📰 PIB Notes – 12 August 2026
📅 Wednesday, 12 August 2026
12 Topics Covered Today
🛰️ Space Vision 2047
🚀 Space Startups & IN-SPACe
⚖️ NCLT – e-Inspection Services
🎓 PM Research Chair Scheme
🌊 Deep Ocean Mission
🔐 CyberShakti Programme
🐟 PM-MKSSY (Fisheries)
⚡ FAME India Phase-II & EV Progress
🏘️ Vibrant Villages Programme-II
📚 Mission Karmayogi
🐘 World Elephant Day
⚖️ Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026
⚛️ National Quantum Mission
🏕️ PM JANMAN – PVTGs
Department of Space – ISRO
🛰️ Space Vision 2047 – Key Space Applications & Roadmap
📝 Key Notes
- Space-based applications in 2026 by ISRO/DoS:
- Agriculture: National level crop sown/harvest area mapping for 2 crop seasons; All-India mapping of Kharif rice, wheat, jute; insurance unit level crop yield estimation in 10 States to support PMFBY; Jute crop surveillance in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal
- Disaster Management: Near-real-time monitoring of floods, landslides, cyclones, forest fires, GLOFs, droughts; outputs uploaded to BHUVAN and NDEM portals; Search & Rescue tool installed at NODPAC, Indian Navy, Kochi
- Climate Monitoring: Parameters from EOS-06 satellite (Ocean Colour Monitor-3 + Scatterometer); Cloud products from INSAT-3DS; data on NICES portal; Extreme Weather Nowcasting tool developed for IMD/MoES
- Other Sectors: Geospatial monitoring for MGNREGA, WDC-PMKSY, PMAY-HFA(U), PMGSY, RKVY, National Highways green cover, UIDAI
- FASAL 2.0 project (Forecasting Agricultural output using Space Agro-meteorological and Land based observations) funded by MoA&FW; deployed on VEDAS portal
- ISRO/DoS has signed more than 15 MoUs with Central Departments/Ministries and State Departments
- Satellite Communication supports BharatNet and Digital India including DTH, VSAT, IFMC (In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity), tele-education, tele-medicine
- Earth Observation data policy under Indian Space Policy 2023:
- Data with GSD coarser than 5m: free and open access to all users
- Data with GSD finer than 5m: free for Government users; fair price for non-Government users
- Space Vision 2047 Roadmap:
- Earth Observation: Requirements compiled in 'Outcome Report of National Meet-2025 Leveraging Space Technology & Applications for Viksit Bharat 2047' (held 22 August 2025, New Delhi)
- Satellite Communication: Flexible payloads, Direct-to-Device (D2D), NTN using 5G/6G, NB-IoT for M2M, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Indigenous N-GSO constellations
- Satellite Navigation: NavIC as primary PNT service; NavIC-based PPP and RTK; NavIC integration with 5G/6G; indigenous GNSS Baseband ASICs; extension for lunar PNT
- Informed by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha written reply
15+ MoUs
ISRO/DoS with Central/State Depts
10 States
Crop Yield Estimation for PMFBY
EOS-06 + INSAT-3DS
Key Climate Monitoring Satellites
NavIC
Primary PNT System under Space Vision 2047
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- BHUVAN — ISRO's national geoportal for Earth observation data; used for disaster management outputs
- NDEM = National Database for Emergency Management — portal under NDMA for disaster data
- NODPAC = Naval Operations Data Processing and Analysis Centre, Indian Navy, Kochi — received ISRO's search & rescue tool
- EOS-06 — Earth Observation Satellite launched by ISRO in November 2022; carries Ocean Colour Monitor-3 (OCM-3) and Scatterometer
- NICES = National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies — portal for climate data dissemination
- NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) — India's own GPS system; covers India and ~1,500 km region around it; has 7 satellites
- GSD (Ground Sampling Distance) — smaller GSD = higher resolution satellite imagery
- VEDAS = Visualisation of Earth Observation Data and Archival System — ISRO's cloud-based EO data platform
- FASAL = Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land based observations — ISRO initiative for crop yield estimation
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Under the Indian Space Policy 2023, which of the following correctly describes the data access policy for Earth Observation (EO) data?
1. EO data with GSD coarser than 5m is provided free of charge to all users.
2. EO data with GSD finer than 5m is provided free to Government users and at fair price to non-Government users.
3. All derived products from free data are also free for all users.
4. High-resolution data (finer than 5m GSD) is restricted even for Government users.
Select the correct answer:
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct as per Indian Space Policy 2023. Statement 4 is incorrect — high-resolution EO data (GSD finer than 5m) is available free of charge to Government users. Only non-Government users pay a fair price. All products derived from free data are also disseminated free of charge.
