IN-SPACe approves India first fully commercial Earth observation satellite constellation.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre approved an agreement with Allied Orbits Private Limited to establish India first indigenous fully commercial Earth observation satellite constellation. The consortium will invest over Rs 1,200 crore and operationalise the project by 2029.

Key Highlights:
•   IN-SPACe approved India first indigenous fully commercial Earth observation satellite constellation.
•   The consortium is named Allied Orbits Private Limited.
•   It is led by Pixxel Space India and includes Dhruva Space, PierSight Space and Satsure Analytics India.
•   The consortium will invest over Rs 1,200 crore in the project.
•   The satellite constellation is targeted to become operational by 2029.
•   It will include 12 domestically manufactured satellites.
•   The constellation includes optical, multispectral, hyperspectral and Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites.
•   The project follows a Public-Private Partnership model where consortium will design, build, own and operate it.

Additional Information:
•   IN-SPACe stands for Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre.
•   IN-SPACe was established in 2020 to facilitate private-sector participation in space sector.
•   It is an autonomous single-window agency under Department of Space.
•   IN-SPACe headquarters is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
•   Department of Space was established in 1972 and reports directly to Prime Minister.

15th India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise Maitri-XV commences in Thailand.

Dated: 19 August 2026

The 15th edition of India-Thailand joint military exercise Maitri-XV is being conducted from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The exercise focuses on jungle and semi-urban operations, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism training.

Key Highlights:
•   Exercise Maitri-XV is being conducted from 18 to 31 August 2026.
•   The venue is Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand.
•   Indian Army is represented mainly by personnel of 9th Gorkha Rifles.
•   Royal Thai Army is represented by 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
•   Eighty-five personnel are participating from each side.
•   Training covers military operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain.
•   The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, modern equipment and joint tactical techniques.

Additional Information:
•   Exercise Maitri began in 2006.
•   It is an annual bilateral exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army.
•   The 14th edition was held in September 2025 at Umroi, Meghalaya.
•   The objective is to improve interoperability and coordination between the two armies.

India first wheelchair-borne General Sunil Kumar Razdan passes away.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Indian Army mourned the demise of Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan, India first wheelchair-borne General, on 13 August 2026. He overcame paralysis below the waist caused by spinal injuries and became the first wheelchair-borne officer to attain the rank of Major General in Indian Army.

Key Highlights:
•   Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan was India first wheelchair-borne General.
•   He served in 7th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment, known as 7 PARA SF.
•   In 1994, he led a counter-terrorist mission in Jammu and Kashmir to rescue young women held hostage.
•   He received Kirti Chakra for his actions in the 1994 operation.
•   He also received Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of high order.
•   He overcame paralysis below the waist caused by spinal injuries.
•   He became the first wheelchair-borne officer to reach rank of Major General in Indian Army.

Additional Information:
•   Kirti Chakra was established as Ashoka Chakra Class II in 1952 and renamed in 1967.
•   Kirti Chakra is India second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
•   7 PARA SF is a specialised Special Forces battalion under Parachute Regiment.
•   HQ Integrated Defence Staff was created in 2001 on recommendations of Kargil Review Committee.
•   HQ IDS is headquartered in New Delhi.

Karnataka approves Sandhya Kiran cashless healthcare scheme for pensioners.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Karnataka Cabinet approved Sandhya Kiran cashless healthcare scheme on 14 August 2026 to provide medical and financial security to state government pensioners and their families. The scheme provides cashless treatment cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year at empanelled hospitals.

Key Highlights:
•   Sandhya Kiran scheme covers state government pensioners and their families.
•   Initially, it covers about 4.93 lakh individuals.
•   It includes 3.11 lakh state government pensioners below 70 years, family pensioners and eligible dependents.
•   The scheme provides cashless treatment cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on family-floater basis.
•   Treatment will be available at empanelled hospitals for secondary, tertiary and emergency care.
•   Service pensioners will contribute 1.25 percent of basic pension.
•   Family pensioners will contribute 0.75 percent of basic family pension.
•   The scheme is formulated under Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka regulations.

Additional Information:
•   Sandhya Kiran is managed by Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust.
•   The Trust handles registration, claims and hospital administration.
•   Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust is a Special Purpose Vehicle under Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Department.
•   The Trust is headquartered in Bengaluru.
•   Karnataka was formed as Mysore State on 1 November 1956 and renamed Karnataka in 1973.

SEBI proposes mandatory colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Securities and Exchange Board of India proposed a mandatory colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter on 14 August 2026 to help investors assess credit risk in debt securities. The proposed meter has six colour-coded levels ranging from lowest credit risk to high risk of default.

