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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Allows Banks to Exclude Advances Against Fresh Non-Resident Indian Deposits from Adjusted Net Bank Credit for Priority Sector Lending  Calculation

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to exclude advances backed by eligible fresh FCNR(B) and NRE deposits from Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) while calculating their Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
• The measure provides regulatory relief to commercial banks that mobilise Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits during the specified period.
• FCNR(B) deposits: Advances against fresh FCNR(B) deposits with a maturity of 3 to 5 years, mobilised between 8 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, will be excluded from ANBC calculation.
• The FCNR(B) provision also covers deposits renewed upon maturity, subject to the specified eligibility conditions.
• NRE deposits: Advances against fresh Non-Resident External (NRE) term deposits with a maturity of 3 years or more, mobilised between 19 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, will also be excluded from ANBC.
• The NRE provision also includes term deposits renewed upon maturity, subject to the applicable conditions.
• RBI clarified that the amount excluded from ANBC for PSL calculation cannot exceed the amount of fresh FCNR(B)/NRE deposits that are eligible for exemption from Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
• The measure is expected to reduce the PSL compliance burden for banks that actively mobilise non-resident deposits during the specified window.
• Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) is an important benchmark used by banks for determining their Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
• Commercial banks generally have to allocate 40% of ANBC to Priority Sectors, including agriculture, micro-enterprises, and weaker sections.
• In June 2026, RBI introduced a US dollar–rupee swap facility for fresh FCNR(B) dollar funds mobilised for a minimum of 3 years and maximum of 5 years, aimed at encouraging capital inflows and strengthening India’s balance of payments.

Indel Remit Receives Perpetual Reserve Bank of India Licence to Provide Trade Remittance Services

• Indel Remit, the foreign exchange division of Indel Money Limited, has received a perpetual Authorised Dealer–II (AD-II) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• The AD-II licence will enable Indel Remit to expand its foreign exchange and trade remittance services.
• Under the new approval, Indel Remit can undertake eligible non-trade current account transactions permitted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and applicable RBI regulations.
• The company will be able to provide foreign exchange and remittance services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), traders, and business executives.
• The licence will strengthen Indel Remit’s capabilities in cross-border payments and foreign exchange services.
• However, the company cannot undertake certain transactions such as gifts and donations, and transactions exceeding the applicable ₹25 lakh permissible limit, as specified under RBI directions.
• AD-II entities are authorised to undertake certain foreign exchange transactions, but their permitted activities are narrower than those of AD-I entities.
• Indel Remit was established in September 2023 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Before receiving the perpetual licence, Indel Remit operated under an AD Category-II licence issued by RBI.
• The company provides foreign exchange and cross-border payment solutions, including inward and outward remittances for family maintenance purposes.

IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner Introduce Lifetime-Free RuPay Credit Card with Unified Payments Interface Payment Facility

• IndusInd Bank Limited and EazyDiner jointly launched the ‘EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’, a lifetime-free co-branded credit card.
• The credit card is issued on the RuPay network and provides dining discounts, entertainment benefits, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment functionality.
• The Platinum RuPay Credit Card can be linked with various UPI applications, allowing customers to make payments through QR codes.
• Customers can earn rewards on eligible UPI transactions made using the RuPay credit card.
• The card has no annual fee and no joining fee, making it a lifetime-free credit card.
• The card offers annual benefits worth up to ₹21,495, including dining savings of up to ₹18,000.
• Cardholders can receive an additional ₹500 discount up to three times a month, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
• The card provides a BookMyShow Buy One Get One movie ticket every month.
• Cardholders receive a 3-month EazyDiner Prime membership worth ₹1,095. EazyDiner Prime members can avail themselves of 25%–50% discounts at participating restaurants across India and Dubai, UAE.
• The partnership combines IndusInd Bank’s banking and credit-card services with EazyDiner’s dining platform to provide lifestyle-focused benefits.

About IndusInd Bank Limited :

• Established : 1994
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra.

PSB Confluence to Unite Public Sector Banks and Financial Institutions for Action-Oriented Discussions on 17–18 August

• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance is organising PSB Confluence, a two-day ideation conclave on 17–18 August 2026 in New Delhi.
• The PSB Confluence will bring together the leadership of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Public Financial Institutions (PFIs) to promote collaboration, exchange of best practices, and actionable strategies.
• The conclave will focus on achieving people-centric outcomes and promoting inclusive economic development through the banking ecosystem.
• Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary will grace the PSB Confluence.
• The conclave will provide a platform for participating institutions to brainstorm on key themes, share proven practices, and discuss initiatives that can be adopted across the banking sector.
• The seven major thematic tracks of PSB Confluence are Deposit Mobilization, Banking for Youth, Supporting the Investment Cycle, Supporting Global Capability Centres, Agriculture & Horticulture Value Chain Infrastructure, Re-imagining the Credit Card Business, and Priority Sector Lending.
• Deposit Mobilization will focus on strengthening the resource base available for affordable credit.
• Banking for Youth will focus on developing banking products and services suited to the needs of young customers.
• Supporting the Investment Cycle will focus on facilitating the timely execution of infrastructure projects and strengthening investment activity.
• Supporting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) will focus on developing a stronger capability centre ecosystem in India.
• Agriculture & Horticulture Value Chain Infrastructure will focus on addressing post-harvest requirements, rural infrastructure, and market linkages.
• Re-imagining the Credit Card Business will focus on designing and improving credit card products and services to meet changing customer requirements.
• Priority Sector Lending (PSL) will focus on extending formal credit to underserved and priority sectors of the economy.
• The selected themes are aimed at converting institutional and policy interventions into measurable, people-centric outcomes.
• Around 125 participants are expected to participate in the conclave, including Chairmen, Managing Directors and Executive Directors of PSBs and PFIs.
• The participating Public Financial Institutions (PFIs) include NABARD, EXIM Bank, SIDBI, NHB, IIFCL, IFCI, and NaBFID.