Department of Space – IN-SPACe
🚀 Space Startups & IN-SPACe – India's Private Space Ecosystem
📝 Key Notes
- ~440 space technology startups registered in India (as per DPIIT Start-up India Portal)
- IN-SPACe granted 113 authorisations to 52 NGEs (Non-Government Entities) for various space activities; 18 of these are startups
- NSIL has signed 118 Technology Transfer Agreements for transferring 83 technologies developed at ISRO/DoS to Indian industry
- Key technologies transferred: SSLV technology, IMS-1 Bus, ISRO Laser Gyro, Tri-band Antenna Feed, X-band Mini-SAR, LTCC Multi Chip Module, Ceramic Servo Accelerometer
- Planned future transfers: PSLV and LVM3 launch vehicle technologies to private sector
- Key Government measures for space sector liberalisation:
- Indian Space Policy 2023 — defines roles of all stakeholders
- Liberalised FDI policy for space sector
- ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) Fund for space startups (SEBI approval: 31 October 2025)
- ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund (TAF)
- Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) — ₹7,500 crore scheme; 3 NGEs selected
- IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme/PIE — ₹6,500 crore envelope
- PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) platform for technology validation
- Discounted pricing policy for NGE access to ISRO facilities
- Cumulative investments in Indian space startups: ~USD 618.5 million as of 31 March 2026
- IN-SPACe has facilitated collaboration with stakeholders across more than 30 countries
- Notable startups with IN-SPACe authorisations: Agnikul Cosmos, Skyroot Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Pixxel, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, GalaxEye Space
~440
Space Tech Startups in India (DPIIT)
118 TTAs
Technology Transfer Agreements by NSIL
₹1,000 Cr
VC Fund for Space Startups
USD 618.5 Mn
Cumulative Investment in Space Startups (Mar 2026)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- IN-SPACe = Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre — single-window nodal agency for private sector space activities; established under DoS in 2020
- NSIL = NewSpace India Limited — commercial arm of ISRO; facilitates technology transfer to Indian industry
- POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) — the spent PS4 stage of PSLV repurposed as an orbital platform for space experiments and startup payloads
- Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad) — launched India's first private rocket Vikram-S (sub-orbital) in November 2022
- Agnikul Cosmos (Chennai) — developed Agnibaan SoRTeD; first semi-cryogenic engine launch in India
- Digantara (Bangalore) — focuses on space situational awareness and space debris tracking
- GalaxEye (Bangalore) — develops multi-sensor satellite imaging combining SAR and optical sensors
- Indian Space Policy 2023 — first comprehensive policy for India's space sector; distinguishes roles of ISRO (R&D), IN-SPACe (authorisation), NSIL (commercialisation)
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre):
1. It is the single-window nodal agency for authorising non-government space activities in India.
2. It has granted 113 authorisations to 52 Non-Government Entities as per latest data.
3. NSIL has signed 118 Technology Transfer Agreements transferring 83 ISRO-developed technologies to Indian industry.
4. The cumulative investment in Indian space startups reached approximately USD 618.5 million by March 2026.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
All four statements are correct as per the PIB source. IN-SPACe is the nodal single-window agency for private space activities. It has granted 113 authorisations to 52 NGEs (18 startups). NSIL has signed 118 TTAs for 83 technologies. Cumulative investment in Indian space startups reached ~USD 618.5 million by 31 March 2026.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
⚖️ NCLT Launches e-Inspection & e-Certified Copy Services
📝 Key Notes
- National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) launched e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy Services on 12 August 2026
- Inaugurated by NCLT President Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal via video conferencing
- Part of NCLT's broader digital transformation including revamped NCLT website and e-Courts 2.0 initiative
- Services provide advocates, litigants and stakeholders convenient and faster access to judicial records and certified copies
- Pendency reduction measures adopted:
- Data-driven mechanism to monitor pendency across Benches
- Workload reviewed and redistributed; Special Benches constituted
- Guidelines on registration and listing of cases issued in consultation with the Bar
- Key performance data: 78 resolution plans approved during April–June 2026
- Highest first-quarter performance since Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) enactment
- Involved approximately ₹5,517.66 crore
78
Resolution Plans Approved (Apr–Jun 2026)
₹5,517.66 Cr
Amount Involved in Q1 2026 Resolutions
Highest Q1
Best First-Quarter Performance since IBC
e-Courts 2.0
Digital Transformation Initiative
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- NCLT = National Company Law Tribunal — established under the Companies Act, 2013; adjudicates on corporate disputes, insolvency cases under IBC
- IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) was enacted in 2016 — consolidates laws relating to insolvency resolution of companies, LLPs and individuals
- NCLT is the Adjudicating Authority under IBC for companies and LLPs; NCLT benches are located across India
- NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal) — appellate body over NCLT; appeals from NCLAT go to the Supreme Court
- e-Courts 2.0 is an ongoing initiative to digitise judicial processes in tribunals and courts across India
- Resolution Plan under IBC — a plan submitted by a Resolution Applicant to revive an insolvent company; approved by NCLT after committee of creditors' consent
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) functions as the Adjudicating Authority under which of the following legislations?
NCLT is the designated Adjudicating Authority under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 for insolvency resolution of companies and LLPs. NCLT is established under the Companies Act, 2013. The SEBI Act cases go to SAT; debt recovery cases go to DRTs; competition cases to CCI/NCLAT.
