PMFME Conclave 2026 strengthens micro food processing in India
PMFME Conclave 2026 was organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries on 24-25 August 2026 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The two‑day event brought together more than 500 stakeholders from micro food processing units, finance, technology and markets to discuss strengthening the sector. The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, who also launched the PMFME Bazaar, showcasing traditional and ethnic products from 25 States and Union Territories, highlighting India's diverse culinary heritage. Discussions focused on expanding access to finance, improving technology adoption, and creating better market linkages for small units. Participants emphasized policy support, credit lines, and targeted skill development.
Dates and venue: 24-25 August 2026, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Inauguration by Union Minister Chirag Paswan and PMFME Bazaar launch.
Over 500 stakeholders from micro units, finance, tech and markets.
Bazaar featured products from 25 States/UTs to showcase heritage.
Policy support, credit lines and skill development highlighted.
Aug 24, 2026
National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums Held in Mysuru
The National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums took place in Mysuru, Karnataka, from 24 to 26 August 2026. Organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the three-day event focused on documenting, preserving, and reviving tribal languages, and on strengthening Tribal Museums and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums (TFFMs) across India. Participants discussed challenges in language endangerment, education, and cultural exchange, and highlighted plans under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The conclave also showcased local heritage projects and urged collaboration among government agencies, universities, and tribal communities to promote inclusive development and cultural preservation. Delegates emphasized the use of digital documentation and community-led initiatives.
Dates: 24–26 August 2026, Mysuru
Focus on tribal languages and museums
Plans under Viksit Bharat @2047
Emphasis on digital documentation and collaboration
Involvement of government, academia, and communities
NSDC and AWS Launch Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative
The National Skill Development Corporation, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched a nationwide Cloud and AI Skilling Initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and Cultus Education. The programme aims to provide foundational cloud and artificial intelligence skills to 1.5 lakh learners through AWS digital training content. In addition, 10,000 participants will receive job-oriented training under the AWS re/Start programme, helping them build careers in cloud computing. The initiative seeks to expand digital skills across sectors, support employability, and align with India's skilling goals. Training will be delivered through online modules and partner-based centres across the country.
Launch by NSDC in collaboration with AWS and Cultus Education
Targets 1.5 lakh learners for foundational cloud and AI skills
AWS re/Start program to train 10,000 participants
Delivery via online content and partner centres
Aligned with national skilling objectives
Aug 23, 2026
Himachal Pradesh signs MoU with ISB-BIPP for forest economy development
In August 2026, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (ISB-BIPP) to unlock the state’s untapped forest and pastoral economy. The partnership focuses on science- and technology-based governance, research, policy support, and sustainable economic development. Officials estimate potential value around ₹22,600 crore from forest resources such as minor forest produce. The MoU aims to strengthen forest governance, support rural livelihoods, and promote data‑driven decision making, with an emphasis on CAMPA funds and local community engagement. The collaboration seeks to translate academic insights into practical policy and market opportunities.
MoU duration: five years with ISB-BIPP
Aim: develop forest and pastoral economy in HP
Estimated potential value: ₹22,600 crore
Focus areas: science/tech governance, research, policy support
Expected impact: improved livelihoods and governance
Aug 22, 2026
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.