
• The medical aid aims to strengthen Bolivia's public healthcare capacity.
• The initiative reflects India's commitment to South-South cooperation and solidarity.
• The consignment was coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Additional Information:
• Bolivia has Sucre as its constitutional capital and La Paz as its executive and administrative capital.
• The currency of Bolivia is Boliviano.
• Bolivia is one of the two landlocked countries of South America.
• The Ministry of External Affairs is headquartered at South Block, New Delhi.
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples observed on 9 August.
Dated: 12 August 2026
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed globally on 9 August 2026 to promote and protect the rights of indigenous populations. The day commemorates the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held in 1982.
Key Highlights:
• The day is observed annually on 9 August.
• It promotes protection of the rights of indigenous populations across the world.
• The United Nations General Assembly officially declared the observance in December 1994.
• The date marks the first 1982 meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations.
Additional Information:
• UN General Assembly was established in 1945 as the main policy-making organ of the UN.
• UN General Assembly is headquartered in New York, United States.
• The UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations held its inaugural session in Geneva in 1982.
World Lion Day observed annually on 10 August.
Dated: 12 August 2026
World Lion Day was observed on 10 August 2026 to spread awareness about conserving African and Asiatic lion populations and their habitats. The observance highlights threats from habitat loss and poaching.
Key Highlights:
• World Lion Day is observed annually on 10 August.
• The day was first launched in 2013.
• It promotes lion conservation and raises awareness of habitat loss and poaching.
• Lions are apex predators that help maintain ecological balance by controlling prey populations.
• They help maintain healthy grassland and forest ecosystems.
Additional Information:
• Asiatic lions are naturally restricted to Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
• Asiatic lions are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• African lions are mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa and listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.
• Lions receive Schedule I protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in India.
Rahul Navin gets one-year extension as Enforcement Directorate Director.
Dated: 12 August 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a one-year extension for Rahul Navin as Director of the Enforcement Directorate on 9 August 2026. His tenure will run until 13 August 2027, subject to further orders.
Key Highlights:
• Rahul Navin received a one-year extension as Director of Enforcement Directorate.
• The extension is effective beyond 13 August 2026.
• His tenure will continue until 13 August 2027 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• The extension allows continuation beyond his scheduled superannuation date of 31 July 2027.
• The order was issued through the Department of Personnel and Training.
Additional Information:
• Enforcement Directorate was established on 1 May 1956 as an Enforcement Unit in Department of Economic Affairs.
• ED is headquartered in New Delhi and functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• ED enforces the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
Ludhiana launches Maitri Sanskar Value Education pilot programme.
Dated: 12 August 2026
Ludhiana District Administration launched the Maitri Sanskar Value Education Programme on 10 August 2026 as a three-year pilot in 12 government schools. The programme promotes ethical values and life skills through child-centric classroom activities.
Key Highlights:
• The programme is a three-year pilot initiative in 12 government schools.
• It is implemented by Ludhiana District Administration with MaitriBodh Parivaar Charitable Trust.
• The programme promotes integrity, compassion, responsibility and respect among students.
• Classroom delivery uses student workbooks, experiential activities and storytelling.
• Teacher training focuses on child-centric pedagogy and academic mentoring.
• Continuous assessment and classroom support will track emotional well-being and life skills.
Additional Information:
• Ludhiana is located in Punjab and is known as the Manchester of India due to its industrial prominence.
• National Education Policy 2020 focuses on cognitive development, ethical values, holistic education and life skills.
India donates five peacocks to UN Geneva, reviving diplomatic tradition.
Dated: 12 August 2026
India formally handed over five Indian peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva on 7 August 2026. The donation revives a diplomatic tradition initiated in 1981 and promotes biodiversity awareness.
Key Highlights:
• India donated five young peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva.
• The group includes four blue peafowl and one rare white-feathered male.
• The blue and white colours reflect the official colours of the United Nations.
• Arindam Bagchi, India's Permanent Representative to UN Geneva, led the handover ceremony.
• Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UNOG, received the birds.
• The peacocks will be housed in Ariana Park in Geneva and cared for by Geneva Bioparc zoo staff.
• The donation revives a tradition started in 1981 when Indira Gandhi donated a breeding pair from Delhi Zoo.
Additional Information:
• Ariana Park was bequeathed to Geneva in 1890 by Swiss archaeologist Gustave Revilliod.
• UNOG is the second-largest of the four major United Nations office sites and is housed in Palais des Nations, Switzerland.
• Indian peacock was declared India's National Bird in 1963 and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.