Ministry of Education
🎓 Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme
📝 Key Notes
- PMRC Scheme launched under NEP 2020 vision to attract and engage distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals with international research experience
- Aim: Strengthen India's higher education and research ecosystem through research, mentorship and institutional capacity-building
- Three fellowship categories:
- Research Chair
- Senior Fellow
- Young Research Fellow
- 7 institutions identified as Lead Institutions under the scheme
- Applications received: 3,600+ for fellowship and 400+ from host institutions
- Government provision: ₹200 crore for PMRC Scheme for FY 2026-27
- Scheme portal: pmrc.education.gov.in
- Informed by MoS Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in written reply in Rajya Sabha
₹200 Crore
Budget Provision for PMRC (FY 2026-27)
3 Categories
Research Chair / Senior / Young Fellow
3,600+
Fellowship Applications Received
7
Lead Institutions Identified
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- NEP 2020 — National Education Policy 2020; aims for multidisciplinary, inclusive, learner-centric education; promotes research and innovation in higher education
- PMRC targets Indian-origin researchers with international research experience — different from PM Research Fellowship (PMRF) which targets domestic PhD students
- PMRF (PM Research Fellowship) — separate scheme for top UG/PG graduates to pursue PhD in IITs/IISc; provides fellowship of ₹70,000–₹80,000/month
- PMRC focuses on national priority thematic areas — research, mentorship, institutional capacity building
- Both PMRC and PMRF are under the Ministry of Education
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. The Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme was launched in pursuance of the vision of which policy, and what is its primary objective?
PMRC Scheme is launched in pursuance of NEP 2020 to attract and engage distinguished Indian-origin researchers, scientists and professionals with international research experience to strengthen India's higher education and research ecosystem through research, mentorship and institutional capacity-building. This is different from PMRF which targets domestic PhD students.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
🌊 Deep Ocean Mission – Polymetallic Nodules Exploration
📝 Key Notes
- NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology), Chennai — under MoES — developing technologies for harvesting polymetallic nodules from the deep ocean
- Seabed mining system developed; mobility and system-powering trials at 5,270 m depth at Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) site — successfully undertaken
- CIOB site allocated by ISA (International Seabed Authority)
- MoES signed contracts with ISA for exploration of:
- Polymetallic Nodules (PMN)
- Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)
- In Indian Ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction
- Resource Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment carried out as per ISA guidelines
- Currently: only exploration activities permitted — not mining/extraction
- Informed by MoS (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha written reply
5,270 m
Depth of Seabed Mining System Trial (CIOB)
NIOT, Chennai
Developing Polymetallic Nodule Technology
ISA Contract
PMN & PMS Exploration in Indian Ocean
CIOB
Central Indian Ocean Basin – Allocated Site
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Deep Ocean Mission was approved by Cabinet in June 2021 with a budget of ₹4,077 crore over 5 years; implemented by MoES
- NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) HQ: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; under MoES
- ISA (International Seabed Authority) — established under UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea); regulates mineral-related activities in international seabed ("the Area")
- Polymetallic Nodules — contain manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt — critical minerals for clean energy technologies
- Polymetallic Sulphides — hydrothermal vent deposits rich in copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver
- CIOB (Central Indian Ocean Basin) — India's designated exploration area for polymetallic nodules; India has had exploration rights here since 1987
- India is one of the Pioneer Investors for polymetallic nodule exploration under ISA
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Which of the following correctly describes the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and its role in India's Deep Ocean Mission?
Option C is correct. ISA (International Seabed Authority) is established under UNCLOS to regulate mineral-related activities in the international seabed (the "Area" beyond national jurisdiction). India's MoES has signed contracts with ISA for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) and Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Indian Ocean. NIOT conducted seabed mining system trials at 5,270m depth at the ISA-allocated CIOB site.
Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY)
🔐 CyberShakti Programme – Cyber Security for Women Officials
📝 Key Notes
- CyberShakti Programme approved for 2 years starting October 2024
- Objective: Enhance cyber security awareness and strengthen cyber security skills among women government officials
- Includes women police officers, cyber cell personnel and women officials dealing with victims of cybercrimes
- Training modes:
- 2-week Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) — online
- 1-week offline residential training programme
- 978 women government officials trained since inception in 2024 (States: 694 + UTs: 284)
- 573 women participants attended cybersecurity awareness webinars
- Second phase recommended by Working Group on Cyber Security in May 2026
- Top trained States: Gujarat (81), Karnataka (73), Tamil Nadu (64), Maharashtra (53), Haryana (42)
- Top trained UT: Delhi (249)
- Informed by MoS MeitY Shri Jitin Prasada in Rajya Sabha (on 07.08.2026)
978
Women Officials Trained (CyberShakti since 2024)
573
Women Participants in Awareness Webinars
Oct 2024
CyberShakti Programme Approval Date
Delhi – 249
Highest Trained Women Officials (UT-wise)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- CyberShakti is under MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology); specifically targets women government officials for cyber skill building
