UPSC current affairs · Wednesday

Current Affairs, 12 August 2026

12 issues picked from 127 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 and National Tribunals Commission. New law sets up judiciary-led National Tribunals Commission to select and oversee tribunal members.
Sixteenth Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies. FC-16 recommends Rs 4.35 lakh crore grants for rural local bodies for 2026-31, split 80:20.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). NCSC gave its 2024–25 annual report to the President under Article 338.
Asian Elephant and Project Elephant. World Elephant Day note: India has 22,446 wild elephants, 33 reserves, 150 corridors under Project Elephant.
Access Pass under EEZ Fisheries Rules, 2025. Free digital Access Pass now needed for EEZ fishing; 9,650 issued, with duty-free catch.
Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme. Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme helps Panchayats earn own revenue via challenge-selected projects with technical help, not grants.
National Quantum Mission. Government reports National Quantum Mission progress: four T-Hubs, 17 startups, teaching labs and review mechanisms.
PM-RAHAT (Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment). PM-RAHAT gives road accident victims cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh; 22,481 covered so far.
Vibrant Villages Programme. MHA details VVP-I progress and VVP-II outlay, coverage and high-powered committee in Rajya Sabha reply.
CBDC-based Direct Benefit Transfer under PMGKAY. Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli to get PMGKAY food subsidy as Digital Rupee tokens.
India-SACU Preferential Trade Agreement. India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to begin talks on a preferential trade deal.
El Niño and the Indian Monsoon. Moderate El Niño has cut 2026 monsoon rainfall to 12% below normal by early August.

Law and statutory body

Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 and National Tribunals Commission

GS2 Polity: judiciary and tribunalsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: Parliament passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 in August 2026; PIB explained it on 12 August 2026. It creates a judiciary-led National Tribunals Commission and repeals the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021.
What it is: The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 is a law to bring 16 tribunals and authorities under one framework for appointments, tenure and administration. It replaces the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, parts of which the Supreme Court struck down in the Madras Bar Association case. Its central body is the National Tribunals Commission, which takes over appointment work from the Central Government.

Commission composition: The NTC has a Chairperson who is a former Supreme Court Judge or High Court Chief Justice, and four Members: two Judicial and two Technical.
Who appoints the Commission: The Central Government appoints the Chairperson and Judicial Members, after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Selection process: Search-cum-Selection Committees recommend one candidate per vacancy plus one for the waiting list. The Government must appoint within three months.
Audit and accountability: The CAG audits the Commission's accounts, and the report is laid before both Houses of Parliament.
Data Grid: The NTC maintains the National Tribunals Data Grid, a portal of case information of the 16 tribunals.

Don’t confuse with NTC vs National Tribunals Data Grid: The NTC is the oversight and selection body; the Data Grid is a portal it maintains.

Don’t confuse with Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 vs Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026: The 2021 Act gave the Centre control of appointments and service conditions; the 2026 law repeals it and hands this to the NTC.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Test yourselfMains

Source: PIB Headquarters, 12 Aug, 14:29 IST · Release 293286

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Sixteenth Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies

GS2 Polity: local government and fiscal federalismGS3 Public financePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj told the Rajya Sabha that the Sixteenth Finance Commission has recommended Rs. 4,35,236 crore in grants for Rural Local Bodies for 2026-31, and listed steps to raise Panchayats' own revenue.
What it is: Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies are Union transfers to Panchayats, recommended every five years by the Finance Commission under Article 280 of the Constitution. They supplement the Panchayats' own revenue and help them perform the functions in the Eleventh Schedule. The grants are released through State governments under guidelines issued by the Union Government.

Total grant: FC-16 recommended Rs. 4,35,236 crore for Panchayati Raj Institutions in all 28 States for 2026-31.
Components: The grants have a Basic Grant and a Performance Grant in the ratio 80:20.
Tied and untied: Half of the Basic Grant is tied. The other half of the Basic Grant and the whole Performance Grant are untied.
Use of tied grants: Tied Grants go to sanitation and solid waste management and/or water management.
Constitutional basis: Article 280(3)(bb) requires the Finance Commission to recommend measures to augment a State's Consolidated Fund to supplement Panchayat resources, based on the State Finance Commission's recommendations.

Don’t confuse with Finance Commission vs State Finance Commission: The Union Finance Commission is under Article 280. The State Finance Commission is under Articles 243-I and 243-Y, and reviews the finances of Panchayats and Municipalities.

