Current Affairs One- Liner : 13th August 2026

National:

On 11 August 2026, the Gujarat government approved ₹20 crore for establishing four Centres of Excellence for Natural Farming at Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Chhota Udepur. The centres will train farmers in natural-farming practices, demonstrate modern and sustainable techniques, provide soil-testing and bio-input support, and help farmers with value addition. The allocation forms part of Gujarat’s 2026–27 efforts to expand chemical-free agriculture and improve farm sustainability.

Current Affairs One- Liner : 13th August 2026

On 11 August 2026, Kerala included tribal representatives in its State Wildlife Board for the first time. Raman Raja Mannan of the Mannan community and Vinod, associated with the Cholanaikkan community of Nilambur, were included. The initiative aims to bring traditional ecological knowledge directly into wildlife-management decisions, particularly in addressing human-wildlife conflict and improving forest conservation. The State Wildlife Board is headed by the Chief Minister.
On 12 August 2026, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Union government to permanently retain the Lok Sabha strength at 543 seats and oppose population-based delimitation that could reduce the relative representation of southern states. The resolution also sought implementation of 33% reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha election, using the existing 543 constituencies.
On 11 August 2026, Delhi’s Directorate of Education revised the PM-POSHAN menu for government and government-aided schools. The revised menu introduces idli-sambar, along with other changes aimed at improving variety and nutrition. Schools and implementing agencies were instructed to make arrangements so that idli-sambar could be served by 24 August 2026. PM-POSHAN is the centrally sponsored school meal programme intended to improve nutrition and school attendance.
On 11 August 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways approved a ₹334.89-crore internal flyover for Visakhapatnam Port Authority. The 3.584-km elevated corridor will connect Convent Junction with the Dock Area. It is designed to separate road and rail traffic, reduce delays at nine railway level crossings, improve cargo evacuation and increase operational efficiency within the port.
On 12 August 2026, Karnataka launched Tathyakosh.in in Bengaluru as a searchable public-data platform. Developed by the state-backed ACSEL Technology Forum in collaboration with IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru, it brings together information on more than 1.5 million datasets from 458 sources. The platform is designed as a non-commercial digital public good to help researchers, policymakers, startups and developers locate public datasets scattered across different repositories.
On 12 August 2026, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, rolled out the first rake of customised LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway. The project is part of an order placed through RITES for 200 coaches. The coaches include AC sleeper, AC chair-car, non-AC chair-car and power-car variants and incorporate modifications specifically designed for Bangladesh Railway’s operational requirements.
On 12 August 2026, the Delhi Development Authority approved the Master Plan for Delhi 2047, which will guide the capital’s long-term development in housing, land use, transportation, redevelopment, environmental protection and infrastructure. The plan also addresses land pooling and the Yamuna floodplain. After DDA approval, it is to be forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for final notification.
On 12 August 2026, the National Company Law Tribunal launched e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy Services. NCLT President Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal inaugurated the facilities through video conferencing. They allow advocates, litigants and other stakeholders to obtain easier digital access to judicial records and certified copies. The services form part of NCLT’s wider digital transformation and e-Courts initiatives aimed at making corporate adjudication more accessible and efficient.
On 10 August 2026, Karnataka issued a one-year prohibition covering the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of specified products containing tobacco or nicotine, particularly gutkha and tobacco-containing pan masala. The Food Safety and Drug Administration is responsible for enforcement. The measure is aimed at protecting public health and strengthening action against the sale and distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products.
Sikkim remains India’s first 100% organic state. It achieved the distinction in January 2016, when its entire cultivable agricultural area was certified organic. The achievement followed a long-term state policy to phase out chemical fertilisers and pesticides and encourage organic agricultural practices. For banking and UPSC exams, remember: Sikkim = India’s first fully organic state.
The Chauri Chaura incident occurred on 4 February 1922 in the Gorakhpur district of present-day Uttar Pradesh. Protesters participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement clashed with police and set a police station on fire, killing policemen. Mahatma Gandhi, who strongly supported non-violence, subsequently suspended the Non-Cooperation Movement on 12 February 1922. The event remains important for understanding Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violent mass politics.
The Simon Commission arrived in India on 3 February 1928 to examine constitutional reforms but contained no Indian member, triggering nationwide protests under the slogan Simon Go Back. In response to the constitutional debate, an all-parties committee headed by Motilal Nehru produced the Nehru Report in August 1928. It proposed dominion status, fundamental rights and a parliamentary form of government, becoming an important milestone in India’s constitutional history.