- Programme includes training of cyber cell personnel and women dealing with cybercrime victims — front-line workforce for cyber safety
- VILT (Virtual Instructor-Led Training) — online real-time training with an instructor; different from self-paced e-learning
- The programme was noted in the 2026 Standing Committee Report on Empowerment of Women for scale-up
- Cyber Dost — MHA's social media handle for cybercrime awareness; separate from CyberShakti
- I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre) — under MHA; coordinates India's response to cybercrime; operates National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in)
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. The CyberShakti programme, launched in October 2024, is primarily aimed at:
CyberShakti (under MeitY, approved October 2024) is specifically aimed at enhancing cyber security awareness and strengthening cyber security skills among women government officials, including women police officers, cyber cell personnel, and women officials dealing with victims of cybercrimes. Training is through 2-week VILT (online) and 1-week offline residential programmes.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
🐟 PM-MKSSY – Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana
📝 Key Notes
- PM-MKSSY — Central Sector Sub-scheme under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana)
- Duration: FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 (4 years)
- Estimated outlay: ₹6,000 crore
- National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) launched under PM-MKSSY on 11 September 2024
- Salient features:
- Gradual formalisation of unorganised fisheries sector through work-based digital identities
- Facilitating access to institutional finance and working capital
- Strengthening fisheries cooperatives
- One-time incentive for aquaculture insurance at 40% of premium paid, ceiling ₹25,000/hectare or ₹1 lakh/farmer (4 hectares WSA)
- SC/ST and women beneficiaries get additional 10% incentive
- Performance grants for microenterprises: 25% of investment or ₹35 lakh (General); 35% or ₹45 lakh (SC/ST/Women)
- Aims to generate 1.70 lakh jobs
- Promotes environmentally sustainable fisheries — decarbonisation, renewable energy, climate-smart technologies, disease management, traceability
- Implemented in all States/UTs — demand-driven, no district-specific targets
₹6,000 Crore
PM-MKSSY Outlay (FY23-24 to FY26-27)
40% Premium
Incentive for Aquaculture Insurance (max ₹1 lakh)
1.70 Lakh
Jobs Targeted under PM-MKSSY
11 Sep 2024
National Fisheries Digital Platform Launch
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) — flagship scheme for fisheries; launched in 2020 with ₹20,050 crore outlay (largest investment in fisheries sector)
- PM-MKSSY is a sub-scheme under PMMSY — focuses specifically on formalisation, finance access, and microenterprise development
- WSA = Water Spread Area — the actual water body area used for aquaculture
- RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System), Bio-floc, Cage culture — modern intensive aquaculture technologies covered under PM-MKSSY insurance incentive
- India is the 3rd largest fish producing country globally and 2nd largest in aquaculture
- NFDP — National Fisheries Digital Platform — aims to create digital identities (e-KYC based) for fish workers for improved service delivery
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Under the PM-MKSSY aquaculture insurance incentive, what is the rate of incentive provided and the maximum ceiling for SC/ST and women beneficiaries?
Under PM-MKSSY, all farmers receive a one-time incentive at the rate of 40% of premium paid (ceiling ₹25,000/hectare or ₹1 lakh per farmer for 4 hectares WSA). SC, ST and women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% incentive over the general category rate — making it effectively 50% of premium paid for these categories.
Ministry of Heavy Industries
⚡ FAME India Phase-II & EV Schemes – Progress Update
📝 Key Notes
- FAME India Phase-II (01.04.2019 to 31.03.2024):
- Total budgetary support: ₹11,500 crore
- Supported sale of ~16.72 lakh EVs (e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-4Ws)
- Deployed 5,299 e-buses (as of 31.07.2026)
- ₹912.50 crore for EV charging stations; 9,583 EV PCS installed
- PM E-DRIVE Scheme (notified 29.09.2024): ₹10,900 crore
- Target: ~28.30 lakh EVs; 26.59 lakh already sold (as of 30.06.2026)
- ₹4,391 crore for 14,028 e-buses in 7 cities; 14,000 e-buses allocated
- ₹2,000 crore for pan-India EV charging stations
- PLI-Auto Scheme (notified 23.09.2021): ₹25,938 crore for Advanced Automotive Technology products including EVs
- PLI-ACC Scheme (notified 09.06.2021): ₹18,100 crore; target 50 GWh ACC capacity; 40 GWh awarded to 4 firms
- PM e-Bus Sewa-PSM Scheme (notified 28.10.2024): ₹3,435.33 crore; supports 38,000+ e-buses; covers 27,555 e-buses as of 10.07.2026
- 10,000 (MoHUA) + 14,000 (MHI PM E-DRIVE) + 3,555 (State/STU initiatives)
- Total EV chargers installed: 67,657 (as of 07.08.2026); includes 1,139 battery swapping station chargers
- EVs supported under MHI schemes (total): FAME-I: 2.80 lakh | FAME-II: 16.72 lakh | PM E-DRIVE: 26.59 lakh | PLI Auto: ~21.30 lakh
- Other EV incentives: GST on EVs and chargers reduced to 5%; battery-operated vehicles — green licence plates; exemption from permit requirements; road tax waiver advisory by MoRTH
₹11,500 Cr
FAME-II Budget (2019-2024)
16.72 Lakh
EVs Supported under FAME-II
67,657
EV Chargers Installed (as of Aug 2026)
₹18,100 Cr
PLI-ACC Scheme for Battery Manufacturing
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of EVs) Phase-I launched 2015; Phase-II: 2019-2024
- PLI-ACC aims for 50 GWh domestic battery capacity — 40 GWh already awarded to 4 beneficiary firms; capacity is end-use agnostic
- PMP (Phased Manufacturing Programme) under PM E-DRIVE mandates domestic manufacturing of EV components including battery packs
- PM e-Bus Sewa-PSM provides payment security to e-bus operators in case of default by Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) — up to 12 years per bus
- Green licence plates for EVs — introduced by MoRTH; also exempted from permit requirements
- ACC (Advanced Chemistry Cell) batteries account for 35–40% of total EV cost — critical for price reduction
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about India's EV policy schemes:
1. FAME India Phase-II ran from April 2019 to March 2024 with a total budget of ₹11,500 crore.
2. PLI-ACC scheme aims to establish 50 GWh of domestic battery manufacturing capacity, of which 40 GWh has been awarded to 4 firms.
