Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Mission Samriddh Gaon on 25 August 2026 at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The flagship initiative of Ministry of Rural Development aims to transform Indian villages into poverty-free, employment-rich and self-reliant rural clusters through integrated development interventions, basic amenities and structured economic support.

Key Highlights:
•   Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Mission Samriddh Gaon on 25 August 2026.
•   Mission was launched at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
•   It is a flagship initiative of Ministry of Rural Development.
•   Mission aims to make targeted villages poverty-free.
•   It seeks to create employment-rich rural environments.
•   Scheme promotes an integrated rural development model.
•   Focus is on developing self-reliant rural clusters.
•   Targeted villages will receive structured economic interventions.
•   Mission aims to ensure assured basic amenities for villagers.
•   Scheme supports vision of Developed India through prosperous villages.

Additional Information:
•   Ministry of Rural Development became a separate ministry in 1999.
•   It implements MGNREGA and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
•   Ministry headquarters is Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
•   Shivraj Singh Chouhan is Union Minister of Rural Development.
•   He also holds Agriculture and Farmers Welfare portfolio.

India and Morocco agreed to double bilateral trade within the next five years during 7th Session of India-Morocco Joint Commission held in Morocco on 24-25 August 2026. The session was co-chaired by Minister of State Jitin Prasada. Both countries will build on bilateral trade volume of USD 4 billion recorded in 2025 and established a Joint Working Group to explore Preferential Trade Agreement between two countries.

Key Highlights:
•   India and Morocco agreed to double bilateral trade within next five years.
•   Decision was taken during 7th India-Morocco Joint Commission session.
•   Meeting was held in Morocco on 24-25 August 2026.
•   Session was co-chaired by Minister of State Jitin Prasada.
•   Bilateral trade between India and Morocco was USD 4 billion in 2025.
•   India-Morocco Joint Working Group was established to explore Preferential Trade Agreement.
•   Morocco-India Business Council was reinvigorated.
•   FSSAI and ONSSA signed MoU for food safety cooperation.
•   Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026-2030 was finalised.
•   Cooperation focused on phosphate and fertiliser sector through IMACID joint venture.
•   India and Morocco will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
•   8th Session of Joint Commission is scheduled in New Delhi.

Additional Information:
•   Morocco is located in North Africa.
•   Morocco capital is Rabat.
•   Morocco currency is Moroccan Dirham.
•   Morocco is a major global producer and exporter of phosphates.
•   FSSAI is a statutory body under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
•   FSSAI was established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Securities and Exchange Board of India introduced IT Resilience Index framework on 24 August 2026 to monitor and strengthen critical IT systems and cybersecurity of Market Infrastructure Institutions. The index measures robustness of critical systems on 100-point score and evaluates institutions across nine parameters. Framework requires automated system-driven computation, early-warning systems and consolidated dashboards for real-time monitoring of service delivery.

Key Highlights:
•   SEBI introduced IT Resilience Index framework on 24 August 2026.
•   Framework focuses on critical IT systems and cybersecurity of MIIs.
•   IT Resilience Index is based on total score of 100 points.
•   Index evaluates institutions across nine specific parameters.
•   Industry Standards Forum will finalise sub-parameters by 30 November 2026.
•   Index will be computed half-yearly.
•   Reports must be submitted within 60 days from end of each half-year.
•   First formal submission covers half-year ending 31 March 2027.
•   Computation must be automated without manual intervention.
•   MIIs must develop early-warning systems to detect performance deterioration.
•   Consolidated dashboards will provide real-time service-delivery visibility.

Additional Information:
•   SEBI was established as non-statutory body on 12 April 1988.
•   SEBI gained statutory powers under SEBI Act, 1992.
•   SEBI headquarters is in Mumbai.
•   MIIs include stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.
•   MIIs are systemically important institutions in financial sector.

ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute organised Carbon Pathshala: Voluntary Carbon Market for Farmers workshop in Old Goa on 21 August 2026. The programme was jointly organised with Core CarbonX Solutions Private Limited, Hyderabad, under project on potential of plantation-based systems in generating carbon credit through biochar production. The workshop aims to train 100 farmers on carbon sequestration, voluntary carbon markets and biochar production from agricultural residues.

