Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs August 2026 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs 19th August 2026, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs  19th August 2026 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of  19th August  2026

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

S&P Global Ratings Gives IDFC FIRST Bank Its First International Investment-Grade Credit Rating

• S&P Global Ratings has assigned IDFC FIRST Bank its first international investment-grade issuer credit ratings, marking an important milestone for the bank.
• The bank has received a BBB- long-term issuer credit rating and an A-3 short-term issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings.
• The outlook on the long-term rating is Stable, indicating that S&P expects the bank’s credit profile to remain broadly stable.
• The BBB- rating is the lowest investment-grade rating, signifying improved confidence in IDFC FIRST Bank’s creditworthiness.
• The new international investment-grade rating could support IDFC FIRST Bank’s business expansion plans and strengthen its position among India’s private-sector lenders.

About IDFC FIRST Bank : 

• It is an Indian private-sector bank headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• IDFC FIRST Bank was formed in December 2018 through the merger of IDFC Bank and Capital First.
• Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Daily Current Affairs -  18th  August  2026 Vaidyanathan

South Indian Bank Launches ‘Onam Orumayude Olam’ Campaign Celebrating Kerala’s Cultural Heritage

• South Indian Bank has launched its Onam campaign titled “Onam Orumayude Olam”, celebrating Kerala’s spirit of togetherness and the collective effort to preserve the state’s rich cultural traditions.
• The campaign features a 90-second film that highlights the importance of community participation in preserving Kerala’s traditional heritage.
• The film narrates the story of a group of youngsters who come together through community crowdfunding to restore a forgotten Chundan Vallam, the traditional snake boat associated with Kerala’s famous boat-racing culture.
• The restoration of the Chundan Vallam inspires veteran oarsmen to return to the waters, highlighting the connection between younger generations and traditional cultural practices.
• The boat featured in the film is also being restored as part of the Onam campaign.
• The campaign film was directed by Martin Prakkat and scripted by Sarat Prakash, and it features actor Kiran Peethambaran.
• R. Seshadri, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Indian Bank, stated that the campaign aims to pay tribute to Kerala’s cultural heritage while highlighting the shared spirit that keeps traditional customs and celebrations alive.
• As part of the festive campaign, South Indian Bank has introduced offers on Home Loans, Car Loans and Retail & Personal Loans.
• The campaign also includes exclusive debit card offers from more than 40 brands across over 250 outlets in Kerala.

About South Indian Bank:

• Founded Year: 1929
• Headquarters: Thrissur, Kerala, India
• Slogan: "Experience Next-Gen Banking"

Punjab National Bank Enters Three-Year Partnership with GYFTR to Enhance Credit Card Customer Engagement

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a three-year agreement with GYFTR Ltd to create a dedicated digital rewards and offers platform for its credit card customers.
• Under the partnership, GYFTR Ltd will design, build and operate a white-label digital platform carrying PNB’s branding for eligible credit card holders.
• The platform will allow eligible PNB credit card customers to access curated offers from participating consumer brands, providing additional benefits beyond regular credit card transactions.
• The digital platform will provide offers across categories such as shopping, food delivery, entertainment, dining and travel.
• The provisionally listed brands on the platform include Amazon Prime, Swiggy One, SonyLIV, Starbucks, Domino’s, Myntra, Bata and PVR.
• The offer catalogue will be updated periodically in consultation with PNB, according to the companies’ announcement.
• GYFTR will provide the underlying technology, payment infrastructure and merchant integrations required to operate the platform.
• GYFTR will manage the complete customer journey, starting from the PNB-branded digital interface through to offer redemption at participating brand outlets and websites.
• The partnership will provide PNB with an additional digital customer-engagement channel alongside its existing credit card operations.

About Punjab National Bank (PNB):

• Founded: 1894
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Chandra
• Tagline: "The Name You Can Bank Upon"

Bajaj General Insurance Launches Special Motor Insurance Plan for Defence Personnel

• Bajaj General Insurance has launched ProShield, a packaged motor insurance solution specially designed to meet the unique insurance needs of defence personnel.
• ProShield is aimed at military personnel who frequently face relocations, operational commitments and extended separation from their families due to the nature of their service.
• One of the key features of ProShield is Vehicle Relocation Protection, which provides protection when defence personnel relocate their vehicles due to duty-related transfers.
• ProShield also offers Travel Emergency Protection, which provides reimbursement for missed flight and hotel accommodation expenses arising from a vehicle accident while travelling to the airport, subject to policy terms and conditions.
• Document Loss Protection under ProShield provides financial assistance for the replacement of essential vehicle documents, including the Driving Licence and Registration Certificate, for the insured person and their spouse.
• With vehicles becoming increasingly connected, software-driven and technologically advanced, Bajaj General Insurance has introduced newer motor insurance solutions beyond conventional accident-related protection.
• The insurer has launched V Pay and V PAY 2.0 as one-stop motor insurance solutions designed to address the changing needs of customers and modern vehicles.

Recent News :

• In Aug 2026, Bajaj General Insurance Limited (formerly Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions to explore a partnership in India’s commercial insurance segment.

Paramotor Digital Ties Up with NSDL Payments Bank for Prepaid Card Issuance

• Paramotor Digital Technology Limited has entered into a co-branded partnership agreement with NSDL Payments Bank to issue prepaid cards across India.
• The partnership will support Paramotor’s digital platforms, including SpendPro for consumer spend management, shop for digital gifting, and RewardOn for rewards and loyalty programmes.
• The collaboration will enable Paramotor to offer industry-specific prepaid card programmes for enterprises and consumers across various use cases.
• The partnership will leverage NSDL Payments Bank’s prepaid card issuance services and banking infrastructure to provide secure and RBI-compliant prepaid payment solutions across payment networks.
• The partnership is expected to help Paramotor provide customised payment, gifting, spending and rewards solutions to businesses and consumers across India.
• Paramotor Digital Technology had filed draft papers with SEBI through the confidential route in May 2026 to raise funds through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

About NSDL Payments Bank :

