Daily filter — 25 August 2026
7 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Gujarat spurious liquor deaths
The **NHRC** took suo motu cognizance of 9 deaths and 39 hospitalizations from spurious liquor in **Bhavnagar district**, **Gujarat**.
- At least 9 people died and 39 were critically hospitalized.
- Deaths occurred after consuming spurious Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).
- The NHRC issued notices to Gujarat Chief Secretary and DGP.
- A detailed report is sought within two weeks.
💡 The NHRC can take suo motu cognizance for human rights violations.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2303192
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Cyient's Full Acquisition of Tao Digital Solutions
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved **Cyient Limited** acquiring 100% of **Tao Digital Solutions Inc.**
- CCI approved the acquisition on 25 AUG 2026.
- Cyient Limited is the acquirer, specializing in engineering and technology services.
- Tao Digital Solutions Inc. is the target, providing digital transformation and technology services globally.
- The acquisition involves 100% of the share capital of Tao Digital Solutions Inc.
💡 For the exam: CCI approval for Cyient to acquire Tao Digital signifies a 100% share capital transfer.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2303223
🤝 Economy · LAW track
CCI Approves Yancoal Acquisition of Kestrel Coal Group
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% stake in **Kestrel Coal Group Pty Ltd.** by **Yancoal Australia Limited**.
- Yancoal Australia Limited is acquiring 100% of equity interest and warrants.
- Kestrel Coal Group Pty Ltd. holds 80% interest in Kestrel Joint Venture.
- The Kestrel Coal Mine primarily produces metallurgical coal in Queensland.
- Both Yancoal and Kestrel have limited exports into India through affiliates.
💡 CCI approved Yancoal buying 100% of Kestrel Coal Group, both active in coal exports to India.
Source: Competition Commission of India · PIB PRID 2303221
👷 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
e-Shram Portal Completes 5 Years, Empowers Unorganised Workers
The **e-Shram Portal** marks five years, strengthening social security and welfare for India's unorganised workforce through a digital platform.
- Launched on 26 August 2021, it completes 5 years as of 26 August 2026.
- It created India's first Aadhaar-seeded National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
- Over 31.89 crore workers have registered, receiving a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN).
- The e-Shram One-Stop Solution, launched 21 October 2024, integrates 15 Social Security and Welfare Schemes.
- Multilingual functionality in 22 languages was introduced in 2025.
💡 For the exam: Remember e-Shram's 5 years, Aadhaar-seeded NDUW, UAN, and One-Stop Solution for unorganised workers.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2303053
🚀 Defence & Security · UPSC track
DRDO missile technology transfer to boost indigenous defence
Raksha Mantri approved transferring all conventional **DRDO** missile system technologies to the Indian defence industry for domestic production.
- Raksha Mantri approved Transfer of Technology (ToT) for DRDO missile systems.
- ToT applies to all conventional missile systems for Indian defence industry.
- Aims to bolster indigenous manufacturing and achieve Aatmanirbharta in defence.
- Enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduces import dependence.
💡 Remember: DRDO's missile tech transfer by Raksha Mantri boosts 'Aatmanirbharta' and domestic defence production.
Source: Ministry of Defence · PIB PRID 2303014
✈️ Defence & Security · UPSC track
CSIR-NAL Unveils Indigenous Micro & Small Gas Turbine Engines
**CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories** (CSIR-NAL) has unveiled three new indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines for defence applications.
- CSIR-NAL unveiled NJ-05 (5 kg thrust), NJ-50 (50 kg thrust), and NJ-100 (100 kg thrust) engines.
- These engines are for tactical UAVs, drone interceptors, and compact missile systems.
- Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, CISC, unveiled the propulsion systems.
- The development advances high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion technologies.
💡 Remember CSIR-NAL's NJ series engines (05, 50, 100) are for indigenous UAV/missile propulsion for self-reliance in defence.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology · PIB PRID 2303065
🚫 Schemes & Welfare · LAW track
Child Helpline 1098: Report Child Marriage, Protect Rights
Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi urged citizens to report child marriages via Child Helpline 1098.
- Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi urged citizens to report suspected child marriages.
- Reporting should be done immediately by calling the Child Helpline 1098.
- Child marriage is a serious blow to children's rights, education, and health.
- The call aims to achieve a Child Marriage Free Bharat.
💡 Remember 1098 is the Child Helpline for reporting child marriages, as emphasized by Union Minister Annpurna Devi.
Source: Ministry of Women and Child Development · PIB PRID 2303077