Wednesday, 19 August 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

A stampede at Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar killed at least seven, exposing chronic failures in religious crowd management. Rural employment under the new VB-G RAM G Act plunged 43% amid transition delays from MGNREGA, while new plans address human-elephant conflict, defence indigenisation advances via the 6th PIL, Iran moves toward BRICS NDB membership, PM CARES Fund reports low FY25 spending, and India launches its first grasslands guide.

Topics in this edition

  1. The Employment Guarantee in Limbo (own page)
  2. Methods to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict (own page)
  3. The Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) (own page)
  4. The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) (own page)
  5. The PM CARES Fund (own page)
  6. India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (own page)
  7. Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (own page)

Current affairs

The Employment Guarantee in Limbo

Economist Jean Drèze highlighted a sharp contraction in rural employment during the transition from MGNREGA to the VB-G RAM G Act 2025. April–July 2026 generated only 70 crore person-days, a 43% drop from previous years, due to delayed rules, 60:40 cost sharing and digital compliance barriers.

Quick highlights

  • April–July 2026: only 70 crore person-days generated, 43% lower than 2024-25 average of 128 crore.
  • July 2026: 8.3–9 crore person-days, over 40% decline from July 2025.
  • In 10 of 19 major states including UP, MP and Jharkhand, work generation declined 60-85%.
  • Union Budget 2026-27 allocated ₹95,692 crore (total outlay ~₹1.5 lakh crore with state share).
  • Act expands guarantee from 100 to 125 days but rules were notified only in June 2026.
  • Shift to 60:40 cost sharing, facial recognition mandates and pre-fixed ceilings stalled implementation.

Context

Economist Jean Drèze highlighted a sharp contraction in rural employment generation during the transition from the repealed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 to the new Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025.

Key Facts

April–July 2026 generated only 70 crore person-days (43% drop from 2024-25 average). July 2026 saw 8.3–9 crore person-days, over 40% lower than July 2025. Ten of 19 major states recorded 60-85% decline. Budget allocation ₹95,692 crore (total ~₹1.5 lakh crore). Rules finalised end-June 2026 after Act passage in December 2025. Shift from demand-driven to pre-fixed allocations and mandatory biometrics cited as reasons.

Significance

The transition was meant to expand guaranteed days to 125 and create durable assets. However, administrative delays and fiscal frictions have temporarily stalled rural safety nets exactly when agricultural slack season demand peaks, affecting poorest households.

Challenges / Way Forward

Challenges: delayed rule-making, 60:40 cost-sharing burden on states, facial recognition barriers in remote areas, pre-fixed ceilings suppressing work. Way forward: dedicated state revolving fund, offline verification alternatives, treat allocations as indicative not rigid caps, capacity building for gram panchayats, regular social audits and enforcement of unemployment allowance.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II – Governance: welfare schemes, centre-state fiscal relations. Mains: Examine structural changes in VB-G RAM G Act vs MGNREGA and their implications for rural employment security. Prelims: person-days data, 60:40 split, demand-driven vs normative allocation.

Remember this

  • VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 replaces MGNREGA and expands guarantee to 125 days.
  • April–July 2026: 70 crore person-days generated (43% decline).
  • July 2026 performance: 8.3–9 crore person-days (>40% drop).
  • Budget 2026-27: ₹95,692 crore allocation (total outlay ~₹1.5 lakh crore).
  • Rules finalised end-June 2026 after December 2025 passage.
  • New model shifts from pure demand-driven to pre-fixed state allocations.
  • Jean Drèze highlighted the contraction in rural employment.

Methods to Reduce Human-Elephant Conflict

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released a Regional Action Plan for Comprehensive Understanding and Management of Human-Elephant Conflict at the 23rd Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant. The plan recommends invasive species control, landscape zoning, habitat restoration, corridor protection, spatial risk mapping and community participation.

Quick highlights

  • Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) results in human/elephant deaths, crop damage and livelihood losses.
  • Recommendations: control invasive plants, landscape zoning into conservation, co-existence and management zones.
  • Restore habitats through fodder enrichment and water augmentation.
  • Protect corridors using ecological assessments and landscape-level planning.
  • Conduct spatial conflict-risk mapping and promote community-based management.
  • In high-conflict zones consider translocation alongside technological interventions.

