Current Affairs by JobSafal
Start free

Current Affairs 21 August 2026

In short

  • Haryana uses GIS tools under PM GatiShakti to cut infra project site assessment time to 1–2 days
  • India and Japan agree to deepen maritime security cooperation and explore joint naval shipbuilding

…and 9 more stories on Economy, Polity & Governance, International, Defence.

Top stories

National

Haryana uses GIS tools under PM GatiShakti to cut infra project site assessment time to 1–2 days

The Haryana government has announced that it is using Geographic Information System (GIS)-based tools to reduce site-feasibility assessment time for infrastructure projects from 40–45 days to just 1–2 days. This shift is being implemented under the **PM GatiShakti National Master Plan**, which aims to integrate multi-modal infrastructure planning across ministries and states. The state emphasised that the move marks a transition from conventional, file-driven planning to technology-based, integrated decision-making. Faster assessment is expected to accelerate approvals for roads, logistics parks, industrial estates, and other infrastructure assets. The reform is also positioned as a governance innovation that can cut bureaucratic delays and improve project implementation efficiency. Such digital integration may become a model for other states seeking to leverage GIS layers for land use, environmental constraints, and connectivity planning.

Try the question

Under which central initiative is Haryana using GIS tools to cut site assessment time for infrastructure projects?

International

India and Japan agree to deepen maritime security cooperation and explore joint naval shipbuilding

India and Japan have agreed to strengthen **maritime security cooperation** and naval coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries will explore the possibility of joint development in **naval shipbuilding and design**, marking a step-up in defence-industrial collaboration. This decision followed bilateral discussions at a meeting focused on advancing their defence partnership and shared strategic interests. The cooperation aims to enhance interoperability between their navies and support a rules-based order in critical sea lanes. The Indo-Pacific remains a key theatre for both nations, given concerns about freedom of navigation and regional power balance. The announcement adds to existing frameworks such as the Special Strategic and Global Partnership and defence exercises like JIMEX and Malabar.

Try the question

Which partner country has India recently agreed with to deepen maritime security ties and explore joint naval shipbuilding?

9 more stories are waiting in the app

Every story with a summary, analysis and MCQs, in six languages, every morning by 6:00 AM IST.

Today’s locked stories by topic

  • Polity & Governance ×2
  • Sports ×2
  • Economy ×1
  • International ×1
  • Defence ×1
  • Environment ×1
  • National ×1
Unlock all 11 storiesSee plans

Read all 11 stories and 22 MCQs

Summaries, analysis and questions for every story, every morning, in six languages.

Open in the appRead on the web

Current Affairs by JobSafal