3. The PM e-Bus Sewa-PSM Scheme provides payment security to e-bus operators against default by Public Transport Authorities.
4. Battery-operated vehicles attract a GST rate of 12%.
Which of the above are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect — EVs and EV chargers/charging stations attract a concessional GST of 5%, not 12%. This reduced GST rate applies to all electric vehicles (two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers) and helps reduce purchase costs.
Ministry of Home Affairs
🏘️ Vibrant Villages Programme – II (VVP-II)
📝 Key Notes
- VVP-I approved as Centrally Sponsored Scheme on 15 February 2023
- Coverage: Select villages in 46 blocks abutting northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh (UT), Sikkim and Uttarakhand
- 2,906 projects sanctioned under VVP-I; ₹959.66 crore released to States/UT till date
- VVP-II approved as Central Sector Scheme on 02 April 2025
- Total outlay: ₹6,839 crore till FY 2028-29
- Coverage: 1,954 select villages in 334 blocks abutting International Land Borders (ILBs) other than northern border
- States/UTs covered: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, UP, West Bengal — 17 States/UTs
- High-Powered Committee (HPC) under Cabinet Secretary approved for VVP-II
- Members: Home Secretary, Secretary (Border Management), Secretary (Expenditure), Secretary of concerned Ministry/Department
- Purpose: Undertake relaxations in schematic guidelines for effective implementation in border villages
- Informed by MoS Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in written reply in Rajya Sabha
₹6,839 Crore
VVP-II Outlay (till FY 2028-29)
1,954 Villages
VVP-II Coverage (334 Blocks)
15 Feb 2023
VVP-I Approved Date
2 Apr 2025
VVP-II Approved Date
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- VVP-I (Centrally Sponsored Scheme) targets northern border (China border) villages; VVP-II (Central Sector Scheme) targets all other International Land Border (ILB) villages
- Difference: CSS vs Central Sector Scheme — CSS involves both Centre and States funding; Central Sector Scheme is 100% centrally funded
- VVP aims to develop border villages to prevent migration and strengthen border security through development
- VVP-II covers borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, China (except the northern China border already under VVP-I)
- HPC under Cabinet Secretary — significant because Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking civil servant; this ensures high-level coordination for border village development
- VVP is aligned with the Panchayati Raj system and grassroots governance for border areas
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP):
1. VVP-I was approved as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in February 2023 for northern border villages.
2. VVP-II was approved as a Central Sector Scheme in April 2025 for International Land Border villages other than the northern border.
3. VVP-II covers 1,954 villages in 334 blocks with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore till FY 2028-29.
4. A High-Powered Committee under the Home Secretary oversees VVP-II implementation.
Which statements are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect — the HPC for VVP-II is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary (not Home Secretary). The Home Secretary is a member of the HPC. The Cabinet Secretary is India's highest-ranking civil servant and chairs this committee for inter-ministerial coordination on border village development.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
📚 Mission Karmayogi – National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building
📝 Key Notes
- Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB) approved by Government in September 2020
- Aim: Transition from 'rule-based' to 'role-based' HR system
- Create civil servants with a global outlook while being rooted in Indian ethos
- iGOT Karmayogi digital learning portal:
- 1.7 crore+ registered users
- 5,600+ courses across domain, functional and behavioural competencies
- Total: 6,953 hours of learning content
- Courses available in 23 languages including English and Hindi
- 14.42 crore+ course completions on iGOT so far
- Coverage: Central Government, States/UTs, urban and rural local bodies onboarded on iGOT
- Governance: DoPT + Capacity Building Commission (CBC) + SPV Karmayogi Bharat (KB) monitor progress
- Special initiatives:
- National Learning Week – Karmayogi Saptah (October 2024)
- SADHANA Saptah (April 2026)
- Informed by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha written reply
1.7 Crore+
iGOT Registered Users
5,600+ Courses
Available on iGOT in 23 Languages
14.42 Crore+
Course Completions on iGOT
Sep 2020
Mission Karmayogi Approved
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Mission Karmayogi is implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) — Karmayogi Bharat — a Section 8 company
- iGOT = Integrated Government Online Training; it is the digital learning platform for government employees
- Capacity Building Commission (CBC) — established under Mission Karmayogi; functions as the apex body for setting standards and learning standards for government officials
- Rule-based vs Role-based HR — Rule-based = following procedures; Role-based = competency-driven, focusing on what the civil servant does in their specific role
- NPCSCB = National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building — official name of Mission Karmayogi
- Mission Karmayogi covers all levels — from peons to secretaries — unlike earlier training which was limited to senior officers
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB):
1. It was approved in September 2020 with the aim of transitioning from rule-based to role-based HR system.
2. iGOT Karmayogi portal has over 1.7 crore registered users and 5,600+ courses in 23 languages.
