CSIR-CRRI Holds Workshop on Road Asset Management and Predictive Analysis
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute organised a one-day national workshop in New Delhi on road asset management systems and predictive analysis. The event discussed data-driven pavement maintenance, maintenance prioritisation, data acquisition and whole-life cost optimisation for road infrastructure.
Key facts
The workshop was organised by CSIR-CRRI in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under the SPARC scheme.
It was held on 24 August 2026 at the CSIR-CRRI Auditorium in New Delhi.
The discussions focused on Road Asset Management Systems, predictive analytics, pavement performance and life-cycle cost optimisation.
A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis Tool for Indian Roads was demonstrated during the workshop.
The event concluded with a panel discussion on making Road Asset Management Systems a routine part of road agency decision-making.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on CSIR institutions, the Ministry of Education’s SPARC scheme, road infrastructure management, predictive analytics and life-cycle cost analysis.
Amit Shah Inaugurates 9th National Security Strategies Conference-2026
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the ninth two-day National Security Strategies Conference-2026 in New Delhi on 24 August 2026. The hybrid conference brought together more than 850 participants to discuss major national security challenges, including terrorism, intelligence coordination, narcotics control, illegal migration, cybercrime, proxy warfare, infiltration and bio-security.
Key facts
The conference was inaugurated in New Delhi by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
It was the 9th National Security Strategies Conference and was held over two days in hybrid format.
More than 850 participants attended the conference.
Participants included senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Union Home Secretary, Deputy NSAs, heads of CAPFs and CPOs, state and Union Territory police chiefs, young police officers and domain experts.
Discussions included counter-terrorism, intelligence analysis through the Multi Agency Centre, narcotics control, detection and deportation of illegal migrants, cybercrime and proxy warfare.
The conference addressed training for implementation of the MHA's PRAHAAR scheme, trials in absentia, investigation of UAPA cases and measures against infiltration.
The Home Minister directed agencies to use artificial intelligence to analyse information on MAC platforms and develop standard operating procedures for national security challenges.
The second day was scheduled to focus on sub-aerial systems, the blue economy, information warfare and bio-security.
The conference has been held annually in hybrid format since 2021, following directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on internal security, counter-terrorism, intelligence coordination, cybercrime, illegal migration, UAPA, artificial intelligence in security operations, CAPFs and national security institutions.
CBN and PHARMEXCIL Sign MoU to Facilitate Pharmaceutical Exports
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) signed an MoU to promote legitimate pharmaceutical exports while strengthening regulatory oversight and preventing the diversion of pharmaceutical products and controlled substances.
Key facts
The MoU was signed at the CBN Headquarters in Gwalior.
CBN functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and administers provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
CBN supervises the licit cultivation of opium poppy and authorizes the import and export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
PHARMEXCIL was set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The partnership will develop a voluntary and non-binding Voluntary Code of Conduct for the pharmaceutical industry.
The MoU focuses on reducing operational bottlenecks, improving export procedures, conducting joint capacity-building programmes, and sharing information subject to applicable laws.
A six-month action plan will focus on pan-India outreach, stakeholder sensitization, and institutional and regulatory cooperation.
Dr. Dinesh Bisen, Narcotics Commissioner, represented CBN, while Shri Raja Bhanu represented PHARMEXCIL.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the NDPS Act, 1985; the role of the Central Bureau of Narcotics; pharmaceutical exports; regulatory cooperation; and ease of doing business.
National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums Begins in Mysuru
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs began a three-day National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums in Mysuru, Karnataka, to discuss documentation and revitalisation of tribal languages and strengthening of Tribal and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums. The event included the release of tribal-language primers, signing of an MoU with CIIL, and the launch of the upgraded Adi Vaani platform and the AI assistant Jago.
Key facts
Organisers: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute and Central Institute of Indian Languages.
Venue: Mysuru, Karnataka.
The conclave focused on tribal-language documentation, community-led revitalisation, technology use and multilingual education.
Karnataka released a Class 1 Jenukuruba primer covering Kannada, Mathematics and Environmental Studies, along with Sannivesha, Pragiti Nota and Thattegalu flashcards.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and CIIL signed an MoU on tribal-language documentation and corpus development.
