Updates on 13 August 2026
All of August 2026 →India's Nuclear Energy Mission Targets 100 GW Capacity by 2047
India aims to achieve 100 GWe nuclear energy capacity by 2047 through a strategic mission focusing on indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The initiative supports India's energy security and climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2070, with a dedicated budget allocation for SMR development and enabling private and foreign investment under the new SHANTI Act, 2025.
Indian Railways Approves Kavach Version 4.0 Deployment Across 660 Route Kilometres of Izzatnagar Division
On August 12, 2026, Indian Railways sanctioned the deployment of the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system Kavach Version 4.0 across 660 route kilometres of the Izzatnagar Division under the North Eastern Railway zone at an estimated cost of ₹295 crore. This initiative, part of the broader 'Provision of Kavach with Long-Term Evolution communication backbone' project, aims to enhance railway safety by preventing Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) incidents and train collisions. Kavach 4.0's advanced features include automatic braking, improved reliability in low visibility like dense fog, and support for maximum permissible speeds, covering 53 stations on key routes in Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions.
Karnataka Imposes One-Year Ban on Tobacco and Nicotine Products Including Gutkha and Pan Masala
Karnataka state government has issued a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of all products containing tobacco and nicotine, including gutkha and pan masala, effective for one year starting August 10, 2026. The ban applies across the entire commercial supply chain and covers both packaged and unpackaged products, as well as separately sold tobacco or nicotine items intended to be mixed by consumers. It is enforced under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, aiming to protect public health. Food Safety Officers in Karnataka are conducting special inspection drives to enforce this prohibition, and public cooperation is sought to report violations.
Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026: Honouring Elephant Conservation Heroes
On 13 August 2026, the Gaj Gaurav Awards were conferred during the national celebrations of World Elephant Day in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change hosted the ceremony to recognize frontline contributions to elephant conservation and management in India. Seven mahouts from Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal were honoured for their flood rescue efforts involving captive elephants and guiding displaced wild rhinoceroses to safety. The Ministry also released the “30 Giant Steps” document, highlighting policy achievements under Project Elephant between 2020 and 2026, and launched a Regional Action Plan to address Human–Elephant Conflict in Southern India with a ₹500 crore government commitment. Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister introduced the state’s technology-driven H.A.N.U.M.A.N. wildlife monitoring initiative at the event.
Indian Army Conducts 14-Day Specialised Training for CISF at Agartala Airport
From 27 July to 8 August 2026, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps and Red Shield Division conducted a specialised 14-day training programme for Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, Agartala, Tripura. The training focused on tactical skills, aviation security, quick reaction team (QRT) drills, counter-drone operations, and contingency response methods. This military-civil fusion initiative aimed to enhance CISF’s operational readiness to secure strategic aviation infrastructure near the Bangladesh border, improving inter-agency coordination and threat mitigation capabilities.
Larsen & Toubro Secures ₹10,000-15,000 Crore AI Infrastructure Order for India’s Largest AI Factory
On 13 August 2026, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) won a mega contract worth between ₹10,000 crore and ₹15,000 crore to build India’s largest single-cluster AI infrastructure facility. The project, managed by L&T's AI subsidiary Vyoma.AI in Chennai, includes deploying 10,000 NVIDIA B300 GPUs on a gigawatt-scale AI data centre campus. This AI Factory will support AI model training, inference, and fine-tuning, powering Together AI’s cloud platform. It marks a major advancement in India’s AI data infrastructure, enhancing computing capacity for generative AI and machine learning workloads.
IISc Bengaluru Releases 'SraVaani', a Multilingual Indian Speech-Recognition AI Model
On 13 August 2026, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru unveiled 'SraVaani', an open-source multilingual speech recognition model developed by SPIRE Lab in partnership with ARTPARK and supported by Google. SraVaani can transcribe spoken words into text across 65 Indian languages and dialects, including 20 scheduled languages and 45 regional ones like Garo, Angika, and Tulu, supporting ten scripts. It features automatic language identification, eliminating manual language selection during recognition. The model is publicly available under the MIT license on the Hugging Face platform, promoting broad usage and modification. This innovation leverages over 31,000 hours of speech data collected from 156,000 people across 165 districts under Project Vaani, enabling advanced speech technology for resource-constrained Indian languages.
Pakistan's First Lunar Rover 'Jinnah-1' to Launch on China's Chang'e-8 Mission in 2029
Pakistan's national space agency, SUPARCO, unveiled its first-ever lunar rover named 'Jinnah-1' intended for deployment on the Moon's south polar region. Set for launch aboard China's Chang'e-8 mission around 2029, the 35-kg rover will carry scientific payloads to study lunar soil composition, radiation, plasma, and geology. Named after Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah through a nationwide contest, the mission epitomizes Pakistan's growing participation in international space exploration and collaboration, particularly with China under the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) framework.
