Current Affairs One- Liner: 12th August 2026

National:

• On 10 August 2026, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attended the 10th Foundation Day celebrations of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Leading buyers and sellers were honoured during the event. GeM has played an important role in making public procurement more transparent, inclusive and competitive. Its next phase will focus on artificial intelligence, last-mile accessibility, credit facilities, sustainability and better integration. GeM also introduced a customised My Stamp and launched the nationwide helpdesk number 14550. 

• In August 2026, India donated five Indian peafowl to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) in Switzerland. The group included a rare white-feathered male peafowl. The gesture highlighted India’s biodiversity as well as the cultural importance of the peacock, which is recognised as the national bird of India. The birds were provided as part of India’s engagement with the United Nations establishment in Geneva and served as a symbolic representation of the country’s natural heritage and cultural identity. 
• On 10 August 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) directed the phased implementation of the 1601-series for service and transactional voice calls. Phase I covers utilities, courier companies and logistics entities. The 1601-series is intended for sectors outside BFSI and government, which use the 1600-series. The move will help consumers identify genuine service-related calls more easily. It is also expected to reduce impersonation, fraudulent communication and the misuse of ordinary mobile numbers for transactional and service calls. 
• In August 2026, artisans registered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Kodagu, Karnataka, received training in artificial intelligence and e-commerce. The programme aimed to help traditional artisans use modern digital tools for marketing, product promotion and expanding their customer base. PM Vishwakarma supports artisans and craftspeople through skill development, modern tools, credit assistance and marketing support. The new training initiative is intended to improve their digital presence and market access while helping them combine traditional skills with modern technology and online business opportunities. 
• On 9 August 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir government approved ₹10 crore for the repair, renovation and restoration of Rattan Garh Fort at Bhaderwah in Doda district. The fort was built in 1733 by Raja Sampat Pal and is considered an important surviving historical structure of the Bhaderwah Valley. The restoration project aims to preserve the fort’s architectural character while improving the site for visitors. The government also plans to develop it as a heritage and tourism destination in the region. 
• On 11 August 2026, the Gujarat Forest Department launched a ₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around the Ramsar-listed Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. Under the initiative, villagers will receive compensation for collecting plastic waste from the surrounding area. The collected waste will then be segregated and processed properly. The project forms part of the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat and is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It aims to protect the wetland ecosystem while involving local communities in waste management. 
• On 10 August 2026, the government notified 11 additional international entry points for foreign nationals holding valid e-Visas. These include nine land ports and two airports, with the two newly added airports being Bhopal and Tirupati. With this expansion, the total number of designated e-Visa entry points in India increased to 88. The move is expected to make international travel to India more convenient by providing additional authorised entry locations and also support the country’s tourism sector by improving accessibility for foreign visitors. 
• In August 2026, the Karnataka government approached the Supreme Court regarding the legal position of bike-taxi operations in the state. The government raised concerns related to passenger safety, insurance protection and the regulatory framework governing motorcycles used for commercial passenger transport. The issue is important because ordinary motorcycles are increasingly being used through app-based platforms for carrying passengers. The case is expected to clarify the rules under which bike taxis may operate and the responsibilities of operators regarding safety, insurance and compliance with transport regulations.
• By 10 August 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, had become India’s first major port to achieve Scope-2 emission-free status. It also became the first Indian port to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System. Scope-2 emissions refer to indirect emissions arising from purchased energy such as electricity. The certification recognises systematic efforts to improve energy efficiency and energy management. The achievement represents an important step toward reducing the environmental impact of port operations and promoting sustainable infrastructure

International:

• In August 2026, Vietnamese space company VinSpace signed an agreement with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, for a satellite launch scheduled in 2027. The satellite will be launched through a Transporter rideshare mission aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Transporter missions allow several small satellites belonging to different customers to share the same launch vehicle. This arrangement reduces launch costs and makes access to space more affordable. The agreement reflects the growing participation of private companies in the commercial satellite and space-launch industry. 
• In August 2026, scientists reported the identification of a new horned dragon lizard species from Thailand. The discovery adds to scientific understanding of the rich reptile biodiversity found in Southeast Asia. Species of this kind often evolve in geographically restricted and specialised forest habitats, making them particularly important for ecological research. The discovery also highlights the need to protect natural forest ecosystems that support rare and locally distributed species. Scientific identification of new species helps researchers better understand biodiversity, evolution, habitat requirements and conservation priorities.
• In August 2026, a Chinese Long March-7A rocket mission suffered a major failure after launch. The Long March-7A belongs to China’s newer generation of launch vehicles and is primarily designed to place satellites into higher-energy orbits. The failure is significant because China has been rapidly expanding both its civil and commercial space programmes. Launch failures can affect satellite deployment schedules and provide important technical lessons for future missions. The incident drew attention to the challenges involved in developing and operating advanced launch systems despite rapid progress in space technology.