Don’t confuse with Tied vs untied grants: Tied grants must go to specified sectors. Untied grants can be spent on any Eleventh Schedule subject according to local need.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 12 Aug, 14:36 IST · Release 293289

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)

GS2 Polity · Constitutional bodiesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, the NCSC submitted its Annual Report for 2024–25 to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, as Article 338 requires. The President asked it to suggest ways to strengthen existing mechanisms for implementing SC safeguards.
What it is: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is a constitutional body under Article 338. It monitors safeguards for Scheduled Castes, inquires into complaints of deprivation of their rights, and advises on their socio-economic development.

Constitutional basis: The NCSC acts under Article 338 of the Constitution, which makes it a constitutional body.
Civil court powers: If no reply comes in time, the Commission can use civil court powers and summon officials to appear in person.
Subject of complaint: The complaint concerns 1,013 Lecturer posts in the Punjab Education Department, where roster rules were allegedly not followed.
Origin of the body: The 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 split the joint commission for SCs and STs into separate National Commissions for SCs and STs.
Reporting: The Commission presents its annual report to the President, who has it laid before Parliament, with state-related matters also sent to the state governments concerned.
Composition: The report was presented by the Chairman, Shri Kishor Makwana, three Members and the Secretary.
Report content: The report reviews how the constitutional provisions work. It draws on reviews, spot visits and consultations with Central and State Governments.
Origin: The 89th Constitutional Amendment (2003) split the earlier joint SC/ST Commission into the NCSC (Article 338) and the NCST (Article 338A).

Don’t confuse with NCSC vs NCST: NCSC (Article 338) covers Scheduled Castes; the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is under Article 338A.

Don’t confuse with NCSC vs National Commission for Safai Karamcharis: The Safai Karamcharis commission is a statutory body, not a constitutional one, and covers sanitation workers.

Don’t confuse with Article 338 vs 338B: Article 338B is the National Commission for Backward Classes, made constitutional by the 102nd Amendment.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 12 Aug, 20:28 IST · Release 293380

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Species and protected area

Asian Elephant and Project Elephant

GS3 Environment and biodiversityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, World Elephant Day, PIB released a note on India's elephant conservation. It cites SAIEE 2021–25 (22,446 wild elephants), 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 corridors.
What it is: The Asian elephant is a keystone species that ranges over large forest landscapes across South and Southeast Asia. India holds about 60% of the wild population. Project Elephant, launched in 1992 by the Centre, supports States in protecting elephants, their habitats and corridors.

Population estimate: SAIEE 2021–25 puts India's wild elephants at 22,446. It was the first DNA-based synchronised census, using dung samples, block counts and line-transect surveys.
Share of world population: India hosts nearly 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants.
Implementing agency: Project Elephant is run by MoEFCC. It gives financial and technical help to States for habitats, captive elephants and conflict mitigation.
Legal status: The Asian elephant is in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and in CITES Appendix I.

Don’t confuse with Project Elephant vs Project Tiger: Both are centrally sponsored species programmes under MoEFCC. Project Elephant (1992) covers elephant ranges and reserves; Project Tiger (1973) covers tiger reserves, run with the NTCA.

Don’t confuse with Elephant Reserve vs Elephant Corridor: Reserves are large managed landscapes (33 in India). Corridors are narrow links between fragmented habitats (150 identified).

Species and protected areas: 12 Prelims questions since 2013; they test legal status, location and the year of designation.

Test yourself

Source: PIB Headquarters, 12 Aug, 11:27 IST · Release 293255

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

Access Pass under EEZ Fisheries Rules, 2025

GS3 Economy: fisheries and blue economyGS2 Federal division of powersPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026 the Fisheries Ministry told the Rajya Sabha that 9,650 Access Passes had been issued (as on 5 August 2026) under the EEZ Rules, 2025 for fishing beyond 12 nautical miles.
What it is: The Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025 regulate fishing in India's Exclusive Economic Zone, which lies beyond 12 nautical miles and extends to 200 nautical miles. They use an Access Pass, a digital permit, to open deep-sea fishing to traditional fishers, cooperatives and FFPOs while keeping resource use sustainable.

Nature of pass: It is a free digital pass issued through the ReALCRaft Portal.
Who needs it: Required for mechanized vessels and large motorized boats over 24 m; traditional non-motorized and small artisanal craft are exempt.
Zone covered: The pass is needed for fishing in the EEZ, beyond 12 nautical miles.
Export linkage: The pass is linked with MPEDA and the Export Inspection Council for catch and health certificates, traceability and eco-labelling.

Don’t confuse with Territorial waters vs EEZ: Territorial waters extend to 12 nautical miles; the EEZ runs from 12 to 200 nautical miles. The Access Pass applies to the EEZ.

