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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

India’s Financial Inclusion Drive: Expanding Banking Access and Empowering Households

• Financial inclusion is central to India’s vision of equitable development, with expansion in banking, digital payments, credit, insurance, pensions and investment opportunities supported by Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and citizen-centric reforms.

Key Highlights :

• The RBI Financial Inclusion (FI) Index measures financial inclusion across Access, Usage and Quality of financial services, and increased from 43.4 in March 2017 to 70.0 in March 2026.
• According to the World Bank Global Findex 2025, account ownership in India reached 89%, reflecting significant improvement in access to formal financial services since 2011.
• India had over 1.81 lakh bank branches as of 17 July 2026, strengthening the formal banking network across the country.
• As of 6 March 2026, 99.92% of villages were covered by banking outlets within a 5-km radius, highlighting extensive last-mile banking access.
• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) had more than 1.65 lakh post offices, serving over 11 crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages and towns as of 17 July 2026.
• India had over 17.36 lakh Business Correspondents (BCs) as of 17 July 2026, providing doorstep banking services in unbanked and under-banked areas.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, provides every unbanked adult with a basic savings bank account without a mandatory minimum balance.
• PMJDY provides access to savings, remittances, credit, insurance, pensions and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), along with RuPay debit cards and overdraft facilities of up to ₹10,000 for eligible account holders.
• Under PMJDY, the accident insurance cover is ₹2 lakh for accounts opened after 28 August 2018 and ₹1 lakh for accounts opened before that date.
• JAM Trinity integrates Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar and mobile connectivity to strengthen financial inclusion and enable efficient DBT.
• As of 10 August 2026, DBT had transferred a cumulative ₹52,89,019 crore through 320 schemes involving 56 ministries.
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), launched in 2015, is an annual renewable life insurance scheme offering ₹2 lakh life cover to individuals aged 18–50 years.
• PMJJBY carries an annual premium of ₹436, which is auto-debited from the subscriber's bank account; as of 30 June 2026, it had 78 crore gross enrolments.
• As of 30 June 2026, PMJJBY had received 11,31,505 claims and disbursed 10,97,751 claims, demonstrating its role in providing financial security to families.
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), launched in 2015, is an annual renewable accident insurance scheme for savings bank account holders aged 18–70 years.
• PMSBY provides ₹2 lakh cover for accidental death or full disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability, at an annual premium of only ₹20.
• As of 30 June 2026, PMSBY had 66 crore gross enrolments, with 2,56,526 claims received and 1,89,057 claims disbursed.
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY), launched in 2015, is a contributory pension scheme primarily aimed at workers in the unorganised sector.
• APY provides a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 after attaining 60 years of age; as of 30 June 2026, it had 9.29 crore subscribers.
• Among APY subscribers, 4.72 crore were male, 4.56 crore were female, and 26,599 were transgender subscribers as of 30 June 2026.
• PM Mudra Yojana, launched in 2015, provides collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises.
• PM Mudra loans cover manufacturing, trading, services and allied agricultural activities and are available under four categories: Shishu, Kishor, Tarun and Tarun Plus.
• As of 31 March 2026, PM Mudra Yojana recorded 4.48 crore accounts, with ₹5.65 lakh crore sanctioned and ₹5.54 lakh crore disbursed.
• PM SVANidhi is a micro-credit initiative for street vendors, offering collateral-free loans in three progressive tranches of ₹15,000, ₹25,000 and ₹50,000.
• As of May 2026, PM SVANidhi had benefited more than 75.5 lakh beneficiaries, with over 1.12 crore loans disbursed amounting to more than ₹17,800 crore.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) provides timely and adequate banking credit to farmers for crop cultivation, post-harvest requirements, marketing, farm maintenance and allied activities.
• As of 10 August 2026, there were 763.6 lakh KCC/ISS applications, highlighting the extensive reach of formal agricultural credit.
• Jan Samarth is a unified digital platform for credit-linked government schemes, connecting beneficiaries directly with lenders and simplifying access to government-sponsored credit.
• As of 1 June 2026, Jan Samarth had 10 lakh applications involving ₹3,00,951 crore, with 16 registered credit schemes, 8 loan categories and 300+ lenders.
• UPI has emerged as the backbone of India’s digital payments ecosystem, significantly strengthening financial inclusion and digital financial participation.
• Between FY2016-17 and FY2025-26, UPI transaction volume increased nearly 12,000-fold, while transaction value increased nearly 4,000-fold.
• The IMF has recognised UPI as the world's largest real-time payment system by transaction volume, highlighting India's leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure.
• As of July 2026, UPI recorded 2,365.8 crore transactions worth ₹29,87,880.49 crore, with 741 banks live on the UPI platform.
• The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) promotes financial literacy and awareness through seminars, workshops, training programmes and awareness campaigns.
• As of 10 August 2026, NCFE had conducted 31,082 workshops benefiting 10,68,571 people, including 3,73,999 males and 6,94,572 females.
• The Financial Education Programme for Adults (FEPA) was launched by NCFE in September 2019 to promote financial awareness among farmers, women’s groups, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, SHGs, employees and skill-development trainees.
• As of 10 August 2026, FEPA had conducted 19,266 workshops covering 6,48,512 beneficiaries.
• The Nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign was launched on 1 July 2025 for four months to expand financial inclusion across 2.70 lakh Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• During the campaign, more than 2.67 lakh camps were organised, resulting in 5.19 crore KYC re-verifications, 1.20 crore nomination updates and settlement of 92,066 PMJJBY/PMSBY claims.
• As of 31 October 2025, the campaign recorded 1.11 crore PMJDY account openings, 1.40 crore PMJJBY enrolments, 2.86 crore PMSBY enrolments and 44.43 lakh APY enrolments.

