Daily Current Affairs 27 August 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This article covers the complete Daily Current Affairs of 27 August 2026, including the 53rd PRAGATI meeting reviewing infrastructure projects worth over Rs 30,000 crore, DRDO missile technology transfer to Indian industry, five years of the e-Shram portal, PNGRB approval for 1,800 km of LPG pipelines and SEBI's new IT Resilience Index framework. It includes exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams.
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Introduction to Current Affairs 27 August 2026
The Current Affairs of 27 August 2026 include major developments in infrastructure, social security, defence manufacturing, financial-market resilience and skilling. Important headlines include the 53rd PRAGATI meeting, expansion of the e-Shram portal, transfer of DRDO-developed missile technologies to Indian industry, new LPG pipeline infrastructure and SEBI's IT Resilience Index for critical market institutions.
These developments carry direct relevance for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC examinations because they connect current events with government schemes, institutions, reports and static GK. Aspirants can regularly revise such topics through the daily current affairs section.
National Current Affairs
53rd PRAGATI Meeting Reviews Projects Worth Over Rs 30,000 Crore
Why in News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 53rd PRAGATI meeting on 25 August 2026 and reviewed six major infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 30,000 crore across the Railway, Road and Power sectors.
Quick Facts
- PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
- The ICT-based platform was launched in 2015.
- The six projects reviewed cover nine states.
- PRAGATI integrates digital data management, video conferencing and geospatial technology.
Key Highlights
- The Prime Minister stressed an end-to-end project management approach to prevent delays and cost escalation.
- He advocated common utility corridors while planning major transport infrastructure.
- The meeting also reviewed AgriStack under the Digital Agriculture Mission and the use of Artificial Intelligence in agricultural data processing.
- Cyber fraud and incidents of digital arrest were discussed, with emphasis on targeted awareness and capacity building.
PPPAC Approves Private Operation of 11 Airports in Five Bundles
Why in News: The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) granted in-principle approval for the third round of airport privatisation covering 11 airports grouped into five bundles, with estimated private investment of Rs 8,622 crore.
Quick Facts
- Concession period: 50 years under the Public Private Partnership model.
- Committee chaired by Anuradha Thakur, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs.
- Airport bundles include Amritsar-Kangra, Varanasi-Gaya-Kushinagar, Bhubaneswar-Hubballi, Raipur-Aurangabad and Tiruchirappalli-Tirupati.
- Private concessionaires are expected to invest about Rs 8,622 crore.
Key Highlights
- The proposal represents another phase of expanding private participation in airport operation and development.
- Concessionaires would be required to retain 60% of Airports Authority of India employees for up to three years.
- The investment includes capacity-expansion and infrastructure expenditure at the selected airports.
PMFME Conclave 2026 and PMFME Bazaar Held in New Delhi
Why in News: Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated the PMFME Conclave 2026 and PMFME Bazaar at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, during 24-25 August 2026, bringing together more than 500 stakeholders.
Quick Facts
- PMFME stands for Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises.
- The Bazaar showcased enterprises from 25 States and Union Territories.
- Organising ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
- Participants included micro enterprises, SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs.
Key Highlights
- The event promoted branding, digital commerce, finance, technology and wider market access for micro food enterprises.
- A Coffee Table Book featuring 30 PMFME success stories and FoodNova Magazine were released.
- MoUs were signed with APEDA, ONDC and NABKISAN to strengthen market and institutional linkages.
International Current Affairs
India and Seychelles Strengthen Fisheries and Blue Economy Cooperation
Why in News: India and the Republic of Seychelles held a high-level bilateral meeting on 25 August 2026 to build a strategic roadmap for cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the Blue Economy.
Quick Facts
- Indian delegation led by Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries.
- Seychelles delegation led by Wallace Cosgrow, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy.
- Seychelles capital: Victoria; currency: Seychellois Rupee.
- India's fish production was reported at 19.7 million tonnes.
