UPSC current affairs · Friday

Current Affairs, 28 August 2026

8 issues picked from 40 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

PARIVARTAN Scheme (Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement). PARIVARTAN scheme offers incentives to replace old BS-IV trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR; uptake begins.
Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act. PIB explainer: India's nuclear capacity, safety framework and non-power uses, with a 100 GW target by 2047.
Defence Export SOP and Open General Export Licence (OGEL). Defence ministry eases export SOP and OGEL: longer validity, wider country coverage, fewer consultations.
High-Powered Task Force on Public Examination Reforms. Nilekani-led task force seeks public suggestions on securing and reforming public examinations by 13 September 2026.
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. IPC launched its first plant-based reference standards at a Guwahati conclave, standardising herbal medicine quality.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). PMJDY completes 12 years with over 59 crore accounts, mostly women and rural.
Malaria Elimination Target 2030 (NCVBDC). India cut malaria cases and deaths about 80% since 2015; 33 districts remain high-burden.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Modi to attend 25th-anniversary SCO Summit in Bishkek after a state visit to Uzbekistan.

Scheme

PARIVARTAN Scheme (Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement)

GS3 Environment and pollutionGS2 Government schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 28 August 2026 the Road Transport Ministry reported that 1,300+ owners have registered under the PARIVARTAN Scheme, with 42 banks/NBFCs and 15 auto OEMs onboarded across Delhi-NCR. The scheme was launched on 14 July 2026.
What it is: PARIVARTAN is a Cabinet-approved scheme to replace over 2 lakh old trucks and buses meeting BS-IV or older norms in Delhi and NCR districts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Owners get loan, tax, price and fuel or cash incentives to buy BS-VI or electric vehicles. The aim is to cut transport air pollution and emissions.

Event: MoRTH and the Delhi Government hold the Mela at the Vehicle Inspection Unit near DTO Burari, North Delhi, on 28 October 2026.
Participants: OEMs and dealers, scrapping facilities (RVSFs), banks, NBFCs, oil marketing companies and city gas distribution entities will give guidance on scrapping, finance, purchase and fuel benefits.
Incentives: Minimum 8% OEM discount, 5% interest subvention on loans, 100% road tax concession for 10 years, one-time EV benefits, monthly fuel vouchers and registration fee waiver, as applicable.
Registrations: About 40,000 beneficiaries have registered on the PARIVARTAN portal so far.
Funding and implementation: Funded through NCRPB under MoHUA; implemented by MoRTH.
Outlay: Total outlay ₹9,585 crore, of which ₹5,041 crore is central budgetary support.
Fuel vouchers / EV incentive: BS-VI diesel/CNG buyers get monthly fuel vouchers of ₹1,200-4,800 for five years; EV buyers get a one-time ₹64,000 to ₹2.56 lakh.
Implementation and funding: MoRTH is the implementing ministry. Funding is routed through the NCRPB.
Incentive package: Incentives include 5% interest subvention on loans, a minimum 8% OEM discount, tax concessions, registration fee waivers, fuel vouchers and one-time aid for electric vehicles and CoD trading.
State notifications: Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi notified a ten-year Motor Vehicle Tax concession and registration fee waiver.
OEM MoUs: 11 OEMs with over 95% of commercial vehicle market share signed MoUs with MoRTH to give the discount.
Digital platform: An integrated platform links VAHAN, V-Scrap, DigiELV, PFMS, lenders and fuel voucher systems.
OEM discount: Under the MoU, DICV will give an 8 per cent discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible trucks and buses.
Electric vehicle cap: For electric vehicles, the discount is capped at the discount for an ICE vehicle of the same GVW category.
Central support: The Centre gives 5 per cent interest subvention and fixed monthly fuel vouchers for five years.
State support: Participating states give up to 100 per cent motor vehicle tax concession for ten years and waive registration fees.
Manufacturers on board: Ashok Leyland, Switch Mobility, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra and SML Mahindra signed earlier; together they hold 85% of the truck and bus market.
Tata Motors MoU: MoRTH signed an MoU with Tata Motors for the replacement scheme in the Delhi-NCR region.
Other OEMs: Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility signed earlier in the week. With Tata, the three hold about 50% of the truck and bus market.
Funding and implementing bodies: Funded through NCRPB under MoHUA; implemented by MoRTH and MoPNG with Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Beneficiaries: About 2.07 lakh owners: 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses.
Scrapping rule: BS-III or older vehicles must be scrapped at registered facilities; BS-IV vehicles may be scrapped or sold outside NCR in non-NCAP cities or towns.
Central benefits: 5% interest subvention on loans for five years and monthly fuel vouchers up to Rs 4,800.
Monitoring: An Empowered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary monitors it; District Collectors/Magistrates implement at district level.