Key Highlights:
•   ICAR-CCARI organised Carbon Pathshala workshop in Old Goa.
•   Workshop was held on 21 August 2026.
•   Theme was Voluntary Carbon Market for Farmers.
•   Event was jointly organised with Core CarbonX Solutions Private Limited, Hyderabad.
•   Programme was held under plantation-based carbon-credit project.
•   Project focuses on generating carbon credit through biochar production.
•   Workshop aims to train 100 farmers on carbon sequestration and voluntary carbon markets.
•   Agricultural residues can be converted into biochar.
•   Biochar can improve soil health and generate carbon credits.
•   ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal provided practical training on portable biochar-production units.
•   Women and smallholder farmers were targeted for carbon pilot projects.
•   Target areas included Keri, Priol, Madkai, Cumbarjua and Karmali.

Additional Information:
•   ICAR-CCARI functions under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
•   ICAR-CCARI headquarters is in Old Goa, Goa.
•   Institute focuses on agricultural research for coastal ecosystems.
•   Biochar is carbon-rich product produced by pyrolysis of biomass.
•   Biochar acts as permanent carbon sink and soil conditioner.
•   Goa capital is Panaji.

Senior IPS officer Satish Golcha was appointed Director General of Home Guards, Delhi, and will assume charge on 1 October 2026. He will succeed Virender Singh of 1991-batch IPS, who retires on 30 September 2026. Satish Golcha has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in Directorate of Home Guards until formal takeover. He belongs to 1992-batch AGMUT cadre and previously served as Delhi Police Commissioner from 22 August 2025 to 17 July 2026.

Key Highlights:
•   Satish Golcha was appointed Director General of Home Guards, Delhi.
•   He will assume charge on 1 October 2026.
•   He succeeds Virender Singh, a 1991-batch IPS officer.
•   Virender Singh retires on 30 September 2026.
•   Satish Golcha was appointed Officer on Special Duty in Directorate of Home Guards.
•   He belongs to 1992-batch AGMUT cadre.
•   He previously served as Delhi Police Commissioner.
•   He served as Delhi Police Commissioner from 22 August 2025 to 17 July 2026.
•   He served as Director General of Police in Arunachal Pradesh from 2022 to 2023.
•   He also served as Director General of Tihar Prisons and Special Commissioner of Police Intelligence.
•   Home Guards assist civil administration in law and order, traffic management and disaster response.

Additional Information:
•   AGMUT stands for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories.
•   AGMUT is a joint cadre of Indian Police Service.
•   AGMUT cadre is controlled by Ministry of Home Affairs.
•   Home Guards are voluntary force assisting Police and civil administration.
•   Home Guards function under respective State and Union Territory Home Guards Acts.

Singer, actress, author and philanthropist Dolly Rebecca Parton, widely known as Queen of Country Music, passed away at age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, on 27 August 2026. During her career, Dolly Parton won 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations and was inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She also founded Imagination Library, which distributed over 270 million free books to children globally.

Key Highlights:
•   Dolly Rebecca Parton passed away at age of 80.
•   She passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on 27 August 2026.
•   Dolly Parton was popularly known as Queen of Country Music.
•   She was a singer, actress, author and television personality.
•   She won 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations.
•   She was inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
•   She was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
•   She starred in films 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
•   She founded Imagination Library for children.
•   Imagination Library distributed over 270 million free books globally.
•   She established Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

Additional Information:
•   Nashville is capital of Tennessee, United States.
•   Tennessee is a state in southeastern United States.
•   Grammy Awards honour achievements in music industry.
•   Country Music Hall of Fame is located in Nashville, Tennessee.
•   Dollywood is a major tourism and employment hub in Tennessee.

Goa Shipyard Limited formally handed over Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit, Yard 1277, to Indian Coast Guard on 25 August 2026. The vessel was built with more than 65 percent indigenous content under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. ICGS Ajit has twin marine diesel engines with Controllable Pitch Propellers, exceeds 27 knots speed and has operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.

Key Highlights:
•   Goa Shipyard Limited delivered ICGS Ajit to Indian Coast Guard.
•   ICGS Ajit is a Fast Patrol Vessel with Yard number 1277.
•   Vessel was handed over on 25 August 2026.
•   It has more than 65 percent indigenous content.
•   Vessel was developed under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
•   It uses twin marine diesel engines with Controllable Pitch Propellers.
•   Controllable Pitch Propellers are first-of-its-kind feature for this class of Fast Patrol Vessels.
•   ICGS Ajit is 51.43 metres long and 8 metres wide.
•   Its displacement is 330 tonnes at draught of 2.5 metres.
•   Vessel has maximum speed exceeding 27 knots.
•   It has operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.
•   Vessel will conduct coastal patrol, EEZ surveillance, anti-smuggling and search and rescue operations.
•   It is operated by six officers and 35 sailors.