Key Highlights
- Cooperation areas include marine aquaculture, modern hatcheries, tuna fisheries and marine conservation.
- The two sides discussed Monitoring, Control and Surveillance infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence-based harvest management.
- India's seafood exports were valued at about USD 8.46 billion.
- A bilateral MoU and structured annual work plan were proposed for scientific and institutional cooperation.
Economy & Banking
SEBI Introduces IT Resilience Index for Market Infrastructure Institutions
Why in News: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced an IT Resilience Index (ITRI) framework to measure the robustness and operational resilience of critical technology systems used by stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.
Quick Facts
- The ITRI assesses technology resilience across nine parameters.
- Availability and Security receive the highest weightage of 20% each.
- Integrity, Governance, Reliability & Monitoring, Business Continuity and Modularity & Flexibility receive 10% each.
- Scalability carries a 5% weightage.
Key Highlights
- The framework seeks to improve the resilience of technology-dependent securities-market infrastructure.
- Early Warning Systems and real-time monitoring of service delivery are to be operationalised by 28 February 2027.
- The first ITRI computation will cover the half-year ending 31 March 2027.
PNGRB Approves 1,800 km LPG Pipeline Expansion Worth Rs 7,000 Crore
Why in News: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) authorised three LPG pipeline projects covering around 1,800 km across six states, involving an estimated investment of Rs 7,000 crore.
Quick Facts
- All three projects will be developed by GAIL (India) Limited.
- Cherlapally-Nagpur pipeline: 556 km.
- Jhansi-Sitarganj pipeline: 611 km.
- Shikrapur-Goa-Hubli pipeline: 633 km.
Key Highlights
- The authorised LPG pipeline network will increase from around 7,700 km to 9,500 km, a rise of about 23.5%.
- The expansion is intended to improve inland movement of imported LPG from coastal terminals.
- Pipelines can reduce dependence on road tankers while improving transport efficiency, reliability and line-pack storage flexibility.
Government Schemes
Mission Samriddh Gaon Launched for Poverty-Free, Employment-Rich Villages
Why in News: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Mission Samriddh Gaon at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to develop integrated models of poverty-free and employment-rich villages.
Quick Facts
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
- Pilot locations: Budni block in Sehore district and Khategaon block in Dewas district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Planning will operate at family, Gram Panchayat and block levels.
- The mission is aligned with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
Key Highlights
- The mission seeks livelihood opportunities for every family and reduced distress migration.
- Eligible households will be linked with relevant Central and State government schemes.
- It emphasises convergence across agriculture, employment, health, education and rural infrastructure.
- Successful pilot models are intended for replication in other parts of India.
e-Shram Portal Completes Five Years
Why in News: The e-Shram Portal completed five years on 26 August 2026, marking a major milestone in building a national database and social-security delivery system for India's unorganised workforce.
Quick Facts
- Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2021.
- Each registered worker receives a unique 12-digit Universal Account Number.
- Registrations reached around 31.89 crore by August 2026.
- The portal was developed with the National Informatics Centre.
Key Highlights
- The e-Shram One-Stop Solution integrates multiple social-security and welfare schemes for unorganised workers.
- The portal supports access to schemes including PM-SYM, PMSBY and PMJJBY.
- Multilingual functionality was expanded to 22 languages using the Bhashini platform.
- Women account for more than half of total registrations reported in August 2026.
Odisha Launches Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship for SC and ST Students
Why in News: The Odisha government launched the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scheme on 23 August 2026 to financially support meritorious Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students pursuing higher education abroad.
Quick Facts
- Annual beneficiaries: 50 students.
- Maximum scholarship: Rs 25 lakh per annum.
- Students must secure admission to institutions ranked within the Top 200 of the QS World University Rankings.
- Beneficiary groups: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students of Odisha.
Key Highlights
- The scholarship can cover tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses.
- International travel, medical insurance and incidental expenses are also included.
