Current Affairs One- Liner: 11th August 2026

National: 

• On 9 August 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to the Puducherry Police at the Puducherry Armed Police Ground in Gorimedu. The President’s Colour is one of the highest honours bestowed upon police and armed forces for distinguished service. Shah praised the force’s contribution to internal security and law enforcement. Puducherry Police thereby joined the select police forces in India that have received this prestigious honour.

• On 8 August 2026, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh dedicated Prakriti Gyan Dham, a first-of-its-kind eco-educational hub developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, to the nation. Located at the Maharishi Parashar Bioresource Centre in Banthra, Lucknow, the facility combines biodiversity conservation, environmental education and experiential learning. Its objective is to connect scientific research and ecological knowledge with students and the wider public.
• On 9 August 2026, the National Biodiversity Authority announced the disbursement of nearly ₹3.79 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism. The funds were distributed to 33 State Biodiversity Boards, Union Territory Biodiversity Councils and national institutions involved in conserving and using biological resources. ABS ensures that communities and institutions responsible for conserving biological resources receive an equitable share of benefits generated from their commercial or research use.
• On 10 August 2026, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a special resolution requiring Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state invocation song, to be sung first at official events. The requirement applies to government departments, educational institutions, universities, public sector undertakings and other public institutions. The resolution seeks to reinforce the cultural and linguistic importance of Tamil and establish a uniform protocol for state-organised functions.
• On 10 August 2026, the Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026. The legislation seeks to improve the independence, transparency, efficiency and uniform administration of tribunals. A major proposal is the creation of a National Tribunals Commission, which would oversee matters relating to appointments, administration and functioning of multiple tribunals. The Bill was passed without debate amid protests and disruptions by Opposition members.
• On 10 August 2026, the Tamil Nadu government announced higher procurement incentives for paddy and sugarcane farmers. For the upcoming paddy procurement season beginning 1 September, the state incentive was raised to ₹289 per quintal for fine-grade paddy and ₹159 for common-grade paddy, taking procurement prices to ₹2,750 and ₹2,600 per quintal respectively. The measures aim to improve farm income and offset rising cultivation costs.

International:

• On 9 August 2026, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin proposed exploring an overland railway corridor that could eventually connect Russia with India. Possible routes could pass through Central and South Asian countries, including Turkmenistan and Iran. The proposal is intended to diversify Russia’s trade routes and reduce dependence on vulnerable maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bosphorus. Major geopolitical and infrastructure challenges remain before such a route can materialise.
• By 10 August 2026, wildfires around Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia, had burned hundreds of hectares inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The main blaze was reported contained after burning about 550 hectares, although new hotspots subsequently emerged. Dry weather and strong winds complicated firefighting operations. Authorities restricted tourism in affected areas and continued monitoring the region because of the possibility of renewed fires.

Banking:

• On 8 August 2026, the Payments Council of India clarified that UPI transactions would continue to remain free for consumers, including person-to-person transfers. Small merchants such as neighbourhood kirana stores would also remain protected from charges. The clarification followed concerns over legislative changes permitting a framework for transaction fees. Any future Merchant Discount Rate is expected to apply only to specified merchant transactions and not directly to ordinary UPI users.
• On 8 August 2026, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Bank in a Box and a dedicated Security Operations Centre for Urban Cooperative Banks in Mumbai. Bank in a Box provides shared technology services such as core banking, digital payments and compliance support, while the Security Operations Centre offers cyber monitoring and protection. The initiatives aim to modernise UCBs while making advanced banking technology and cybersecurity affordable for smaller cooperative banks.
• On 7 August 2026, IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner launched a lifetime-free RuPay credit card combining dining rewards with UPI functionality. Cardholders can link the card to compatible UPI applications and make credit-card payments through merchant QR codes. The product also includes dining discounts, entertainment benefits and EazyDiner membership advantages. The collaboration aims to combine restaurant-focused rewards with the growing convenience of credit-card payments through UPI.

Economy:

• The RBI’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters, conducted in July 2026 and released with the August monetary policy material, projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.6% for FY2026-27. This was higher than the 6.5% forecast in the 100th survey conducted in May 2026. The survey reflects independent professional forecasters’ assessment rather than the RBI’s own official projection and provides insights into expectations regarding growth, inflation and other macroeconomic indicators.

Sports:

• On 9 August 2026, Rajasthan athlete Basant Kumar Meghwal won the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, United States. The 19-year-old athlete from Sriganganagar produced a historic performance for India in the event. India eventually completed its campaign at the championships with three medals, including two silver medals and one bronze.
• On 9 August 2026, Indian badminton player Ashmita Chaliha won the women’s singles title at the Korea Masters Super 300, securing her maiden BWF World Tour title. She defeated China’s Han Qianxi in the final after losing the opening game and staging a comeback in the next two games. The title represented a major career breakthrough for Chaliha following her return from injury.
• On 9 August 2026, Indian-origin chess players Shreyas Royal and Bodhana Sivanandan won major titles at the British Chess Championships held at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. Seventeen-year-old Grandmaster Shreyas Royal became the youngest-ever overall British champion, while 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became Britain’s youngest-ever women’s champion after winning a rapid playoff.

