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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Bajaj General Insurance Launches Pet-Inclusive Health Cover for Families

• Bajaj General Insurance Limited launched ‘My Family Complete’, a health insurance plan that expands the definition of family to include pet dogs and cats.
• The plan is designed to replace separate health protection arrangements for human family members and pets with a single integrated insurance policy.

Key Highlights :

• My Family Complete offers Sum Insured options from ₹5 lakh to ₹5 crore, with flexible policy tenures of up to 5 years.
• The policy combines indemnity-based and benefit-based payouts, providing different forms of financial protection to insured members.
• The plan covers adults aged 18 years and above, dependent children from 3 months to 30 years, and pet dogs and cats from 3 months of age with no upper age limit.
• Major human and pet coverage includes in-patient hospitalisation, room rent, road and pet ambulance services, pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses, domiciliary care and modern treatment methods.
• For humans, the policy also provides coverage for AYUSH hospitalisation, organ donor expenses and family visit reimbursements.
• The plan provides unlimited reinstatement of the Sum Insured, meaning the hospitalisation cover can be restored whenever the available cover is exhausted.
• Policyholders can receive cumulative bonuses of up to 100%, along with cataract treatment coverage.
• The plan provides a fixed convalescence benefit, under which 1% of the Sum Insured is paid when the insured person or pet undergoes an extended hospitalisation.
• For pets, the plan provides reimbursement for advertising and rewards if a pet goes missing, helping owners meet expenses related to locating a lost pet.
• The policy also provides emergency pet accommodation if the pet parent is hospitalised and is unable to care for the pet.
• Third-party liability cover is available for injury, death or property damage caused by the insured pet.
• The product aims to provide holistic health protection for both humans and pets under one unified insurance framework.

Recent News :

• In Aug 2026, Bajaj General Insurance launched ProShield, a packaged motor insurance solution specially designed to meet the unique insurance needs of defence personnel.

About Bajaj General Insurance Limited :

• Bajaj General Insurance Limited, formerly known as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, is a leading private general insurance company in India.
• Bajaj General Insurance is a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv Limited, a major financial services group in India.
• MD and CEO : Tapan Singhel

Regional Rural Banks Post Record ₹10,176 Crore Net Profit as Total Business Surpasses ₹13.5 Lakh Crore in FY26

• The Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) recorded an all-time high consolidated net profit of ₹10,176 crore in FY 2025-26, compared with ₹6,820 crore in FY 2024-25.
• The consolidated net profit of RRBs increased by approximately 49% year-on-year in FY 2025-26, highlighting significant improvement in their financial performance.
• The total business of 28 RRBs crossed ₹13.5 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, exceeding the business level of some individual Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
• The strong business growth highlights the increasing importance of RRBs in India’s rural banking and financial system.
• The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) of RRBs declined to an all-time low of 3%, indicating a significant improvement in asset quality.
• The Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) also declined to an all-time low of 1% in FY 2025-26.
• The 28 RRBs currently operate through 22,273 branches spread across 26 States and 3 Union Territories, covering approximately 700 districts.
• The Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio of RRBs reached an all-time high of 2% in FY 2025-26, reflecting increased deployment of deposits as credit.
• RRBs achieved all prescribed targets and sub-targets under Priority Sector Lending (PSL), demonstrating their focus on marginalised and underserved sections of society.
• RRBs opened more than 98 lakh new Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts during FY 2025-26, strengthening financial inclusion in rural and underserved areas.
• A review meeting on RRB performance was held in Delhi under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS).
• The meeting was attended by the Chairman of NABARD, Chairpersons of all 28 RRBs, and officials from DFS, Sponsor Banks, RBI and SIDBI.
• The improved profitability, declining NPAs, rising CD Ratio and expansion of financial inclusion demonstrate the strengthening performance of Regional Rural Banks in FY 2025-26.

Small Industries Development Bank of India Conducts Regional Rural Banks Heads’ Meet to Scale Up MSME Co-Lending Initiative

• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) organized a conclave of Heads of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on 25 August 2026 in New Delhi to expand the SIDBI–RRB MSME Co-Lending arrangement.
• The conclave was chaired by Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), and was attended by Manoj Mittal, CMD, SIDBI, senior officials from DFS, SIDBI and NABARD, and Chairmen of all 28 RRBs.
• The initiative aims to scale up MSME lending in rural and semi-urban areas by combining the strengths of SIDBI’s MSME credit expertise with the extensive grassroots reach of RRBs.
• SIDBI brings expertise in understanding the credit requirements of MSMEs, while RRBs provide strong banking access across smaller towns and villages.
• The Co-Lending arrangement will help RRBs diversify their loan portfolios by increasing their focus on MSME lending.
• Rule engine-based underwriting is expected to support RRBs in maintaining good asset quality while expanding MSME credit.
• RRBs were encouraged to contribute towards making India a next-generation manufacturing hub and to participate actively in Rozgar Melas conducted by State Governments to spread financial awareness among MSMEs.
• Manoj Mittal, CMD, SIDBI, urged the RRBs to actively participate and make the Co-Lending arrangement
• SIDBI has developed a Co-Lending Origination Platform, an end-to-end digital platform designed to provide a faster and paperless credit journey.
• The digital platform enables quick sanction and disbursement of loans, reducing the time required for MSME borrowers to obtain credit.
• Loan applicants receive in-principle sanction information within a short turnaround time after providing all required details through the application portal.
• The platform provides digital documentation and disbursement, allowing customers to receive loan amounts directly into their bank accounts without visiting a branch.
• The Co-Lending programme has already shown encouraging outcomes in pilot implementation at three RRBs.
• The proposed expansion to more RRBs is expected to address the credit requirements of MSME borrowers, particularly those in the Micro and Small segments.
• The expansion will particularly benefit MSMEs in rural and semi-urban areas by improving access to faster, paperless and digitally enabled credit.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

• It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) focused on financing and developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
• Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Founded: April 2, 1990, by the Government of India
• Chairman & Managing Director: Shri Manoj Mittal