Reserve Bank of India Proposes Revised Bank Leverage Ratio Norms in Line with Latest Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Standards

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed revised prudential norms on capital adequacy for commercial banks through the Draft RBI (Commercial Banks – Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy) Eleventh Amendment Directions, 2026.
• The proposed framework aims to align India’s banking regulations with the latest Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) leverage ratio framework.
• Under the proposed norms, the minimum leverage ratio will remain at 4% for Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) and 3.5% for other commercial banks.
• The leverage ratio framework requires banks to maintain sufficient Tier 1 capital against their overall exposure, thereby strengthening banking-sector resilience.
• For branches of Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs) operating in India, RBI has proposed a minimum leverage ratio of 3.5%, along with any additional leverage ratio buffer prescribed by the home-country regulator of the parent bank.
• If a G-SIB branch fails to maintain the required leverage ratio buffer, RBI may impose restrictions on capital distribution, including limits on dividends and other profit distributions.
• Such restrictions will depend on the bank’s compliance with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) and leverage ratio requirements.
• Banks will continue to disclose their Basel III leverage ratios every quarter on both standalone and consolidated bases.
• Banks will also be required to submit detailed capital and exposure calculations to the RBI.
• The proposed amendments are scheduled to come into effect from 1 April 2027.

Recent News :

• In July 2026, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final prudential norms for Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) regarding Specified Non-Financial Assets (SNFAs) acquired while resolving stressed loans or Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Premises and Launches Technology Initiatives for Urban Cooperative Banks

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the new premises of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) in Mumbai and launched technology and cybersecurity initiatives for the Urban Cooperative Banking (UCB) sector.
• The programme, titled ‘Sahkar Nav-Kranti’, was held at the BSE International Convention Centre, Mumbai, with the objective of modernising Urban Cooperative Banks.
• The Umbrella Organisation for Urban Cooperative Banks has become operational with RBI recognition, adequate capitalisation and the establishment of its new office.

Key Highlights :

• The Security Operations Centre (SOC) for Urban Cooperative Banks was launched to provide 24×7 cyber monitoring, security support and immediate guidance against digital threats.
• ‘Bank in a Box’, an integrated banking service bundle, was launched to provide core banking, digital payments, cloud services and regulatory compliance facilities to UCBs.
• An MoU between NUCFDC and National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) was exchanged to strengthen cybersecurity, digital forensics, employee training and research in the UCB sector.
• The NUCFDC Umbrella Organisation will provide UCBs with technical and institutional support, assistance in RBI regulatory compliance, employee training and access to modern banking technologies.
• MuleHunter software will be made available to help UCBs detect suspicious transactions and potential mule accounts.
• The objective of the Umbrella Organisation is not profit-making, but to streamline UCBs and prepare them to compete at the national and global levels.
• The Umbrella Organisation will enable nearly 1,400 Urban Cooperative Banks to access technology, training, compliance support and modern banking infrastructure at affordable costs.
• Through collective procurement and shared services, the Umbrella Organisation will reduce the cost of technology and software for individual UCBs.
• ‘Bank in a Box’ will enable even small and single-branch Urban Cooperative Banks to provide modern and world-class banking services without making heavy technology investments.
• Services being developed under the Umbrella Framework include Sahkar CBS, shared payment services, loan origination system, Sahkar Cloud, AI-based fraud prevention, group cyber insurance, Aadhaar-based services and automated regulatory compliance.
• The NUCFDC–NFSU partnership will make cybersecurity and digital forensic capabilities accessible to even the smallest UCBs at an affordable cost.
• ₹306 crore was mobilised with the support of UCBs and stakeholders to establish and operationalise the NUCFDC Umbrella Organisation.
• Out of nearly 1,400 Urban Cooperative Banks, around 650 UCBs have joined the Umbrella Organisation, representing almost 50% membership.
• The government has called upon all 1,400 UCBs to become members of the Umbrella Organisation within the next one year.
• The membership fee is proposed to be structured according to the number of branches, ensuring that small and single-branch banks are not excluded.
• Around ₹6 lakh crore is deposited with approximately 1,400 Urban Cooperative Banks across India, highlighting their importance to the economy.
• UCBs provide credit to small traders, shopkeepers, cottage industries, MSMEs, local entrepreneurs, women’s Self-Help Groups and middle-class borrowers.
• UCBs have an advantage in reaching small borrowers because of their local presence and proximity to communities.
• Maharashtra has the highest number of Urban Cooperative Banks in India, with 449 UCBs.
• Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Karnataka together account for a substantial share of India’s Urban Cooperative Banks.
• The headquarters of NUCFDC will be shifted from Delhi to Maharashtra to improve operational efficiency and provide stronger support to UCBs.
• UCBs have been permitted to open up to 15% additional branches without separate RBI approval, as part of the regulatory reforms undertaken during the past five years.
• Doorstep banking services have been extended to eligible Urban Cooperative Banks, enabling services such as demand drafts and life certificates at customers’ doorsteps.
• The process for eligible Tier-3 Cooperative Banks to obtain Scheduled Bank status has been simplified.
• The RBI has appointed a Nodal Officer for regular interaction with the Urban Cooperative Banking sector.
• The Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for UCBs has been reduced from 75% to 60%.
• Housing-loan limits for UCBs have been enhanced as part of the regulatory reforms.
• The One-Time Settlement (OTS) facility has been extended to Urban Cooperative Banks.
• UCBs have been provided a phased ‘glide path’ for NPA compliance, preventing the entire financial burden from falling on banks in a single year.
• Urban Cooperative Banks, State Cooperative Banks and District Cooperative Banks have been accorded Member Lending Institution status.
• The Member Lending Institution status enables risk coverage of up to 85% and access to collateral-free lending.
• The Priority Sector Lending limit for cooperative societies has been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore.
• Cooperatives can generate self-employment opportunities by pooling small contributions from large numbers of people and creating substantial economic institutions.
• Amul, IFFCO, KRIBHCO and Lijjat Papad were cited as successful examples of enterprises built through collective participation and cooperative principles.
• The ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ vision aims to ensure prosperity for both cooperative banks and their customers who generate self-employment.
• Strengthening Urban Cooperative Banks is linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a prosperous and developed India by 2047.
• The initiative emphasises that India’s development requires not only capital-market growth but also a strong self-employment ecosystem supporting small entrepreneurs, traders and livelihood generators.
• The Umbrella Organisation is expected to become a vehicle for development in small towns and provide fresh momentum to the ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’
• Amit Shah released the book ‘Operational Risk Management – A Practical Guide to Urban Co-operative Banks’, authored by former RBI Deputy General Manager P. Mistry.
• A coffee-table book on the history of cooperative banking in India was also released during the programme.
• Representatives of the first six Urban Cooperative Banks to successfully join Sahkar CBS were felicitated at the event.

