21 August 2026 Current Affairs MCQ/Quiz PDF

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Q1. With reference to the infrastructure projects approved by the CCEA in August 2026, consider the following statements:

  1. The approved package is worth ₹13,041 crore.
  2. It includes four railway multi-tracking projects.
  3. The Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa section of NH-22 will be upgraded under the Hybrid Annuity Mode.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D

Explanation: The CCEA approved infrastructure projects worth ₹13,041 crore, including four railway multi-tracking projects and the four-laning of the 82.578-km NH-22 section in Bihar under HAM.
Q2. The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026, primarily seeks to provide tax-related exemptions to specified foreign investors in respect of investments in:

A) Corporate bonds only
B) Government securities
C) Gold ETFs
D) Real estate investment trusts
Answer: B

Explanation: The amendment provides specified tax exemptions to foreign institutional investors and the Bank for International Settlements on interest and certain capital gains arising from government securities.
Q3. The recently identified Himalayan plant species Impatiens nimspurjae belongs to which family?

A) Fabaceae
B) Asteraceae
C) Balsaminaceae
D) Poaceae
Answer: C

Explanation: Impatiens nimspurjae belongs to the genus Impatiens and the family Balsaminaceae. It was discovered in Nepal’s Myagdi district and named in honour of mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja.
Q4. The MoU involving UNHCR, SICCI and Ethiraj College primarily focuses on:

A) Nuclear research cooperation
B) Refugee education, livelihood support and socio-economic inclusion
C) Maritime security
D) Climate-finance mobilisation
Answer: B

Explanation: The partnership aims to promote refugee education, research, community engagement, livelihood support, self-reliance and socio-economic inclusion.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Yashoda AI initiative:

  1. It focuses on women’s AI literacy and digital empowerment.
  2. It was originally launched in May 2025.
  3. It is associated with the National Commission for Women.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D

Explanation: Yashoda AI is an NCW initiative aimed at equipping women with AI and digital skills. It was originally launched on 22 May 2025 at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly.
Q6. In August 2026, General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army by:

A) Prime Minister of Nepal
B) President of Nepal
C) Chief of Nepal Army
D) Defence Minister of Nepal
Answer: B) President of Nepal

Explanation: Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank on General Dhiraj Seth. The practice of conferring honorary general ranks between the two countries dates back to 1950.
Q7. Paul Merchants Finance became the first Indian NBFC to establish exclusive branches for which type of lending?

A) Platinum loans
B) Silver loans
C) Commodity loans
D) Agricultural equipment loans
Answer: B) Silver loans

Explanation: Paul Merchants Finance launched exclusive silver-loan branches, initially beginning operations in Chandigarh, following RBI’s regulatory framework for lending against eligible gold and silver collateral.
Q8. Paramotor Digital Technology Limited partnered with NSDL Payments Bank primarily to issue:

A) Credit cards
B) Debit cards
C) Co-branded prepaid cards
D) Sovereign gold bonds
Answer: C) Co-branded prepaid cards

Explanation: The partnership combines Paramotor Digital’s technology platform with NSDL Payments Bank’s infrastructure for co-branded prepaid payment solutions.
Q9. India Ratings and Research revised India’s real GDP growth forecast for FY2026–27 to:

A) 6.2%
B) 6.5%
C) 6.8%
D) 7.2%
Answer: C) 6.8%

Explanation: Ind-Ra raised its FY27 real GDP growth forecast by 10 basis points from 6.7% to 6.8%, citing factors including lower crude oil prices.
Q10. The proposed collaboration between Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce is related to the development of an engine for which Indian programme?