Context

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released a Regional Action Plan for Comprehensive Understanding and Management of Human-Elephant Conflict during the 23rd Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant.

Key Facts

HEC involves negative interactions leading to deaths, injuries, crop/property damage. Key recommendations include mechanical/herbicide/biological control of invasive species (with risk assessment), conflict-based landscape zoning (Conservation, Co-existence and Management Zones), habitat restoration via fodder and water augmentation, corridor protection, spatial risk mapping, community participation and targeted translocation in chronic conflict areas.

Significance

The plan promotes habitat improvement to reduce elephant incursions into farms, uses zoning for differentiated interventions and integrates community participation, supporting both biodiversity conservation and livelihood security.

Challenges / Way Forward

Challenges include balancing conservation with human safety in fragmented landscapes and ensuring safeguards during invasive species control. Way forward: landscape-level planning, ecological restoration, community institutional capacity building and location-specific measures instead of uniform strategies.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III – Environment: human-wildlife conflict, Project Elephant, invasive species, wildlife corridors. Prelims: MoEFCC Regional Action Plan, three types of zoning, key recommendations. Mains: role of community participation and habitat restoration in HEC mitigation.

Remember this

  • MoEFCC released Regional Action Plan for HEC at 23rd Project Elephant Steering Committee.
  • HEC causes human/elephant mortality, crop raiding and livelihood losses.
  • Three landscape zones: Elephant Conservation, Human-Elephant Co-existence, Human-Elephant Management.
  • Key tools: invasive species control, habitat restoration, corridor protection, spatial risk mapping.
  • Community-based conflict management is a core recommendation.
  • Project Elephant is the flagship scheme for elephant conservation.

The Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)

The Department of Defence Production notified the 6th Positive Indigenisation List containing 405 strategically important defence items with estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore. Once indigenisation deadlines are reached, imports of these items are prohibited for the Armed Forces and DPSUs.

Quick highlights

  • 6th Positive Indigenisation List notified by Department of Defence Production.
  • Contains 405 items with business potential of ₹3,070 crore.
  • Items get progressive indigenisation deadlines after which imports are banned.
  • DMA lists cover major platforms; DDP lists cover sub-assemblies, LRUs, sensors and raw materials.
  • Implemented via SRIJAN portal, Make-I/II/III categories and guaranteed procurement.
  • Part of Defence Acquisition Procedure and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

Context

The Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, has notified the 6th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) containing 405 strategically important defence items with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.

Key Facts

PIL is a negative import list; once deadline is reached, Indian Armed Forces and DPSUs cannot import the item. Hosted on SRIJAN portal launched in 2020. Dual classification: DMA lists major platforms; DDP lists sub-assemblies, LRUs, sensors, ammunition and raw materials. Executed through Make category procedures with quality assurance and guaranteed procurement for successful domestic vendors.

Significance

The list systematically reduces import dependence, fosters MSME and startup capabilities in critical technologies and supports India’s emergence as a global defence manufacturing hub under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Challenges / Way Forward

Challenges include prototype development timelines, quality standards for military use and supply chain localisation. Way forward: continued use of SRIJAN portal for industry participation, phased timelines and assured orders to successful domestic developers.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III – Defence: indigenisation, Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Prelims: Positive Indigenisation List, 6th list details, SRIJAN portal, DMA vs DDP lists. Frequently asked as match the following on defence reforms.

Remember this

  • 6th PIL notified by Department of Defence Production.
  • Contains 405 items; estimated business potential ₹3,070 crore.
  • Items get binding cut-off year after which imports are embargoed.
  • SRIJAN Portal (launched August 2020) hosts items for domestic development.
  • Two tracks: DMA lists major platforms; DDP lists sub-systems and raw materials.
  • Linked to Defence Acquisition Procedure and Make-I/II/III categories.

The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB)

Iran is advancing toward official membership in the BRICS New Development Bank. The NDB, established in 2014 and headquartered in Shanghai, finances sustainable infrastructure and green projects in emerging markets with equal voting rights among founding members and promotes local-currency lending.