Periodic Labour Force Survey April–June 2026 Bulletin Released; Unemployment Rate Rises to 5.4%

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Quarterly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April–June 2026.
• The Unemployment Rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 5.4% in April–June 2026, compared with 5.0% in the previous quarter, marking a rise of 0.4 percentage points.
• The overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above declined to 54.6% in April–June 2026 from 55.5% in the previous quarter.
• The Rural LFPR declined to 56.9% from 58.2%, while the Urban LFPR remained unchanged at 50.2%.
• The rural unemployment rate increased to 4.8% in April–June 2026 from 4.3% in January–March 2026.
• The urban unemployment rate edged up to 6.7% from 6.6% in the previous quarter.
• Among rural males, the unemployment rate stood at 4.8%, while among rural females it was 4.7%.
• Among urban females, the unemployment rate was 8.7%, compared with 6.1% among urban males.
• The urban male LFPR increased marginally to 75.3% from 75.0% in the previous quarter.
• The Urban Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for persons aged 15 years and above remained stable at 46.8%.
• The share of regular wage and salaried employees increased in both rural and urban areas, rising from 15.5% to 16.1% in rural areas and from 48.9% to 49.3% in urban areas.
• The share of employment in the secondary sector increased in both rural and urban areas during the quarter.
• In rural areas, the share of workers engaged in the secondary sector increased to 24.4% from 22.6%.
• The share of employment in the tertiary sector also increased in rural areas during the April–June 2026 quarter.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Becomes India’s First Port to Receive ISO 50001:2018 Certification

• V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has become the first port in India to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System (EnMS).
• The certification marks a major milestone in the port’s efforts towards energy efficiency, sustainable operations and responsible energy management.

Key Highlights

• ISO 50001:2018 is an international standard that provides a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain and improve an Energy Management System.
• The certification covers systematic management of major energy-consuming areas, including:
• Cargo-handling equipment
• Lighting systems
• Buildings and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Pumps
• Workshops and maintenance facilities
• Energy monitoring and metering
• The system also incorporates renewable energy systems, including solar and wind power, along with electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
• It covers shore-to-ship power systems, preventive maintenance, operational controls, monitoring of energy consumption and losses, and continuous improvement of energy performance and efficiency.
• VOC Port has a strong record of adopting international management standards:
• ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) – became the first Indian major port to receive the certification in 1996.
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) – became the second Indian major port to receive the certification in 2005.
• Both certifications have been successfully retained to date.
• Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, V.O.C. Port Authority, described the achievement as a landmark in the port’s commitment to responsible energy management and sustainable development.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Chief Minister: Joseph Vijay
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (Additional Charge)
• Capital: Chennai
• National Parks: Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Palani Hills National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• In the year 2025, India has achieved a milestone in the organ transplantation, as it saw total 20,138 organs transplanted through the year, as per the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) Annual Report 2025–26. 

National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories Launches Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories

• The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories.

Key Highlights

• The scheme was launched under the Integrated Assessment Programme at the ‘Gunvatta Samanvaya – A Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Exchange Ceremony’ held in New Delhi.
• The initiative aims to provide reliable, quality-assured and internationally benchmarked food testing services closer to communities by extending accredited testing beyond conventional laboratories.
• The scheme is expected to:
• Strengthen food safety surveillance.
• Improve access to quality food testing services.
• Enable faster regulatory interventions.
• Enhance consumer confidence in food safety and quality.
• The Multilateral MoU Exchange brought participating organisations together to promote:
• Regulatory convergence and harmonisation.
• Coordinated assessments.
• Mutual recognition.
• Reduction in duplication of assessment processes.
• Greater regulatory efficiency and Ease of Doing Business.
• Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), highlighted the importance of embedding quality across the entire value chain for India's development journey towards 2047.
• Dr Sandip Shah, Chairperson, NABL, highlighted the role of the Accreditation Scheme and Integrated Assessment Framework in strengthening collaborative assessment processes and India's quality infrastructure.
• Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General, QCI, emphasised collaboration, convergence and mutual trust as key elements of a strong quality ecosystem.

Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Marks 10th Foundation Day with Focus on Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Public Procurement

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 10th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal calling for a new, user-friendly and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled procurement platform.
• GeM was launched on 9 August 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to promote transparent, efficient and technology-driven public procurement.

Key Highlights

• Piyush Goyal outlined five priorities for GeM’s next decade:
• Strengthening last-mile access through GeM Suvidha Kendras.
• Greater use of Artificial Intelligence for price intelligence, price sanity and marketplace integrity.
• Integration of States, Public Sector Enterprises, Panchayats and Cooperatives into a unified national procurement ecosystem.
• Promoting credit and sustainable procurement through GeM Sahay and Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) linkages.
• Expanding university outreach to bring young innovators and new buyers onto the platform.
• GeM has more than 25 lakh sellers and over 1.37 lakh buyer organisations.
• The platform has facilitated cumulative procurement of over ₹20 lakh crore through more than 3.78 crore orders.
• 12.28 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have fulfilled orders worth more than ₹9 lakh crore, accounting for 45.6% of cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).
• More than 2.24 lakh women-led MSEs have fulfilled over 50 lakh orders valued at more than ₹1 lakh crore.
• Around 42,242 startups have secured orders worth more than ₹65,633 crore through GeM.
• GeM launched a dedicated five-digit nationwide Helpdesk short code – 14550, providing buyers, sellers and other stakeholders with easier access to official support.
• A customised My Stamp was also launched to commemorate GeM’s 10-year journey and recognise its contribution to digital governance, Ease of Doing Business, Indian enterprises and inclusive economic growth.
• GeM Sahay and TReDS linkages will be further strengthened to improve access to credit for sellers and Micro and Small Enterprises.

About Ministry of Commerce and Industry:

• Cabinet Minister: Piyush Goyal
• Constituency: Mumbai North, Maharashtra
• Ministers of State (MoS): Jitin Prasada

Government Sanctions ₹1,000 Crore Additional Funding for Electric Two-Wheelers under PM E-DRIVE Scheme

• The Central Government has sanctioned an additional ₹1,000 crore specifically for electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.
• The additional funding will enable incentives for electric two-wheelers to continue until March 2028.
• The decision was taken after the earlier incentive period for e2Ws was scheduled to end on 31 July 2026.

Key Highlights

• Current e2W penetration in India: around 7.6%. The government aims to increase it to 9–10%, particularly to address last-mile mobility requirements.
• Under the scheme, each eligible electric two-wheeler can receive an incentive of up to ₹5,000.
• The PM E-DRIVE Scheme was originally notified in September 2024 with a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
• The scheme was initially scheduled to operate from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2026 and was subsequently extended.
• The government has been tapering subsidies in segments where electric vehicle adoption has reached high levels.
• Subsidies for L5-category electric three-wheelers were stopped in December 2025 after their penetration reached around 41%, exceeding expectations.
• The government stated that subsidies are expected to decline and eventually end as electric vehicle penetration increases.
• India is currently the world's second-largest market for electric two-wheelers by volume, after China.
• The domestic electric two-wheeler industry has developed significant Research and Development (R&D) capabilities over the past five to six years.
• The PM E-DRIVE scheme has provided incentives to approximately 25 lakh (2.5 million) electric two-wheelers so far.

Parliament passes bill to improve efficiency and transparency in Tribunal system

• Parliament passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the legislation; the Lok Sabha had already passed it.
• The Bill was moved in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.
• The legislation seeks to create a modern, independent, transparent and uniform tribunal ecosystem in India.

Key Highlights

• Key objectives of the Bill:
• Improve the efficiency and functioning of tribunals.
• Ensure independence, transparency and uniformity in the appointment and service conditions of tribunal Chairpersons and Members.
• Establish uniform standards for qualifications, appointments and administration of tribunals.
• Promote accessible, timely and speedy justice.
• National Tribunals Commission (NTC):
• The Bill proposes the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission for the administration and functioning of tribunals.
• The Commission will be chaired by a former Supreme Court Judge or a former Chief Justice of a High Court.
• The proposed reforms are aimed at strengthening institutional independence, governance and accountability in the tribunal system.
• The government stated that tribunal rationalisation was initiated in 2015 to reduce unnecessary tribunals and improve their functioning.
• The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, according to the discussion in Parliament.
• The legislation is intended to strengthen ease of justice and ease of doing business by enabling faster resolution of specialised disputes.
• Tribunals play an important role in resolving disputes in specialised areas such as taxation, environment, labour and administrative matters.
• During the discussion, Sasmit Patra (Biju Janata Dal) suggested including the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) within the legislation to strengthen adjudication under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Release Ram Nath Kovind’s Autobiography “Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles”

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the autobiography of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, titled “Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles”.
• Venue: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi

Key Highlights

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the gathering on the occasion of the book release.
• The autobiography presents a personal account of Ram Nath Kovind’s life journey, covering his early years, struggles, experiences, achievements and distinguished public service.
• The book traces his journey from his formative years to his rise in public life and eventual service as the 14th President of India.
• The autobiography provides insights into the values, experiences and circumstances that shaped Ram Nath Kovind’s life and approach to public service.
• The release is significant as it highlights the life and contributions of Ram Nath Kovind, who served as the 14th President of India from 2017 to 2022.