Key Highlights:
•   SEBI proposed mandatory Credit Risk-o-Meter for debt securities.
•   The meter has six colour-coded levels of credit and default risk.
•   Irish Green represents lowest credit risk.
•   Chartreuse represents very low risk and Neon Yellow represents low risk.
•   Caramel represents moderate risk and Dark Orange represents moderate risk of default.
•   Red represents high to very high risk of default.
•   Issuers and Online Bond Platform Providers must display meter in offer documents, advertisements and mobile platforms.
•   If multiple credit ratings exist, the lowest rating will be displayed.
•   Unsecured debt instruments must be disclosed prominently in bold red text below meter.

Additional Information:
•   SEBI sought public feedback on proposal by 3 September 2026.
•   SEBI was established as non-statutory body on 12 April 1988.
•   It became statutory body in 1992 under SEBI Act, 1992.
•   SEBI headquarters is in Mumbai.
•   Debt securities include bonds, debentures and commercial papers.

AkinAnalytics launches indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Agricultural Drone.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone in New Delhi on 17 August 2026. The drone was designed and built by Hyderabad-based women-led DeepTech and Defence technology startup AkinAnalytics.

Key Highlights:
•   NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone was launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
•   It was designed and built by Hyderabad-based AkinAnalytics.
•   The drone has 16-litre spraying payload for liquid applications.
•   It has 12-litre spreading payload for solid and granular distribution.
•   Payload-change mechanism allows one drone to perform multiple agricultural tasks.
•   It has terrain-following capability for uneven landscapes and sloping plantations.
•   It is enabled for night operations and has automated fail-safe features.
•   It can be used for aquaculture feed distribution, agricultural spraying and spreading.
•   It uses AI-Augmented Drone Analytics Platform and Digital Twin technologies for inspection and monitoring.

Additional Information:
•   AkinAnalytics is a women-led Indian startup specialising in DeepTech and Defence Technology.
•   AkinAnalytics headquarters is in Hyderabad, Telangana.
•   Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is headquartered at Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.
•   The ministry formulates and administers laws and policies related to agriculture in India.

Anurag Jain assumes charge as new CEO of NITI Aayog.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Senior IAS officer Anurag Jain assumed charge as Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog on 17 August 2026. His appointment was approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for a tenure of two years or until further orders.

Key Highlights:
•   Anurag Jain assumed charge as CEO of NITI Aayog on 17 August 2026.
•   His appointment was approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
•   His tenure is fixed for two years or until further orders.
•   He is a 1989-batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.
•   He has experience in administration, governance and infrastructure development.
•   He earlier served as Secretary in DPIIT.
•   He also served as Secretary in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and as Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.

Additional Information:
•   NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015 to replace Planning Commission.
•   Prime Minister is ex-officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
•   NITI Aayog is Government of India premier policy think tank.
•   NITI Aayog headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   CEO of NITI Aayog holds rank equivalent to Secretary to Government of India.

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth visits Nepal.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth undertook a three-day official visit to Nepal from 17 to 19 August 2026 to strengthen bilateral military ties and strategic cooperation. During the visit, Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel conferred on him the Honorary Rank of General of Nepali Army.

Key Highlights:
•   General Dhiraj Seth visited Nepal from 17 to 19 August 2026.
•   The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral military ties and strategic cooperation.
•   Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel conferred Honorary Rank of General of Nepali Army on him.
•   He received Guard of Honour at Nepali Army Headquarters in Kathmandu.
•   He laid a wreath at Army Pavilion in Tundikhel.
•   He addressed student officers at Army Command and Staff Course in Shivapuri.
•   He attended Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara and interacted with veterans.
•   India and Nepal follow a tradition of conferring Honorary General rank upon each other Army Chiefs.

Additional Information:
•   Capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
•   Currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee.
•   President of Nepal is Ram Chandra Paudel.
•   India and Nepal share historical and cultural ties known as Roti Beti Ka Rishta.
•   Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya are major civilisational corridors between India and Nepal.

India leases two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for Indian Navy.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 1,943 crore contract with United States-based General Atomics on 17 August 2026 to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for Indian Navy. The lease will cover operation of two aircraft for 30 months to strengthen maritime surveillance in Indian Ocean Region.

Key Highlights:
•   India signed Rs 1,943 crore contract to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones.
•   The contract is with United States-based General Atomics.
•   The lease period is 30 months.
•   The drones will be operated by Indian Navy.
•   MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a High-Altitude Long-Endurance remotely piloted aircraft system.
•   It has advanced sensors and payloads for Maritime Domain Awareness.
•   The drones will provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage over Indian Ocean Region.

