National News
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026: Campaign Launched by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
The Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign was launched by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi on August 6, 2026, with the nationwide campaign scheduled from August 9 to August 17. Marking the fifth edition since its launch in 2022 under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, this year’s campaign focuses on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, India’s National Song. The Ministry of Culture will promote mass singing and provide a five-step online tutorial for its correct rendition. The Ministry of External Affairs has also announced Suryapath Tiranga, involving Indian embassies and consulates in 54 countries, with digitally tracked flag-hoisting events on August 14–15. Partition Horrors Remembrance Day will be observed on August 14. Citizens can participate by displaying the Tiranga and uploading photographs through the “Selfie with Tiranga” initiative, which received over 10 crore selfies in the previous edition.
Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 to Host Global Rice Trade Leaders
The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, the second edition of the global rice industry event, will be held from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), the conference is expected to attract participants from over 120 countries, including exporters, importers, buyers, policymakers and industry stakeholders. More than 30,000 delegates are expected, with registrations already crossing 19,193 by August 3, including over 2,100 international buyers. Discussions will cover global rice trade, price discovery, supply chains, crop conditions, market access and future price trends. India, the world’s largest rice exporter, ships over 20 million tonnes annually to more than 170 countries.
IT Rules 2026 Tighten Online Content Removal and AI Regulations
India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 have strengthened obligations for digital platforms and intermediaries. Notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on 10 February 2026, the rules came into force on 20 February. The most significant change reduces the deadline for removing unlawful content after a valid court order or government notice from 36 hours to just 3 hours. The amendments also introduce the definition of “Synthetically Generated Information”, bringing AI-generated content and deepfakes more explicitly under the regulatory framework. Platforms must ensure prominent labelling and traceable metadata for such content. The changes aim to enable faster action against unlawful material while increasing compliance responsibilities for social media platforms, online marketplaces and other intermediaries.
CCRAS Launches Digital and Research Initiatives to Modernise Ayurveda
Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav chaired the 27th Governing Body meeting of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in New Delhi on 6 August 2026. During the meeting, he inaugurated research and residential infrastructure at CCRAS centres in Pune and Ranikhet and performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new 50-bedded hospital in Nagpur. He also launched CCRAS-PARAMPARA for documenting and scientifically validating local health traditions and traditional veterinary knowledge. The CCRAS National Research Recognitions portal, featuring PRAKASA, NAVONMESA and PRABODH 3MT, was introduced to promote postgraduate Ayurveda research. Ayur-dict, an Android app integrating multiple Ayurveda dictionaries, was also launched. Jadhav emphasised AI, innovation, startups, translational research and global collaboration to make Ayurveda evidence-based and internationally competitive.
State News
Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Approves PPP Policy and Ease of Doing Business Act
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Amaravati on August 6, 2026, approved the draft Andhra Pradesh Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy-2026 and the Andhra Pradesh Omnibus (Ease of Doing Business) Act, 2026 to boost infrastructure development and private investment. The PPP policy covers transport, ports, healthcare, education and renewable energy, with ₹1,500 crore earmarked under Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and a proposed Bridge Fund for projects requiring initial financial support. The Ease of Doing Business Act aims to simplify licences, approvals, compliances and departmental clearances through time-bound procedures. The Cabinet also approved the Pedestrian Safety and Universal Accessibility Policy-2026, featuring safety audits and penalties of up to ₹1 lakh. It sanctioned ₹1,002.49 crore for Quantum Valley Twin Towers in Amaravati and approved a ₹1.50-per-unit aquaculture power subsidy, providing estimated relief of ₹1,150 crore. The Disha Bill, 2019, was withdrawn, while the Assembly monsoon session will begin on August 17 for five days.
