UPSC Daily Current Affairs for 22 August 2026

Resistance against Ken-Betwa Link Project

In News

Adivasi people in Madhya Pradesh are protesting against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project for fear of mass displacement, degradation of their ancestral woods, and loss of their traditional identity.

Ken–Betwa Link Project (KBLP)

It is a major water-resources development project for the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, aimed at mitigating long-standing problems of water scarcity and irrigation.

It envisages transferring water from the Ken basin to the Betwa basin through a system of the Daudhan Dam, a connecting canal, and accompanying works.

India’s Revised FDI Framework

Context

As of August 20, 2026, 29 FDI proposals worth ₹4,895.65 crore have been reported under India’s revised framework, highlighting a shift towards facilitating investment while retaining safeguards.

About Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

It refers to investment by an entity or individual of one country into a business located in another country with a lasting interest and significant influence over management.

It generally involves a longer-term commitment and can bring capital, technology, managerial expertise and global market access, unlike portfolio investment.

India–U.K. Strategic and Defence Cooperation

Context

India and the United Kingdom reviewed their defence-industrial cooperation, military exchanges and maritime security partnership during the 25th India–U.K. Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting held in New Delhi.

Key Developments in India–U.K. Defence Cooperation

Defence Industrial Cooperation: India and the U.K. reviewed ongoing defence-industrial cooperation with a particular focus on research and development (R&D) under the India–U.K. Vision 2035 and the 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Both the nations are cooperating on the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to strengthen regional maritime security capabilities.

India’s Civil Nuclear Power Sector

Context

India is looking to bring five additional nuclear reactors online in this decade and to increase its nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047.

Status of Nuclear Power in India

Installed Capacity: India has 25 active nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 8.7 gigawatt-electric (GWe). Nuclear power reactors in the country generated 56,681 million units of energy in 2024-25.

Consistent Contribution: Nuclear power has always contributed about 3% of India’s overall electricity production.

India-Brazil Relations

Context

India and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Brief on India- Brazil Relations

Diplomatic Relations: Relations were established in 1948, and the two countries have been Strategic Partners since 2006.

Both sides also have several Joint Working Groups to take forward sectoral cooperation.

Rising Sugar Prices Amid Ethanol Blending Policy

Context

The diversion of sugarcane and foodgrains towards ethanol production has raised concerns over rising sugar and food prices, highlighting the trade-off between energy security and food security under India’s ethanol-blending programme.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol. It can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.

Alcohol production involves fermentation of sugar using yeast. In cane juice or molasses, sugar is present in the form of sucrose that is broken down into glucose and fructose.

News In Short 22-08-2026

In News

PM-AASHA has emerged as a strong and structured mechanism to support farmers through assured procurement, price stabilization, and effective market interventions.

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

It was launched in September 2018 and brings together multiple price-support mechanisms covering different crops and market situations.

It is a framework through which the government seeks to ensure that farmers receive better prices for their produce.