Additional Information:
•   General Atomics was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in San Diego, California, USA.
•   General Atomics designs Predator and Reaper drone series.
•   MQ-9B Sea Guardian is maritime variant of MQ-9 Reaper drone.
•   It is designed for long-range, high-altitude maritime and coastal surveillance.
•   India is first non-NATO member offered armed version of this platform.

India hosts BRICS ICT Track 2026 in Pune.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Department of Telecommunications is organising BRICS ICT Track in Pune from 17 to 21 August 2026 under India BRICS Chairship. The track is being held under theme Innovate, Cooperate and Transform for a Resilient Future.

Key Highlights:
•   BRICS ICT Track is being organised in Pune from 17 to 21 August 2026.
•   The theme is Innovate, Cooperate and Transform for a Resilient Future.
•   The 7th Meeting of BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs will be held from 17 to 19 August 2026.
•   Digital BRICS Forum and Expo will be held on 20 August 2026.
•   12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting will be held on 21 August 2026.
•   The ministerial meeting will be led by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
•   Priority sectors include AI innovation, startups, Digital Public Infrastructure, next-generation communication, cybersecurity and child online protection.
•   Eleven emerging economies are participating in the track.

Additional Information:
•   Department of Telecommunications works under Ministry of Communications.
•   DoT handles policy, licensing and coordination for telegraphs, telephones and wireless communication.
•   DoT headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   BRICS represents approximately 40 percent of global population.
•   BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Meine Electric pilots indigenous iron-air battery at NTPC Simhadri.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Deep-tech startup Meine Electric launched a utility-scale pilot of indigenous iron-air battery technology at NTPC Simhadri Thermal Power Station on 17 August 2026. The project is executed by Atal Incubation Centre-Anna University with Meine Electric as technology partner.

Key Highlights:
•   Meine Electric launched iron-air battery pilot at NTPC Simhadri Thermal Power Station.
•   Atal Incubation Centre-Anna University is executing the project with Meine Electric as technology partner.
•   The battery uses fast-charge and long-discharge mechanism.
•   It follows a six-hour charging cycle and an 18-hour discharge cycle.
•   The pilot will assess technical performance and operational reliability in real utility conditions.
•   The project supports Long-Duration Energy Storage for 24x7 clean power and grid flexibility.
•   Technology was tested by Customized Energy Solutions for electrochemical stability and capacity retention.
•   The pilot will generate data for commercial-scale deployment to manage renewable-energy variability.

Additional Information:
•   Iron-air battery uses iron, oxygen and water to store energy through reversible rusting process.
•   It is considered low-cost and sustainable for grid-scale energy storage compared with lithium-ion alternatives.
•   NTPC is India largest integrated power utility.
•   NTPC was established in 1975 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
•   NTPC Simhadri is a major coal-fired power unit of NTPC.

India first Virtual Zoo opens in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav inaugurated India first virtual zoo and 14-D cinema facility in Indore on 16 August 2026. The project provides immersive forest and wildlife experiences using digital simulation and is integrated within Indore Zoo.

Key Highlights:
•   India first Virtual Zoo was inaugurated in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
•   The facility was inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav.
•   It includes India first virtual jungle safari and a 14-D cinema theatre.
•   The project was developed under Public-Private Partnership model.
•   Total investment in the project is approximately Rs 4.5 crore.
•   The facility uses technology to provide immersive experiences of forests and wildlife.
•   It aims to promote wildlife education among children and tourists through digital simulation.
•   The facility is integrated within existing Indore Zoo.

Additional Information:
•   Indore Zoo is officially known as Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya.
•   It is Madhya Pradesh largest zoological park.
•   Indore Zoo was established in 1974.
•   Madhya Pradesh is known as Tiger State of India.
•   Madhya Pradesh has highest number of National Parks in India.

China launches 24th batch of low-orbit internet satellites from Hainan.

Dated: 19 August 2026

China launched its 24th batch of low-orbit internet satellites on 16 August 2026 using Long March-12 rocket from a commercial spacecraft launch site in Hainan. The satellites were successfully placed in designated orbits to expand China space-based internet network.

Key Highlights:
•   China launched 24th batch of low-orbit internet satellites.
•   The launch vehicle was Long March-12 rocket.
•   Launch was carried out from commercial spacecraft launch site in Hainan.
•   The rocket lifted off at 12:10 PM Beijing time.
•   Satellites were successfully deployed into designated orbits.
•   The project aims to build large low-orbit satellite networks for high-speed internet connectivity.
•   The launch highlights Hainan role as a commercial space-activity centre.