Jago, an AI conversational assistant of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, was launched to provide information on tribal welfare schemes, programmes and repositories.
The upgraded Adi Vaani platform was launched with a new iOS application, five additional languages and a new logo.
The conclave was scheduled to continue on 25 August 2026 with the Mysuru Declaration and sessions on Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on tribal welfare, tribal languages, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, CIIL, digital governance, multilingual education, cultural heritage and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums.
PMFME Conclave 2026 and PMFME Bazaar inaugurated in New Delhi
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries organised the PMFME Conclave 2026 on 24–25 August 2026 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated the conclave and the PMFME Bazaar, which showcased traditional and value-added food products from micro enterprises across 25 States and Union Territories.
Key facts
Organiser: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
Event: PMFME Conclave 2026, held on 24–25 August 2026.
Venue: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The conclave brought together over 500 stakeholders.
The PMFME Bazaar featured exhibitors from 25 States and Union Territories.
Participants included Self Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, cooperatives and individual entrepreneurs.
Products showcased included millet-based foods, spices, pickles, snacks, beverages and other value-added food products.
A Coffee Table Book containing 30 success stories of PMFME beneficiaries was launched.
FoodNova, a quarterly magazine of the Ministry, was also launched.
MoUs were signed with APEDA, ONDC and NABKISAN to strengthen market and institutional linkages.
Thematic sessions covered finance and sustainability, incubation and entrepreneurship, market linkages, and SHG-led food enterprises.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the PMFME Scheme, food processing, micro-enterprises, Self Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, market linkages, digital commerce and government support for entrepreneurship.
Regional Manthan Conference on Road Safety Held in Mumbai
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways organised a Regional Manthan Conference in Mumbai to strengthen road safety measures in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Discussions focused on data-driven enforcement, emergency medical care, safer vehicles, district-level capacity and coordinated action to reduce road fatalities.
Key facts
The conference was chaired by Justice A. M. Sapre (Retd.), Chairman of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety.
The Zero Fatality District initiative covers 100 critical districts across 15 states for integrated interventions involving engineering, enforcement, emergency care and education.
The PM Rahat Scheme provides cashless treatment of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh for up to 7 days from the date of the accident to road accident victims, irrespective of insurance status.
PM Rahat is linked with eDAR of MoRTH, TMS 2.0 of the National Health Authority and the 112 emergency helpline.
Under the Rah-Veer scheme, eligible Good Samaritans who save lives in serious road accidents may receive Rs. 25,000 per incident and a Certificate of Appreciation.
Rah-Veers are stated to be protected from legal proceedings without their consent.
The Sadak Suraksha Mitra Programme engages trained youth volunteers through the MYBharat platform, particularly in the top 100 high-fatality districts.
The Data-Driven Hyperlocal Intervention framework follows five stages: Alignment Meeting, Capacity Building, Interventions Planning, Implementation and Impact Assessment.
States and districts were urged to conduct root-cause analysis, prepare action plans and develop District Road Safety Plans.
The conference reiterated the goal of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on road safety governance, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways initiatives, emergency response schemes, Good Samaritan protection, district-level administration, data-driven policymaking and national road-safety targets.
India Post Launches Upgraded Dak MITRA and Dak Sewa Apps
The Department of Posts launched upgraded Dak MITRA and Dak Sewa mobile applications and inaugurated 14 renovated Post Office buildings on August 24, 2026, to improve digital, citizen-centric and last-mile postal services.
Key facts
Dak MITRA is a unified operational platform for more than 1.4 lakh Branch Post Offices.
Dak MITRA enables paperless and real-time mail, banking, insurance, Aadhaar-based biometric e-KYC, cash and premium collection services.
Dak Sewa provides 24x7 access to tracking, booking, complaints, Post Office and PIN code locators, and financial calculators.
Dak Sewa supports 23 Indian languages through BHASHINI.
Both applications were developed indigenously by the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology under the Advanced Postal Technology platform as part of DoP IT 2.0 Modernization.