Karnataka Explores Partnership With Anthropic to Train Lakhs in AI
Karnataka is exploring a long-term artificial intelligence partnership with Anthropic, the company behind Claude AI, to expand AI skilling, strengthen public services and support the state’s technology ecosystem. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met an Anthropic delegation in Bengaluru on August 6, 2026, to discuss collaboration in AI certification, governance, healthcare, scientific research, higher education, cybersecurity and startups. A key proposal involves introducing Claude-focused certification under Karnataka’s NIPUNA initiative to create a large pool of AI-trained talent. The state is also examining AI applications for reducing government fraud, improving administrative efficiency and securing question-paper preparation. Discussions additionally covered data privacy, data sovereignty and responsible AI, while potential benefits extend to students, government employees, researchers and deep-tech startups. Anthropic opened its Bengaluru office in February 2026.
Ladakh to Launch India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari
Ladakh has approved India’s first guided high-altitude wildlife safari to promote regulated wildlife tourism and strengthen conservation efforts across its fragile mountain ecosystems. The decision was taken on August 6, 2026, during the first governing body meeting of the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation Society (SHAN Conservation Society), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The safari will focus on snow-leopard sightings and bird watching across Hemis National Park, Changthang, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. Specially designed open-back jeeps will be operated by trained local drivers and guides, supporting controlled tourism and local employment. Ladakh is estimated to host 477 of India’s 718 snow leopards, while its biodiversity includes around 1,800 vascular plant species, 340 bird species and over 38 mammal species.
Tamil Nadu Launches Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme for Agricultural Drone Training
Tamil Nadu launched the Vetri Vaanmagal scheme on August 6, 2026, to promote agricultural drone technology and create technology-based livelihood opportunities, particularly for women farmers. Announced under the state’s 2026-27 Agriculture Budget, the initiative will train 500 individuals, including 100 women, in agricultural drone operations and provide assistance for obtaining drone pilot licences. The state has allocated ₹1.50 crore for training through the Remote Pilot Training Organisation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Another ₹2.50 crore will support drones for 50 trained women, who will receive them at a 50% subsidy. Agricultural drones can assist with crop monitoring, mapping, spraying, field surveys and precision farming.
Andhra Pradesh Announces ₹9.5 Lakh Crore Visakhapatnam Growth Plan
The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious development plan for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region, targeting up to ₹9.5 lakh crore in public and private investment. Covering eight districts in north coastal Andhra Pradesh, the plan aims to create a US$120 billion regional economy by 2032 and generate 20–24 lakh jobs. Investment will focus on AI data centres, green hydrogen, clean energy, IT, ports, logistics, steel, healthcare, tourism, agriculture and food processing. The initiative follows the Bay City Project’s integrated planning model to promote sustainable infrastructure and industrial growth. The 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on November 12–13, 2026, is expected to attract global investors.
Banking News
RBI Expands Upper Layer NBFC List to 17 for FY27; REC, PFC, IRFC and HUDCO Added
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded its Upper Layer Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC-UL) list to 17 entities for FY 2026-27, up from 15 in the previous classification. The revised list includes four new public-sector entrants—REC Ltd., Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) and Housing & Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). The classification follows the RBI’s comprehensive review of the framework for identifying large and systemically significant NBFCs. Under the revised criteria, NBFCs with assets under management of at least ₹1 lakh crore qualify for consideration, subject to applicable conditions. The Upper Layer falls under the RBI’s scale-based regulatory framework and carries enhanced supervision and stricter regulatory requirements. Tata Sons Private Limited has also been retained in the category, although its pending application for NBFC de-registration remains under examination.
UPI Charges Bill 2026: What Does It Mean for UPI Users?
The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by the Lok Sabha, creates a legal framework allowing the government to potentially introduce charges on certain UPI and other notified digital payment transactions under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. However, the Bill does not impose UPI charges immediately; any fee would require a future government notification and applicable rules. Person-to-person transfers, such as sending money to family members, are expected to remain free, while large retailers and online businesses could potentially face Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) or other charges. The framework could help banks, payment service providers and fintech companies recover expenses related to payment infrastructure, cybersecurity, processing and customer support. The RBI would continue overseeing the payment ecosystem.