India’s Core Sector Growth Eases to 5.4% in July 2026 from 6% in June

• India’s core industrial sector growth slowed to 4% in July 2026, compared with 6.0% in June 2026, according to official data released.
• The data was released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the Index of Core Industries (ICE).
• Despite the slowdown, July 2026 recorded the second-fastest core-sector growth in seven months.
• The fertilisers, iron ore and steel sectors recorded significant slowdowns, while natural gas and crude oil continued to contract.
• The fertilisers sector contracted 8% in July 2026, compared with a 3% contraction in June 2026 and 1.9% growth in July 2025.
• The weakness in the fertilisers sector was likely linked to the deficient and patchy monsoon and resulting lower sowing levels.
• Iron ore production growth slowed sharply to 5% in July 2026, from 44.5% in June 2026; however, the high growth partly reflected a low-base effect.
• The coal sector recorded 6% growth in July 2026, its highest growth in 11 months, also benefiting from a low-base effect, as it had contracted 12.3% in July 2025.
• Steel sector growth declined to 9% in July 2026, from 5.6% in June 2026, marking its lowest growth in the 14-month data series.
• Natural gas contracted by 7% in July 2026, continuing its prolonged period of contraction.
• Crude oil contracted by 3% in July 2026, also continuing its prolonged contraction.
• Natural gas and crude oil had both contracted continuously for the last 14 months covered by the available data.
• Refinery products recorded 7% growth in July 2026, ending a three-month contraction streak and achieving its best performance in nine months.
• Electricity production grew by 9% in July 2026, although growth moderated from 4% in June 2026.
• Cement production recorded 1% growth in July 2026, its highest growth in seven months, compared with 11.1% growth in July 2025.
• The cement and electricity sectors emerged as the relative bright spots among the eight core industrial sectors in July 2026.
• The Ministry introduced a new series of the Index of Core Industries in July 2026, allowing historical comparison only up to June 2025 under the new series.

State Bank of India Uses Artificial Intelligence to Underwrite Nearly ₹1 Lakh Crore in MSME Loans in FY26

• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest lender, used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to underwrite nearly ₹1 lakh crore of MSME loans during FY 2025–26.
• The AI-based system enabled SBI to underwrite loans of up to ₹5 crore each for both new-to-bank (NTB) customers and existing customers.
• SBI Managing Director Rama Mohan Rao Amara disclosed these details at the annual FIBAC event in Mumbai on 12 August 2026.
• SBI is also deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Large Language Models (LLMs), to automate the processing of cheques up to ₹10,000.
• Cheques of up to ₹10,000 account for around 25% of SBI’s cheque volumes, making them a significant area for AI-based automation.
• The AI model can read cheques, verify mandatory fields and check compliance requirements, reducing the need for manual processing.
• SBI has automated the processing of eligible cheques through a Straight-Through Processing (STP) system with practically no human intervention.
• A dedicated Control Risk Unit reviews a sample of cheques processed by the AI system to identify errors and assess whether the AI models require further training.
• AI-based automation has helped free up the bandwidth of relationship managers, who previously spent significant time on data collection and preliminary analysis.
• SBI is deploying AI across the entire customer lifecycle, including credit underwriting, portfolio management, fraud risk management and customer service.
• SBI is using AI-based Early Warning Signals (EWS) to identify vulnerable loan exposures before delinquencies emerge.
• These early warning systems analyse sector-specific information, market information and other publicly available data to identify potential risks.
• SBI stated that the financial impact of AI in terms of a specific reduction in the cost-to-income ratio would take time to quantify.
• However, SBI is already seeing benefits from AI in terms of improved customer satisfaction and greater employee productivity/bandwidth.

Recent News :

• In Aug 2026, State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public sector bank, revised the cash withdrawal charges for Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts opened through the branch channel.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy Presents ₹14,300 Crore Tax-Free Budget for Financial Year 2026–27

• Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented a ₹14,300 crore tax-free budget for Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly.

Key highlights

• The FY27 budget represents a 1% increase over the ₹13,600 crore budget allocation for FY26.
• Revenue Expenditure (RevEx): ₹12,115 crore, accounting for 7% of the total budget.
• Capital Expenditure (CapEx): ₹2,185 crore, accounting for 3% of the total budget.
• Total Revenue Receipts: Estimated at ₹11,965.07 crore, including ₹7,890 crore from the Union Territory’s own tax revenue and ₹2,918.41 crore from non-tax revenue.
• Fiscal Deficit: Estimated at ₹2,334.93 crore, equivalent to 2% of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
• The budget provides ₹2,202 crore (15.4%) for major welfare schemes, including free rice, farmer incentives/subsidies, old-age pension, financial assistance to women and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) subsidy.
• Committed expenditure includes:
  • Salaries: ₹2,693 crore (83%)
  • Pensions: ₹1,619 crore (33%)
  • Loan repayment and interest payments: ₹1,981 crore (86%)
  • Power purchase: ₹2,327 crore (28%)
• ₹560 crore (3.92%) has been allocated as grant-in-aid to society-run Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).
• ₹1,082 crore (7.57%) has been allocated to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and cooperative institutions.
• The government will provide free tablets to Class IX and Class X students studying in government and government-aided schools, benefiting 16,250 students at an additional cost of ₹16.25 crore.
• The tablet initiative aims to improve learning skills and preparation for competitive examinations such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).
• Financial assistance for marriage has been enhanced:
  • Poor Below Poverty Line (BPL) brides: ₹35,000 → ₹75,000
  • Daughters of destitute/widows: ₹40,000 → ₹1 lakh
  • Widows’ remarriage: ₹75,000 → ₹1 lakh
  • Poor Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribe (ST) brides: ₹1 lakh → ₹1.25 lakh
• The government will incur an additional ₹4.9 crore for the enhanced marriage assistance.
• The monthly pension for freedom fighters has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, involving an additional annual expenditure of ₹6.46 crore.
• Farmers in Karaikal undertaking summer crop cultivation will receive financial assistance of ₹1,500 per hectare, with an allocation of ₹1.13 crore.
• A Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Fruit and Vegetable Processing and a Custom Hiring Centre for Farm Machinery will be established at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal, under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
• The Union Government has approved a net borrowing ceiling of ₹2,148 crore, including negotiated loans, for Puducherry.

