Daily Current Affairs — 31 August 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 31 August 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 31 August 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
Economy
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme
Recently, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries organised the PMFME Bazaar at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, showcasing the achievements of micro food enterprises from across India.
- It highlighted the role of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme in supporting small food businesses…
- About: Launched on 29th June 2020, the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored…
- Objective: It aims to formalise micro food processing enterprises
- Common Infrastructure Support: The scheme provides 35% credit-linked capital subsidy on eligible project costs up to a maximum of ₹3 crore for FPOs
Show 6 more facts
- Credit-Linked Subsidy for Individual Units: Individuals
- One District One Product (ODOP) Approach: PMFME adopts the ODOP strategy to promote economies of scale in procurement, common services, and marketing
- Seed Capital Support for SHGs: SHG members are provided seed capital of ₹40,000 per member for working capital and purchasing small tools
- Marketing and Branding Support: The scheme provides 50% financial assistance for branding and marketing activities undertaken by groups of FPOs
- Capacity Building and Training: PMFME provides training through Food Processing Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (FPEDP) to beneficiaries
- Detailed Project Report (DPR) Support: PMFME provides support for preparation of DPRs related to branding and marketing proposals
Which statement correctly describes Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme
The Union Finance Minister of India announced the release of ₹3,791.1 crore to States and Union Territories under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme.
- About: PM-FME aims to strengthen micro food enterprises, promote 'Vocal for Local' products, and integrate rural entrepreneurs into the formal economy
- It was launched for a duration of 2020–21 to 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹10,000 crore.
- Common Infrastructure: FPOs, Cooperatives, SHGs, and Government agencies setting up food processing units with shared facilities are eligible for a…
- Credit-Linked Subsidy: Individuals, FPOs, NGOs, Cooperatives, SHGs, and Pvt. Ltd
Show 6 more facts
- One District One Product (ODOP): Implements an ODOP approach to promote scale
- Seed Capital for Self Help Groups: Provides ₹40,000 per member
- Marketing & Branding: Offers a 50% grant for branding and marketing initiatives by FPOs
- Capacity Building: Provides training under the Food Processing Entrepreneurship Development Programme to enhance technical and business skills of…
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the food processing industry.
- Priority Sector Lending (PSL): Food and agro-processing units, along with cold chain infrastructure, are now recognized as priority sectors.
Which statement correctly describes Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Atma-nirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus
Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)' with an economic stimulus package — worth Rs 20 lakh crores aimed towards achieving the mission.
- The announced economic package is 10% of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019-20.
- The amount includes packages already announced at the beginning of the lockdown incorporating measures from the RBI and the payouts under the Pradhan…
- The package is expected to focus on land, labour, liquidity and laws.
- The Self-Reliant India Mission aims towards cutting down import dependence by focussing on substitution while improving safety compliance and quality…
Show 6 more facts
- Phase 1: It will consider sectors like medical textiles, electronics, plastics and toys where local manufacturing and exports can be promoted.
- Phase 2: It will consider products like gems and jewellery, pharma and steel, etc.
- Inclusion of RBIs' Expenditure in Fiscal Package: The declared package is considered to be substantially less because it includes the actions of RBI…
- Thus, the Government expenditure and RBI's actions are neither the same nor can they be added in this manner
- For instance, when the US announced a relief package of $3 trillion (Rs 225 lakh crore), it only refers to the money that will be spent by the…
- If the government is including RBI's liquidity decisions in the calculation
Which statement correctly describes Atma-nirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
One District One Product (ODOP)
The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative has recently been in the news for its nationwide expansion, highlighting its role in promoting district-level economic development and local entrepreneurship.
- About: The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Launched in Uttar Pradesh in 2018, starting with Moradabad's brassware, the initiative helped revive traditional crafts such as chikankari…
- Currently, over 1,200 ODOP products across sectors like textiles, food processing, handicrafts, and minerals are listed on the official digital…
- The ODOP Wall serves as a curated display of district-specific indigenous products at platforms such as SARAS Aajeevika Stores
Show 6 more facts
- Developed under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model
- They are being developed with ₹5,000 crore interest-free support including at least ₹100 crore per State
- They will act as dedicated retail hubs to promote ODOP
- Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
- Providing the benefit of 'single window clearance'
- Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund
Which statement correctly describes One District One Product (ODOP)?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
The Government has highlighted the achievements of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) in strengthening India's livestock health…
- The programme has administered 147.16 crore FMD vaccine doses, benefiting 8.04 crore farmers
- About: The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a flagship Scheme launched in September 2019 to control and eradicate Foot and Mouth…
- Vaccination Targets under NADCP: 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pig populations against FMD.
- 100% vaccination of female bovine calves aged 4–8 months against Brucellosis.
Show 6 more facts
- Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): A highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs
- Brucellosis: A bacterial reproductive disease caused by Brucella abortus that affects fertility
- Research and Surveillance Support: Financial assistance is provided to key ICAR institutions for controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and…
- One Health Approach: Recognises the interconnectedness of human
- National One Health Mission: Approved by the Prime Minister's Science
- NDDB's Brucellosis Control Model: Highlights the importance of Vaccination of animals
Which statement correctly describes National Animal Disease Control Programme…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
⚖️ Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था
10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Polity · Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian Polity. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
Economy
National Animal Disease Control Programme & National Artificial Insemination Programme – reporting
Recently, the Prime Minister launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), to control and eradicate the Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis amongst the livestock in the country, at Mathura.