• Established : 2018 with the objective of bringing digital financial services to everyone, particularly people with limited access to traditional banking services.
• Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) : Abhijit Kamalapurkar

Karnataka Bank Launches KBL Finsurance Digital Portal to Streamline Insurance Lead Management

• Karnataka Bank has launched “KBL Finsurance”, a comprehensive digital insurance portal designed to streamline the creation, tracking and monitoring of insurance business leads across its branch network.
• KBL Finsurance empowers branch personnel with real-time capabilities to generate and track insurance leads and monitor the status of insurance policies.
• The portal also enables branch staff to access Business Management Information System (MIS) reports, helping them monitor and manage insurance business more efficiently.
• The digital platform is powered by SprintMoney, a fintech company that provides white-labelled digital solutions to banks and financial institutions.
• Karnataka Bank has partnered with SprintMoney (Wildflower Business Services Pvt Ltd) to enable seamless integration between the bank and its partner insurance companies through the KBL Finsurance platform.
• The KBL Finsurance platform facilitates the integration of Karnataka Bank with its tied-up insurance companies, creating a unified digital channel for insurance business management.

About Karnataka Bank Limited :

• It is an Indian private-sector bank headquartered in Mangalore, Karnataka.
• MD & CEO : Raghavendra Srinivas Bhat

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Meghalaya Inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Eri Silk Weaving on National Handloom Day 2026

• Meghalaya concluded its celebration of the 12th National Handloom Day at Risai, Integrated Textiles Tourism Complex (ITTC), Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi district.
• Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for weaving and handloom-related activities.

Key Highlights

• The Centre of Excellence aims to preserve and pass on the traditional skill of Eri silk weaving to future generations while promoting skill development, innovation and sustainable growth in the handloom sector.
• Eri silk, locally known as Ryndia, is one of Meghalaya’s important traditional textiles and reflects the state’s indigenous cultural identity and heritage.
• Eri silk is known for its handwoven nature, distinctive colours, patterns and designs, with each textile reflecting the craftsmanship and traditions of local communities.
• An exhibition of handloom products created by weavers from different parts of Meghalaya was also inaugurated during the celebration.
• The event highlighted the contribution of Meghalaya’s handloom weavers and artisans in preserving the state’s traditional textile heritage and promoting it to a wider audience.

About Meghalaya:

• Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal Sangma
• Governor: C. H. Vijayashankar
• Capital: Shillong
• National Parks: Nokrek National Park, Balphakram National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Baghmara Pitcher Plant Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The State of Meghalaya has officially recognized the Khasi and Garo as the state languages alongside with the English. This recognition marks the important steps towards to preserving the indigenous identity and improving governance accessibility in the state.

West Bengal Becomes 36th State/Union Territory to Implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

• West Bengal became the 36th State/Union Territory to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), completing the nationwide rollout of the scheme.
• The implementation follows the decision of the Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal Government to join AB PM-JAY. Suvendu Adhikari is the Chief Minister of West Bengal since May 2026.

Key Highlights

• Around 1.5 crore families in West Bengal are expected to benefit from the scheme, which provides cashless health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for eligible beneficiaries.
• Ayushman Bharat cards will be issued free of cost to eligible family members.
• Under the scheme, 1,307 private hospitals and 627 government hospitals in West Bengal will provide cashless treatment to beneficiaries.
• The scheme covers hospitalisation expenses from 3 days before admission to 15 days after discharge.
• The portability feature of AB PM-JAY will particularly benefit migrant workers from West Bengal, as eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.
• For people who are not eligible for AB PM-JAY, the state government is implementing the Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Bima Yojana (MMSBY), expected to cover around 80 lakh families.
• AB PM-JAY is the health assurance component of Ayushman Bharat and provides health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

About West Bengal:

• Chief Minister: Suvendu Adhikari
• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• Capital: Kolkata
• National Parks: Sundarbans National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Singalila National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Buxa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary, Raiganj Wildlife Sanctuary, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary, West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The West Bengal government has approved the implementation strategy of the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana which allows for a special assistance package worth ₹313.3 crores aimed at uplifting the conditions of tea garden workers in the North Bengal region. 

NITI Aayog Releases Report on Regulatory Framework for India’s Professional Services Sector

• NITI Aayog released its latest report titled “India’s Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services” , examining India’s regulatory framework for professional services and identifying opportunities to strengthen the sector’s contribution to exports, employment and economic growth.
• The report was launched by Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, at the forum of the High-Powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee.

Key Highlights

• Nidhi Chhibber, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog, and Dr Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), were present at the launch.
• The report provides a factual and comparative assessment of India’s regulatory framework for professional services and benchmarks it against selected foreign jurisdictions.
• It is based on extensive stakeholder consultations involving Union ministries and departments, State Governments, industry associations, experts and academics.
• Professional services account for nearly one-fourth of India’s total services exports, highlighting their importance to India’s external sector, economic growth and global services competitiveness.
• Professional services are largely high-value and knowledge-intensive activities such as consulting, legal services, accounting, financial services, architecture, engineering and other specialised services.
• The sector contributes to employment generation, entrepreneurship, innovation and remittance inflows, while also supporting other sectors through specialised expertise.
• The report identifies regulatory and structural challenges affecting the efficiency and growth of professional services and provides an evidence-based foundation for future policy discussions.
• The report proposes a four-pronged strategy to strengthen India’s professional services ecosystem: harnessing emerging trends; elevating professional services within the services value chain; adopting global best practices; and promoting continuous professional development.
• Global best practices are examined to identify regulatory approaches that can improve efficiency, quality and international competitiveness, while being adapted to India’s institutional and economic conditions.
• The report is positioned as an indicative pathway for future policy dialogue rather than a final regulatory blueprint, encouraging further engagement among policymakers, regulators, industry bodies and professional organisations.
• Strengthening professional services supports the broader Viksit Bharat @2047 vision by promoting a globally competitive, inclusive and future-ready services sector.
• This report is the 3rd report under NITI Aayog’s Services Thematic Series, which examines different dimensions of India’s services economy through sector-specific analysis and stakeholder consultations.