Military Exercise:

• The 8th Indian Navy-US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise began on 10 August 2026 at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala, and will continue until 14 August. Specialist diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams from both navies are participating. The bilateral exercise focuses on mine clearance, underwater explosive disposal, diving operations and port security while improving interoperability, professional cooperation and exchange of operational expertise.
• On 9 August 2026, Australia announced that Exercise Talisman Sabre 2027 will be conducted from 9 to 22 August 2027. The Australia-US-led multinational military exercise is expected to be the largest and most ambitious edition so far. India is scheduled to participate with enhanced involvement. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability, joint operational planning and military cooperation among Australia, the United States and Indo-Pacific partner countries.

Science and Technology:

• On 7 August 2026, Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled EVEREST, described as India’s first privately developed 800-kilonewton Full-Flow Staged Combustion rocket engine. The engine uses liquid oxygen and methane as propellants. FFSC technology can deliver high efficiency and support reusable launch systems. Astrobase intends to use the technology to develop indigenous reusable launch capabilities and strengthen India’s growing private-sector space-launch ecosystem.
• On 8 August 2026, Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation received Design Organisation Approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft programme. The approval formally recognises the company’s aircraft-design processes and capabilities under aviation regulations. It enables Sarla Aviation to proceed towards type certification of its indigenous eVTOL aircraft and represents an important regulatory milestone for India’s emerging electric air-taxi and advanced air-mobility industry.
• A study published on 5 August 2026 in the scientific journal Phytotaxa identified a new mushroom species named Russula griseopurpurata. The mushroom had originally been collected beneath a sal tree in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya in 2022. Researchers associated with Gauhati University identified it as a previously unknown species. The discovery adds to scientific knowledge of fungal biodiversity in India’s biodiversity-rich northeastern region.
• On 8 August 2026, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics announced Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar among the four recipients of the 2026 ICTP Dirac Medal. Dhar was recognised for major contributions to statistical mechanics, particularly the understanding of complex systems and self-organised criticality. The other recipients were Bernard Derrida, Marc Mézard and Giorgio Parisi. The annual award recognises outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.

Defence:

• On 10 August 2026, reports confirmed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had revived its Su-30MKI fighter aircraft production line at Nashik, Maharashtra. HAL is scheduled to manufacture 12 additional Su-30MKI fighters for the Indian Air Force, with deliveries targeted by 2029. The aircraft are expected to contain more than 50% indigenous content. The project strengthens the IAF fleet while supporting domestic aerospace manufacturing and the wider defence-indigenisation programme.

Summits and Conferences:

• On 8 August 2026, the Competition Commission of India organised the Meeting of Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities in Udaipur, Rajasthan, under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur participated in the discussions. The authorities adopted a joint statement titled Strengthening Cooperation to Promote Fair Competition, including in Renewable Energy Markets. The meeting focused on competition enforcement, digital markets, regulatory cooperation and knowledge sharing among BRICS members.

MoUs Signed:

• On 7 August 2026, the National e-Governance Division, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, partnered with the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India to launch AAERI Verify at the AAERI Annual Convention in New Delhi. Integrated with DigiLocker, the platform enables consent-based digital verification of academic, identity and financial documents submitted by Indian students applying to Australian educational institutions, reducing paperwork and fraudulent documentation.

Appointments and Resignations:

• On 9 August 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved a one-year extension for Enforcement Directorate Director Rahul Navin. His existing tenure was scheduled to end on 13 August 2026. He will now continue as Director of Enforcement until 13 August 2027, including extension in service beyond his scheduled superannuation, unless further orders are issued earlier. The ED investigates offences involving money laundering and violations of foreign-exchange laws.
• On 10 August 2026, former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei was appointed Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, replacing Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr. Rezaei is a veteran military and political figure who previously served as IRGC commander and vice-president for economic affairs. His appointment comes at a sensitive time for Iran’s security and foreign policy, including negotiations surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
• The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting on 6 August 2026, recommended Justice Ravindra V Ghuge for appointment as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court and Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. These are Collegium recommendations and not final appointments. The recommendations form part of a broader exercise to fill vacancies in the leadership of several High Courts.

Important Days:

• World Biofuel Day was observed on 10 August 2026 to increase awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels and promote cleaner, renewable alternatives to conventional petroleum products. In India, the observance highlighted initiatives involving ethanol blending, compressed biogas and conversion of agricultural and organic waste into energy. No officially confirmed global theme for World Biofuel Day 2026 was found, so an unofficial theme should not be memorised for examinations.

Questions: 

Q1. According to the Payments Council of India, which statement regarding UPI remained correct in August 2026?

a) All UPI transactions became chargeable

b) Person-to-person UPI transfers remained free

c) Only bank-to-bank transfers remained free

d) UPI was made free only for rural users

Answer: b) The Payments Council of India clarified that ordinary consumer UPI transactions, including P2P transfers, would continue to remain free. Any future MDR was expected to apply only to specified merchant transactions.

Q2.Which bank partnered with EazyDiner to launch a lifetime-free RuPay credit card?

a) HDFC Bank

b) IndusInd Bank

c) ICICI Bank

d) Axis Bank

Answer: b) IndusInd Bank and EazyDiner launched a RuPay credit card combining dining rewards with UPI functionality.