Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Government has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO‑OP) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a total outlay of Rs 11,040 crore (GoI share Rs 8,844 crore) for 2021‑22 to 2025‑26, aiming to bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil‑palm cultivation. The Mission is being implemented in 15 states and has so far brought 2.73 lakh hectares under cultivation, with Rs 1,447.21 crore released to states. For 2026‑27, Annual Action Plans worth Rs 1,143.9 crore have been approved. The scheme includes assistance for planting material, irrigation, machinery, seed‑nurseries, processing infrastructure and a price‑assurance Viability Gap Payment. A related mission on oilseeds (NMEO‑OS) was launched in October 2024 to boost domestic oilseed production.

The National Mission on Edible Oils‑Oilseeds (NMEO‑OS), approved on 3 Oct 2024, seeks to raise primary oilseed output from 39 Mt (2022‑23) to 69.7 Mt by 2030‑31. It operates through >600 value‑chain clusters managed by FPOs and cooperatives, providing free high‑quality seeds, training, and post‑harvest infrastructure such as oil mills. In 2025‑26, 13.52 lakh ha received free seeds and production rose to 430.59 lakh t. The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, launched on 11 Oct 2025, aims to increase pulse output from 242 lakh t to 350 lakh t by 2030‑31, with interventions including seed distribution, technology demonstrations, and assured procurement under PM‑AASHA. Pulse production grew to 274.09 lakh t in 2025‑26, while imports fell from 72.56 lakh t (2024‑25) to 59.64 lakh t (2025‑26).

The 12th Session of the India‑Russia Working Group on Modernisation & Industrial Cooperation was held on 7 August 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. Co‑chaired by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia (Secretary, DPIIT) and H.E. Mr Alexey Gruzdev (Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Russia), the meeting reviewed progress since the 11th session and examined cooperation across sub‑groups covering modern industrialisation, science & technology, aerospace, railway infrastructure, mineral fertilizers, rare‑earth and critical minerals, power engineering, aluminium, and mining equipment. New areas such as Vande Bharat train project, UAVs, 3‑D printing, Russian SJ‑100 aircraft, carbon‑fibre technologies, lithium mining and titanium were discussed. The co‑chairs signed the session protocol, reaffirming the strategic India‑Russia partnership, with about 60 delegates attending.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reports that the Government is pursuing multiple measures to curb Out‑of‑Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare. Central schemes such as the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat‑Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM‑JAY), Pradhan Mantri‑Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM‑ABHIM) and Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) are being implemented. Under NHM, 1.87 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been operationalised to provide comprehensive primary care. The National Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics Service Initiatives supply essential medicines and diagnostics across health‑facility tiers. AB PM‑JAY offers ₹5 lakh annual cover to over 12 crore vulnerable families and, via the Vay Vandana Card, extends coverage to 6 crore senior citizens (70 years+) belonging to 4.5 crore families.

India chaired the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, issuing a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document with four annexes. The meeting highlighted India’s push to safeguard farmers, secure food and livelihood security, and preserve Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries within the WTO framework. Delegates adopted the Jaipur Consensus and Guiding Principles for MSME credit assessment to address a US$2.5 trillion trade‑finance gap, and approved work‑plans on Global Value Chains and digitally delivered services. The meeting also advanced the finalisation of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, covering trade, services, digital economy, and sustainable development.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reports that the number of medical colleges has risen by 118.6%, from 387 before 2014 to 846 now, while MBBS seats have grown 172.4% (51,348 to 1,39,864) and PG seats 176.9% (31,185 to 86,360). To augment infrastructure, the Government approved a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for 157 new colleges, and CSS upgrades for existing colleges adding 4,977 MBBS seats (cost Rs 5,972.20 Cr) and 8,058 PG seats in two phases (cost Rs 1,498.43 Cr + Rs 4,478.25 Cr). Phase‑III CSS aims to add 5,000 PG and 5,023 MBBS seats by 2028‑29. Under PMSSY, 75 super‑specialty block projects were sanctioned, 71 completed. Additionally, 22 new AIIMS were approved, with undergraduate courses started in 19.