A) Tejas Mk-1A
B) AMCA
C) Astra missile programme
D) Akash missile programme
Answer: B) AMCA

Explanation: The collaboration aims to support development and manufacturing of an indigenous combat aircraft engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. AMCA is planned as a fifth-generation stealth multi-role aircraft.
Q11. Google emerged as the winning bidder in the Spirit Airlines bankruptcy auction with a bid of:

A) US$5 million
B) US$7.5 million
C) US$10 million
D) US$15 million
Answer: C) US$10 million

Explanation: Google submitted the winning US$10 million bid for a portion of Spirit Airlines’ internal enterprise data and software assets, subject to approval by a U.S. bankruptcy court.
Q12. Lakshmanan Meyyappan was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male:

A) CFA Charterholder
B) Chartered Accountant
C) Investment Banker
D) Actuary
Answer: B) Chartered Accountant

Explanation: Meyyappan achieved the record at 16 years and 141 days after completing the ACCA qualification.
Q13. BRICS CCI, to which Dr. Eluri Sreedhar was appointed Honorary Advisor, was established in:

A) 2009
B) 2010
C) 2012
D) 2015
Answer: C) 2012

Explanation: The BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) was established in 2012 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
Q14. RBI approved LIC to increase its aggregate holding in HDFC Bank up to:

A) 5.00%
B) 7.50%
C) 9.99%
D) 12.50%
Answer: C) 9.99%

Explanation: RBI approved LIC to acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.99% of HDFC Bank’s paid-up share capital or voting rights, subject to applicable regulations. LIC’s reported existing stake was 4.11%.
Q15. Competition Commission of India approved Prudential Corporation Holdings’ proposed acquisition of what percentage of Bharti Life Insurance?

A) 51%
B) 60%
C) 74%
D) 75%
Answer: D) 75%

Explanation: Prudential Corporation Holdings proposed acquiring a 75% majority stake in Bharti Life Insurance for approximately ₹3,500 crore, subject to other regulatory approvals.
Q16. Consider the following pairs:
Feature                      : NIKA2 Kisan Drone1. Spraying payload : 16 litres
2. Spreading payload : 12 litres
3. Developed by : AkinAnalyticsWhich of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D

Explanation: The indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone, developed by Hyderabad-based AkinAnalytics, has a 16-litre spraying payload and 12-litre spreading payload, along with terrain-following, fail-safe and night-operation capabilities.
Q17. World Mosquito Day is observed on 20 August to commemorate Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery that malaria is transmitted between humans by:

A) Male Aedes mosquitoes
B) Female Anopheles mosquitoes
C) Female Aedes mosquitoes
D) Male Anopheles mosquitoes
Answer: B) Female Anopheles mosquitoes

Explanation: Sir Ronald Ross made the landmark discovery on 20 August 1897 in Secunderabad that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria parasites between humans. He received the 1902 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his malaria research.
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Daily Current Affairs – 21 August 2026

21 august 2026 current affairs | 21 august current Affairs | current affairs today |

Get the latest Current Affairs 2026, Daily Current Affairs, Current Affairs Today, National and International News, Government Schemes, Appointments, Awards, Economy, Sports, Science & Technology, Important Days and One-Liners Current Affairs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence and other competitive exams.
Cabinet Approves ₹13,041 Crore Railway and Highway Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved infrastructure projects worth ₹13,041 crore across five states. The package includes four railway multi-tracking projects worth about ₹9,450 crore and the four-laning of an important section of NH-22 in Bihar, estimated at ₹3,590.73 crore.

Key Highlights:

  • Four railway projects will cover eight districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Kharagpur–Bhadrak (Ranital): 173-km fourth line; about ₹3,352 crore.
  • Bhadrak–Haridaspur: 75-km fourth line; nearly ₹1,583 crore.
  • Gummidipundi–Gudur: 90-km third and fourth lines across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; ₹2,229 crore.
  • Cuttack–Paradeep (Badabandha): 72-km third and fourth lines; ₹2,286 crore.
  • In Bihar, 82.578 km of NH-22 between Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi–Sonbarsa will be upgraded to four-lane standards.
  • The highway project will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and will strengthen connectivity towards the India–Nepal border.
President Gives Assent to Taxation and Payment-System Amendments
President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026 and legislation amending the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The changes are aimed at improving the investment environment, supporting domestic electronics manufacturing and enabling foreign cloud companies to use Indian data centres.

Key Points:

  • The Taxation amendment replaces the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026.
  • It provides tax exemptions for specified income earned by foreign institutional investors and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) from government securities.
  • Exemptions cover eligible interest income and capital gains related to government securities.
  • The PSS-related changes modify the legal framework concerning charges associated with specified digital payment modes.
Himalayan Plant Named Impatiens nimspurjae After Nirmal Purja
A Himalayan flowering plant has been named Impatiens nimspurjae in honour of Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja. The plant was discovered in Nepal’s Myagdi district by researchers Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti and Rita Ale.

