NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. ADB Approves USD 850 Million Loan to Boost PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an USD 850 million loan to support the Government of India’s Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY) and accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems across the country. The financing aims to expand clean energy access, promote renewable energy generation, reduce electricity costs for households, and strengthen India’s transition towards sustainable energy. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, seeks to install rooftop solar systems in 1 crore households, enabling eligible families to receive up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
2. Chhattisgarh Government Launches ‘DWEEPTI Yojana’ for Women-Led Solar Entrepreneurship.: The Government of Chhattisgarh launched the DWEEPTI (Decentralised Women Empowerment on Energy and Policy for Transformative Inclusion) Yojana in July 2026 to promote women-led solar entrepreneurship across the state. DWEEPTI Yojana is India’s first women-led distributed renewable energy policy, designed to empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as solar entrepreneurs while promoting clean energy adoption and women’s economic empowerment.
3. Union Cabinet Approves ₹5,070 Crore Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY): The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) with a total outlay of ₹5,070 crore to promote floating solar photovoltaic (PV) projects with Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The scheme aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity with co-located energy storage of at least 2 hours, totalling 10,000 MWh, over a five-year period. PM-SSY will utilize existing reservoirs, canals, and industrial ponds, eliminating the need for additional land acquisition while promoting clean energy generation and efficient use of water bodies.
4. Cabinet Approves Extension of PM-KISAN Till 2030–31; Clears ₹84,084 Crore Samudra Manthan Scheme: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme from 2026–27 to 2030–31 with a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. Under PM-KISAN, more than ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts through 23 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) installments, supporting timely investment in agricultural inputs. The Cabinet also approved the National Offshore Exploration Scheme – Samudra Manthan with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030–31, aimed at strengthening India’s offshore exploration ecosystem.
5. Centre Extends K. Rajaraman’s Tenure as IFSCA Chairperson Till October 2028: The Central Government has extended the tenure of K. Rajaraman as the Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) beyond 31 July 2026. Rajaraman will continue in the role until he attains the age of 65 years in October 2028 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
6. Manish Agarwal Assumes Charge as General Manager of Integral Coach Factory (ICF): Manish Agarwal has assumed charge as the General Manager (GM) of Integral Coach Factory (ICF), succeeding U. Subba Rao, who has taken over as the General Manager of Southern Railway. An Indian Railways Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) 1989 batch officer, Agarwal has over 35 years of service in Indian Railways, holding several key positions across the country.
7. 1 August – National Mountain Climbing Day: National Mountain Climbing Day is observed every year on 1 August to celebrate the spirit of mountaineering, adventure, and exploration. The day commemorates the achievements of Bobby Matthews and his friend Josh Madigan, who climbed the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains (New York, USA).
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi Inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, and dedicated development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore to the nation. The Greenfield airport has been developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore and has an annual passenger handling capacity of 6 million. The airport features AI, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0, Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, and automated baggage handling systems, ensuring smart, efficient, and sustainable operations.
2. Ngulkham Jathom Gangte Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Mexico: Ngulkham Jathom Gangte was appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Mexico. He was serving as Special Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) before this appointment. An Ambassador is the head of a country’s diplomatic mission and represents India in bilateral relations with the host nation. Ambassadors are appointed to countries with which India has full diplomatic relations.
3. 1 August – World Wide Web Day: World Wide Web Day is observed every year on 1 August to celebrate the invention and global impact of the World Wide Web (WWW). The World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989, revolutionizing communication, education, and access to information. The day highlights the importance of the internet, digital connectivity, innovation, and the free exchange of information across the world.
4. Vishwesh Negi Appointed India’s Next Ambassador to Iran: Vishwesh Negi, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 2002 batch, was appointed on 3 August 2026 as India’s next Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He is serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and is expected to take up his assignment in Tehran shortly. India and Iran maintain diplomatic relations through embassies in New Delhi and Tehran. The Ambassador of India to Iran heads the Indian mission in Tehran and represents India in bilateral political, economic, and consular matters. West Asia includes countries such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman. India’s relations with West Asia cover energy imports, trade, diaspora welfare, maritime security, and connectivity projects.
5. India Plans ₹45,000 Crore Railway Upgrade along China, Pakistan and Bangladesh Borders: India plans to invest ₹45,000 crore in railway infrastructure along the borders with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The programme covers new tracks, platforms and network strengthening in border states and is scheduled for implementation over the next 18 to 24 months. The project includes railway works in Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and other north-eastern states. The planned works include construction of new tracks, addition of platforms and strengthening of existing rail links for all-weather operations. The border railway plan is designed as dual-use infrastructure, a term used for facilities that support both civilian transport and military logistics. Such rail lines can carry passengers, freight and defence supplies on the same network.
