1. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launches logo, brochure, and website of ‘Bharat Steel 2026’
Context: On August 13, 2025, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, officially launched the logo, brochure, and website of Bharat Steel 2026, the Ministry’s flagship international steel conference-cum-exhibition. The ceremony was held in New Delhi during a workshop focused on the secondary steel sector, signaling a forward-looking thrust to position India as a global leader in sustainable steel manufacturing.
Details:
Event Overview
Scheduled for April 16–17, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Bharat Steel 2026 is envisioned as India’s largest-ever steel event. It aims to showcase the nation’s steel-making capabilities, green innovation efforts, and its readiness for global collaboration.
Targeted Engagements
The conference will bring together:
- Global steel leaders and CEOs
- Policymakers and government agencies
- Technology innovators in green and digital steel solutions
- Buyers, sellers, and investors across the value chain
Sessions will include thematic roundtables, state and country-level investment talks, buyer-seller meets, and CEO dialogues.
Strategic Significance
Minister Kumaraswamy emphasized the government’s vision to elevate India as a center for resilient, eco-conscious steel production. The parallel secondary-sector workshop underscored efforts to modernize practices, enhance quality, and include MSMEs in the steel ecosystem.
Steel Sector Milestone
At the launch, it was announced that India’s per capita steel consumption has for the first time crossed the 100 kg mark—a significant development that reflects growing industrialisation and increased consumer demand.
Under the National Steel Policy 2017, India is targeting per capita consumption to rise to 160 kg, crude steel capacity to reach 300 million tonnes (MT), and total steel production to hit 255 MT by 2030–31.
Government’s Investment Commitment
The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹3,362 crore to the Ministry of Steel, reinforcing support for infrastructure growth, innovation, and strategic initiatives like Bharat Steel 2026.
Conclusion:The launch of the logo, brochure, and website for Bharat Steel 2026 does more than announce an event, it signals India’s maturity as a global steel powerhouse. With emphasis on public-private engagement, green steel, innovation, and inclusive development, the conference is poised to drive strategic investments and spotlight India’s growing industrial prowess. It also embodies the Ministry’s mission to advance both primary and secondary steel sectors while aligning with global sustainability goals.
2. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan completed 5 years
Context: On 15 August 2025, India marked a significant milestone—five years of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a flagship campaign led by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE). Originally launched on 15 August 2020, NMBA emerged under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, aiming to curb substance use through a multi-pronged, district-level campaign.To commemorate this anniversary, MoSJE and the Government of Delhi organised a special event on 13 August 2025 at KV School No. 2, New Delhi—bringing students, volunteers, and community leaders together to renew commitment toward a drug-free India.
Details
- Initial Rollout & Expansion:
NMBA began in 272 vulnerable districts across 32 states/UTs and has now expanded nationwide, reaching every district across India.
- Holistic Three-Pronged Strategy
Supply Control: Managed by the Narcotics Control Bureau.
Demand Reduction & Awareness: Led by MoSJE through extensive outreach and education.
Treatment & Rehabilitation: Delivered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare via de-addiction services.
- Mass Sensitisation Achievements
Over 16.5 crore individuals have been sensitised on substance abuse—including 5.5+ crore youth and 3.43 crore women.
More than 4.47 lakh educational institutions have actively participated in awareness drives.
A network of 8,000+ Master Volunteers has been built to lead community outreach.
- Youth & Institutional Involvement
1.67 crore students from nearly 1 lakh institutions have taken the “Drug-Free” pledge.
Youth groups like NYKS, NCC, NSS, and Anganwadi workers are actively engaged in community outreach.
- Digital Infrastructure & Support
NMBA launched a dedicated mobile app and web portal, featuring discussion forums, dashboards, and e-pledge platforms.
A toll-free helpline (14446) has fielded over 4.3 lakh calls—offering counselling and referrals to those seeking help.
