Daily GK Update- 8th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IT Rules Cut Unlawful Content Removal Deadline to 3 Hours: India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 on 10 February 2026. The amended framework reduced the time limit for intermediaries to remove unlawful content from 36 hours to 3 hours after receiving a valid court order or government notice. The amended rules also reduced the time limit for action on sensitive user grievances, including nudity and impersonation, from 24 hours to 2 hours. The standard time limit for intermediaries to resolve general user complaints was reduced from 72 hours to 36 hours. The rules came into force on 20 February 2026 across India. The framework applies to valid notices issued by a court or by the government under the applicable legal process.

 

2. Tamil Nadu Launches Vetri Vaanmagal Drone Training Scheme: Tamil Nadu announced the Vetri Vaanmagal scheme on 6 August 2026 in the 2026-27 Agriculture Budget. The scheme is designed to train women farmers in operating agricultural drones and to support drone pilot licensing in the state. The state government has allocated Rs 1.50 crore for drone training under the scheme. Training will be conducted through the Remote Pilot Training Organisation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, which functions as a state agricultural institution in Tamil Nadu. An additional Rs 2.50 crore has been earmarked from state funds to provide drones at a 50% subsidy to 50 trained women. The scheme links skill training with equipment support for agricultural use.

 

3. Lok Sabha Passes Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill,2026: The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 6 August 2026. The Bill amends the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, the Income-tax Act, 2025, and the Finance Act, 2026. The Bill was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It replaces the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, which was promulgated on 5 June 2026. The Bill was passed without debate in the Lok Sabha. The Bill gives legal backing to the Central government to modify the zero-Merchant Discount Rate framework for UPI and RuPay card transactions. It also allows the government to decide which electronic payment modes remain free. The Bill exempts Foreign Institutional Investors and the Bank for International Settlements from income tax on interest and capital gains from investments in government securities from 1 April 2026.

 

4. Ladakh to Launch India’s First High-Altitude Wildlife Safari: Ladakh approved India’s first guided high-altitude wildlife safari on 6 August 2026. The plan covers snow-leopard and bird-watching trails in Hemis National Park, Changthang, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass. The safari will use specially designed open-back jeep vehicles. The vehicles are modelled on safari operations in Kaziranga National Park and Ranthambore National Park. Only trained local drivers and guides will operate the tours. The decision was taken during the first governing body meeting of the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation Society, also called SHAN Conservation Society. The meeting was chaired by the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena.

 

5. Coal India Moves into Iron Ore Mining in Diversification Push: Coal India Limited (CIL), a Maharatna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Coal, became the preferred bidder for the Gadadharpur Iron Ore Block in Keonjhar district of Odisha on 6 August 2026. The block is CIL’s first iron ore asset and was secured through a competitive auction conducted by the Government of Odisha. Coal India Limited was incorporated in 1975 and remains India’s largest coal producer, with a dominant share in domestic coal output. The company has expanded beyond coal through participation in auctions for minerals linked to steel, energy transition, and industrial supply chains. The Gadadharpur Iron Ore Block covers 265.05 hectares and is located in the Keonjhar district, which is one of Odisha’s major mineral-bearing regions. The block is at the G3 exploration stage under the United Nations Framework Classification system used in mineral resource assessment.CIL quoted an auction premium of 114.05% of the value of minerals dispatched to secure the block. The resource estimate for the block has been placed at 288 million tonnes in one filing, while other estimates based on government and consultancy data place it at 258 million tonnes.

 

6. SC/ST Creamy Layer Exclusion Case: The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court of India on 6 August 2026 opposing petitions that seek to extend the “creamy layer” exclusion to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Centre stated that the constitutional reservation framework is based on historical and social backwardness and not on economic status alone. Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is linked to Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution of India, which permit special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes and for reservation in public employment. The government stated that income-based exclusion within SC and ST quotas would require a wider empirical study and a policy decision by Parliament. The “creamy layer” doctrine is a judicial principle used to exclude the relatively advanced sections of Other Backward Classes from reservation benefits. The Centre cited the 1992 Indra Sawhney v. Union of India judgment and the 10 April 2008 Ashoka Kumar Thakur v. Union of India judgment to state that the doctrine applies to OBCs and not to SCs or STs.

