Daily filter — 19 August 2026
7 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
⛏️ Economy · UPSC track
India's Mining Sector Reforms: Boosting Production and State Revenue
Recent reforms and amendments in India's mining sector aim to enhance transparency, increase production, and ensure stable revenue for states.
- Approximately 90% of mining revenue accrues to States, totalling ₹82,366 crore in 2025-26.
- Since 2015, 723 major mineral blocks have been auctioned across 17 States.
- The National Critical Mineral Mission was approved on 29 January 2025 with an outlay of ₹16,300 crore.
- India ranks globally: second in limestone, third in zinc, fourth in iron ore, and fifth in bauxite.
💡 For the exam: Remember 90% state revenue, 723 blocks auctioned since 2015, and India's top global ranks in key minerals.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2301248
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC takes cognizance of alleged assault on Manipur men
The **NHRC** took suo motu cognizance of a reported assault on two men from Manipur in Delhi's Munirka area.
- The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report dated August 14th, 2026.
- Two men from Manipur were reportedly assaulted in Munirka, Delhi.
- One victim sustained serious head injuries and is on a ventilator.
- The NHRC issued notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner.
- A detailed report on the incident is required within two weeks.
💡 Remember: NHRC acts suo motu, targeting police for reports within two weeks on alleged assaults.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2301084
🛣️ Economy · UPSC track
Bihar NH-22 Upgradation Approved on Hybrid Annuity Mode
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved upgrading the **Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa** section of NH-22 to a 4-lane standard.
- The project spans 82.578 km in Bihar.
- Total capital cost is Rs.3590.73 crore.
- It will be developed on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
- The section connects India–Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur.
- Project aligns with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
💡 For the exam: Remember NH-22 (Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa), HAM, Bihar, and PM GatiShakti for strategic connectivity.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2301144
🚆 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Approves Four Multitracking Projects for Indian Railways
The CCEA approved four multitracking projects across four states, costing ₹9,450 crore, to expand the Indian Railways network.
- The CCEA approved four projects totaling ₹9,450 crore.
- Projects will add about 410 Kms to the Indian Railways network.
- They cover West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Projects are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.
- They align with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
💡 For the exam: Remember 4 projects, 4 states, ₹9,450 crore, 410 Km expansion, by 2030-31, under PM-Gati Shakti.
Source: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) · PIB PRID 2301142
🚆 Economy · UPSC track
Cabinet Greenlights Four Multitracking Projects for Indian Railways
The Cabinet approved four multitracking railway projects costing Rs. 9,450 crore across four states to enhance network capacity.
- Cabinet approved four multitracking projects across West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh.
- Projects will increase Indian Railways network by approximately 410 Kms.
- Total estimated cost is Rs. 9,450 crore, to be completed by 2030-31.
- Projects will enhance connectivity to 6,448 villages and facilitate 76 MTPA additional freight traffic.
- Planned under PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity.
💡 Remember: Four multitracking projects (4 states, 410km, 9450 Cr) approved by Cabinet under PM-Gati Shakti for 2030-31 completion.
Source: Ministry of Railways · PIB PRID 2301143
🛣️ Economy · UPSC track
Bihar NH-22 Upgrade to Boost Regional Connectivity and Trade
The Cabinet approved upgrading the **Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa** section of **NH-22** to a 4-lane standard in Bihar.
- The NH-22 upgrade spans 82.578 km on a Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
- Total capital cost for the project is Rs.3590.73 crore.
- It will connect the India–Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur at NH-27.
- The project includes seven Major Bridges, three ROBs, and two Flyovers.
- Designed for 100 kmph speed, ensuring fast and safe travel.
- Project aligns with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan principles.
- Will connect to five PM Gati-Shakti Economic Nodes and four Social Nodes.
💡 For the exam: Remember the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa NH-22 upgrade uses HAM for Rs.3590.73 crore to link India-Nepal border with Muzaffarpur, enhancing regional PM GatiShakti connectivity.
Source: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways · PIB PRID 2301145
🌰 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
National Makhana Board, Central Sector Scheme Launched
India has launched a **National Makhana Board** and a dedicated **Central Sector Scheme** to boost the makhana sector.
- The National Makhana Board was launched in Bihar on 15 September 2025.
- A Central Sector Scheme for Makhana Development has an outlay of ₹476.03 crore.
- The scheme runs from 2025-26 to 2030-31, with ₹30 Crore for 2025-26.
- India is the world's largest producer, with Bihar contributing 80-85% of global supply.
💡 Remember the National Makhana Board and Central Sector Scheme were launched in 2025-26 with substantial outlay to boost India's global superfood.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2301052