Daily filter — 11 August 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
E-FIR Provisions Under New Criminal Code
The **Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023** introduces provisions for filing e-FIRs for cognizable offences.
- Section 173 of BNSS, 2023 allows information by electronic communication.
- E-FIRs must be signed by the informant within three days.
- This ensures the electronic information is officially taken on record.
- Applicable irrespective of the area where the offence is committed.
💡 E-FIRs under BNSS, 2023 require informant's signature within three days.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2297624
🛠️ Economy · UPSC track
MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Key Reforms
The **MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026** was passed in August 2026 to update the **MSMED Act, 2006** and boost the MSME sector.
- MSMEs are now classified based on investment and turnover, not just investment thresholds.
- Filing of the memorandum is now free and voluntary for all MSMEs.
- CPSEs must settle invoices from MSMEs via the TReDS platform.
- Mediation must conclude within 90 days, with arbitration referrals within 30 days.
- Arbitral awards must be made within 90 days from pleadings completion.
- Recovery of dues can now be through 'arrears of land revenue' by a notified authority.
- Many offences, like non-filing of registration, have been decriminalised.
💡 Remember, the 2026 MSME Amendment Bill changed classification, made registration voluntary, mandated TReDS for CPSEs, and set strict timelines for dispute resolution, including decriminalising certain offences.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2297792
🇮🇳 Economy · UPSC track
MoU to Boost Commercialisation and Global Access for GI Products
The **Ministry of MSME** and **DPIIT** signed an MoU on August 5, 2026, to enhance the economic potential of India's GI products.
- The MoU was signed on August 5, 2026, at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
- It was signed by Md. Salik Parwaiz (MSME) and Shri Karan Thapar (DPIIT).
- The goal is to accelerate commercialisation and market penetration of Indian GI products.
- The "Bharat GI" banner will integrate GI products onto ONDC and GeM.
- Joint initiatives include supporting ODOP and GI Pavilions at expos.
- This aims to strengthen the GI ecosystem and empower artisans.
💡 Remember MSME and DPIIT signed an MoU on August 5, 2026, for "Bharat GI" on ONDC/GeM.
Source: Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises · PIB PRID 2297474
⛽ Economy · UPSC track
Green Hydrogen Capacity Awarded to Refineries Under NGHM SIGHT
Green Hydrogen production capacity of 30 KTPA has been awarded to four refineries under the SIGHT Mode - 2B scheme of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen.
- Under SIGHT Mode - 2B, 30 KTPA capacity awarded for refineries.
- IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh Refineries each received 10 KTPA.
- BPCL Bina and HPCL Vizag each received 5 KTPA capacity.
- Projects are implemented through Build Own Operate (BOO) arrangements.
💡 Remember 30 KTPA green hydrogen capacity awarded to 4 refineries (IOCL, Numaligarh, BPCL, HPCL) under NGHM SIGHT Mode - 2B.
Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy · PIB PRID 2297571
🚢 Economy · UPSC track
India Achieves Global Leadership in Ship Recycling by 2025
India became the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025, reaching a 35.4% global market share.
- India ranked first globally in ship recycling in 2025, achieving this five years ahead of the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 target.
- Global market share increased from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025.
- Ship recycling volume grew nearly 60%, from 1.86 million Gross Tonnes (GT) in 2024 to 2.99 million GT in 2025.
- The Alang-Sosiya cluster in Gujarat accounts for approximately 98% of India's ship recycling activity.
- India aims to nearly double its ship recycling capacity to about 9 million light displacement tons (LDT).
💡 India's global #1 rank by 2025, 35.4% market share, and Alang-Sosiya's 98% contribution are key facts.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2297515
💊 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Government Initiatives for Affordable Medicines and Healthcare Access
The government implements several schemes to ensure accessible and affordable medicines and healthcare services for citizens.
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana provides generic medicines 50% to 80% cheaper.
- Ayushman Bharat PMJAY offers ₹5 lakh health cover per family annually.
- Free Drugs Service Initiative provides essential medicines free at public health facilities.
- AMRIT initiative offers up to 50% discount on medicines for cancer, cardiovascular, and other diseases.
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi assists poor patients with life-threatening diseases.
💡 Remember the umbrella initiatives like Janaushadhi, Ayushman Bharat, Free Drugs, AMRIT, and Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi for affordable healthcare access.