 

7. TTF Ahmedabad 2026 Opens in Gandhinagar : The three-day Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF Ahmedabad 2026) opened at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 6 August 2026. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the business-to-business travel trade exhibition, which is organised by Fairfest Media and runs from 6 August to 8 August 2026. TTF is a business-to-business travel trade exhibition that brings together tourism departments, travel operators, hospitality firms, and destination marketers. The Ahmedabad edition has been held annually in Gujarat for about two decades and functions as a platform for tourism-related commercial partnerships. The 2026 edition features more than 900 exhibitors from India and international markets. Exhibitors from 10 countries are participating, and Israel has been designated as the Featured Country. Other participating countries include Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, the United States, China, Thailand, and Bhutan.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bharat International Rice Conference to Be Held in October: The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 is the second edition of the event and will be held from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), which represents over 8,000 rice exporters, is organising the conference. BIRC is a trade platform for the rice sector and is linked to international rice commerce, price discovery, and supply-chain discussions. The 2026 edition is planned as a global forum for rice exporters, buyers, and industry stakeholders from more than 120 countries. India is the world’s largest rice exporter and ships more than 20 million metric tonnes of rice annually to over 170 countries. Rice is a major agricultural export item in India and is closely associated with the country’s agri-trade and food security policy framework.

 

2. KKR to Acquire Medicover India in $1.5 Billion Deal: KKR announced definitive agreements on 6 August 2026 to acquire Medicover India, the Indian hospital operations of Swedish healthcare and diagnostic services provider Medicover AB. The transaction is valued at about €1.2 billion, or roughly $1.4 billion, and includes a 100% stake purchase from existing shareholders. Medicover India was established in 2017 and operates a multi-speciality hospital network across South and West India. The network comprises 24 hospitals with about 4,800 beds, while some reports place the figure at 26 hospitals with nearly 6,000 beds. Medicover India reported annual revenue of €220.5 million and EBITDA of €26.1 million for the 12 months ending 30 June 2026. EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, and it is a standard measure of operating performance in corporate finance.

 

3. Wildfire Triggers Evacuation Alert in Metro Vancouver: A 1.5-hectare wildfire broke out on 5 August 2026 near the Sugar Mountain Trail in təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada. The fire led to tactical evacuations for two homes on Fern Drive in the Village of Anmore and evacuation alerts for 35 additional properties. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that spreads through vegetation, forest, grassland, or other combustible natural fuel. An evacuation order requires residents to leave immediately, while an evacuation alert means residents must be ready to leave at short notice. The Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department, Port Moody Fire Rescue, Metro Vancouver, and the B.C. Wildfire Service took part in suppression operations. Helicopter water bucket drops from Sasamat Lake were used during the response, and the fire was later classified by the B.C. Wildfire Service as “being held”.

 

4. BRICS adopts joint declaration on industrial cooperation: The Tenth BRICS Industry Ministers’ Meeting was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 6 August 2026. The member countries adopted a Joint Declaration under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) for resilient, innovation-driven and sustainable industrial growth. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. The BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution, or PartNIR, is a cooperation framework for industrial development, digital technologies, innovation and manufacturing. The meeting adopted the Terms of Reference and Action Plan for the BRICS Working Group on the Photovoltaic Industry. The framework for cooperation in the SME Working Group was also finalised for strengthening MSME ecosystems across member states. Plans for resilient, GIS-based transport and city logistics planning were approved during the meeting. GIS refers to Geographic Information System, a tool used for mapping, spatial analysis and transport planning.

 

5. US Court Orders Meta to Pay $567 Million: On 6 August 2026, the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, ordered Meta to pay $567 million into an abatement fund linked to child psychological harm and sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram. The court also directed Meta to adopt youth-safety measures over five years in a case filed under consumer protection laws. The court order requires the 567 million fund to be paid over five years. The fund allocates 420 million for youth mental health treatment services and $147 million for prevention campaigns, screening, and oversight programmes. The ruling described Facebook and Instagram as platforms that created a public nuisance by optimising user engagement in ways found harmful to teenagers’ health and safety. The case formed part of a wider legal action brought by New Mexico in 2023 over online safety failures.

 

6. USCIS Tightens Visa and Green Card Rules : The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes in 2026 to the processing of visa, green card and citizenship applications. The changes cover application rejection standards, adjustment of status, and public charge assessment under United States immigration law. USCIS said officers can reject incomplete or insufficiently documented applications without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). An RFE is a formal request for missing documents or clarification, while a NOID is a notice that an application may be denied unless the applicant responds with additional evidence. The policy reverses earlier guidance that encouraged officers to issue RFEs before rejection in many cases. USCIS linked the change to cases involving incomplete filings, placeholder applications and claims for associated benefits such as employment authorisation.

