Guwahati to host India Open Super 750 in 2028.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Badminton Association of India announced on 23 August 2026 that India Open Super 750 tournament in 2028 will shift from New Delhi to Guwahati, Assam. The relocation avoids Republic Day security clashes and player concerns regarding severe winter air pollution and indoor temperatures in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:
•   Guwahati will host India Open Super 750 in 2028.
•   Tournament will be held from 25 to 30 January 2028.
•   Event will be relocated temporarily from traditional New Delhi venue.
•   Shift avoids clash with Republic Day security arrangements in New Delhi.
•   Decision also addresses player concerns about winter air pollution and indoor temperatures.
•   India has submitted bid to host Thomas and Uber Cup 2028.
•   India Open 2027 is scheduled from 2 to 7 February to avoid peak winter window in New Delhi.

Additional Information:
•   India Open was upgraded to BWF World Tour Super 750 status in 2023.
•   India Open is premier international badminton tournament organised by Badminton Association of India.
•   Thomas Cup is world men team badminton championship.
•   Uber Cup is world women team badminton championship.
•   India won historic first Thomas Cup in 2022 by defeating Indonesia.
•   Guwahati hosted 2025 World Junior Badminton Championships and 2016 South Asian Games.

International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade observed on 23 August.

Dated: 28 August 2026

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was observed on 23 August to honour people who fought against transatlantic slave trade. The day marks uprising of enslaved people in Saint-Domingue during night of 22 to 23 August 1791, which began Haitian Revolution and contributed to global abolition movement.

Key Highlights:
•   International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed on 23 August.
•   Day honours people who fought against transatlantic slave trade.
•   It marks uprising in Saint-Domingue on night of 22 to 23 August 1791.
•   Saint-Domingue is modern-day Haiti.
•   Uprising triggered Haitian Revolution.
•   Haitian Revolution played primary role in global abolition of slave trade.
•   UNESCO officially designated the day through resolution at 29th General Conference.
•   Day was first celebrated in Haiti in 1998.
•   It was observed first time in Senegal in 1999.

Additional Information:
•   UNESCO was established in 1945.
•   UNESCO headquarters is in Paris, France.
•   UNESCO promotes world peace through education, arts, sciences and culture.
•   Haitian Revolution was only successful slave revolt that led to founding of a state.
•   The revolution resulted in Haiti independence from French colonial rule.

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Kuku Kohli passes away at 77.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Veteran Bollywood filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away at age 77 on 25 August 2026. He was widely known for directing 1991 action-thriller Phool Aur Kaante, which marked acting debut of Ajay Devgn, and for directing popular films Suhaag, Anari No. 1, Haqeeqat and Zulmi.

Key Highlights:
•   Kuku Kohli passed away at age 77 on 25 August 2026.
•   He made directorial debut with Phool Aur Kaante in 1991.
•   Phool Aur Kaante marked debut of actor Ajay Devgn and featured Madhoo.
•   He directed 1994 silver-jubilee hit Suhaag starring Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn.
•   He directed 1999 comedy Anari No. 1 featuring Govinda.
•   Other films include Haqeeqat in 1995 and Zulmi in 1999.
•   He served as General Secretary of IFTDA and IMPPA.
•   He began career as assistant director under Raj Kapoor.
•   He later assisted Rahul Rawail on Betaab in 1983.

Additional Information:
•   IFTDA stands for Indian Film and Television Directors Association.
•   IFTDA is professional body for directors based in Mumbai.
•   Karishma Kohli is daughter of Kuku Kohli and filmmaker who co-directed The Fame Game in 2022.
•   IMPPA represents Indian Motion Picture Producers Association.
•   IMPPA was established in 1937 as first association of film producers in India.

Publications Division wins seven FIP Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Publications Division of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting won seven awards at Federation of Indian Publishers Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026 on 25 August 2026. The division secured four second prizes and three third prizes for books and journals in Hindi, English and Urdu categories.