3. It is implemented through an SPV called Karmayogi Bharat.
4. The Capacity Building Commission (CBC) under Mission Karmayogi is chaired by the Prime Minister.
Which statements are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 requires caution — the PIB source mentions DoPT, CBC and Karmayogi Bharat (KB) monitor progress; the source does not explicitly state the CBC is chaired by the PM. The Prime Minister chairs the PM Public Human Resources Council (apex body), but the CBC operates as a separate standards-setting body under NPCSCB. Since the PIB source does not state statement 4, it is safest to treat it as unverified/incorrect.
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
🐘 World Elephant Day 2026 – India's Elephant Conservation
📝 Key Notes
- World Elephant Day observed annually on 12 August
- India hosts nearly 60% of world's wild Asian elephant population
- SAIEE 2021–25 (Synchronous All India Population Estimation of Elephants): estimated population = 22,446
- First DNA-based synchronised elephant census — used dung samples to identify individual elephants through unique genetic fingerprints
- Project Elephant — Government's flagship initiative for elephant conservation under MoEFCC
- 33 Elephant Reserves covering 80,777 km² across 14 elephant-range states
- Additional 8,610 km² brought under protection since 2014
- 150 identified corridors for elephant movement
- Elephant Corridors of India, 2023 (with Wildlife Institute of India support):
- Total corridors by region: East-Central (52), North-East (48), Southern (32), Northern (18)
- West Bengal has most corridors: 26 (>17% of national total)
- 19 inter-state corridors; 6 transboundary corridors (India-Nepal)
- Railway Safety for Elephants:
- Joint surveys covered 127 sensitive railway stretches spanning 3,452.4 km
- 77 stretches across 14 States (1,965.2 km) recommended for mitigation (705 structures: underpasses, overpasses, ramps, level crossings, bridge modifications)
- AI-enabled Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) for real-time alerts to loco pilots
- Train-hit elephant deaths reduced: 26 in 2013 → 12 in 2024 (>50% decline)
- Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 — regulates movement of captive elephants
- Gajah Suchana mobile app — national genetic database of captive elephants (DNA profiles, morphological characteristics, ownership details)
- Ex-gratia assistance:
- Death/permanent incapacitation: ₹10 lakh
- Grievous injury: ₹2 lakh
- Treatment for minor injury: up to ₹25,000
22,446
Wild Elephant Population (SAIEE 2021-25)
60%
India's Share of World's Wild Asian Elephants
80,777 km²
33 Elephant Reserves Coverage
26 → 12
Train-Hit Deaths (2013 → 2024, >50% decline)
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Project Elephant launched in 1992 — India's flagship programme for elephant conservation; provides financial and technical support to elephant-range states
- Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List; protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- SAIEE 2021-25 used India's first DNA-based synchronised census — major methodological upgrade from earlier distance-sampling methods
- Home range of elephants: 100–3,000 km² — migratory in nature; require large contiguous landscapes
- Gajah Suchana app — national captive elephant genetic database; provides forensic evidence for illegal transfer cases
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII) — autonomous institution under MoEFCC; HQ: Dehradun; prepared Elephant Corridors of India, 2023
- CAMPA funds support the Management Effectiveness Evaluation framework for Elephant Reserves
- Elephant corridors: home ranges span huge distances; corridors help in genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about elephant conservation in India:
1. India hosts nearly 60% of the world's wild Asian elephant population.
2. As per SAIEE 2021-25, India's wild elephant population is estimated at 22,446.
3. West Bengal has the highest number of elephant corridors among all States with 26 corridors.
4. Train-related elephant deaths increased from 12 in 2013 to 26 in 2024.
Which are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 4 is incorrect — the PIB source states train-hit elephant deaths reduced from 26 in 2013 to 12 in 2024 (a decline of more than 50%), not increased. This improvement is attributed to AI-enabled Distributed Acoustic Sensing and mitigation structures like underpasses and overpasses along railway corridors.
PIB Backgrounder – Parliament
⚖️ Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 – National Tribunals Commission
📝 Key Notes
- Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 passed by Parliament in August 2026
- Proposes to repeal Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021
- Follows Supreme Court judgment in Madras Bar Association v. Union of India [(2026) 2 SCC 1] — SC struck down provisions of Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 and directed establishment of independent National Tribunals Commission
- Establishes National Tribunals Commission (NTC):
- Chairperson: former SC Judge or former Chief Justice of High Court
- 4 Members: 2 Judicial Members (former HC Chief Justices or Judges) + 2 Technical Members (25+ years experience in public administration, finance, law, etc.)