Quick highlights

  • NDB established by BRICS nations; formal agreement signed July 15, 2014 in Fortaleza.
  • Headquartered in Shanghai; first President was India’s K.V. Kamath.
  • Founding members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) have equal voting rights; no veto power.
  • Expanded members include Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, Algeria and Uzbekistan (2026).
  • Focus: sustainable infrastructure, green bonds, local currency lending and counter-cyclical support.
  • Iran advancing toward official membership as announced by its Central Bank Governor.

Context

Abdolnasser Hemmati, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, announced that Iran is advancing toward official membership in the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).

Key Facts

NDB proposal mooted by India in 2012; agreement signed 2014; operational 2015. Headquarters Shanghai with regional hubs in Johannesburg, São Paulo, Moscow and GIFT City. Founding members hold equal voting rights with minimum 55% collective share. Current expanded members: Bangladesh (2021), UAE (2021), Egypt, Algeria (2024), Uzbekistan (2026). Functions include long-term loans for infrastructure, local-currency lending, green financing and emergency assistance.

Significance

NDB provides South-South cooperation alternative to traditional MDBs, reduces forex risk through local currency loans and supports climate and infrastructure needs of emerging economies without single-country veto power.

Challenges / Way Forward

Maintaining founding BRICS voting majority while expanding membership and scaling project preparation capacity in borrower countries remain key tasks. Continued focus on green and sustainable projects will enhance its global relevance.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II – IR: multilateral development banks, BRICS institutions. Prelims: NDB establishment year (2014), headquarters, first President, expanded members list, difference from Bretton Woods (equal voting).

Remember this

  • NDB formal agreement: July 15, 2014 at 6th BRICS Summit, Fortaleza.
  • Headquarters: Shanghai, China; first President: K.V. Kamath (India).
  • Founding members have equal voting rights; no single-country veto.
  • Expanded members: Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, Algeria, Uzbekistan (2026).
  • Iran advancing toward official membership.
  • Focus areas: sustainable infrastructure, local currency lending, green bonds.

The PM CARES Fund

The PM CARES Fund released delayed FY 2023-24 and 2024-25 audited statements showing expenditure of just ₹87.85 lakh in FY25 against income of ₹1,279.9 crore and a closing balance of ₹8,452.06 crore. The fund is a public charitable trust for emergency relief during health crises, calamities and disasters.

Quick highlights

  • PM CARES registered on March 27, 2020 as public charitable trust.
  • FY25: income ₹1,279.9 crore, expenditure ₹87.85 lakh, closing balance ₹8,452.06 crore.
  • Chaired by Prime Minister with Defence, Home and Finance Ministers as ex-officio trustees.
  • 100% tax exemption under Section 80G; eligible for CSR spending.
  • Accepts voluntary contributions including foreign donations under FCRA exemption.
  • Purpose: relief during public health emergencies, natural calamities and disasters.

Context

The PM CARES Fund released its delayed FY 2023-24 and 2024-25 audited statements, showing expenditure of just ₹87.85 lakh in FY25, against ₹1,279.9 crore income and an ₹8,452.06 crore closing balance.

Key Facts

Established March 27, 2020 under Registration Act, 1908. Trustees: PM (ex-officio Chair), Defence, Home and Finance Ministers plus nominated members serving pro bono. No government budgetary support; entirely voluntary contributions. 100% tax exemption u/s 80G, CSR eligible and FCRA-exempt foreign contribution account. Objective: emergency relief, healthcare infrastructure and research during crises.

Significance

The fund was created for rapid, flexible response to unforeseen emergencies such as COVID-19. Low FY25 utilisation despite large corpus highlights issues of timely deployment during non-crisis periods.

Challenges / Way Forward

Challenges include transparency in utilisation and timely deployment for intended relief. Way forward: regular and timely audit disclosures, clear guidelines for ongoing vs emergency use and greater synergy with existing government schemes.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II – Governance: statutory bodies, transparency and accountability of public trusts. Prelims: establishment date, trustees, tax benefits, difference from PMNRF.