Jal Jeevan Mission Completes 7 Years of Transformative Progress in Rural Drinking Water Supply

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the flagship rural drinking water programme of the Government of India, was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 15 August 2019 with the objective of providing every rural household with safe and adequate drinking water through a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) on a regular and long-term basis.
• At the time of its launch, only 3.23 crore rural households (16.72%) had tap water connections. As of 2026, more than 15.91 crore rural households (82.24%) have tap water supply.
• Since the launch of JJM, more than 12.68 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections, significantly improving access to safe drinking water in rural India.
• A total of 188 districts, 1,090 blocks, 1.01 lakh Gram Panchayats and 2.04 lakh villages have been certified as Har Ghar Jal (HGJ).

Key Highlights

• The Mission has also provided tap water connections to 9.34 lakh schools (90.86%) and 9.73 lakh Anganwadi centres (86.21%), strengthening access to safe drinking water for children.
• JJM aims to provide drinking water in adequate quantity of 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) and prescribed quality as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): 10500, on a regular and long-term basis.
• Jal Jeevan Mission marked a paradigm shift from habitation-level coverage to household-level service delivery, focusing on Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), service quality and sustainability.
• The Mission has reduced the burden of collecting water from distant sources, particularly benefiting women and girls by enabling greater participation in education, livelihoods and productive activities. It has also contributed to improved health, hygiene, dignity and quality of life in rural communities.
• JJM follows a community-led implementation approach, involving Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local communities in the management and sustainability of rural water supply systems.
• The Union Government has extended Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028, with the Mission evolving from an infrastructure-creation programme into a people-centric movement for sustainable water security.
• The Mission promotes source sustainability through groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, greywater management, water conservation and village-level water security planning.
• Under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) is focusing on source sustainability through Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB).
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR) – 2026 was launched on 1 June 2026 to intensify community participation in creating low-cost rainwater harvesting structures, groundwater recharge and long-term water security.
• The JSJB initiative involves Gram Panchayats, VWSCs, Self-Help Groups, schools, colleges and community institutions in promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
• The Government has also strengthened drinking water quality monitoring and surveillance through a network of water quality testing laboratories, trained community members and Field-Testing Kits (FTKs).
• Rural drinking water supply has been a national priority since Independence, with earlier programmes including the National Water Supply Programme (1954), Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (1972–73), National Drinking Water Mission (1986), Swajaldhara (2002) and National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) contributing to the development of rural water infrastructure.

Gujarat Approves Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Juna Deesa

• Gujarat has received approval for the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Juna Deesa in Banaskantha district, marking a major addition to the state’s wildlife and eco-tourism infrastructure.
• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approved the project on 12 August 2026 under the Gujarat Forest Department.
• The project will be developed over approximately 103 hectares of contiguous government land and is planned as Asia’s first desert-themed drive-through night safari.

Key Highlights

• The estimated project cost is ₹542.14 crore and the facility is expected to house around 2,700 animals and birds belonging to nearly 83 species.
• The proposed layout includes a separate day zoo and 5 dedicated night safari enclosures, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal wildlife after sunset under controlled conditions.
• The planned animal collection will include Indian species such as chinkara, blackbuck and Indian wild ass, along with African species such as cheetah, giraffe and zebra and Australian species such as kangaroo and emu.
• The project will incorporate rainwater harvesting, solar energy, sewage treatment and solid waste management systems, supporting sustainable wildlife tourism.
• The facility is also planned as a centre for wildlife conservation breeding, rescue, rehabilitation and environmental education.
• Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body established under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is responsible for regulating and overseeing zoos in India.
• Banaskantha district is located in northern Gujarat and shares a border with Rajasthan.
• Chinkara, blackbuck and Indian wild ass are important wildlife species associated with arid and semi-arid ecosystems of India.
• Night safaris provide visitors with opportunities to observe nocturnal animals in controlled enclosures, generally using specialised lighting and regulated visitor movement.

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir, Blackbuck, Gulf of Kutch (Marine), Vansda National Parks
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird, Wild Ass, Kutch Desert, Barda, Purna Wildlife Sanctuaries

RECENT NEWS

• The e-Zero FIR system has been introduced by the Gujarat Government to facilitate cyber financial fraud complaints without the need for the victims to visit a police station.

India Launches First Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems

• India launched its first-ever “Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India” at the 17th Session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• The Guide highlights the diversity, ecological significance and socio-economic importance of India’s grasslands, savannas, deserts and other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs).

Key Highlights

• Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav stated that the Guide is an important step towards recognising India’s open natural ecosystems and called for their science-based conservation alongside forests.
• It provides comprehensive information on major Open Natural Ecosystems across India, including their geographical settings, ecological characteristics, biodiversity and associated communities and tribes.
• The publication is expected to serve as an important resource for policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners, development agencies and local communities involved in the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of grasslands and other Open Natural Ecosystems.
• The initiative highlights the importance of recognising grasslands and other open ecosystems as distinct and ecologically valuable landscapes, rather than treating conservation primarily through a forest-centric approach.

About Mongolia

• Capital: Ulaanbaatar
• Currency: Mongolian Tögrög
• President: Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh

About Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:

• Cabinet Minister: Bhupender Yadav
• Constituency: Rajasthan
• Ministers of State (MoS): Kirti Vardhan Singh

India Strengthens Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ecosystem to Build Technological Self-Reliance

• India is integrating semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to strengthen technological self-reliance, supply-chain resilience, innovation and high-value employment, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat.
• Semicon India Programme is building capabilities across the semiconductor value chain, including chip design, fabrication, advanced packaging, testing, equipment, materials, research and skilled talent.

