Daily Current Affairs Digest | 26th Aug 2026

1. India–China Boundary Talks

India and China agreed to continue efforts towards a political settlement of the boundary question during the 25th Special Representatives’ Talks. India reiterated that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border is essential for stable bilateral relations and long-term cooperation between the two countries.

2. Jal Jeevan Mission Extended Until 2028

The Union Cabinet extended the Jal Jeevan Mission until December 2028. The mission will now shift its focus from infrastructure creation to sustainable and reliable service delivery. Implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, it aims to ensure functional household tap-water connections across rural India.

3. Expansion of India’s Merchant Fleet

India plans to add 100 vessels to its merchant fleet over the next five years. Announced at Sagar Samvad, the initiative seeks to reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies and lower India’s substantial foreign freight expenditure. It also supports the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030.

4. Indian Navy to Commission Nipun

The Indian Navy will commission Nipun, the second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, on 31 August. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, the vessel will strengthen India’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine-rescue operations. It also represents another important step towards defence indigenisation.

5. New Standards for Nitrosamine Impurities

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission launched seven reference standards for nitrosamine impurities to improve pharmaceutical quality control. Nitrosamines are considered genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. The Commission, functioning under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, establishes official quality standards for medicines manufactured and marketed in India.

6. Five Years of the e-Shram Portal

The e-Shram Portal completed five years of operation. Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2021, it created India’s first Aadhaar-seeded National Database of Unorganised Workers. The portal facilitates targeted delivery of welfare schemes and strengthens social-security coverage for workers in the unorganised sector.

7. Prime Minister Reviews Projects Through PRAGATI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed six major Railway, Road and Power projects worth over ₹30,000 crore during the 53rd PRAGATI meeting. The review emphasised timely implementation, interdepartmental coordination and integrated infrastructure planning. Special attention was given to common utility corridors for improving connectivity and economic efficiency.

8. India–Seychelles Blue Economy Cooperation

India and Seychelles identified fisheries and the wider blue economy as major pillars of economic growth, rural employment and sustainable development. Cooperation with Seychelles is strategically important because of the country’s location in the western Indian Ocean. The partnership also supports India’s broader maritime engagement and regional-security interests.