Key Highlights:
•   Publications Division won seven FIP Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026.
•   Award tally includes four Second Prizes and three Third Prizes.
•   Bharat 2026 Hindi won Second Prize in Reference Books category.
•   Wings to Our Hopes Volume 2 won Second Prize in General and Trade Books English category.
•   Yojana July 2026 Hindi themed Viksit Bharat@2047 won Second Prize in Journals and House Magazines.
•   Kurukshetra English won Second Prize in Journals and House Magazines category.
•   Dharti Ki Sehat won Third Prize in Children Books 0-10 Years category.
•   Rangoli Roop Sur Lay Ki won Third Prize in Art and Coffee Table Books category.
•   Ajkal Urdu July 2026 won Third Prize in Journals and House Magazines Indian Languages category.
•   Awards were received under tenure of Publications Division Director General Dr Dhiraj Kakadia.

Additional Information:
•   Publications Division is premier publishing house under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
•   It documents and disseminates information on national development, literature and culture.
•   FIP represents publishers in English, Hindi and other Indian languages.
•   FIP represents more than 80 percent of Indian publishing industry.
•   FIP headquarters is in New Delhi.

Citigroup and Axis Bank partner for NRI deposit financing.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Citigroup Inc and Axis Bank entered partnership on 24 August 2026 to finance Non-Resident Indian foreign-currency deposits and strengthen India forex reserves. Under arrangement, Axis Bank provides standby letters of credit to support offshore financing extended by Citigroup to NRI investors.

Key Highlights:
•   Citigroup and Axis Bank partnered for NRI foreign-currency deposit financing.
•   Partnership aims to strengthen India foreign exchange reserves.
•   Axis Bank provides standby letters of credit under arrangement.
•   Citigroup extends offshore financing to NRI investors.
•   Arrangement enables leveraged investment in foreign-currency deposits.
•   It enables offshore lenders to finance without retail presence in India.
•   Axis Bank offers interest rate up to 6.40 percent on FCNR deposits.

Additional Information:
•   Axis Bank headquarters is in Mumbai.
•   Axis Bank was established in 1993 as UTI Bank.
•   Axis Bank is third-largest private sector bank in India.
•   RBI was established on 1 April 1935 under RBI Act, 1934.
•   RBI was nationalised on 1 January 1949.
•   FCNR B account allows NRIs to maintain fixed deposits in foreign currency.
•   Principal and interest in FCNR B account are fully repatriable.

Former India leg-spinner Karn Sharma retires from all competitive cricket.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Former India leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced retirement from all forms of competitive cricket on 23 August 2026 at age 38. He represented India in all three formats, played domestic cricket for four teams and featured in more than 90 Indian Premier League matches as part of four IPL-winning teams.

Key Highlights:
•   Karn Sharma retired from all competitive cricket at age 38.
•   He represented India in Test, ODI and T20I formats.
•   He played 1 Test, 2 ODIs and 1 T20I for India.
•   His final international appearance was in November 2014.
•   He played over two decades of First-Class cricket.
•   He represented Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Vidarbha and Andhra in domestic cricket.
•   He took 270 wickets in 97 First-Class matches.
•   He played more than 90 IPL matches.
•   He was part of four IPL-winning teams.
•   His IPL franchises included Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings.
•   He retired as Indian Test cap number 283.

Additional Information:
•   Karn Sharma made Test debut against Australia in Adelaide in 2014.
•   He was among Indian spinners who played for Test side in mid-2010s.

Kaziah Liz Mejo crowned Miss Universe India 2026.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Kaziah Liz Mejo was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at the grand finale held at Zee Studios, Jaipur on 23 August 2026. The 19-year-old law student became the first Keralite to win the national crown and will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November 2026.

Key Highlights:
•   Kaziah Liz Mejo was crowned Miss Universe India 2026.
•   Grand finale was held at Zee Studios, Jaipur, Rajasthan.
•   A total of 52 national finalists competed for the title.
•   Kaziah Liz Mejo is a 19-year-old law student.
•   She became first Keralite to win Miss Universe India crown.
•   She succeeds Miss Universe India 2025 titleholder Manika Vishwakarma.
•   Vaishnavi Gannesh from Tamil Nadu was first runner-up and Miss International India 2026.
•   Anushri Satavlekar from Gujarat was second runner-up.
•   Tejaswini Shrivastava from Maharashtra was third runner-up.
•   Anubha Vashisth from Uttarakhand was fourth runner-up.
•   Kaziah Liz Mejo will represent India at 75th Miss Universe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November 2026.

Additional Information:
•   Miss Universe India is managed by Glamanand Group.
•   Sushmita Sen was first Indian to win global Miss Universe crown in 1994.
•   India won global crown in 1994, 2000 and 2021.
•   Other Indian global winners are Lara Dutta in 2000 and Harnaaz Sandhu in 2021.