Reserve Bank of India’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters Forecasts 6.6% Gross Domestic Product Growth for FY27

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF), conducted in July 2026, providing forecasts for India’s economic growth, inflation and external sector.
• The SPF raised India’s FY27 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 6%, up from 6.5% projected in the 100th SPF conducted in May 2026.
• For FY28, the SPF projected India’s real GDP growth at 0%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.9%.
• SPF panellists placed the FY27 GDP growth forecast in the range of 0%–7.2%, while the FY28 forecast was placed in the range of 6.5%–7.8%. Real GDP growth is projected at 6.8% year-on-year in Q1 FY27 and is expected to remain between 6.4% and 7.0% during the subsequent four quarters.
• The SPF raised the FY27 retail inflation forecast to 0%, up from 4.9% in the previous survey.
• For FY28, the retail inflation forecast was retained at 5%, indicating expectations of moderating inflation.
• The FY28 projections suggest a potential “Goldilocks” scenario, characterised by robust economic growth and moderating inflation moving closer to the MPC’s medium-term inflation target of 4%.
• In its August 2026 bi-monthly monetary policy review, the RBI separately raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7% from 6.6%, while lowering its inflation projection to 5.0%.
• The RBI’s FY27 growth forecast of 7% is therefore 0.1 percentage point higher than the SPF forecast of 6.6%, while both projections place FY27 inflation at 5.0%.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its July 2026 World Economic Outlook Update, lowered India’s FY27 growth forecast to 4% from 6.5%, but raised its FY28 forecast to 6.7% from 6.5%. External Sector Forecasts
• The SPF raised the FY27 merchandise export growth forecast to 0%, compared with the earlier estimate of 5.0%.
• The FY27 merchandise import growth forecast was lowered to 9%, from the previous estimate of 10.5%.
• India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) for FY27 is now projected at 4% of GDP, significantly lower than the earlier forecast of 2.1%.
• For FY28, the CAD forecast was marginally reduced to 1% of GDP, compared with the previous estimate of 1.2%.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates ‘Param Pragya’ AI-Powered Supercomputing Facility at IIT Delhi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Param Pragya’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, at the Sonipat Campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).
• The state-of-the-art facility is expected to strengthen IIT Delhi’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, data science, advanced computing and interdisciplinary research.

Key Highlights

• Param Pragya will support advanced computational research and help expand the institute’s capacity to undertake technology-intensive and AI-driven research projects.
• During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred IIT Delhi’s prestigious academic honours, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medals, on meritorious graduating students.
• More than 3,000 students received their degrees during the convocation, including 587 PhD scholars.
• Harish Salve, Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG), IIT Delhi, and Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Prahlad Joshi.
• Prahlad Joshi, the newly appointed Union Education Minister, highlighted the transformation of India's education ecosystem towards being learner-centric, research-driven and future-ready.

Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 Passed by Parliament to Recognise Digital Banking Records

• Parliament has passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the Bill. The Lok Sabha had already passed it.
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, which seeks to modernise the legal framework governing evidence relating to bankers’ books in line with the country's digital banking ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• A key provision of the Bill makes electronic or digital records of bankers’ books admissible, valid and legally enforceable as evidence in judicial proceedings.
• The Bill seeks to replace the outdated legal framework of the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, which was enacted when banking operations were predominantly paper-based.
• Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the rapid digitisation of India's economy, noting that banking and financial transactions are increasingly conducted through digital platforms and mobile devices.
• The existing 1891 framework relied heavily on certified copies of physical bank records as admissible evidence. The new Bill establishes a technology-neutral framework that formally recognises electronic and digital banking records.
• The Bill also standardises the certification process for bankers’ records and permits authentication through manual, digital and electronic signatures.
• The legislation aims to ensure that India's banking laws keep pace with technological advancements and contemporary digital banking practices.
• During the discussion, members highlighted the importance of the legislation in strengthening India's modern banking system, which plays a critical role in the country's economy.
• Manas Ranjan Mangaraj of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) emphasised the need to give the highest priority to data security and privacy, considering the sensitive personal and financial information contained in banking records.
• The discussions also highlighted the need for strong safeguards against misuse of banking data, unauthorised access and cyber threats.