Source: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers - Department of Pharmaceuticals · PIB PRID 2297570
🌿 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Ayush Sector Initiatives and Budget Allocation for 2026-27
The Ayush Ministry outlined key focus areas and budget allocations for strengthening the Ayush sector in the Union Budget 2026-27.
- Three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda will be established.
- The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar will be upgraded.
- Rs. 1300.00 crore is allocated for the National Ayush Mission (NAM) for 2026-27.
- NAM supports upgrading Ayush dispensaries to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Ayush).
- Total budget allocation for Ministry of Ayush for 2026-27 is Rs. 4408.93 crore.
💡 For the exam: Remember Ayush's 2026-27 focus on new AIIA, WHO Centre upgrade, and NAM's Rs. 1300.00 crore for sector growth.
Source: AYUSH · PIB PRID 2297703
🌱 Science & Tech · UPSC track
ICAR's Network Program Advances Precision Agriculture in India
The **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)** is implementing a Network Program on Precision Agriculture (**ICAR - NePPA**) across **16** research institutes.
- ICAR - NePPA develops technologies using sensors, remote sensing, AI, and ICTs.
- It focuses on crop/soil health, post-harvest quality, and precision aquaculture/livestock.
- Technologies include IoT-enabled monitoring, drone spraying, and AI-driven planters.
- A tank-based super-intensive precision shrimp farming system yields 120–150 tonnes/ha/year.
- Precision agriculture increased farmer income from ₹4,644 to ₹19,676.
- It also reduced irrigation water use by 92.9% and mitigated 40.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
- An RPTO at Dehradun provides UAV/drone training.
💡 For the exam: Remember ICAR's NePPA leverages AI, IoT, drones for diverse precision agriculture, boosting yields, income, and sustainability.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2297743
📱 Economy · UPSC track
Digital General Crop Estimation Survey: Phased Expansion
The **Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES)** is expanding, leveraging digital tools for improved crop yield estimation.
- DGCES started as a pilot in Kharif 2023–24 in 10 States.
- It expanded to 22 States/UTs during Rabi 2023–24 season.
- DGCES is currently implemented across 23 States/UTs.
- It uses geo-tagging, time-stamping, and photographic evidence for data.
- The system enables a fully digital, paperless workflow for crop estimation.
💡 Remember DGCES for its phased digital expansion and real-time, geo-tagged crop data collection.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2297658
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Government Promotes Digital Agriculture and Mechanization for Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is leveraging technology to enhance productivity and efficiency in the agriculture sector.
- SMAM (Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization) provides financial aid for machinery, CHCs, and drone procurement.
- The Digital Agriculture Mission deploys digital public infrastructure and farmer-centric services.
- AgriStack's Farmer Registry has generated over 10.33 crore farmer IDs as on 06.08.2026.
- The Digital Crop Survey (DCS) covered 604 Districts and over 28.5 crores plots in Kharif 2025.
- BharatVistaar is an AI-powered DPI, serving over 5.9 lakh farmers and 93 lakh queries.
💡 Remember: SMAM (mechanization), Digital Agriculture Mission (AgriStack, DCS), and BharatVistaar are key tech initiatives.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2297655
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Government Boosts Sustainable Agriculture with Varied Schemes
The Government promotes sustainable agriculture via various schemes, supplementing State/UT efforts for balanced nutrient management and climate resilience.
- Per Drop More Crop Scheme brought 114.60 lakh hectares under micro-irrigation, benefiting 100 lakh farmers.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) covered 18.93 lakh hectares, aiding 33.63 lakh farmers.
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), approved 25.11.24, covered 11.81 lakh hectares.
- Food grain production increased from 252.03 MT (2014–15) to 357.73 MT (2024–25).
💡 Remember: Per Drop (micro-irrigation), PKVY (organic), NMNF (natural) schemes boost sustainable farming, contributing to increased food grain production.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2297651
🚜 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Farm Mechanisation Policy Boosts Farmers, CHCs, and Startups
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing schemes and policies to enhance farm mechanization and support farmers.
- SMAM offers 40-50% financial aid for machinery and 40% for Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs).
- Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs) get 80% project cost assistance, 95% for North Eastern States.
- Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme (60:40 Centre-State) is integrated with SMAM since 2023–24.
- 100% FDI is allowed in agricultural machinery manufacturing under the automatic route.
- Agri startups get support via RKVY-RAFTAAR for innovative digital mechanization solutions.
💡 Remember: SMAM provides subsidies for machinery, CHCs, and FMBs, while FDI and RKVY-RAFTAAR support innovation.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare · PIB PRID 2297647