 

7. Standard Chartered Gets Approval for GIFT City Wealth Services: Standard Chartered received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) on 6 August 2026 to distribute capital market and wealth management products from Gujarat International Financial Tec-City (GIFT City). The bank plans to roll out retail wealth management products in the coming months through the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). GIFT City is India’s first operational smart city and an International Financial Services Centre located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The IFSC framework allows financial institutions to offer services in foreign currency and to serve cross-border clients from within India. Wealth management covers investment advisory, portfolio construction, capital market products, and related financial planning services. Standard Chartered plans to launch its Signature CIO Funds from GIFT City, followed by additional wealth products for retail clients.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. France Submits Proposal for 114 Rafale Fighter Jets to India : France submitted a techno-commercial proposal to India for 114 Rafale fighter jets on 29 July 2026. The proposed government-to-government deal is valued at about ₹3.25 lakh crore, or around $39 billion, and it is linked to India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft procurement plan. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the Acceptance of Necessity in February 2026. India sent the formal Letter of Request to France in May 2026, and the Ministry of Defence began examining the proposal through its Acquisition Wing in August 2026. Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation of France. It is used for air defence, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence roles, and it operates from both land bases and aircraft carriers in naval variants.

 

2. Bhawana Kanth Becomes India’s First Woman Fighter Combat Leader: Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first woman pilot in India to clear the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course on 6 August 2026. She completed the course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior, which trains selected IAF pilots in air combat tactics and leadership. The Fighter Combat Leader course is a 20-week advanced training programme for Indian Air Force fighter pilots. It is among the most selective professional courses in the IAF, with only about 1 per cent of selected pilots completing it successfully. Graduates are trained to lead complex frontline air combat missions. Bhawana Kanth was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2016 as part of India’s first batch of women fighter pilots. The batch also included Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. In May 2019, she became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to qualify for daytime combat missions.

 

3. Territorial Army Role in Viksit Bharat Highlighted: The Territorial Army (TA) is a reserve force of the Indian Army that combines civilian employment with military service. On 6 August 2026, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi to review the TA’s mandate, achievements, and future strengthening. The Territorial Army has been used as a first responder during natural calamities in India. Its personnel have taken part in rescue, relief, and medical operations during the Kerala floods, the Odisha cyclone, and floods in Assam.

The TA also supports internal security duties and border-related tasks when required by the government. Its structure allows trained personnel to be available for emergencies without leaving civilian occupations permanently.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Ashish Yadav Wins India’s Second World U20 Javelin Medal: Indian athlete Ashish Yadav won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in 2026. His best throw measured 74.09 metres, and it came in his third attempt in the final held on 7 August 2026. The World Athletics U20 Championships is a global track and field competition for athletes under 20 years of age. It is organised by World Athletics and includes events such as sprinting, middle-distance running, jumps, throws, and combined events. The men’s javelin throw is a field event in athletics in which competitors throw a spear-like implement called a javelin for maximum distance. In international competitions, the men’s javelin weighs 800 grams and measures between 2.6 metres and 2.7 metres in length.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. OpenAI Plans Hockey Puck-Sized AI Device: OpenAI is developing its first consumer hardware device as a screenless, portable smart speaker with a circular form factor. The device is planned for a 2027 release and is expected to be priced between 300 and 400. The device is described as roughly the size of a hockey puck and shaped like a doughnut. It is expected to include cameras, microphones, speaker grills, lights, and environmental sensors for processing surrounding conditions. The battery-powered device is also expected to contain physical moving parts that provide visual feedback and indicate when it is listening or responding. The design work is being led by LoveFrom, Jony Ive’s independent creative collective, which includes former Apple designers and engineers.

 

2. Microsoft Launches Fourth India Cloud Region in Hyderabad: Microsoft announced the general availability of its fourth cloud region in India on 6 August 2026. The new facility, named the India South Central region, is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, and adds to Microsoft’s cloud regions in Pune, Chennai and Mumbai. Microsoft’s Hyderabad region is part of its hyperscale cloud infrastructure in India. A cloud region is a geographic area that contains multiple datacentres and supports cloud computing services such as storage, networking, databases and artificial intelligence workloads. Microsoft now operates four cloud regions in India, which places it among the major global cloud providers with local infrastructure in the country.