Important Facts:

  • Genus: Impatiens
  • Family: Balsaminaceae
  • Local name for the group in Nepal: Tiuri
  • Habitat: Humid slopes and forest margins.
  • Altitude: Around 2,800–2,900 metres.
  • The species was first encountered in western Myagdi in 2011.
  • Its formal description appeared in a peer-reviewed PLOS ONE study.
  • Nirmal Purja climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in 2019 in 6 months and 6 days.
  • He was also associated with the first winter ascent of K2 in 2021.
UNHCR, SICCI and Ethiraj College Partner for Refugee Inclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Ethiraj College for Women signed an MoU to strengthen refugee education, research, community engagement and livelihood opportunities in India.

Highlights:

  • The Department of Social Work at Ethiraj College will serve as the nodal department.
  • The partnership aims to improve refugee self-reliance and socio-economic inclusion.
  • Special attention includes refugee communities such as Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu.
  • UNHCR was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
NCW Conducts ‘Yashoda AI’ Programme in Jalandhar
The National Commission for Women (NCW) organised “Yashoda AI – Women’s Path to AI Empowerment” at Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab. The programme focuses on AI literacy, digital skills, cyber safety and increasing women’s participation in emerging technologies.

Key Highlights:

  • Yashoda AI was originally launched on 22 May 2025 at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly.
  • NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar launched the Jalandhar programme.
  • The initiative seeks to provide women with practical AI skills.
  • A “She Serves” programme was also inaugurated to encourage young women to explore career opportunities in the Armed Forces.
  • NCW is a statutory body established in 1992 and headquartered in New Delhi.
General Dhiraj Seth Visits Nepal
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth undertook a three-day official visit to Nepal from 17–19 August 2026 at the invitation of Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel.

Major Highlights:

  • Discussions focused on strengthening India–Nepal defence cooperation.
  • General Seth held bilateral discussions with his Nepali counterpart.
  • He received a briefing from Nepal Army’s Director General Military Operations.
  • He laid a wreath at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu.
  • He received a Guard of Honour at Nepal Army Headquarters.
  • Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel conferred on him the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army.
  • The tradition of both countries conferring honorary general ranks on each other’s Army Chiefs dates back to 1950.
Paul Merchants Finance Launches Exclusive Silver Loan Branches
Paul Merchants Finance Private Limited became the first NBFC in India to establish exclusive branches for silver loans. The initiative follows RBI’s framework for lending against eligible gold and silver collateral.

Key Facts:

  • Operations have initially started in Chandigarh.
  • The company plans phased expansion.
  • Loan amount: ₹2,000 to ₹15 lakh, subject to applicable conditions.
  • Eligible collateral includes specified silver jewellery, ornaments and approved silver coins.
  • The initiative operates within the regulatory framework for lending against precious-metal collateral.
Paramotor Digital Partners with NSDL Payments Bank
Fintech company Paramotor Digital Technology Limited entered into a co-branded partnership with NSDL Payments Bank to issue prepaid cards across India.

Highlights:

  • The partnership combines Paramotor’s technology platform with NSDL Payments Bank’s banking infrastructure.
  • Applications include consumer spending, digital gifting, rewards and loyalty.
  • Platforms involved include SpendPro, Yayyy.shop and RewardOn.
  • The prepaid solutions are intended to comply with RBI requirements.
  • Paramotor Digital had filed confidential IPO draft papers with SEBI in May 2026.
India’s FY27 Growth Forecast Raised to 6.8%
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) increased its forecast for India’s real GDP growth in FY 2026–27 to 6.8%, up from 6.7%. Lower crude oil prices were identified as one of the factors supporting the upward revision.

Important Projections:

  • Real GDP growth: 6.8%
  • Nominal GDP growth: 10.4%
  • WPI inflation: 8.5%
  • CPI inflation: 4.9%
  • Fiscal deficit target: 4.3% of GDP
  • Current Account Deficit: 1.5% of GDP, compared with 0.6% in FY26.
Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce Collaborate on AMCA Engine
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Rolls-Royce entered a strategic partnership to explore the development and manufacturing of an indigenous combat aircraft engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.