PNGRB approves 1,800 km LPG pipelines worth ?7,000 crore.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board approved three LPG pipeline projects covering 1,800 km across six states on 22 August 2026. The projects, estimated at ?7,000 crore, will be developed by GAIL India Limited and expand regulator-approved LPG pipeline network from 7,700 km to 9,500 km.

Key Highlights:
•   PNGRB approved three LPG pipeline projects covering 1,800 km.
•   Estimated investment is ?7,000 crore.
•   Projects cover six Indian states.
•   Regulator-approved LPG pipeline network will increase by 23.5 percent from 7,700 km to 9,500 km.
•   GAIL India Limited will develop all three projects.
•   Cherlapally-Nagpur pipeline will cover 556 km from Telangana to Maharashtra.
•   Jhansi-Sitarganj pipeline will cover 611 km from Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand.
•   Shikrapur-Goa-Hubli pipeline will cover 633 km across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa.
•   Projects will shift transport from road-based LPG tankers to pipelines for safer long-distance transportation.
•   Pipeline network will provide line-pack storage and move imported LPG from coastal terminals to inland hubs.

Additional Information:
•   GAIL was established in 1984.
•   GAIL headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   GAIL is a Maharatna central public sector undertaking.
•   PNGRB is statutory body constituted under PNGRB Act, 2006.
•   Kandla-Gorakhpur Pipeline is India longest LPG pipeline with 2,757 km length.

Odisha launches Bidesh Sikhyabruti scheme for SC and ST students.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Odisha government launched Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship scheme on 23 August 2026 to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students pursuing higher education abroad. The scheme will select 50 meritorious students annually and provide scholarship of up to ?25 lakh per year.

Key Highlights:
•   Odisha launched Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship scheme for SC and ST students.
•   Scheme supports higher education abroad.
•   Fifty meritorious SC and ST students will be selected each year.
•   Eligible students must get admission in international institutions ranked among QS World University Rankings Top 200.
•   Scholarship provides up to ?25 lakh per annum to each beneficiary.
•   Coverage includes tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses.
•   It also covers international travel, medical insurance and incidental costs.
•   Odisha became first Indian state in July 2026 to implement universal free education policy from KG to PG.
•   KG to PG policy has no restrictions on caste, income or BPL status for regular courses.

Additional Information:
•   Odisha became separate province on 1 April 1936, celebrated as Utkala Dibasa.
•   Odisha was first Indian state formed on linguistic basis.
•   Article 46 directs State to promote educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
•   QS World University Rankings is annual ranking publication by British company Quacquarelli Symonds.

53rd PRAGATI meeting reviews projects worth over ?30,000 crore.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired 53rd PRAGATI meeting at Seva Teerth on 25 August 2026 to review critical infrastructure and digital initiatives. The meeting monitored six railway, road and power projects across nine states with cumulative investment exceeding ?30,000 crore, along with AgriStack development and cyber-security awareness measures.

Key Highlights:
•   PM Narendra Modi chaired 53rd PRAGATI meeting at Seva Teerth.
•   Meeting reviewed six major Railway, Road and Power projects.
•   Projects cover nine states and have investment exceeding ?30,000 crore.
•   Focus was on resolving pending issues and meeting timelines for project delivery.
•   PM directed end-to-end project management to prevent cost escalation and delays.
•   Meeting advocated common utility corridors in major transport-project planning.
•   It called for continuous reforms and proactive work culture in implementation.
•   AgriStack development under Digital Agriculture Mission was reviewed.
•   Artificial Intelligence use for agricultural-data processing was emphasised.
•   Meeting focused on value chain from input planning to crop processing for farmers and businesses.
•   Cyber fraud and digital-arrest incidents were reviewed.
•   Targeted awareness campaigns were mandated for senior citizens and youth.

Additional Information:
•   PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
•   PRAGATI was launched in 2015.
•   It is ICT-based multi-modal platform for project monitoring and grievance redressal.
•   PRAGATI integrates Digital Data Management, Video Conferencing and Geo-Spatial Technology.
•   Platform fast-tracks Union and State government programmes.

India and Seychelles strengthen fisheries and Blue Economy cooperation.