 

3. Anil Menon Completes Maiden ISS Spacewalk: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon completed his first extravehicular activity on 6 August 2026 during a spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The operation, designated US Spacewalk 96, lasted 6 hours and 27 minutes and ended at 3:00 p.m. EDT, which was 12:30 a.m. IST on 7 August 2026. Extravehicular activity, or EVA, is the term used for work carried out by astronauts outside a spacecraft. Spacewalks are used for assembly, maintenance, repairs, and installation of equipment on orbital platforms such as the International Space Station. During the spacewalk, Anil Menon and Jessica Meir worked on the Starboard 6 truss segment of the ISS. They installed mounting hardware on the 3B power channel, routed electrical cabling for a future Roll-Out Solar Array, and wrapped the struts with multi-layer insulation.

 

4. India Test-Fires Nuclear-Capable Agni-4 Missile: India test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni-4 ballistic missile on 6 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, and the Ministry of Defence stated that all mission objectives and operational parameters were validated. Agni-4 is a two-stage, solid-fuel missile with a length of about 20 metres. It has an operational strike range of around 4,000 kilometres and a payload capacity of about 1,000 kilograms. The missile can be launched from a road-mobile launcher, which is designed for mobility and survivability. The missile also uses an advanced re-entry heat shield. The shield is designed to withstand external temperatures above 3,000°C while keeping internal electronics below 50°C. The Strategic Forces Command manages India’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile. The Defence Research and Development Organisation develops several missile systems for India’s defence forces, including the Agni series. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Strategic Forces Command and the Defence Research and Development Organisation after the launch. The Ministry of Defence described the test as a successful validation of technical and operational parameters.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Telangana CM To Launch Distribution Of 1.05 Cr New PDS Ration Cards On Aug 15: Telangana will begin distributing 1.05 crore newly sanctioned laminated Public Distribution System ration cards from 15 August 2026. The state-level launch will take place at Sangareddy, and the programme will run across all 119 Assembly constituencies on Independence Day. The Public Distribution System is a food security mechanism in India that supplies subsidised foodgrains through fair price shops. It operates under the National Food Security Act, 2013, and uses ration cards as eligibility documents for households receiving subsidised commodities. The new ration cards are compact cards with laminated finishing and are similar in size to credit or debit cards. They include integrated QR codes, which are used for digital verification and record management in welfare distribution systems.

 

2. Cabinet Clears Rs 23,731-Crore GOBARdhan Scheme, Rs 8,970-Crore Assam Corridor: On 6 August 2026, the Union Cabinet approved two projects with a combined outlay of ₹32,701 crore. The package included the GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme and a four-lane access-controlled highway project in Assam. The GOBARdhan scheme has an allocation of ₹23,731 crore and a ten-year implementation period from 2026–27 to 2035–36. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and focuses on domestic compressed biogas production. The scheme name expands to Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan. It is linked to the use of cattle dung, agricultural residue, and other organic waste for bioenergy production. The scheme framework includes a fixed compressed biogas procurement price of ₹2,110 per MMBTU. It also provides capital assistance of up to ₹2 crore per tonne-per-day capacity.

 

3. Assam Launches Student Welfare Schemes for 7 Lakh Students: Assam launched the application form distribution for three student welfare schemes on 6 August 2026 at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati. The schemes are Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina, Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu, and Shikhyarthee Sahayak Prayas (SSP), and they are planned for about 7 lakh students in the 2026–27 academic year. Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina is a girl-centric financial assistance scheme of the Assam government. Under the revised guidelines, eligible female students receive ₹800 per month for Class XI–XII and Polytechnic, ₹1,250 per month for undergraduate courses, and ₹2,500 per month for postgraduate and B.Ed. courses. The assistance is payable for up to 10 months in each academic year. The scheme covers students in higher secondary, technical, undergraduate, and postgraduate education.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 to Be Celebrated from 9–17 August Across India: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign to be observed from 9–17 August 2026 across India and among the Indian diaspora. Har Ghar Tiranga was first launched in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, and the 2026 edition marks its fifth edition. The campaign encourages citizens to hoist the National Flag and participate in activities promoting patriotism, national unity, and India’s cultural heritage. The 2026 campaign coincides with the 150th anniversary of India’s National Song, “Vande Mataram,” composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The government also launched SURYAPATH TIRANGA, a symbolic global relay of the Indian National Flag to strengthen patriotic participation worldwide.

