Daily Current Affairs - 25 August 2026

Introduction

The CareerUdaya Daily Current Affairs - 25 August 2026 edition brings together ten examination-focused developments for APSC, ADRE, Assam Police, Assam TET, SSC, Banking and Railway aspirants. The notes cover Assam and Northeast winners of the National Awards to Teachers, the 25th India-China Special Representatives talks, DRDO missile-technology transfer, April-July steel data, five years of e-Shram, C-DOT's quantum-secure products, Japan's 10-trillion-yen investment goal, the 9th National Security Strategies Conference, the PMFME Conclave, and a South Asian gut-microbiome baseline from BSIP Lucknow. Attempt the Daily Current Affairs Quiz - 25 August 2026 after revising the notes.

Assam & Education - National Awards to Teachers 2026

The Ministry of Education announced the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2026. President Droupadi Murmu will confer them at Vigyan Bhawan on 5 September 2026 (Teachers' Day). The school category has 48 awardees from 27 States, seven Union Territories and six Central organisations (26 men, 22 women), selected through a three-stage District-State-National process. The higher-education and polytechnic category, added in 2023 to align with NEP 2020, has 21 awardees: 12 from central HEIs, five from State universities and colleges, and four from polytechnics. Each HEI award carries a Certificate of Merit, a silver medal and ₹50,000.

Assam figures in both lists. Prof. Ankuran Dutta, Head of Communication and Journalism at Gauhati University, is among the 21 HEI awardees (Mass Communication). Rajesh Bordoloi of Adarsha Tribal Higher Secondary School, Jorhat, is among the 48 school awardees. Dr Manisha Khetrapal of PM SHRI KV NFR Rangiya is selected under Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. Nine educators from the Northeast made the cut; every Northeastern State except Meghalaya is represented in the school list. Dr Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi of Manipur University is the first faculty member from that university to receive the award. Treat this as a completed national selection, not as the 5 September ceremony itself, and not as the National Sports Awards covered on 19 August.

Source: Assam Tribune report on Northeast NAT 2026 awardees

International Relations - 25th India-China Special Representatives Talks

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi held the 25th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks on the boundary question in Beijing on 25 August 2026. Doval also called on Vice-President Han Zheng. The SR mechanism, set up in 2003, is the designated channel for the 3,488-km boundary. The 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles remains the framework for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement.

Doval said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping had given a "clear and positive direction" at Kazan and Tianjin, and that the relationship had been "steadily returning to normalcy" because both sides had maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Wang said last year's New Delhi round had produced understandings on delimitation, border management, mechanism building and cross-border cooperation, and that those were being delivered on the ground. The talks come ahead of Xi's expected visit for the BRICS summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September. This is a completed SR round, not a boundary settlement and not a new LAC alignment.

Source: The Hindu report on the 25th SR talks

Defence - ToT of All Conventional DRDO Missile Systems

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on 25 August 2026 approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies of all conventional missile systems to the Indian defence industry for production in the country. The Transfer of Technology (ToT) is meant to move systems from development to industrial production, subject to qualifications, certifications and regulatory requirements, and to bring MSMEs and technology partners into the supply chain.

The stated aims are higher domestic manufacturing, lower import dependence and greater domestic value addition. Conventional missiles are distinct from strategic (nuclear-capable) systems, which are not covered by this approval. Pair the decision with the Sixth Positive Indigenisation List covered on 19 August: a PIL withholds listed items from import after a cut-off; this ToT licences DRDO designs for Indian production. It is not a new missile test and not an export authorisation.

Source: PIB release on DRDO missile ToT

Economy & Industry - Steel Output and Green Steel Certificates

The Ministry of Steel released Joint Plant Committee data for April-July 2026 on 25 August 2026. Crude steel production was 56.2 million tonnes (+2.4%), finished steel 54.7 MT (+4.7%) and finished-steel consumption 56.0 MT (+7.9%). Annual crude-steel capacity is 222.7 MT; the public-sector share of crude output was 15.8%. India was a net importer of finished steel in quantity: imports 2.766 MT (China 30.9%, Korea 30.2%, Japan 14.9%) against exports 2.292 MT (Vietnam first at 15.4%).

Under the Green Steel Initiative, 98 producers across 15 States have received Green Steel Certificates, covering TMT, HR/CR coils, plates, wire rods and pipes, most at the highest 5-star rating. Do not treat this monthly JPC note as IIP or as the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, which was notified on 17 August and already covered this month.