Dated: 28 August 2026

India and Republic of Seychelles held high-level bilateral meeting on 25 August 2026 to establish strategic roadmap for cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and Blue Economy. Both sides discussed mariculture, hatcheries, tuna fisheries, marine conservation, AI-based harvest management and a proposed bilateral MoU with annual work plan.

Key Highlights:
•   India and Seychelles held high-level meeting on fisheries, aquaculture and Blue Economy.
•   Indian delegation was led by Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary Department of Fisheries.
•   Seychelles delegation was led by Wallace Cosgrow, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy.
•   India national fish production reached 19.7 million tonnes.
•   India seafood exports reached USD 8.46 billion.
•   Cooperation areas include marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries and marine conservation.
•   Monitoring, Control and Surveillance infrastructure was discussed.
•   Both sides will explore Artificial Intelligence for harvest management.
•   Focus includes fisheries data systems and tuna-processing value chain development.
•   A proposed bilateral MoU and structured annual work plan will support scientific research and institutional engagement.

Additional Information:
•   Department of Fisheries works under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
•   Department of Fisheries was established as separate department in June 2019.
•   Seychelles is archipelago nation in Indian Ocean.
•   Capital of Seychelles is Victoria.
•   Currency of Seychelles is Seychellois Rupee.

US Navy unveils AIM-424 Malice long-range air-to-air missile.

Dated: 28 August 2026

US Navy and US Air Force revealed AIM-424 Malice long-range air-to-air missile after a fit test on F-35 aircraft in August 2026. Developed by Raytheon, the missile has range exceeding 250 nautical miles and is designed for high-end aerial combat and long-distance coordination through specialised datalink infrastructure.

Key Highlights:
•   US Navy and US Air Force unveiled AIM-424 Malice missile.
•   Missile was revealed after fit test on F-35 aircraft.
•   Raytheon developed and built AIM-424 Malice.
•   Missile operational range exceeds 250 nautical miles or 463 km.
•   It surpasses speed and range capabilities of AIM-174B.
•   AIM-424 has 13.5-inch diameter aerodynamic profile for extreme range.
•   Specialised fins and strakes maintain manoeuvrability against fighter-sized targets.
•   Specialised datalink enables long-distance coordination.
•   US Air Force will use missile on sixth-generation F-47 fighter.
•   US Navy platforms include F-35C, F/A-18 and developmental F/A-XX.

Additional Information:
•   AIM-174B became operationally deployed in 2024.
•   AIM-174B was developed by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division as stopgap capability.
•   Raytheon is American aerospace and defence contractor headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
•   Raytheon manufactures AIM-120 AMRAAM.
•   AFLRW stands for Air Force Long Range Weapon and targets range of 1,000 nautical miles.

NITI Aayog report highlights 8.7 crore Indian NEET youth.

Dated: 28 August 2026

NITI Aayog released report Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047 on 22 August 2026, highlighting that 8.7 crore Indian youth aged 15 to 29 are not in education, employment or training. The report recommends subsidised training and mid-career reskilling to address barriers and align workforce skills with local and emerging-sector needs.

Key Highlights:
•   NITI Aayog report identified 8.7 crore Indian NEET youth.
•   NEET youth are aged 15 to 29 and not in education, employment or training.
•   Findings are based on 78th round of National Sample Survey conducted in 2021.
•   7.67 crore individuals have been trained since FY 2014-15.
•   Only 8.25 percent graduates are employed in jobs aligned with their qualifications.
•   Report classified workforce into Schooling, Tertiary Education, Formal/Informal Work, NEET Youth and Women.
•   High costs of paid skilling and private tuition create barriers for low-income households.
•   Report recommends subsidised training programmes and mid-career reskilling.

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 headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   NSS is conducted by National Statistical Office under MoSPI.
•   Viksit Bharat@2047 aims to make India developed nation by 100th year of independence.

Arindam Chaudhuri launches new book Africa Before America.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Arindam Chaudhuri announced his new book Africa Before America on 22 August 2026. The book focuses on global egalitarianism, reducing global income inequality and advancing human development in Africa through a proposed 1.25:1 income ratio between highest and lowest paid people.

