Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment reported that a total central share of ₹1,178.20 crore was released to Karnataka under the Centrally Sponsored Post‑Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students over the last three financial years. The releases were ₹421.08 crore in 2023‑24, ₹422.90 crore in 2024‑25 and ₹334.22 crore in 2025‑26. The scheme, implemented through Direct Benefit Transfer since 2021‑22, requires states to share verified data on the National Scholarship Portal. It is open‑ended, demand‑driven and aligns with the 2017 NITI Aayog guidelines for the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes, reflected in Union Budget Statement 10A.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment reported that, per the 2017 NITI Aayog Guidelines for the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC), 38 central ministries/departments earmark funds for SC welfare. Actual expenditure from 2020‑21 to 2025‑26 consistently fell short of revised estimates, with utilisation rates ranging from 81.61 % to 93.83 %. Monitoring is overseen by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment through periodic review meetings chaired by the Minister of State and the Secretary (e.g., meetings on 29 Apr 2025, 25 Aug 2025, and 16 Apr 2026). All 38 ministries have nominated nodal officers for financial and physical monitoring, and the government is strengthening review mechanisms to improve fund utilisation.

On 9 August 2026, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah presented the President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, with Lieutenant Governor Shri K. Kailashnathan and Chief Minister Shri N. Rangasamy in attendance. The Ministry highlighted the force’s bravery, especially during the COVID‑19 crisis, and noted that the post of Director General of Police was created on 1 October 1963. The release cited central‑government development spending of ₹13,762 crore for Puducherry from 2014‑2026—nearly four times the ₹3,500 crore provided between 1950‑2014—and mentioned specific projects such as the four‑laning of National Highway 332‑A (₹2,200 crore) and an extended runway (3,400 m × 45 m). It also referenced industrial investments of ₹39,000 crore and several welfare schemes (Lakhpati Didi, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, etc.).

Under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) organised the BRICS Heads of Competition Authorities meeting on 8 August 2026 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The gathering of senior competition officials from the five BRICS nations focused on strengthening cooperation, dialogue and knowledge‑sharing to promote fair competition, especially in the emerging renewable energy sector. The meeting featured a collaborative study titled “Emerging Competition Landscape in the Renewable Energy Sector in BRICS” and culminated in a joint statement committing the authorities to foster competitive, innovative and sustainable renewable energy markets while addressing challenges of increasingly cross‑border digital and emerging‑technology markets.

On 04 August 2026, Air India A320 VT‑EXO operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi lost about 300 feet of altitude during cruise but later stabilised and landed safely. A few passengers and cabin crew sustained injuries. The aircraft carried 137 passengers (including three infants) and eight crew members. Following standard procedures, the pilot‑in‑command underwent a psychoactive substance screening that yielded a result requiring confirmatory testing; samples have been sent to a designated laboratory. The incident has been classified as a Serious Incident and is being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with both flight crew members placed off the DGCA roster pending the investigation outcome.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to take part in the Har Ghar Tiranga movement, emphasizing the Tricolour as a source of national pride and inspiration. He highlighted that this year’s campaign is dedicated to Vande Mataram, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the national song, and called for collective resolve to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’. The Prime Minister’s message was posted on X, reiterating the call for enthusiastic participation across the country.

The Ministry of Finance marked ICoAS Day 2026 with a ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting the Indian Cost Accounts Service’s role in cost optimisation for the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda. Secretaries of Defence (Rajesh Kumar Singh) and Defence Production (Sanjeev Kumar) praised ICoAS officers for strengthening cost management across ministries, especially in the defence sector, and for supporting indigenous manufacturing and public‑private partnerships. Secretary of Expenditure (V. Vualnam) underscored the service’s contribution to fiscal efficiency as private sector participation grows. The event featured an e‑brochure, technical sessions on AI in public finance and stress management, and awards to six young officers for outstanding performance.

The Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 will be held at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 10 to 14 August 2026. The five‑day bilateral drill includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross‑training, equipment demonstrations and scenario‑based practical exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability and professional cooperation between the specialist diving and EOD teams of the two navies. It will facilitate exchange of contemporary EOD methodologies, emerging technologies and best practices, and marks the eighth edition of the joint exercise that has been conducted since 2005.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the Fit India movement, marked the 85th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle on 9 August 2026 in Gujarat. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ and urged participants to pledge against substance abuse, linking fitness to drug‑free living. The event, part of a mass movement across more than 10,000 locations, reported participation of over 30 lakh people since its launch in December 2024, with a flagship gathering in Delhi where over 1,000 citizens took part in cycling, yoga, Zumba and games. Prominent sportspersons and celebrities reinforced the anti‑drug message.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlighted the case of Yarra Mahesh, a 21‑year‑old Gen‑EWS student in his second year of B.Tech, who received a scholarship of ₹52,540 in 2025. The assistance covered college fees, hostel, food, travel, study materials, internet, registration and other miscellaneous expenses, reducing his family’s financial burden. The scholarship also enabled him to purchase a laptop, facilitating digital learning, programming and project work. During his internship, Mahesh prepared a research paper on skin‑cancer classification using AI/ML, which is now under publication. The release underscores how targeted financial support can help students overcome economic barriers and develop technical skills for future careers in technology.

Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on August 9, 2026, hoisting the National Flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram. He linked the launch to the islands’ historic role in the freedom struggle, citing Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s flag‑hoisting on 30 December 1943 and the Quit India Movement of 1942. The Vice‑President highlighted the campaign’s aim to unite citizens under one flag, referenced the Great Nicobar Development Project’s potential to boost maritime capabilities, and called for patriotic display of the Tricolour. Dignitaries present included the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and local officials.

On 9 August 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’ Blood Donation Camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt, linking the recently concluded Operation Sindoor with the blood donation drive. He highlighted the operation’s role in eliminating terrorists based in Pakistan and asserted that it sent a global message of India’s resolve to protect its citizens. Approximately 1,000 athletes and wrestlers from Maharashtra, along with about 500 voluntary donors, participated, with the blood intended as a reserve for soldiers and their families. Singh urged youth to adopt fitness and regular blood donation, citing initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India.

A special meeting in Jalgaon district, attended by spiritual leaders, public representatives, and administrative officials, sought to turn the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva – Viksit Bharat’ campaign into a people’s movement. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Khadse, via video link, urged mass participation, emphasizing that the message of drug‑free youth from Kashi must reach every village. The meeting highlighted the pivotal role of spiritual institutions and saints in spreading awareness, the need to channel youth energy into sports, education, skill development and volunteering, and the importance of coordinated action among MY Bharat, NSS, youth clubs, and local administration to achieve an addiction‑free society.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlighted the case of Ganesh Kumar, a 21‑year‑old B.Tech II‑year student belonging to the OBC‑NCL category, who received a scholarship of ₹87,000 in 2026. The financial assistance helped him overcome the economic barriers faced by his family and continue his higher‑education studies. The release underscores how targeted scholarship support can reduce the educational expenses of students from economically weaker families, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations despite financial constraints.

The XI BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal, held under India’s BRICS Chairship, concluded with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, which outlines a practical framework for enhancing cultural cooperation among the ten BRICS members and four partner countries. The meeting involved 55 delegates from 14 countries and featured a two‑day BRICS Culture Festival. Key provisions include cooperation on UNESCO nominations, AI‑enabled provenance research, safeguarding traditional knowledge, and a pilot Voluntary Artist Registry to boost exchanges and market access. Bilateral meetings at ministerial level were also held, and delegations visited Indian heritage sites such as IGRMS, Sanchi and Bhimbetka.

On 8 August 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched E‑Samudra, a single‑window digital platform that integrates services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders. The platform, inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, aims to make maritime governance simpler, more transparent and stakeholder‑centric through end‑to‑end workflows, online payments, real‑time tracking and digitally issued certificates. Alongside E‑Samudra, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration showcased e‑NAVIK grievance redressal, a Seafarer Tracking Dashboard, the digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d‑SEA) and welfare measures under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society. The ministry highlighted that India’s seafarer workforce grew from about 1.03 lakh in 2013 to over 3.23 lakh in 2025, and that DGMA coordinated the repatriation of more than 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers amid global shipping disruptions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 57th Convocation of IIT Delhi, congratulating graduates and highlighting India’s push for technological self‑reliance. He noted new AI initiatives at IIT Delhi and urged graduates to contribute to sectors such as space, semiconductors, drones, artificial intelligence, data centres, critical minerals, deep‑sea exploration, batteries, power storage, energy security, electric mobility and quantum computing. The PM announced the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship, the Research Development and Innovation Scheme, and the establishment of the National Research Foundation, together with funding of up to one lakh crore rupees for research. He also referenced the ‘One Nation One Subscription’ programme that provides free access to global research journals across the country.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the 57th Convocation of IIT Delhi, congratulating graduates and stressing the role of innovation, research and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data centres, critical minerals, deep‑sea exploration and quantum computing for India’s growth. Union Education Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi described the education ecosystem as learner‑centric, research‑driven and future‑ready, and said Indian youth are now leading the world. The Prime Minister presented the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Medals, and inaugurated the ‘Param Pragya’ AI‑based high‑performance supercomputing and project‑cluster facility at IIT Delhi.

The Government e‑Marketplace (GeM), launched on 9 August 2016, is a unified, end‑to‑end digital platform that digitises the entire public procurement lifecycle—from seller registration to payment—enabling secure, paperless, cashless and contactless transactions. It connects over 1.37 lakh buyer organisations with nearly 25 lakh sellers, facilitating cumulative procurement exceeding ₹20 lakh crore. GeM’s initiatives for MSEs, women‑led enterprises, startups and SC/ST entrepreneurs have expanded market access, with more than 11 lakh MSEs executing 51 lakh orders worth ₹2.36 lakh crore, and women‑led MSEs securing procurement worth ₹28,000 crore. Recent reforms such as Rate Contracts and removal of Caution Money, along with partnerships (e.g., IN‑SPACe, Union Bank of India, UN Women) and the GeMSahay loan app, aim to enhance transparency, efficiency and inclusive growth.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the new premises of the National Urban Cooperative Financial Development Centre (NUCFDC) in Mumbai and launched the ‘Sahkar Nav‑Kranti’ programme. The event introduced the umbrella organisation for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), a Security Operations Centre, and the ‘Bank in a Box’ service offering core banking, digital payments, cloud and compliance solutions at affordable rates. An MoU was signed with the National Forensic Sciences University to provide cybersecurity and digital‑forensics support. The umbrella body aims to streamline UCBs, enhance transparency, and enable them to compete nationally and globally, with about 650 of the 1,400 UCBs already members.