Key Highlights

• Semicon 1.0 was launched with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore to establish India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
• Semicon 2.0, approved in July 2026 with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore, aims to scale India’s semiconductor ecosystem towards global leadership.
• Six strategic pillars of Semicon India 2.0 include: Chip design, Semiconductor equipment and materials, Fabrication facilities, Advanced packaging, Research and Development, and Talent development
• 12 semiconductor projects have been approved across 6 States, involving investment commitments of more than ₹1.64 lakh crore.
• The approved projects include silicon and compound semiconductor fabrication plants, display fabrication facilities and advanced packaging units. Three facilities have commenced commercial production.
• Under the Chips to Start-up (C2S) Programme, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools have been deployed in 320 academic institutions, while more than 68,000 students have been trained.
• 24 semiconductor design projects have received approval for financial support, while 105 start-ups/Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have received support for EDA tools under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.
• By April 2026, 211 chips had been taped out by 75 institutions, while 7 chips had been successfully fabricated, including chips at advanced nodes such as 12 nanometres (nm).
• Semicon India 2025 witnessed participation from 48 countries and regions, with 350+ exhibitors/participants, 35,000 registrations, 30,000 footfalls and 25,000 online viewers. 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also announced.
• India has strengthened semiconductor cooperation with the United States, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Germany and the European Union.
• The IndiaAI Mission has an approved outlay of approximately ₹10,372 crore and aims to establish a secure, inclusive and sovereign AI ecosystem suited to Indian requirements.
• India’s shared AI computing capacity has crossed 45,000+ Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) as of June 2026.
• By August 2026, 237 projects had accessed subsidised AI computing, covering 93.18 lakh GPU hours.
• From 506 applications, the Government selected 20 indigenous foundation model proposals, comprising 12 Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and 8 Small Language Models (SLMs).
• AI Kosh, as of July 2026, hosts more than 14,000 datasets and 331 AI models, providing resources for AI research, development and innovation.
• IndiaAI initiatives have developed 62 AI prototypes and deployed 20 AI solutions in public-sector institutions as of August 2026.
• 58 Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence (AI CoEs) have been approved across States and Union Territories, with 22 CoEs initiated across 13 States/Union Territories.
• The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs, supporting research, start-ups, skill development and technology transfer in areas such as AI, robotics, cybersecurity and quantum technologies.
• Under the Safe & Trusted AI pillar of the IndiaAI Mission, 13 Responsible AI projects were approved as of July 2026, covering areas such as deepfake detection, bias mitigation, machine unlearning, explainable AI, privacy-preserving AI and AI risk assessment.
• India’s data-centre capacity has increased from 375 Megawatts (MW) in 2020 to around 1,575 MW, supporting the growing demand for AI and high-performance computing.
• The Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Report 2025 ranked India 3rd globally in AI competitiveness and ecosystem vibrancy. India was also the 2nd-largest contributor to GitHub AI projects in 2025.
• The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held in February 2026, with participation from delegations representing 100+ countries and 20 international organisations. Its declaration was adopted by 92 countries and organisations.
• India joined the Pax Silica coalition at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to strengthen resilient global silicon supply chains in cooperation with the United States and other partners.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Poland Unveils and Consecrates Europe’s Tallest Virgin Mary Statue in Konotopie at 55.6 Metres

• Poland has unveiled a giant Virgin Mary statue in the village of Konotopie, located about 190 km north-west of Warsaw, the capital of Poland.
• The monument has a total height of 55 metres, making it Europe’s tallest monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• The Virgin Mary statue itself is 6 metres tall and stands on a 15-metre pedestal designed in the shape of a crown.
• The monument was consecrated on 15 August 2026, marking the completion of the large religious monument in Konotopie, Poland.
• The project was funded through donations from Roman Karkosik, a 75-year-old Polish businessman, who is known as one of Poland’s wealthy businessmen and prominent stock market investors.
• Poland is also home to another famous giant religious monument, a 36-metre statue of Jesus located in Świebodzin, near the German border.
• The Świebodzin Jesus statue was inspired by Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Conferred Honorary General Rank of Nepal Army

• Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army by Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel during an investiture ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu.
• The conferral of the honorary rank continues the India–Nepal military tradition dating back to 1950, under which the two countries confer the honorary rank of General on each other’s Army Chiefs.

Key Highlights

• General Dhiraj Seth is on an official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel.
• During his visit, General Seth held discussions with General Ashok Raj Sigdel at Nepal Army Headquarters on matters of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral defence and military cooperation.
• General Seth also met India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava at the Indian Embassy and discussed ways to further strengthen India–Nepal comprehensive relations.
• As part of the visit, General Dhiraj Seth handed over military and medical equipment to the Nepal Army, highlighting India’s defence cooperation and capacity-building support to Nepal.
• He also planted a sapling at the Nepal Army Headquarters and received and inspected the Guard of Honour.
• The ceremony was attended by Nepal Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava and senior officials of the Nepal Army and Government of Nepal.
• The honorary General tradition reflects the close historical, cultural and defence ties between India and Nepal and remains an important symbol of bilateral military cooperation.

About Nepal

• Capital: Kathmandu
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee
• President: Ramchandra Paudel
• Prime Minister of Nepal is Balendra Shah

National Sports Awards 2025 announced

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) announced the National Sports Awards 2025, which are presented annually to recognise and reward excellence in sports and contributions towards the promotion and development of sports in India.
• The awards were decided based on the recommendations of a Selection Committee chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra.

Key Highlights

• The Selection Committee comprised eminent sportspersons, sports administrators and persons with experience in sports journalism.
• Applications for the awards were invited online through a dedicated portal, allowing sportspersons, coaches and entities to self-apply.
• A large number of applications were received and examined by the Selection Committee.
• Arjuna Award 2025: A total of 17 sportspersons were selected for outstanding performance in Sports and Games.
• The Arjuna Award is given for good performance over the previous four years, along with leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
• Arjuna Award 2025 – 17 Awardees:
• Tejaswin Shankar – Athletics
• Muhammed Ajmal V – Athletics
• Priyanka Goswami – Athletics
• Treesa Jolly – Badminton
• Pullela Gayatri Gopichand – Badminton
• Narender – Boxing
• Vidit Santosh Gujarathi – Chess
• Divya Jitendra Deshmukh – Chess
• Dhanush Srikanth – Deaf Shooting
• Lalremsiami – Hockey
• Rajkumar Pal – Hockey
• Surjeet – Kabaddi
• Pooja – Kabaddi
• Rudransh Khandelwal – Para-Shooting
• Ekta Bhyan – Para-Athletics
• Arvind Singh – Rowing
• Akhil Sheoran – Shooting
• Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025: I Arumainayagam was selected in Football.
• The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) honours sportspersons who have contributed through their performances and continued to promote sports after retirement from active sporting careers.
• Dronacharya Award 2025: The award is given to coaches for outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and for enabling sportspersons to excel in international events.
• Dronacharya Award – Regular Category:
• Parveer Singh – Athletics
• Chhote Lal Yadav – Boxing
• Neha Nandkumar Chavan – Shooting
• Dronacharya Award – Lifetime Category:
• Dharmendra Singh Yadav – Boxing
• Virender Kumar – Wrestling
• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025: Army Paralympic Node, Pune was selected for its contribution to sports promotion and development.
• The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar is given to corporate entities (public/private) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that play a visible role in the promotion and development of sports.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹1,577 Crore Contracts with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and NIBE for Indian Army’s Loiter Munition Systems

