Daily notes mapped to syllabus topics, with “Asked before” PYQs and original practice MCQs.
A PIB backgrounder of 9 August 2026 traces how CPGRAMS, the central online grievance portal, has grown. Grievances handled rose from about 3.01 lakh in 2014 to around 27 lakh in 2024. Average disposal time in central ministries fell from 157 days to 15 days in 2025. The deadline is now 21 days.
UPSC angle: Prelims: DARPG.
9 Aug 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from US Vice President J.D. Vance on 8 August 2026. They reviewed progress in the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and recommitted to closer cooperation in trade, defence, critical and emerging technologies, energy security and critical minerals. They also discussed regional and global developments.
UPSC angle: Mains: India–US ties.
8 Aug 2026
On 8 August 2026 the Petroleum Ministry said oil marketing companies ran extra nationwide tests on E20 petrol after media reports of moisture and up to 500 ppm chloride. Refinery petrol showed 1 ppm or less, distillery ethanol under 3 ppm, and retail samples 0 to 3 ppm. Only four outlets showed high chloride; their supply was suspended.
UPSC angle: Prelims: E20 basics.
8 Aug 2026
On 8 August 2026 the Finance Ministry said UPI users will not pay any transaction charge and person-to-person transfers stay free. A Bill to amend Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 only enables a merchant charge (MDR). If one comes, it will be nominal, threshold-based and on a limited set of merchant payments.
UPSC angle: Prelims: MDR.
8 Aug 2026
On 8 August 2026 the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry launched E-Samudra, one digital platform for services to seafarers, shipping companies and ports. It offers end-to-end workflows, online payment, real-time tracking and digital certificates. India's active seafarer workforce grew from about 1.03 lakh in 2013 to more than 3.23 lakh in 2025.
UPSC angle: Prelims: maritime e-governance.
8 Aug 2026
A PIB backgrounder of 8 August 2026 explains how the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched on 9 August 2016, moved public buying online. It links more than 1.37 lakh government buyer organisations with nearly 25 lakh sellers, and cumulative procurement has crossed ₹20 lakh crore. In 2025-26, over 11 lakh MSEs got orders worth over ₹2.36 lakh crore.
UPSC angle: Prelims: GeM.
8 Aug 2026
In Lok Sabha replies on 7 August 2026, MEA said India's 2022 Arctic Policy, "India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development", guides its Nordic ties. Ties were raised to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. On the UNSC, MEA said expansion needs an amendment of the UN Charter.
UPSC angle: Prelims: India's Arctic Policy (2022). · Mains: UNSC reform.
7 Aug 2026
Indian Railways loaded 1,670 million tonnes of freight in 2025-26, up from 1,098 MT in 2014-15, the Railway Minister told Rajya Sabha on 7 August 2026. That makes it the second largest freight-carrying railway in the world. Both Dedicated Freight Corridors are commissioned, and 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals now handle cargo.
UPSC angle: Prelims: DFC routes.
7 Aug 2026
The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm brought 2.73 lakh hectares under oil palm between 2021-22 and 2025-26, against a target of 6.5 lakh hectares, the Agriculture Ministry told Rajya Sabha on 7 August 2026. The Centre released ₹1,447.21 crore to 15 States. Annual Action Plans of ₹1,143.9 crore have been approved for 2026-27.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NMEO-OP.
7 Aug 2026
On 7 August 2026 Bhutan's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources held two meetings in New Delhi, with India's Power Minister and with the Jal Shakti Minister. They reviewed hydropower projects such as Punatsangchhu-I, Punatsangchhu-II, Sankosh and Chukha, cross-border power trade, flood forecasting and the sharing of hydrological data on trans-border rivers.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Bhutan hydro projects.
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