Business News
Microsoft Launches Fourth India Cloud Region in Hyderabad
Microsoft’s India South Central cloud region in Hyderabad, Telangana, became generally available on 6 August 2026, marking the company’s fourth cloud region in India. The new facility joins Microsoft’s existing regions in Pune, Chennai and Mumbai, expanding the country’s hyperscale cloud infrastructure. It is designed to support enterprise computing, artificial intelligence, sovereign-ready AI applications and other mission-critical workloads. The Hyderabad region includes three availability zones, which are physically separate datacentre locations designed to improve fault tolerance, disaster recovery, business continuity and service reliability. The expansion comes amid rising demand for cloud computing and AI infrastructure in India, while local data infrastructure can also support organisations requiring stronger data-location and regulatory compliance capabilities. Key Fact: Hyderabad is Microsoft’s fourth cloud region in India.
Awards News
Jeevan Raksha Padak: 12 Rat Miners Honoured for Silkyara Tunnel Rescue
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari conferred the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak on 12 rat miners for their exceptional courage and selfless service during the Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation. The awards were presented at an investiture ceremony in New Delhi, recognising their contribution to one of the most challenging rescue missions involving workers trapped inside the collapsed tunnel. Gadkari praised the miners for working in extremely dangerous conditions and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi closely monitored the rescue operation and ensured the mobilisation of necessary resources. The Jeevan Raksha Padak recognises individuals who demonstrate courage and prompt action to save human lives during incidents such as fires, drowning, electrocution, natural disasters and mining accidents. The award has three categories—Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak—with Sarvottam being the highest honour. The award is open to civilians as well as eligible Armed Forces, Police, Fire Services, CAPF and Central Police Organisation personnel who perform life-saving acts beyond their normal duties.
Defense News
India Successfully Tests Agni-4 Missile from Odisha Coast
India successfully conducted the test launch of the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, on August 6, 2026. The test was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which manages India’s strategic nuclear arsenal, under the broader indigenous missile programme led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). According to the Ministry of Defence, the launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile. Agni-4 is a road-mobile, surface-to-surface ballistic missile designed to strengthen India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. The missile incorporates advanced navigation, guidance and composite-material technologies. The successful test demonstrates India’s continued progress in developing reliable strategic missile systems and maintaining an effective national defence posture.
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth Becomes First Woman Fighter Pilot to Complete FCL Course
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has created history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to successfully complete the prestigious Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Gwalior. The intensive 20-week course trains selected fighter pilots in advanced air-combat tactics, mission planning, tactical decision-making, combat leadership and complex air operations. Kanth joined the IAF in June 2016 as part of the first batch of women fighter pilots, alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. An engineering graduate from Bihar’s Darbhanga district, she also became the first Indian woman cleared for daytime fighter combat missions in 2019. Her latest achievement highlights the growing role of women in India’s combat aviation and their progression into specialised operational and leadership positions. TACDE in Gwalior is regarded as a premier IAF institution for advanced tactical air-combat training, making completion of the FCL course a major professional milestone.
Schemes News
Assam Opens Nijut Moina, Nijut Babu Scheme Applications
The Assam government launched the application process for the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes on August 6, 2026, to support students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate education. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the forms in Guwahati and announced expanded eligibility, including polytechnic girls and seventh-semester integrated postgraduate students. Nijut Moina, focused on girls’ education and reducing child marriage, benefited about 1.6 lakh girls in 2024-25 and 4 lakh in 2025-26, with another 1 lakh targeted this year. Nijut Babu supported 50,000 boys last year, with 70,000 additional beneficiaries planned. The government also provided ₹15.86 crore to 793 flood-affected schools and ₹4.26 crore to 21,025 students in Sivasagar and Charaideo.
GOBARdhan Scheme Gets ₹23,731 Crore Boost for Clean Energy
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan)–National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. The scheme aims to convert agricultural residue, cattle dung, urban organic waste, press mud and other biomass into Compressed Biogas (CBG), organic manure and rural income. It includes assured CBG offtake, stable pricing capped at ₹2,110/MMBTU, financial support of up to ₹2 crore per TPD capacity, pipeline infrastructure, credit guarantees and a Challenge Fund. The scheme targets a tenfold rise in domestic CBG production, reduced fossil-fuel imports, greater private investment, rural employment and lower greenhouse-gas emissions.