About Puducherry:

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

RECENT NEWS

• The Government of India has notified the new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the Union Territory Puducherry. This SEZs approved during the 137th meeting of the Board of Approval under the Department of Commerce.

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) Fish Powder Technology Recognised Under Assam’s Matsya Paripushti Initiative

• The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, has contributed to the Government of Assam’s Matsya Paripushti (Complete Nourishment through Fish) initiative through its research on nutrient-rich fish powder made from small indigenous fish.
• The Matsya Paripushti initiative incorporates small fish powder into school and Anganwadi meals to improve child nutrition, dietary diversity and access to essential nutrients.
• The initiative received the Karmashree Award 2026 from the Government of Assam, recognising the successful translation of fisheries research into a government-supported nutrition programme.
• The technology emerged from the ICAR-CIFT–WorldFish collaborative research programme, initiated in 2019.

Key highlights

• Under the collaboration, ICAR-CIFT worked on developing affordable, nutritious and easy-to-prepare fish-based food products targeted particularly at children and women.
• ICAR-CIFT developed nutri-rich fish powder from small indigenous fish, which can be easily incorporated into different food preparations.
• The recognition demonstrates the successful transition of fisheries research from laboratory and field-level innovation to public policy and government programmes.
• The initiative highlights the potential of small indigenous fish resources to address child malnutrition, improve dietary diversity and strengthen nutrition-sensitive fisheries.
• The approach can also contribute to women’s livelihoods, local value chains and sustainable fisheries-based food systems.
• The initiative involves collaboration among stakeholders including the Government of Assam, Kamrup District Administration, Department of Fisheries, WorldFish, scientists, field workers, women’s groups and fish farmers.

About ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT)

• Established: 1957
• Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala
• Under: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) to Expand Campus by 500 Acres in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh

• The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) at Fursatganj, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, will expand its campus with an additional 500 acres of land to strengthen aviation and aerospace education, research and innovation.
• The Central Government has approved the expansion proposal, which has been forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh Government for making the required land available.

Key highlights

• A Centre of Excellence is planned on the additional land after it is handed over to the university. A survey of the proposed site is already underway.
• The expansion plan includes establishing advanced laboratories, research centres and other academic facilities to support higher education, research and innovation in aviation, aerospace and allied fields.
• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured the university of making the required land available soon.
• RGNAU currently has around 595 students and aims to increase its student strength to 17,000 by 2033 as part of its long-term development plan.
• The university is also planning to grant affiliation to institutions across different parts of India, expanding its academic reach in aviation and aerospace education.
• The expansion is expected to strengthen India's capabilities in aviation education, aerospace research, technological innovation and skilled workforce development.

About Uttar Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
• Governor: Anandiben Patel
• Capital: Lucknow
• National Parks: Dudhwa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Okhla Bird Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• Uttar Pradesh state government made an announcement of the two digital platforms, that are called Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi. It was launched during the celebration of World Youth Skills Day in 2026. 

Union Government Launches Mission Samriddh Gaon to Develop Poverty-Free and Employment-Rich Villages

• Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Mission Samriddh Gaon at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to develop poverty-free, employment-rich villages equipped with assured basic amenities.
• The mission aims to create a comprehensive and integrated model of rural development by bringing together various government schemes related to agriculture, health, education, employment, livelihoods and basic amenities.

Key highlights

• Pilot models will be developed in two blocks of Madhya Pradesh:
  • Budni block – Sehore district
  • Khategaon block – Dewas district
• Successful pilot models will subsequently be replicated in other villages and regions across the country.
• The mission aims to ensure that every rural family has an employment or livelihood opportunity, access to basic amenities and does not have to migrate due to lack of livelihood opportunities.
• An integrated development framework will be prepared at the family, Gram Panchayat and block levels in the selected areas.
• Each family will be linked with relevant Central and State Government schemes according to its needs and eligibility, ensuring better convergence and delivery of benefits.
• The mission will promote integrated farming systems to increase the income of small and marginal farmers by encouraging diversified activities such as fruit and vegetable cultivation, fisheries, goat rearing, animal husbandry, poultry and beekeeping.
• The initiative will build upon the success of programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi campaign to promote economic empowerment of rural women.
• Effective implementation will require coordination among government departments, district administration, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), banks, civil society organisations and the private sector.
• The mission aims to establish prosperous and self-reliant villages as a strong foundation for the vision of a developed India.

Odisha Government Launches Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme for SC and ST Students to Pursue Higher Studies Abroad

• Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme to provide opportunities for global higher education to eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students of Odisha.
• Under the scheme, eligible students can pursue postgraduate and PhD programmes at foreign universities ranked among the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings.
• 50 students will receive scholarship support every year under the initiative to pursue higher education abroad.

Key highlights

• The scheme aims to promote academic excellence, equal educational opportunities and better career prospects for meritorious SC and ST students.
• The initiative will enable students from SC and ST communities to access internationally reputed universities and acquire advanced knowledge and skills.
• The scheme reflects the Odisha Government’s vision that talent should not be restricted by geographical or financial barriers.
• It is expected to strengthen international exposure, human capital development and educational empowerment among Odisha’s youth.

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Nandankanan National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The state of Odisha, HCL Technologies (HCLTech) unveiled its intention to set up an AI-optimised data centre and a global technology centre in Bhubaneswar. The project was developed in collaboration with Sarvam AI and the Odisha Government and is estimated to cost ₹15,000 crore. 

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Authorises 1,800 km LPG Pipeline Infrastructure Across 6 States

• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorised around 1,800 km of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) pipeline infrastructure involving an estimated investment of ₹7,000 crore across Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Goa.
• The projects will be developed by GAIL (India) Limited to strengthen India’s LPG transportation and distribution network.

