PhonePe to integrate PulsePro with PM GatiShakti portal via MoU with MeitY
PhonePe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to integrate its PulsePro platform with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan portal. The collaboration aims to improve data driven planning, digital infrastructure mapping and project analytics. PulsePro will provide geospatial insights and advanced analytics to government planners for better decision making across transport, logistics and urban development. Officials say the integration will help in prioritizing corridors, reducing bottlenecks and accelerating project completion timelines. The agreement reflects ongoing efforts to enhance digital government tools under the Make in India framework. The MoU was signed in Bengaluru on 20 August 2026.
MoU between PhonePe and MeitY signed on 20 August 2026
PulsePro to be integrated with PM GatiShakti portal
Improves data driven planning and geospatial analytics
Aims to aid infrastructure planning and development
Illustrates Make in India digital-government collaboration
Border security and infrastructure focus highlighted in national briefing
Border security and infrastructure focus highlighted in national briefing. On 20 August 2026, India’s border security and infrastructure were the focus of a high‑level government briefing. Officials reported progress on cross-border connectivity projects and ongoing border management measures with neighboring countries. The discussions covered deployment of additional fencing, surveillance, and socio‑economic development in border areas. The government emphasized improved coordination among security agencies and state administrations to enhance border resilience. The briefing highlighted investments in infrastructure in border districts. Analysts say such measures could boost border security and cross-border trade flows across multiple sectors. It also announced new training programs for border guards and enhanced funding for border infrastructure across multiple sectors.
Briefing held on 20 August 2026 on border security and infrastructure
Progress on cross-border connectivity projects
Deployment of fencing, surveillance and socio‑economic development
Improved coordination among security agencies and states
Investments in border district infrastructure
New training programs and funding announced
Aug 20, 2026
West Bengal hosts 11th Kaushal Mahotsav to boost youth employment
West Bengal hosted the 11th Kaushal Mahotsav in August 2026 to promote employment opportunities for skilled youths. The programme connected job seekers with employers from multiple sectors and involved the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and NSDC. The event aimed to strengthen skill development programs, enhance industry linkages, and improve employment prospects for young people across the state. Officials highlighted coordinated efforts to upskill the workforce and create meaningful pathways into industry, with a focus on practical training, certification, and job placement. Local participants and businesses expressed optimism about the long‑term impact on regional employment.
Event: 11th Kaushal Mahotsav, August 2026
Goal: connect skilled youth with employers
Partners: MSDE and NSDC
Focus: skill development and employment
Outlook: improved regional job prospects
Stakeholders: government, industry, trainees
Kailaras‑Sabalgarh‑Birpur rail section inaugurated in MP
The Kailaras‑Sabalgarh‑Birpur railway section, spanning 56 kilometers in Madhya Pradesh, was inaugurated to improve regional connectivity. Located in the Gwalior‑Chambal corridor, the project involved gauge conversion to standardize track gauges and enhance rail infrastructure. Officials say the new section will facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods, supporting local economies and supply chains. The project aligns with broader Indian rail modernization efforts and is expected to reduce travel times while boosting regional development. Authorities are optimistic that improved connectivity will attract investment and help integrate rural markets with larger urban centers.
Impact: regional development and markets integration
Part of broader rail modernization
Aug 19, 2026
PSB Confluence 2026 Held in New Delhi
The Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, organised the two-day PSB Confluence 2026 in New Delhi on 17–18 August 2026. The event brought together senior officials from Public Sector Banks, Public Financial Institutions, and the Indian Banks’ Association. It focused on strengthening the banking sector and improving financial services, including reforms, digital payments adoption, risk management, and customer service enhancements. Participants reviewed policy updates and capital norms, with emphasis on financial inclusion and credit flow to small businesses. The conference announced new collaborations to expand fintech partnerships and improve nationwide banking infrastructure.
Two-day event held on 17–18 August 2026 in New Delhi
Attended by PSBs, PFIs, and IBA officials
Topics include reforms, digital payments, and risk management
Focus on financial inclusion and SME credit
New fintech collaborations announced
Aug 18, 2026
India supports Seychelles Coast Guard capacity building
India provided calibrated tools and repaired electronic components to the Seychelles Coast Guard, aiming to enhance maintenance capabilities and operational readiness. The assistance is part of ongoing maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, supporting regional stability and counterpiracy efforts. Officials described the support as a practical step to strengthen Seychelles’ border protection and rescue capabilities. The handover included equipment for routine maintenance, diagnostics devices, and parts for critical systems. The gesture follows a series of cooperation initiatives between India and Seychelles in defense and security sectors, reflecting shared interests in safe sea lanes, search and rescue, and joint exercises.
India handed over calibrated tools and repaired components to Seychelles Coast Guard.
Aims to improve maintenance and operational readiness.
Part of broader India-Seychelles maritime security cooperation.
Supports safety at sea, rescue capabilities, and regional stability.
The Karnataka government approved the Sandhya Kiran contributory cashless healthcare scheme for retired state government employees, family pensioners and eligible dependents. The scheme provides annual cashless medical coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family on a floater basis, covering hospitalisation and essential treatment. It will operate under the Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka framework to improve access to care in public and private facilities. The scheme aims to reduce financial burden on senior citizens and pensioners who require medical treatment, and to expand health security in the state. Details of eligibility, contribution and empanelled hospitals will be announced by the Health Department. The policy paper will include a transparent claims process and time-bound approvals.
Scheme covers retired government employees, family pensioners and eligible dependents.
Annual cashless coverage up to ₹5 lakh per family on a floater basis.
Operates under Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka framework.
Aims to ease medical costs for senior citizens and pensioners.
Eligibility criteria and empanelled hospitals to be announced by the Health Department.