Don’t confuse with PARIVARTAN vs Vehicle Scrappage Policy: The national Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021) sets up scrapping and fitness rules for old vehicles. PARIVARTAN is a Delhi-NCR scheme giving financial incentives for replacing old trucks and buses.

Don’t confuse with PARIVARTAN vs PM E-DRIVE: PARIVARTAN is a Delhi-NCR scheme to replace old BS-IV trucks and buses; PM E-DRIVE is a national scheme promoting electric vehicles.

Don’t confuse with MoHUA vs MoRTH: MoHUA approved the guidelines, but MoRTH implements the scheme.

Don’t confuse with NCRPB vs CAQM: NCRPB is a statutory planning body that channels the funds. It is not the Commission for Air Quality Management.

Don’t confuse with OEM discount vs government incentives: The 8% discount comes from the manufacturer. Interest subvention and fuel vouchers come from the Centre. Tax and registration relief come from states.

Don’t confuse with BS-IV vs BS-VI: These are Bharat Stage emission norms; BS-VI is stricter. India moved directly from BS-IV to BS-VI in 2020.

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

Targets old, high-emitting diesel trucks and buses, a major source of Delhi-NCR air pollution.
Links scrapping, finance and fuel players, which can speed up fleet renewal.
Faster removal of old polluting heavy vehicles can cut transport emissions in the Delhi-NCR airshed.
Targets old, high-emitting heavy vehicles, a major source of NCR transport pollution.
Pairs scrappage with clean-vehicle uptake, supporting BS-VI and EV transition.
Cuts emissions from old heavy vehicles, a major source of Delhi-NCR air pollution.
Pushes adoption of BS-VI and electric commercial vehicles and supports the auto sector.
Faster retirement of BS-IV and older heavy vehicles can cut particulate and NOx emissions in the NCR.
Manufacturer participation lowers buyer cost and speeds up the shift to BS-VI and electric vehicles.
Targets a big pollution source: trucks and buses are 36% of transport PM2.5 with 3% of the fleet.
Combines Centre, State and manufacturer incentives, which makes replacement more affordable for owners.
Supports the shift to BS-VI and electric vehicles and formal scrapping.

Problems

Small truck and bus owners may find upfront costs and paperwork hard even with subsidies.
Low uptake: about 40,000 registrations so far against a target of over 2 lakh vehicles.
Owners of old commercial vehicles may find the upfront cost and loan access hard despite incentives.
Scheme covers only NCR, so older vehicles may shift to other regions.
Small truck and bus owners may find it hard to finance replacement even with subsidies.
Depends on consistent state action and on scrapping old vehicles properly rather than reselling them elsewhere.
Smaller owners may find the cost of a new vehicle hard to meet even with incentives.
Success depends on states giving tax and fee relief, and on scrapping the old vehicles rather than reselling them elsewhere.
Small fleet owners may still struggle with the upfront cost even after the discounts.
Success depends on states offering tax and fee relief and on scrapping old vehicles properly.
Small truck operators may still find the upfront cost and loan access hard even with incentives.
Sale of BS-IV vehicles outside NCR may only move pollution to other cities.
Vehicles are only one source; dust, biomass burning and industry also drive NCR pollution.