Key highlights

• The three major authorised pipeline projects include:
  • Cherlapally, Telangana – Nagpur, Maharashtra: 556 km
  • Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh – Sitarganj, Uttarakhand: 611 km
  • Shikrapur, Maharashtra – Goa – Hubli, Karnataka: 633 km
• After completion, the PNGRB-authorised common carrier LPG pipeline network is expected to increase from around 7,700 km to nearly 9,500 km, registering a growth of approximately 5%.
• The expanded pipeline network will facilitate the efficient transportation of LPG from coastal import locations to major consumption centres across the country.
• Pipeline transportation is considered safer and more economical than road-based transportation and will help reduce the movement of LPG tank trucks.
• The initiative is expected to improve road safety, reduce logistics costs and traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions associated with LPG transportation.
• A wider LPG pipeline network will strengthen India’s energy security by ensuring more reliable and continuous fuel supplies during periods of high demand or supply disruptions.
• LPG pipelines also provide line-pack storage, where LPG remains within the pipeline network during transportation, thereby improving operational flexibility and supply-chain efficiency.

About GAIL (India) Limited

• Established: 1984
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): Shri Deepak Gupta

RECENT NEWS

• India has achieved a major infrastructure milestone with the completion of a unique natural gas pipeline project. State-owned GAIL (India) Ltd has built a 694-kilometre gas pipeline almost entirely within a narrow 3-metre strip along an expressway in Maharashtra.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Uttar Pradesh and Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture Sign Four Memorandum of Understandings to Strengthen Investment, Skills and Tourism Cooperation

• The Government of Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in skills, technical training, tourism, technology and investment.
• The agreements were announced at the Japan–India Business Networking Event held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, in the presence of Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, Japanese business leaders and senior Uttar Pradesh officials.
• A ₹600-crore fund was announced by Yamanashi to support Yamanashi-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) seeking to invest in Uttar Pradesh.

Key highlights

• Under the technical training agreement, Invest UP and the Technical Training & Research Centre, Kanpur will collaborate on technical training, workforce development and placement opportunities.
• The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and Yamanashi will promote Buddhist and cultural tourism, with the objective of attracting more Japanese visitors to destinations in Uttar Pradesh.
• Invest UP and Yamanashi will encourage the establishment of Japanese Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Noida and Greater Noida.
• The Labour Department of Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi will work towards creating a skilled workforce with Japanese-language proficiency to meet employment requirements in Japan.
• A separate agreement was signed between the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly to strengthen legislative cooperation through mutual visits, information sharing and exchange of experiences.
• The Uttar Pradesh Government announced a dedicated Yamanashi Desk at Invest UP to provide a focused facilitation mechanism for Japanese investors and businesses.
• Uttar Pradesh will also strengthen regular coordination with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to facilitate Japanese investment in the state.
• A 90-day review mechanism will be used to monitor project progress, land allotment and investment-related issues, promoting faster implementation of projects.
• The partnership aims to move beyond investment discussions towards long-term institutional cooperation, while strengthening technology transfer, employment generation, skills development and industrial linkages between Uttar Pradesh and Japan.

Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL) Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Safe Pharmaceutical Exports

• The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL), set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote legitimate pharmaceutical exports while preventing the diversion of controlled substances for illicit use.
• The MoU was exchanged by Dr Dinesh Bisen, Narcotics Commissioner, representing CBN, and Raja Bhanu, Director General, PHARMEXCIL, at the CBN Headquarters in Gwalior.
• India is recognised globally as the “Pharmacy of the World” and is a major supplier of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), bulk drugs, formulations, biologics and medical devices.

Key highlights

• The agreement aims to strengthen regulatory compliance and voluntary self-regulation in the pharmaceutical export sector while supporting the Government of India’s Ease of Doing Business
• CBN has developed a Voluntary Code of Conduct in consultation with PHARMEXCIL, providing recommended practices for exporters to prevent the misuse or diversion of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled precursors.
• The Voluntary Code of Conduct is non-binding and is designed to avoid additional statutory or financial burdens on exporters beyond existing legal requirements.
• PHARMEXCIL will act as an industry interface by disseminating regulatory advisories, encouraging exporter participation in awareness and training programmes, and promoting a culture of self-regulation and compliance.
• CBN and PHARMEXCIL will identify operational bottlenecks and recommend measures to streamline export procedures for compliant pharmaceutical exporters.
• The two organisations will conduct joint workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns, in coordination with institutions such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Customs, wherever required.
• The MoU provides for information exchange between the two sides, subject to applicable laws and confidentiality requirements.
• A six-month action plan will focus on pan-India outreach, stakeholder sensitisation, and institutional and regulatory cooperation.
• The agreement aims to support pharmaceutical export growth by reducing dwell time for export authorisations while ensuring safeguards against the misuse of controlled substances.
• This is the third industry-focused MoU signed by CBN. It follows the 2022 MoU with the Indian Chemical Council covering basic chemical manufacturing and the 2025 MoU with CHEMEXCIL covering fine and specialty chemicals.
• The latest MoU specifically covers finished pharmaceutical exports, strengthening the balance between trade facilitation and regulatory integrity.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Approves Defence Research and Development Organisation Missile Technology Transfer to Indian Defence Industry for Indigenous Production

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of all conventional missile systems developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to eligible Indian defence manufacturers.
• The initiative was approved by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to promote indigenous defence production and Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
• The ToT will enable eligible Indian industries to manufacture DRDO-developed conventional missile systems within India, subject to required qualifications, certifications and regulatory approvals.
• The initiative will increase the participation of Indian private industries, particularly MSMEs, in the defence supply chain.
• DRDO will work with Indian industries to facilitate technology transfer, technology absorption and industrial production of advanced defence systems.
• The initiative will strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, the defence industrial base and indigenous defence capabilities.
• The move will help reduce dependence on defence imports, increase domestic value addition and enhance India's operational capability.
• The initiative supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by enabling the domestic production of advanced missile systems and strengthening India's defence manufacturing sector.