- National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) The following are the aims of NADCP programme: To vaccinate over 600 million cattle in the country…
- The programme also aims at vaccinating 36 million female bovine calves annually in its fight against the brucellosis disease.
- To control the livestock diseases by 2025, and eradicate them by 2030.
- The livestock that will be covered under the programme includes cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs against the FMD.
Show 6 more facts
- Animal Husbandry and other allied activities have a greater role to play in increasing the farmers' income
- In the last five years, India has followed a new approach to farming and allied activities
- Artificial insemination is a novel method of bringing about impregnation in female breeds.
- It prevents the spread of certain diseases which are genital in nature, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the breed.
- KVK is an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS)
- KVKs have been functioning as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of public
Which statement correctly describes National Animal Disease Control Programme &…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Schemes to Control FMD and Brucellosis – reporting
Cabinet announced a special scheme for control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis.
- The entire cost of the scheme is to be borne out by the Central Government.
- The scheme includes vaccination coverage to 30 crore bovines, 20 crore sheep or goat, and 10 million pigs.
- Brucellosis control program shall extend to cover 100% vaccination coverage of 3.6 crore female calves.
- The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
Show 6 more facts
- FMD virus belongs to (risk group 4 as per World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)) Aphthovirus genus of the picornaviridae family.
- FMD can spread when infected animals bring the virus into physical contact with susceptible animals
- Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by various Brucella species, which mainly infect cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs.
- Humans generally acquire the disease through direct contact with infected animals
- The majority of cases are caused by ingesting unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected goats or sheep.
- The disease causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, weakness, malaise and weight loss.
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact.
Which statement correctly describes Schemes to Control FMD and Brucellosis -…?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Digital Transformation of India’s Dairy Sector
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has spearheaded the digital transformation of India's dairy sector by implementing integrated platforms…
- National Digital Livestock Database: The National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) was launched to create a unified ecosystem called Bharat Pashudhan
- Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS): It digitizes daily milk collection by recording quantity
- NDDB Dairy ERP (NDERP): This comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform covers Finance
- Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health (INAPH): Captures real-time data on breeding
Show 6 more facts
- Semen Station Management System (SSMS): It manages the entire bull lifecycle
- Internet-based Dairy Information System (i-DIS): It is a centralized platform for data collection
- Milk Route Optimisation using GIS: A free, web-based dynamic GIS tool provides route planning and optimisation for milk collection and distribution…
- Global Position: India continues to maintain its position as the world's largest producer of milk since 1998 (followed by the US and Pakistan)
- India ranks 49th in milk exports. New Zealand is the world's largest exporter of milk and dairy products
- About: The White Revolution refers to India's dramatic increase in milk production and is synonymous with Operation Flood
Which statement correctly describes Digital Transformation of India’s Dairy Sector?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Pashu Aushadhi Kendras under LHDCP
The government of India will launch Pashu Aushadhi Kendras under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) to provide affordable veterinary medicines to people engaged in animal husbandry and dairying.
- About: Pashu Aushadhi Kendras, modeled after Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), provide "generic medicines" veterinary medicines…
- Pashu Aushadhi initiative introduced under the LHDCP, has a Rs 75 crore allocation for veterinary medicines and sales incentives.
- PMKSKs are one-stop-shops for farmers for multiple products such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc.
- This initiative, alongside vaccination drives, aims to reduce disease prevalence and financial strain.
Show 6 more facts
- About: The LHDCP is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD)
- LH&DC has three sub-components which are Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (targets PPR and CSF for eradication)
- Growth and Contribution: The livestock sector has grown at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.99% (2014-15 to 2022-23)
- Livestock provides livelihood to two-third of rural communities. It also provides employment to about 8.8% of the population in India.
- Milk production increased from 146.31 million tonnes (2014-15) to 239.30 million tonnes (2023-24), growing at a CAGR of 5.62%.
- India ranks 2nd in egg production (1st China) and 5th in meat production globally (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2022)
Which statement correctly describes Pashu Aushadhi Kendras under LHDCP?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
ICAR & Its Role in Food & Nutritional Security
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on 16th July 2025
- About: It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing agricultural research and education in areas such as agriculture, horticulture…
- ICAR is among the largest national agricultural systems globally, with 113 research institutes and 74 agricultural universities across India.
- Agricultural Growth & Food Security: ICAR played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution and food security by boosting production of foodgrains (6.21x)
- It also led to 115.3 MT wheat production (85% under ICAR varieties) and significantly boosted pulse and oilseed output.
Show 6 more facts
- It introduced super-intensive shrimp farming, breeding protocols for 7 fish species, registered 10 livestock breeds, released 2 chicken varieties…
- Climate-Smart & Resource Management Initiatives: Established National Soil Spectral Library
- It awarded ASEAN Fellowships, and trained staff under Karmayogi Jan Seva
- It also launched transformative programmes like the Global Centre on Millets (Shree Anna)
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Covers crop loss from pre-sowing to post-harvest.
- Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS): Covers weather-related risks.
Which statement correctly describes ICAR & Its Role in Food & Nutritional Security?
✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 31 August 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
