Current Affairs 17 August 2026

Chandigarh Introduces CBDC-Based Direct Benefit Transfer for PDS.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the CBDC-based DBT system for PDS in Chandigarh.
The pilot uses e-RUPI digital vouchers for leak-proof food subsidy delivery.
The system was developed with RBI and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
It uses blockchain-based CBDC for real-time transaction settlement.
Similar CBDC-based models are being explored for agricultural and fertilizer subsidies.

MCA organised the PMIS Industry Awards in New Delhi on 16 August 2026.
The awards recognised companies offering internships under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS).
Overall Industry Champion: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Top PSU Partners: ONGC, NTPC and Western Coalfields.
Top Private Partners: Reliance Industries, Infosys and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.
Pre-Internship Excellence: HDFC Bank.
Internship Management Excellence: Shriram Finance.
Innovation in Program Implementation: IBM India.
Innovation in Exit Pathways: Power Grid Corporation of India.
Sectoral Champions were also recognised across sectors such as FMCG, healthcare, banking, IT, infrastructure, automotive and energy.

PM Modi announced the Sapta Dhara roadmap for Viksit Bharat.
A nationwide sports talent hunt will identify children aged 5–15 years across schools and villages.
The initiative aims to strengthen India’s participation in Olympic events.
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana has a ₹1 lakh crore outlay.
The scheme aims to create opportunities for 3.5 crore youth.
First-time private-sector employees will receive a ₹15,000 incentive.
A ₹1 lakh crore Innovation Fund will support young entrepreneurs.
A free online coaching initiative will help students prepare for competitive exams.

CCRAS-NIIMH signed an MoU with Sevadhi Museum and Indological Research Institute.
The MoU aims to digitize and preserve rare medical manuscripts.
The initiative is under the Ministry of AYUSH.
Fragile manuscripts will be converted into high-resolution digital formats.
The project will improve global access to traditional Indian medical knowledge.
It will support research and preservation of India’s medical heritage.

IN-SPACe approved India’s first indigenous fully commercial Earth Observation (EO) satellite constellation.
The consortium, Allied Orbits Pvt. Ltd., is led by Pixxel Space India.
Partners include Dhruva Space, PierSight Space and SatSure Analytics India.
The project involves an investment of ₹1,200+ crore and is targeted for 2029.
The constellation will consist of 12 satellites with optical, multispectral, hyperspectral and SAR capabilities.
It will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Indian launch vehicles and domestic mission control centres will be used.