Don’t confuse with PMMSY vs FIDF: Both fund deep-sea vessels through NCDC support, but PMMSY is a scheme and FIDF is a fund implemented by the Department of Fisheries.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, 12 Aug, 13:30 IST · Release 293270

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme

GS2 Polity: Panchayati RajGS3 Resource mobilisationPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, the Minister of Panchayati Raj told the Rajya Sabha about the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme, which helps Panchayats raise their own revenue; 30 proposals from 28 Panchayats had come in by 4 August 2026.
What it is: The Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme is a four-year initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to make Panchayats financially self-sufficient. Panchayats propose projects using unused local assets, and these are chosen through a State and National open challenge. The support is technical, not cash.

Duration and project numbers: The programme runs four years: 50 projects in year one and 100 in each of the next three years.
Eligibility: Only elected Gram and Block Panchayats with at least three years of tenure and minimum OSR are eligible: ₹50 lakh for Gram Panchayats and ₹1 crore for Block Panchayats, with relaxed norms for Northeast and Hill States.
Gram Sabha clearance: Participatory planning is ensured by mandatory Gram Sabha clearance of projects.
Support and funding routes: Help covers refining ideas into bankable projects, preparing documents, exploring PPP, CSR funding and convergence of schemes, and achieving financial closure.
Role of financial institutions: States may add institutions like NABARD and HUDCO to State-level evaluation committees for technical and financial advice.
Sixteenth Finance Commission link: The Commission stresses that performance grants to Rural Local Bodies be linked to measurable increases in OSR.

Don’t confuse with OSR vs. Finance Commission grants: Own Source Revenue is what Panchayats raise themselves through taxes, fees and assets; Finance Commission grants are transfers from the Union. The programme aims to cut reliance on the latter.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, 12 Aug, 14:36 IST · Release 293290

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Science and technology

National Quantum Mission

GS3 Science and technology: quantumPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, the Science Minister told Lok Sabha that the National Quantum Mission is reviewed through governing bodies and reported progress in 2025-26, including four operational Thematic Hubs.
What it is: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a Government of India mission to build indigenous capability in quantum technologies. It works through four Thematic Hubs at leading institutions, covering computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 for 2023-24 to 2030-31 with an outlay of about Rs 6,003 crore.

Four Thematic Hubs: The hubs cover quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
Hub hosts: Computing hub is at IISc Bengaluru with C-DAC; communication hub is at IIT Madras with C-DOT; sensing and metrology hub is at IIT Bombay; materials and devices hub is at IIT Delhi.
Governance: Implementation is monitored by the Mission Governing Board, the Mission Technology Research Council and other expert committees.
DRDO products: DRDO has transferred technology for Quantum Random Number Generators and an RFSoC-based Controller for Quantum Computer Processors to industry.
Qniverse: MeitY built Qniverse, a unified quantum computing platform integrated with HPC systems.
Nodal department: NQM is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology.
1,000-km QKD network: A 1,000-km quantum communication network has been demonstrated under the mission, against a target of 2,000 km over eight years.
Who built it: The network used indigenous technology from QNu Labs, a startup supported under the mission that works on quantum-safe cybersecurity.
Startup support: Nine more startups are now supported, taking the total to 17.
RDI fund managers: TDB and BIRAC act as second-level fund managers under the Research, Development and Innovation funding framework.

Don’t confuse with Qubit vs classical bit: A bit is 0 or 1; a qubit can be in a superposition of both until measured.

Don’t confuse with PQC vs QKD: Post-Quantum Cryptography uses classical algorithms resistant to quantum attacks; QKD uses quantum physics to distribute keys.

Don’t confuse with QKD vs post-quantum cryptography: QKD uses quantum physics to share keys. Post-quantum cryptography uses classical algorithms designed to resist quantum computers.