Key Highlights:
•   Arindam Chaudhuri announced Africa Before America.
•   Book follows 2022 work 2047: A Roadmap to Beating USA and China.
•   It completes 25-year series on economic development.
•   Book advocates 1.25:1 income ratio between highest and lowest paid individuals.
•   Idea is based on Production of Skills by Means of Skill theory propagated since 1994.
•   It identifies religion, income inequality and gender inequality as major social evils.
•   Book promotes Longevity for All movement and Live Long, Lead Strong initiative.
•   It prioritises growth in Africa to address economic disparities.
•   It introduces Global Equality of Marx and Malay concept to be promoted from early 2027.

Additional Information:
•   Arindam Chaudhuri was called Maverick Management Guru by Financial Times, London.
•   He authored Beyond God and Capitalism in 2019.
•   Beyond God and Capitalism was launched by Richard Dawkins and Pranab Mukherjee.
•   He spearheads NECTAR Centre for Science of Happiness and Longevity initiative.

Ministry of Mines launches Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy launched Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 on 25 August 2026 to advance objectives of National Critical Mineral Mission. The hackathon is organised by JNARDDC, Nagpur and invites students, researchers, startups and R&D institutions to develop technology solutions for critical-mineral exploration and research tracking.

Key Highlights:
•   G Kishan Reddy launched Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 or CMiH 2026.
•   Hackathon supports National Critical Mineral Mission objectives.
•   JNARDDC Nagpur hosts the hackathon.
•   One problem statement is mineral prospectivity mapping through heatmaps for Lithium or Rare Earth Element pegmatites.
•   Second problem statement is web-based R&D and Patent Tracking System for critical minerals.
•   First Prize is ?1.50 lakh for each problem statement.
•   Second Prize is ?1 lakh for each problem statement.
•   Last date for idea submission is 20 September 2026.
•   Winners will be announced during India Mining Week from 15 to 17 November 2026.
•   Hackathon is open to students, researchers, startups and R&D institutions.

Additional Information:
•   JNARDDC stands for Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre.
•   JNARDDC was established in 1989 and is headquartered in Nagpur.
•   It is Centre of Excellence for Bauxite, Alumina and Aluminium industries.
•   Ministry of Mines handles survey, exploration and administration of minerals except natural gas, petroleum and atomic minerals.

TCS acquires Porsche subsidiary MHP Management for €320 million.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Tata Consultancy Services announced acquisition of 100 percent shares of MHP Management-und IT-Beratung GmbH, Porsche subsidiary, on 24 August 2026 for enterprise value of €320 million. Porsche also signed five-year partnership with MHP and TCS worth €1.25 billion for AI mobility, next-generation manufacturing and digital transformation.

Key Highlights:
•   TCS will acquire 100 percent shares of MHP Management-und IT-Beratung GmbH.
•   MHP is a subsidiary of German automaker Porsche.
•   Enterprise value of deal is €320 million or around ?3,573.44 crore.
•   Porsche signed five-year partnership with MHP and TCS worth €1.25 billion.
•   Partnership will establish dedicated AI Mobility Centre of Excellence for Porsche.
•   Focus areas include next-generation manufacturing technologies, software-defined mobility and digital transformation.
•   MHP was incorporated on 13 May 1996.
•   MHP is automotive and industrial consulting subsidiary of Porsche AG.

Additional Information:
•   TCS was founded in 1968.
•   TCS headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
•   K Krithivasan is CEO and Managing Director of TCS.
•   TCS is information technology services and consulting company of Tata Group.

e-Shram portal completes five years of strengthening social security.

Dated: 28 August 2026

e-Shram Portal completed five years of service on 26 August 2026 after launch by Ministry of Labour and Employment to create national database of unorganised workers. The portal has 31.89 crore registrations and provides workers unique 12-digit UAN, multilingual access and integration with 15 social-security and welfare schemes.

Key Highlights:
•   e-Shram Portal completed five years on 26 August 2026.
•   Portal creates national database for unorganised workforce.
•   Every registered worker receives unique 12-digit Universal Account Number.
•   One-Stop Solution launched on 21 October 2024 integrates 15 social-security and welfare schemes.
•   Schemes include PM-SYM, PMSBY and PMJJBY.
•   PMSBY provides ?2 lakh accidental insurance for death or permanent disability and ?1 lakh for partial disability.
•   PMJJBY provides ?2 lakh life insurance on death from any cause.
•   PM-SYM provides minimum assured pension of ?3,000 per month after age 60.
•   Total registrations reached 31.89 crore as of August 2026.
•   Top registering states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
•   Portal added multilingual functionality in 22 languages through Bhashini in 2025.