 

2. Cabinet Approves GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme: The Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan (National Circular Bioenergy Scheme) with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore, to be implemented from 2026–27 to 2035–36. The scheme aims to increase domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold, establish CBG as a key pillar of India’s energy mix, and create 1.5 lakh jobs. GOBARdhan will convert agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste, and other biomass into clean fuel, organic manure, rural income, and economic value.

 

3. Ministry of Tourism Launches ‘As Seen on Netflix’ Initiative on Incredible India Platform: The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Netflix, organised a special event at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, to mark 10 years of Netflix in India. The Ministry of Tourism has integrated the ‘As Seen on Netflix’ section with the Incredible India digital platform. The initiative enables travellers to explore real Indian destinations featured in popular Netflix films and web series, promoting tourism through screen-inspired travel.

 

4. Government Extends Tenure of Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan by One Year: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Dr. T.V. Somanathan as Cabinet Secretary, allowing him to continue in office beyond 30 August 2026. The ACC has also approved a one-year extension in the tenure of Govind Mohan as Home Secretary.

 

5. Tewolde Gebremariam Appointed as Air India’s New CEO and MD: The Board of Directors of Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), succeeding Campbell Wilson. The appointment follows a global leadership search conducted by a dedicated Board committee, which evaluated both internal and international external candidates.

 

6. India Marks Seven Years Since the Abrogation of Article 370: 5 August 2026 marks seven years since the process to make the provisions of Article 370 inoperative began in 2019, ending the special status of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. The process commenced on 5 August 2019, when the Presidential Order and the resolution related to Article 370 were introduced in Parliament. Parliament approved the proposal on 6 August 2019, while 5 August is widely observed as the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.

 

7 August – National Handloom Day: National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage and honour the contribution of handloom weavers to the country’s cultural and economic development. The day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched on 7 August 1905, encouraging the use of indigenous products, including handwoven textiles. National Handloom Day was first observed in 2015, with the objective of promoting the handloom sector, generating employment, and supporting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Recognised as WHO-SEARN Regional Centre of Excellence: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) participated in the 10th Anniversary Meeting of the South-East Asia Regulatory Network (SEARN) held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the IPC has been recognised as the WHO-SEARN Regional Centre of Excellence in Pharmacovigilance. The IPC has also been designated as the WHO-SEARN Technical Centre in Quality, strengthening its role in promoting medicine quality standards. These recognitions establish the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) as a key regional institution for enhancing the quality, safety, and pharmacovigilance of medicines across South-East Asia.

 

2. Prashant Agrawal’s Bringing the Cheetah Back to India Chronicles the Story of Project Cheetah: Bringing the Cheetah Back to India, authored by Prashant Agrawal, narrates the story of Project Cheetah, highlighting the diplomatic, ecological, and administrative efforts behind the reintroduction of cheetahs to India after 70 years. Written from the perspective of India’s former High Commissioner to Namibia, the book provides an insider’s account of the India–Namibia collaboration that made the historic cheetah translocation possible.

 

3. World Marks 81st Anniversary of Hiroshima Atomic Bombing: 6 August 2026 marks 81 years since the United States dropped the first atomic bomb, “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II. The bombing of Hiroshima (6 August 1945) was followed by the bombing of Nagasaki (9 August 1945) with the “Fat Man” atomic bomb. The atomic bombings caused massive destruction and loss of life, leading to Japan’s surrender on 15 August 1945 and the end of World War II.

 

4. Shah Rukh Khan Becomes India’s Most Valued Celebrity Brand in 2025: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan emerged as India’s most valued celebrity brand in 2025, according to the India Celebrity Brand Valuation Report released by global financial and risk advisory firm Kroll. Shah Rukh Khan moved from the third position in 2024 to the first position in 2025, with an estimated brand value of $177.9 million.

 

5. Muthoot Finance Appoints Alexander George as Managing Director : Alexander George has been recommended by the Board of Directors as the Managing Director of Muthoot Finance, effective October 1, 2026, subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming AGM. George Alexander Muthoot, the current Managing Director, will transition to the role of Executive Vice Chairman.