Don’t confuse with Quantum computing vs quantum communication: Computing uses qubits to process information. Communication secures the transfer of information, for example with QKD.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 13

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The Quantum Communication Thematic Hub under the National Quantum Mission is hosted by IIT Madras.
2.The Quantum Sensing and Metrology Thematic Hub is hosted by IIT Kanpur.
3.The Mission is monitored by bodies including the Mission Governing Board and the Mission Technology Research Council.
4.The four Thematic Hubs comprise 14 Technical Groups and 17 Project Teams.
5.Qniverse, a quantum computing platform integrated with HPC systems, was developed by DRDO.
6.Quantum Key Distribution allows two parties to share an encryption key whose interception by an eavesdropper can be detected.
7.A qubit can exist only in the state 0 or 1 at a given time, like a classical bit.
8.The National Quantum Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 with an outlay of about Rs 6,003 crore.
9.The mission's target is to achieve a quantum communication network of 2,000 km over an eight-year period.
10.Quantum key distribution relies on classical mathematical complexity, such as factoring large numbers, to keep keys secure.
11.The National Quantum Mission has four Thematic Hubs, covering computing, communication, sensing and metrology, and materials and devices.
12.The Technology Development Board and BIRAC act as first-level fund managers under the RDI funding framework.
13.The National Quantum Mission is administered by the Department of Atomic Energy.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology, 12 Aug, 15:32 IST · Release 293306

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

PM-RAHAT (Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment)

GS2 Governance: health and road safety schemesGS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026 the Road Transport Ministry told the Rajya Sabha that PM-RAHAT, launched nationwide on 13 February 2026, had helped 22,481 victims across 34 States/UTs by 31 July 2026.
What it is: PM-RAHAT is a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims, run under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It aims to cut deaths by ensuring prompt care, especially in the Golden Hour after injury. Claims are handled through State Health Agencies and hospitals designated under the scheme.

Legal basis: The scheme rests on Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Cover: Treatment cover is up to Rs 1.5 lakh per victim, for a maximum of 7 days from the date of accident, on any category of road.
Designated hospitals: Empanelled AB PM-JAY hospitals that follow National Health Authority guidelines count as designated hospitals under the scheme.
112 link: The scheme is linked to the 112 Emergency Response Support System so a victim or Good Samaritan can find the nearest designated hospital and get an ambulance.
Stabilisation treatment: Up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases, subject to police response.
Funding: Hospitals are reimbursed through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. General insurers fund insured cases; the budget funds uninsured and hit-and-run cases.
Platforms: The scheme merges eDAR (used by police) and the NHA's TMS 2.0 (used by hospitals).
Governance: District Road Safety Committees monitor at district level; the State Road Safety Council is the nodal agency in each State/UT; an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee oversees nationally.
Coverage: Every eligible victim on any category of road gets cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for 7 days from the accident.
Stabilisation and police check: Stabilisation care runs up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in life-threatening cases, subject to police authentication.
Digital backbone: The MoRTH eDAR platform is linked with the National Health Authority's TMS 2.0.
Who pays hospitals: Payment is made from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. Insured cases draw on general insurers' contributions; uninsured and hit-and-run cases are paid from the Union budget.
Claim timeline: Claims approved by the State Health Agency are paid within 10 days.
Approval: The Prime Minister approved the launch of the PM RAHAT scheme.
Legal base: It operates under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Delivery: Claims go through State Health Agencies and designated hospitals.

Don’t confuse with PM-RAHAT vs AB PM-JAY: AB PM-JAY is a health insurance scheme for poor families; PM-RAHAT covers road accident victims regardless of income, though it uses PM-JAY hospitals.

Don’t confuse with eDAR vs TMS 2.0: eDAR is the police accident reporting platform. TMS 2.0 is the NHA platform used by hospitals for treatment and claims.

Don’t confuse with PM RAHAT vs Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: PM-JAY is a health insurance scheme for eligible poor families. PM RAHAT covers road accident victims regardless of income, on any road.

Don’t confuse with Good Samaritan protections: Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) protections shield helpers from harassment. PM RAHAT funds the victim's treatment.

Don’t confuse with PM-RAHAT vs Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: PM-JAY is a general hospitalisation insurance for poor families. PM-RAHAT is limited to road accident victims.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Cashless care in the Golden Hour can cut road deaths and spare families from payment delays.
Cashless care in the Golden Hour can reduce deaths from road accidents.
A statutory scheme gives a legal right to treatment regardless of insurance status or road type.
Quick treatment in the Golden Hour can avert many preventable deaths; the release says nearly 50% could be averted with hospital admission in the first hour.
Assured payment within 10 days removes hospitals' fear of unpaid emergency care.
Integrating 112, eDAR and TMS 2.0 builds a single digital emergency response chain.
Cashless care in the Golden Hour can reduce road deaths.

Problems

Many cases were discharged from the scheme because police did not respond within the timelines, and some life-threatening cases were found ineligible by police.
Uptake is uneven: Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh account for most cases.
Treatment depends on police response on eDAR within 24 or 48 hours.
Availability of designated hospitals near accident sites varies across States.
Enough designated hospitals and ambulances are needed, especially in rural and highway areas.
Police authentication timelines may strain capacity and delay claims.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund needs steady funding from insurers and the Union budget.
Hospitals may delay care or reject claims, and awareness is low.