Additional Information:
•   Eligibility requires worker to be age 16 or above.
•   Worker should not be income taxpayer or member of EPFO or ESIC.
•   Ministry of Labour and Employment is responsible for unorganised labour welfare.
•   NIC developed e-Shram portal and NDUW.
•   NIC was established in 1976 under MeitY.

Chinese humanoid robot sets 100m record at World Humanoid Robot Games.

Dated: 28 August 2026

A Chinese humanoid robot set new 100m sprint record of 8.86 seconds at World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing on 25 August 2026. The record surpassed previous robot record of 9.39 seconds and was faster than current human world record of 9.58 seconds, though robot fell after hitting padded finish-line barrier.

Key Highlights:
•   Chinese humanoid robot ran 100m in record 8.86 seconds.
•   Record was set at World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, China.
•   The robot surpassed previous robot record of 9.39 seconds set three days earlier.
•   Performance was faster than human world record of 9.58 seconds.
•   Robot fell after hitting padded barrier at finish line, causing sparks at its waist.
•   World Humanoid Robot Games is Olympic-style robotics event.
•   This was second year of competition.
•   Event showcases China robotics technology and humanoid mobility advances.

Additional Information:
•   Usain Bolt holds human world record for men 100m sprint.
•   Usain Bolt set 9.58-second record in 2009.
•   World Humanoid Robot Games was first established in Beijing in 2025.
•   It is international Olympic-style competition for humanoid robots.

NSG launches first Mahila Commando Conversion Course.

Dated: 28 August 2026

National Security Guard inaugurated its first Mahila Commando Conversion Course at training centre in Manesar, Haryana on 26 August 2026. The specialised 12-week programme trains women personnel from State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces in counter-terrorism, tactical intervention, marksmanship, hostage rescue and weapons handling.

Key Highlights:
•   NSG launched first Mahila Commando Conversion Course.
•   Course was inaugurated at NSG training centre in Manesar, Haryana.
•   Programme has specialised 12-week training schedule.
•   Women personnel from State Police Forces and CAPFs participate in course.
•   Training includes counter-terror operations and tactical intervention.
•   Curriculum includes marksmanship and hostage rescue training.
•   Participants receive intensive physical conditioning and expert weapons handling training.
•   Programme seeks uniform professional standards and stronger coordination among security agencies.

Additional Information:
•   NSG was established in 1984 following Operation Blue Star.
•   NSG functions under Ministry of Home Affairs.
•   NSG personnel are commonly known as Black Cats.
•   NSG headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   NSG primary training hub is in Manesar.

CSIR-NAL unveils indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines.

Dated: 28 August 2026

CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories unveiled three indigenous Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines named NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi on 25 August 2026. The engines are designed for tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems, supporting self-reliance in aerospace propulsion under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Highlights:
•   CSIR-NAL unveiled NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 indigenous gas turbine engines.
•   Unveiling was held at SSB Auditorium, CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi.
•   NJ-05 has thrust capacity of 5 kg.
•   NJ-100 has thrust capacity of 100 kg.
•   Engines can be used in tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
•   They can support drone interceptors and compact missile systems.
•   Technologies include high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion systems.
•   Programme aims for technological self-reliance in advanced aerospace propulsion.
•   Engines were developed under aegis of Ministry of Science and Technology.

Additional Information:
•   CSIR-NAL was established in 1959.
•   CSIR-NAL headquarters is in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
•   CSIR-NAL is India only government-funded aerospace R&D laboratory.
•   CSIR was established on 26 September 1942.
•   CSIR headquarters is in New Delhi and Prime Minister is its ex-officio President.
•   DSIR works under Ministry of Science and Technology for indigenous technology development.

National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums begins in Mysuru.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Ministry of Tribal Affairs inaugurated three-day National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums in Mysuru, Karnataka on 24 August 2026. The event, organised with Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute and Central Institute of Indian Languages, focused on tribal language documentation, digital access to welfare schemes and strengthening Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums.

Key Highlights:
•   Three-day National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums began in Mysuru.
•   Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised conclave with KSTRI and CIIL.
•   Adi Vaani upgraded platform introduced iOS app, dedicated logo and five new languages.
•   Jago AI conversational assistant and mascot was launched for access to tribal welfare schemes.
•   Ministry of Tribal Affairs and CIIL signed MoU for language documentation and corpus development.
•   Karnataka Primers in tribal languages were released.
•   Jenukuruba primer for Class 1 covers Kannada, Mathematics and EVS.
•   Thattegalu flashcards were also released.
•   Conclave focused on strengthening Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums.