International:

On 11 August 2026, Hungary’s Parliament elected András Baka as the country’s President. The 73-year-old former Supreme Court chief received 140 votes in a secret parliamentary ballot. He had earlier served as a judge of the European Court of Human Rights and later as President of Hungary’s Supreme Court. He was nominated by the governing Tisza Party, which possessed the parliamentary strength required for his election.
On 15 August 2026, the US states of New York and New Jersey will officially recognise India’s Independence Day under gubernatorial proclamations announced on 12 August. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill issued the proclamations to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and recognise the contributions of Indian-American communities as well as India-US relations.
In 2026, India sharply increased urea imports from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Georgia after disruptions to traditional supply routes arising from conflict in West Asia. Commerce Ministry data reported on 12 August 2026 showed that these four countries supplied about 52% of India’s 2.5 million tonnes of urea imports during April-June 2026. The diversification is intended to protect fertiliser availability for Indian agriculture.
On 12 August 2026, reports highlighted Russia’s first imports of Indian gasoline amid shortages caused by attacks on Russian refining infrastructure. Reuters had reported on 1 July 2026 that at least 60,000 tonnes had been dispatched from India. Subsequent shipment tracking showed Indian fuel reaching Russia, marking an unusual reversal in India-Russia energy trade, in which India has primarily been a major importer of Russian crude oil.
On 12 August 2026, India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) signed Terms of Reference to begin negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. SACU comprises South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini. The proposed agreement is intended to lower tariffs on selected goods, expand bilateral trade and improve market access. Negotiations cover areas such as goods, customs procedures, rules of origin, SPS measures and dispute settlement.

Banking

A major CBDC-linked welfare initiative was announced on 12 August 2026, with a full rollout scheduled from 14 August 2026. Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli will use the RBI-issued Digital Rupee for DBT of food subsidies under PMGKAY. Eligible beneficiaries will receive purpose-linked digital currency in CBDC wallets, which can be used at authorised merchants. The initiative aims to make welfare transfers faster, traceable and less vulnerable to leakage.
On 12 August 2026, PMS Bazaar announced collaboration with NSDL Database Management Limited’s NDML Accreditation Agency to facilitate applications for SEBI Accredited Investor Certification. PMS Bazaar acts as a channel partner, while certification remains subject to SEBI eligibility conditions, document verification and approval by the accreditation agency. The arrangement aims to make the accreditation process easier for eligible sophisticated investors seeking access to products such as PMS, AIFs and other investment structures.

Economy:

Reports published in August 2026 said SBI Research expected India’s real GDP growth in Q1 FY27 to be around 7%, rather than the 8% stated in the supplied headline. Earlier SBI estimates had placed full-year FY27 growth around 6.6%, although forecasts changed as economic conditions evolved. For examination purposes, the supplied 8% figure should therefore not be used without qualification.
The family-business ranking in the supplied headline refers to the 2025 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List, released on 12 August 2025, rather than a verified 2026 edition. The Ambani family ranked first with a business value of about ₹28.2 lakh crore. In the separate first-generation category, the Adani family led with approximately ₹14 lakh crore.
On 12 August 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports suspended the recognition of the Table Tennis Federation of India as a National Sports Federation, citing governance failures including failure to hold elections within the prescribed period. The Indian Olympic Association was asked to establish an ad-hoc body for interim administration in coordination with the international federation.

Sports:

From 7 to 10 August 2026, Indian para-cyclists competed at the UCI Para-Cycling Track event in Odense, Denmark, winning 12 medals: two gold, five silver and five bronze. Arshad Shaikh led India’s performance with two gold medals along with additional silver and bronze medals, while Vishwa Vasani and Anshuman Dhumal were among the other multiple medallists. The event highlighted India’s improving performance in international para-cycling.
From 1 to 5 October 2026, Srinagar’s Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium is scheduled to host the Irani Cup between Jammu and Kashmir and Rest of India. Jammu and Kashmir earned the fixture after winning the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy. The match will mark the return of a major first-class cricket fixture to Kashmir after roughly four decades and will be played in the traditional five-day format.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 qualification process is still ongoing in 2026, so the supplied line claiming exactly 10 qualified teams should be treated as a changing sports update rather than a fixed fact. The 2027 World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with qualification determined through ICC ranking and qualifying pathways. Namibia’s route differs from automatic host qualification arrangements applicable to some co-hosts.

