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Make videos on Bihar government schemes, get Rs 10,000 for 1 lakh views. (See the linked source for details.)

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Only 9 disability categories in Census 2027 form, rights groups want all 21. (See the linked source for details.)

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General secretary Jairam Ramesh raises concerns over the Census questionnaire, alleging that the methodology adopted for collecting caste data is “deliberately flawed”

3 sources: The Hindu — National · Indian Express — Explained · The Hindu — Editorial

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Clean electoral rolls are a must, but must not be weaponised by state

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The Court questions the notion that waste is a problem of the sanitary workers alone; says every individual should take responsibility and asks District Collectors to engage with households and educational institutions

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SEBI charged Copthall Mauritius Investment and Mansi Share and Stock Broking Private Limited as they allegedly manipulated the markets during the newly introduced closing auction session

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“The scope for any further easing does not seem to exist at the current juncture”

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U.P., Maharashtra, Punjab sought relook at 1978 judgment’s expansive definition of ‘industry’, which only excluded core sovereign activities; Bench considering whether state enterprises, schemes are industrial activities

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SEBI alleged that Dhenu Buildcon created a ₹1000 crore unsecured loan in the books through 46 transactions over eight days

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The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, flagged off the scaled-up phase of India's transshipment cargo reform at Delhi's IGI Airport. The reform aims to strengthen Ease of Doing Business in the aviation sector by reducing turnaround time, handling costs, and congestion at cargo terminals. A Proof of Concept exercise on the Chennai–Delhi–Frankfurt route has successfully established that by reducing average end-to-end transit time from 60 hours to just 20 hours.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a syndicate of wildlife traffickers and seized 54 intricately carved ivory artefacts. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prohibits trade and commerce in elephant ivory and articles manufactured therefrom. The DRI had previously seized ivory items in various operations in July and May.

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The Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Rural Development met on 19 August 2026 to discuss the promotion of Hindi in official correspondence. The meeting was chaired by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and attended by various members of parliament, secretaries, and Hindi scholars. The committee members offered suggestions to further promote the use of Hindi in the Ministry.

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India will host the fifth Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in New Delhi in February 2027. The Bharatiya Tatrakshak hosted the Working Level Meeting (WLM) of the 5th CGGS in hybrid mode on August 19, 2026. The deliberations focused on key institutional and organisational aspects of the forthcoming Summit.

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The Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, visited Armenia from August 17-18, 2026, and held bilateral meetings with Armenian officials to discuss defence and military technical cooperation. The two sides exchanged the Terms of Reference for institutionalising Joint Services Staff Talks and concluded a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in joint collaboration, innovation, and research. The visit aimed to strengthen India-Armenia defence cooperation and explore new avenues for military technical cooperation.

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The 29th meeting of the Full Commission of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas was held on 18.08.2026 under the Chairmanship of Shri Rajesh Verma. It approved issuance of Direction No. 102 mandating new registration of cleaner modes of Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) in Delhi-NCR in a phased manner, in view of the significant contribution of the vehicular sector to PM2.5 emissions in Delhi-NCR and the disproportionately high particulate emissions from LGVs.

CAS mechanism provides SEBI with greater capabilities to identify manipulation compared with the earlier Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP)-based system.

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The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through MY Bharat, is strengthening its engagement with Indian-origin youth across the world through 'Friends of MY Bharat', a dedicated digital module announced by Smt. Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, during the BRICS Youth Summit 2026 in Gandhinagar.

3 sources: PIB · PIB · PIB

The RDI Fund 'Conflict of Interest' policy is protected by stringent safeguards, and suggestions from stakeholders are welcome. The framework has robust mechanisms to protect investment decisions, and further safeguards are being considered. The disbursal of RDI funds to selected firms is underway, and the process for selection and announcement of Second-Level Fund Managers is ongoing.

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Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati have developed a new 'smart' cancer drug called RK-251. RK-251 is designed to activate primarily in cancer cells and release a powerful anticancer compound, and has shown strong activity against aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells in preclinical studies.

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The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education extended the last date for online registration for Yuva Sangam Phase VII till August 31, 2026. The Yuva Sangam programme is a flagship youth exchange programme under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative, aiming to strengthen emotional bonds and foster mutual understanding among young citizens from different States and Union Territories.