Way forward

Tighten police response timelines and link e-DAR with hospital systems.
Designate more hospitals and penalise denial of treatment.
Expand designation of hospitals and ambulance links via 112 ERSS.
Enforce the 10-day payment timeline and monitor grievances at district level.
Widen the network of designated trauma-capable hospitals and strengthen ambulance response under 112.
Train police and hospitals on the digital system and monitor claim timelines.
Spread awareness among citizens and Rah-Veers about 112 and cashless entitlement.
Pay hospitals promptly and train first responders.

Put in your answer

Hospital payment timeline: Payments are due within 10 days of State Health Agency claim approval.

Digital trail: A complete digital trail runs from 112 ERSS accident reporting to final payment.

Golden Hour data point: Studies cited by the Government say nearly 50% of road accident deaths can be averted with hospital admission within the first hour.

PM RAHAT cover: Cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 21

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.PM-RAHAT was launched under a legal mandate in Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
2.The treatment cover is limited to a maximum of 7 days from the date of accident.
3.The scheme covers victims only of accidents on National Highways.
4.Hospitals empanelled under AB PM-JAY that comply with NHA guidelines are deemed designated hospitals under the scheme.
5.The Golden Hour is the period of one hour following a traumatic injury.
6.The PM-RAHAT scheme is notified under Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
7.Treatment cover under the scheme is up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim, subject to a maximum of 7 days from the date of accident.
8.Reimbursement to hospitals is made from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, with budgetary support for uninsured and hit-and-run cases.
9.The scheme integrates the police's eDAR platform with the Transaction Management System of the National Health Authority.
10.Stabilisation treatment is provided for up to 48 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 24 hours in life-threatening cases.
11.The State Road Safety Council acts as the nodal agency for the scheme in each State or Union Territory.
12.Under the scheme, AB PM-JAY empanelled hospitals cannot be designated hospitals, as the scheme runs separately from it.
13.The scheme covers cashless treatment for road accident victims only on National Highways.
14.Cashless treatment is available up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for up to 7 days from the date of accident.
15.Police confirmation is required within 24 hours for life-threatening cases and 48 hours for non-life-threatening cases.
16.The scheme links the eDAR platform of MoRTH with the Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority.
17.In hit-and-run and uninsured vehicle cases, hospitals are reimbursed from contributions by general insurance companies.
18.Grievances are handled by an officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee, chaired by the District Collector or Magistrate.
19.Claims approved by the State Health Agency are to be paid to hospitals within 10 days.
20.PM RAHAT provides cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh to accident victims.
21.The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund loan target announced alongside was doubled from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹2 lakh crore.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 12 Aug, 16:13 IST · Release 293327

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Vibrant Villages Programme

GS3 Internal security and border area developmentGS2 Government schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, the MoS Home told the Rajya Sabha about progress and structure of VVP-I and VVP-II, including the ₹6839 crore VVP-II and a High-Powered Committee for scheme relaxations.
What it is: The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) develops selected villages along India's international land borders. It treats border villages as the 'first' villages, not the last. It aims to improve living conditions, create livelihoods and stop out-migration, which also supports border security.

Two phases and outlay: VVP-I and VVP-II together have an outlay of Rs 11,639 crore and aim to cover over 2,616 villages.
VVP-I funding type: VVP-I is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme run with the States. VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme funded fully by the Centre.
Nodal ministry and committee: The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal ministry. A High-Powered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary may recommend relaxations in scheme guidelines.
Roads: All-weather roads under VVP are developed through PMGSY-IV of the Ministry of Rural Development.
VVP-I status: Approved on 15 February 2023 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for 46 blocks on the northern border.
High-Powered Committee: Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary; it can relax scheme guidelines of various ministries for border villages under VVP-II.
Nodal ministry: The scheme is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Don’t confuse with VVP vs BADP: The Border Area Development Programme (1986-87) covers areas within 10 km of the border and is in its sunset phase. VVP targets selected border villages with saturation of all schemes.

Don’t confuse with VVP-I vs VVP-II: VVP-I is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the northern border (Rs 4,800 crore). VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme for the other land borders (Rs 6,839 crore).

Don’t confuse with Centrally Sponsored vs Central Sector: In a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, costs are shared with States. A Central Sector Scheme is fully funded by the Centre. VVP-I is the former, VVP-II the latter.