Goa Shipyard Limited Delivers Indian Coast Guard Ship Ajit to Indian Coast Guard

• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) handed over ICGS Ajit (Yard 1277), a state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• ICGS Ajit is the 7th vessel in a series of 8 Fast Patrol Vessels being constructed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard.
• The vessel was formally handed over after the traditional First Reading Ceremony, which marked an important milestone in its induction process.
• The handover ceremony was attended by Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director (C&MD), GSL, and Comdt (JG) Manish Talan, Commanding Officer, ICGS Ajit, along with senior officials of GSL and the Indian Coast Guard.

Key Highlights :

• Under the Buy-Indian Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (Buy-IDDM) scheme, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded a ₹473 crore contract to GSL in March 2022 for the construction of 8 Fast Patrol Vessels for the ICG.
• Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) are small-to-medium-sized vessels designed for rapid-response maritime security, surveillance and coastal protection operations.
• ICGS Ajit has been built with more than 65% indigenous content, reflecting India's growing capabilities in domestic defence shipbuilding and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The vessel measures 43 metres in length and 8 metres in width, with a displacement of 330 tonnes at a draught of 2.5 metres.
• ICGS Ajit is powered by twin marine diesel engines driving Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP).
• The use of Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) is a first-of-its-kind feature in this class of Fast Patrol Vessels, providing improved propulsion efficiency and operational performance.
• The vessel can achieve a maximum speed of more than 27 knots and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.
• ICGS Ajit is equipped with an advanced Integrated Machinery Control System, which improves operational readiness, efficiency and sustainability.
• The vessel will be operated by a crew comprising 6 officers and 35 sailors.
• ICGS Ajit is designed to undertake fisheries protection, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance and coastal patrolling.
• Its other important missions include anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and search-and-rescue operations.
• The induction of ICGS Ajit will strengthen the Indian Coast Guard's capability to safeguard India's coastal and offshore areas.
• The vessel will contribute to India's broader maritime security architecture by enhancing surveillance and rapid-response capabilities.
• The project strengthens indigenous shipbuilding, defence self-reliance and the Make in India
• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) and plays an important role in developing advanced platforms for India's defence forces.
• The project supports India's ambition to become a global shipbuilding hub and contributes to the growth of the country's blue economy.

Indian Navy to Induct Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel ‘Nipun’

• The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class, on 31 August 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• Nipun will strengthen the Indian Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations.
• Nipun has been indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, supporting India’s goal of self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
• The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 July 2026 after completing an extensive programme of outfitting and trials.
• Nipun is a purpose-built platform designed to support a wide range of diving and underwater operations in challenging maritime conditions.
• The vessel is equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities, enabling sustained support to divers operating at sea.
• Nipun will augment the Indian Navy’s capability to undertake submarine rescue operations.
• The vessel incorporates modern navigation systems, platform-management systems and precise station-keeping capabilities for complex maritime operations.
• It has specialised facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support, enabling it to function as an integrated platform for complex underwater missions.
• The commissioning of Nipun will strengthen the Navy’s ability to undertake specialised diving and underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
• The induction of the vessel reflects the growing capabilities of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry to deliver technologically advanced and specialised naval vessels.
• Nipun represents an important milestone in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence shipbuilding.
• The crest of Nipun reflects its role as a Diving Support Vessel and symbolises courage, endurance and professional excellence associated with deep-sea diving.
• The whale on the crest represents endurance, longevity and sustained operations in the deep ocean, as it can dive to great depths and remain submerged for extended periods.
• The modern diving helmet on the crest represents the diver at the core of the vessel’s mission and symbolises its advanced diving and life-support systems.
• Together, the whale and diving helmet represent Nipun’s role in taking divers into the depths, sustaining them during demanding underwater operations and ensuring their safe return.

India and Vietnam Conduct 2nd Edition of Joint Coast Guard Exercise ‘Sahyog HOP TAC’ in Chennai

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG), hosted the 2nd edition of the India–Vietnam Joint Exercise ‘Sahyog HOP TAC’ in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
• The main objective of Sahyog HOP TAC is to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance operational coordination between India and Vietnam.
• The Vietnam Coast Guard ship CSB8002, accompanied by a 6-member delegation, arrived in Chennai to participate in the joint maritime exercise.
• The exercise was conducted alongside the 7th ICG–VCG High-Level Meeting, strengthening institutional cooperation between the two coast guard forces.
• Sahyog HOP TAC focuses on improving operational effectiveness through professional exchanges and the sharing of best practices between the ICG and VCG.
• The major areas of cooperation under the exercise include Marine Pollution Response and Maritime Law Enforcement.
• The 1st edition of the India–Vietnam Joint Coast Guard Exercise was conducted in 2018 in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast, Tamil Nadu.

About Indian Coast Guard (ICG) :

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was initiated in February 1977 and was formally established in August 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• The ICG is a maritime law enforcement and search & rescue agency responsible for protecting India's maritime interests within its jurisdiction.
• The Indian Coast Guard has jurisdiction over India's territorial waters and plays an important role in maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations.

About Vietnam :

• Prime Minister : Lê Minh Hưng
• Capital : Hanoi
• Currency : Vietnamese đồng

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Scientists Develop Smartphone Platform to Detect Alzheimer’s Biomarker Amyloid-β

• Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed a smartphone-integrated platform for detecting the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker amyloid-β (Aβ).
• JNCASR is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
• The platform uses a fluorescence-responsive tiny molecule called TZ-48 as a probe for detecting amyloid-β (Aβ).
• When TZ-48 interacts with Aβ, its fluorescence intensity changes, and these changes are captured and quantified using a dedicated smartphone application.
• The smartphone-based system, named ADxFluor, enables rapid, accessible and user-friendly quantification of serum Aβ load.