About Delhi (National Capital Territory):

• Chief Minister: Rekha Gupta
• Lieutenant Governor: Taranjit Singh Sandhu
• Capital: New Delhi
• National Parks: None
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Asola Bhatti (Indira Priyadarshini) Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Delhi Government has approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a flagship welfare scheme aimed at promoting the economic empowerment and social security of women. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India Donates Five Peacocks, Including Rare White Male, to United Nations Office at Geneva

• The Government of India (GoI), through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, donated five peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland.
• The donation was made on 7 August 2026 and aims to revive a historic peacock tradition associated with Ariana Park at the UN premises.
• The donated group consists of four blue peafowl and one white-feathered male peacock, symbolising the blue and white colours associated with the United Nations.
• The peacocks were formally handed over by Arindam Bagchi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, to Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UNOG.
• The initiative highlights India’s rich natural heritage, commitment to biodiversity conservation and global environmental stewardship.
• The peacocks will initially remain in an enclosed aviary for around three months for acclimatisation before being released into Ariana Park.
• Ariana Park covers approximately 46 hectares and is located within the UN premises in Geneva.
• The donation marks the second time India has donated peacocks to UNOG; the first contribution was made in 1981 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• In 1981, Indira Gandhi sent a breeding pair of peacocks from Delhi Zoo to UNOG.
• The tradition of keeping peacocks in Ariana Park dates back more than 100 years, predating both the League of Nations and the United Nations.
• The historical connection began in 1890, when Swiss archaeologist and art collector Gustave Revilliod bequeathed the estate to the City of Geneva.
• Ariana Park was subsequently made available to the League of Nations and later to the United Nations for its offices.
• The care of the peacocks in Ariana Park is overseen by the Geneva Bioparc zoo and UN staff.
• Most of the peacocks previously present in Ariana Park were donated in 1997 by a zoo in Japan.
• The Indian peacock is regarded as a symbol of grace, beauty and resilience, while the donation represents India’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental conservation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards 2024 & 2025

• The President of India will confer the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• A total of 115 artists has been selected for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and Awards for the years 2024 and 2025.
• The awards recognise outstanding and sustained contributions to India’s performing arts, including music, dance, theatre, folk and tribal arts, puppetry, mask making, instrument making and allied theatre arts.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952 and represent one of India’s highest recognitions in the field of performing arts.

Key Highlights

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna):
• The Fellowship carries a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, along with a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
• The selected Fellows for the ceremony are Ramlal Bareth, A. V. Anand, Rita Ganguly, Puru Dadheech, Chittaranjan Jyotishi, Pasumarthi Rattaiah Sarma and Sudharani Raghupathy.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar):
• The award carries a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, along with a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
• The 2024 Akademi Awards cover major fields such as:
• Music: Hindustani Vocal, Dhrupad, Sarangi, Tabla, Carnatic Vocal, Mridangam, Violin, Flute, Sugam Sangeet, Abhang and Mand.
• Dance: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniattam, Chhau and Creative & Experimental.
• Theatre: Direction, Acting, Lighting and Traditional Theatre.
• Folk & Tribal Arts: Folk Music, Folk Dance, Nautanki, Kalbeliya, Instrument Making and other traditional art forms.
• Notable 2024 awardees include Rakesh Chaurasia for Creative and Experimental – Flute, N. Vijay Siva for Carnatic Vocal, Rajeswari Sainath for Bharatanatyam, Bichitrananda Swain for Odissi and Gulabi Sapera for Kalbeliya folk dance.
• The 2025 Akademi Awards also recognise artists across Music, Dance, Theatre, Folk and Tribal/Puppet/Mask/Instrument Making, and Overall & Other Contributions.
• Notable 2025 awardees include Shailesh Bhagwat for Hindustani Instrumental – Shehnai, Jyoti Ganpati Hegde for Rudra Veena, Roja Kannan for Bharatanatyam, Kalamandalam Krishnakumar for Kathakali and Chetana Das for Acting.
• The 2025 awards also recognise traditional and regional art forms such as Nirguni, Chhau, Bhagavatamela, Nangiarkooth, folk arts of Ladakh, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Geographical Indication Products

• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the commercialisation and global market access of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products.

Key Highlights

• The collaboration aims to promote:
• Quality standardisation of GI products.
• Wider domestic and international market access.
• Digital enablement of GI products.
• Strengthening of the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem.
• Under the initiative, GI collectives and authorised users will be facilitated to onboard digital platforms, including:
• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
• These products will be promoted under the “Bharat GI” banner.
• The partnership will focus on capacity building and expanding market opportunities for artisans, weavers and producer collectives associated with GI products.
• The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s Geographical Indication ecosystem and enhance the commercial potential of traditional and region-specific products.
• The collaboration supports the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Vocal for Local.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Signs Two Memoranda of Understanding with Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation (IDEAS), Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata for undertaking research studies.
• The MoUs were signed by Agnimitra Biswas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IDEAS, and Prasoon Verma, Director, Training Unit, Capacity Development Division, MoSPI.