A total of 14 renovated Post Office buildings were inaugurated across locations including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Under the Proof of Concept, 40 Post Offices across 17 States were selected for transformation; 27 had been completed, including the 14 inaugurated on August 24, 2026.
The Department proposed extending the modernisation programme to an additional 60 Post Offices during the current financial year.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on digital governance, India Post, public service delivery, financial inclusion, BHASHINI, indigenous technology development and government modernisation initiatives.
According to the Press Information Bureau excerpt, the Reserve Bank of India’s special USD-INR forex swap facility for FCNR(B) deposits, Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings and External Commercial Borrowings mobilised total foreign exchange inflows of US$73 billion by 21 August 2026. FCNR(B) deposits contributed US$65.40 billion. The FCNR(B) window was advanced for closure from 30 September to 31 August 2026.
Key facts
The facility was launched on 8 June 2026.
Total foreign exchange inflows stood at US$73 billion as on 21 August 2026.
FCNR(B) deposits accounted for US$65.40 billion.
The FCNR(B) window’s closure was advanced from 30 September to 31 August 2026.
The excerpt compares the mobilisation with the 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme, which reportedly raised about US$26 billion over roughly three months.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Reserve Bank of India, FCNR(B) deposits, foreign exchange mobilisation, external commercial borrowings, non-resident deposits and India’s external-sector buffers.
Envoys of Six Nations Present Credentials to the President of India
President Droupadi Murmu accepted the credentials of envoys from South Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Moldova, Germany and Sweden at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 24, 2026.
Key facts
The ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Sitona Abdalla Osman presented credentials as Ambassador of South Sudan.
Abdulla Saif Ali Slayem Al Nuaimi presented credentials as Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates.
Muhammad Saidu Dahiru presented credentials as High Commissioner of Nigeria.
Inga Ionesii presented credentials as Ambassador of Moldova.
Jasper Wieck presented credentials as Ambassador of Germany.
Petra Menander presented credentials as Ambassador of Sweden.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on international diplomatic relations, ambassadors and high commissioners, and recent activities of the President of India.
Piyush Goyal Leads Business Delegation to Japan to Strengthen India-Japan Economic Ties
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed Japan’s Keidanren and held meetings with Japanese companies and officials in Tokyo. The discussions focused on increasing Japanese investment in India, semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, supply-chain resilience and cooperation with Indian MSMEs.
Key facts
India and Japan designated 2026 as the “India-Japan Year of Shared Horizons” to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Piyush Goyal invited Japanese investors to double the number of Japanese companies operating in India during the decade.
He met representatives of Sumitomo Corporation, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mitsubishi Corporation, Tokyo Electron and MinebeaMitsumi.
The meetings with Tokyo Electron and MinebeaMitsumi focused on semiconductor manufacturing and plant projects in India.
A round-table on capital goods, machinery and automotive industries discussed cooperation between Japanese enterprises and India’s Tier-II and Tier-III supplier ecosystem.
Around 70 Indian and Japanese businesses participated in the industrial round-table.
The minister led a delegation of more than 200 industry representatives from sectors including manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, steel, automotive, financial services, healthcare and start-ups.
The four-day visit from 24 to 27 August covered Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India-Japan relations, economic diplomacy, foreign investment, semiconductor manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, MSME integration, advanced manufacturing and the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
2025-Batch IFS Officer Trainees Meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Fifty Officer Trainees of the 2025 batch of the Indian Foreign Service met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth. The Prime Minister urged them to strengthen grassroots-level engagement, expand diplomatic networks, use technology for citizen-centric services and promote India’s global economic and tourism interests.
Key facts
The group comprised 50 IFS Officer Trainees from different States and Union Territories.
The interaction took place at Seva Teerth.
The trainees were advised to build stronger relationships with local communities in their countries of posting.
The Prime Minister emphasised the use of technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and gaming in India’s global engagement.
Indian Missions were encouraged to improve their digital presence and make consular services more seamless and citizen-centric.
The trainees were encouraged to use the Bharat ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz to increase global interest in India.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Indian Foreign Service, diplomatic engagement, Indian Missions, digital governance, consular services and the Bharat ko Janiye initiative.