- The initiative seeks to improve access to globally ranked institutions for disadvantaged communities.
Reports & Indices
NITI Aayog Releases 'Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047'
Why in News: NITI Aayog released the report 'Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047', outlining a future skilling architecture and identifying around 8.7 crore people aged 15-29 in the NEET category.
Quick Facts
- NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment or Training.
- The relevant age group is 15-29 years.
- NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015.
- The Prime Minister serves as its ex-officio Chairperson.
Key Highlights
- The report identifies five learner/workforce segments for building India's skilling architecture.
- The 8.7 crore NEET figure should not be interpreted simply as unemployed youth; the category also includes persons not seeking employment.
- The report highlights affordability barriers and the need for subsidised training and mid-career reskilling.
- It links skills policy with emerging sectors and the objectives of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Science & Technology
CSIR-NAL Unveils Indigenous NJ-Series Gas Turbine Engines
Why in News: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines—NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100—on 25 August 2026 in New Delhi for unmanned defence applications.
Quick Facts
- NJ-05 thrust: 5 kg.
- NJ-50 thrust: 50 kg.
- NJ-100 thrust: 100 kg.
- CSIR-NAL was established in 1959 and is headquartered in Bengaluru.
Key Highlights
- The engines are intended for tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems.
- They incorporate high-RPM turbomachinery and advanced high-temperature combustion technologies.
- Gas turbine engines operate on the Brayton cycle.
- The development strengthens indigenous aerospace propulsion capability under the broader goal of technological self-reliance.
Environment
UNDP and HUL Expand Plastic Circular Economy Partnership
Why in News: UNDP India and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced a new phase of their seven-year collaboration to strengthen an inclusive circular economy for plastics across India.
Quick Facts
- Target: support 50,000 Safai Mitras.
- Coverage: strengthen waste-management systems across 50 cities by 2028.
- The initiative forms part of HUL's Project Circular Bharat.
- Focus areas include social inclusion, urban systems, recycling efficiency and knowledge transfer.
Key Highlights
- The programme aims to formalise and improve livelihoods of waste workers, with particular focus on women.
- It seeks stronger links across segregation, collection, recovery, recycling and reintegration of plastic materials.
- The initiative contributes to sustainable urban waste management and responsible consumption and production.
Defence
DRDO Missile Technologies Cleared for Transfer to Indian Industry
Why in News: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Transfer of Technology of all conventional missile systems developed by DRDO to eligible Indian defence manufacturers on 25 August 2026.
Quick Facts
- Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Established: 1958; headquarters: New Delhi.
- Administrative ministry: Ministry of Defence.
- Technology transfer covers conventional missile systems subject to qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements.
Key Highlights
- The decision seeks to move missile technologies from development into industrial-scale indigenous production.
- Both public and private Indian defence manufacturers can participate subject to eligibility conditions.
- The policy is expected to increase participation of MSMEs in the defence supply chain.
- It supports Aatmanirbharta in defence and reduction of import dependence.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- Mission Samriddh Gaon → Ministry of Rural Development → pilot in Budni and Khategaon blocks of Madhya Pradesh.
- 53rd PRAGATI meeting → PM Narendra Modi → reviewed six projects worth over Rs 30,000 crore.
- Airport PPP round → 11 airports in five bundles → estimated private investment of Rs 8,622 crore.
- DRDO missile technology → transferred to eligible Indian industry → approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
- PMFME Conclave 2026 → New Delhi → Bazaar featured enterprises from 25 States and UTs.
- UNDP-HUL plastics partnership → 50,000 Safai Mitras → 50 cities targeted by 2028.
- Indigenous popcorn maize hybrid → ICAR-IIMR and Gourmet Popcornica → India's first indigenous non-GMO high-expansion popcorn hybrid.
- Sahyog HOP TAC → India-Vietnam Coast Guard exercise → second edition hosted in Chennai.