6. Exercise ROTOR CLAP III Concludes in Rajasthan: The Indian Air Force concluded Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, on 1–2 August 2026. The rotary-wing exercise was themed Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems and involved multiple helicopter units of the Indian Air Force. The exercise involved AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, Mi-25/35 gunships, HAL Prachand light combat helicopters, and Chinook, Mi-17, and Dhruv transport and utility helicopters. These platforms represent different roles in attack, lift, transport, and utility missions within the Indian Air Force. Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems refers to methods used to detect, track, identify, and defeat drones and other unmanned aerial threats. The exercise tested operational concepts against emerging drone threats and examined tactics and procedures for helicopter-based responses.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Navy Receives Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nipun’ from Hindustan Shipyard Limited: ‘Nipun’, the second indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at Visakhapatnam. The first DSV, ‘Nistar’, was commissioned into the Navy in July 2025. Built in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, Nipun has around 75% indigenous content, reinforcing the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defence shipbuilding. The vessel is equipped to undertake deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, underwater repair, and salvage operations, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater operational and rescue capabilities.
2. India Launches Fifth Diving Support Craft DSC A24: The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth and final vessel under its Diving Support Craft Project, on 1 August 2026 at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited shipyard in Kolkata. The five-ship programme was contracted by the Ministry of Defence on 12 February 2021 and was completed in about five and a half years. DSC A24 and the other vessels in the class use a catamaran-hull form. The catamaran design provides greater stability and deck space, and the vessels have a displacement in the range of 300 to 400 tonnes. The craft are fitted with diving systems for operational dives, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal deployment. The vessel class was built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, which was earlier known as Titagarh Wagons Limited.
SPORTS
1. Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket Across All Formats: Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, ending a distinguished international career in which he scored 8,414 runs.
Rahane retired with a 100% winning record as India’s Test captain, never losing a Test match while leading the national team. His greatest captaincy achievement came in the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when he guided India to a historic 2–1 series victory in Australia after the team had lost the opening Test at Adelaide.
2. NCC Organises Cyclothon to Mark 79 Years of Independence: The National Cadet Corps organised Cyclothon 2026 on 2 August 2026 in New Delhi to commemorate 79 years of India’s Independence. The event began and ended at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and included a symbolic 79-kilometre ride by 79 NCC cadets. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth flagged off the event at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Olympic medalist M.C. Mary Kom, and tennis player Leander Paes were present at the ceremony. The cyclothon was organised under the theme “Clean India, Green India, Fit India”. The event was linked with national initiatives such as TB Mukt Bharat, Swachh Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Har Ghar Tiranga.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. TRAI Revamps MyCall App for Call Quality Assessment: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched a revamped version of its MyCall mobile application on 3 August 2026. The application allows telecom consumers to rate voice-call quality in real time and to report technical issues linked to call performance. The updated MyCall app includes multilingual support, feedback history, and coverage test options. The application is currently available for Android devices, while TRAI is in discussions with Apple for availability on the App Store. TRAI is the statutory regulator for telecommunications in India under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. The authority issues regulations and quality-of-service frameworks for telecom networks and service providers. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti stated on 3 August 2026 that the feedback would help service providers identify network deficiencies and improve customer satisfaction. The collected data will not be used for punitive action against telecom operators.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Delhi High Court Orders Winding-Up of Paytm Payments Bank After RBI Cancels Licence: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) on 24 April 2026 over persistent regulatory non-compliance and concerns that its operations were detrimental to the interests of depositors. The Delhi High Court subsequently ordered the winding-up of Paytm Payments Bank under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Companies Act, 2013, acting on RBI’s application. The Court appointed Girikumar M. Nair, former Chief General Manager of SBI, as the Official Liquidator, who assumed the powers of the bank’s Board to oversee the liquidation process.
2. Google Pay and SBI Card Launch ‘Google Pay Flex SBI Card’ with Rewards up to ₹18,000 Annually: Google Pay and SBI Card have launched the Google Pay Flex SBI Card, a co-branded credit card that offers rewards worth up to ₹18,000 annually, flexible bill repayment options, and complete in-app credit card management through Google Pay. The card is designed to reward everyday spending on categories such as groceries, utility bill payments, travel, and shopping, enhancing value for frequent digital payment users.
3. IRDAI Grants Licence to ProTec General Insurance, Approves Fourth Insurance Company in 2026: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has granted a Certificate of Registration to ProTec General Insurance Ltd., a joint venture between the M Pallonji Group and True North’s Divya Sehgal, enabling it to commence general insurance business. ProTec General Insurance is the fourth insurance company to receive an IRDAI licence in 2026, following approvals for Kiwi General Insurance, Prudential HCL Health Insurance, and Allianz Jio Reinsurance. IRDAI stated that the approvals reflect strong investor confidence in India’s insurance sector and the impact of reforms under the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (SBSR) Act, including the provision allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector.
4. Bajaj Finserv Approves Entry into India’s Reinsurance Business: Bajaj Finserv has approved its entry into the reinsurance business, subject to approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). With this move, Bajaj Finserv becomes the third private player in about a year to announce plans to enter India’s domestic reinsurance market, following Valueattics Re and Allianz-Jio Reinsurance. The growing interest in India’s reinsurance sector is driven by economic growth, regulatory reforms, rising insurance demand, and efforts to retain more risk, premiums, and underwriting capacity within the country.
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