Additional Information:
•   Long March rockets are operated by China National Space Administration.
•   Long March 1 launched Dong Fang Hong I satellite in 1970.
•   Hainan hosts Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site.
•   Wenchang is China only low-latitude coastal launch facility.
•   Low Earth Orbit is generally between 160 and 2,000 kilometres above Earth.

BHEL partners with Hystar for Green Hydrogen PEM Electrolysers.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Hystar AS of Norway entered a strategic partnership on 17 August 2026 for phased indigenisation and local manufacturing of Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyser systems in India. The tie-up supports National Green Hydrogen Mission and Make in India initiative.

Key Highlights:
•   BHEL partnered with Norwegian company Hystar AS for PEM electrolyser systems.
•   The partnership focuses on phased indigenisation and local manufacturing in India.
•   PEM electrolysers will support India emerging green hydrogen market.
•   BHEL can now offer both alkaline and PEM electrolyser solutions.
•   BHEL had earlier partnered with thyssenkrupp nucera India for alkaline electrolyser systems.
•   The collaboration strengthens project execution under National Green Hydrogen Mission and Make in India.

Additional Information:
•   BHEL is India largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in energy and infrastructure sector.
•   BHEL was established in 1964 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
•   BHEL works under Ministry of Heavy Industries.
•   National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched in January 2023.
•   Mission has an initial outlay of Rs 19,744 crore.
•   Mission targets green hydrogen production capacity of 5 MMT per year by 2030.

Reliance and Rolls-Royce partner to develop indigenous AMCA fighter engine.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Reliance Industries Limited and Rolls-Royce announced a strategic partnership on 14 August 2026 to design and manufacture an indigenous combat engine for India Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. The partnership will establish an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India.

Key Highlights:
•   Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce partnered for AMCA combat engine programme.
•   The partnership will establish a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India.
•   It aims to create end-to-end capabilities in design, development and manufacturing of aero engines.
•   The complex will integrate testing, production and through-life support of aero engines.
•   The project focuses on advanced propulsion technology and power systems.
•   It aims to achieve strategic autonomy and self-reliance in critical engine technologies for fifth-generation fighter jets.
•   The partnership may later expand to civil aerospace and defence propulsion systems.

Additional Information:
•   AMCA stands for Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
•   AMCA is India programme to develop fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft.
•   AMCA is designed by Aeronautical Development Agency.
•   Reliance Industries was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Mumbai.
•   Rolls-Royce is a British multinational company specialising in civil and defence aerospace.

India and Nepal sign MoUs for eight development projects.

Dated: 19 August 2026

India and Nepal signed Memorandums of Understanding for eight high-impact community development projects with a total Indian grant assistance of NRs 803 million. The projects focus on health, education and agriculture infrastructure in Nepal.

Key Highlights:
•   India and Nepal signed MoUs for eight high-impact community development projects.
•   Government of India pledged grant assistance of NRs 803 million.
•   Projects focus on health, education and agriculture infrastructure.
•   Health projects include digitalisation of BP Koirala Institute of Health and Sciences in Sunsari.
•   A 10-bed hospital will be constructed in Dailekh and 15-bed hospital building in Sunsari.
•   Agriculture projects include centres in Bhojpur, Dhading and Humla, and cold store in Syangja.
•   Education project includes new building for Belbari Multiple Campus in Morang district.

Additional Information:
•   Nepal capital is Kathmandu.
•   Official currency of Nepal is Nepalese Rupee.
•   Nepal shares borders with Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim in India.
•   Nepal is a member of SAARC, headquartered in Kathmandu.

IFSCA grants Nexent Capital GIFT City investment banking license.

Dated: 19 August 2026

International Financial Services Centres Authority granted formal registration to Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited to operate as an Investment Banker in GIFT City, Gujarat. The registration was granted under IFSCA Capital Market Intermediaries Regulations, 2025.

Key Highlights:
•   Nexent Capital IFSC received registration to operate as Investment Banker in GIFT City.
•   The license was granted under IFSCA Capital Market Intermediaries Regulations, 2025.
•   Nexent can manage Initial Public Offerings and Follow-on Public Offerings.
•   It can execute SPAC listings, secondary listings and debt capital-market transactions.
•   It can advise on depository-receipt issuances and capital-market mandates.
•   The firm will focus on AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, space technology and data-centre sectors.
•   Nexent Capital IFSC is international arm of Nexent Capital Management headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Additional Information:
•   IFSCA was established in April 2020 under IFSCA Act, 2019.
•   IFSCA headquarters is in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
•   IFSCA is unified regulator for financial products, services and institutions in IFSCs in India.
•   GIFT City is India first operational Smart City and International Financial Services Centre.
•   GIFT City is a global gateway for cross-border financial services and capital markets.