Way forward

Run outreach camps and simplify the portal to raise registrations.
Expand charging and clean-fuel infrastructure so replacement vehicles are practical.
Strengthen scrapping and registration checks so replaced vehicles leave the road.
Expand charging and CNG infrastructure along freight corridors.
Ensure transparent digital delivery and verified scrapping through V-Scrap and DigiELV.
Expand charging and clean-fuel infrastructure for electric and CNG replacements.
Ensure certified scrapping and tracking of replaced vehicles.
Build charging infrastructure and easy finance for small operators.
Ensure verified scrapping of old vehicles through registered scrapping facilities.
Expand charging infrastructure and bring more manufacturers into the scheme.
Strengthen scrapping and vehicle-testing infrastructure and enforce against old vehicles.
Expand EV charging and CNG supply along freight corridors.
Use the digital portal to track real emission cuts and pair the scheme with action on other pollution sources.

Put in your answer

Incentive package: Cite the mix of OEM discount, interest subvention and road tax concession as an example of demand-side incentives for cleaner transport.

Outlay: Rs 9,585 crore total, with Rs 5,041 crore from the Centre.

Industry buy-in: 11 OEMs with over 95% of commercial vehicle market share signed MoUs.

Incentive design: The scheme combines OEM discount, central interest subvention and fuel vouchers, and state tax relief, an example of centre-state-industry cooperation on air pollution.

Layered incentive design: The scheme combines OEM discount, central interest subvention and fuel vouchers, and state tax waivers, a useful example of cooperative federalism in pollution control.

Transport share of NCR pollution: ARAI-TERI 2018 source apportionment: transport contributes 14% of PM2.5, 40% of CO and 63% of NOx in Delhi-NCR.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 19

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

1.The scheme targets replacement of trucks and buses conforming to BS-IV or older norms.
2.The scheme is funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
3.The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
4.Eligible buyers get a 100% road tax waiver for 10 years.
5.Buyers of electric vehicles receive monthly fuel vouchers for five years.
6.Participating OEMs are to give a discount of at least 8% on the ex-showroom price.
7.The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the implementing ministry for the PARIVARTAN Scheme.
8.Funding for the scheme is routed through the Central Pollution Control Board.
9.The scheme provides a 5% interest subvention on loans taken to buy replacement vehicles.
10.The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 9,585 crore, including central budgetary support of Rs 5,041 crore.
11.The states granted Motor Vehicle Tax concession for five years under the scheme.
12.The scheme's digital platform is to interface with VAHAN and the Public Financial Management System.
13.The scheme is implemented mainly by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
14.Owners of BS-IV trucks and buses may either scrap them or sell them outside NCR in non-NCAP cities or towns.
15.The Centre provides a 5% interest subvention on loans for five years under the scheme.
16.State governments may give up to 100% motor vehicle tax concession on used replacement vehicles.
17.Participating vehicle manufacturers are to offer an 8% discount on ex-showroom prices.
18.In Delhi, buses bought under the scheme may be BS-VI diesel or CNG.
19.The Empowered Committee monitoring the scheme is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 28 Aug, 18:58 IST · Release 294051

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act

GS3 Energy - Nuclear PowerGS2 LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 28 August 2026, PIB published an explainer on India's nuclear energy programme. It covers capacity, safety, waste, emergency planning and non-power uses of atomic energy.
What it is: India's nuclear programme is run by the Department of Atomic Energy, with NPCIL operating power reactors and AERB as the regulator. Its power plants mostly use indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat and the SHANTI Act, 2025 set the present policy and legal framework for expansion.