Key Highlights

• Under the collaboration:
• MoSPI will provide financial assistance and data support.
• IDEAS will develop a desktop-based software tool for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Nowcasting.
• IDEAS will also develop a harmonised indicator framework linking administrative data on government health, nutrition and well-being schemes with household-level National Sample Survey (NSS) data.
• GDP Nowcasting refers to the estimation of current economic activity or Gross Domestic Product before the availability of official GDP estimates.
• The partnership aims to undertake deeper analysis of the statistics released by MoSPI and harmonise them with other data sources.
• The initiative will strengthen data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policymaking by the Government of India.
• The collaboration supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 through improved use, integration and analysis of statistical data.

About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation:

• Minister of State (Independent Charge): Rao Inderjit Singh
• Constituency: Gurgaon, Haryana

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Launches Second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Shruti’ at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Kolkata

• The Indian Navy’s second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), Yard 3037 ‘Shruti’, was launched on 11 August 2026 at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, West Bengal.
• The formal launch ceremony was performed by Mrs Manika Sadhu in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition.
• The NGOPV programme comprises 11 ships, with 7 ships being constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa, and 4 ships by GRSE, Kolkata.
• The Ministry of Defence signed the ₹9,781 crore contract for the 11-ship NGOPV programme on 30 March 2023.
• The NGOPVs are indigenously designed and built naval platforms intended to strengthen India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability.
• The vessels will augment the Indian Navy’s existing Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and New Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) for multi-domain maritime operations.
• Major operational roles of the NGOPVs include maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), protection of offshore assets, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), coastal security and anti-piracy missions.
• The GRSE-built NGOPVs are approximately 113 metres long, 6 metres wide, and have a displacement of around 3,000 tonnes.
• The vessels can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots and have an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots.
• Shruti derives its name from India’s rich cultural heritage, with ‘Shruti’ referring to the four Vedas.
• The crest of INS Shruti depicts the Ursa Major constellation along with a red-and-white lighthouse, symbolising guidance and maritime heritage.
• GRSE launched its first NGOPV, Sanghmitra (Yard 3039), on 20 May 2026 in Kolkata.
• Shruti is part of the four-ship NGOPV order assigned to GRSE, while the remaining ships under the programme are being constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited.
• The concurrent construction of NGOPVs at GRSE, Kolkata and GSL, Goa reflects India’s growing capacity for parallel indigenous warship construction.

About Indian Navy (IN):

• Established :1950
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
• Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) : Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
• Motto : “Sam no Varunah”

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Vietnam’s VinSpace Signs Agreement with SpaceX to Launch First Satellites in 2027

• VinSpace, the aerospace unit of Vingroup, Vietnam, has signed a launch agreement with SpaceX to deploy its first satellites through a Transporter Rideshare Mission in 2027.
• The VinSpace–SpaceX agreement aims to strengthen Vietnam’s indigenous space capabilities, develop satellite engineering expertise and support future commercial space applications.
• Under the SpaceX Transporter rideshare model, multiple satellites are carried on a single Falcon 9 rocket, reducing launch costs and providing cost-effective access to orbit for small satellite developers.
• VinSpace will manage the complete satellite lifecycle, including design, assembly, integration, testing, launch coordination and in-orbit operations.
• The satellites developed by VinSpace will be used to test the company’s technologies in orbit and support future commercial applications and international collaborations.
• VinSpace was established on 3 November 2025 and is headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam, with a focus on satellite research, manufacturing, testing, launch and operations.
• Vu Trong Thu serves as the CEO and Director General (DG) of VinSpace.
• VinSpace is part of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest privately owned company, founded by Vietnamese businessman Pham Nhat Vuong.
• Vingroup has expanded into high-tech sectors such as electric vehicles, space technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
• Vietnam aims to become a mid-level space power in Southeast Asia by 2030 and has been developing its satellite and space-science capabilities.
• Vietnam launched its first telecommunications satellite in 2008, followed by another satellite in 2012.
• In March 2026, Vietnam inaugurated a major Space Science and Technology Center at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, Hanoi, to promote satellite development and the use of space-based data.
• In February 2026, Vietnam allowed SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service to operate in the country, supporting the expansion of its digital and space infrastructure.
• The VinSpace–SpaceX deal is part of VinSpace’s strategy to become a full-service aerospace company, covering satellite design, manufacturing, launch management, satellite operations and space-based data services.

Adani Airport City Incorporates AACL Global IFSC as Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings

• Adani Airport City Limited (AACL), a step-down wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), has incorporated AACL Global IFSC Limited as a new wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).
• AACL Global IFSC Limited was originally incorporated on 15 July 2026, while the Certificate of Incorporation was received on 5 August 2026.
• The newly incorporated entity will operate as a Global Treasury Centre under the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) (Finance Company) Regulations, 2021.
• AACL Global IFSC Limited is authorised to undertake treasury and finance-related activities permitted under the regulations of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
• The new company was incorporated with a paid-up capital of ₹5 lakh, comprising 50,000 equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each.

About Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) :

• Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) was incorporated in August 2019 and is India’s largest private airport operator under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• AAHL is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Airtel Business and ITI Limited Collaborate to Boost Enterprise Digital Transformation in India

• Airtel Business, the enterprise arm of Bharti Airtel, and ITI Limited, Bengaluru, have entered into a strategic collaboration to accelerate enterprise digital transformation and strengthen India’s digital infrastructure.
• The partnership combines Airtel Business’s enterprise connectivity and digital technology capabilities with ITI Limited’s engineering and manufacturing expertise to deliver scalable digital and telecom solutions.
• The collaboration aims to help enterprises modernise legacy systems, improve operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity and respond faster to changing business requirements.
• The partnership will address key challenges such as fragmented legacy environments, rising cybersecurity risks, increasing data demands and the need for greater operational agility.
• The digital infrastructure solutions will include Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON), Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and private 4G/5G networks.
• The collaboration will also provide secure data centres and sovereign cloud services, supporting the growing need for secure and locally controlled digital infrastructure.
• The partnership will offer solutions across enterprise connectivity, data centres, sovereign cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services.
• The platform is designed to support regulated sectors, particularly banking and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), through secure and scalable digital solutions.
• The collaboration will integrate industrial IoT-based asset tracking, AI-powered analytics and full-stack cybersecurity solutions to improve enterprise operations and security.
• The partnership will also support India’s defence and security requirements by promoting indigenous technology and strengthening secure communications infrastructure.
• The initiative promotes the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives by combining domestic engineering, manufacturing and digital technology capabilities.
• The partnership was highlighted by Rajesh Rai, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), ITI Limited, and Sharat Sinha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Airtel Business.

About ITI Limited :

• ITI Limited was established in 1948 and is India’s first telecom PSU, with its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka..

S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences and Ashoka University Develop Artificial Intelligence Framework to Detect Hidden Cancer Stem-Like Cells

• Researchers from S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with Ashoka University, have developed a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework to identify hidden cancer stem-like cells.
• The new AI framework is named ACSCeND (AI-based Cancer Stem-like Cell Profiler and Neoplasm Deconvoluter) and is designed to detect rare cancer stem-like cell populations from tumour gene-expression data.
• ACSCeND identifies three distinct developmental states of cancer stem-like cells: pluripotent-like, multipotent-like and unipotent-like.
• Unlike conventional approaches that assign a tumour a single “stemness” score, ACSCeND provides a more detailed picture of tumour heterogeneity by identifying different cancer stem-like cell states.
• The framework combines knowledge from high-resolution single-cell sequencing with deep learning to analyse conventional bulk tumour RNA sequencing data.
• A major advantage of ACSCeND is that it can identify hidden cancer stem-like cell populations in thousands of patient samples where single-cell sequencing may not be available, making it particularly useful in regions with limited healthcare facilities.
• Cancer stem-like cells are associated with tumour recurrence, metastasis, treatment resistance and treatment failure, making their accurate identification important for cancer research.
• The ACSCeND framework was developed under the leadership of Shubhasis Haldar and builds upon the team's earlier AI platform OncoMark.
• OncoMark decoded biological hallmarks driving cancer progression across millions of cells and achieved more than 99% predictive accuracy.
• The researchers validated ACSCeND against existing computational methods and found that it consistently outperformed current approaches across independent datasets and different sequencing platforms.
• The framework was applied to more than 25,000 tumour samples from major international cancer databases, including TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and PRECOG.
• The analysis found that tumours enriched with highly potent pluripotent-like cancer stem cells were associated with poorer patient survival, higher tumour recurrence and reduced response to modern immunotherapies.
• ACSCeND also identified molecular programmes that enable cancer stem-like cells to survive, adapt and evade the immune system.
• The findings could help researchers identify new drug targets, predict patients at higher risk of cancer relapse and develop more effective precision cancer therapies.
• The study demonstrates how Artificial Intelligence can uncover hidden biological patterns in massive genomic datasets that are difficult to analyse manually.

Recent News :

• In July 2026, Researchers from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) and S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), both under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed a new porous organic anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Nuclear Scientist and Science Activist M.P. Parameswaran Passed away at 92 in Thrissur

• P. Parameswaran, an Indian nuclear scientist, science communicator, Marxist theorist, writer and people’s science activist, passed away on 11 August 2026 at the age of 92 in Thrissur, Kerala.

About M.P. Parameswaran :

• He was born on 18 January 1935 in Kiralur, Thrissur district, Kerala.
• Parameswaran obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1956.
• He earned a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Moscow Power Institute in 1965.
• He worked as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, from 1957 to 1975.
• After leaving BARC in 1975, he became a full-time activist and devoted himself to science popularisation, public education and grassroots development.
• He was one of the earliest and foremost members of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP), a prominent people’s science movement in Kerala.
• His major areas of interest included environment, energy, education and rural development.
• Parameswaran was instrumental in establishing the All India People’s Science Network (AIPSN), a nationwide network of people’s science organisations, and served as its Secretary and later President.
• He also helped build the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti (BGVS), which played an important role in conducting mass literacy campaigns across India.
• Between 1969 and 1973, he served on deputation as Assistant Director of the State Institute of Languages, Kerala.
• During his tenure at the State Institute of Languages, he contributed to the development of the Malayalam typewriter keyboard layout.
• Parameswaran promoted grassroots science initiatives, including the use of smokeless stoves, as part of his efforts towards practical and people-oriented science.
• His book Fourth World proposed a society based on decentralised democracy and economic production and opposed excessive consumerism.
• The ideas presented in Fourth World triggered a major debate within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)].
• He was expelled from the CPI(M) in February 2004 on charges of indiscipline and deviation from the party line, after around three decades of membership.
• Parameswaran authored numerous popular science books in Malayalam and English covering subjects such as atomic energy, radioactivity, astronomy, mathematics, political science and ecology.
• His contributions extended beyond science to education, environmental awareness, rural development and social activism.
• In 2022, he received the Kerala Sree Award, the third-highest civilian honour of Kerala.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India Wins Gold and Three Bronze Medals at International Linguistics Olympiad 2026

• India won 1 Gold Medal, 3 Bronze Medals and 1 Honourable Mention at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) 2026, held in Romania.
• The International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) brought together school students from more than 40 countries.