- Chairperson and Judicial Members appointed by Central Govt in consultation with Chief Justice of India
- Term: 5 years or 70 years of age (whichever earlier) for Commission Chairperson/Members
- Tribunal Members: 5 years or 67 years of age (whichever earlier)
- NTC Functions:
- Conduct selection for Tribunal Chairpersons/Members through Search-cum-Selection Committees
- Maintain National Tribunals Data Grid (portal for all 16 covered tribunals)
- Monitor performance; prepare annual reports
- Oversee inquiries into complaints against tribunal members
- Covers 16 tribunals including: CAT, NCLT/NCLAT, SAT, NGT, CESTAT, TDSAT, Debts Recovery Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Armed Forces Tribunal, Railway Claims Tribunal, NCDRC, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (under Income-tax Act, 2025), Industrial Tribunal
- CAG will audit accounts of the Commission; report laid before Parliament
- Secretariat headed by a Secretary to Government of India
- Government must process recommendation and make appointment within 3 months
16 Tribunals
Covered under Tribunals Reforms Bill 2026
NTC
National Tribunals Commission (New Body)
5 Years / 70 Yrs
Term for NTC Chairperson/Members
3 Months
Govt. Deadline to Process NTC Appointment Recommendation
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- Madras Bar Association judgments — series of SC judgments (2014, 2021, 2026) on tribunal independence; consistently upheld judicial primacy in tribunal appointments
- Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 was struck down by SC in 2026 (Madras Bar Association v. UoI) — which led to the 2026 Bill
- National Tribunals Data Grid — new digital portal for all case-related information of 16 covered tribunals; ensures transparency
- CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) auditing NTC accounts ensures financial accountability — CAG report to be laid before both Houses of Parliament
- Key principle: Judicial majority in NTC and Search-cum-Selection Committees — limits executive discretion in tribunal appointments
- Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) — covered under Income-tax Act, 2025 (renamed/updated from the old Act)
- The Bill reduces reliance on individual ministry rules for different tribunals — creates a unified institutional framework
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following about the National Tribunals Commission (NTC) proposed under the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026:
1. The Chairperson of the NTC must be a former Supreme Court Judge or former Chief Justice of a High Court.
2. The NTC has 4 Members — 2 Judicial and 2 Technical Members.
3. The Chairperson and Judicial Members are appointed by the Central Government without any consultation requirement.
4. Tribunal Members hold office for 5 years or till they attain the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier.
Which are CORRECT?
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect — the Central Government must consult the Chief Justice of India before appointing the Chairperson and Judicial Members of the NTC. This consultation requirement is a key feature ensuring judicial independence and limiting executive discretion in the appointment process.
Ministry of Science & Technology
⚛️ National Quantum Mission (NQM) – Progress Update
📝 Key Notes
- National Quantum Mission (NQM) — pan-India initiative
- Annual Quantum Conclave held 10–11 April 2026 to review progress
- Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established at leading institutions:
| Thematic Hub | Host Institution | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Computing | IISc Bengaluru (with C-DAC) | Multiple qubit platforms, quantum algorithms |
| Quantum Communication | IIT Madras (with C-DOT, New Delhi) | QKD, PQC, quantum repeaters, satellite-based quantum comm. |
| Quantum Sensing & Metrology | IIT Bombay | NV centre sensors, magnetometers, gravimeters, precision measurement |
| Quantum Materials & Devices | IIT Delhi | Quantum dots, spintronic materials, photonic devices |
- Key progress in 2025-26:
- 4 T-Hubs operational with 14 Technical Groups and 17 Project Teams
- Research infrastructure at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi
- 17 dedicated Project Teams for indigenous quantum algorithms/software
- 23 Quantum Teaching Laboratories being established across India
- 17 quantum technology startups supported for commercialisation
- UG Minor and M.Tech programmes in Quantum Technologies with AICTE
- DRDO contributions:
- Developed QRNGs (Quantum Random Number Generators) and RCQCP (RFSoC-based Controller for Quantum Computer Processors) — Technology Transfer given to industry
- Promotes research via TDF Scheme, DIACoEs at IITs/IISc, CARS contracts
- MeitY developed Qniverse — unified quantum computing platform integrated with HPC systems; accessible to students, researchers, startups
- Quantum Teaching Laboratory established at VNIT, Nagpur for Maharashtra
- Informed by MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh in Lok Sabha written reply
4 T-Hubs
Thematic Hubs under NQM
23
Quantum Teaching Laboratories (Pan-India)
17 Startups
Quantum Tech Startups Supported
Qniverse
MeitY's Unified Quantum Computing Platform
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- NQM (National Quantum Mission) approved by Cabinet in April 2023 with outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023-2031
- QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) — method for secure communication using quantum mechanics; cannot be intercepted without detection
- PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography) — cryptographic algorithms resistant to quantum computer attacks; critical for future cybersecurity
- Qubit — fundamental unit of quantum information; can exist in superposition (unlike classical bit which is 0 or 1)
- C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) — associated with IISc for Quantum Computing T-Hub; HQ: Pune
- C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) — associated with IIT Madras for Quantum Communication T-Hub; HQ: New Delhi
- NV Centre (Nitrogen-Vacancy Centre) — defect in diamond used for quantum sensing; enables precise magnetic field measurement
- NQM applications: secure communications, cybersecurity, healthcare, finance, navigation, precision manufacturing
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Match the Thematic Hubs under the National Quantum Mission with their host institutions:
1. Quantum Computing — (a) IIT Bombay
2. Quantum Communication — (b) IISc Bengaluru (with C-DAC)
3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology — (c) IIT Delhi
4. Quantum Materials & Devices — (d) IIT Madras (with C-DOT)
Select the correct matching:
The correct matching is:
1. Quantum Computing → (b) IISc Bengaluru (with C-DAC)
2. Quantum Communication → (d) IIT Madras (with C-DOT, New Delhi)
3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology → (a) IIT Bombay
4. Quantum Materials & Devices → (c) IIT Delhi
This is a frequently asked factual matching — remember IISc for Computing, IIT Madras for Communication, IIT Bombay for Sensing, IIT Delhi for Materials.