2 sources: PIB · PIB

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The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under India's BRICS Chairship. The meeting built upon the 1st BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group Meeting and carried forward the four thematic priorities identified under India's Chairship. The outcome of the Working Group's deliberations would provide an important basis for the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting on 21 August.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled a major attempt to illegally export a significant quantity of Methamphetamine from India to Saudi Arabia, recovering 56 kg of the contraband drug from the Nava Sheva Port. Two persons were arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The attempt was made by mixing Methamphetamine with maize in one of the bags in the consignment.

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Amit Arya, a resident of Haryana, established a Digital Service Centre in his village with the help of financial assistance from the NBCFDC scheme. The centre provides digital and e-governance services to rural citizens and has a current annual income of approximately ₹2.30 lakh. Amit Arya's economic situation has improved significantly after establishing the centre.

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A sharp decline in domestic equity markets put further pressure on the local unit, while RBI intervention and foreign fund inflows lent support, according to forex traders

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Why the Supreme Court upheld hanging as a constitutional mode of execution. (See the linked source for details.)

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Helicopters to warships: Government notifies new indigenisation list. (See the linked source for details.)

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BRICS Environment Ministers oppose European Union’s Carbon Border Tax. (See the linked source for details.)

3 sources: Indian Express — India · The Hindu — National · The Hindu — Science & Tech

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Besides the open field option to declare caste, respondents can choose “Does not want to declare Caste” and “No Caste”

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Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had raised growth projections from 6.6% to 6.7% citing resilient domestic economy.

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The Department of Commerce organised an awareness session on EU CBAM regulations for exporters at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, on 18 August 2026. The session aimed to enhance awareness and preparedness among Indian exporters regarding the evolving regulatory requirements under CBAM. The Department of Commerce is responsible for creating awareness among exporters and facilitating a better understanding of emerging regulatory requirements.

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Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal invited Japanese businesses to deepen their investments and partnerships in India, highlighting the growing depth and strategic importance of the India-Japan partnership. The partnership is rooted in common aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and goes beyond economic growth. The State of Uttar Pradesh is working towards becoming a USD 1 trillion economy, with a large and aspirational population, improving connectivity, industrial momentum and skilled workforce.

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The Government of India has approved the APM/NAPM Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections, a major initiative aimed at bringing clean, safe and affordable piped cooking gas to households across the country. The Scheme is designed to fast-track the expansion of active PNG connections and will be implemented over two Tranches spanning six months. Currently, there are 1.74 crore Domestic PNG connections across the country.

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The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 aims to establish a uniform and balanced fiscal framework for the mining sector by regulating State taxes and levies. The Act seeks to address concerns of unregulated and varying State levies eroding the viability of mining. It also focuses on critical minerals and the coal sector to reduce import dependence and make them more competitive and technologically advanced.

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Drawing enthusiastic participation from thousands of aspiring youths, the Kaushal Mahotsav in Balurghat emerged as a major platform connecting job seekers from Dakshin Dinajpur and neighbouring regions with employment opportunities. Organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the Mahotsav witnessed a historic turnout with over 7500 interviews being conducted.

The PSB Confluence 2026, organised by the Department of Financial Services, concluded after two days of deliberations on seven themes relevant to the banking and financial sector. Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the concluding session and called upon PSBs and PFIs to build on their institutional strength and develop capabilities to support India's evolving economic requirements. The Finance Minister also announced a focused, month-long campaign for youth above 16 years, commencing from 2nd October 2026.

2 sources: PIB · PIB

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The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, emphasized the importance of accurate and reliable data in governance, highlighting its role in effective planning, resource allocation, and implementation of government schemes. He also stressed the need for statisticians to ensure that the intended benefits of government programmes reach eligible beneficiaries. The Vice-President referred to the transformation in digital transactions and the strengthening of India's statistical and administrative data ecosystem.

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IIT Kharagpur at 75: How India’s first IIT was born in a former colonial prison. (See the linked source for details.)

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The Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of 23% equity shareholding of TM International Logistics Ltd. by Tata Steel Ltd. Tata Steel will hold 74% equity shareholding in TMILL, while NYK (Europe) B.V. will hold 26%. TM International Logistics Ltd. is a joint venture between Tata Steel, IQ Martrade, and NYK Europe.