Banking

• NABARD announced the winners of its National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge, which focused on technology-driven climate intelligence solutions for agriculture and rural resilience. SatSure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd. secured first prize and received ₹15 lakh. EXPERIQS Pvt. Ltd. won second prize of ₹10 lakh, while VARSAPRADAYA Pvt. Ltd. received third prize of ₹5 lakh. The challenge encouraged innovative technologies that can help farmers, financial institutions and rural communities better understand and respond to climate-related risks and changing environmental conditions. 

Economy

• The Periodic Labour Force Survey Quarterly Bulletin for April-June 2026 reported an overall unemployment rate of 5.4% among persons aged 15 years and above. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate was 54.6%, compared with 55.5% in the previous quarter. Rural unemployment stood at around 4.8%, while urban unemployment was higher at approximately 6.7%. The figures highlight the continuing difference between rural and urban labour markets. PLFS data is an important indicator for assessing employment conditions, labour participation and broader economic trends in India. 
• According to government data highlighted in August 2026, the Centre’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood provisionally at 58.2% in FY2025-26, compared with 58.5% in the previous financial year. Although the ratio declined slightly, it remained above the earlier budgeted objective. The debt-to-GDP ratio measures government debt relative to the size of the economy and is an important indicator of fiscal sustainability. A lower ratio can help reduce the government’s future interest burden and provide greater fiscal space for development expenditure and other economic priorities. 
• The RBI’s July 2026 Survey of Professional Forecasters projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.6% for FY2026-27. This figure should not be confused with the RBI Monetary Policy Committee’s own official projection, which was raised to 6.7% in August 2026. The Survey of Professional Forecasters reflects estimates provided by external professional economists and analysts, while the MPC projection represents the RBI’s official monetary policy assessment. For examination purposes, it is important to remember that 6.6% belongs to the survey and 6.7% to the MPC projection. 
• In August 2026, Adani Airport City Limited, part of the Adani airport ecosystem, incorporated AACL Global IFSC as a step-down subsidiary. The development expands the group’s corporate presence within India’s International Financial Services Centre framework. IFSC entities operate within a specialised regulatory environment designed to facilitate international financial services from India. The incorporation indicates the group’s intention to strengthen its participation in financial activities connected with the IFSC ecosystem and reflects the continuing expansion of corporate operations within India’s international financial services framework. 

Science and Technology

• Indian scientists reported an unusual enhancement of stratospheric ozone over the North Bay of Bengal. Observations showed elevated ozone concentrations around 21 to 23 kilometres above Earth. Researchers investigated the phenomenon using ozonesondes, radar and satellite observations. The underlying study was published on 8 July 2026 and was highlighted by the government in August. The finding provides evidence of dynamic redistribution of ozone in the stratosphere. Such research is useful for understanding atmospheric processes, ozone behaviour and interactions between weather systems and the upper atmosphere.
• In 2026, the Technology Development Board, under the Department of Science and Technology, supported the development and commercialisation of AI-enabled healthcare diagnostic technologies. These systems combine artificial intelligence with digital imaging and other technologies to improve the speed and accessibility of medical screening. Such tools can be particularly useful in regions where specialist doctors and advanced diagnostic laboratories are limited. By supporting commercialisation, the Technology Development Board aims to help promising technologies move from research and development into practical healthcare applications that can benefit a larger population. 
• In August 2026, the Department of Health Research and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced the S.H.I.N.E. school outreach initiative. The programme is designed to introduce school students to health and biomedical research and encourage scientific curiosity at an early stage. Students will gain exposure to research institutions, scientific methods and interactions with researchers and scientists. The initiative aims to make science more engaging and accessible while motivating students to understand how medical and health research contributes to solving real-world problems and improving public health. 
• In 2026, researchers reported a new fern species named Pteris madhusoodananii. The discovery and formal taxonomic description of new plant species are important for documenting India’s biological diversity. Identifying a species scientifically helps researchers understand its characteristics, geographical distribution and ecological requirements. It also makes it easier to assess whether the species faces threats from habitat loss or other environmental changes. Discoveries of new plant species contribute to biodiversity databases and can support future conservation planning, especially when species are found only in restricted geographical regions. 
• In 2026, the number of Indian institutions represented in the relevant QS ranking increased to 52, highlighting India’s growing presence in international higher-education assessments. QS rankings evaluate universities using different indicators depending on the ranking edition. These can include academic reputation, research citations, faculty-student ratios, internationalisation and employer reputation. A larger number of Indian institutions in such rankings indicates greater global visibility for the country’s higher-education sector. However, ranking performance depends on multiple academic, research and institutional factors rather than any single indicator. 