Additional Information:
•   Goa Shipyard Limited is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking.
•   GSL was established in 1957.
•   GSL is located in Goa.
•   Indian Coast Guard works under Ministry of Defence.
•   Indian Coast Guard was established under Coast Guard Act, 1978.
•   Indian Coast Guard headquarters is in New Delhi.

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy presented ?14,300 crore tax-free budget for Union Territory of Puducherry for financial year 2026-27 on 24 August 2026. Budget estimated internal revenue receipts at ?7,890 crore and central assistance including State Disaster Relief Fund at ?3,517 crore. It announced free tablets for Class 9 and 10 students and ?16.25 crore allocation for NEET and JEE preparation of 16,250 students.

Key Highlights:
•   N. Rangasamy presented ?14,300 crore tax-free budget for 2026-27.
•   Budget was presented on 24 August 2026.
•   Internal revenue receipts were estimated at ?7,890 crore.
•   Central assistance including State Disaster Relief Fund was ?3,517 crore.
•   Centrally sponsored schemes allocation was ?531 crore.
•   ?2,693 crore was allocated for salaries.
•   ?1,619 crore was allocated for pensions.
•   ?2,327 crore was earmarked for purchase of power.
•   ?1,981 crore was allocated for loan repayment and interest payments.
•   Free tablets will be provided to Class 9 and 10 students in government and government-aided schools.
•   ?16.25 crore was allocated for NEET and JEE preparation of 16,250 students.
•   Freedom fighters monthly pension was increased from ?15,000 to ?25,000.
•   Marriage assistance for BPL brides was raised from ?35,000 to ?75,000.
•   SC and ST marriage assistance was enhanced from ?1 lakh to ?1.25 lakh.

Additional Information:
•   Puducherry is a Union Territory of India.
•   It is governed under Article 239A of Constitution.
•   Article 239A provides for Legislative Assembly in Puducherry.
•   Puducherry comprises Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam districts.
•   Puducherry was transferred to India from France on 1 November 1954 through de facto merger.

WAE Limited, an Indian water technology and engineering firm, joined United Nations Global Compact Network India on 25 August 2026 to align its operations with global sustainability standards. WAE committed to United Nations Global Compact Ten Principles across human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. The partnership focuses on Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, 12, 13 and 17, with emphasis on water resilience and resource-efficient water infrastructure.

Key Highlights:
•   WAE Limited joined United Nations Global Compact Network India on 25 August 2026.
•   WAE is an Indian water technology and engineering firm.
•   Company joined network to align with global sustainability standards.
•   WAE committed to UN Global Compact Ten Principles.
•   Principles cover human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
•   Partnership focuses on SDG 6, SDG 9, SDG 12, SDG 13 and SDG 17.
•   SDG 6 focuses on Clean Water and Sanitation.
•   WAE will support water resilience using digital intelligence for freshwater systems.
•   Company deploys circular water systems and atmospheric water generation.
•   WAE uses IoT-enabled monitoring and intelligent dispensing.
•   Company will report sustainability progress through Communication on Progress framework.

Additional Information:
•   United Nations Global Compact Network India is Indian local network of UN Global Compact.
•   Network supports Indian companies in aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
•   UN Global Compact Network India headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   SDG 6 aims to ensure Clean Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
•   WAE specialises in resource-efficient water infrastructure for built environment.

Tata Capital Limited signed Memorandum of Understanding with Japan Resona Bank on 24 August 2026 for business matching and strategic investment collaboration. Under arrangement, Resona Bank committed USD 20 million as limited partner in Tata Capital Growth Fund III LP. The fund is managed by Tata Capital Limited and registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India as Category II Alternative Investment Fund.

Key Highlights:
•   Tata Capital Limited signed MoU with Japan Resona Bank.
•   MoU was signed on 24 August 2026.
•   Partnership focuses on business matching and strategic investment collaboration.
•   Resona Bank committed USD 20 million as limited partner.
•   Investment was made in Tata Capital Growth Fund III LP.
•   Fund is managed by Tata Capital Limited.
•   Fund is registered as Category II Alternative Investment Fund with SEBI.
•   Partnership will facilitate business matching and client introductions.
•   Tata Capital network will support Japanese clients in Indian market.
•   Tata Capital operates as diversified Non-Banking Financial Company.