Launch of Gramin Gyan Setu Mobile App in Gujarat to Integrate Rural Libraries
On 12 August 2026, coinciding with National Library Day, the Gramin Gyan Setu mobile application was launched to digitally connect and integrate libraries across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat. The app employs a hub-and-spoke model linking 752 village libraries with four central libraries that collectively hold approximately 280,000 books. The initiative initially covers 63 village libraries in Gandhinagar, Kalol, and Sanand assembly constituencies, providing books for children, competitive examinations, and historical subjects, including India’s freedom struggle of 1857. Four mobile library vans, funded through MPLAD grants, make fortnightly visits to villages to deliver requested books and collect issued books.
India-Malaysia Bilateral Air Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 Commences at Subang Air Base
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) started the bilateral Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 on August 10, 2026, at Subang Air Base, Malaysia. The five-day exercise, running until August 14, promotes mutual operational learning and enhances interoperability between the two air forces. Key activities include complex air combat maneuvers, air-to-air refueling, and strategic airlift operations, involving advanced aircraft like the IAF's Rafale jets and RMAF's Su-30MKM and F/A-18D fighters. The exercise facilitates joint field training and exchange of expertise, reinforcing defence cooperation and tactical proficiency.
CSIR-IICT Develops IND-Ready Plant-Based Drug Candidate for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
On 12 August 2026, scientists at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, developed a phytopharmaceutical drug candidate derived from Gymnema sylvestre (known as Gurmar or Podapatri) for treating diabetic foot ulcers. The formulation has completed preclinical testing, including botanical standardization, pharmacological evaluation, GLP-compliant safety studies, and pharmacokinetic assessments, achieving Investigational New Drug (IND)-ready status, enabling progression to human clinical trials. CSIR-IICT has transferred the technology to Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, for clinical development and regulatory approvals. The development is part of the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission Phase III, aiming to convert botanical resources into clinically tested drugs. The technology is patent-protected in India and internationally and holds potential applications for other chronic wounds and inflammatory skin disorders.
8th BRICS Working Group Meeting on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology Begins in Goa
The 8th meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) was held in Goa from August 12 to 14, 2026. Hosted by India's National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences during India's 2026 BRICS Presidency, the meeting brought together scientists and officials from eight countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and India—to enhance cooperation in oceanic and polar research. The agenda focused on transitioning from bilateral agreements to multilateral integrated research programs, joint research, capacity building, scientific exchanges, and shared use of research infrastructure. Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director of NCPOR, chaired the meeting, and Dr. M. Rajeevan delivered the keynote on India’s Blue Economy initiatives.
DigiLocker crosses 72 crore users, UMANG reaches over 11 crore users
As of July 31, 2026, the DigiLocker platform has registered more than 72.43 crore users, enabling citizens to securely store and access a wide range of government-issued digital documents. Simultaneously, the UMANG mobile application – designed to provide access to multiple central and state government services through a unified interface – has recorded over 11.66 crore registered users. These milestones mark significant progress under the Digital India initiative in promoting digital governance and seamless digital service delivery.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 Passed
On 13 August 2026, the Parliament of India passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, amending the 1957 MMDR Act that governs mineral regulation in India. The Bill centralises the regulation of mineral-bearing lands under the Government of India and restricts state governments from imposing independent taxes, cesses, or levies on mineral rights unless authorized by central guidelines. It also allows leaseholders to add multiple minerals including lithium, cobalt, graphite, gold, and silver to existing mining leases without additional payments, and removes the cap on mineral sales from captive mines. The Bill has met opposition based on concerns over the fiscal powers of states and the constitutional division of powers.
Perseid Meteor Shower 2026 Peaks with Exceptional Viewing Conditions
The annual Perseid meteor shower, associated with debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, reaches its peak on the night of August 12–13, 2026. Thanks to a New Moon phase on August 12, 2026, the skies will be exceptionally dark, enhancing visibility. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect to see between 30 and 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions, with the radiant point located in the constellation Perseus. The shower remains active from mid-July to August 24, 2026. The 2026 peak coincides with notable astronomical events, including a total solar eclipse visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain, as well as a rare six-planet alignment.
IIT Guwahati Develops Two-Stage Microalgae Cultivation Process to Enhance Carbon Dioxide Capture and Bioenergy Production
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has developed a novel two-stage microalgae cultivation process that significantly improves carbon dioxide (CO₂) fixation, biomass production, lipid productivity, and bioenergy efficiency. The technology uses a high CO₂ concentration (15%) in the first cultivation stage to promote rapid microalgal growth, followed by a second stage with reduced CO₂ concentration (5%) supplemented with calcium and phosphorus. This approach achieves up to 25.7% more biomass and 35.4% greater CO₂ fixation compared to conventional methods, with efficient self-flocculation enabling a harvesting recovery rate of 98.46% at lower energy costs. The biodiesel derived from this biomass meets standards in India, the US, and EU. The research, published in Renewable Energy journal, was led by Professor Kaustubha Mohanty and research scholar Deepesh Singh Chauhan.
Indian Army to Establish Youth Training Centres in Telangana
On 12 August 2026, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met with Lieutenant General C. Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, to agree on setting up Indian Army youth training centres at district headquarters across Telangana. These centres aim to prepare local youth for nationwide military recruitment drives, particularly the Agnipath scheme, and enhance coordination between the state government and the Army during disaster management.
Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with CSIR-NGRI for Lithium and Gallium Exploration in Kadapa Basin
On 12 August 2026, Andhra Pradesh's Department of Mines and Geology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) to explore lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin. This initiative, funded by a ₹140 crore budget from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), aims to assess promising areas like Vempalle and Thummalapalle. Lithium and gallium are critical minerals vital for energy storage, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh partnered with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s TEXMiN for mining technology and skill development, establishing a Centre of Excellence for Mining in the state.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Announces Fellowship & Awards for 2024 and 2025
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for music, dance, and drama under the Ministry of Culture, announced its Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) and Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2024 and 2025. Seven fellows, 108 awardees, and 106 recipients of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for young artists were selected. The prestigious investiture ceremony will take place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 13 August 2026, where President Droupadi Murmu will confer the honors. These awards recognize sustained excellence across various performing arts forms including music, dance, theatre, folk and tribal arts, puppetry, and scholarship.
Indian Navy's Second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shruti' Launched by GRSE in Kolkata
On 11 August 2026, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) launched 'Shruti', the second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) of the Indian Navy. Part of an 11-ship programme valued at ₹9,781 crore signed in March 2023, Shruti is one of four NGOPVs being built by GRSE, complementing seven vessels by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Measuring 113 meters long with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes, Shruti has a top speed of 23 knots and an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots. The NGOPVs enhance India's indigenous naval capabilities and maritime security, performing roles like coastal surveillance, anti-piracy, and protection of sea lanes.
India's Para-Cyclists Clinch 12 Medals at 2026 UCI Parasport Denmark Grand Prix
Indian para-cyclists delivered a stellar performance at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Parasport Denmark Grand Prix held in Odense from August 7 to 10, 2026. The Indian contingent secured a total of 12 medals—2 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze—in various para track cycling events. Standout athlete Arshad Shaikh of Andhra Pradesh led with six medals, including two golds in elimination races. Rising stars Vishwa Vasani (Gujarat) and Anshuman Dhumal (Maharashtra) also contributed with multiple medals. These results underscore India's growing prominence in international para-cycling.
Government of India Strengthens SMILE-Beggary Rehabilitation Framework
The Government of India launched the SMILE-Beggary scheme on 23 October 2023 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to comprehensively rehabilitate persons engaged in begging. The scheme, forming part of the broader SMILE initiative, aims at rescuing and reintegrating marginalized individuals through shelter, education, skill development, vocational training, and family reunification. As of 31 July 2026, ₹45.59 crore has been released to implement the scheme across 216 cities, rehabilitating 10,446 persons including 2,824 children. The scheme targets rehabilitating 35,000 individuals and expanding to 295 cities by 2030-31.
India Resumes Export of Broad Gauge Passenger Coaches to Bangladesh from Kapurthala in 2026
In August 2026, the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab, rolled out the first rake of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway. This delivery is part of a larger ₹915 crore contract signed in 2024 to supply 200 broad gauge passenger coaches in seven variants. The contract is financed by the European Investment Bank and managed by RITES Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Indian Ministry of Railways. This marks India’s resumption of passenger coach exports to Bangladesh after about a decade since supplies during 2015-2016.
Zhu Rongji: Architect of China's Economic Reforms and WTO Entry
Zhu Rongji, who served as China's fifth premier from 1998 to 2003, was a key figure in transforming China’s economy by implementing rigorous reforms. He worked as Mayor of Shanghai, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, and later as Premier. Zhu led efforts to restructure state-owned enterprises (SOEs), resulting in large-scale layoffs and increased efficiency. Critically, he played a central role in leading China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in December 2001, negotiating terms that integrated China into the global trade system. His reforms aimed at shifting China from a centrally planned to a market-oriented economy while retaining party control, accelerating growth and modernization. Zhu's policy legacy remains significant for understanding China's economic landscape and international trade relations.
Uttarakhand High Court to Relocate from Nainital to Haldwani in 2026
The Uttarakhand government approved the relocation of the state's High Court from Nainital to a newly selected 30-hectare site at Lamachaur on the Haldwani-Rudrapur highway (NH-05), with the move scheduled for August 2026. This decision followed the Supreme Court's July 16, 2026, ruling which set aside a 2024 Uttarakhand High Court order that had blocked the relocation. The Supreme Court clarified that the establishment or shifting of a High Court is an administrative matter. The Uttarakhand government was directed to secure the necessary clearances and hand over the land to the High Court within six weeks. The existing High Court premises in Nainital will be transferred to the state government after the relocation.
Russia appoints former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud as arbitrator in Ukraine-Ukraine investment treaty dispute
Russia has appointed former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud as its arbitrator in an international investment arbitration initiated by Ukraine's state-owned bank Oschadbank. The dispute involves claims over assets lost by Oschadbank in Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions following Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion. The case is under the 1998 bilateral investment treaty between Russia and Ukraine and is heard by a three-member tribunal comprising arbitrators appointed by each party and a mutually agreed president.