Weekly Current Affairs

Miscellaneous Current Affairs – 13 to 25 August 2026

1. UPI Completes 10 Years

India marked 10 years of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in August 2026. The milestone highlighted UPI's transformation into one of India's most important pieces of Digital Public Infrastructure, with the government describing it as an example of the country's digital revolution.

Milestone: 10 years of UPI
Launched: 2016
Sector: Digital payments
Developed by: NPCI

2. Prime Minister Invites Citizens to Share UPI Experiences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited citizens to share their experiences of how UPI has changed everyday payments as the platform completed a decade. The initiative highlighted the widespread adoption of cashless transactions across India.

3. UPI Becomes Symbol of India's Digital Transformation

Over its first decade, UPI expanded from a domestic instant-payment platform into an important element of India's global digital-finance outreach.

For exams, remember:

UPI → Unified Payments Interface → NPCI → Launched in 2016 → Completed 10 years in 2026

4. e-Shram Portal Completes Five Years

The Government also highlighted the completion of five years of the e-Shram Portal in August 2026. The portal was created to establish a national database and improve welfare access for India's unorganised workers.

Portal: e-Shram
Milestone: 5 years
Sector: Labour and social security

5. Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign Marks Independence Day

The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was conducted nationwide in connection with India's 80th Independence Day celebrations.

Government departments, institutions and citizens participated in activities promoting the national flag and patriotic participation.

6. PM Vishwakarma Beneficiaries Invited to Red Fort

Beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme were invited as special guests to witness India's 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi.

Scheme: PM Vishwakarma
Occasion: 80th Independence Day
Venue: Red Fort, New Delhi

7. Independence Day Celebrations Highlight India's Transformation

During his Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's development journey and progress across multiple sectors during the preceding years.

8. India Celebrates 80th Independence Day

India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, marking 79 completed years since independence in 1947.

Date: 15 August 2026
Edition: 80th Independence Day
Independence achieved: 15 August 1947

9. President Addresses Nation on Eve of Independence Day

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on 14 August 2026, on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day.

The presidential address formed an important part of the national celebrations.

10. India's Space Ecosystem Records Strong Growth

The government highlighted the rapid expansion of India's space ecosystem in August 2026, reporting $187 million in space-sector activity/investment during 2026 up to August in its review of the sector.

11. National Space Day Highlights India's Space Journey

India observed its third National Space Day on 23 August 2026, commemorating Chandrayaan-3's successful lunar landing of 23 August 2023.

The observance has become an important annual platform for promoting space science and inspiring students.

12. India's Space Startups Gain National Attention

India's expanding private space ecosystem also received national attention during the period, with the Prime Minister engaging with founders and CEOs of space startups in New Delhi.

13. GI Products Receive Commercialisation Push

India continued efforts to transform Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products into stronger domestic and global brands.

The Ministry of MSME and DPIIT had signed an MoU to accelerate the commercialisation and global market access of India's GI products, an initiative highlighted around the period.

14. GI Tags Protect India's Traditional Products

India's GI system is increasingly being used to protect products associated with particular regions while helping artisans, farmers and producers establish authenticity and commercial value. Government material describes GI protection as a bridge between India's traditional heritage and new economic opportunities.

15. India Promotes GI Products in International Markets

Government initiatives include promoting GI products through exhibitions, demonstrations and overseas events, helping traditional Indian products gain international recognition.

16. Digital Technology Supports Authenticity of Heritage Products

Digital documentation and tagging technologies are increasingly being used to establish authenticity and build consumer trust in heritage and GI-tagged products.

17. Publications Division Wins Seven Honours

The Government of India's Publications Division won seven honours at the FIP Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026.

Organisation: Publications Division
Recognition: FIP Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026
Honours: 7

18. Recognition Highlights Government Publishing

The awards recognised excellence in book production and publishing, making the achievement relevant to culture, publishing and miscellaneous current affairs.

19. Parishrama Adalat Resolves 65 MSE Cases

A Parishrama Adalat in Hyderabad resolved 65 delayed-payment cases involving Micro and Small Enterprises.

Location: Hyderabad
Cases resolved: 65
Sector: Micro and Small Enterprises

20. ₹8.29 Crore Involved in Parishrama Adalat Cases

The 65 delayed-payment cases resolved through the initiative involved approximately ₹8.29 crore, helping affected MSEs restore cash flow and business continuity.

21. Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2026 Presented

A Prize Distribution Ceremony for the Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2026 was among the government initiatives highlighted during the period.

Awards: Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2026
Focus: Cleanliness and institutional participation

22. India Promotes Child Marriage-Free Bharat

The Ministry of Women and Child Development renewed its appeal to citizens to contribute toward a Child Marriage Free Bharat.