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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of additional shareholding of Acko Technology & Services Private Limited by General Atlantic Singapore ACK Pte. Ltd. The Proposed Combination envisages acquisition of additional shareholding of Acko Technology & Services Private Limited on a fully diluted basis, crossing the threshold of 25%, pursuant to the Target's Rights Issue.

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The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of certain equity shareholding in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited by Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited. The Proposed Combination envisages the acquisition of certain equity shareholding in Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited by Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited. Bharti Life Insurance Company Limited is an IRDAI-licensed insurer incorporated in India and is engaged in the provision of life insurance in India.

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The 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' vision, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to build a developed, prosperous, self-reliant, and empowered India. A commitment program was organised by the Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development to pledge support for this vision. The program emphasized the importance of agriculture and food processing in achieving this goal.

3 sources: PIB · PIB · Indian Express — India

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Nearly 25% buyers said they need a phone that can understand and suggest action, 18% needed it for generative photo editing, 17% for doing visual search

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Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, and Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, virtually inaugurated the gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section in Madhya Pradesh. They also flagged off the extension of the Gwalior-Kailaras train up to Birpur through video conferencing today.

Researchers find long-term success of conservation efforts depends on improving habitat quality, restoring wildlife corridors, and strengthening forest management, and not only by bringing more areas under elephant reserves

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Impeding elephant corridors is not a solution to human-animal conflicts, says SC; it directs Centre to conduct a national survey to remove obstructions from routes and ensure a ban on the use of fireballs and spikes to drive away elephants

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Death of a Trinamool leader and corruption taint in Bengal politics. (See the linked source for details.)

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SKM has urged people’s representatives to raise their voices against the proposed India-United States Free Trade Agreement

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India is counting trees when it should be restoring forests

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Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over approval letters for 2,89,355 houses under PMAY-G and ₹340.59 crore for agricultural development initiatives in Rajasthan. The program aims to provide pucca houses to poor families and support their development. The Union Minister also announced changes to the eligibility criteria for housing assistance and the target for Lakhpati Didis in Rajasthan.

2 sources: PIB · PIB

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The 3rd Meeting of the Apex Monitoring Authority of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) was chaired by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The meeting reviewed the progress of projects under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of timely completion of infrastructure, land allotment, investment, and commencement of production.

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We will see if there are certain constraints or certain issues that we can improve. The regulator will soon issue a consultation paper on the securities lending and borrowing mechanism

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The Ministry of MSME joined the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 on August 13, marking the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', while the Ministry of Culture concluded the campaign with a concert on August 18, dedicated to the same milestone.

6 sources: PIB · PIB · PIB · PIB · PIB · PIB

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The 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting was held in Pune, India, under India's BRICS Chairship, with a focus on building resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability in digital technologies. The meeting included sessions on digital public infrastructure, digital governance, and future network technologies, with presentations from India and other BRICS member countries.

2 sources: PIB · PIB

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‘NRC before Census’: Students protest, give call for two-day strike in Manipur. (See the linked source for details.)

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The Government is implementing the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) through the Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC). The scheme aims to address key socio-economic needs and facilitate greater economic empowerment and improved living conditions for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities.

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The Central Information Commission launched its upgraded Appeal and Complaint Management System (AppCoMS 2.0) on 17th August 2026, with the aim of streamlining the processing of Second Appeals and Complaints under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The upgraded system features enhanced security standards, improved functionalities, and streamlined workflows. It also includes user accounts for applicants and other stakeholders, allowing for online submission of Second Appeals and Complaints.

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The area coverage under various crops has been reported for the period ending 14.08.2026. The area coverage under rice, pulses, Shree Anna & Coarse Cereals, oilseeds, and sugarcane has decreased compared to the corresponding period of last year. However, some states have reported higher area coverage under certain crops.

2 sources: PIB · PIB

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CEC Gyanesh Kumar calls upon Academia to strengthen informed democratic participation. (See the linked source for details.)

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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology approved 31 proposals under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme, boosting self-reliance and economic growth. The scheme has already led to the commencement of manufacturing in 38 plants and is expected to generate 74,628 direct jobs and 2.5 lakh indirect employment. The latest approvals include first-ever domestic manufacturing of critical components and essential raw materials.

2 sources: PIB · The Hindu — Business

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Why hospital treatment costs more in Telangana? Parliamentary panel points to private sector. (See the linked source for details.)

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