15, Aug 2026
National Council for Senior Citizens Reviews Key Measures for Elderly Welfare and Healthcare
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar chaired the fifth meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSrC) in New Delhi, where the government and stakeholders reviewed a range of issues related to the welfare, healthcare, social security and empowerment of India’s elderly population.
The meeting brought together officials from the Centre and states, Council members, experts, NGOs and senior citizen organisations. Discussions focused on improving the implementation of welfare programmes and ensuring that senior citizens have access to healthcare, social protection and opportunities for active participation in society.
Dr. Virendra Kumar said ensuring a life of dignity, security, good health and meaningful participation for senior citizens remains an important priority. He described elderly welfare as an integral part of the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision and called for closer coordination between ministries, states and other stakeholders.
The Council reviewed the implementation of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY), assessing its reach and effectiveness. It also discussed the expansion of Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) health insurance coverage to all senior citizens aged 60 years and above, irrespective of their economic status.
Another issue considered was a proposal to include geriatric caregiver services in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rate card. The Council also reviewed action taken on recommendations from its previous meeting and considered suggestions concerning social security, institutional care, active ageing and community participation.
A major highlight of the meeting was the launch of “SNEHA – Stories of Nurturing, Engagement, Happiness & Active Ageing”, an e-book documenting major initiatives and achievements for senior citizens between October 2024 and June 2026. The publication captures the government’s efforts towards healthy ageing and greater participation of elderly citizens in community and nation-building activities.
The meeting also highlighted two technology-driven initiatives. The JEEVAN (Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network) App is designed to provide senior citizens and their families with easier access to welfare schemes and services, while SHATAYU (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) aims to connect people with trained geriatric caregivers and promote the concept of ageing in place.
The Council concluded with a renewed focus on inter-ministerial coordination, digital governance and improved service delivery, with the broader objective of enabling senior citizens across India to lead healthier, more active and dignified lives.
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- By Neel Achary
15, Aug 2026
NHAI Opens Applications for 2026-27 Winter and 2027 Term Internship Programmes
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened applications for its Winter Internship Programme 2026-27 and Term Internship Programme 2027, offering students an opportunity to gain practical experience through live projects in India’s national highway development ecosystem.
The one-month Winter Internship will run between December 2026 and January 2027, while the six-month Term Internship is scheduled from January to June 2027. Students will have some flexibility to select their preferred duration within the prescribed internship period, taking into account different academic calendars.
NHAI has identified 541 positions for the Winter Internship and 542 positions for the Term Internship. Interns will be placed across 125 ongoing National Highway projects, as well as various divisions of NHAI and the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL).
The programme will give students exposure to areas including highway planning and construction, operations and maintenance, asset management, road safety, legal affairs, finance, media and other functions. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced NHAI professionals.
The programme is open to eligible pre-final and final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students from recognised institutions in India and abroad. Disciplines covered include engineering, computer science, IT, AI and data science, law, journalism and mass communication, human resources, finance and marketing, among others.
To encourage participation from leading technical institutions, 100 seats have been reserved for IIT students and 150 for students from NITs. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 and a certificate after successfully completing the programme.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the NHAI Internship Portal. Students are required to provide their academic details, indicate internship preferences and, where applicable, specify preferred project locations. Applications will subsequently be verified and recommended by the respective institutions.
The last date for students to apply is October 20, 2026, while institutes are required to complete their recommendations by November 10, 2026.
The internship initiative is part of NHAI’s broader effort to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and develop a skilled talent pool for India’s expanding highway and infrastructure sector. By combining academic learning with exposure to live infrastructure projects, the programmes are expected to give students a practical understanding of one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors.
15, Aug 2026
President’s Medal for Distinguished Service Awarded to Railway Security Officer
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: On the occasion of Independence Day 2026, the President of India has conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) on officers and personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
Rajesh Lal, Assistant Security Commissioner at the Railway Board, has been awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, recognising his distinguished contribution to railway security and service.
Another 15 officers and personnel from the RPF and RPSF have received the Medal for Meritorious Service for their dedicated service and professional commitment.