Installed base: India operates 24 power reactors at seven sites with 8.78 GW capacity. Nine more are under construction.
Mission target: The Nuclear Energy Mission aims for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
SMR funding: Budget 2025-26 set aside ₹20,000 crore for indigenous Small Modular Reactors.
Nuclear process heat hydrogen: India inaugurated the world's first hydrogen production facility using nuclear process heat at Kalpakkam in 2026.
Boron-11 facility: India's first electronics-grade Boron-11 enrichment facility is at Talcher, for semiconductor use.
BARC designs: BARC is developing BSMR-200 (220 MWe), SMR-55 (55 MWe) and an HTGCR of up to 5 MWth for hydrogen production.
Funding: Rs 20,000 crore is allocated under NEM for SMR research, development and deployment.
SHANTI Act and AERB: The Act gives AERB statutory status and sets graded liability based on facility type and reactor power.
Construction time: Demonstration SMRs are estimated to take 60 to 72 months from financial approval.
Target: Nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047, with a large share from indigenous PHWR plants.
FBR expansion: Pre-project activities of 2 x 500 MW FBR 1 & 2 at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu are approved.
Mahi Banswara project: Implemented by ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC, in Rajasthan.
SHANTI Act rules: States, industries and research institutions can collaborate with the Government once rules are framed.
Fast breeder concept: A fast breeder reactor uses fast neutrons and produces more fissile material than it consumes; it is the second stage of India's three-stage programme.
BSMR-200 and SMR-55: Both are PWR-based; the Atomic Energy Commission approved Tarapur, Maharashtra as the site for each.
SMR goal: At least five indigenous SMRs to be developed and operationalised by 2033.
Sites: The Atomic Energy Commission approved Tarapur, Maharashtra as the site for BSMR-200; the HTGCR is proposed at BARC, Vizag.
AERB under SHANTI Act: The Act gives the regulator statutory status so it can work independently.

Don’t confuse with AERB vs DAE: DAE runs the programme and leads emergency technical response. AERB is the regulator that sets dose limits and approves emergency plans.

Don’t confuse with Occupational vs public dose limit: Workers: average 20 mSv a year over five years. Public: 1 mSv a year.

Don’t confuse with MWe vs MWth: MWe is electrical output; MWth is thermal output. The HTGCR is rated in MWth because it supplies heat for hydrogen.

Don’t confuse with AERB vs AEC: AERB is the nuclear safety regulator; the Atomic Energy Commission sets policy and approves projects, such as sites for the SMRs.

Don’t confuse with PHWR vs FBR: PHWRs use natural uranium and heavy water (stage one); FBRs use plutonium-based fuel and fast neutrons (stage two).

Don’t confuse with BSMR-200 vs SMR-55: Both are BARC-designed PWR-based SMRs, rated 220 MWe and 55 MWe, and both sited at Tarapur.

Don’t confuse with PHWR vs PWR/LWR: PHWR uses heavy water as moderator and coolant; PWR is a light water reactor. India's fleet is mostly PHWR, while BSMR-200 and SMR-55 are PWR designs.

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.

Why it matters

Nuclear power gives firm, low-carbon electricity, supporting energy security and the Net Zero 2070 goal.
Atomic technology also serves health, agriculture, food irradiation, rare earths and semiconductors.
SMRs can give firm low-carbon power and industrial heat, helping net-zero goals.
Private entry under licence can raise capital and speed up capacity addition toward 100 GWe.
Nuclear power gives firm, low-carbon electricity, helping energy security and net-zero goals.
Private and state participation can bring capital and speed.
Firm low-carbon baseload power supports the net zero 2070 goal.
SMRs and HTGCR can serve industry and hydrogen production, and suit sites with limited land or grid.
Firm low-carbon power supports the net zero by 2070 goal and energy security.
Private and state participation can bring capital and speed to a sector long run by the state.
SMRs and hydrogen-heat reactors widen uses beyond grid power, including industry.

Problems

Public fears about radiation, waste and living near plants need steady communication.
Capacity is 8.78 GW against a 100 GW target, so the scale-up is steep.
Demonstration SMRs need 60 to 72 months to build, and costs and safety are yet to be proven.
Graded liability and private operation raise public concerns over accountability and safety.
No new projects sanctioned in three years, while 100 GW needs rapid additions.
SHANTI Act rules are yet to be framed, delaying participation.
Raising capacity from 8.78 GW to 100 GW needs very large finance and fast project execution.
Public acceptance, siting, and long-term waste management remain concerns as the sector opens to private players.
High capital cost, long gestation and land and public acceptance issues around sites.
Safety, waste management and liability concerns as private operators enter.
Dependence on technology and fuel supply, and building a vendor ecosystem.