The Ministry of Railways reported that Indian Railways, which serves about 58 crore meals annually, received only 0.0008 % food‑quality complaints on average. In response to complaints over the past three years, IRCTC imposed fines totalling ₹5.13 crore, issued 54 show‑cause notices, terminated six contracts and debarred several licensees for food‑quality and hygiene violations. To strengthen food safety, the Railways have commissioned modern base kitchens, installed CCTV cameras, introduced QR codes on meal packets, deployed food‑safety supervisors, ensured mandatory FSSAI certification, and conduct regular surprise inspections and third‑party audits. The list of debarred licensees is available on the IRCTC website.

The Ministry of Railways reports that freight loading rose from 1,098 MT in 2014‑15 to 1,670 MT in 2025‑26, making Indian Railways the world’s second‑largest freight carrier. Key drivers include the Gati Shakti Multi‑Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT) policy – 142 GCTs commissioned with a handling capacity of 224 MTPA and private investment of about ₹10,000 crore – and the operation of two Dedicated Freight Corridors (EDFC and WDFC), which together handle about 443 trains daily. Additional measures comprise wagon investment schemes (≈275 special‑purpose and 397 general‑purpose rakes) and the Joint Parcel Product‑Rapid Cargo Service scheme. Infrastructure expansion over the last 12 years added 36,429 km of new track (8.32 km/day) and sanctioned 514 projects covering 40,000 km at an estimated cost of ₹8.31 lakh crore.

Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav attended Haryana’s 77th Van Mahotsav in Manesar, where he praised the state’s efforts to make Gurugram a green city and highlighted implementation of Centre‑recommended measures such as solid‑waste rules for housing societies, installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs), smart traffic management and greening activities. He noted a recent review of Haryana’s air‑quality situation and commended the state’s progress. Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini reiterated the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, setting a target of 1.4 crore trees for the year, and reported district‑level Van Mahotsav programmes across all districts, along with the launch of two publications and awards for environmental competitions.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs reports a sharp rise in WhatsApp‑account takeover scams targeting chartered accountants, company directors, CFOs and finance teams. Fraudsters circulate zip files named “Statement of Account.zip”, “RBI.zip” or “MCA.zip” via WhatsApp, SMS or e‑mail; the archives contain a malicious Windows executable and DLL that install a Trojan, hijack the victim’s WhatsApp Web session and propagate the file to contacts. The compromised senior‑executive accounts are then used to instruct finance staff to transfer funds to mule accounts – a scheme dubbed the “Boss Scam”. I4C has intimated over 58,000 potential victims, protected more than 10,000 Indians through geo‑blocking, and shared threat indicators with CERT‑In, Microsoft and Indian anti‑virus firms. It advises organisations to verify urgent fund‑transfer requests and to enforce strict software‑restriction policies.

The Ministry of AYUSH has launched multiple schemes to boost the production, quality, research, marketing and global acceptance of AYUSH medicines. Key initiatives include the Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta Evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) for quality assurance, GMP compliance and capacity building; the AYURGYAN Scheme for evidence‑based research and higher education; the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) for pharmacopoeial standards; the International Cooperation Scheme for export promotion and academic chairs abroad; and the Ayush Export Promotion Council (Ayushexcil) for facilitating exports through exhibitions and digital platforms. A three‑tier Pharmacovigilance network and an online portal “Ayush Suraksha” have been set up to monitor adverse drug reactions and misleading advertisements.

The Government, through the Ministry of Science & Technology, reaffirmed that the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund is governed by a robust institutional framework that emphasizes transparency, merit‑based evaluation and strict conflict‑of‑interest (COI) safeguards. Senior officials from the Department of Science and Technology, Technology Development Board (TDB) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) explained that project approvals are made by an Investment Committee of independent external experts, with decisions requiring a super‑majority and members recusing themselves where a conflict exists. The COI guidelines mandate full disclosure of interests and prohibit members from participating in proposals where they have a stake. The Fund provides soft‑loan assistance linked to specific technology projects, mobilising private investment while maintaining financial discipline.

BSNL Goa has invited local entrepreneurs, youth, students and self‑employed individuals to partner in the expansion of the BharatNet Fibre‑to‑the‑Home (FTTH) project in rural Goa. Under the Digital Bharat Nidhi programme, BSNL aims to inter‑connect every Gram Panchayat in the state with 1 Gbps broadband and then roll out FTTH services to households and businesses. Laying of optical fibre and Gram Panchayat inter‑connection is slated to start in October 2026, with FTTH deployment in phases. The scheme seeks local partners for last‑mile connectivity, promising business and employment opportunities while enhancing digital access in villages.