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth approximately ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and NIBE Private Limited for the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for the Indian Army (IA).
• The contracts were signed in New Delhi on 14 August 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• Both TASL and NIBE are required to complete the delivery of the procured systems within 12 months from the date of advance payment.
• The procurement covers 84 Loiter Munition Systems, 840 loitering munitions, and associated accessories for the Indian Army.
• The Loiter Munition Systems will provide the Indian Army with a precision-strike capability of up to 100 km, helping bridge the existing gap in long-range precision strike capability.
• The systems are intended to strengthen the battlefield and precision-strike capabilities of the Indian Army and improve the operational preparedness of Artillery Regiments.
• The procurement will help modernise combat capabilities, improve the operational effectiveness of artillery units, and strengthen the overall operational effectiveness of the Indian Army.
• The procurement is being executed under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category through the Fast Track Procedure (FTP) to accelerate indigenous defence procurement.
• The procurement provides for 60% overall indigenous content, including a minimum of 50% indigenous content in materials, components and software.
• The procurement framework supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthening Indian defence industries.
• TASL has been designated as the L-1 vendor and will receive 64% of the order, supplying 54 Loiter Munition Systems and 540 loitering munitions.
• The value of the contract awarded to TASL is ₹1,013.77 crore.
• NIBE has been designated as the L-2 vendor and will receive 36% of the order, supplying 30 Loiter Munition Systems and 300 loitering munitions.
• The value of the contract awarded to NIBE is ₹563.36 crore.
• The procurement is particularly significant because the Indian Army’s existing precision-strike capability beyond the 40–50 km range is largely dependent on BrahMos missiles.
• The newly procured Loiter Munition Systems, with a range of up to 100 km, are expected to help bridge this 40–50 km to 100 km precision-strike capability gap.
• A limited number of Artillery Regiments and batteries have already been operationalised with Loiter Munition Systems under Phase-I.
• More Artillery units are proposed to be equipped with Loiter Munition Systems under the latest procurement, further enhancing their operational effectiveness.
• Loiter Munition Systems are critical equipment for Artillery Regiments, as they combine extended-range strike capability with precision targeting and are designed to strengthen battlefield effectiveness.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Airtel Payments Bank Names Shabnam Sinha as New Chairperson, Replacing Sunil Bharti Mittal

• Airtel Payments Bank has appointed Shabnam Sinha as its new Chairperson, replacing Sunil Bharti Mittal, who will complete his tenure as Non-Executive Chairman and step down from the Board on 30 September 2026.
• Shabnam Sinha will assume the Chairperson position for a three-year term beginning 1 October 2026, following her appointment by the Board and approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Sinha is currently an Independent Director on the Board of Airtel Payments Bank and will take over the leadership role after receiving the required RBI approval.
• Sunil Bharti Mittal, the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, had served as the Non-Executive Chairman of Airtel Payments Bank since April 2016 and oversaw its expansion into a major digital banking and payments platform.
• Airtel Payments Bank currently serves more than 121 million monthly active users and nearly 30 million bank account customers through the Airtel Thanks App and a network of more than 5 lakh banking points.
• The bank’s banking-point network reaches approximately three out of four villages across India, supporting the expansion of financial inclusion and formal banking services.
• Airtel Payments Bank has emerged as India’s second-largest mobile bank and UPI Autopay player, strengthening its position in the country’s digital payments ecosystem.
• Around one in five rural banking points of Airtel Payments Bank is operated by women banking correspondents, highlighting its contribution to women-led financial inclusion.
• Before becoming Chairperson, Shabnam Sinha chaired the Special Committee of the Board for Monitoring Frauds and was a member of the Risk Management Committee and IT Committee of Airtel Payments Bank.
• Shabnam Sinha has more than three decades of leadership and board experience across development finance, financial services, public policy and institutional transformation.
• Sinha has also worked with the World Bank, where she advised governments and institutions across Asia, Africa and Europe on governance, risk management and operational effectiveness.
• Airtel Payments Bank is an Indian payments bank headquartered in New Delhi.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Kawa UAV Successfully Completes Maiden Flight of Divyastra Mk3 Loitering Munition

• Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) successfully conducted the maiden flight of Divyastra Mk3, described as India’s first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition.
• The maiden flight of Divyastra Mk3 was conducted at the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Divyastra Mk3 was developed indigenously in India by Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) with an indigenous jet engine developed by DG Propulsion.
• The system was developed completely in India without an imported jet engine or foreign critical subsystems, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.
• Unlike conventional loitering munitions that generally use propeller-based propulsion, Divyastra Mk3 uses a jet engine, providing higher speed, extended range, and reduced reaction time for enemy air-defence systems.
• The Divyastra Mk3 programme achieved its maiden flight within one calendar year of programme initiation, highlighting the rapid pace of indigenous defence innovation.
• DRDO has also completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3.
• The ULPGM-V3 trials were conducted in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes at a DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
• The ULPGM-V3 trials used an integrated Ground Control System (GCS) for the command and control of the weapon system.
• The Ground Control System (GCS) incorporates advanced technologies to automate readiness and launch operations of the ULPGM weapon system.
• DRDO has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited, Hyderabad, as the two production agencies for the development and production of the ULPGM-V3 missiles.
• The ULPGM-V3 system has been integrated with UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru, for the ongoing trials.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Central Bank Digital Currency-Based Food Subsidy Transfers for Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana Beneficiaries in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who holds the portfolios of Education, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, formally inaugurated the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
• The CBDC-based food subsidy programme was launched in the Union Territories of Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, marking the first large-scale application of CBDC in a Central Government-backed welfare programme.