Key Highlights:

  • The companies will explore establishing an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India.
  • The facility is intended to function as a Centre of Excellence for propulsion technology.
  • Rolls-Royce brings advanced propulsion expertise, while RIL contributes industrial and manufacturing capabilities.
  • AMCA is India’s planned fifth-generation stealth multi-role fighter aircraft.
  • The programme includes technologies such as stealth, supercruise, advanced avionics and AI-assisted systems.
  • AMCA is managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence’s defence R&D framework.
Google Wins Bid for Spirit Airlines’ Enterprise Data
Google emerged as the winning bidder in a bankruptcy auction to acquire part of Spirit Airlines’ internal enterprise data and software assets for US$10 million. The proposed transaction still requires approval from a US bankruptcy court.

Key Points:

  • Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May 2026 after financial difficulties.
  • Google defeated AI-data company Mercor, whose bid was US$7.5 million.
  • The assets include enterprise data such as employee emails, Teams messages, spreadsheets, calendars and operational information.
  • The data is intended for product development and AI model training.
  • According to the source, the dataset will be de-identified and will not include customer information or personally identifiable information.
Lakshmanan Meyyappan Recognised as World’s Youngest Male Chartered Accountant
Indian-origin finance professional Lakshmanan Meyyappan, based in Dubai, was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male Chartered Accountant. He achieved the record at 16 years and 141 days in June 2021.

Important Facts:

  • Completed the ACCA qualification at 16.
  • Started the course at 15 and completed it in about one year.
  • Obtained the CFA Charterholder designation in 2025.
  • He is pursuing an MSc in Finance at American University of Sharjah.
  • He also works as a Senior Research Analyst at Century Financial in Dubai.
Dr. Eluri Sreedhar Named Honorary Advisor to BRICS CCI
Dr. Eluri Sreedhar was appointed Honorary Advisor to the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI). His role will focus on areas such as economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, inclusive development and community empowerment.

Quick Facts:

  • Dr. Sreedhar is an educator, technocrat and enterprise strategist.
  • He founded Sreedhar’s CCE (College of Competitive Exams).
  • BRICS CCI was established in 2012.
  • Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
  • The organisation works on business and economic cooperation among BRICS-related stakeholders.
LIC Gets RBI Approval to Raise HDFC Bank Stake to 9.99%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to increase its aggregate holding in HDFC Bank to as much as 9.99% of the bank’s paid-up share capital or voting rights.

Key Points:

  • LIC’s existing stake was 4.11% as of 14 August 2026.
  • The approval does not mean LIC must immediately increase its holding to 9.99%.
  • Any additional acquisition must comply with RBI, Banking Regulation Act, FEMA and SEBI requirements.
  • The decision gives LIC greater flexibility as an institutional investor in the banking sector.
CCI Clears Prudential’s Proposed Majority Stake in Bharti Life Insurance
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited’s proposal to acquire a majority stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company.

Highlights:

  • Proposed acquisition: 75% stake.
  • Transaction value: around ₹3,500 crore.
  • The acquisition remains subject to other regulatory approvals.
  • Prudential will need to comply with applicable requirements concerning its existing Indian insurance interests.
  • CCI also approved Tata Steel’s proposal to acquire an additional 23% stake in TM International Logistics Limited (TMILL).
  • After the TMILL transaction, Tata Steel and NYK Europe are expected to hold 74% and 26%, respectively.
AkinAnalytics Launches Indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Drone
Hyderabad-based women-led DeepTech and defence technology startup AkinAnalytics launched the indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone for agriculture and other field-intensive sectors. The drone was unveiled by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi.

