UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 August 2026

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development

August 29, 2026

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Latest News

Recently, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) have signed an MoU for financing infrastructure projects with significant rural impact.

About National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development

It is a specialized Development Finance Institution in India.
It is aimed at supporting the country’s infrastructure sector, which can significantly gain from an enabling credit flow by means of attractive instruments and channelized investment.
NaBFID was set up in 2021, by an Act of the Parliament (The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021),
Objectives: Addressing the gaps in long-term non-recourse finance for infrastructure development, strengthening the development of bonds and derivatives markets in India, and sustainably boosting the country’s economy.
It shall be regulated and supervised by RBI as an All-India Financial Institution (AIFI).
The principal idea behind the setup of NaBFID is to provide a dedicated and specialized institution focused on addressing the long-term financing needs of the infrastructure sector in India.

Source: ET

National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development FAQs

Q1: Who is supervising NaBFID?

Ans: It is by RBI as an all India financial institution.

Q2: When did NaBFID established?

Ans: 2021

Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme

August 29, 2026

Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has announced the second call for applications under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech (PRIP) Scheme.

About Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme

It was launched to transform India into a global powerhouse for R&D in the Pharma MedTech sector.
It is an initiative of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers in 2023.
Total Financial Outlay: ₹5000 crores.
The aim of the scheme is to promote industry-academia linkage for R&D in priority areas and to inculcate the culture of quality research and nurture our pool of scientists.
Initiatives such as MedTech Mitra and Patent Mitra and the online platform under the Scheme will facilitate collaboration and partnership among various stakeholders.
It focuses on two components
Component A
- Strengthening research infrastructure through establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoE) in the seven existing National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).
- These CoEs would be set up in pre identified areas with a financial outlay of Rs 700 Crores.
Component B
- Promoting research in the pharmaceutical sector by encouraging research in six priority areas wherein financial assistance will be provided for the Industries, MSME, SME, Startups working with government institutes and for both in- house and academic research.
- Under this for Early Stage Projects, MSMEs and startups may apply for projects costing up to ₹9 crore for assistance of up to ₹5 crore.
- For Later Stage Projects, projects of industry, MSMEs and startups costing up to ₹285 crore may apply for assistance up to ₹100 crore.
Priority Areas
- New Chemical Entity, New Biological Entity, and Phyto-pharmaceuticals
- Complex generics and Biosimilars
- Precision medicine (Targeted innovative therapeutics)
- Medical devices
- Orphan Drugs
- Drug development for anti-microbial resistance (AMR)

Source: News On Air

Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the aim of Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme?

Ans: It was launched to transform India into a global powerhouse for R&D in the Pharma MedTech sector.

Q2: Which ministry launched the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers

Gene-Edited Rice Varieties

August 29, 2026

Gene-Edited Rice Varieties Latest News

India developed two genome-edited rice varieties — DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa Rice DST1 and is set to release Pusa Rice DST1 for commercial production in the upcoming rabi season.

About Pusa DST Rice 1

It is derived from MTU1010, which is suitable for rabi season in southern states.
It is developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
Properties: The edit in its genome targets the Drought and Salt Tolerance (DST) gene, with the aim of improving the plant’s ability to cope with drought and salt-affected soils.
It is expected to be grown in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

About DRR Dhan 100

It is also called Kamala variety.
It was developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, from the popular Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204) variety.
Scientists edited a gene involved in cytokinin metabolism, with the aim of increasing the number of grains produced by each panicle.
Properties: The resulting variety is said to mature about 20 days earlier than Samba Mahsuri, in around 130 days, and has a stronger stalk that is less prone to lodging, or falling over.

Source: TH

Gene-Edited Rice Varieties FAQs

Q1: What are India's 2 genome-edited rice from India?

Ans: DRR Dhan 100 Kamala and Pusa DST1

Q2: What are the Kamala traits of DRR Dhan 100 Kamala?

Ans: It matures about 20 days earlier than Samba Mahsuri, in around 130 days, and has a stronger stalk that is less prone to lodging, or falling over.

Kuwait

August 29, 2026

Kuwait Latest News

Recently, the inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) was held in New Delhi.

About Kuwait

It is a country in Western Asia, situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf.
Bordering Countries: It is bordered by two countries namely Iraq in the north and west, and Saudi Arabia in the south.
Maritime Border: It is bounded by the Persian Gulf in the east.
It is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation & OPEC.
Capital City: Kuwait City

Geographical Features of Kuwait

Climate: Kuwait has a hyper-arid desert climate that is highly variable with recurrent extremes.
Rivers: There are no perennial lakes or rivers. Instead, there are wadis or transient watercourses that end in inland basins.
Most parts of Kuwait are covered by the Arabian Desert.
Natural Resources: Natural gas and petroleum are Kuwait's most significant mineral resources.

