Current Affairs - August 22, 2026 Current Affairs

DRDO transferred the technology for the development of the Submarine-Fired Decoy (SFD) to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for indigenous production. The technology transfer agreement was signed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a DRDO laboratory specialising in naval warfare and underwater defence technologies. The SFD is designed as a countermeasure system to protect submarines from incoming torpedoes by generating false signals and signatures that can mislead hostile torpedoes. The initiative strengthens India’s underwater defence capabilities, reduces dependence on foreign manufacturers, and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing.

Andhra Pradesh will host Reliance Industries Limited’s proposed integrated Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) complex, described as India’s first of its kind. The project will be established in Eluru district, covering the Chintalapudi and Recherla coal blocks. RIL has proposed an investment of ₹2.73 lakh crore, to be implemented in exploration, development, and production phases. The project will use UCG technology to convert deep-seated coal into synthesis gas (syngas) directly underground. With substantial estimated coal reserves, the initiative is aligned with the National Coal Gasification Mission’s target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.

Malaysia co-chaired the 2nd India-Malaysia Joint Working Group Meeting on cooperation in Public Administration and Governance Reforms, held on August 18, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Puneet Yadav from India’s Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and Mr Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari bin Ismail, Deputy Director General of Public Service, Malaysia. Discussions covered the Malaysia-India Governance Partnership Strategic Roadmap, digital governance tools, capacity building, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud services, and cybersecurity. India and Malaysia elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

West Bengal launched four dedicated toll-free helplines to enable citizens to directly report various illegal activities. The helplines cover complaints related to extortion, syndicate activities, illegal road and toll tax collections, and illegal liquor. The numbers introduced are 155334 for extortion, 155335 for syndicate activities, 155337 for illegal road and toll tax collections, and 155339 for illegal liquor. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the functioning of these helplines during his visit to the state and assured that complaints received through the numbers would be acted upon promptly.

One year is the revised mandatory practice period prescribed by the Supreme Court for candidates seeking to appear in entry-level judicial service examinations. The earlier requirement of three years of legal practice was reduced to one year. Along with this change, the Court introduced a one-year training period and one year of supervised clerkship as part of the judicial recruitment and training process. The arrangement is intended to provide greater opportunities for young law graduates while also allowing judicial authorities to assess the quality of recruitment and training.

August 22 is observed as Madras Day, commemorating the founding of Madras in 1639, when the English East India Company secured land at Madraspatnam. Although historical records contain some uncertainty between July 22 and August 22 regarding the date of the original deed, August 22 has been traditionally celebrated as Madras Day. The first official Madras Day celebration was held in 2004, and the occasion highlights Chennai’s transformation from a trading settlement into a major cultural, economic, educational, and urban centre. Madras was officially renamed Chennai in 1996.

Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), to the Indian Navy on August 21, 2026. The vessel has more than 80% indigenous content and is designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, coastal operations, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare. Equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, radar, and sonar systems, Mangrol enhances the Navy’s capabilities in shallow and coastal waters. Its delivery also supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by strengthening India’s indigenous defence shipbuilding and reducing dependence on foreign technology and manufacturing.

PhonePe signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on August 21, 2026, to integrate its PulsePro platform into the PM GatiShakti framework. PulsePro uses aggregated and anonymised transaction data to generate market signals and provide hyperlocal insights across different geographies and categories. These metrics will be integrated into the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan portal, which supports integrated infrastructure planning and coordinated project implementation. The partnership aims to strengthen data-driven infrastructure planning by providing useful insights that can help policymakers better understand economic activity and regional trends.

Apollo Hospitals launched the ‘Always Open. Always Here.’ initiative on August 21, 2026, to expand access to routine and planned healthcare services across all seven days of the week. The initiative extends outpatient consultations, diagnostic services, preventive health checks, and scheduled procedures to Sundays. Apollo also highlighted its AI-powered Apollo Prohealth platform for early health risk prediction and the Zen Health Program for detecting early signs of disease before symptoms appear. The initiative aims to provide timely healthcare access to Indian and international patients, supporting Apollo’s broader focus on preventive and technology-enabled healthcare.

India hosted the Eighth BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026 virtually on August 17, 2026, under its BRICS Chairship. The summit focused on advancing clean energy deployment and strengthening cooperation among young energy professionals. Discussions were organised around three key pillars: energy security and sustainability, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation. More than 100 young energy professionals, the BRICS Youth Energy Agency, the International Solar Alliance, and IRENA participated. India also highlighted initiatives such as PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, SHANTI Act, RDSS, and the India Energy Stack to demonstrate its efforts toward sustainable and accessible energy.