Source: PIB release on steel sector, April-July 2026

Labour & Social Security - e-Shram Crosses Five Years at 31.89 Crore

The Ministry of Labour and Employment released a backgrounder on 25 August 2026 as the e-Shram portal completes five years on 26 August 2026. Launched on 26 August 2021, it is the first Aadhaar-authenticated National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), built by NIC. Each registrant receives a 12-digit Universal Account Number. As on 18 August 2026, registrations stood at 31.89 crore. Women are 54.28% of the database. About 55.21% of workers are aged 18-40.

Eligibility is any unorganised worker aged 16 and above who is not an income-tax payer and not a member of EPFO or ESIC. The e-Shram One-Stop Solution, launched on 21 October 2024, integrates 15 welfare schemes, including PM-SYM (minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 a month from age 60), PMSBY and PMJJBY. About 11.5 lakh gig and platform workers are on the portal. Bhashini support covers 22 languages. Top States by registration are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Treat e-Shram as a labour-identity and portability platform, not as EPFO and not as a State BOCW Board itself.

Source: PIB backgrounder on five years of e-Shram

Science & Telecom - C-DOT Unveils Quantum Key Distribution and PQC

Union Communications and DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, with MoS Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, marked the 43rd Foundation Day of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) on 25 August 2026 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. C-DOT, the premier telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications, was established in 1984. The ministers unveiled the Quantum Products Wall, showcasing indigenous Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions, and released a Quantum Product booklet.

The day-long conference theme was "Beyond Connectivity: Secure, Trusted and Intelligent Communication", with sessions on cybersecurity, 6G and quantum-secure communications. Scindia said India was behind the world in 4G, walked with it in 5G, and aims to lead in 6G. More than 50% of C-DOT's staff are below 30. C-DOT's work spans BharatNet, 4G/5G, disaster-resilient networks and exploratory 6G. This is a product showcase and R&D milestone, not a commercial 6G rollout and not a replacement for the National Quantum Mission.

Source: PIB release on C-DOT's 43rd Foundation Day

International Relations & Economy - Japan 10-Trillion-Yen Investment Goal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met senior leaders of MUFG, the Development Bank of Japan, Mizuho, Morgan Stanley, Nomura and Nippon Life in Tokyo on 25 August 2026. The talks sit inside the India-Japan objective of mobilising 10 trillion yen of Japanese private investment into India over the next decade. Sectors flagged were semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres, renewable energy, green hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

Goyal cited 7.7% growth last year and the aim of a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047. GIFT City was discussed as a gateway for cross-border capital. MUFG noted an investment of about USD 4 billion in Shriram Finance. Japanese institutions asked for simpler profit-repatriation and more predictable regulation. This is an investment-facilitation meeting under the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, not a new free-trade agreement and not the maritime security arrangement signed on 20 August.

Source: PIB release on the India-Japan investment discussions

Internal Security - 9th National Security Strategies Conference

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 9th two-day National Security Strategies (NSS) Conference-2026 in New Delhi on 24 August, with the second day on 25 August. The conference has been held in hybrid format every year since 2021. More than 850 participants joined, including DGsP, CAPF heads, Deputy NSAs and cutting-edge police officers.

Day-one themes included counter-terrorism, fusion of intelligence through the Multi Agency Centre (MAC), a narcotics-control vision document, detection and deportation of illegal migrants, a cyber-crime policy framework and proxy warfare. Shah directed AI-based analysis of MAC data to write standard operating procedures, stricter action against infiltration, training for PRAHAAR - India's first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy - and greater use of trial in absentia and integrated UAPA investigation. Day two covered sub-aerial (drone) threats, the blue economy, information warfare and a bio-security framework. PRAHAAR's seven pillars are Prevention, Responses, Aggregating capacities, Human rights and rule of law, Attenuating radicalisation, Aligning international efforts, and Recovery and resilience. This is an MHA strategy conference, not a new statute and not a replacement for the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Source: PIB release on the 9th NSS Conference

Agriculture & Food Processing - PMFME Conclave Closes with Three MoUs

The PMFME Conclave 2026, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on 24-25 August 2026, concluded with more than 500 stakeholders. The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme is a centrally sponsored, One District One Product (ODOP) programme. Individuals receive a credit-linked capital subsidy of 35%, capped at ₹10 lakh; groups (FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives) can get 35% for common infrastructure, capped at ₹3 crore.