India Expands E-Visa Entry Network to 88 International Ports with 11 New Additions

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added 11 more international ports to the list of designated entry points for foreign nationals holding an Indian e-Visa.
• The latest expansion includes 2 airports and 9 land ports, taking the total number of international entry points for e-Visa holders to 88.

Key Highlights

• The 88 designated entry points comprise:
• 37 Airports
• 38 Seaports
• 13 Land Ports
• The 2 newly added airports are Bhopal Airport (Madhya Pradesh) and Tirupati Airport (Andhra Pradesh).
• The newly added land ports include Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh and Attari (Road).
  Note: The source mentions nine additions but lists eight names; the official list should be referred to for the complete count.
• Attari (Road), Punjab, located along the India–Pakistan border, has been included among the designated land ports for e-Visa entry.
• The e-Visa facility is available to foreign nationals across 17 sub-categories, including tourist, business, medical, student, mountaineering, cruise, transit and group travel categories.
• Approximately 95% of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours, improving the convenience and accessibility of India's visa system.
• The facility is not available to Pakistani passport holders or persons of Pakistani origin. Such applicants are required to apply for a regular visa through an Indian Mission.
• India currently permits e-Visa holders to enter through 38 designated seaports, covering major maritime gateways such as Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai, Mundra, Kandla, Kolkata, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam and Vizhinjam.
• India introduced the e-Visa facility in 2014 to simplify and liberalise the visa process, initially covering nationals of 43 countries.
• The facility has now expanded to citizens of 172 countries, significantly broadening India's electronic visa regime.

National Scholarship Portal-Direct Benefit Transfer: ₹21.35 Crore Released to Over 6,000 Agriculture Students

• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• Under the initiative, ₹21.35 crore was transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 6,000 agriculture students across the country.
• Under the new NSP-DBT system, agriculture students will receive their scholarship amounts every month directly through DBT, ensuring timely and hassle-free financial assistance.
• The initiative aims to make scholarship disbursement more transparent, streamlined, faster and seamless, while reducing unnecessary delays.
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of practical training in agricultural education, stating that classroom-based learning alone is not sufficient to develop successful farmers, scientists and agricultural entrepreneurs.
• He highlighted the government's focus on food security, nutrition security and farmers’ income security and appreciated the contribution of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientists and farmers to India's agricultural progress.
• He also urged agriculture students to participate in plantation activities on Hariyali Amavasya and contribute towards environmental conservation.

About Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare:

• Cabinet Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Constituency: Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
• Ministers of State (MoS): Ram Nath Thakur, Bhagirath Choudhary

RECENT NEWS

• The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting concluded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh and unanimously adopted the Joint Declaration which aimed at to strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture, innovation and farmer welfare across member nations. 

Karnataka Government Challenges High Court Ruling on Bike Taxis in Supreme Court

• The Karnataka Government has approached the Supreme Court of India against a Karnataka High Court ruling that paved the way for motorcycles to  be registered and permitted as bike taxis.
• The State has challenged the 23 January 2026 judgment of the Karnataka High Court Division Bench, which directed authorities to consider applications for registering motorcycles as transport vehicles and issuing permits for their operation as bike taxis.

Key Highlights

• The case originated from appeals filed by Ola, Uber, Rapido, motorcycle owners and the Bike Taxi Welfare Association against an earlier order directing bike taxi operators to stop services until the State formulated a regulatory policy.
• In its Special Leave Petition (SLP), Karnataka argued that the High Court had effectively converted the discretionary power of transport authorities to grant permits into a mandatory obligation.
• The State maintained that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 does not create an unconditional legal right to use a particular category of vehicle as a taxi.
• Karnataka cited concerns related to passenger safety, insurance protection, road congestion, pollution and the comparatively higher fatality risk associated with two-wheelers as reasons for restricting bike taxi operations.
• The State also challenged the High Court's interpretation that motorcycles could qualify as “motor cabs” and “contract carriages” under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• Karnataka argued that motorcycles are primarily intended for personal use and cannot automatically be treated as vehicles constructed or adapted for commercial passenger transport.
• The State pointed out that the On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregator Rules, 2016 in Karnataka were framed specifically for four-wheeled motor cabs and do not provide for motorcycles.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in a response in the Rajya Sabha on 18 March 2026, stated that “bike taxi” is not defined under the Motor Vehicles Act or the rules framed under it.
• Karnataka argued that the absence of an express statutory ban on bike taxis does not automatically create a legal entitlement to operate them.
• The State rejected the argument that restrictions on bike taxis would adversely affect riders' livelihoods, stating that motorcycle owners could continue working in delivery and logistics services through platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon and Flipkart.
• Such workers are also covered by the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025, which provides for social security and occupational safety measures.
• The Karnataka High Court, however, had held that operating taxis is a legitimate business protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to practise any profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business.

RECENT NEWS

• The Karnataka Krushi Aranya Protsaha Yojane is a government initiative from Karnataka that aims to promote the practice of agroforestry among farmers whereby farmers cultivate seedlings and grow trees.

About Karnataka:

• Chief Minister: K. Shivakumar
• Governor: Thawarchand Gehlot
• Capital: Bengaluru
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary

E-Samudra Platform Launched to Strengthen Seafarer Welfare and Digitise Maritime Governance

• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at providing single-window maritime services to seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders.