 

6. 6 August – International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries : International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries is observed annually on 6 August to raise awareness about the unique development challenges faced by 32 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). The day highlights issues such as lack of direct access to the sea, high transport and trade costs, geographical isolation, and limited connectivity, which hinder sustainable economic growth and development. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this international observance in 2025, with the first observance held on 6 August 2025, to promote global partnerships and support for the sustainable development of LLDCs.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Hiroshima Marks 81st Anniversary of Atomic Bombing: Hiroshima marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing on 6 August 2026, which occurred during the Second World War on 6 August 1945. The annual Peace Memorial Ceremony was held at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and the city observed a minute of silence at 8:15 AM, the exact time when the bomb was dropped in 1945. Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui delivered the Peace Declaration during the ceremony. He referred to nuclear weapons as tools of intimidation and called for their abolition. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the ceremony for the first time as prime minister and reaffirmed Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

 

2. France Submits Proposal for 114 Rafale Fighter Jets to India: France submitted a techno-commercial proposal to India for 114 Rafale fighter jets on 29 July 2026. The proposed government-to-government deal is valued at about ₹3.25 lakh crore, or around $39 billion, and it is linked to India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft procurement plan. The Defence Acquisition Council cleared the Acceptance of Necessity in February 2026. India sent the formal Letter of Request to France in May 2026, and the Ministry of Defence began examining the proposal through its Acquisition Wing in August 2026. Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation of France. It is used for air defence, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence roles, and it operates from both land bases and aircraft carriers in naval variants.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India Finishes 4th at 2026 Commonwealth Games with 39 Medals, Including 13 Gold: India finished 4th in the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, winning a total of 39 medals — 13 Gold, 17 Silver, and 9 Bronze. Indian boxers delivered an outstanding performance, winning 10 medals on the final day, including 7 gold medals, significantly boosting India’s overall medal tally. Mirabai Chanu won India’s first gold medal in the women’s 48 kg weightlifting event, while para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar secured India’s first medal of the Games with a bronze. India’s 13 gold medals came from Weightlifting (1), Para-athletics (2), Judo (2), and Boxing (7), highlighting the country’s dominance in combat sports and para-events.

 

2. Arunachal’s Boleng to Host Asian Rafting Championships 2026: Boleng in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh will host the Asian Rafting Championships 2026 from 5 October to 9 October 2026. The five-day event will take place on the Simang River, a Class III+ tributary of the Siang River, and will bring paddlers from across Asia to compete in white-water rafting events. Boleng is a town in Siang district, which lies in central Arunachal Pradesh. The Siang River is the name used for the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh, and the Simang River is one of its tributaries with strong currents and technical rapids. Rafting championships commonly include Sprint, RX and Slalom disciplines. Sprint events test speed over a short course, RX refers to knock-out racing between teams, and Slalom requires boats to pass through a series of gates on moving water.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Tamil Nadu Launches Vetri Vaanmagal Drone Training Scheme: Tamil Nadu announced the Vetri Vaanmagal scheme on 6 August 2026 in the 2026-27 Agriculture Budget. The scheme is designed to train women farmers in operating agricultural drones and to support drone pilot licensing in the state. The state government has allocated Rs 1.50 crore for drone training under the scheme. Training will be conducted through the Remote Pilot Training Organisation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, which functions as a state agricultural institution in Tamil Nadu. An additional Rs 2.50 crore has been earmarked from state funds to provide drones at a 50% subsidy to 50 trained women. The scheme links skill training with equipment support for agricultural use.

 

2. IT Rules Cut Unlawful Content Removal Deadline to 3 Hours: India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 on 10 February 2026. The amended framework reduced the time limit for intermediaries to remove unlawful content from 36 hours to 3 hours after receiving a valid court order or government notice. The amended rules also reduced the time limit for action on sensitive user grievances, including nudity and impersonation, from 24 hours to 2 hours. The standard time limit for intermediaries to resolve general user complaints was reduced from 72 hours to 36 hours. The rules came into force on 20 February 2026 across India. The framework applies to valid notices issued by a court or by the government under the applicable legal process.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Proposes Fresh Licensing of Urban Co-operative Banks After 20 Years: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to resume issuing fresh licences for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) after a gap of 20 years, following an ‘on tap’ licensing approach. Only existing multi-state Credit Co-operative Societies (CCSs) with at least 10 years of operations, ₹10,000 crore in deposits, and a minimum net worth of ₹300 crore will be eligible to apply. Eligible CCSs must have maintained a CRAR of at least 12%, a Net NPA ratio of not more than 3%, and demonstrate a positive financial and operational track record over the previous five years. Conversion of a Credit Co-operative Society into a UCB will require approval by at least two-thirds of the shareholders, both in number and value, at a specially convened meeting.