- Strategic Partnerships
MoSJE has signed MoUs with spiritual and social organisations—such as Art of Living, ISKCON, Brahma Kumaris, Sant Nirankari Mission, and Gayatri Parivaar—to amplify grassroots awareness efforts.
Conclusion: The five-year journey of NMBA is a testament to India’s focused efforts in tackling substance abuse. With comprehensive awareness programs, youth engagement, institutional backing, and tech-driven outreach, the campaign has embedded itself across rural and urban landscapes alike.
But the mission doesn’t end here. Sustained focus on rehabilitation, community care, and demand suppression is key to translating momentum into long-term behavioural change. NMBA’s success offers a working template for integrated public health campaigns—combining policy, partnerships, and people-powered initiatives to create a healthier, drug-free India.
3. India achieved a landmark milestone of 100 GW of solar PV module manufacturing capacity under ALMM
Context: In mid-August 2025, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced a landmark milestone: India’s solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) has reached 100 gigawatts (GW). This significant achievement marks a transformative shift from a modest 2.3 GW in 2014 to a domestic manufacturing powerhouse, redefining India’s trajectory in clean energy production. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hailed it as a key step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat, bringing the nation closer to its goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, as echoed by Prime Minister Modi.
Details
- Evolution of ALMM Framework
- Introduced in January 2019, ALMM aimed to ensure domestic procurement of high-quality solar modules.
- The first ALMM list in March 2021 had just about 8.2 GW capacity across 21 manufacturers.
- Just over four years later, capacity soared twelvefold to 100 GW, including 123 manufacturing units spread across India, operated by 100 companies.
- Manufacturing Ecosystem and Technology
Growth is powered by contributions from both established firms and new market entrants. Many employ advanced, high-efficiency modules and vertically integrated manufacturing technologies, enabling competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. - Policy Drivers
- The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for high-efficiency solar modules has been pivotal in accelerating capacity addition.
- ALMM also functions as a non-tariff quality safeguard, complementing the 40% basic customs duty on imported modules, thereby supporting indigenous manufacturing.
- Broader Strategic Impact
- The 100 GW milestone lays the groundwork for India to become not just a consumer but a supplier in the global solar value chain.
- It enhances domestic resilience by reducing dependence on imports and signals readiness for export expansion.
Conclusion:
Achieving 100 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity is more than a number, it symbolizes India’s transition from importer to producer in the global solar supply chain. This milestone is a testament to effective policy, investor confidence, and technology uptake. Sustainability, innovation, and export orientation are now within reach. As India and global partners push for decarbonization, this achievement reinforces India’s role as a clean energy leader.
4. MY Bharat signs MoU with SOUL for youth leadership development
Context: On August 13, 2025, MY Bharat—an initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports—signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Ultimate Leadership Foundation (SOUL). The collaboration aims to develop 100,000 youth leaders (aged 18–29) across India by launching targeted programs in governance, public policy, social entrepreneurship, digital and financial literacy, and more. The agreement may be extended by mutual consent.
Details
Program Design & Implementation
The MoU enables the joint creation and delivery of comprehensive youth leadership programs. Key initiatives include:
- Youth conclaves, seminars, workshops, and fellowships
- Capacity-building for training institutions and youth-serving organisations
- Development of curriculum, training materials, and assessment tools
- Joint research and advocacy in youth leadership
- Networking events to foster peer learning across regions
Inclusive Outreach
Participant selection is deliberately inclusive—ensuring representation from rural and urban areas, aspirational and tribal regions, women, and marginalised communities. A structured online quiz and merit-based system will be used to identify candidates.
Knowledge Sharing & Exchanges
The pact includes exchanging trainers and experts, and sharing best practices—creating a rich ecosystem of peer learning and mentorship between MY Bharat and SOUL.
Digital Leadership Platform
The MoU also involves launching an online leadership development program in September 2025, making learning accessible nationwide through virtual means.