1. Quantum Computing → (b) IISc Bengaluru (with C-DAC)
2. Quantum Communication → (d) IIT Madras (with C-DOT, New Delhi)
3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology → (a) IIT Bombay
4. Quantum Materials & Devices → (c) IIT Delhi
This is a frequently asked factual matching — remember IISc for Computing, IIT Madras for Communication, IIT Bombay for Sensing, IIT Delhi for Materials.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
🏕️ PM JANMAN – Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
📝 Key Notes
- PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) — aims to provide basic facilities to improve socio-economic conditions of 75 PVTG communities
- Coverage: 18 States + 1 UT (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
- Objectives: Safe housing, clean drinking water, education, health & nutrition, road & telecom connectivity, electrification, sustainable livelihoods
- Implemented through 11 interventions by 9 line Ministries
- Key progress data (as of 30.06.2026):
- Houses sanctioned: 4,82,554 | Completed: 3,05,860
- Roads sanctioned: 7,991.93 km | Completed: 2,948 km
- Villages sanctioned for drinking water (JJM): 18,756 | Saturated: 8,799
- HHs sanctioned for electrification: 1,46,291 | Electrified: 1,35,209
- Solar power HHs sanctioned: 8,852 | Electrified: 7,447
- Mobile connectivity habitations planned: 4,347 | Covered: 3,198
- MPCs (Multi-Purpose Centres) sanctioned: 1,000 | Completed: 692
- VDVKs (Van Dhan Vikas Kendras) sanctioned: 540 | Business Started: 491
- PVTG data (from mobile app survey):
- Total PVTG Households: 12,36,625
- Total PVTG Population: 48,52,361
- Madhya Pradesh has the largest PVTG HH count (3,67,273) and population (13,85,266)
- Informed by Union Minister Shri Durgadas Uikey in Rajya Sabha
75 PVTGs
Communities Covered in 18 States + 1 UT
4,82,554
Houses Sanctioned under PM JANMAN
48.52 Lakh
Total PVTG Population (Mobile Survey)
11 Interventions
Implemented by 9 Line Ministries
📌 Prelims Extra Points
- PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) — previously called Primitive Tribal Groups; India has 75 PVTGs in 18 States and 1 UT (A&N Islands)
- PVTGs are identified based on: pre-agricultural technology, very small population, declining or stagnant population, extremely low level of literacy, and subsistence-level economy
- PM JANMAN launched in November 2023 with a budget of ₹24,104 crore
- Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) — tribal enterprise clusters to promote MFP (Minor Forest Produce) based livelihoods; under TRIFED
- MPCs (Multi-Purpose Centres) — community-level centres for health, education and livelihood services in PVTG habitations
- PM Gati Shakti mobile application — used for habitation-level data collection for PVTG infrastructure planning under PM JANMAN
- State with largest PVTG population: Madhya Pradesh (13,85,266 as per survey)
❓ Practice MCQ
Q. Which of the following statements about PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) is/are correct?
1. It aims to develop 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) communities across 18 States and 1 UT.
2. It is implemented through 11 interventions by 9 line Ministries.
3. PVTGs were previously known as Scheduled Castes in official terminology.
4. Madhya Pradesh has the largest PVTG population as per the mobile application-based survey.
Select the correct answer:
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect — PVTGs were previously known as Primitive Tribal Groups (not Scheduled Castes), renamed to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in 2006. They are a sub-category within Scheduled Tribes — the most vulnerable tribal communities with pre-agricultural technology and declining or stagnant populations.
PIB Notes for UPSC 12 August 2026 provides exam-focused current affairs from important government updates and PIB developments. These notes are useful for UPSC Prelims 2026, TNPSC, SSC, State PSC and other competitive examinations.
PIB Notes for UPSC 12 August 2026
Today's PIB Notes for UPSC 12 August 2026 cover 12 important topics including Space Vision 2047, Space Startups and IN-SPACe, Deep Ocean Mission, National Quantum Mission, World Elephant Day, PM-KISAN, FAME India Phase-II, Vibrant Villages Programme-II, PM JANMAN and CyberShakti Programme.
Key Topics for UPSC Prelims 2026
The notes provide important facts and government initiatives relevant to UPSC Prelims 2026, including India's space roadmap, deep ocean exploration, quantum technology, electric mobility, tribal development, elephant conservation and major government schemes.
These PIB Notes 12 August 2026 are designed for quick revision, helping aspirants identify important facts, schemes, programmes and developments from the day's government updates.
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