Additional Information:
•   Tata Capital Limited is subsidiary of Tata Sons Private Limited.
•   Tata Capital headquarters is in Mumbai.
•   Tata Capital is systemically important non-deposit-taking NBFC.
•   Resona Bank is a major commercial bank of Japan.
•   Resona Bank headquarters is in Osaka, Japan.
•   SEBI regulates securities and commodity market in India.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced key welfare and infrastructure measures on 25 August 2026. Announcements included free LPG cylinders for lower-income families, expansion of fare-free bus travel scheme for women and cancellation of proposed Parandur greenfield airport project in Kancheepuram district. Measures were announced by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leadership as part of policy implementation.

Key Highlights:
•   Tamil Nadu announced free LPG cylinders for lower-income families.
•   Announcement was made on 25 August 2026.
•   Fare-free bus travel scheme for women will be expanded.
•   Scheme expansion will cover more regions and demographics.
•   Tamil Nadu scrapped proposed Parandur greenfield airport project.
•   Parandur airport project was located in Kancheepuram district.
•   Project was planned as second airport for Chennai metropolitan region.
•   Announcements were made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leadership.

Additional Information:
•   Tamil Nadu capital is Chennai.
•   Tamil Nadu state animal is Nilgiri Tahr.
•   Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
•   Kancheepuram district is located in Tamil Nadu.
•   Chennai is major metropolitan city on eastern coast of India.

United Nations Development Programme India and Hindustan Unilever Limited partnered on 27 August 2026 to support 50,000 Safai Mitras and strengthen decentralized waste management across 50 cities by 2028. Partnership aims to formalise waste workers, improve livelihoods and promote circular economy infrastructure. The initiative includes Project Circular Bharat for plastic circularity and Project Utthaan for dignity, occupational safety and social security of waste workers.

Key Highlights:
•   UNDP India and HUL partnered on 27 August 2026.
•   Partnership aims to support 50,000 Safai Mitras.
•   Waste management infrastructure will be strengthened across 50 cities by 2028.
•   Initiative promotes decentralised waste management and circular economy.
•   Focus is on formalising and improving livelihoods of waste workers.
•   Women waste workers have been given special priority.
•   Project Circular Bharat focuses on plastic circularity through viable recycling models.
•   Project Utthaan focuses on dignity, occupational safety and social security of waste workers.
•   Initiative is aligned with Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
•   Implementation is coordinated with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
•   Key priorities include waste segregation at source and recovery value chains.

Additional Information:
•   UNDP stands for United Nations Development Programme.
•   UNDP was established in 1965.
•   UNDP headquarters is in New York City, United States.
•   UNDP is lead United Nations agency for international development.
•   Swachh Bharat Mission Urban was launched on 2 October 2014.
•   Swachh Bharat Mission Urban is administered by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Banas Dairy, Suzuki Motor Corporation and National Dairy Development Board inaugurated Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant at Vinchhiwadi in Banaskantha, Gujarat, on 26 August 2026. Suzuki Motor Corporation invested ?250 crore in the initiative. The four operational Bio-CNG plants have combined daily capacity of 340 metric tonnes. The project converts cattle dung into clean Bio-CNG and organic fertiliser, supporting green energy, soil organic carbon and chemical-free farming.

Key Highlights:
•   Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant was inaugurated at Vinchhiwadi in Banaskantha, Gujarat.
•   Plant was inaugurated on 26 August 2026.
•   Project is a joint venture of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Banas Dairy and NDDB.
•   Suzuki Motor Corporation invested ?250 crore in Bio-CNG initiative.
•   Four operational plants have combined daily capacity of 340 metric tonnes.
•   New Bio-CNG plants are planned at Tharad and Radhanpur.
•   Banaskantha region can support about 100 biogas plants due to 3 million livestock population.
•   India and Japan have resolved to establish 1,000 biogas plants across India.
•   Project converts cattle dung into clean Bio-CNG and organic fertiliser.
•   Bio-CNG initiative supports soil organic carbon and chemical-free farming.
•   Gramin Bharat Taxi Service was launched as India first rural-level cooperative-model taxi service.
•   Initial fleet of Gramin Bharat Taxi Service has nine taxis owned by drivers under cooperative model.