Science and Technology:

On 6 August 2026, Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace signed a Multi-Launch Agreement with Thiruvananthapuram-based HEX20 covering three dedicated Vikram-series launches beginning in the fourth quarter of 2027. The missions will support HEX20’s Earth-observation constellation and in-orbit payload demonstrations while allowing rideshare payloads. The agreement followed Skyroot’s successful Vikram-1 orbital mission on 18 July 2026.
On 12 August 2026, the first confirmed Indian record of the rare Himalayan solitary bee Colletes bhutanicus was reported from Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh, following surveys by Zoological Survey of India scientists. Previously recorded mainly in Bhutan and China, the species was observed at elevations roughly between 1,500 and 3,800 metres. The discovery expands its known geographic range and highlights the biodiversity and pollinator richness of the eastern Himalayan region.
On 11 August 2026, US biotechnology company Amgen announced plans to open a new Science and Innovation Centre at Genome Valley, Hyderabad. Expected to become operational in 2027, it will focus on discovery chemistry, precision medicine, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, data science and digital technologies. The centre will join Amgen’s global R&D network and is expected to create around 200 highly skilled positions.
On 29 May 2026, scientists described Amolops kamal, a new cascade-dwelling frog species from Nagaland. The species was found near Singrep village in Kiphire district close to the Myanmar border and is commonly called the Nagaland cascade frog. Its discovery strengthens evidence of the exceptional amphibian diversity of Northeast India and highlights the conservation importance of the region’s fast-flowing hill-stream ecosystems.
On 12 August 2026, Karnataka’s launch of Tathyakosh also represented an important digital-public-infrastructure development. The system acts as a discovery layer across over 1.5 million public datasets instead of creating a new underlying database. By bringing fragmented data sources into one searchable interface, the initiative is intended to support AI development, research, policymaking and evidence-based governance.

Defence:

On 11 August 2026, the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shruti, Yard 3037, was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata by Manika Sadhu in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu. The indigenously designed vessel will support maritime surveillance, search and rescue, offshore-asset protection, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and anti-piracy missions. Its construction supports the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
On 11 August 2026, DRDO opened NETRA-2026 in Bengaluru, a national seminar on Electronic Warfare, Digital Twin and Mission-Critical System Design. The seminar ran on 11–12 August, followed by a hands-on workshop on 13 August. DRDO organised it with the Association of Old Crows India Chapter and industry partners. More than 200 representatives from the armed forces, DRDO, ISRO, defence PSUs, academia and industry participated.
On 12 August 2026, India’s Defence Ministry issued a tender worth around ₹1 lakh crore for 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Indian companies including Tata, Mahindra and HAL are expected to lead bids in partnership with global manufacturers. Around 20% of the aircraft are expected in fly-away condition, while most would be manufactured domestically with substantial indigenous content, supporting IAF fleet modernisation and domestic aerospace manufacturing.
On 12 August 2026, Indian Railways approved Kavach Version 4.0 across 660 route kilometres of the Izzatnagar Division, North Eastern Railway, at an estimated cost of ₹295 crore. Kavach is India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection system. It continuously monitors train movement, can automatically apply brakes, reduces the risk of Signal Passed at Danger incidents and collisions, and improves safe operations during conditions such as dense fog.
On 12 August 2026, Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh outlined India’s roadmap for a self-reliant nuclear-energy ecosystem in the Lok Sabha. The strategy focuses on indigenous reactor technologies, domestic manufacturing, private-sector participation, Small Modular Reactors, thorium utilisation and India’s three-stage nuclear programme. The government is targeting 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047, with at least five indigenous SMRs targeted by 2033.
A special Indian Air Force event is planned at Pokhran in September 2026 to showcase indigenous unmanned systems. Expected technologies include one-way attack drones, long-range loitering munitions, swarm systems, surveillance UAVs and logistics drones. The IAF is particularly interested in long-range platforms capable of operating beyond 1,000 km. The showcase is designed to evaluate domestic industry capabilities for future unmanned and counter-UAS requirements.