Source: PIB

Kuwait FAQs

Q1: Where is Kuwait is located?

Ans: It is a country in Western Asia, situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf.

Q2: What is the capital of Kuwait?

Ans: Kuwait City

Sesame

August 29, 2026

Sesame Latest News

According to a pre-sowing price forecast by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) prices of good-quality black sesame are likely to rule at ₹140-145 a kg during the harvest season.

About Sesame

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is the oldest indigenous oilseed crop in India.
It is a primordial oilseed crop since the remnants of sesame seeds were discovered at Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
Required Climate Conditions
- It can be cultivated up to the latitude of 1600m (India 1200 m).
- Temperature: Normally the optimum temperature required during its life cycle is between 25-35 0C.
- If the temperature is more than 40 0C with hot winds the oil content reduces.
- Soil: Sesame can be grown on a wide range of soils, however well drained light to medium textured soils are preferred. It does best on sandy loams with adequate moisture.
- Climate: Semi-arid climate of Western India, Central, Eastern and Southern part of India including lower Himalayas.
- Season: It is cultivated during Kharif in arid and semi-arid tropics and rabi/summer in cooler areas.
The crop is grown in almost all parts of the country. More than 85% production of sesame comes from West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Uses: Sesame oil is excellent from a medicinal point of view. It contains antioxidants, and it is perfect for heart patients.

Source: TH

Sesame FAQs

Q1: What is sesame seed scientific name?

Ans: Sesamum indicum

Q2: Which states majorly grow Sesame crop?

Ans: West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

PARIVARTAN Scheme

August 29, 2026

PARIVARTAN Scheme Latest News

Recently, the government has said that around one thousand five hundred beneficiaries have been registered on the PARIVARTAN scheme after its launch.

About PARIVARTAN Scheme

PARIVARTAN (Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions) scheme was launched by the central government.
It is aimed at facilitating the replacement of older, highly polluting trucks and buses operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) with cleaner Bharat Stage (BS)-VI compliant or electric vehicles.
Implementing Ministry: It is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Funding: It is funded by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)
States Covered: Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi issued notifications granting Motor Vehicle Tax
Incentives provided under the Scheme
- Motor Vehicle Tax concessions, registration fee waivers,
- 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans,
- A minimum 8% OEM discount on eligible new vehicles,
- Monthly fuel voucher support for eligible diesel and CNG replacement vehicles, and
- One-time financial assistance for electric replacement vehicles and Certificate of Deposit (CoD) trading.
It will be implemented through an integrated digital platform that will seamlessly interface with VAHAN, V-Scrap, DigiELV, the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), participating lenders.

Source: News On Air

PARIVARTAN Scheme FAQs

Q1: What is the objective of PARIVARTAN Scheme?

Ans: It is aimed at facilitating the replacement of older, highly polluting trucks and buses operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) with cleaner Bharat Stage (BS)-VI vehicles.

Q2: Which ministry is implementing the PARIVARTAN Scheme?

Ans: It is implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Open General Export Licence

August 29, 2026

Open General Export Licence Latest News

Recently, the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence has undertaken a comprehensive set of reforms to simplify the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework.

About Open General Export Licence

It was first introduced in 2019, following demands from exporters, to make defence exports easier.
It is a standing one-time export authorization.
It enables eligible exporters to self-generate export authorisations for multiple consignments of specified defence items, without seeking a separate authorisation for each consignment.
OEGL Framework
- The government has merged three existing OGEL SOPs covering major platforms and equipment, parts and components, and intra-company transfer of technology into a single framework.
- Validity: OGEL validity has been increased from two to three years, reducing the frequency of renewals and associated compliance requirements.
- Countries covered: OGEL coverage has been expanded from 41 to all countries, except negative/sensitive nations and those facing UN Security Council sanctions or arms embargoes.
- A new provision facilitates Indian companies having long-term contracts or agreements with Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (FOEMs).
  - OGEL may be granted for eligible items and the particular FOEM, with validity aligned with the underlying contract or agreement, subject to prescribed conditions.
- Expanded Coverage: The range of items covered under OGEL has been expanded, providing greater flexibility to eligible exporters.
  - The revised framework also permits civil-end-use exports of specified parts and components of small-calibre arms and protective equipment, further broadening legitimate international business opportunities.

Source: PIB

Open General Export Licence FAQs

Q1: What is OGEL?

Ans: One-time blanket permission to export specified items to specified destinations without applying for SCOMET licence each time

Q2: What is the Purpose of Open General Export Licence?