JSW Energy signs agreement for 920 MW hydropower project in Bhutan.

Dated: 19 August 2026

JSW Energy signed a Shareholders Agreement with Druk Green Power Corporation on 17 August 2026 for joint development of 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan. It is JSW Energy first power-generation venture outside India.

Key Highlights:
•   JSW Energy and Druk Green Power Corporation will jointly develop 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydroelectric Project.
•   The project is located in Wangdue Phodrang District of Bhutan.
•   DGPC will hold 51 percent equity in joint venture.
•   JSW Neo Energy will hold 49 percent equity.
•   It is JSW Energy first power-generation project outside India.
•   The project will support Bhutan renewable-energy expansion through clean hydropower.
•   Detailed Project Report is under preparation by both entities.

Additional Information:
•   Druk Green Power Corporation is wholly owned subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments.
•   DGPC is national generation utility of Bhutan.
•   Bhutan is one of world few carbon-negative countries.
•   Bhutan power grid is sustained entirely by clean hydropower and solar energy.
•   JSW Energy headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Andhra Pradesh signs MoUs for lithium and gallium exploration.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Andhra Pradesh government signed two strategic MoUs with CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute and IIT ISM Dhanbad on 13 August 2026 to explore rare mineral reserves and strengthen mining research. The exploration will focus on Vempalle area of Kadapa Basin.

Key Highlights:
•   Andhra Pradesh signed MoUs with CSIR-NGRI and IIT ISM Dhanbad.
•   CSIR-NGRI will conduct exploration in Vempalle area of Kadapa Basin.
•   Preliminary studies at Thummalapalle found lithium concentration up to 1,000 ppm.
•   Gallium concentration was found up to 250 ppm.
•   National Mineral Exploration Trust will fully fund Rs 140 crore exploration project.
•   MoU with IIT ISM Dhanbad-TEXMiN will establish Centre of Excellence for Mining.
•   The initiative focuses on advanced technology, mining research and skilled human resources.

Additional Information:
•   CSIR-NGRI was established in 1961.
•   CSIR-NGRI headquarters is in Hyderabad.
•   IIT ISM Dhanbad was established in 1926 as Indian School of Mines.
•   It received IIT status in 2016.
•   Kadapa Basin is known for uranium and carbonate deposits and Thummalapalle has one of world largest uranium reserves.

Vantara rewilds 20 blackbucks in Banni Grasslands.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Gujarat Forest Department with technical support from Vantara released 20 blackbucks in Banni Grasslands of Kutch on 15 August 2026 to restore ecological balance of the grassland ecosystem. The group included five males and 15 females transferred from Jamnagar.

Key Highlights:
•   Twenty blackbucks were released in Banni Grasslands of Kutch.
•   The group included five males and 15 females.
•   The blackbucks were transferred from Jamnagar.
•   Gujarat Forest Department conducted the release with technical support from Vantara.
•   The translocation was approved by Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat and Central Zoo Authority.
•   The programme aims to restore ecological fabric of Banni ecosystem.
•   MoEFCC has approved translocation of 500 blackbucks and 100 chinkara under broader programme.
•   Vantara earlier supported rewilding of 80 spotted deer in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Additional Information:
•   Scientific name of blackbuck is Antilope cervicapra.
•   Blackbuck is sole extant member of genus Antilope.
•   It is native to India and Nepal and lives in grassy plains and lightly forested areas.
•   Banni Grasslands are located in Kutch district of Gujarat.
•   Banni is one of largest seasonal grasslands in Asia.
•   Central Zoo Authority was established in 1992 under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Three-time National Award-winning Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen passes away.

Dated: 19 August 2026

Veteran Bengali filmmaker and three-time National Film Award winner Raja Sen passed away at age 71 in Kolkata on 16 August 2026. He began his career as documentary filmmaker in 1980s and later directed acclaimed feature films.

Key Highlights:
•   Raja Sen passed away at age 71 in Kolkata.
•   He was three-time National Film Award winner.
•   In 1993, he won Best Arts/Cultural Film for documentary Suchitra Mitra.
•   In 1997, he won Best Children Film for debut feature Damu.
•   In 1999, he won Best Film on Family Welfare for Atmiyo Swajan.
•   He directed 2002 film Desh starring Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
•   His notable works include Debipaksha, Krishnakant er Will, Laboratory and Maya Mridanga.

Additional Information:
•   National Film Awards were established in 1954.
•   The awards promote films of high aesthetic and technical standards.
•   National Film Awards are administered by Directorate of Film Festivals under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
•   Shyamchi Aane was first film to win President Gold Medal for Best Feature Film.