India has experienced a dynamic 24-hour period with several noteworthy events and policy decisions that hold relevance for competitive examinations. The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the implementation of the Multi-disciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MEITE) scheme, backed by a substantial outlay of ₹4200 crore. This scheme is set to benefit approximately 7.5 lakh students and will encompass 275 government and government-aided technical institutions, including National Institutes of Technology and polytechnics.
In a move to foster regional growth, the Cabinet also approved a special development package of ₹4250 crore for the states of Assam and Tripura. Further bolstering national initiatives, the NITI Aayog introduced the "Work for Viksit Bharat" portal, aimed at recruiting professionals for various national development projects. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day, marking significant reforms such as the elimination of caution money for sellers, rationalization of vendor assessment fees, and a reduction in transaction charges. GeM recorded an impressive ₹5.4 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in FY25.
The Union Cabinet also approved a total budget of ₹6,520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), which includes an additional ₹1,920 crore, to enhance farmers' income and strengthen the farm-to-market supply chain. India's defence production reached a record ₹1.5 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, an 18% growth over the previous fiscal year. Additionally, India's Chief of Defence Staff formally released declassified Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations, promoting transparency and understanding in these critical defense areas.
In the realm of science and technology, Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited (SAPL) successfully conducted the first static test of its KALAM-1200 solid rocket motor, a crucial component for the first stage of the Vikram-1 Launch Vehicle. In healthcare innovation, IndiaAI, under the Digital India Corporation, collaborated with the National Cancer Grid (NCG) to launch the Cancer Artificial Intelligence & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program. This initiative aims to support the deployment of AI tools in cancer care settings. The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also organized the S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers) initiative, a nationwide student outreach program designed to ignite scientific curiosity in health and biomedical research. Furthermore, Satnavri village in rural Nagpur is set to become India's first Smart Intelligent Village, leading the nation's rural digital transformation.
The banking and finance sector also saw key updates. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹75 lakhs on ICICI Bank Limited for breaching regulatory guidelines. The RBI also approved the voluntary merger of New India Cooperative Bank (NICB) with Saraswat Cooperative Bank, effective August 4, 2025. Public Sector Banks (PSBs), including SBI and PNB, reported a combined profit of ₹44,218 crore in Q1 FY26, an 11% year-on-year increase. The Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE) became the first miscellaneous Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India to cross a ₹1 lakh crore turnover.
In other significant news, the Delhi Assembly passed the School Fee Regulation Bill 2025, granting parents veto power in school fee hike decisions. The SheLeads II programme, a major capacity-building initiative for empowering grassroots women leaders, was inaugurated by Union Minister Annapurna Devi. Additionally, applications for the RPSC SI Recruitment 2025 for 1015 Sub-Inspector vacancies commenced on August 10. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) released the Intermediate and Final June 2025 results on August 11, with Hans Jain securing AIR 1 in the final examination. India's longest-route Vande Bharat Express was launched on the Nagpur–Pune Corridor.