The recipients of the MSM are:
- Satya Prakash, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, North Eastern Railway
- C. S. Chengappa, Assistant Security Commissioner, Southern Railway
- Krishna Kumar Mishra, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Eastern Railway
- Vivek Verma, Assistant Security Commissioner, North Central Railway
- Moni Taro, Inspector, Railway Protection Special Force
- Barun Prasad Laheri, Inspector, Railway Protection Special Force
- H. K. Doddaiah, Sub Inspector, South Western Railway
- Kailash Prasad, Sub Inspector, North Eastern Railway
- Naresh Kumar, Sub Inspector, Northern Railway
- Guru Prasad Nagarikanti, Sub Inspector, South Central Railway
- Ram Prasad Meena, Assistant Sub Inspector (MT), Railway Protection Special Force
- E Arun Moli, Assistant Sub Inspector, Southern Railway
- Vikas Kumar, Assistant Sub Inspector, North Central Railway
- Niraj Ahlawat, Assistant Sub Inspector, Northern Railway
- Shankar Shivswami Edle, Head Constable, Central Railway
The Independence Day honours recognise the contribution of railway security personnel who work to protect passengers, railway infrastructure and the wider railway network. The awards also acknowledge sustained professionalism and commitment to duty across different zones and units of the RPF and RPSF.
15, Aug 2026
MMDR Amendment Bill Aims to Bring Long-Term Stability to Major Minerals Sector
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 has been passed by both Houses of Parliament, marking a significant policy step aimed at creating greater stability and predictability in India’s major minerals sector.
Passed on August 13, the legislation amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The government has said the changes are intended to provide a more certain fiscal environment for mining companies and encourage fresh investment in the sector.
Importantly, the amendment does not take away the rights of states over land and minerals or their existing powers to collect taxes and statutory payments from mining. According to the government, around 90 per cent of total taxes and statutory payments from mining currently accrue to states, and this arrangement will continue under the amended framework.
The legislation also does not affect states’ powers relating to the regulation and taxation of minor minerals.
The government has linked the reform to India’s growing dependence on mineral imports. During FY 2025-26, India imported minerals worth ₹10.12 lakh crore, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic production and make Indian mineral resources more competitive.
At present, mining operations attract several state-level charges, including royalty, auction premium, dead rent, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) contributions, GST and transit fees. Between FY2015-16 and FY2025-26, major mining states collectively received more than ₹5 lakh crore, compared with around ₹82,000 crore accruing to the Centre.
The auction regime introduced in 2015 has also emerged as an important source of state revenue. Major mining states collected more than ₹96,000 crore in auction premiums between FY2020-21 and FY2025-26, in addition to royalty, DMF contributions and other revenues.
The government argues that greater uniformity and predictability in the fiscal regime will help prevent domestic minerals from becoming excessively expensive because of multiple and uneven levies. Such cost pressures, it says, could make imported minerals more attractive even when adequate resources are available within the country.
With minerals playing a crucial role in infrastructure, manufacturing, energy security and the clean-energy transition, the amendment is being positioned as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic mineral production, support Atmanirbhar Bharat and contribute to the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
15, Aug 2026
PM Modi’s Vision Strengthens Confidence Across Indian Industry: Assocham
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day message, saying his vision for India’s development has given the business community greater confidence about the country’s economic future.
Assocham said the Prime Minister’s emphasis on self-reliance, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and innovation provides a clear direction for Indian industry as the country works towards its long-term development goals.
The industry body highlighted the importance of creating a stronger domestic manufacturing base while improving India’s competitiveness in global markets. It said continued policy support and investment in emerging sectors could help businesses expand capacity, create jobs and contribute more significantly to economic growth.
The Prime Minister’s focus on entrepreneurship and technology was also seen as important for India’s young workforce and the country’s rapidly evolving business ecosystem.
According to Assocham, the confidence generated by the government’s development vision can encourage businesses to take a longer-term view of investment, innovation and expansion.
The industry body said a combination of policy stability, infrastructure development, technological progress and private-sector participation will be critical for turning India’s growth ambitions into sustained economic opportunities.
15, Aug 2026
India’s Wholesale Inflation Climbs to 9.78% in July
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 9.78 per cent in July, reflecting a sharp increase in wholesale prices during the month and adding to concerns over cost pressures across the economy.
The latest Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data point to higher price pressures at the wholesale level, with movements in key commodity groups influencing the overall inflation reading.
The increase could have implications for manufacturers, traders and businesses as higher input costs can affect production expenses and profit margins. Industries that rely heavily on commodities and raw materials may face greater pressure if elevated wholesale prices persist.