Key Highlights :

• ADxFluor is designed as a portable, low-cost and point-of-care diagnostic platform, with potential applications in the screening and staging of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioural impairment.
• A key feature of AD pathology is the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ), which forms fibrils and extracellular plaques that contribute to synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
• The NIA-AA framework identifies amyloid-β (Aβ), tau and neurodegeneration as core biomarkers for the definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Aβ pathology is considered an early and AD-specific biomarker, making Aβ an important indicator for early diagnosis.
• Conventional techniques such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provide valuable diagnostic information but face limitations due to high cost, specialised infrastructure, technical expertise and limited accessibility.
• Blood-based assays targeting Aβ and tau are promising alternatives, but their high cost and complexity limit widespread accessibility.
• Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) is an important sensing technique because fluorescence lifetime is largely independent of probe concentration and photobleaching, enabling robust biomarker detection.
• TZ-48 enables highly selective, sensitive and differential detection of Aβ fibrils (Aβf) through turn-on fluorescence and distinct fluorescence lifetime signatures.
• The TZ-48 probe demonstrated excellent Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) permeability and successfully labelled Aβ plaques in transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mouse brains.
• TZ-48 is compatible with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and FLIM, enabling quantitative mapping of Aβ burden across different disease stages.
• Beyond brain tissue imaging, TZ-48 enables sensitive detection of Aβ in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood serum.
• The probe demonstrated the ability to distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from healthy mice through Aβ detection in biofluids.
• The research team behind ADxFluor comprised Krithi K. Bhagavath, Madhu Ramesh, Yogendra Kumar, Sabyasachi Mandal, Hiriyakkanavar Ila and Thimmaiah Govindaraju.
• The research on TZ-48 was published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience.
• The integrated system combines dual-mode brain imaging, biofluid detection and smartphone-based Aβ quantification, creating a foundation for next-generation smart diagnostics.
• The development could potentially support diagnostics not only for Alzheimer’s disease but also for other neurodegenerative diseases.
• The integration of TZ-48 and ADxFluor represents a significant technological and translational innovation towards low-cost, portable and accessible Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories Launches Three Indigenous Gas Turbine Engines for Defence Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

• CSIR-NAL (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories) unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines on 25 August 2026 at the SSB Auditorium, CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.
• The three engines are named NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100, with thrust capacities of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg, respectively.
• The NJ Series engines have been developed primarily for defence Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors, target drones and compact missile systems.
• NJ-05 is associated with the earlier technology demonstrator, while the NJ-100 was developed using data generated from flight tests of the scaled-down NJ-05 demonstrator.
• The progression from NJ-05 → NJ-50 → NJ-100 demonstrates the progressive scaling of indigenous gas turbine technology within the same engine family.
• Gas turbine engines are internal combustion engines that produce thrust or shaft power by compressing air, mixing it with fuel, combusting the mixture and expanding the hot gases through a turbine.
• Gas turbine engines operate on the Brayton cycle, a thermodynamic cycle widely used in jet propulsion and power generation.
• The NJ engines incorporate high-RPM turbomachinery and advanced combustion technologies, making them suitable for lightweight, high-speed and compact aerial platforms.
• Micro and small gas turbine engines are compact propulsion systems used in unmanned platforms, target drones, cruise-type systems and other lightweight aerospace applications.
• The newly developed engines are particularly suitable for applications requiring low weight, high rotational speed and compact dimensions.
• Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, attended the unveiling event as the Chief Guest.

WAE Limited Partners with United Nations Global Compact Network India for Sustainable Water Solutions

• WAE Limited, an Indian sustainability-led water technology and engineering company, entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI).
• UN GCNI is the Indian local network of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and works towards promoting responsible and sustainable business practices in India.
• The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative water management technologies across India.
• The collaboration will focus on addressing water scarcity, improving resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
• Through the partnership, WAE Limited has pledged to advance the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) covering Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.
• WAE plans to integrate the 10 UNGC Principles across its business strategy, operations, technology development and stakeholder ecosystem.
• The partnership is expected to strengthen WAE's contribution towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The collaboration particularly supports SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG-13 (Climate Action) and SDG-17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

About UN GCNI :

• Formed : 2000 and was officially registered as a non-profit society in 2003.
• UN GCNI functions as the Indian Country Network of the UN Global Compact, headquartered in New York, USA.
• UN GCNI is mandated to help align stakeholders' responsible business practices with the 10 universally accepted principles of the UN Global Compact.

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, University of Chicago Scientists Conduct Major Study on South Asian Gut Microbiome

• Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with the University of Chicago and collaborating institutions, conducted a large study on the South Asian gut microbiome.
• The study found that South Asian gut microbiomes are distinct from those reported in other parts of the world and are shaped by local culture, diet, geography and lifestyle.
• The research provides a scientific foundation for developing microbiome-based diagnostics, personalised nutrition and precision healthcare specifically for South Asian populations.
• The study is significant because South Asia, home to nearly one-fourth of the world’s population, has been underrepresented in global microbiome research, which has largely focused on European and North American populations.
• Researchers investigated how urbanisation and changing lifestyles influence the gut microbiome across diverse cultural, dietary and ecological settings in South Asia.
• Researchers collected stool samples, dietary information, lifestyle information and health data from 575 healthy adults belonging to 10 South Asian communities.
• The study covered culturally and geographically distinct communities across India and Sri Lanka, allowing researchers to compare different microbiome patterns.
• The South Asian MicroBiome ARray (SAMBAR) was used to analyse the gut microbiomes of the 575 participants and was launched for the first time in India by BSIP scientists.
• The gut microbiomes were characterised using high-throughput DNA sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, followed by advanced bioinformatic analysis.
• Researchers compared rural and urban individuals within each community and also compared South Asian microbiomes with global microbiome datasets.
• The study found that each community follows its own unique microbiome trajectory, influenced by culture, diet, geography and lifestyle.
• The research identified both community-specific microbial signatures and common microbial changes associated with urbanisation and metabolic health.
• The international research collaboration involved scientists from India, Sri Lanka and the United States, and was led by Niraj Rai, Group Head, Ancient DNA, BSIP, Lucknow.
• The research team included Shreya L. Ramachandran, Nagarjuna Pasupuleti, Richard J. Abdill, Niraj Rai and Maanasa Raghavan.
• A community-engaged approach was followed, with researchers sharing study findings with the participating communities.
• The study is particularly important because South Asia is experiencing rapid urbanisation along with increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and other cardiometabolic disorders.
• The findings suggest that microbiome-based therapies and healthcare interventions should be tailored to regional populations rather than relying exclusively on approaches developed from Western populations.
• The SAMBAR resource can support future research into diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle disorders increasing across South Asia.
• The study was published in the journal Gut Microbes and provides the first baseline gut microbiome data from healthy individuals in India, with significant potential medical and evolutionary implications.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