Additional Information:
•   NDDB was established in 1965 by an Act of Parliament.
•   NDDB headquarters is in Anand, Gujarat.
•   NDDB was founded by Dr Verghese Kurien to support Operation Flood programme.
•   Banas Dairy is formally known as Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers Union.
•   Banas Dairy headquarters is in Palanpur, Gujarat.
•   Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan.

United States Food and Drug Administration approved Rasonque, also known as daraxonrasib, on 26 August 2026 for treatment of adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Rasonque is a RAS inhibitor developed by Revolution Medicines Inc. It is approved for patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy and are not candidates for multiagent systemic therapy. Drug is administered as once-daily tablet and targets multiple forms of RAS protein involved in tumour growth.

Key Highlights:
•   FDA approved Rasonque for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment.
•   Approval was granted on 26 August 2026.
•   Rasonque is also known as daraxonrasib.
•   Drug was developed by Revolution Medicines Inc.
•   Rasonque is a RAS inhibitor and inhibitor of RAS GTPase family.
•   It is approved for adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
•   Eligible patients must have received at least one prior systemic therapy.
•   Drug is intended for patients not suitable for multiagent systemic therapy.
•   Rasonque is administered as tablet once daily.
•   Drug targets multiple forms of RAS protein, a primary driver of tumour growth.
•   Clinical trial involved 500 adults in randomised, open-label and multicentre study.
•   Median overall survival improved to 13.2 months compared to 6.7 months for standard chemotherapy.

Additional Information:
•   Pancreatic adenocarcinoma originates from cells lining pancreas ducts.
•   It accounts for 90 to 95 percent of pancreatic cancer cases.
•   RAS protein acts as molecular switch for cell growth and survival.
•   RAS mutations are found in nearly all cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
•   FDA is regulatory authority for food and drugs in United States.

Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 is scheduled to be held from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to promote diversification of Indian rice exports. The three-day event will follow cuisine-led export strategy. Indian rice exports from November 2025 to March 2026 reached ?23,476 crore in value and 4.79 million tonnes in volume. Rice exports to 26 priority markets exceeded three-year average for corresponding period.

Key Highlights:
•   Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 will be held from 23 to 25 October 2026.
•   Conference venue is Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
•   BIRC 2026 will be three-day event.
•   Conference aims to promote diversification of Indian rice exports.
•   Event will use cuisine-led export strategy.
•   Indian rice exports from November 2025 to March 2026 reached ?23,476 crore.
•   Export value increased by 1.1 percent.
•   Rice export volume reached 4.79 million tonnes.
•   Export volume increased by 5.6 percent.
•   Exports to 26 priority markets exceeded three-year average for same period.
•   UAE recorded highest growth with 65 percent increase in value and 64 percent increase in volume.
•   Belgium recorded 53.8 percent rise in export value.
•   Germany recorded 33.5 percent growth in export value.
•   Global Rice Festival will feature 24 international dishes and 10 regional Indian biryanis.

Additional Information:
•   Indian Rice Exporters Federation represents interests of Indian rice exporters.
•   IREF facilitates market analysis and trade flows for rice varieties.
•   IREF headquarters is in New Delhi.
•   Bharat Mandapam is located in New Delhi.
•   Rice is an important agricultural export commodity of India.

World Water Week 2026 was observed from 23 to 27 August 2026 to address global water challenges and promote climate-resilient water management. Theme of World Water Week 2026 was Water for People and Progress. The annual conference, held during last week of August, focused on sustainable and equitable sanitation, freshwater issues, water cooperation and implementation of UNECE and WHO Protocol on Water and Health.

Key Highlights:
•   World Water Week 2026 was observed from 23 to 27 August 2026.
•   Theme of World Water Week 2026 was Water for People and Progress.
•   Event addresses global water challenges.
•   It promotes climate-resilient water management.
•   Conference is held annually during last week of August.
•   Focus includes sustainable and equitable sanitation.
•   Freshwater issues and future water cooperation were key areas.
•   Event discussed implementation of UNECE and WHO Protocol on Water and Health.
•   Discussions were precursor to UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi.
•   UN Water Conference is scheduled from 8 to 10 December 2026.

Additional Information:
•   World Water Week has been organised annually since 1991.
•   It is organised by Stockholm International Water Institute.
•   Event was originally launched as Stockholm Water Symposium.
•   It was officially renamed World Water Week in 2001.
•   World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March.
•   World Water Day is coordinated by UN-Water.