For policymakers, the July reading will be closely watched alongside retail inflation and other economic indicators to assess whether the rise represents a temporary spike or the beginning of a broader price trend.
Businesses and markets are likely to monitor commodity prices, input costs and demand conditions in the coming months as they assess the impact of wholesale inflation on the wider economy.
15, Aug 2026
STPI Units Cross Rs.7.73 Lakh Crore in Software Exports in FY26
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)-registered units recorded exports worth more than ₹7.73 lakh crore during FY26, highlighting the continued strength of India’s software and technology services industry.
The export performance underscores the growing contribution of technology-driven businesses to India’s overall trade and the country’s expanding role in the global digital economy. STPI has played an important role in supporting software exporters, particularly through infrastructure, regulatory facilitation and technology-focused ecosystems.
The strong export numbers also reflect rising global demand for IT services, software solutions, digital products and technology-enabled business services originating from India.
With businesses worldwide accelerating investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data services and digital transformation, India’s technology sector is expected to remain an important engine of export growth.
The latest performance further strengthens the case for expanding India’s digital infrastructure and nurturing technology talent, particularly as the country seeks to increase its share of high-value global technology and services markets.
15, Aug 2026
PM Modi Remembers Sri Aurobindo, Highlights His Enduring Influence on India and the World
New Delhi, August 15, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Sri Aurobindo on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution as a philosopher, nationalist, poet and thinker who devoted his life to India’s freedom and the broader advancement of humanity.
In a message shared on social media, Modi said Sri Aurobindo’s writings on a wide range of subjects continue to influence and inspire people across the world. He also highlighted the spiritual leader’s strong belief in India’s future and in humanity’s capacity for transformation.
The Prime Minister noted that Sri Aurobindo’s vision remains relevant even today, particularly his belief in the country’s potential and the possibility of human progress.
Sri Aurobindo remains an important figure in India’s intellectual and spiritual history. His ideas brought together nationalism, philosophy, spirituality and social thought, leaving a lasting influence on generations of Indians and readers worldwide.
The Prime Minister’s tribute comes as the nation remembers the legacy of a thinker whose writings continue to shape discussions on India’s civilisational identity, national development and human evolution.
15, Aug 2026
Chandigarh Pioneers Digital Rupee-Based Food Subsidy Transfers
Chandigarh, August 15, 2026: The government has taken a new step towards digitising welfare delivery with the launch of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Chandigarh.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the initiative on Friday. Under the new system, eligible beneficiaries will receive their food subsidy directly in Digital Rupee (e₹) wallets, replacing the conventional bank-account-based transfer mechanism.
The digital subsidy is designed to be purpose-bound, meaning beneficiaries can use it to purchase foodgrains from authorised or empanelled merchants. The system is expected to make subsidy transactions more transparent, traceable and secure while reducing the scope for leakages and misuse.
The rollout also covers Dadra & Nagar Haveli, making the two Union Territories the first to adopt the CBDC-based model for PMGKAY food subsidy transfers. The Chandigarh launch is being viewed as a pilot for potentially expanding digital-currency-based welfare payments to other parts of the country.
The initiative marks a significant intersection of digital finance and social welfare, with the government seeking to use the Digital Rupee to make public-benefit transfers more targeted, accountable and efficient.
15, Aug 2026
India’s Forex Reserves Jump $14.1 Billion, Cross $707 Billion
Mumbai, August 15, 2026: India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $14.136 billion in the week ended August 7, taking the country’s total reserves past the $707 billion mark, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The sharp weekly increase was led by a rise in foreign currency assets (FCAs), which grew by nearly $9.95 billion to $574.63 billion. Gold reserves also recorded a strong increase of about $4 billion, reaching $108.74 billion.
In rupee terms, the country’s reserves rose by around ₹1.20 lakh crore, reaching ₹67.32 lakh crore during the reporting week. The latest figures underline the strengthening of India’s external financial buffer at a time when global markets remain sensitive to geopolitical and currency-related risks.
The latest jump also reflects increased foreign currency inflows following measures introduced by the RBI to attract overseas deposits and strengthen the country’s balance of payments. India’s reserves have risen by roughly $40 billion over the past six weeks, according to Reuters.
While the reserves remain below the record $728.49 billion reached in February 2026, the latest rise provides greater room for the RBI to manage external shocks and volatility in the rupee and global financial markets.