Key Highlights :

• With the rollout, Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli became the first State/Union Territory in India to operationalise food subsidy transfers to all eligible PMGKAY beneficiaries directly through CBDC wallets.
• The programme was also inaugurated in the presence of Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Under the new system, the government transfers the food subsidy directly into the beneficiary’s Digital Rupee wallet, replacing the conventional transfer to a bank account.
• The subsidy is purpose-bound, meaning beneficiaries can use the Digital Rupee tokens specifically to purchase foodgrains from empanelled merchants.
• The CBDC-based subsidy can be used through a secure, traceable and real-time digital payment mechanism, improving transparency in the utilisation of welfare funds.
• The system enables instant transfer of food subsidies, allowing beneficiaries to receive the benefit without the delays associated with conventional processes.
• The initiative creates digital transaction records, improving traceability, monitoring and transparency of subsidy utilisation.
• The CBDC-based system is expected to reduce dependence on cash withdrawals and cash handling, while also helping reduce leakages and diversion of welfare funds.
• The system provides greater transparency and monitoring of subsidy utilisation and enables easier digital payments for empanelled merchants.
• Smartphone users can make payments through QR codes, while feature-phone users can access the facility through OTP-based mechanisms, improving digital accessibility.
• The CBDC-based food subsidy initiative was first launched as a pilot in Gujarat on 15 February 2026.
• The second pilot was launched in Puducherry on 26 February 2026, and the experiences from the Gujarat and Puducherry pilots helped the government expand the initiative to Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
• The initiative combines DBT with CBDC technology to ensure that public funds reach beneficiaries instantly and are used for their intended purpose.
• The rollout is envisaged as a proof-of-concept for the nation and a scalable template for other States and Union Territories seeking to integrate CBDC with welfare schemes.
• The initiative is expected to provide operational experience in integrating CBDC with government welfare programmes and support the government’s vision of strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and delivering citizen-centric services.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) was launched by the Government of India in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide free foodgrains to more than 80 crore vulnerable citizens.
• PMGKAY is recognised as the world’s largest food security programme and is managed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DoFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD).
• The CBDC-based food subsidy initiative builds on existing technology-driven Public Distribution System (PDS) reforms, including the digitisation of ration cards and beneficiary databases.
• The food distribution system also uses Aadhaar-based verification, ePoS authentication, online supply-chain management, and nationwide portability under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
• Government initiatives such as Rightful Targeting, SMART-PDS, NIRMAL, VLTS and SAKSHAM are further strengthening data-driven monitoring, transparency and last-mile delivery in the food distribution system.

About Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution :

• Cabinet Minister : Pralhad Joshi
• Minister of State : Nimuben Bambhaniya, Banwari Lal Verma

National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology Launches Cyber Kushti 2026 National Cybersecurity and AI Hackathon to Assess Human Decision-Making Skills

• The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched Cyber Kushti 2026, a national-level Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon.

Key Highlights :

• Cyber Kushti 2026 was launched on 15 August 2026 as part of the technical programme of the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026).
• The 3rd NCCDFI 2026 was organised by NIELIT at the Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, on 9–10 October 2026.
• The hackathon was formally launched by (Dr.) M. M. Tripathi, Director General, NIELIT and Vice Chancellor, NIELIT Deemed to be University.
• The main objective of Cyber Kushti 2026 is to evaluate and recognise human judgment in cybersecurity assessment, particularly in AI-driven cybersecurity scenarios, rather than testing only basic vulnerability detection.
• Participants will be required to analyse a standard Security Assessment Package containing AI-generated findings, logs, source code and scan results.
• The assessment package will contain genuine, duplicate and false vulnerabilities, requiring participants to identify, evaluate and justify their cybersecurity decisions.
• The hackathon is designed to test the ability of participants to make human-led cybersecurity decisions in an environment increasingly influenced by Artificial Intelligence.
• NIELIT is organising the hackathon in collaboration with the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) Foundation under the National Security Database (NSD).
• Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is the Knowledge Partner for Cyber Kushti 2026.
• The competition will be conducted in three rounds, namely Akhada, Dangal, and the Kesari Final.
• The Akhada round is scheduled for 15 September 2026, while the Dangal round will be held on 24 September 2026.
• The Kesari Final is scheduled for 9 October 2026.
• The hackathon is open to students and independent researchers, who will participate in teams of three members.
• Free registration for Cyber Kushti 2026 is open from 15 August to 10 September 2026.
• The winning team will receive the title “Cyber Kesari 2026” along with the Gada award.
• The runners-up will receive the titles “Rustam” and “Pahalwan”, while participants will receive certificates and NSD credits.
• NCCDFI 2026 is a multidisciplinary platform that brings together government, law-enforcement agencies, judiciary, industry, academia, researchers and students to discuss cybersecurity, digital forensics and intelligence.

About NIELIT :

• NIELIT is an Autonomous Scientific Society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and was established on 9 November 1994 with its headquarters in New Delhi.
• Madan Mohan Tripathi is the Director General (DG) of NIELIT.
• NIELIT is involved in Information Technology and Electronics training, skill development and digital empowerment across various levels.
• NIELIT has 56 centres, more than 700 accredited institutes, and over 8,000 facilitation centres, through which it has trained and certified millions of students in emerging Electronics and Information & Communication Technologies (E&ICT).
• NIELIT has been granted the status of “Deemed to be University” under the distinct category by the Ministry of Education, with its main campus at Ropar, Punjab.
• NIELIT’s 11 constituent campuses are located in Aizawl, Agartala, Calicut, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Gorakhpur, Imphal, Itanagar, Ajmer, Kohima, Patna and Srinagar.