Key Features:

  • Spraying payload: 16 litres.
  • Spreading payload: 12 litres.
  • Terrain-following capability.
  • Fail-safe systems.
  • Night-operation capability.
  • Applications across agriculture, aquaculture, plantations, mining, energy, infrastructure and defence.
  • The launch supports India’s indigenous drone ecosystem and the broader Make in India, Go Global approach.
World Mosquito Day 2026 – 20 August
World Mosquito Day is observed every year on 20 August to commemorate Sir Ronald Ross’s discovery in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

Important Facts:

  • Date of discovery: 20 August 1897
  • Location: Secunderabad, Telangana
  • Scientist: Sir Ronald Ross
  • Vector: Female Anopheles mosquito
  • His findings were published in the British Medical Journal in December 1897.
  • Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for his malaria research.
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Karnataka Announces ‘Vidyarthi Sahayahasta’ Scheme for Rural Students

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the Vidyarthi Sahayahasta scheme to improve access to professional education for students from rural backgrounds. The scheme was announced during Independence Day celebrations at Manekshaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru. Eligible students who completed Classes I to X in rural government schools will receive a dedicated share within the existing rural reservation for admission to professional courses such as medicine and engineering.

Key Points:

  • State: Karnataka
  • Scheme: Vidyarthi Sahayahasta
  • Announced by: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar
  • Announcement venue: Manekshaw Parade Grounds, Bengaluru
  • Occasion: Independence Day celebrations
  • Objective: Improve access to professional education for rural students
  • Eligibility: Students who studied from Class I to Class X in rural government schools
  • Reservation: 7.5% reservation within the existing 15% rural reservation
  • Courses: Professional programmes including medical and engineering courses
  • Target group: Eligible rural government-school students
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World Humanitarian Day 2026

World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on 19 August to honour humanitarian workers who provide life-saving assistance and protection to people affected by conflicts, disasters and other crises. The day also highlights the need to protect humanitarian personnel and uphold International Humanitarian Law. The 2026 campaign uses the slogan #ActForHumanity.

Key Points:

  • Date: 19 August every year
  • 2026 observance: 19 August 2026
  • Purpose: Honour humanitarian workers, including those killed or injured while helping people affected by crises
  • Focus: Protection of humanitarian personnel and importance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
  • Campaign slogan: #ActForHumanity
  • UN resolution: UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/63/139
  • Resolution adopted: 11 December 2008
  • First observed: 19 August 2009
  • Why 19 August: On 19 August 2003, a suicide truck bombing targeted the UN headquarters at Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq
  • Casualties: 22 humanitarian workers were killed
  • Notable victim: Sérgio Vieira de Mello, UN Special Representative for Iraq
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Shabnam Sinha Appointed Chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank

Shabnam Sinha has been appointed Chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank for a three-year term beginning 1 October 2026, following RBI approval under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. She will succeed Sunil Bharti Mittal, who completes his tenure as Non-Executive Chairman on 30 September 2026. Sinha brings more than three decades of experience in development finance, financial services, public policy and institutional transformation.

Key Points:

  • New Chairperson: Shabnam Sinha
  • Organisation: Airtel Payments Bank
  • Term: Three years
  • Effective from: 1 October 2026
  • Approval: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • Legal basis: Banking Regulation Act, 1949
  • Predecessor: Sunil Bharti Mittal
  • Mittal’s tenure: Served as Non-Executive Chairman since 2019
  • Experience of Sinha: Over 30 years in development finance, financial services, public policy and institutional transformation
  • Current position: Independent Director on Airtel Payments Bank’s Board
  • Committees: Chairs Special Committee for Monitoring Frauds and serves on Risk Management and IT Committees
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Hakainde Hichilema Re-elected as Zambia’s President

Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), has been re-elected as President of Zambia for a second consecutive five-year term covering 2026–2031. He won the presidential election held on 13 August 2026 with more than 60% of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Brian Mundubile.

Key Points:

  • President: Hakainde Hichilema
  • Country: Zambia
  • Party: United Party for National Development (UPND)
  • Term: Second consecutive term, 2026–2031
  • Election date: 13 August 2026
  • Votes secured: 2,965,326
  • Vote share: Approximately 61.4%
  • Main opponent: Brian Mundubile
  • Opponent’s votes: 1,856,217
  • Opponent’s vote share: Approximately 38.4%
  • Total votes: Nearly 5 million
  • Election rule: A candidate needs more than 50% + 1 of valid votes to avoid a second-round run-off
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PMIS Industry Awards 2026: Mahindra & Mahindra Named Overall Champion

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs organised the PMIS Industry Awards 2026 in New Delhi under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme. The awards recognise companies that have made strong contributions to internship creation, management, innovation and workforce development. Mahindra & Mahindra was selected as the Overall Industry Champion.

