Daily filter — 9 August 2026
5 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🤝 International Relations · LAW track
BRICS Competition Authorities Adopt Joint Statement on Fair Competition
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) hosted the BRICS Heads of Competition Authorities 2026 meeting under India's BRICS Chairship.
- The meeting was organised by CCI on 8th August, 2026, in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
- A Joint Statement on 'Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Fair Competition, including in Renewable Energy Markets' was adopted.
- The CCI steered a collaborative BRICS study titled "Emerging Competition Landscape in the Renewable Energy Sector in BRICS."
- Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, highlighted cooperation in digital and renewable energy markets.
💡 Remember: The 2026 BRICS Competition Authorities meeting, held in Udaipur under India's Chairship, adopted a Joint Statement focusing on fair competition, especially in renewable energy.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2296800
🌱 Environment · UPSC track
NBA Disburses Rs 3.79 Crore for Biodiversity Benefit Sharing
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) funds to 33 States/UTs and institutes.
- NBA disbursed Rs. 3.79 crore as ABS to 33 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs).
- Funds were realised from companies like M/s Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt. Ltd. for accessing agrobiodiversity.
- The framework is implemented under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, aligning with the Nagoya Protocol.
- Largest shares went to Madhya Pradesh (Rs 46.93 lakh) and West Bengal (Rs 44.76 lakh).
- Cumulative ABS disbursements by the NBA now exceed Rs. 166 crore.
💡 For the exam: NBA's ABS mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ensures equitable benefit-sharing from biological resources.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2296731
🏡 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PMAY-U: 1.25 Crore Houses Sanctioned, 1 Crore Delivered
The **Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U)** has achieved a major milestone with over 1.25 crore houses sanctioned.
- Over 1.25 crore houses sanctioned under PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0.
- More than 1 crore houses completed and delivered to beneficiaries.
- 1 crore houses allotted to women, promoting Nari Shakti.
- 2.09 lakh houses sanctioned in 8th CSMC meeting for PMAY-U 2.0.
- Up to ₹2.5 lakh financial assistance provided for Beneficiary Led Construction.
💡 For the exam: Remember the 1.25 crore sanctioned, 1 crore delivered, and 1 crore to women under PMAY-U.
Source: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs · PIB PRID 2296797
⚡ Environment · UPSC track
India Crosses 300 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity
India achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 300 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity by July 31, 2026.
- India's non-fossil fuel capacity reached 300.50 GW as on 31st July, 2026.
- This is over 60% of the 500 GW target set for 2030.
- Solar power contributes the most at 164.59 GW.
- Non-fossil fuel capacity now accounts for over 54% of India’s total 552 GW electricity capacity.
- A record 55.29 GW non-fossil capacity was installed in 2025-26.
💡 For the exam: Remember 300 GW non-fossil capacity (over 60% of 500 GW target) achieved by July 2026, with solar as the largest contributor.
Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy · PIB PRID 2296782
🤝 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Monitoring of Funds for Scheduled Castes Under DAPSC Strengthened
The government is strengthening monitoring of funds earmarked for Scheduled Castes under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes (DAPSC).
- 38 Ministries/Departments earmark funds under DAPSC.
- Actual expenditure remained below Revised Estimates from 2020-21 to 2025-26.
- Utilisation of Revised Estimates was 85.65 per cent in 2025-26.
- Periodic review meetings are held by Social Justice and Empowerment.
- All 38 Ministries/Departments nominated nodal officers for monitoring.
💡 Remember 38 Ministries, monitoring by Social Justice, and nodal officers for DAPSC.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2296754