Don’t confuse with VVP vs Border Area Development Programme: BADP is an older MHA scheme for border-area infrastructure in border States. VVP targets comprehensive development of selected villages.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 12

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.VVP-I is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented with the States.
2.VVP-II is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in which States share the cost with the Centre.
3.VVP-I covers villages along the northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh.
4.VVP-I was launched at Nathanpur village in Cachar district of Assam.
5.The Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal ministry for the Vibrant Villages Programme.
6.Under VVP, a High-Powered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary may recommend relaxations in scheme guidelines for border villages.
7.Vibrant Villages Programme-I was approved as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
8.Vibrant Villages Programme-II is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
9.VVP-II covers 1954 villages in 334 blocks along international land borders other than the northern border.
10.VVP-I covers villages in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
11.The High-Powered Committee for VVP-II is chaired by the Home Secretary.
12.The High-Powered Committee can relax guidelines of other ministries' schemes for implementation in border villages under VVP-II.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 12 Aug, 16:46 IST · Release 293335

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

CBDC-based Direct Benefit Transfer under PMGKAY

GS3 Economy: digital currency and welfare deliveryGS2 Food securityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026 the government announced it will launch CBDC-based DBT under PMGKAY in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli on 14 August 2026.
What it is: PMGKAY gives free foodgrains to eligible households under the National Food Security Act. The Digital Rupee (e-rupee) is India's Central Bank Digital Currency, issued by the RBI as legal tender. In this model the food subsidy is credited as purpose-bound tokens in a CBDC wallet and spent at empanelled merchants.

Where launched: Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are the first State/UT to transfer the subsidy to all eligible PMGKAY beneficiaries as CBDC tokens.
Earlier pilots: Pilots ran in Gujarat (15 Feb 2026) and Puducherry (26 Feb 2026).
Access: Smartphone users pay by QR code; feature-phone users use OTP-based access.
Firsts: It is the first large-scale use of CBDC in Central Government welfare programmes.
JAM base: JAM stands for Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile phones; the Secretary cited over 59 crore Jan Dhan accounts.
Issuer: The Digital Rupee is issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
Launch date and places: CBDC-based DBT under PMGKAY will start on 14 August 2026 in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
First UTs: They will be the first UTs to transfer food subsidy to all eligible PMGKAY beneficiaries as programmable CBDC tokens.
How it works: Subsidy goes to CBDC wallets instead of bank accounts and is spent on foodgrains at empanelled merchants.
Issuer of CBDC: The Digital Rupee is issued by the Reserve Bank of India as legal tender.

Don’t confuse with CBDC vs UPI: CBDC is legal tender issued by the RBI. UPI is a payment system run by NPCI that moves bank money.

Don’t confuse with PMGKAY vs ONORC: PMGKAY gives free foodgrains. ONORC is portability that lets beneficiaries draw ration anywhere in India.

Don’t confuse with CBDC vs cryptocurrency: CBDC is legal tender backed by the RBI; private cryptocurrencies are not.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 14

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.Under the new system, the food subsidy is credited into the beneficiary's Digital Rupee wallet instead of a conventional bank account.
2.Gujarat and Puducherry were the first places where the CBDC-based food subsidy pilot was run.
3.Feature-phone users cannot use the CBDC-based facility because it needs QR code scanning.
4.The subsidy received in the CBDC wallet is purpose-bound and can be spent on foodgrains at empanelled merchants.
5.The Digital Rupee is issued by the National Payments Corporation of India.
6.The JAM trinity refers to Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile phones.
7.PMGKAY foodgrains are provided under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
8.Under the new model, eligible PMGKAY beneficiaries receive the food subsidy in their CBDC wallets instead of conventional bank account transfers.
9.Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli are the first Union Territories to transfer PMGKAY food subsidy to all eligible beneficiaries as programmable CBDC tokens.
10.The rollout in these Union Territories follows earlier pilots in Puducherry and Gujarat.
11.The Digital Rupee is issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
12.Beneficiaries can spend the CBDC subsidy only by withdrawing cash from ATMs.
13.The Digital Rupee is a legal tender, a digital form of the Indian rupee issued by the central bank.
14.The release describes the rollout as a proof of concept intended to remain limited to these two Union Territories.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Company Affairs, 12 Aug, 19:07 IST · Release 293375

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

International relations

India-SACU Preferential Trade Agreement

GS2 International relations: trade groupingsGS3 External sectorPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) signed Terms of Reference in New Delhi for negotiating a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
What it is: The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is a regional trade bloc of southern African states with a common external tariff and a shared customs area. It is regarded as the world's oldest customs union. A Preferential Trade Agreement lets partners cut tariffs on an agreed list of goods, and is narrower than a free trade agreement.

