1. Sonam Wangchuk’s Detention Sparks Protests in Ladakh
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following a violent protest in Leh, prompting the Ministry of Home Affairs to cancel his NGO’s FCRA license.
• Curfew remains enforced for the fourth day in Leh, with intensified police and paramilitary patrolling to curb unrest over demands for statehood and environmental protections.
• Over 5 crore citizens participated in the Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath initiative under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, led by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
• The Election Commission of India introduced an e-sign feature on its ECINET portal for streamlined voter services, enhancing digital accessibility.
• Uttar Pradesh integrates with the Yuktdhara Portal from April 2026 to monitor MNREGS works in real-time using GIS technology.
• Concepts: Article 19(1)(b): Right to form associations, relevant to NGO regulations under FCRA.
2. Ladakh Protests Escalate Over Statehood Demands
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
• Intense protests in Ladakh highlight grievances on autonomy, with locals demanding safeguards for land and culture amid fears of demographic changes.
• The National Zoological Park enhanced biosecurity after detecting bird flu in painted storks, increasing surveillance to prevent spread.
• Cabinet approved doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur–Tilaiya rail line to boost connectivity in Bihar’s flood-prone areas.
• EC de-listed 474 political parties for norm violations, aiming to streamline electoral processes.
• India marks 60 years of the 1965 War victory, commemorating military valor against Pakistan.
• The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) was launched in New Delhi to expedite tax dispute resolutions.
• Concepts: Article 370 Abrogation: Implications for UT governance and local aspirations in Ladakh.
3. India-Mauritius Ties Strengthened with $680 Million Aid Package
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
• PM Modi announced a USD 680 million package during Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam’s Varanasi visit, focusing on health, infrastructure, and maritime security.
• Includes construction of a new national hospital, Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and AYUSH Centre of Excellence to enhance bilateral cooperation.
• India reaffirms support for Palestinian statehood, with over 150 UN members recognizing it; India did so in 1988.
• PM Modi to visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, discussing trade and strategic partnerships.
• Russia opens 1 million job slots for Indian workers, boosting labor mobility amid global talent competition.
• Concepts: Indo-Pacific Strategy: Mauritius as a key partner in maritime security and SAGAR vision.
4. Make in India Initiative Celebrates 11th Anniversary
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
• PM Modi highlighted the initiative’s role in transforming India’s manufacturing and entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past decade.
• NUCFDC signed MoU with CSC SPV to digitize Urban Cooperative Banks, aiming for nationwide financial inclusion.
• World Food India 2025 attracts over Rs 1 trillion investments, with MoUs worth Rs 75,000 crore from Reliance, Coca-Cola, and others.
• Maharashtra’s 2025 housing policy allocates Rs 70,000 crore for 3.5 million affordable homes by 2030, targeting urban centers.
• GeM portal achieves Rs 15 lakh crore procurement milestone, promoting transparent public spending.
• Fitch upgrades India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.9%, driven by domestic demand and strong monsoons.
• Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat: Link to export promotion and self-reliance in key sectors like food processing.
5. IAF Retires MiG-21 Fleet After 63 Years of Service
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
• The iconic MiG-21 was decommissioned at Chandigarh Air Base, marking the end of an era that inspired indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas.
• DRDO explores converting LCA Tejas prototypes into unmanned platforms for testing autonomous systems and sensors.
• MoD considers leasing Indian-developed weapons, including fighter jets, to foreign nations under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Revival of Advanced Landing Grounds at Chushul and Anini near LAC to enhance IAF operations with UAVs and helicopters.
• BEML, Bharat Forge, and Data Patterns sign tripartite MoU to support AMCA programme development.
• Concepts: Agnipath Scheme: Relevance to modernizing squadrons and reducing legacy fleet dependencies.