About ISAC Foundation and National Security Database :

• The ISAC Foundation is a registered not-for-profit cybersecurity foundation operating as a Section 8 organisation in India, focusing on Cyber Security, AI and professional ethics.
• The National Security Database (NSD) is a professional recognition and certification project for information security practitioners.

SpaceX Sets New Record with Two Falcon 9 Launches in Just 38.5 Minutes

• Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched two Falcon 9 rockets carrying separate missions from Florida and California, USA.
• The two Falcon 9 launches set a SpaceX company record for the shortest launch gap, with only 5 minutes between the two launches.
• The 1st Falcon 9 was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, carrying eight Globalstar satellites.
• The eight satellites were successfully deployed into their designated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for Globalstar, a telecommunications company based in Louisiana, USA.
• The Globalstar booster (B1090) successfully landed at Landing Zone 40 (LZ-40) at Cape Canaveral nearly 8 minutes after launch.
• The successful landing marked the booster’s 14th space mission, demonstrating the reusability of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 system.
• The 2nd Falcon 9 was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, carrying the classified USSF-366 mission for the United States Space Force (USSF).
• The USSF-366 mission was conducted for the USSF and is believed to involve a classified national security payload.
• The Falcon 9 first stage used for USSF-366 completed its landing approximately 5 minutes after launch.
• The booster landed successfully on SpaceX’s autonomous droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean.
• The successful landing marked the booster’s 18th mission, further highlighting the operational use of reusable Falcon 9 boosters.

Principal Scientific Adviser Launches National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development’s RSVC-AMRIT Platform to Boost Rural Innovation and Technology Transfer

• Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (GoI), Ajay Kumar Sood, launched the RSVC-AMRIT platform on 15 August 2026, the 80th Independence Day of India.
• The RSVC-AMRIT platform was developed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to strengthen rural innovation and technology transfer.
• RSVC-AMRIT serves as the digital backbone of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) ecosystem, supporting technology discovery, validation, deployment tracking, monitoring and knowledge management.
• The platform connects innovators, startups, technology providers, academic institutions, funding agencies and rural communities to promote the grassroots adoption of appropriate technologies.
• The RSVC initiative facilitates the transfer of affordable and appropriate technologies from research institutions, innovators and startups to rural communities through village-level technology hubs.
• The RSVC ecosystem covers sectors such as agriculture, rural enterprises, renewable energy, education, assistive technologies, water and sanitation, and citizen services.
• NABARD is supporting 8 RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) as part of the initiative.
• AMRIT, which stands for Accelerated Medium for Rural Innovations and Technologies, is being developed as a national repository of rural innovations, technologies, best practices and collaboration opportunities.
• The digital platform adds a digital layer to the physical outreach provided by RSVCs, enabling wider technology adoption in rural areas.
• NABARD will establish RSVCs through partnerships with the OPSA, NABFOUNDATION and corporates under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• NABFOUNDATION, a subsidiary of NABARD, will serve as the implementation partner for establishing the RSVCs.
• The initiative builds on an earlier tripartite MoU between NABARD, OPSA and NABFOUNDATION for strengthening the RSVC ecosystem.
• NABARD has also established a Centre of Excellence on RSVCs at its head office in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

About NABARD :

• Established : 1982
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Chairman : Dr. Shaji Krishnan V. (Shaji K.V.)
• NABARD is India’s apex development financial institution for agriculture and rural development.

Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited Becomes India’s First Company to Receive GE Aerospace’s S400 Laboratory Approval

• Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a state-owned defence and aerospace materials manufacturer under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), became the first Indian company to secure S400 approval from GE Aerospace, a leading American aerospace company.
• The S400 approval authorises MIDHANI to conduct a wide range of chemical, mechanical and metallurgical testing of high-performance metallic materials and aerospace alloys.
• S400 is a specialised material testing laboratory specification and certification programme developed by GE Aerospace.
• The S400 programme is used by GE Aerospace to approve and audit Certified Material Test Laboratories (CMTLs) and ensure quality, process control and testing standards for high-performance aerospace alloys.
• The approval will enable MIDHANI to expand its capabilities in advanced aerospace materials, including superalloys and titanium alloys.
• The recognition will strengthen MIDHANI’s capabilities in metallic material testing, aerospace-grade qualification and quality assurance systems.
• The achievement reflects MIDHANI’s technical excellence, commitment to global quality standards, and advanced capabilities in materials testing.

About MIDHANI :

• MIDHANI was established in 1973 and is classified as a Miniratna Category-I, Schedule-B Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
• MIDHANI is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Magnus Carlsen Wins Esports World Cup Chess Title for Second Consecutive Year

• World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Esports World Cup (EWC) Chess Championship for the second consecutive year, defeating Belarusian Grandmaster (GM) Denis Lazavik 2–0 in the final in Paris, France.
• Representing Team Liquid, the 35-year-old Magnus Carlsen remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament, showcasing his dominance in the rapid online chess format.

Key Highlights

• Denis Lazavik finished as the runner-up after losing the final 0–2 to Carlsen.
• American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura secured 3rd position, defeating Alireza Firouzja 4–1 in the bronze-medal match.
• The bronze-medal match was affected by technical issues and internet disconnections, leading to repeated disruptions during the contest.
• The championship followed a best-of-three sets format. The first two sets consisted of 4 games each, while a final 2-game set was used as a tiebreaker if required.
• Carlsen’s back-to-back EWC Chess titles further underline his status as one of the dominant figures in modern chess.
• Key exam facts: Winner – Magnus Carlsen; Country – Norway; Runner-up – Denis Lazavik; 3rd – Hikaru Nakamura; Represented Team – Team Liquid; Result – Carlsen defeated Lazavik 2–0; Venue – Paris, France; Title – Esports World Cup Chess Championship.

Asian Junior Chess Championship 2026 – India Wins Both Blitz Titles

• India made a strong start to the Asian Junior Chess Championship 2026, with Vignesh Vermula and Saranya Devi winning the Open Blitz and Girls’ Blitz titles, respectively.
• Vignesh Vermula emerged as the Open Blitz champion, producing a major upset after entering the tournament as the 23rd seed.