What was signed: Terms of Reference for negotiating an India-SACU PTA, signed at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. It does not cut any tariff itself.
First with Africa: This is India's first ToR signing with the African region.
Scope: The PTA is to cover eight chapters, including goods, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, trade remedies with a bilateral safeguard, SPS, TBT, dispute settlement and legal provisions.
SACU members: SACU has five members: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.
SACU headquarters: The SACU Secretariat is in Windhoek, Namibia.

Don’t confuse with PTA vs FTA: A PTA cuts tariffs on a limited list of products. An FTA covers substantially all trade between partners.

Don’t confuse with Customs union vs free trade area: A customs union has a common external tariff on non-members. A free trade area does not.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 12 Aug, 21:36 IST · Release 293384

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Environment

El Niño and the Indian Monsoon

GS1 Geography - ClimatologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 12 August 2026, the Earth Sciences Minister told Lok Sabha that a moderate El Niño is suppressing the 2026 monsoon, leaving rainfall 12% below the LPA as of 2 August.
What it is: El Niño is the periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, part of the ENSO cycle. It weakens the Walker circulation and usually reduces Indian summer monsoon rainfall. The India Meteorological Department, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, issues the official monsoon forecasts.

First Stage forecast: IMD's first long range forecast, issued on 13 April 2026, predicted below-normal rainfall at 92% of the LPA.
Second Stage forecast: The forecast was revised to 90% of the LPA, with El Niño conditions expected to develop.
El Niño onset: Weak El Niño formed in June 2026 and strengthened to moderate.
El Niño and monsoon link: In an El Niño event the Indian summer monsoon is generally weaker than normal, and the event's intensity decides how large the impact is.
Historical record: Of 16 El Niño years since 1950, 7 saw below-normal Indian monsoon rainfall.
Timing of the effect: The inverse relationship between El Niño and rainfall is stronger in the later half of the season, especially September.
No district risk study: The Ministry has issued no district-wise El Niño risk assessment or guidelines to States for 2026.
No 'Super El Nino' category: Neither the WMO nor IMD officially defines a 'Super El Nino'. The term is informal.
How strength is classified: El Nino events are classed as weak, moderate, strong or very strong by the size of sea surface temperature anomalies over the equatorial central Pacific.
2026 progression: El Nino was weak in June 2026 and became moderate in July 2026.
Outlook: It may reach the very strong category in October–December 2026, but its impact on India depends on coupled ocean–atmosphere conditions, of which El Nino is one factor.
Impact-Based Forecasts: IMD issues Impact-Based Forecasts and risk-based warnings daily, valid for 7 days, for disaster authorities and States.
Walker circulation: El Nino weakens the Walker circulation, an east-west atmospheric circulation over the tropical Pacific.
Peak of the event: The ongoing El Niño is expected to peak in winter, from November 2026 to January 2027.
Thermal stress: The Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are likely to face thermal stress, most in March-May 2027. This may bleach corals and cause marine heat waves.
Fisheries impact: Sardine and mackerel catches may fall as fish migrate or fewer young fish join the stock.
East and west coast contrast: The Bay of Bengal will stay rough in the monsoon, raising erosion and flood risk on the east coast. The Arabian Sea and west coast should be calmer.
Next bulletin: INCOIS will issue the next specialized bulletin in the second week of July 2026.
Parent body: INCOIS is the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Don’t confuse with El Niño vs La Niña: El Niño is warming of the central and eastern Pacific and usually weakens the Indian monsoon. La Niña is cooling and usually favours it.

Don’t confuse with ENSO vs Indian Ocean Dipole: ENSO is a Pacific phenomenon. The IOD is the temperature difference across the Indian Ocean, and a positive IOD can offset El Niño's effect on the monsoon.

Don’t confuse with El Niño vs Indian Ocean Dipole: El Niño is a Pacific phenomenon. The Indian Ocean Dipole is a sea-surface temperature difference across the Indian Ocean; a positive IOD can offset El Niño's effect on the monsoon.

Don’t confuse with El Nino vs La Nina: El Nino is warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and usually weakens the Indian monsoon. La Nina is cooling there and usually favours good monsoon rainfall.

Don’t confuse with El Nino vs Indian Ocean Dipole: El Nino is a Pacific phenomenon. The Indian Ocean Dipole is a temperature difference between the western and eastern Indian Ocean. A positive IOD can offset El Nino's effect on the monsoon.