Three MoUs were signed with APEDA, ONDC and NABKISAN for export linkages, digital commerce and institutional finance. The PMFME Bazaar brought exhibitors from 25 States and Union Territories. The Ministry launched FoodNova, a quarterly magazine, and a coffee-table book of 30 beneficiary stories. Technical handholding was discussed with NIFTEM-Kundli and NIFTEM-Thanjavur. Awards went to top-performing States, banks, SRLMs/SULMs, District Nodal Officers and District Resource Persons. A PMFME 2.0 was described as needed; it has not been notified. Distinguish PMFME from PM-Kisan and from the PLI scheme for food processing.

Source: PIB release on the PMFME Conclave conclusion

Science & Health - SAMBAR Maps South Asian Gut Microbiomes

The Department of Science and Technology reported on 25 August 2026 that scientists at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, with the University of Chicago and partners in India, Sri Lanka and the United States, have produced the first baseline gut-microbiome data from healthy Indian adults. Using the South Asian MicroBiome ARray (SAMBAR), launched for the first time in India by BSIP, they analysed 575 healthy adults from ten culturally distinct communities across India and Sri Lanka.

The study, published in Gut Microbes, used 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It finds that South Asian microbiomes are distinct from European and North American datasets and that each community follows its own trajectory under urbanisation, shaped by diet, geography and lifestyle. The resource is intended for region-specific diagnostics and nutrition research on diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Lead investigators include Dr Niraj Rai (Ancient DNA, BSIP). Treat SAMBAR as a population-baseline research tool, not as a new ICMR treatment protocol and not as a vaccine.

Source: PIB release on the South Asian gut-microbiome study

Revision Notes

Revise these ten anchors: NAT 2026 - 48 school and 21 HEI awardees; Ankuran Dutta (Gauhati University); Rajesh Bordoloi (Jorhat); 5 September, Vigyan Bhawan; 25th SR talks - Doval and Wang Yi, Beijing; 3,488 km; SR mechanism 2003; 2005 Political Parameters Agreement; DRDO ToT - all conventional missile systems to Indian industry; Steel - 56.2 MT crude in April-July; net importer; 98 Green Steel Certificates in 15 States; e-Shram - 31.89 crore; 12-digit UAN; 54.28% women; PM-SYM ₹3,000; C-DOT - QKD and PQC; established 1984; 6G aim; Japan - 10 trillion yen over a decade; GIFT City; NSS - 9th hybrid conference; PRAHAAR; MAC and AI SOPs; PMFME - 35% subsidy, ₹10 lakh cap; MoUs with APEDA, ONDC, NABKISAN; ODOP; SAMBAR - 575 adults, ten communities, BSIP Lucknow. Attempt the Daily Current Affairs Quiz - 25 August 2026 to test these facts.

Exam Snapshot Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Who from Assam is on the National Awards to Teachers 2026 lists?

Prof. Ankuran Dutta of Gauhati University (higher-education category, Mass Communication) and Rajesh Bordoloi of Adarsha Tribal Higher Secondary School, Jorhat (school category). Dr Manisha Khetrapal of PM SHRI KV NFR Rangiya is selected under KVS.

Did the 25th Special Representatives talks settle the India-China boundary?

No. Doval and Wang Yi discussed reinforcing peace and tranquillity along the 3,488-km boundary. The SR mechanism (2003) and the 2005 Political Parameters Agreement remain the framework. No new alignment was announced.

What did the Raksha Mantri approve on missile production?

Transfer of DRDO-developed technologies of all conventional missile systems to Indian industry for indigenous production. Strategic nuclear-capable systems are not part of this ToT.

How is e-Shram different from EPFO?

e-Shram is the Aadhaar-authenticated National Database of Unorganised Workers. EPFO and ESIC members, and income-tax payers, are not eligible. Each e-Shram worker gets a 12-digit UAN.

What is PRAHAAR?

India's first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. At the 9th NSS Conference the Home Minister asked agencies to train on PRAHAAR and to use AI analysis of Multi Agency Centre data.

Is there a quiz for this edition?

Yes. The Daily Current Affairs Quiz - 25 August 2026 contains 10 exam-focused MCQs with explanations.