Key Highlights

• The platform was launched during a national stakeholder interaction on “Seafarer Security, Safety and Welfare and Inauguration of E-Samudra” held in Mumbai and organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
• E-Samudra integrates maritime services through end-to-end digital workflows, online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates, promoting Digital First and Faceless Governance.
• The platform aims to improve Ease of Living for seafarers and Ease of Doing Business for the maritime sector by making services more transparent, predictable and time-bound.
• Alongside E-Samudra, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) highlighted several initiatives:
• e-NAVIK 24×7 grievance redressal system
• Seafarer Tracking Dashboard
• Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA)
• Enhanced welfare measures under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS)
• India has become the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally, with the government aiming to make India the largest supplier of seafarers in the world.
• India has also emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling destination and is working towards becoming one of the top five shipbuilding nations.
• Secretary, MoPSW Vijay Kumar said India’s maritime policy is anchored in three major pillars:
• Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which recognises seafarers as Key Workers
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
• Minimum Government, Maximum Governance
• India’s active seafarer workforce increased from around 1.03 lakh in 2013 to more than 3.23 lakh in 2025, highlighting the need for stronger digital service delivery, regulation and welfare mechanisms.
• Director General of Maritime Administration Shyam Jagannathan described E-Samudra as a transformation from a physical office-based system to an integrated digital maritime ecosystem, enabling seafarers to access government services remotely.
• During recent geopolitical disruptions affecting global shipping, DGMA monitored more than 16,000 calls, handled over 40,000 communications and coordinated the safe repatriation of more than 4,000 stranded Indian seafarers.
• These efforts were undertaken in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, Indian Navy, shipowners and other maritime stakeholders.
• The government also highlighted Sagar Mein Yog, which promotes the physical and mental well-being of seafarers, and Sagar Mein Samman, which aims to strengthen opportunities and support for women seafarers.
• The initiatives reflect India's broader efforts under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to strengthen the country's position as a global maritime power.

About Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways:

• Cabinet Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal
• Constituency: Dibrugarh, Assam
• Ministers of State (MoS): Shantanu Thakur

Puducherry Police Conferred with Prestigious President’s Colours

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the force for its bravery, dedicated service, hard work and commitment towards protecting the Union Territory and maintaining internal security.
• The President’s Colours is considered one of the highest honours awarded to a disciplined force in recognition of its exceptional service and contribution.

Key Highlights

• With this honour, the Puducherry Police joined the ranks of police forces across India that have been conferred with the prestigious President’s Colours.
• Amit Shah highlighted the unique cultural and spiritual identity of Puducherry, describing it as a symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India.
• The Home Minister appreciated the Puducherry Police for maintaining law and order and safeguarding the Union Territory, which consists of four geographically separated regions.
• He recalled the contribution of the Puducherry Police during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its service and courage while working on the front lines.
• The post of Director General of Police (DGP) was created in Puducherry on 1 October 1963, after which the police force continued to strengthen internal security in the Union Territory.
• The Centre is undertaking the four-laning of National Highway 332-A in Puducherry at a cost of approximately ₹2,200 crore.
• An extended runway of approximately 3,400 metres in length and 45 metres in width has also been constructed in Puducherry.
• According to Amit Shah, the Centre provided ₹3,500 crore to Puducherry for development works between 1950 and 2014, while ₹13,762 crore was provided between 2014 and 2026.
• Over the preceding nine years, the Centre facilitated industrial investments worth ₹39,000 crore in Puducherry.
• Several Central Government welfare initiatives benefiting the people of Puducherry were highlighted, including Lakhpati Didi, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and free foodgrain distribution.
• Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

About Puducherry:

• Chief Minister: N. Rangasamy
• Lieutenant Governor: K. Kailashnathan
• Capital: Puducherry
• National Parks: None
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Ousteri (Osudu) Bird Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Deepak Dhar Wins 2026 Dirac Medal for Contributions to Statistical Mechanics

• Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for his influential contributions to statistical mechanics and theoretical physics.
• Deepak Dhar is an INSA Distinguished Professor and is recognised for his research in statistical physics, stochastic processes and complex systems.

Key Highlights

• He was selected as one of four physicists to receive the 2026 Dirac Medal. The other recipients are:
• Bernard Derrida – Honorary Professor, Collège de France
• Marc Mézard – Professor of Theoretical Physics, Bocconi University
• Haim Sompolinsky – Professor of Neuroscience and Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Visiting Professor at Harvard University
• Dhar was recognised for research explaining how simple interactions between individual components of a system can produce complex behaviour when the system becomes large.
• One of his major contributions is his research on the sandpile model, which helps explain how a small change in a complex system can sometimes trigger a much larger event.
• The concepts arising from such research have applications in understanding complex phenomena such as earthquakes, traffic congestion and fluctuations in financial markets.
• The Dirac Medal was established in 1985 by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in memory of renowned British physicist Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac (P.A.M. Dirac).
• The award recognises outstanding contributions to theoretical physics. Previous recipients include renowned physicists such as Stephen Hawking.
• Deepak Dhar completed his PhD from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and spent several years at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai.
• He joined the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune in 2016.
• Since 2024, he has been an INSA Distinguished Professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) of TIFR.
• His major honours include the Padma Bhushan (2023), Boltzmann Medal (2022), which he shared with John Hopfield, and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1991).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences and Bureau of Indian Standards Sign 100th Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Ayurveda Standards

• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the apex research organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen quality standards, conformity assessment, scientific research and capacity building in the Ayush sector.