Key Points:

  • Organiser: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
  • Scheme: Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)
  • Event: PMIS Industry Awards 2026
  • Venue: New Delhi
  • Chair: Dr Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, MCA
  • Overall Industry Champion: Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
  • Purpose: Promote quality internships, innovation, workforce development and youth employability
  • Top PSU partners: ONGC, NTPC and Western Coalfields Limited
  • Top private partners: Reliance Industries, Infosys and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
  • Special awards:
    -HDFC Bank – Pre-Internship Excellence Award
    -Shriram Finance – Internship Management Excellence Award
    -IBM India – Innovation in Program Implementation
    -POWERGRID – Innovation in Exit Pathways
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National Anubhav Awards 2026 Presented to 15 Awardees

Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh presented the 9th National Anubhav Awards 2026 to 15 selected recipients at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was organised by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare along with the 60th Pre-Retirement Counselling Workshop. The awards recognised outstanding contributions to nation-building through government initiatives, administrative reforms, technology adoption and energy conservation.

Key Points:

  • Award: 9th National Anubhav Awards 2026
  • Presented by: Dr Jitendra Singh
  • Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
  • Awardees: 15 in total
  • Break-up: 5 Anubhav Awardees + 10 Jury Certificate winners
  • Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
  • Organiser: Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW)
  • Recognised areas: Passport Seva Kendra, rule formulation and reforms, technology adoption in administration/accounting and energy conservation
  • Anubhav Award: Medal, certificate and ₹10,000 cash prize
  • Jury Certificate: Medal and certificate
  • Released: Handbook on Pension Mitra and guidelines for Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign-5
  • Also screened: Short film on National ANUBHAV Awardees 2026
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BSE and PHDCCI Sign MoU to Improve MSME Access to Capital Markets

BSE and PHDCCI have signed an MoU to help MSMEs gain better access to equity financing through capital markets. The partnership will spread awareness about IPOs, SME listing procedures and the advantages of becoming publicly listed. It will also provide eligible businesses with expert guidance, mentoring and capacity-building support for navigating the capital-raising process.

Key Points:

  • Partners: BSE Limited and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)
  • Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding
  • Purpose: Improve MSMEs’ access to equity financing
  • Focus: IPO awareness and SME listing
  • BSE platform: BSE SME Platform
  • BSE signatory: Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO
  • PHDCCI signatory: Dr Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General
  • Signing location: New Delhi
  • Support: Expert guidance, mentorship, knowledge sharing and capacity building
  • BSE established: 1875
  • Headquarters: Mumbai
  • Benchmark index: Sensex
  • Importance: BSE is described as Asia’s oldest stock exchange
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Qatar-India Postal Remittance Service Using UPI Starts in Doha

A new Qatar-India postal remittance service powered by UPI has become operational in Doha. The PosTransfer-based service is designed to provide a faster, secure and cost-effective method for sending money from Qatar to India. The system connects Qatar Post with India’s postal and digital-payment infrastructure and enables eligible recipients in India to receive the money directly into their UPI-linked bank accounts.

Key Points:

  • Service: Qatar-India Postal Remittance Service
  • Technology: UPI-powered PosTransfer
  • Operational location: Doha, Qatar
  • Purpose: Faster, secure and cost-effective cross-border remittances
  • Partners: Qatar Post, Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Universal Postal Union Interconnection Platform (UPU-IP) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)
  • Transfer point: Qatar Post outlets
  • Requirement: Sender provides recipient’s UPI ID and required identification details
  • Recipient: Must activate international inward-remittance facility through the UPI application
  • Credit: Funds are transferred to the recipient’s UPI-linked bank account
  • Transaction range: QAR 10 to QAR 4,000
  • Maximum equivalent: ₹1 lakh per transaction
  • Service charge: QAR 15 per transaction
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Sarkari pathshala provides the latest Current Affairs 2026, Daily Current Affairs, Current Affairs Today, National and International News, Government Schemes, Appointments, Awards, Economy, Sports, Science & Technology, Important Days and One-Liners Current Affairs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence and other competitive exams.
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