NAMASTE-SUY Support Helps Uttar Pradesh Sanitation Worker Become Entrepreneur
Under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY), implemented through the NAMASTE Scheme, Kapil of Husainpur village in Ghaziabad district received financial assistance in 2023 to purchase a tractor fitted with a suction machine. The support enabled him to establish an independent mechanised sanitation service and increase his monthly income.
Key facts
Beneficiary: Kapil, a 25-year-old resident of Husainpur village, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh.
He belongs to the Scheduled Caste Khatik community.
Before receiving assistance, he worked as an unpaid helper in sewer and septic tank cleaning with his father.
The total project cost was ₹10,70,400.
He received a loan of ₹6,77,800 and a capital subsidy of ₹3,92,600.
The assistance was used to purchase a tractor fitted with a suction machine.
He now earns approximately ₹30,000–₹35,000 per month from mechanised sanitation work.
His monthly loan instalment is ₹14,517.
The initiative aims to support mechanised sanitation, safer work and dignified livelihoods.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government welfare initiatives, sanitation-sector mechanisation, livelihood support, financial inclusion, Scheduled Caste empowerment and social justice.
NBCFDC Self-Employment Scheme Helps Kerala Woman Establish Multi-Service Enterprise
Suji K.P. of Wayanad, Kerala, used a loan under the NBCFDC Self-Employment Scheme to convert her tailoring skills into a sustainable enterprise. After receiving the loan in 2023, she expanded her business to include photocopy and lamination services and now earns approximately ₹15,000 per month.
Key facts
Suji K.P. belongs to the OBC Hindu Thiyya community and resides in Wayanad district, Kerala.
She received a loan of ₹3,00,000 under the NBCFDC Self-Employment Scheme in 2023.
The loan enabled her to establish a tailoring unit.
She later diversified into photocopy and lamination services.
Her enterprise provides an approximate monthly income of ₹15,000.
She learned about the scheme through an awareness programme organised by the Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation (KSBCDC).
The assistance reduced her financial dependence on her husband and strengthened her family's financial security.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), self-employment assistance, OBC welfare, institutional credit, women’s economic empowerment and the role of state-level backward classes development corporations.
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme supported Shubhankar Ghorai, a scholar from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, in completing his Ph.D. Financial assistance, including fellowship support, House Rent Allowance and contingency assistance, helped him continue research and manage academic expenses.
Key facts
Shubhankar Ghorai is a 31-year-old scholar from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal.
He began receiving assistance under the NFSC Scheme in February 2020.
The support included a fellowship, House Rent Allowance and contingency assistance.
The assistance helped him continue his research, manage academic expenses and reduce financial stress.
He has completed his Ph.D.
Exam relevance: The item is relevant for questions on government support for higher education, social inclusion, fellowships for Scheduled Caste students and measures that promote research access.
Railway Board Reviews IRCTC War Room to Improve Catering Quality
Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar reviewed the IRCTC War Room and directed stronger passenger feedback systems, kitchen surveillance, third-party inspections and follow-up action to improve railway catering services.
Key facts
The review focused on passenger feedback, kitchen monitoring and quality assurance in catering services.
The Rail Madad interface is to be further automated to enable simpler passenger communication and complaint handling.
Railway officials were directed to monitor complaints closely and interact directly with passengers when required.
Inspecting agencies must systematically record deficiencies and their inspection performance for continuous evaluation.
Additional cameras, including cameras in raw material storage areas and a PTZ camera, are to be provided for wider kitchen surveillance.
A kitchen at Anantapur in South Central Railway was identified as requiring improvement.
The preparation of roti and paratha was directed to be comprehensively reviewed.
Ineffective third-party inspection agencies may face appropriate action, including delisting where warranted.
AI-based alerts concerning rodents, cockroaches and other deficiencies must be followed by warning letters and deterrent action.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian Railways administration, Rail Madad, IRCTC, technology-enabled governance, railway catering quality assurance and passenger-centric service delivery.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Describes Students as the Future of India’s Democracy
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that students are the future of the world’s largest democracy.