17-Year-Old Apoorv Kamble Wins FIDE-Rated Rapid Chess Tournament in Bengaluru

• 17-year-old Apoorv Kamble won the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE)-rated rapid chess tournament held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Key highlights

• Kamble scored 5 points out of 9 rounds to clinch the title, while Sammed Jaykumar Shete finished second and Vaidyanathan Kannan secured third place.
• The tournament was conducted over 9 rounds in the Swiss format, with a time control of 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment per player.
• The tournament carried a total cash prize of ₹4 lakh.
• His notable victories included wins over Sameer Shetty and top seed Vishak Enna, giving him confidence to compete against higher-rated players.
• Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, who has previously coached reigning World Chess Champion Gukesh D, also participated in the tournament.
• The event was part of the Road2GCL initiative, which aims to connect grassroots players, schools, chess clubs and local chess communities with the Global Chess League.
• Gourav Rakshit, Commissioner of the Global Chess League, made the ceremonial first move on Board One before the fifth round.
• Season 4 of the Global Chess League will be held in Bengaluru from September 5 to 13, 2026, featuring six international franchises.
• The league will feature leading players including Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Levon Aronian, Javokhir Sindarov, Nihal Sarin and Divya Deshmukh.

Karn Sharma Announces Retirement from All Formats of Competitive Cricket

• Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced his retirement from all formats of competitive cricket at the age of 38, bringing his nearly two-decade-long professional career to an end.
• He made the announcement after Kanpur Superstars suffered a 9-wicket defeat against Meerut Mavericks in Season 4 of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
• His final professional match was scheduled against Meerut Mavericks on August 25, 2026, during the Lucknow leg of the tournament.

Key highlights

• Karn Sharma represented India in 1 Test, 2 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 1 Twenty20 International (T20I).
• He made his first-class, List A and T20 debuts in the 2007–08 domestic season, initially developing as an all-rounder.
• He made his Ranji Trophy debut with a century and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2012–13, taking 21 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 04.
• His performances earned him the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Best Under-25 Cricketer Award and an Indian Premier League (IPL)
• At the 2014 IPL auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for ₹3.75 crore, making him the most expensive uncapped Indian player at that auction at the time.
• Karn made his T20I debut against England in 2014 and dismissed Joe Root for his only international T20I wicket.
• Despite his limited international career, Karn achieved significant success in the IPL and became the first player to win three consecutive IPL titles with three different teams:
  • 2016 – Sunrisers Hyderabad
  • 2017 – Mumbai Indians
  • 2018 – Chennai Super Kings
• He represented Vidarbha in the 2017–18 season and Andhra in the 2018–19 season before returning to Railways.

2028 India Open to be Hosted in Guwahati Due to Republic Day Security Arrangements

• The 2028 India Open badminton tournament will be held in Guwahati, Assam, marking a one-year relocation from New Delhi.
• The Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirmed that the tournament will be shifted due to heightened Republic Day security arrangements in the national capital around January 26.
• The India Open 2028 is scheduled to be held in the last week of January 2028 and will retain its status as a Badminton World Federation (BWF) Super 750 event.

Key highlights

• Sanjay Mishra, Secretary General of BAI, stated that the relocation is a one-off decision and the tournament will return to New Delhi in 2029.
• The India Open will be held from February 2–7, 2027, instead of its earlier January slot, following concerns raised by players regarding tournament scheduling and air pollution in New Delhi.
• Anders Antonsen of Denmark, World No. 4 and a four-time World Championships medallist, has missed the India Open for the last three editions, including the latest edition, citing pollution concerns.
• Antonsen was reportedly fined USD 5,000 for his latest withdrawal from the tournament.
• The relocation to Guwahati highlights the growing role of Northeastern India in hosting major international sporting events.

About Badminton Association of India (BAI)

• Established: 1934
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• President: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Objective: Governs and promotes badminton in India and organises major national and international badminton events.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Dr. Arindam Chaudhuri Launches New Book ‘Africa Before America’ on Global Equality and Development

• Arindam Chaudhuri, management thinker, author and education entrepreneur, launched his new book ‘Africa Before America’, focusing on African history, civilisations, economic development and global inequality.
• The book follows his 2022 work ‘2047: A Roadmap to Beating USA & China’, which was written to mark 75 years of Indian Independence.
• With ‘2047’, Chaudhuri completed his trilogy of books on Indian economic development, which began with ‘Planning India’ (1997), followed by ‘The Great Indian Dream’, and concluded with ‘2047’.

Key highlights

• ‘Africa Before America’ shifts his focus from Indian economic development to his vision of a developed and egalitarian global society, with greater emphasis on economic growth and human development in Africa.
• The book advocates addressing global income inequality and promoting a more equal world order.
• A central idea promoted by Chaudhuri is the 25:1 Egalitarian Concept, based on his father Dr. Malay Chaudhuri’s theory ‘Production of Skills by Means of Skill’.
• Under the 25:1 concept, the highest-paid employee in an organisation should receive no more than 1.25 times the salary of the lowest-paid employee, aiming to eliminate extreme income inequality.
• The Chaudhuri family’s egalitarian philosophy was also explored in ‘What Marx Left Unsaid’, written across three generations of the family.
• Chaudhuri has identified income inequality, gender inequality and religion among the major social problems requiring reform, while also advocating Justice for All, education for all and longevity for all.
• His notable works include ‘The Great Indian Dream’, ‘Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch’, ‘Discover the Diamond in You’, ‘Beyond God & Capitalism’ (2019), ‘What Marx Left Unsaid’, and ‘2047: A Roadmap to Beating USA & China’.
• His 2019 book ‘Beyond God & Capitalism’ was launched in London by Richard Dawkins and in India by former President Pranab Mukherjee.
• Chaudhuri has also worked on longevity science and public health, promoting the idea of “Longevity for All” through workshops and initiatives.
• The launch of ‘Africa Before America’ marks a new phase in his work, centred on the mission of “Global Equality of Marx & Malay” and reducing disparities in income and development worldwide.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Country Music Icon Dolly Rebecca Parton Passed away at 80