Way forward

Keep the regulator strong and independent while opening the sector to private players.
Expand indigenous reactor designs, including SMRs, with continued safety upgrades.
Keep the regulator independent and technically ready for SMR-specific review.
Build the domestic supply chain and fuel supply, with transparent local consultation at sites.
Frame SHANTI Act rules quickly and sanction new fleet-mode PHWR projects.
Back SMR and advanced reactor R&D with clear regulation and safety oversight.
Build a strong independent regulator and clear liability and safety rules to attract private investors.
Develop domestic vendors and R&D through BARC-industry partnership to cut import dependence.
Keep AERB independent and well resourced, with clear rules for private operators.
Pilot BSMR-200 and SMR-55 at Tarapur, then scale with local industry vendors.
Be open on waste handling and safety reviews to build public trust.

Put in your answer

Food irradiation: Six gamma radiation facilities were commissioned, taking operational facilities to 40.

Vitrification: BARC's indigenous vitrification converts high-level waste into stable glass blocks.

Budget provision: Rs 20,000 crore for SMR research, development and deployment under NEM.

Indigenous materials: ApuRVA alloy and reactor pressure vessel forging technology were developed with Indian industry, showing self-reliance.

Capacity added: 2100 MW added through KAPP-3&4 and RAPP-7.

Kaiga 5&6: Construction began with First Pour of Concrete.

Safety design: Plants use redundancy, diversity, fail-safe features and overlapping defence-in-depth, giving multiple barriers against release.

Waste rules: Waste is handled under the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987 and AERB codes.

Private role: BARC shares knowledge with Indian industry to build nuclear vendors and a private R&D ecosystem.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 21

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

1.The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors.
2.The High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor under development is meant for hydrogen production.
3.Small Modular Reactors, in general, are factory-fabricated units of smaller capacity than conventional reactors, typically up to about 300 MWe per unit.
4.The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat targets 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
5.The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor attained criticality in April 2026.
6.The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project is being implemented by ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC.
7.The pre-project approval for new 2 x 500 MW fast breeder reactors is for a site at Kaiga, Karnataka.
8.A fast breeder reactor is the first stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.
9.The Tarapur units TAPS-1 and 2 are described as the world's oldest operating nuclear reactors and resumed operation after refurbishment.
10.Several new nuclear power projects were sanctioned in the last three years, according to the reply.
11.The Nuclear Energy Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
12.The mission aims to develop at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033.
13.The BSMR-200 is an indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor.
14.The HTGCR being designed by BARC is meant for hydrogen production.
15.The Atomic Energy Commission has approved Kudankulam as the site for BSMR-200.
16.The SHANTI Act gives the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board statutory status.
17.The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to reach 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047.
18.The mission aims to operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033.
19.The BSMR-200 is based on a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor design.
20.The small High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor is meant mainly for grid electricity and is proposed at Tarapur.
21.Copper-chlorine cycle is a thermochemical process that can use nuclear heat to produce hydrogen.

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

Source: PIB Headquarters, 28 Aug, 10:15 IST · Release 294010

Issue page →

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

Defence and security

Defence Export SOP and Open General Export Licence (OGEL)

GS3 Defence production and exportsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 28 August 2026, the Ministry of Defence announced simplified rules for the Defence Export SOP and the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework. The changes cut procedural steps for Indian defence exporters.
What it is: The Defence Export SOP lays down the procedure by which Indian firms get authorisation to export defence items. The OGEL is a standing authorisation that lets eligible exporters self-generate export authorisations for many consignments of specified items. Both are administered by the Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence.

What OGEL is: A one-time standing authorisation. Eligible exporters generate authorisations themselves for many consignments of specified items, with no separate authorisation per consignment.
Validity: OGEL validity rises from two to three years, so renewals are less frequent.
Country coverage: OGEL now covers all countries instead of 41. Negative or sensitive nations and those under UNSC sanctions or arms embargoes are excluded.
One unified SOP: Three OGEL SOPs, for major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company technology transfer, are merged into one.
FOEM contracts: OGEL can be granted for a specific Foreign OEM and eligible items, with validity matching the long-term contract.
Export record: Defence exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26. Defence production hit Rs 1.78 lakh crore.