The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai, in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Western Region, held a Seminar‑cum‑Webinar on 7 August 2026 titled “Impact of Geopolitics on our Trade – Import & Exports”. The event targeted exporters, importers, industry representatives and other stakeholders to raise awareness of how global geopolitical shifts, tariffs, sanctions and supply‑chain disruptions affect trade. Speakers highlighted the need for market diversification, continuous monitoring of geopolitical trends, and compliance with evolving trade regulations. The programme also underscored recent CBIC trade‑facilitation reforms such as integrated customs systems, e‑Bond, electronic bank guarantees and faceless assessment, and marked the 27th DGTS outreach initiative since April 2026.

On National Handloom Day (7 August 2026), Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an article authored by Union Minister Giriraj Singh that describes handloom as one of India’s greatest civilisational strengths and underscores the diverse regional textile traditions. The Prime Minister highlighted the Minister’s call for India’s youth to combine heritage with technology, creativity and enterprise to shape the next chapter of handloom, thereby improving weavers’ livelihoods.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) as a Central Sector Scheme through the National Bee Board. The mission aims to promote scientific beekeeping, increase honey and beehive product output, generate income and employment, support farm and non‑farm households, empower women, and strengthen beekeepers via institutional frameworks. Under NBHM, project‑based assistance has enabled the creation of 7 honey testing labs, 66 mini labs, 83 processing units, 90 collection/branding units, and 81 Quality Nucleus Stock Development Centres. Honey production rose from 80,530 MT in 2014‑15 to 151,690 MT in 2025‑26, as per the Horticulture Crops Statistics (2nd Advance Estimates 2025‑26). The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, conveyed these details in a Rajya Sabha reply.

The Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), the market‑borrowing arm of Indian Railways, reported that debt servicing has stabilised over the last five years. Principal repayment rose from ₹14,192 crore in FY 2021‑22 to ₹24,853 crore in FY 2025‑26, while interest payments increased modestly, resulting in a declining share of interest in total lease charges (from ≈ 50 % in 2021‑22 to ≈ 46 % in 2025‑26). The Ministry of Railways notes that growing gross budgetary support for infrastructure and rolling stock has reduced dependence on extra‑budgetary resources. This reflects sustained financial discipline despite the Covid shock.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), concluded the BRICS WAVES Bazaar 2026 in Mumbai. Over 900 delegates from 20 BRICS and partner countries participated, facilitating more than 275 B2B meetings among producers, studios, broadcasters, film commissions, AVGC, government representatives, investors and technology firms. The event resulted in several Letters of Intent, MoUs and co‑production announcements, notably NFDC’s LoI with Brazil’s RioFilme, archival cooperation with Russia’s Gosfilmofond, and multiple bilateral film projects involving India, Brazil, Portugal, Russia, Czech Republic, South Korea and the UAE. These outcomes aim to strengthen creative‑economy ties, cultural exchange and long‑term collaboration across the BRICS ecosystem.

India and Sri Lanka met in New Delhi on 7 August 2026, led by Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Sri Lankan Energy Minister Shri Anura Karunathilake. The ministers reviewed ongoing bilateral initiatives such as the proposed India‑Sri Lanka HVDC interconnection and the Sampur Solar Power Project, and discussed expanding cross‑border electricity trade, renewable‑energy deployment, transmission infrastructure and capacity‑building. India shared its experience in transmission system development through the Tariff‑Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) public‑private partnership model. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to deepen power‑sector cooperation for sustainable development and regional energy security.

The Ministry of Rural Development reports that under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana‑Gramin (PMAY‑G), 32.47 lakh houses were sanctioned and 26.57 lakh houses completed in FY 2025‑26, bringing total sanctioned houses to 3.91 crore and completed houses to 3.12 crore against a national target of 4.18 crore. About 79 lakh sanctioned houses remain under construction. The scheme emphasizes beneficiary‑led construction, climate‑responsive designs, and provision of basic amenities such as piped water, electricity and LPG. Up to 5 % of targets are reserved for disaster‑affected families, and at least 60 % of national targets are earmarked for SC/ST households.