Sports

• The U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship began in Lagos, Nigeria, on 9 August 2026 and continues until 14 August. India made a strong start by winning 17 medals on the opening day, including four gold, four silver and nine bronze medals. Indian athletes secured podium positions across the three major fencing disciplines: Sabre, Foil and Epee. The impressive opening-day performance reflected India’s growing strength in fencing at the junior and under-23 levels and gave the contingent a strong position early in the international competition. 
• The 23rd International Linguistics Olympiad was held in Bucharest, Romania, from 26 July to 2 August 2026. India won one gold medal and three bronze medals, along with an Honourable Mention. A total of 255 participants competed in the international event. The Olympiad tests students’ ability to analyse unfamiliar languages by applying logic, reasoning and pattern recognition rather than relying on prior knowledge of those languages. India’s medal performance demonstrated the strong analytical and problem-solving abilities of its participating students at the international level. 

MoUs:

• On 10 August 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation signed two MoUs with the Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation (IDEAS), Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. The collaboration covers the development of GDP nowcasting software and a harmonised framework linking administrative health, nutrition and welfare data with NSS household data. The initiative aims to improve the quality and timeliness of statistical analysis and strengthen evidence-based policymaking. It is also aligned with the broader development vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. 
• In August 2026, the Ministry of MSME and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU to strengthen the commercialisation and market access of India’s Geographical Indication-tagged products. The partnership includes promotion under the Bharat GI banner. It aims to improve branding, market connectivity and commercial opportunities for artisans, producers and MSMEs associated with GI goods. Better promotion of GI products can help traditional producers reach wider markets while protecting the unique geographical identity and reputation associated with such products. 
• In August 2026, Airtel Business and state-owned ITI Limited entered into a strategic partnership to support enterprise digital transformation in India. The two organisations plan to combine Airtel’s connectivity capabilities with ITI’s engineering and manufacturing expertise. Their proposed solutions include enterprise connectivity, data centres, sovereign cloud, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and private 4G and 5G networks. The partnership aims to provide integrated digital infrastructure solutions for businesses and institutions while supporting India’s broader push toward secure and locally developed digital technologies. 

Appointments

• On 10 August 2026, the Central Government appointed senior IAS officer Deepti Gaur Mukerjee as Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. The government modified an earlier order relating to the position. She succeeds Vineet Joshi, who had moved to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The appointment formed part of a broader senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle. As Higher Education Secretary, she will be responsible for administrative and policy matters concerning universities, colleges and higher-education institutions functioning under the Union Ministry of Education. 
• In August 2026, Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The Ministry of Earth Sciences handles major programmes related to weather, climate, oceans, seismology, polar science and earth-system research. It also oversees scientific organisations and programmes responsible for weather forecasting, ocean services and research relating to natural hazards and climate systems. As Secretary, Dr Tummala will play an important administrative role in coordinating the ministry’s scientific programmes, research priorities and government initiatives related to earth and atmospheric sciences.

Important Days

• World Steelpan Day was observed on 11 August 2026. The United Nations-designated observance celebrates the steelpan, a musical instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. The day recognises the instrument’s cultural importance and its contribution to cultural diversity, creative industries and sustainable development. It also aims to increase awareness about the history and development of the steelpan. The observance highlights how music can strengthen cultural identity, encourage artistic expression and connect communities across different countries and regions. 
• World Elephant Day was observed on 12 August 2026 to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of Asian and African elephants. The observance draws attention to major threats faced by elephant populations, including habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, poaching and illegal wildlife trade. Elephant conservation is particularly important for India because the country supports the world’s largest population of wild Asian elephants. The day encourages governments, conservation organisations and communities to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting elephant habitats and ensuring the long-term survival of elephant populations. 

Awards & Honours: 

• In August 2026, eminent Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar was named among the recipients of the 2026 ICTP Dirac Medal. The four awardees for 2026 were recognised for major contributions to statistical mechanics and its applications to complex systems. Deepak Dhar is particularly known for foundational research in statistical physics and the field of self-organised criticality. His work has contributed significantly to the understanding of complex physical systems. He has also previously been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards. 

Questions: 

Q1. Which two airports were newly added as e-Visa entry points?

a) Bhopal and Tirupati

b) Jaipur and Pune

c) Indore and Patna

d) Surat and Lucknow

Answer: a) Bhopal and Tirupati airports were among the newly notified e-Visa entry points.\

Q2.The 1601-series directed by TRAI is intended for which purpose?
a)Emergency calls
b) Service and transactional voice calls
c) International calls
d) Government helplines

Answer: b) TRAI directed implementation of the 1601-series for identifiable service and transactional calls to reduce fraudulent communications.