Daily Current Affairs Digest | 28th Aug 2026

1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Completes 12 Years

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on 28 August 2014, has completed 12 years. The financial inclusion programme now covers more than 59 crore bank accounts, with total deposits exceeding ₹3.17 lakh crore. The scheme has played a significant role in expanding access to banking, direct benefit transfers, insurance and other financial services.

2. India to Host the 18th BRICS Summit

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 12–13 September 2026. The summit will be held under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, sustainable development, technological innovation and reforms in global governance.

3. India Records Strong Growth in Defence Production

India’s annual defence production has increased to approximately ₹1.8 lakh crore, while defence exports have reached nearly ₹39,000 crore. The government aims to increase defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2028–29. This growth reflects India’s increasing emphasis on indigenous manufacturing, defence innovation and self-reliance.

4. NABARD and NaBFID Join Hands for Rural Infrastructure

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support rural infrastructure financing. The partnership will focus on irrigation, roads, bridges, cold chains, warehouses, agricultural value chains and commercially viable public-private partnership projects.

5. Prime Minister Modi to Visit Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan on 29–30 August 2026. Discussions are expected to cover trade, defence cooperation, digital connectivity, energy, education and broader strategic relations. The visit is significant for strengthening India’s engagement with Central Asia.

6. Railways Plans to Quadruple Seven High-Density Routes

Indian Railways plans to quadruple seven high-density railway routes covering nearly 11,000 kilometres. These corridors carry approximately 41% of the country’s rail traffic and currently face serious capacity constraints. The expansion is expected to improve passenger movement, freight efficiency and overall railway connectivity.

7. India–Vietnam Coast Guard Exercise Begins

The Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard have commenced the second edition of the Sahyog-HOP TAC exercise off the coast of Chennai. The exercise focuses on maritime safety, search-and-rescue operations, marine pollution response and operational interoperability between the two forces.

8. Praggnanandhaa Creates History in Chess

Indian chess grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has become the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour. He defeated defending champion Fabiano Caruana by 15–13 in the final held at St. Louis, United States. The achievement marks another important milestone in the rapid rise of Indian chess on the global stage.