Don’t confuse with OGEL vs. per-consignment authorisation: OGEL is a standing authorisation that the exporter self-generates for many consignments. The usual route needs a separate authorisation for each export.

Don’t confuse with Stakeholder consultation waiver: The waiver applies to non-lethal items for most destinations and to all items for international tenders and exhibitions. It is not a blanket waiver for all exports.

Defence: Prelims tests exercises (with whom), equipment (who makes it) and firsts.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting policy on defence exports; facts are procedural, and defence items reach Mains rarely (3 of 161 news-set questions).

Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence, 28 Aug, 13:37 IST · Release 294023

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

High-Powered Task Force on Public Examination Reforms

GS2 Education and governancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 28 August 2026, the Ministry of Personnel invited public suggestions for the High-Powered Task Force on public examination reforms, headed by Nandan Nilekani. Inputs are due by 13 September 2026.
What it is: The High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) is a government-constituted body set up to recommend reforms in how public examinations are run, secured, designed and governed. Its remit covers exams held by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and other bodies. It is an advisory task force, so its recommendations go to the Government and do not bind it by themselves.

Chairman: The task force is chaired by Nandan Nilekani.
Mandate: It looks at conduct, security, design and governance of public exams, including those run by the NTA.
Stated objective: To build a robust, secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready public examination system.
Consultation deadline: Suggestions from stakeholders are accepted until 13 September 2026, in English, Hindi and regional languages.
Technology area: One suggested area is the use of technology, including secure Computer-Based Testing.
Nature of output: The consultation inputs feed into recommendations made to the Government.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Task force led by Nandan Nilekani on exam reform; lasting topic but no provisions yet, so question unlikely.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, 28 Aug, 16:03 IST · Release 294032

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

GS2 Health regulationGS3 Science and technologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 27 August 2026, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission held a scientific conclave at NIPER Guwahati, its first in the Northeast. It launched its first-ever phytochemical and botanical reference standards.
What it is: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission is an autonomous body under the Union Health Ministry. It prepares and updates the Indian Pharmacopoeia, which sets official quality standards for drugs made, sold or imported in India. It also runs the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India and supplies reference substances used to test drug quality.

Parent ministry: IPC works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
First reference standards: IPC launched seven phytochemical (IPPRS) and five botanical (IPBRS) reference standards. This is the first time the Commission has introduced such standards.
First in Northeast: The conclave was the first IPC interactive meeting held in the Northeast region.
Who runs IPC: Dr. V. Kalaiselvan is Secretary-cum-Scientific Director of IPC.
Legal basis: The Indian Pharmacopoeia is the official book of drug standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. IPC is based in Ghaziabad.

Don’t confuse with IPC vs CDSCO: IPC sets drug quality standards through the Pharmacopoeia. CDSCO, headed by the Drugs Controller General of India, approves drugs and enforces the law.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Statutory-type body setting drug standards; first reference standards launched. Statutory bodies drew only 7 Prelims questions.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 28 Aug, 16:15 IST · Release 294034

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

GS3 Economy · Financial inclusionGS2 Welfare schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 28 August 2026, Union Minister Annpurna Devi marked 12 years of PMJDY and shared its figures: over 59 crore accounts, 56% held by women.
What it is: PMJDY is the National Mission on Financial Inclusion, launched on 28 August 2014. It offers every unbanked adult a basic bank account with no minimum balance requirement. It forms the base of the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) used for direct benefit transfers.

Accounts opened: More than 59 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened.
Share of women: 56% of accounts belong to women.
Rural reach: 78% of accounts are in villages and small towns.
Deposits and transfers: Deposits in these accounts have crossed Rs 3.1 lakh crore. Rs 53 lakh crore has been transferred to beneficiaries through the JAM trinity.
Launch: PMJDY was launched in August 2014, so 2026 marks 12 years.
Account terms: Basic account with no minimum balance and no maintenance charges for every unbanked adult.
JAM trinity: Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile together enable direct delivery of benefits without intermediaries.

