Current Events Prelims Plus
1. National Sports Day – 29 August
Why in News:
India is observing National Sports Day today, 29 August, with programmes including “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein”. The Prime Minister paid tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Definition – National Sports Day:
A day observed in India to promote sports, physical fitness and sporting culture.
Key Points:
Observed annually on 29 August.
Marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
He was popularly known as the “Wizard of Hockey.”
The main 2026 event is being held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
Related Point – Khelo India:
Khelo India is a Government of India initiative aimed at developing sporting culture, identifying talent and strengthening sports infrastructure.
2. Per Drop More Crop – Micro Irrigation
Why in News:
The Government released an updated assessment of the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) programme. Around 115 lakh hectares have been brought under micro-irrigation through PDMC as of July 2026. Tamil Nadu is among the States with high micro-irrigation coverage under the scheme.
Definition – Micro Irrigation:
A method of supplying water to crops in a controlled and efficient manner, reducing water loss.
Main Types:
Drip irrigation: Water delivered directly near plant roots.
Sprinkler irrigation: Water sprayed like artificial rainfall.
Key Points:
PDMC promotes water-use efficiency.
Small and marginal farmers receive 55% financial assistance.
Other farmers receive 45% assistance.
Assistance is available for up to 5 hectares per beneficiary.
Since 2022–23, PDMC has been implemented under PM-RKVY.
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Rajasthan recorded high coverage in 2025–26.
Related Term – Fertigation:
Argentina
Lithium is important for lithium-ion batteries, electric vehicles and renewable-energy storage.
Argentina:
Capital – Buenos Aires
Continent – South America
3. e-Shram Portal Completes 5 Years
Why in News:
The e-Shram Portal completed five years on 26 August 2026, with more than 31.89 crore registrations.
Definition – e-Shram:
A national digital platform containing an Aadhaar-seeded database of unorganised workers.
Key Points:
Launched in 2021.
Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Creates a National Database of Unorganised Workers.
Registered workers receive a Universal Account Number (UAN).
Total registrations – around 31.89 crore.
Women account for around 54.28% of registered workers.
Major occupational groups include:
Definition – Unorganised Worker:
A worker employed in an economic activity where employment is generally not governed by a formal employer-employee social-security system.
4. India’s Nuclear Energy Programme – 100 GW Target
Why in News:
A new government backgrounder highlighted India’s nuclear-energy strategy and its goal of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. India currently operates 24 nuclear reactors with 8.78 GW capacity.
Definition – Nuclear Fission:
The splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.
Key Points:
India follows a three-stage nuclear power programme.
Conceived by Dr Homi J. Bhabha.
Designed ultimately to utilise India's large thorium reserves.
India has relatively limited high-grade uranium but large thorium resources.
Three Stages
PHWRs → Natural uranium.
Fast Breeder Reactors → Plutonium-based fuel.
Thorium-based reactors → utilise Uranium-233 derived from thorium.
Breeder Reactor:
A nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material than it consumes.
5. . India Simplifies Defence Export Rules
Why in News:
The Ministry of Defence simplified the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure and Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework to facilitate defence exports.
Definition – OGEL:
An Open General Export Licence is a standing authorisation allowing eligible exporters to export specified defence items through multiple consignments without applying separately each time.
Key Changes:
Three OGEL procedures consolidated into one framework.
OGEL validity increased from 2 years to 3 years.
Country coverage expanded, except sensitive/negative countries and those facing applicable UN sanctions or arms embargoes.
Procedures simplified for non-lethal defence exports.
Intended to particularly benefit defence manufacturers and MSMEs.
Important Data:
Defence production in FY 2025–26 – around ₹1.78 lakh crore.
Defence exports – record ₹38,424 crore.
Related Terms:
Make in India: Promotion of domestic manufacturing.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: Greater domestic capacity and reduced strategic import dependence.