Key Highlights

• The MoU was signed by Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, and Sanjay Pant, Deputy Director General (Standardisation-II), BIS, in the presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
• The partnership aims to establish globally benchmarked quality standards for Ayurveda, supporting the development of safer, scientifically validated and internationally accepted Ayurvedic products, practices and research.
• The collaboration will facilitate the joint development of Indian Standards for Ayurveda and other Ayush systems, strengthen laboratory quality and conformity assessment mechanisms, and promote the scientific validation of traditional knowledge.
• The partnership will also enhance India's participation in international standardisation initiatives and support the development of evidence-based standards for the global acceptance of Ayurveda.
• Sanjay Pant highlighted that this MoU is the 100th MoU signed by BIS and the first MoU between BIS and an Ayush organisation, marking a significant milestone for the standards body.
• The expertise of CCRAS scientists will contribute to the standards development process, with their involvement as Project Leaders expected to accelerate the formulation of robust Indian Standards for Ayurveda.
• 128 Indian Standards are currently under the Ayurveda Sectional Committee of BIS.
• A total of 243 standards covering different Ayush domains have been developed during the last three years.
• The collaboration is expected to strengthen quality assurance, laboratory capabilities, evidence-based research and the Ayush industry, while supporting the development of globally accepted standards for Ayurveda.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy and United States Navy Begin 8th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise in Kochi

• The Indian Navy (IN) and United States Navy (USN) commenced the 8th Edition of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.
• EOD Exercise 2026 is being conducted from 10 August to 14 August 2026 and is a five-day bilateral naval exercise.
• The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, operational synergy and professional cooperation between the specialist diving and EOD teams of the Indian Navy and US Navy.
• The exercise focuses on improving operational procedures, mutual understanding and response capabilities against complex and evolving EOD challenges.
• The training programme includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-training sessions, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based practical exercises.
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) involves the detection, identification, rendering safe, recovery and disposal of explosive devices.
• In naval operations, EOD teams also deal with underwater mines, unexploded ordnance and hazardous explosive remnants in maritime environments.
• The Indian Navy and US Navy have been conducting joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005, making this exercise an important component of their longstanding bilateral naval cooperation.
• The 7th edition of the India–US Navy Salvage and EOD Exercise (SALVEX) was conducted in Kochi from 26 June to 6 July 2023.

Independence Day 2026 to Celebrate 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and Youth Power for Viksit Bharat @2047

• India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, New Delhi.

Key Highlights :

• 2026 marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, and the National Song will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
• ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Red Fort, followed by the National Flag hoisting and the Prime Minister’s address to the nation.
• The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced the key details of the Independence Day 2026 celebrations on 10 August 2026.
• The theme of the 2026 celebrations will highlight ‘Yuva Shakti’, recognising the contribution of India’s youth towards building Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Around 2,500 NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will form ‘वंदे मातरम्’ on Gyanpath opposite the Red Fort rampart.
• An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram and shower flower petals over people gathered at the Red Fort.
• Military band performances commemorating Vande Mataram are being organised across India from 8–15 August 2026 at 343 prominent locations.
• The participating bands include those of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, BSF, IDS, RPF and Assam Rifles.
• The achievements of 19 medal-winning students from the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads 2026 will be recognised during the celebrations.
• Around 5,000 Special Guests from different walks of life have been invited to the Independence Day celebrations as contributors to the Viksit Bharat @2047
• Special guests include youth innovators, PM Internship Scheme interns, startups, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana beneficiaries, MY Bharat volunteers, artisans, farmers, women entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators.
• Other invited categories include beneficiaries of PM Mudra Yojana, PMAY(U), PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, PM-SYM and PM SVANidhi.
• Special recognition will also be given to sanitation workers, Delhi Metro workers, Central Vista workers, nursing orderlies and other frontline workers.
• More than 1,500 Delhi-based people from different States and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, will attend the ceremony to showcase India’s cultural diversity.
• The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with MyGov, organised quizzes and competitions covering AI, Fundamental Rights and Duties, India’s freedom movement, space technology and nuclear technology.
• Around 600 winners of these competitions will participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
• 25 cloak rooms at six locations have been arranged to improve public convenience during the celebrations.
• Around 200 volunteers from MY Bharat and NCC will assist visitors, while 20 wheelchairs will be available for visitors requiring assistance.
• Delhi Metro services will begin from 4:00 AM on 15 August 2026, and metro services will be provided free of cost to invitees.
• Google Maps and Mappls Maps will display traffic restrictions on the day of the main event.
• Rain ponchos will be provided to invitees because of the possibility of unpredictable weather conditions.
• The invitation cards for Independence Day 2026 feature ‘Seva Teerth’, symbolising duty, compassion, commitment and Nation First.
• The Dharm Chakra on the invitation card symbolises the eternal movement of righteous duty and continuous selfless action.
• A post-event Swachhta Campaign will be conducted at the Red Fort by NCC cadets and MY Bharat Volunteers to promote the message of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
• The seating enclosures for Independence Day 2026 have been named after major lakes of India, highlighting the importance of water conservation.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye Sign Mecca Joint Defence Pact to Boost Security Cooperation

• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen defence and security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Middle East and the escalating conflict involving Iran.
• The agreement was signed in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
• A key provision of the agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three, establishing a collective-defence commitment.
• The collective-defence provision has led to the pact being described as “NATO-style”, as it resembles NATO’s Article 5, which is based on the principle of collective defence.
• However, the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is not a Middle Eastern version of NATO, as it does not establish permanent institutions, an integrated military command structure, or clearly defined mechanisms for a collective military response.
• The agreement aims to deepen strategic coordination, strengthen mutual security, and improve the three countries’ ability to respond collectively to emerging regional security threats.

About Saudi Arabia :

• Prime Minister : Mohammed bin Salman
• Capital : Riyadh
• Currency : Saudi riyal

About Pakistan :

• President : Asif Ali Zardari
• Prime Minister : Shehbaz Sharif
• Capital : Islamabad
• Currency : Pakistani rupee (₨)

About Türkiye :

• President : Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
• Capital : Ankara
• Currency : Turkish lira

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Astrobase Space Technologies Launches India’s First Privately Developed 800 kN FFSC Rocket Engine ‘EVEREST’

• Astrobase Space Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based Indian space startup, unveiled EVEREST, India’s first privately developed 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, on 7 August 2026.

Key Highlights :

• EVEREST is a liquid oxygen (LOX)–methane engine designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles and advanced orbital missions.
• The 800 kN FFSC engine makes India the fourth country to develop high-thrust Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine technology, after Russia, the United States, and China.
• FFSC technology fully gasifies both the fuel and oxidiser, and the resulting gases are routed back into the combustion chamber, improving propellant utilisation and engine efficiency.
• The EVEREST engine delivers 800 kN thrust, supports approximately 50%–110% throttling, and has a specific impulse of around 340 seconds.
• The LOX–methane propulsion system supports precise thrust control, multiple restarts, and reusability, making it suitable for next-generation launch systems.
• EVEREST is significant because it is the first Indian privately developed high-thrust LOX–methane FFSC engine, supporting the development of cleaner and reusable launch vehicles.
• The technology could enable reusable launch capabilities of up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and support medium-lift commercial and strategic missions.
• Globally, SpaceX, Stoke Space, and China’s LandSpace have developed high-thrust FFSC engines; SpaceX’s Raptor is currently the only operational FFSC engine among them.
• Astrobase Space Technologies began developing the EVEREST engine in 2024 and completed sub-scale and turbopump tests during 2025–26.
• The company plans to begin full-scale hot-fire testing at its Anantapur test facility in Andhra Pradesh in the coming months.
• Astrobase plans to manufacture and test around 20 engines before its first orbital flight, which is targeted for December 2028.
• The company currently has a production capacity of 6–8 engines per year, which it plans to scale up to 60 engines per year.
• Astrobase operates a 46,000 sq ft facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and a 5-acre test site in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.
• EVEREST incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies, including the use of India’s largest industrial 3D printer.
• Astrobase Space Technologies was founded in 2024 and is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka; its Co-founder and CEO is Neeraj Khandelwal.
• Astrobase was selected under the IN-SPACe Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) in June 2026 for the indigenous development of the 800 kN LOX–methane engine.

Scientists Detect Unusual Ozone Concentration Over North Bay of Bengal

• Scientists have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal, providing new insights into the transport of ozone through the stratosphere.
• The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun and normally reaches its maximum concentration at an altitude of around 25–30 km.
• The study involved scientists from several Indian institutions, with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) playing an important role.
• ARIES is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
• The research was conducted under the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign, a nationwide scientific programme aimed at understanding complex atmospheric processes.
• Scientists used observations from atmospheric radars, weather balloons, satellites and advanced atmospheric models to investigate the unusual ozone event.
• The indigenously developed 5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere (ST) Radar at ARIES, Nainital provided important data during the campaign.
• Similar atmospheric radars used in the campaign were located at Haringhata, Gadanki and Kochi, enabling researchers to compare atmospheric conditions across different parts of India.
• Scientists detected an unusually thick ozone layer at an altitude of about 21–23 km over the North Bay of Bengal.
• The enhanced ozone layer persisted for more than one day and contained significantly more ozone than normally observed over eastern India.
• Measurements from ozone and weather balloons, the Aura MLS and INSAT-3DR satellites, along with atmospheric models, were used to identify the cause of the unusual ozone enhancement.
• The ozone enhancement was observed during both daytime and nighttime, indicating that sunlight-driven photochemical processes were unlikely to be the primary cause.
• Researchers examined convection, atmospheric wind shear, horizontal transport and vertical air movement to understand the unusual ozone distribution.
• The observations showed persistent downward air motion in the lower stratosphere, which played a key role in the ozone enhancement.
• Scientists concluded that the unusual ozone concentration was mainly caused by the transport of ozone-rich air, followed by downward atmospheric movement and compression of the air mass.
• The findings provide quantitative experimental evidence of the redistribution of stratospheric ozone over the Indian subtropical region during winter.
• The research findings were published in Earth and Space Science, a journal associated with the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
• Dr Manish Naja and Dr Samaresh Bhattacharjee from ARIES were among the researchers involved in the campaign.