Don’t confuse with PMJDY vs JAM trinity: PMJDY is the account scheme. JAM is the combination of Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar identity and mobile numbers used to deliver benefits.

Don’t confuse with PMJDY vs Jan Suraksha schemes: PMJDY gives basic bank accounts; PMJJBY and PMSBY are separate insurance schemes linked to bank accounts.

Don’t confuse with RuPay card vs PMJDY: RuPay is the NPCI payment network; PMJDY is the account scheme that issues RuPay cards.

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 Women and Child Development, 28 Aug, 17:39 IST · Release 294043

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Malaria Elimination Target 2030 (NCVBDC)

GS2 HealthPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 28 August 2026, the Health Ministry reviewed progress on malaria elimination by 2030 with States and 33 high-burden districts. It reported a nearly 80% fall in cases and deaths between 2015 and 2025.
What it is: The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) runs India's malaria programme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. India's goal is to eliminate malaria by 2030, in line with the global Sustainable Development Goal target. The approach combines early diagnosis, complete treatment, surveillance and vector control.

Decline since 2015: Malaria cases and deaths fell by nearly 80% between 2015 and 2025.
Zero indigenous cases: 160 districts reported no indigenous malaria cases during 2022-2025.
Test, Treat and Track: The meeting asked States to strengthen the Test, Treat and Track strategy, since delays in diagnosis and treatment contribute to deaths.
Data quality: Asymptomatic cases found in mass screening should be reported separately and left out of API and ABER calculations.
Action plans: District Action Plans are to be implemented in all 33 high-burden districts, with Village Action Plans in high-burden villages.

Don’t confuse with ABER vs API: ABER (Annual Blood Examination Rate) measures the share of the population tested for malaria in a year. API (Annual Parasite Incidence) measures confirmed cases per 1,000 population.

Don’t confuse with Indigenous vs imported cases: Indigenous cases are caught through local transmission. Imported cases are caught elsewhere and carried in. Zero indigenous cases means local transmission has stopped.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting health topic with numbers (80% decline, high-burden districts 155 to 33); question unlikely from a review meeting alone.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 28 Aug, 18:55 IST · Release 294050

Issue page →

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

International relations

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

GS2 International Relations · GroupingsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: PMO announced on 28 August 2026 that PM Modi will visit Uzbekistan (29–30 August) and then attend the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic (31 August–1 September 2026).
What it is: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic and security grouping. It grew out of the Shanghai Five and was founded in 2001. Its highest body is the Council of Heads of State, and its permanent bodies include the Secretariat in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.

Anniversary: The summit fell in SCO's 25th anniversary year.
India's three pillars: India's vision for SCO rests on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
Civilisation Dialogue Forum: India will host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum later this year. It is India's flagship initiative for civilisational exchange among members.
English in the Charter: The Bishkek Declaration includes an India-backed initiative to make English an official language in the SCO Charter.
Founding and bodies: SCO was founded in 2001. Its Secretariat is in Beijing and RATS is in Tashkent.
26th SCO Summit: The 26th SCO Summit is being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, and marks 25 years of the SCO.
India's membership: India has been a member of the SCO since 2017.
India's vision: India frames its approach to the region around Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and stresses action against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Founding: The SCO was founded in 2001, growing out of the Shanghai Five.
Permanent bodies: The Secretariat is in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is in Tashkent.
Highest body: The Council of Heads of State is the SCO's highest decision-making body.
Summit host and date: The 26th SCO Summit is held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on 31 August–1 September 2026.
25th anniversary and India's status: The summit marks 25 years of the SCO. India has been a full member since 2017.
India's priorities: Modi will put forward India's priorities of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity at the summit.