Summits and Conferences

On 12 August 2026, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated IIHT SUTRA 2026, the first National Conclave of the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology, at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. Organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles, the conclave focused on technical education, innovation, research, industry collaboration and modernisation of handloom training. Three MoUs were also signed during the event.
On 11–12 August 2026, NETRA-2026 was organised in Bengaluru by DRDO with the Association of Old Crows India Chapter and industry partners. The conference focused on Electronic Warfare, Digital Twin technology, AI, radar systems, radio-frequency engineering and mission-critical design. DRDO Director General B.K. Das inaugurated the programme, while participants came from the armed forces, ISRO, DRDO, defence PSUs, industry and academia. A practical workshop followed on 13 August.

MoUs:

On 12 August 2026, the Andhra Pradesh Department of Mines and Geology signed an MoU with CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute to explore lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin. The agreement was signed at the State Secretariat in Vijayawada in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Lithium and gallium are strategically important critical minerals used in batteries, electronics, semiconductors and advanced technologies.
On 11 August 2026, Amgen and the Telangana government entered into an understanding connected with establishing Amgen’s new Science and Innovation Centre in Hyderabad’s Genome Valley. The centre is expected to become operational in 2027 and strengthen advanced biomedical research, including discovery chemistry, precision medicine, data science and drug-development technologies.
On 6 August 2026, Skyroot Aerospace and HEX20 signed a multi-launch agreement for three Vikram-series missions beginning from Q4 2027. Skyroot co-founder and COO Naga Bharath Daka and HEX20 co-founder and COO M.B. Aravind signed the agreement. Its purpose is to support Earth-observation satellites, in-orbit demonstration missions and commercial rideshare opportunities.
On 12 August 2026, India and the five-member Southern African Customs Union signed Terms of Reference to formally begin negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement. The proposed agreement seeks to expand market access and reduce selected tariffs between India and South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Appointments:

On 11 August 2026, Hungary’s Parliament elected András Baka as President of Hungary. The former Supreme Court President and former European Court of Human Rights judge was nominated by the ruling Tisza Party. Baka received 140 votes in the secret parliamentary ballot and was subsequently sworn in as head of state.
On 12 August 2026, N. Chandrasekaran informed Tata Sons that he would step down and would not seek another term as Chairman. However, reports indicate that he is expected to complete his existing tenure, which runs until February 2027. Chandrasekaran, formerly CEO of TCS, has been associated with the Tata Group for four decades and has led Tata Sons for nearly a decade.

Important Days

International Youth Day was observed on 12 August 2026 with the United Nations theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations. The theme recognises that young people live under very different social, economic and political circumstances while sharing common aspirations for education, decent employment, participation, peace, opportunity and sustainable development. The day aims to highlight youth issues and strengthen young people’s role in decision-making and development.
World Organ Donation Day is observed annually on 13 August, including on 13 August 2026, to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage people to pledge organs that can save or improve the lives of patients requiring transplantation. The observance also seeks to counter misconceptions surrounding organ donation and recognise donors and their families. For examination purposes, remember the date: 13 August.

Obituaries:

On 9 August 2026, legendary NBA player and coach Don Nelson died at the age of 86. He won five NBA championships with the Boston Celtics as a player and later became one of the most influential coaches in NBA history, winning the Coach of the Year award three times. His fast-paced offensive strategies helped reshape modern basketball. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by relatives; no specific cause of death was announced.
On 11 August 2026, eminent nuclear engineer, science populariser, writer and Left intellectual M.P. Parameswaran died at his residence in Kerala at the age of 91. He had worked in India’s nuclear establishment and became closely associated with the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad and India’s people’s-science movement. He was also known for his writings on decentralised development and his Fourth World theory. The supplied age of 92 should therefore be corrected to 91.
The supplied headline stating that former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji died at 98 should be independently confirmed from an authoritative report before publication. I would not turn this into exam material without that confirmation because obituary errors are especially difficult to correct once they enter a current-affairs database.

Books and Authors

On 12 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released former President Ram Nath Kovind’s autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Published by Rupa Publications, the book recounts Kovind’s personal journey, public life, political experience and tenure as India’s 14th President. The Prime Minister said younger generations could learn from Kovind’s experiences and life journey.

Questions:

Q1. Gramin Gyan Setu App was launched in which state?

a) Rajasthan

b) Gujarat

c) Maharashtra

d) Madhya Pradesh

Answer: b) The Gramin Gyan Setu App was launched on 12 August 2026 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to digitally connect rural libraries, particularly in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Q2. Which institution launched e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy Services in August 2026?
a) SEBI
b) NCLT
c) NCLAT
d) CCI

Answer: b) The National Company Law Tribunal launched the services to provide easier digital access to judicial records and certified copies.