UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 AUGUST 2026

The current affairs article covers major UPSC-relevant developments in governance, science and technology, economy, culture and geography. The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to create a uniform mining-tax framework but raises concerns over federalism and state fiscal autonomy. India’s lunar ambitions are expanding through NASA’s invitation to ISRO to participate in the Moon Base programme …

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

Source: TWSubject: Governance and Polity Context: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Parliament to establish a uniform, Centre-directed fiscal framework for mining and restrict state-level taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 About The Mines and Minerals (Development …