- WAE-UN GCNI partnership → water sustainability → aligned with UNGC principles and multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
- SEBI ITRI → nine resilience parameters → Availability and Security receive 20% weightage each.
- Tata Capital-Resona Bank MoU → supports Japanese firms in India → followed Resona's USD 20 million fund commitment.
- ICGS Ajit → handed over by Goa Shipyard → seventh of eight Fast Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard.
- CSIR-NAL engines → NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 → developed for UAVs and compact missile systems.
- Dolly Parton → American country music legend → passed away aged 80 in Nashville.
- World Water Week 2026 → 23-27 August → theme: “Water for People and Progress”.
- Puducherry Budget 2026-27 → Rs 14,300 crore → tax-free budget presented by CM N. Rangasamy.
- Tamil Nadu welfare announcements → three free LPG cylinders and expanded free bus travel → announced by CM C. Joseph Vijay.
- e-Shram Portal → completed five years → registrations reached about 31.89 crore by August 2026.
- New criminal laws → BNS, BNSS and BSA → Amit Shah set one-year target for full implementation.
- Delhi Laxmi Yojana → 4,000 women → sanction letters distributed to eligible beneficiaries.
- AK-203 'Sher' → fully indigenised assault rifle → successfully test-fired at Korwa, Amethi.
- H1N1 advisory → issued by Indian Medical Association → emphasised prevention, awareness and timely care.
- Shimla earthquake → Himachal Pradesh → magnitude recorded at 4.0.
- India-Morocco trade → bilateral target → both countries aim to double trade by 2030.
- US-Canada trade dispute → Canadian counter-tariffs → selected US goods face duties of up to 50%.
- Grand Chess Tour → R. Praggnanandhaa → defeated Vincent Keymer 19-9 to reach the Final.
- Miss Universe India 2026 → Kaziah Liz Mejo → first Keralite to win the national title.
- PNGRB LPG expansion → 1,800 km → three GAIL projects worth about Rs 7,000 crore.
- Bidesh Sikhyabruti → Odisha SC/ST overseas scholarship → up to Rs 25 lakh annually for 50 students.
- India-Seychelles cooperation → fisheries, aquaculture and Blue Economy → bilateral meeting held on 25 August 2026.
- AIM-424 Malice → long-range US air-to-air missile → revealed after fit testing on an F-35 aircraft.
- India Open 2028 → Guwahati → Super 750 badminton tournament scheduled for 25-30 January.
- Slave Trade Remembrance Day → 23 August → recalls the 1791 uprising that helped trigger the Haitian Revolution.
- Kuku Kohli → Bollywood filmmaker → passed away aged 77 on 25 August 2026.
- FIP Excellence Awards 2026 → Publications Division → won seven awards across Hindi, English and Urdu publications.
- Citigroup-Axis Bank partnership → NRI foreign-currency deposits → designed to support offshore financing and forex inflows.
- Karn Sharma → former Indian leg-spinner → retired from all competitive cricket at age 38.
- NITI skilling report → 8.7 crore NEET youth → NEET must not be equated automatically with unemployment.
- Africa Before America → new book by Arindam Chaudhuri → focuses on global income inequality and egalitarianism.
- Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 → launched by G. Kishan Reddy → supports National Critical Mineral Mission objectives.
- TCS-MHP deal → TCS to acquire Porsche subsidiary MHP → enterprise value EUR 320 million.
- World Humanoid Robot Games → Chinese robot → completed 100 metres in a record 8.86 seconds.
- NSG Mahila Commando Conversion Course → Manesar → first such course for women personnel, lasting 12 weeks.
- Tribal Languages & Museums Conclave → Mysuru → launched upgraded Adi Vaani platform and AI assistant Jago.
- National India Hub Day → Illinois Senate → proclaimed August 15 during India Fest 2026.
- Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary → Gujarat → identified as an important breeding stronghold for the Black-necked Stork.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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