Conclusion:
This strategic MoU marks a compelling leap forward in empowering India’s youth. By combining MY Bharat’s national reach with SOUL’s leadership expertise, the initiative promises a scalable and inclusive model for youth leadership development. If executed well, this partnership could ignite a new era of socially conscious, digitally savvy leaders critical for India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat.
5. IGNCA and BSIP Sign MoU for India’s science-culture integration
Context: On August 13, 2025, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. This marks the first time institutions from the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Science & Technology have formally partnered to integrate scientific and cultural heritage, aiming to enrich national narratives and global understanding of India’s interdisciplinary legacy.
Details:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
IGNCA and BSIP will collaborate through interdisciplinary research, joint events, and shared expertise. This union seeks to weave science and culture into a cohesive narrative, reinforcing India’s tradition of scientific artistry. - Diverse Focus Areas
The MoU covers a spectrum of initiatives, including:
- Digitisation and audio-visual documentation of artifacts and archives
- Conservation of antiquities and scientific relics
- Museum development and field research
- Education, heritage training, and support for climate history under Project Mausam
- Joint publications and scholarly outreach programs.
- Leadership and Launch
- BSIP Director, Prof. Mahesh G. Thakkar, and IGNCA Secretary, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, led the signing ceremony at IGNCA’s headquarters in New Delhi, accompanied by heads and deans from both institutions.
- Public Awareness and Preservation Goals
Intentions include raising awareness among both policymakers and the public, particularly about endangered traditions and scientific-cultural intersections—spanning regions from the snow-capped Himalayas to coastal Kanyakumari. Innovative outreach such as documentaries and awareness campaigns is integral.
ConclusionThis union between IGNCA and BSIP inaugurates a visionary platform where art, history, and science converge. It isn’t merely a collaboration, it’s a revival of India’s integrated intellectual heritage, offering rich opportunities for education, preservation, and global cultural diplomacy. As this initiative gains momentum, it could become a template for how future institutions approach heritage through an interdisciplinary lens.
6. RBI to introduce continuous clearing and settlement realisation in CTS in 2 phases
Context: In a landmark circular dated August 13, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the phasing in of Continuous Clearing and Settlement on Realisation under the Cheque Truncation System (CTS). This overhaul marks a shift from the traditional batch-based cheque clearing (T+1 days) to a high-efficiency model where cheque processing is nearly instantaneous—boosting speed, reducing risks, and enhancing user experience.
Details
Phased Implementation Timeline
- Phase I: Begins October 4, 2025. Cheques must be confirmed by the drawee banks by 7:00 PM the same day, or be treated as deemed approved.
- Phase II: Starts January 3, 2026. Charging real-time clearance, cheques must be confirmed within 3 hours of presentation (T+3 hours). Failure to confirm means automatic approval and settlement.
Streamlined Clearing Workflow
- Single Presentation Session (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Cheques received are continuously scanned and sent to the clearing house.
- Continuous Confirmation (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM): Drawee banks issue positive or negative confirmation as soon as they process the cheque.
- Settlement on Realisation: Settlement entries are generated every hour between 11:00 AM and the close of confirmation. Only positively confirmed cheques or those deemed approved make it into settlement.
- Immediate Payout: Presenting banks must release funds to customers within one hour of settlement completion—ensuring rapid availability of funds.
Objectives and Benefits
- Faster Funds Access: Shrinks cheque clearance time from up to one working day to just a few hours.
- Reduced Settlement Risk: Continuous processing lowers systemic exposure and operational risks.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Receivers get funds faster, improving trust and utility in cheque transactions.
- Operational Preparedness: Banks are advised to familiarize customers with the new process and ensure systems and workflows align with the new timeline.
Conclusion:
The RBI’s introduction of continuous clearing and settlement in CTS marks a major milestone in modernizing cheque processing in India. With near real-time validation and settlement, the transformation brings traditional banking instruments in line with modern digital expectations.