Remember this

  • PM CARES registered: March 27, 2020.
  • FY25 income: ₹1,279.9 crore; expenditure: ₹87.85 lakh.
  • Closing balance FY25: ₹8,452.06 crore.
  • Ex-officio trustees: PM, Defence, Home and Finance Ministers.
  • 100% deduction u/s 80G and eligible for CSR.
  • Accepts foreign contributions under FCRA exemption.

India Launches First-Ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems

India released its first-ever comprehensive guide to grasslands and other open natural ecosystems. The document aims to improve understanding, conservation and sustainable management of these ecologically vital but often neglected landscapes.

Quick highlights

  • First-ever official guide focused exclusively on grasslands and open natural ecosystems.
  • Grasslands are critical for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and supporting pastoral communities.
  • Often classified as wastelands, leading to conversion for agriculture or forestry.
  • Guide expected to inform policy, restoration and sustainable management practices.
  • Released in the context of broader environment and climate initiatives.
  • Subject falls under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Context

India has launched its first-ever guide to grasslands and other open natural ecosystems, addressing a long-standing gap in the scientific and policy recognition of these landscapes.

Key Facts

The guide is the country’s first comprehensive official document on grasslands and open natural ecosystems. These areas support unique biodiversity, livestock-based livelihoods and provide important ecosystem services including carbon storage. They have historically been neglected or misclassified as wastelands in policy and land-use planning.

Significance

The guide is expected to mainstream scientific understanding, guide restoration efforts and inform land-use policies, helping conserve these ecosystems while supporting dependent communities and contributing to climate goals.

Challenges / Way Forward

Challenges include widespread conversion to other land uses, inadequate data and low policy priority. The guide provides a foundation for better mapping, community involvement in management and integration into environmental regulations and restoration programmes.

Exam Angle

GS Paper III – Environment: conservation of grasslands, open natural ecosystems, biodiversity outside forests. Prelims: significance of grasslands, threats and first-ever national guide. Essay topic on holistic ecosystem conservation beyond forests.

Remember this

  • India released its first-ever guide to grasslands and open natural ecosystems.
  • Grasslands support unique biodiversity and pastoral livelihoods.
  • Often misclassified as wastelands leading to conversion pressures.
  • Important for carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
  • Guide aims to improve scientific understanding and policy focus.
  • Falls under broader MoEFCC environment initiatives.

Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing an Ebola outbreak. The development was highlighted among key international health and security developments covered on this date.

Quick highlights

  • Ebola outbreak reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past two decades.
  • The virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.
  • Response typically involves contact tracing, vaccination and community engagement.
  • International organisations including WHO coordinate containment efforts.
  • Mentioned alongside other global developments in the current affairs round-up.

Context

The DRC’s Ebola outbreak was listed among important international developments covered in the day’s current affairs.

Key Facts

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing an Ebola outbreak. The country has a history of multiple Ebola virus disease outbreaks. Ebola is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever with high case fatality rates. Standard response includes surveillance, contact tracing, safe burial practices and deployment of vaccines where available.

Significance

Ebola outbreaks in the DRC have regional and global health security implications, testing emergency response systems and requiring coordinated international assistance.

Challenges / Way Forward

Challenges include conflict-affected areas limiting access, community mistrust and weak health infrastructure. Way forward involves rapid deployment of vaccines, strengthened surveillance, community engagement and support from WHO and partners.

Exam Angle

GS Paper II – Health & IR: global health security, disease outbreaks. Prelims: Ebola virus disease, past DRC outbreaks, WHO role. Map-based questions on DRC location in Central Africa.

Remember this

  • Current Ebola outbreak reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • DRC has recorded multiple Ebola outbreaks in recent decades.
  • Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rate.
  • Response measures: contact tracing, vaccination, safe burials.
  • WHO and international partners coordinate containment.
  • DRC located in Central Africa with dense tropical forests.

General knowledge

All editions · UPSC current affairs · SSC current affairs · Banking current affairs · Railway current affairs · State PSC current affairs · Defence current affairs · Teaching current affairs