• Dolly Rebecca Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
• Dolly Parton was born on 19 January 1946 in Sevier County, Tennessee, USA.
• She was popularly known as the “Queen of Country Music” and had a career spanning nearly seven decades.
• Her iconic songs include “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.”
• Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, which distributed more than 270 million free books to children worldwide.
• She was also associated with Dollywood, a major theme park in Tennessee and an important regional employer.
• She made significant contributions to music, cinema, business and philanthropy, becoming one of the most iconic American entertainers.
• Dolly Parton was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
• She received 10 Grammy Awards from 55 nominations during her career.
• As an actress, she appeared in films including “9 to 5” and “Steel Magnolias”, and also worked as an author and television personality.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Water Week 2026 Held from August 23–27 Under the Theme “Water for People and Progress”

• World Water Week (WWW) 2026 is being held from August 23 to 27, 2026, focusing on the theme “Water for People and Progress”.
• The event serves as a leading global platform for addressing the world’s water crisis and promoting sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient water management.
• The 2026 discussions focus on progress towards water-related targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explore the future of global development beyond the current SDG framework.
• The programme places special emphasis on equitable human development, particularly the impact of climate change and persistent inequalities on vulnerable communities.
• World Water Week has been organised annually since 1991 by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).
• It originated from Stockholm’s public festival celebrating clean water and the Stockholm Water Symposium.
• In 2001, the Stockholm Water Symposium was officially renamed World Water Week, establishing it as a major international platform for discussions on freshwater issues.

World Lake Day 2026 Observed on August 27

• World Lake Day 2026 is observed annually on August 27 to highlight the importance of lakes for freshwater security, biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established World Lake Day through Resolution 79/142, adopted without a vote on December 12, 2024.
• The observance commemorates the first World Lake Conference, which was held on August 27, 1984, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
• Shiga Prefecture is home to Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan.
• The date of the first World Lake Conference was subsequently selected as the annual date for World Lake Day.
• The first World Lake Day was observed on August 27, 2025, making 2026 the second annual United Nations observance.
• The United Nations resolution calls for greater education and public awareness regarding the importance of lakes and encourages their preservation, conservation, restoration and sustainable management.
• Lakes are critical ecosystems that support freshwater availability, aquatic biodiversity, agriculture, fisheries, local livelihoods and climate resilience.
• World Lake Day aims to encourage governments, communities and other stakeholders to adopt sustainable lake management practices and protect lake-related ecosystems.

Daily CA One- Liner: August 28

• Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented a ₹14,300 crore tax-free budget for Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly
• The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, has contributed to the Government of Assam’s Matsya Paripushti (Complete Nourishment through Fish) initiative through its research on nutrient-rich fish powder made from small indigenous fish.
• The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU) at Fursatganj, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, will expand its campus with an additional 500 acres of land to strengthen aviation and aerospace education, research and innovation
• Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Mission Samriddh Gaon at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to develop poverty-free, employment-rich villages equipped with assured basic amenities
• Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme to provide opportunities for global higher education to eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students of Odisha
• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has authorised around 1,800 km of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) pipeline infrastructure involving an estimated investment of ₹7,000 crore across Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Goa
• The Government of Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in skills, technical training, tourism, technology and investment
• The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL), set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote legitimate pharmaceutical exports while preventing the diversion of controlled substances for illicit use.
• 17-year-old Apoorv Kamble won the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE)-rated rapid chess tournament held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma announced his retirement from all formats of competitive cricket at the age of 38, bringing his nearly two-decade-long professional career to an end.
• The 2028 India Open badminton tournament will be held in Guwahati, Assam, marking a one-year relocation from New Delhi.
• Arindam Chaudhuri, management thinker, author and education entrepreneur, launched his new book ‘Africa Before America’, focusing on African history, civilisations, economic development and global inequality
• World Water Week (WWW) 2026 is being held from August 23 to 27, 2026, focusing on the theme “Water for People and Progress”.
• World Lake Day 2026 is observed annually on August 27 to highlight the importance of lakes for freshwater security, biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience
• Bajaj General Insurance Limited launched ‘My Family Complete’, a health insurance plan that expands the definition of family to include pet dogs and cats.
• The Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) recorded an all-time high consolidated net profit of ₹10,176 crore in FY 2025-26, compared with ₹6,820 crore in FY 2024-25.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) organized a conclave of Heads of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) on 25 August 2026 in New Delhi to expand the SIDBI–RRB MSME Co-Lending arrangement.
• India’s core industrial sector growth slowed to 4% in July 2026, compared with 6.0% in June 2026, according to official data released.
• State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest lender, used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to underwrite nearly ₹1 lakh crore of MSME loans during FY 2025–26.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of all conventional missile systems developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to eligible Indian defence manufacturers.
• Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) handed over ICGS Ajit (Yard 1277), a state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class, on 31 August 2026 at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in collaboration with the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG), hosted the 2nd edition of the India–Vietnam Joint Exercise ‘Sahyog HOP TAC’ in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
• Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) developed a smartphone-integrated platform for detecting the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker amyloid-β (Aβ).
• CSIR-NAL (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories) unveiled three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines on 25 August 2026 at the SSB Auditorium, CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.
• WAE Limited, an Indian sustainability-led water technology and engineering company, entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI).
• Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), along with the University of Chicago and collaborating institutions, conducted a large study on the South Asian gut microbiome.
• Dolly Rebecca Parton, the legendary American singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.