Additional Information:
•   CIIL was established on 17 July 1969.
•   CIIL functions under Ministry of Education.
•   CIIL headquarters is in Mysuru, Karnataka.
•   Ministry of Tribal Affairs was created in 1999 after bifurcation of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
•   Ministry is nodal body for policy, planning and coordination of programmes for Scheduled Tribes.
•   Ministry oversees PM-JANMAN initiative for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Illinois Senate declares 15 August as National India Hub Day.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Illinois State Senate proclaimed 15 August as National India Hub Day during India Fest 2026 at Schaumburg, Illinois. The declaration honoured community impact of National India Hub, described as world largest Indian community centre, and recognised its collaborative network of 150 organisations supporting seniors, students and families.

Key Highlights:
•   Illinois Senate declared 15 August as National India Hub Day.
•   Proclamation was made during India Fest 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois.
•   Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam and six other legislators presented the proclamation.
•   Declaration took place at National India Hub, described as world largest Indian community centre.
•   India Fest celebrated Indian independence and community service.
•   More than 100 organisations and 16 elected officials attended India Fest 2026.
•   Prabhu Deva, Chitra Tripathi and Lt Gen K J S Dhillon were among notable participants.
•   Founder Harish Kolasani announced second National India Hub in Naperville, Illinois.
•   Hub unites 150 organisations to share resources, volunteers and facilities.

Additional Information:
•   National India Hub is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.
•   It is community ecosystem for seniors, students and families.
•   Harish Kolasani is Founder of National India Hub.
•   Sireesha Tipparaju is Chief Operating Officer of National India Hub.

Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary identified as key Black-necked Stork breeding site.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Scientific study by GEER Foundation confirmed on 26 August 2026 that Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat is critical breeding stronghold for Black-necked Stork. Research conducted from July 2024 to March 2025 found four active nests, peak population of 21 birds and successful production of two fledglings by each breeding pair.

Key Highlights:
•   GEER Foundation study confirmed Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary as key breeding stronghold for Black-necked Stork.
•   Study was conducted from July 2024 to March 2025.
•   Researchers confirmed four active nests.
•   Each breeding pair produced two fledglings successfully.
•   Peak seasonal population recorded was 21 birds.
•   Population included eight juveniles and five non-breeding adults.
•   Birds nested on Neltuma juliflora, commonly called Gando Baval, an invasive tree species.
•   Nesting heights ranged from 3 to 4.5 metres.
•   Black-necked Stork scientific name is Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus.
•   Species is listed under Schedule II of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Additional Information:
•   Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is located in Jamnagar district, Gujarat.
•   It was designated Ramsar Site in 2022.
•   Sanctuary has both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
•   GEER Foundation was established in 1982.
•   GEER headquarters is in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
•   GEER is autonomous body for ecological research and environmental education under Gujarat Forest Department.

DRDO transfers conventional missile technology to Indian industry.

Dated: 28 August 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies on 25 August 2026. The decision aims to accelerate indigenous manufacturing, reduce missile-hardware imports, increase MSME participation and shift missile systems from development to industrial-scale production.

Key Highlights:
•   Rajnath Singh approved technology transfer for all DRDO conventional missile systems.
•   Technologies can be transferred to domestic private and public defence firms.
•   Decision aims to accelerate indigenous manufacturing of advanced weaponry.
•   It seeks to reduce import dependence for missile hardware.
•   Policy aims to increase Indian MSME participation in defence supply chain.
•   It supports shift from development phase to industrial-scale missile production.
•   Companies must meet qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements for manufacturing.
•   Decision aims to strengthen India defence industrial base.

Additional Information:
•   DRDO was established in 1958.
•   DRDO headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   DRDO works under Ministry of Defence.
•   DRDO motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam, meaning Strength Origin is Science.
•   Agni-V is intercontinental ballistic missile with range over 5,000 km.
•   BrahMos is world fastest supersonic cruise missile and joint venture with Russia.
•   Akash-NG is next-generation surface-to-air missile.
•   Pralay is short-range surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile.
•   Astra Mk2 is beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.