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories Launches India’s First Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories

• The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories.
• NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), and the scheme was launched under the Integrated Assessment Programme.
• The initiative was launched at the ‘Gunvatta Samanvaya – A Multilateral MoU Exchange Ceremony’ held at Hotel Ashoka, New Delhi.
• The Mobile Food Testing Laboratories Accreditation Scheme aims to provide reliable, quality-assured and internationally benchmarked food testing services closer to communities.
• The scheme extends accredited food testing services beyond conventional laboratories, thereby improving access to testing facilities in different communities.
• The initiative is expected to strengthen food safety surveillance, enable faster regulatory interventions, improve access to quality testing, and enhance consumer confidence.
• The Multilateral MoU Exchange brought participating organisations together to promote regulatory convergence, coordinated assessments and regulatory harmonisation.
• The initiative aims to reduce duplication in assessment processes, promote mutual recognition, improve regulatory efficiency, and facilitate Ease of Doing Business while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
• DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia emphasised the importance of embedding quality across the entire value chain for India’s development towards 2047.
• NABL Chairperson Dr Sandip Shah highlighted the importance of the Accreditation Scheme and the Integrated Assessment Framework (IAF) in strengthening collaborative assessment processes.
• The ‘Gunvatta Samanvaya’ initiative seeks to strengthen India’s quality infrastructure, promote regulatory excellence, and enhance stakeholder confidence.

Microsoft Opens Hyderabad Data Centre, Expanding India’s Cloud Regions to Four

• Microsoft has launched its largest data centre region in India, the India South Central region, in Hyderabad, Telangana, to meet the growing demand for Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• With the Hyderabad launch, Microsoft now has four Cloud regions in India—Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Mumbai.
• The Hyderabad data centre region has three Availability Zones (AZs) and provides secure, scalable and locally hosted cloud infrastructure for enterprises.
• The Hyderabad region enables customers to run eligible Microsoft Cloud and AI workloads within India, offering greater data localisation, security, compliance and governance.
• Early customers of Microsoft’s Hyderabad region include Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank and PB Pay.
• Microsoft’s Hyderabad facility is part of its global cloud infrastructure comprising 500+ data centres across 80 regions in 34 countries.
• Microsoft has recorded double-digit growth in Azure in India over the past two years, reflecting rising demand for cloud and AI services.
• India’s installed data-centre capacity has increased sharply from around 375 MW in 2020 to approximately 1,575 MW currently, driven by cloud computing, enterprise digitalisation and AI workloads.
• Microsoft’s Hyderabad data-centre region forms part of its more than USD 20 billion investment commitment in India.
• Microsoft announced an additional USD 17.5 billion investment in India during 2026–2029 to strengthen Cloud and AI infrastructure, skilling and operations, in addition to its earlier USD 3 billion investment.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir Complete Spacewalk for International Space Station Upgrades

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir successfully completed a 6-hour 27-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out structural and power-system upgrades.
• The spacewalk was Anil Menon’s first and Jessica Meir’s sixth, and it marked the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of the ISS.
• The astronauts exited through the Quest Airlock and performed structural upgrades on the exterior of the International Space Station.
• Their primary task was to install mounting hardware on the station’s 3B power channel, located on the Starboard 6 (S6) truss.
• The newly installed hardware will prepare the ISS for the installation of additional Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSA).
• The future iROSA solar arrays will generate additional electricity for the ISS, supporting its critical systems and maintaining sufficient power during the station’s remaining operational period.
• During the spacewalk, the astronauts also routed cables that will transfer electricity from the future iROSA arrays into the 3B power channel and covered the struts with multi-layer insulation.
• Since 2021, astronauts have deployed six iROSA assemblies on the ISS, while two additional arrays are expected to be delivered to the station later in 2026.
• The spacewalk was the first of three spacewalks scheduled for the Expedition 75 crew during August 2026.
• The second spacewalk, scheduled for August 13, 2026, will involve replacing a Space-to-Ground antenna, an important communication system used to transmit data and enable high-speed communication between NASA Mission Control in Houston and the ISS.
• The third spacewalk, scheduled for August 25, 2026, will involve connecting power-channel cables and data-relay systems as part of ongoing ISS maintenance and preparations for its future deorbit.
• During the August 25 spacewalk, astronauts will also replace a navigational aid used for spacecraft docking on the Harmony module’s forward port.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Ariha Pangambam Becomes First Indian to Win Gold in Senior Women’s Individual Aerobic Gymnastics at Asian Championships

• Ariha Pangambam, a 22-year-old gymnast from Manipur, created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win a gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships.