Science & Technology News
Anil Menon Completes Maiden ISS Spacewalk
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completed his maiden spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) on August 6, 2026, marking a major milestone in his astronaut career. Designated US Spacewalk 96, the extravehicular activity lasted 6 hours and 27 minutes and concluded at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Menon worked alongside NASA astronaut Jessica Meir on the station’s Starboard 6 (S6) truss. They installed mounting hardware, routed electrical cables and added insulation to prepare the ISS power system for a future Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA). Menon, selected in NASA’s 2021 astronaut class, previously worked as a physician and SpaceX medical director. Meir completed her sixth spacewalk during the mission.
Gaganyaan Mission Advances Ahead of First Uncrewed Flight in 2026
India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme has reached a crucial stage, with ISRO successfully testing several human-rated systems required for astronaut safety and mission operations. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said the first uncrewed test flight carrying Vyommitra, ISRO’s humanoid robot, is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by two more uncrewed missions in 2027 before the first crewed orbital flight. Key achievements include testing the Human Rated Launch Vehicle propulsion stages, Crew and Service Module systems, Environmental Control and Life Support System, Thermal Protection System, Crew Escape System and parachute-based recovery systems. India is also developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), planned for commissioning in 2035. The Union Cabinet sanctioned ₹20,193 crore in 2024 for eight human-spaceflight missions.
Sports News
Praggnanandhaa Wins Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026 Title
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won his first Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title at the 2026 Grand Chess Tour event with a dominant and consistent performance. The 20-year-old scored 23.5 points out of 36, finishing 1.5 points ahead of Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov, who scored 22 points. Praggnanandhaa led the tournament from the beginning and secured the championship with one round remaining after drawing against Sindarov in the penultimate blitz round. He completed the event with another draw against Levon Aronian. In the nine blitz rounds, he recorded three wins, five draws and one loss, demonstrating remarkable consistency. His victory earned him $50,000 and 13 Grand Chess Tour points, strengthening his position in the race for the 2026 GCT Finals. Key Fact: Praggnanandhaa finished 1.5 points ahead of Sindarov.
Boleng To Host Asian Rafting Championships In October
Boleng in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district will host the Asian Rafting Championships 2026 from October 5 to 9 on the Simang River, a Class III+ tributary of the Siang River. The five-day international event will bring leading rafting teams from across Asia and is expected to promote adventure tourism, eco-tourism and sports development in Arunachal Pradesh. Competitions will include Sprint, Raft Cross and Slalom, testing athletes’ speed, endurance, teamwork and technical skills. The Siang River, the upper course of the Brahmaputra, is known for its scenic landscapes and challenging rapids. The event is expected to enhance the region’s profile as an international destination for adventure sports.
Important Days News
National Handloom Day 2026 Celebrates India’s Rich Weaving Heritage
National Handloom Day is observed annually on 7 August to honour India’s handloom heritage and recognise the contribution of weavers and artisans. The day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7 August 1905 at Calcutta Town Hall to promote indigenous products and reject foreign goods. The first National Handloom Day was observed in 2015. The occasion highlights traditional weaving skills, sustainable textiles, rural employment and the empowerment of women artisans while encouraging consumers to support authentic Indian handloom products under the Vocal for Local initiative. India’s renowned handloom traditions include Banarasi, Kanchipuram, Jamdani, Sambalpuri, Pochampally, Paithani, Muga Silk and Gujarat’s Bandhani. Government initiatives include NHDP, India Handloom Brand, Yarn Supply Scheme and Weaver MUDRA Scheme.
Current Affairs Capsule PDF (6th August,...
Current Affairs Capsule PDF (5th August,...
RBI Monetary Policy August 2026: Key Ann...