Union Minister Annpurna Devi urged citizens to report cases of child marriage through the designated child-protection mechanism.

23. Child Helpline 1098 Highlighted

Citizens were specifically encouraged to report child-marriage cases through Child Helpline 1098.

Helpline: 1098
Purpose: Child protection/reporting
Campaign objective: Child Marriage Free Bharat

24. India-Japan Investment Partnership Gains Momentum

India continued efforts to attract greater Japanese institutional capital, with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inviting deeper Japanese participation in India's growth and investment opportunities.

25. India Crosses 520 GW Installed Power Capacity

India's total installed power capacity crossed 520 GW, with more than half coming from non-fossil-fuel sources, according to Akashvani's reporting during the period.

Installed capacity: Over 520 GW
Major milestone: More than half from non-fossil sources

26. Clean Energy Becomes Majority of Installed Capacity

The milestone is significant because it reflects India's transition toward a power system in which non-fossil sources account for more than half of installed electricity capacity.

27. CHEMCONNECT 2026 Announced at IIT Madras

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals announced CHEMCONNECT 2026, an industry-academia event at IIT Madras, for 25 August 2026.

Event: CHEMCONNECT 2026
Venue: IIT Madras
Date: 25 August 2026
Focus: Industry-academia engagement

28. Chemical Sector Industry-Academia Collaboration Strengthened

CHEMCONNECT aims to strengthen interaction between industry and academic institutions, supporting innovation and collaboration in India's chemicals and petrochemicals ecosystem.

29. India Pushes to Become Global Chemical Manufacturing Hub

A CEO Roundtable chaired by the Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister on 24 August 2026 discussed priorities for transforming India into a global chemical manufacturing and innovation hub.

30. Miscellaneous Current Affairs Span Digital, Cultural and Social Milestones

The first part of Miscellaneous Current Affairs for 13–25 August 2026 is dominated by milestone events and distinctive initiatives involving UPI, e-Shram, Independence Day, GI products, clean energy, child protection, publishing, MSMEs and India's emerging innovation ecosystem.

31. Government Launches CBDC-Based DBT Under PMGKAY

The Government of India launched a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer system under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) on 14 August 2026.

Launch: CBDC-based DBT
Scheme: PMGKAY
Date: 14 August 2026
Initial locations: Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

32. CBDC Introduced Into World's Largest Food-Security Programme

The initiative integrates India's digital rupee (e₹) with welfare delivery under PMGKAY.

The government described it as an important step toward creating a more transparent, targeted and technology-driven welfare system.

33. CBDC-Based DBT Carries “Har Dana, Har Rupya, Har Adhikar” Message

The initiative was presented under the message:

“Har Dana, Har Rupya, Har Adhikar”

The objective is to improve targeting while preventing the exclusion of eligible beneficiaries.

34. PM Announces AI Skilling for One Crore Youth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 15 August 2026 that one crore young people will be trained in artificial-intelligence skills within one year.

Target: 1 crore youth
Field: Artificial Intelligence
Period: One year

35. Free Online Coaching Network Announced

Another major Independence Day announcement was the creation of a free online coaching network for competitive examinations.

The initiative is particularly relevant to education and youth-development current affairs.

36. Nationwide Sports Talent Hunt Announced

The Prime Minister announced a nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged 5–15 years.

Age group: 5–15 years
Objective: Identification and development of sporting talent

37. Vibrant Civil Defence Network to Be Created

India also announced plans to develop a Vibrant Civil Defence network capable of responding to modern challenges.

This was among several new national initiatives announced during the 80th Independence Day address.

38. India Sets 100 GW Nuclear Power Target

India announced a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Target: 100 GW
Sector: Nuclear energy
Deadline: 2047

39. Five New Nuclear Reactors Planned

As part of the nuclear-energy expansion, the government announced plans for five new nuclear reactors within the current decade.

40. Lakhpati Didi Target Raised to Six Crore

The government announced a new target of creating six crore Lakhpati Didis, expanding the scale of its women-led development programme.

New target: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis
Focus: Women's economic empowerment

41. More Semiconductor Plants Planned

The Independence Day announcements also included plans for additional semiconductor manufacturing plants to strengthen India's technological self-reliance.

The move supports India's broader ambition to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

42. “Gems of India” Challenge Gains Momentum

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting promoted the Gems of India Challenge during the period to encourage grassroots digital creators to showcase the culture, heritage, tourism and distinctive identity of their districts.

Initiative: Gems of India
Platform: MyWAVES on WAVES OTT
Ministry: Information & Broadcasting

43. Creators Asked to Produce 1–3 Minute Videos

Participants in Gems of India can submit original videos of 1–3 minutes showcasing their district's heritage, traditions, tourism destinations and local stories.