Key Highlights

• Vermula finished level on points with fellow Indians Sharnarthi Viresh and Nandish V S, but secured the title on the basis of superior tie-break scores.
• Sharnarthi Viresh finished 2nd, while Nandish V S secured 3rd position. Akshay Borganokar and Madhavendra Pratap Sharma completed the top five in 4th and 5th positions, respectively.
• Vermula's victory is significant as he overcame his 23rd-seed starting position through consistent performances and strong decision-making in the fast-paced blitz format.
• Saranya Devi won the Girls’ Blitz title, giving India a double championship victory in the two premier blitz categories.
• The performances of Vermula and Saranya Devi highlighted the depth of young Indian chess talent and India's strong presence in the Asian junior chess circuit.
• Blitz chess is a fast format in which players have limited thinking time, requiring quick decision-making, tactical awareness and composure.
• The Asian Junior Chess Championship brings together leading young chess players from across Asia and provides an important platform for international exposure and competitive experience.
• The strong opening performance gives the Indian contingent early momentum, with the remaining events providing further opportunities to win titles and medals.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

National Award-Winning Sculptor Chandrashekhar Shilpi Passed away at 75

• Renowned sculptor and master craftsman Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi passed away in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, at the age of 75.

About Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi :

• He was born in Kakkera village in Yadgir district, Karnataka.
• He was known for preserving traditional sculptural heritage through intricate wood, stone, and Panchaloha art, rooted in classical Indian temple architecture, particularly in the Kalyana Karnataka region.
• He underwent 18 years of Gurukul training in wood sculpture at Gonal village under master craftsman Nadoja Naganna Monappa Badiger.
• He later self-learned stone and Panchaloha sculpting techniques, expanding his expertise in traditional sculpture.
• His creations included temple doors, pillars, mantapas, wooden halls, ornamental frames, and deity idols.
• His works were inspired by the Chalukya, Hoysala, Chola, Rashtrakuta, and Pallava traditions and followed the principles of Shilpa Shastra and Vastu Shastra.
• His sculptural works were spread across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu (TN), Andhra Pradesh (AP), Maharashtra, and abroad.
• He served as a member of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy from 1998 to 2001.
• He also contributed to selection committees for major sculpture awards, helping promote and recognise traditional sculptural craftsmanship.

Awards & Honors :

• He received the National Award for Master Craftspersons 2024 for his contribution to traditional craftsmanship.
• He was honoured with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2014 and the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy Honorary Award in 2012.

Daily CA One- Liner: August 19

• Meghalaya concluded its celebration of the 12th National Handloom Day at Risai, Integrated Textiles Tourism Complex (ITTC), Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi district
• West Bengal became the 36th State/Union Territory to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), completing the nationwide rollout of the scheme
• NITI Aayog released its latest report titled “India’s Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services” , examining India’s regulatory framework for professional services and identifying opportunities to strengthen the sector’s contribution to exports, employment and economic growth
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the flagship rural drinking water programme of the Government of India, was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 15 August 2019 with the objective of providing every rural household with safe and adequate drinking water through a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) on a regular and long-term basis
• Gujarat has received approval for the Desert Zoological Park and Night Safari at Juna Deesa in Banaskantha district, marking a major addition to the state’s wildlife and eco-tourism infrastructure
• India launched its first-ever “Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India” at the 17th Session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Conference of the Parties (COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• India is integrating semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities to strengthen technological self-reliance, supply-chain resilience, innovation and high-value employment, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat
• Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army by Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel during an investiture ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, Kathmandu
• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) announced the National Sports Awards 2025, which are presented annually to recognise and reward excellence in sports and contributions towards the promotion and development of sports in India
• World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Esports World Cup (EWC) Chess Championship for the second consecutive year, defeating Belarusian Grandmaster (GM) Denis Lazavik 2–0 in the final in Paris, France
• India made a strong start to the Asian Junior Chess Championship 2026, with Vignesh Vermula and Saranya Devi winning the Open Blitz and Girls’ Blitz titles, respectively.
• S&P Global Ratings has assigned IDFC FIRST Bank its first international investment-grade issuer credit ratings, marking an important milestone for the bank.
• South Indian Bank has launched its Onam campaign titled “Onam Orumayude Olam”, celebrating Kerala’s spirit of togetherness and the collective effort to preserve the state’s rich cultural traditions.
• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a three-year agreement with GYFTR Ltd to create a dedicated digital rewards and offers platform for its credit card customers.
• Bajaj General Insurance has launched ProShield, a packaged motor insurance solution specially designed to meet the unique insurance needs of defence personnel.
• Paramotor Digital Technology Limited has entered into a co-branded partnership agreement with NSDL Payments Bank to issue prepaid cards across India.
• Karnataka Bank has launched “KBL Finsurance”, a comprehensive digital insurance portal designed to streamline the creation, tracking and monitoring of insurance business leads across its branch network.
• Poland has unveiled a giant Virgin Mary statue in the village of Konotopie, located about 190 km north-west of Warsaw, the capital of Poland.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth approximately ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and NIBE Private Limited for the procurement of Loiter Munition Systems for the Indian Army (IA).
• Airtel Payments Bank has appointed Shabnam Sinha as its new Chairperson, replacing Sunil Bharti Mittal, who will complete his tenure as Non-Executive Chairman and step down from the Board on 30 September 2026.
• Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) successfully conducted the maiden flight of Divyastra Mk3, described as India’s first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition.
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who holds the portfolios of Education, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, formally inaugurated the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of food subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).
• The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched Cyber Kushti 2026, a national-level Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon.
• Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) launched two Falcon 9 rockets carrying separate missions from Florida and California, USA.
• Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (GoI), Ajay Kumar Sood, launched the RSVC-AMRIT platform on 15 August 2026, the 80th Independence Day of India.
• Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a state-owned defence and aerospace materials manufacturer under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), became the first Indian company to secure S400 approval from GE Aerospace, a leading American aerospace company.
• Renowned sculptor and master craftsman Chandrashekhar Y. Shilpi passed away in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, at the age of 75.