Updates on 24 August 2026
All of August 2026 →NITI Aayog Report Highlights India's Skilling Challenges and NEET Youth in 2026
NITI Aayog's August 2026 report "Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047" reveals critical data on India's youth skilling and employment scenario. It identifies 8.7 crore youths aged 15–29 as NEET (not in education, employment, or training), based on 2021 National Sample Survey data. The report notes only 8.25% of graduates work in jobs aligned with their qualifications. Since 2014-15, over 7.67 crore individuals have been trained, with ₹34,000 crore allocated in the FY 2025-26 Union Budget for skilling. Emphasizing outcome-based financing linked to verified job placements, it proposes vocational pathways from grade 6 and addresses low female formal employment (3%) with 71% in informal or NEET status. The report urges reforms for better youth employability and economic inclusion.
Mumbai only Indian city in IWG’s 2026 Work From Anywhere Index, ranks 50th globally
Mumbai emerged as the sole Indian city in the International Workplace Group's (IWG) 2026 Work From Anywhere Index, debuting with a score of 77 out of 100 and securing the 50th position worldwide. The city performed well in transport affordability, availability of flexible workspaces, climate, and accommodation, but scored lower in broadband quality, local events, and happiness index. Bangkok topped the index, followed by Tokyo and Barcelona. India leads the Asia-Pacific region in flexible workspace maturity, with a score higher than the UK, France, and the US. Flexible working policies are gaining prominence globally, with many workers reporting improved work-life balance and productivity.
ICAR Registers 16 New Indigenous Livestock and Dog Breeds, Total Count Reaches 262
In 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) registered 16 new indigenous livestock and dog breeds, increasing the total number of registered animal breeds in India to 262, comprising 258 indigenous and 4 synthetic breeds. The new breeds span across nine species and originate from 13 states and one union territory.