Ans: Ease of doing business defence export

Sree Narayana Guru

August 29, 2026

Sree Narayana Guru Latest News

Recently, the Prime Minister of India paid tributes to Sree Narayana Guru on his birth anniversary.

About Sree Narayana Guru

Sree Narayan Guru was a saint, philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer from Kerala.
The Guru was born into an Ezhava family.
He was one of the most successful social reformers to revolt against the caste system in India.
He demonstrated a path to social emancipation without invoking the dualism of the oppressed and the oppressor.
Gurudevan, as he was known among his followers, led a reform movement in Kerala, revolted against the caste system.
Philosophy: “Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu” translates to “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind” and is a core message advocated by Shri Narayana Guru.

Works of Sree Narayana Guru

Aruvippuram Movement (1888): Sree Narayana Guru consecrated a Shiva idol at Aruvippuram, a village in present-day Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, symbolising resistance against social injustice, particularly the caste-based restrictions that barred lower castes from temple entry.
Established SNDP
- Under the Indian Companies Act, the Sri Narayana Guru Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP) was established in 1903.
- Narayana Guru served as its permanent chairman, while Kumaran Asan, a renowned poet and disciple of Guru, became its general secretary.
- The Ezhava’s right to attend public schools, access to government services, and political representation were all addressed by the SNDP.
The Guru also led the ‘Vaikom Satyagraha’ protest movement against caste discrimination, untouchability, and inequality.
The Sivagiri foundation was established in 1924 by the Guru to promote virtues of cleanliness, education, devotion, agriculture, handicrafts, and trade.
The Sivagiri pilgrimage (Sivagiri Theerthadanam), initiated by his followers, promotes values of purity, education, and organization.
Literary Contributions: He authored several important works, including Advaitha Deepika, Atmavilasam, Daiva Dasakam, and Brahmavidya Panchakam.

Source: PIB

Sree Narayana Guru FAQs

Q1: Who was Sree Narayana Guru?

Ans: Sree Narayana Guru was a saint, philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer from Kerala.

Q2: What is the main contribution of Sree Narayana Guru?

Ans: He was one of the most successful social reformers to revolt against the caste system in India.

National Test House

August 29, 2026

National Test House Latest News

The National Test House (NTH) is set to host a celebration for its 115th Foundation Day at its Jakkuru Campus in Bengaluru.

About National Test House

It is a premier scientific organization of the Government of India.
It was established in 1912 under the then Railway Board.
Mandate: It is India’s largest multi-location multidisciplinary industrial central government’s testing laboratory dealing with almost all sorts of testing, calibration and quality evaluation related to industry, commerce, trade etc. as per international and national standards.
Functions
- Technical Role: It offers technical consultancy, testing, calibration, and quality evaluation across various sectors, adhering to both national and international standards.
- Accreditation Role: It is also actively involved in supporting the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and BIS by providing technical assistance in the accreditation and standard formation activities, respectively.
- Drone certification: It is the pioneering governmental entity in India for drone certification.
- Other Functions: Testing, Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Testing, Organic Food Testing and other advanced technological areas.
Its branches are established at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Varanasi.
Nodal Ministry: It is functioning under the administrative control of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

Source: PIB

National Test House FAQs

Q1: What is National Test House?

Ans: India's largest multidisciplinary govt testing lab - Testing, calibration, quality assurance

Q2: National Test House works under which ministry?

Ans: Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food Public Distribution

Javelin Missile

August 29, 2026

About Javelin Missile

It is an American-made, medium-range, man-portable, anti-tank guided missile.
The Javelin first entered service with the US military in 1996.
It is developed and produced jointly by American defence majors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

Key features of Javelin Missile

Javelin is a single man-portable fire-and-forget medium-range antitank weapon system.
It can be fired in top or direct attack modes.
Range: It has a standard effective range of 2.5 km.
A single person can carry this missile system and fire it from their shoulder.
It can also be fired from a remote launcher mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle.
It is designed to tackle heavily armored vehicles such as main battle tanks and lighter-skinned military vehicles.
It is also effective against fortifications, bunkers and helicopters.

Working of Javelin Missile

It automatically guides itself to the target after launch, allowing the gunner to take cover and avoid counter fire.
The soldiers or marines using it can reposition immediately after firing, or reload to “engage another threat.”
The weapon uses an arched top-attack profile, climbing above its target for improved visibility, and then strikes where the armor is weakest.

Source: IE

Javelin Missile FAQ's

Q1: What is Javelin Missile?

Ans: It is an American-made, medium-range, man-portable, anti-tank guided missile.

Q2: Which companies have developed the Javelin Missile?

Ans: It is developed and produced jointly by American defence majors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.