Don’t confuse with SCO vs BRICS: SCO is a Eurasian security and political grouping with a Charter and permanent bodies. BRICS is an informal grouping of emerging economies with no charter or secretariat.

Don’t confuse with RATS vs Secretariat: RATS, the anti-terror body, is in Tashkent. The Secretariat is in Beijing.

Don’t confuse with Secretariat vs RATS: The SCO Secretariat is in Beijing. RATS, the counter-terrorism body, is in Tashkent.

Don’t confuse with Shanghai Five vs SCO: The Shanghai Five was the earlier grouping. The SCO was formed from it in 2001.

Don’t confuse with SCO Secretariat vs RATS: The Secretariat is in Beijing; RATS, the anti-terror body, is in Tashkent.

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.

Why it matters

SCO gives India a platform on Central Asia, where it has no land access, and on counter-terrorism.
It lets India press its views on terrorism and on connectivity that respects sovereignty.
Initiatives such as the Civilisation Dialogue Forum add soft power in the region.
The SCO gives India a forum to engage Central Asia and raise terrorism and connectivity concerns.
The SCO gives India a forum to engage China, Russia and Central Asian states on security and connectivity.
Bilateral meetings on the sidelines allow talks with Central Asian leaders.

Problems

India-China and India-Pakistan differences limit consensus, including on terrorism language and connectivity projects.
India's sovereignty objection to projects like the Belt and Road constrains cooperation.
Consensus decision-making and Chinese and Russian weight can dilute India's priorities.
India must balance its interests against China's and Russia's weight in the grouping.
India–China and India–Pakistan tensions complicate consensus on terrorism and connectivity.

Way forward

Use SCO for practical work such as counter-terror cooperation, trade and Chinese-free connectivity routes like Chabahar and INSTC.
Build outcomes in youth, start-ups, science and culture, where interests overlap.
Keep pressing for no double standards on terrorism while engaging Central Asian states bilaterally.
Use the SCO and bilateral visits together to deepen Central Asia ties on trade, energy and connectivity.
Use the SCO to push counter-terrorism cooperation and Central Asia connectivity while safeguarding India's sovereignty concerns.

Put in your answer

No double standards on terrorism: India's PM called for dismantling the terror ecosystem and urged no double standards in fighting terrorism.

Connectivity and sovereignty: India backs connectivity that links markets and trade but insists it respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Afghanistan: India linked Eurasian security to Afghanistan's stability and cited its development and humanitarian aid.

India's SCO framing: India anchors its SCO approach in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.

India's SCO membership: India became a full SCO member in 2017, after joining as an observer earlier.

India's stated priorities: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity are the themes India will stress at the SCO.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Prime Minister's Office, 28 Aug, 20:01 IST · Release 294052

Issue page →

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

Quick facts

IIP grew 6.7% year-on-year in July 2026 (base 2022-23=100), with manufacturing up 7.3% and electricity and gas supply up 8.7%.
DoT and C-DOT signed a five-year agreement for an end-to-end optical network test bed at the C-DOT campus, New Delhi.
The first India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee met in New Delhi on 28 August 2026, under the December 2024 defence cooperation MoU.
Sanchar Saathi helped recover over 75,000 lost or stolen mobile handsets in a single month, a first since its launch.

Source: PIB, 28 Aug

What we left out: 28 of 40 releases

Routine seizures (1)
Same issue as another release (5)
Ceremonies and campaigns (3)
Speeches without a decision (9)
Routine data (1)
Beneficiary stories (3)
Routine notices (1)
Condolence messages (1)
Workshops and seminars (1)
Routine appointments (1)
Visit schedules (1)
Private product launches (1)

Practise the day’s news

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

1PARIVARTAN Scheme (Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement)MCQ · 19 true or false · Mains
2Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI ActMCQ · 21 true or false · Mains
3Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)MCQ · 5 true or false
4Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)MCQ · 6 true or false · Mains

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Thursday, 27 August 2026Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) · PM SVANidhi · DAANVEER computer crowdsourcing for Gram Panchayats and 3 more

The day after

Saturday, 29 August 2026Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) · Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) · Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and 1 more

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