Key Highlights

• Shrilakshmi Venkatraman won the Gold Medal for India.
• Aarav Anil Rao, Nishanth Shankar Lakshmanan and Advay Misra won Bronze Medals.
• Soham Amit Pednekar received an Honourable Mention.
• The IOL is different from conventional academic Olympiads as participants do not need prior knowledge of linguistics. They solve problems involving unfamiliar languages using logic, pattern recognition and analytical reasoning.
• India has been participating in the International Linguistics Olympiad since 2009.
• The Indian team is selected through the Panini Linguistics Olympiad (PLO), which serves as India's national selection competition.
• For the 2026 selection process, 525 students registered for the first round, while 338 students appeared for the qualifying test conducted in February 2026.
• Shortlisted students attended a 10-day residential training camp at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
• The camp included lectures, mentoring sessions, problem-solving exercises, mock Olympiads and tests.
• The final team was selected on the basis of performance in the second-round test, followed by further training before the international competition.
• IIIT Hyderabad has been mentoring the Panini Linguistics Olympiad since 2015.
• The analytical and logical skills developed through the Olympiad are useful in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and language technology.
• According to the Panini Linguistics Olympiad, India has now won 37 medals at the International Linguistics Olympiad, comprising 6 Gold, 9 Silver and 22 Bronze Medals.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Steelpan Day 2026 is observed annually on 11 August

• World Steelpan Day is observed annually on 11 August to highlight the cultural, historical and social significance of the steelpan and its contribution to sustainable development.
• The 2026 edition marks the 4th observance of World Steelpan Day, following its first observance on 11 August 2023.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially proclaimed 11 August as World Steelpan Day through Resolution A/RES/77/316, adopted on 24 July 2023. The resolution was co-sponsored by 84 United Nations Member States.
• The initiative originated with Trinidad and Tobago, which formally approached the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2022 with a proposal to establish World Steelpan Day.
• The steelpan, also known as a pan or steel drum, originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century and is a percussion instrument belonging to the idiophone family.
• The steelpan is traditionally made from steel drums or containers and is widely regarded as the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.
• In 1992, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago declared the steelpan as the country's National Musical Instrument.
• In 2024, the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago unanimously passed the National Musical Instrument Bill, providing legal recognition to the steelpan as the country’s national instrument.
• The steelpan has a deep connection with Trinidadian Carnival celebrations and has become an important symbol of the country's national identity, cultural heritage and creativity.
• Pan Month is celebrated every August by Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C. Since 1992, the organisation has used the month to celebrate the cultural significance of the steelpan.
• The 2025 Pan Month theme was “From Roots to Resonance: Echoing Across Generations and Nations.”
• Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2019 for promoting creativity and sustainable urban development through music, including the steelpan tradition.
• Port of Spain became the 6th Creative City in the Caribbean under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, joining Nassau, Jacmel, Havana, Santo Domingo and Kingston.
• In 1951, the Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) was formed to participate in the Festival of Britain. It became the first steelband to take the steelpan to an international audience.
• Panorama, Trinidad and Tobago’s major national steelpan competition, was inaugurated in 1963 and continues to be an important cultural event.

Daily CA One- Liner: August 13

• O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has become the first port in India to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System
• The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 10th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal calling for a new, user-friendly and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled procurement platform

• The Central Government has sanctioned an additional ₹1,000 crore specifically for electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.

• Parliament passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the legislation; the Lok Sabha had already passed it

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the autobiography of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, titled “Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles”.

• The President of India will confer the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the commercialisation and global market access of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) products
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation (IDEAS), Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata for undertaking research studies
• India won 1 Gold Medal, 3 Bronze Medals and 1 Honourable Mention at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) 2026, held in Romania
• World Steelpan Day is observed annually on 11 August to highlight the cultural, historical and social significance of the steelpan and its contribution to sustainable development.

• Financial inclusion is central to India’s vision of equitable development, with expansion in banking, digital payments, credit, insurance, pensions and investment opportunities supported by Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and citizen-centric reforms.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed revised prudential norms on capital adequacy for commercial banks through the Draft RBI (Commercial Banks – Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy) Eleventh Amendment Directions, 2026.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the new premises of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) in Mumbai and launched technology and cybersecurity initiatives for the Urban Cooperative Banking (UCB) sector.
• The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Quarterly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April–June 2026.
• The Government of India (GoI), through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, donated five peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland.
• The Indian Navy’s second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), Yard 3037 ‘Shruti’, was launched on 11 August 2026 at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, West Bengal.
• VinSpace, the aerospace unit of Vingroup, Vietnam, has signed a launch agreement with SpaceX to deploy its first satellites through a Transporter Rideshare Mission in 2027.
• Adani Airport City Limited (AACL), a step-down wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), has incorporated AACL Global IFSC Limited as a new wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL).
• Airtel Business, the enterprise arm of Bharti Airtel, and ITI Limited, Bengaluru, have entered into a strategic collaboration to accelerate enterprise digital transformation and strengthen India’s digital infrastructure.
• Researchers from S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with Ashoka University, have developed a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework to identify hidden cancer stem-like cells.
• M.P. Parameswaran, an Indian nuclear scientist, science communicator, Marxist theorist, writer and people’s science activist, passed away on 11 August 2026 at the age of 92 in Thrissur, Kerala.