Don’t confuse with INCOIS vs IMD: INCOIS gives ocean advisories such as sea state and fishing zones. IMD issues weather and monsoon forecasts.

Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.

Why it matters

The monsoon drives kharif output, reservoir storage and rural incomes, so El Niño years raise risks to farm output and food prices.
Accurate early forecasts help the Centre and States plan for drought and crops.
Monsoon rainfall drives kharif output, reservoir levels and rural incomes, so early forecasts help planning.
Advance El Niño guidance supports farm, water and food-price management.
Monsoon rainfall drives kharif output, rural incomes, reservoir levels and food inflation, so early El Nino warnings help planning.
Early ocean advisories help fishers and ports plan work and cut losses.
Links El Niño to marine ecosystems, coastal safety and the blue economy, not only rainfall.

Problems

Rainfall is unevenly spread: the all-India figure hides deficits in 47% of districts.
Dry spells, low soil moisture and low reservoir levels stress rain-fed crops.
Not every El Niño year gives a deficient monsoon (7 of 16 since 1950), so forecasts carry uncertainty.
No district-level risk assessment or State guidelines exist for 2026 El Niño impacts.
El Nino does not fully decide monsoon outcomes, so forecasts carry uncertainty, as the reply notes.
Warming seas bleach corals and cut fish catch, hurting coastal livelihoods.
Advisories must reach small fishers in time and in local languages.

Way forward

Use sub-divisional IMD alerts for contingency crop planning and water management.
Promote drought-tolerant crops and efficient irrigation in deficient regions.
Build district-wise risk and impact assessments linked to IMD and IITM forecasts.
Link forecasts to crop advisories and dam management for local action.
Use IMD's impact-based forecasts and advisories for crop planning, water management and drought preparedness in States.
Strengthen last-mile delivery of ocean advisories to fishing communities.
Invest in coastal protection and reef monitoring on the east coast.

Put in your answer

El Niño impacts: Implications include prolonged dry spells, localized meteorological drought, lower soil moisture, and stress on rain-fed crops and reservoirs.

El Niño record since 1950: 7 of 16 El Niño years had below-normal monsoon rainfall, showing the link is strong but not certain.

Forecast reply: IMD says El Nino is only one factor among coupled ocean–atmosphere conditions shaping the monsoon.

Coastal impact contrast: Use the east coast versus west coast contrast as an example of how El Niño effects vary regionally.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: A lasting climate topic on file. 2026 figures (12% deficit, 47% districts deficient) change yearly and are unlikely to be tested as facts.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Earth Science, 12 Aug, 12:39 IST · Release 293259

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

CPI inflation (base 2024=100) for July 2026 was 4.45% (provisional): rural 4.84%, urban 3.96%.
PCIM&H (Ayush) and IPC (Health) renewed their MoU for the 'One Herb, One Standard' initiative; the first phase produced 50 monographs.
Census 2027 houselisting is done in 31 States/UTs; population enumeration in Ladakh and snow-bound areas runs 1-30 Sept 2026, with self-enumeration 17-31 Aug.
Archana Varma (1995-batch IAS, Assam cadre) took charge as Secretary, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR on 12 August 2026.

Source: PIB, 12 Aug

What we left out: 111 of 127 releases

Speeches without a decision (6)
Ceremonies and campaigns (10)
Same issue as another release (27)
Routine data and replies (67)
Routine MoUs (1)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 and National Tribunals CommissionMCQ · 5 true or false
2Sixteenth Finance Commission grants to Rural Local BodiesMCQ · 6 true or false · Mains
3National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)MCQ · 7 true or false · Mains
4Asian Elephant and Project ElephantMCQ · 7 true or false
5Access Pass under EEZ Fisheries Rules, 2025MCQ · 4 true or false
6Atmanirbhar Panchayat ProgrammeMCQ · 7 true or false
7National Quantum MissionMCQ · 13 true or false
8PM-RAHAT (Road Accident Victims' Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment)MCQ · 21 true or false · Mains
9Vibrant Villages ProgrammeMCQ · 12 true or false · Mains
10CBDC-based Direct Benefit Transfer under PMGKAYMCQ · 14 true or false · Mains
11India-SACU Preferential Trade AgreementMCQ · 7 true or false

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament in August 2026, repeals the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 and creates a judiciary-led National Tribunals Commission, following the Supreme Court's Madras Bar Association judgments. Examine the key provisions of the Bill and discuss how far they secure the independence and accountability of tribunals.

From: Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 and National Tribunals Commission

Write and get it marked

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