Key Highlights

• She won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, held in Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 4 to 7 August 2026.
• Ariha topped the entire continental field in the final with a score of 19.100, securing India’s maiden gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the championships.
• Her final score was divided into:
• Artistry: 8.650
• Execution: 7.600
• Difficulty: 2.850
• Sudhir Mital, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI), congratulated Ariha Pangambam and her coach Yumnam Ranjan Singh on the historic achievement and described it as a major milestone for Indian gymnastics.
• Ariha Pangambam has previously won gold medals at the National Games in 2023 and 2025.
• She has also represented India at Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Aerobic Gymnastics competitions.
• Her 2026 victory came after she narrowly missed the podium in the previous two editions of the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, where she finished fourth in both 2022 and 2024.
• The 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships brought together gymnasts from across Asia to compete in individual and team aerobic gymnastics categories.
• The championship was held at Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 4 to 7 August 2026.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Biofuel Day 2026 is observed on 10 August

• World Biofuel Day is observed annually on 10 August to create awareness about the importance of biofuels and highlight initiatives undertaken to promote their production and use.
• In India, World Biofuel Day has been observed since August 2015, with initiatives led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
• Biofuels are fuels derived from biomass, including plants, algae and animal waste, and serve as alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.
• Biofuels are considered renewable, biodegradable and sustainable sources of energy and can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• World Biofuel Day commemorates the pioneering work of Sir Rudolf Diesel, who demonstrated the potential of vegetable oil as a fuel for diesel engines.
• In 1900, Rudolf Diesel demonstrated an engine operating on peanut oil at the Paris Exposition, highlighting the potential of vegetable oils as alternatives to conventional fuels.
• The development and use of biofuels contribute to energy security, reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions, waste utilisation and sustainable development.
• India promotes biofuel development through initiatives related to ethanol blending, biodiesel, compressed biogas and advanced biofuels, supporting the country's transition towards cleaner energy.

World Lion Day 2026 is observed annually on 10 August

• World Lion Day is observed annually on 10 August to raise awareness about the conservation, protection and ecological importance of lions.
• The scientific name of the lion is Panthera leo. Lions are popularly known as the “King of the Jungle” because of their distinctive appearance, strength and social behaviour.
• World Lion Day was first observed in 2013 as an international initiative to create awareness about the threats faced by lions and the need for their conservation.
• The Big Cat Initiative (BCI) was established in 2009 by conservationists and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, in partnership with National Geographic, to support the conservation of big cats, including lions.
• Major threats to wild lion populations include habitat loss, poaching, hunting, human-wildlife conflict and depletion of prey species.
• The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is found in the wild in India, primarily in and around the Gir landscape of Gujarat.
• The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to strengthen the conservation of Asiatic lions and their habitat.
• The conservation of Asiatic lions in India is supported by their inclusion under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides them with the highest degree of legal protection.

Daily CA One- Liner: August 12

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Param Pragya’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, at the Sonipat Campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
• Parliament has passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the Bill.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added 11 more international ports to the list of designated entry points for foreign nationals holding an Indian e-Visa
• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi
• The Karnataka Government has approached the Supreme Court of India against a Karnataka High Court ruling that paved the way for motorcycles to be registered and permitted as bike taxis
• Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at providing single-window maritime services to seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the force for its bravery, dedicated service, hard work and commitment towards protecting the Union Territory and maintaining internal security
• Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for his influential contributions to statistical mechanics and theoretical physics
• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the apex research organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen quality standards, conformity assessment, scientific research and capacity building in the Ayush sector
• Ariha Pangambam, a 22-year-old gymnast from Manipur, created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win a gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to exclude advances backed by eligible fresh FCNR(B) and NRE deposits from Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) while calculating their Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
• Indel Remit, the foreign exchange division of Indel Money Limited, has received a perpetual Authorised Dealer–II (AD-II) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• IndusInd Bank Limited and EazyDiner jointly launched the ‘EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’, a lifetime-free co-branded credit card.
• The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance is organising PSB Confluence, a two-day ideation conclave on 17–18 August 2026 in New Delhi.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF), conducted in July 2026, providing forecasts for India’s economic growth, inflation and external sector.
• The Indian Navy (IN) and United States Navy (USN) commenced the 8th Edition of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.
• India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, New Delhi.
• Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen defence and security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Middle East and the escalating conflict involving Iran.
• Astrobase Space Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based Indian space startup, unveiled EVEREST, India’s first privately developed 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, on 7 August 2026.
• Scientists have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal, providing new insights into the transport of ozone through the stratosphere.
• The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories.
• Microsoft has launched its largest data centre region in India, the India South Central region, in Hyderabad, Telangana, to meet the growing demand for Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir successfully completed a 6-hour 27-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out structural and power-system upgrades.
• World Biofuel Day is observed annually on 10 August to create awareness about the importance of biofuels and highlight initiatives undertaken to promote their production and use
• World Lion Day is observed annually on 10 August to raise awareness about the conservation, protection and ecological importance of lions.