44. Gems of India Offers Awards Up to ₹5 Lakh

The challenge offers cash prizes at different levels:

District level: ₹50,000
State level: ₹2 lakh
National level: ₹5 lakh

45. Gems of India Pilot Covers Selected States and UTs

The pilot includes:

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Arunachal Pradesh

Chandigarh

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

Goa

Ladakh

46. YouTube and Meta Partner With Gems of India

Major digital platforms YouTube and Meta are supporting the initiative by helping mobilise their creator communities and extend its reach.

47. Gems of India Could Engage Around 50 Lakh Creators and Citizens

The eventual nationwide rollout is expected to engage approximately 50 lakh citizens and emerging creators, with the initiative envisioned to cover districts across India.

48. UPI Now Accepted in 11 Countries

A government backgrounder released on 24 August 2026 stated that India's UPI is accepted in 11 countries.

This demonstrates UPI's growing international footprint.

49. Greece and Maldives Become Latest UPI Destinations

According to the government, Greece and the Maldives are the latest countries to adopt India's real-time payment platform.

UPI international presence: 11 countries
Latest additions: Greece and Maldives

50. UPI Developed by NPCI

UPI was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and enables real-time transactions involving multiple bank accounts through participating banking and payment applications.

51. “Bharat GI” Banner Promotes GI Products

An important related initiative highlighted in August was the Bharat GI banner, created through cooperation between the Ministry of MSME and DPIIT.

Initiative: Bharat GI
Organisations: Ministry of MSME and DPIIT

52. Bharat GI Products to Reach ONDC and GeM

The Bharat GI initiative aims to bring regional Geographical Indication products onto ONDC and Government e-Marketplace (GeM), expanding their market access.

Exam Point:
Bharat GI → GI products → ONDC + GeM

53. 40 Iconic Tourism Projects Sanctioned Across 23 States

Under the SASCI – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale initiative, the Government sanctioned 40 tourism projects across 23 States.

Projects: 40
States: 23

54. ₹3,295.76 Crore Sanctioned for Tourism Projects

The 40 projects were sanctioned with 100% central funding of ₹3,295.76 crore.

The projects aim to develop iconic destinations, increase tourist spending, generate employment and attract private investment.

55. Karnataka Gets Two Projects Under SASCI Tourism Initiative

Of the 40 projects sanctioned nationally, two are located in Karnataka.

This is an important state-specific fact for Karnataka competitive examinations.

56. Khelo India Dialogue Announced

On 24 August 2026, the government announced the nationwide “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, PM Modi Ke Saath” programme for National Sports Day celebrations.

Programme: Khelo India Dialogue
Scheduled: 27 August 2026
Focus: Youth, athletes and sports development

57. Khelo India Dialogue to Cover Over 1,500 Institutions

The programme is designed to connect young athletes, policymakers and educational institutions across more than 1,500 locations/institutions nationwide.

58. Around Eight Lakh Youth Expected to Participate

A related government announcement stated that approximately eight lakh youth would be addressed through the nationwide Khelo India engagement.

59. Khelo India Programme Focuses on Nation Building

The programme's core areas include youth participation, sports development/infrastructure and nation building.

60. August 2026 Highlights India's Digital and Social Transformation

The miscellaneous developments during 13–25 August 2026 prominently featured digital payments, CBDC-based welfare delivery, AI skilling, nuclear-energy expansion, women's empowerment, grassroots digital creators, GI products, tourism development and sports-talent identification.

Quick Revision – Miscellaneous Current Affairs 13–25 August 2026

UPI milestone: Completed 10 years in 2026

UPI developed by: NPCI

UPI international presence: 11 countries

Latest UPI additions: Greece and Maldives

CBDC-based DBT launched under: PMGKAY

Launch date: 14 August 2026

Initial UTs: Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

AI Skilling Target: 1 crore youth in one year

Sports Talent Hunt: Children aged 5–15

Nuclear Power Target: 100 GW by 2047

New nuclear reactors planned: 5 within the decade

Lakhpati Didi target: 6 crore

Gems of India: Grassroots digital-creator initiative

Platform: MyWAVES / WAVES OTT

Video duration: 1–3 minutes

Maximum national-level prize: ₹5 lakh

Partners: YouTube and Meta

Bharat GI: Initiative to promote GI products

Platforms: ONDC and GeM

SASCI Iconic Tourism Projects: 40 projects across 23 States

Funding: ₹3,295.76 crore

Karnataka: 2 projects

Khelo India Dialogue: Khel Ki Baat, PM Modi Ke Saath

Scheduled: 27 August 2026

Expected youth reach: Around 8 lakh