Key facts
The statement was attributed to CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Students were described as the future of the world’s largest democracy.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on the Election Commission of India and civic awareness, although the supplied excerpt provides no further context.
The Fifth Space: Education, Digital Responsibility and Responsible Citizenship
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar addressed school students at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre during the programme “The Fifth Space – Where Education Meets Responsibility.” He highlighted dialogue, empathy, emotional support, ethical technology use, child rights, gender equality and responsible citizenship.
Key facts
The programme was held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre.
It was organised by the National Commission for Women in collaboration with the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, UNESCO New Delhi and Mount Abu Public School.
Dr. Virendra Kumar urged parents, teachers and institutions to understand young people instead of merely criticising their use of technology.
The “Fifth Space” was described as the convergence of home, school, culture, society, citizenship, knowledge and the digital world.
The Minister stressed that technology should be accompanied by ethics, responsibility and sound judgement.
The programme included discussions on child rights, safety, gender equality, human dignity, digital responsibility and responsible citizenship.
Participants included Dr. Sanjeev Sharma of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Dr. Jyoti Arora of Mount Abu Public School and Vijaya Kishore Rahat, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on constitutional and social themes related to child rights, gender equality, digital responsibility, responsible citizenship and the roles of the National Commission for Women and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
India and Mauritius Strengthen Cooperation in Public Administration and Capacity Building
Mauritius Minister Lutchmanah Raj Pentiah met Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to discuss expanded cooperation between India and Mauritius in public administration, civil-service training, digital learning and public-service innovation. The partnership includes training Mauritian civil servants through the National Centre for Good Governance and stronger institutional linkages between Mauritian and Indian public-service training institutions.
Key facts
Mauritius Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms Lutchmanah Raj Pentiah held discussions with Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi.
India and Mauritius plan to deepen cooperation in public-service training, administrative reforms, capacity building and technology-enabled public-service delivery.
Under an understanding reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius, 500 Mauritian civil servants are to be trained over five years through the National Centre for Good Governance.
The first batch of Mauritian civil servants has begun training at Mussoorie.
According to the source, 85 Mauritian officers have already received training through four missions.
Proposed institutional cooperation involves ABVIPSI and Indian institutions including LBSNAA, IIPA and ISTM.
The recently operationalised iGOT Karmayogi Mauritius platform is intended to support digital learning and capacity building.
Potential areas of cooperation include joint programme design, faculty exchanges, research, case studies, online training and monitoring and evaluation of government schemes.
The discussions also covered the Blue Economy, ocean technologies, fisheries, desalination and sustainable development.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India-Mauritius relations, international cooperation in public administration, civil-service capacity building, NCGG, iGOT Karmayogi, LBSNAA, IIPA and ABVIPSI.
Third India-Cambodia Joint Working Group Meeting on Trade and Investment Held in Phnom Penh
The third meeting of the India-Cambodia Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment was held in Phnom Penh on 24 August 2026. Both countries discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening digital payment connectivity through UPI-KHQR, cooperation in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, and the early conclusion of agreements on customs cooperation and bilateral investment.
Key facts
The meeting was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 24 August 2026.
It was co-chaired by Shri Amit Verma, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Mr. Long Kemvichet, Director General of International Trade, Cambodia.
Bilateral trade increased by over 36% to USD 406.78 million in 2025-26 from USD 299 million in the previous financial year.
Trade recorded 63.25% year-on-year growth during April-June 2026.
Cambodia is India's eighth-largest trading partner in ASEAN and accounts for 0.31% of India's total trade with the bloc.
UPI acceptance at KHQR-enabled merchants in Phnom Penh was launched on 2 June 2026.
Both sides discussed enabling Cambodian payment applications to scan UPI QR codes in India.
The countries discussed early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Customs Cooperation and completion of a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
The next meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in India in 2027.
Priority sectors discussed with the Indian Business Chamber in Cambodia included education, healthcare, information technology, agriculture and tourism.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Cambodia relations, ASEAN trade, bilateral economic cooperation, UPI's international expansion, customs cooperation and digital payment linkages.