 

2. EPFO to Launch ‘E-PRAAPTI’ Portal for Tracking and Activating Inoperative EPF Accounts : The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will launch the EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts (E-PRAAPTI) to help members identify, track, link, and activate old EPF accounts. The portal will use Aadhaar-based authentication to enable secure access to old EPF accounts, allowing members to update their profile and seamlessly link and activate their Universal Account Number (UAN). E-PRAAPTI is expected to reduce manual intervention, minimise documentation, and improve the transparency, efficiency, and ease of accessing inactive EPF accounts.

 

3. Andhra Pradesh Targets ₹9.5 Lakh Crore Investment in Visakhapatnam Region : The Andhra Pradesh government has set an investment target of up to ₹9.5 lakh crore for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER). The plan covers eight districts and spans 36,000 sq km in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas. The Visakhapatnam Economic Region includes Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Parvathipuram Manyam. The region is linked to the ‘Bay City’ project, which uses micro-level planning for regional development.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. IIT Bombay Professor Karthikeyan Lanka Selected for NASI Young Scientist Award 2026: Professor Karthikeyan Lanka of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has been selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026. He is an Associate Professor at the Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering and an associate faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Programme in Climate Studies at IIT Bombay. The award presentation is scheduled during the 96th Annual Session and Symposium of the National Academy of Sciences, India, at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, on 4–5 December 2026. The National Academy of Sciences, India is one of the oldest science academies in the country and was established in 1930. It is based in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and it conducts annual sessions, symposia, and academic recognitions for scientists in India.

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 6th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. President Murmu Inaugurates Jagadguru Kripalu University in Odisha: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack district, Odisha, marking the establishment of a new higher education institution in the state. The university is situated at Banara in Damapada tehsil, near Cuttack, and aims to strengthen educational opportunities in the region.

 

2. GVMC, Moscoaw Government Sign MoC to Boost Smart Mobility and Urban Development in Visakhapatnam: Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and the Government of Moscow signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to enhance urban development and smart mobility initiatives in Visakhapatnam. The agreement was signed during the 5th International Transport Summit in Moscow by GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, in the presence of Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat. The partnership will focus on Integrated Urban Transport Planning, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), AI-based traffic management, digital ticketing, autonomous transport technologies, and sustainable infrastructure, supporting Visakhapatnam’s vision of becoming a technology-driven global city.

 

3. 3 August – Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day: Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day is observed annually on 3 August to raise awareness about CLOVES Syndrome, a rare congenital overgrowth disorder caused by mutations in the PIK3CA gene. The day aims to promote early diagnosis, research, improved treatment options, and support for individuals and families affected by the disorder. CLOVES stands for Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular Malformations, Epidermal Nevi, and Skeletal/Spinal Abnormalities, describing the key features of the syndrome.

 

4. 3 August – National Watermelon Day: National Watermelon Day is observed annually on 3 August to celebrate the watermelon, one of the world’s most popular and refreshing summer fruits. The day promotes the nutritional and health benefits of watermelon, which is rich in water, vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and lycopene, helping support hydration and overall health.

 

5. Indian Statistical Institute Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha: The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 3 August 2026. The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, and to convert the Indian Statistical Institute into a statutory body corporate. The Indian Statistical Institute, or ISI, is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. It functions at present as a registered society under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961. The proposed law provides a statutory framework for the institution’s governance, administration, and academic functions. The Bill expands the definition of Statistical Sciences for the purposes of the institution. The definition includes theoretical statistics, applied statistics, mathematics, economics, data science, computer science, cryptology, and other quantitative sciences. This wider definition covers disciplines used in statistical research, computation, and quantitative analysis.

 

6. Ministry Launches ‘As Seen on Netflix’ on Incredible India Portal: The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘As Seen on Netflix’ section on the Incredible India portal on 5 August 2026. The feature was developed with Netflix India to connect films and series with real locations, cultural traditions, and travel experiences in India. The Ministry of Tourism signed a non-commercial Memorandum of Understanding with Netflix Entertainment Services India. A Memorandum of Understanding is a formal agreement used by institutions to define cooperation without creating a commercial contract. The partnership aims to promote Indian tourism destinations through cinematic storytelling. The initiative is Netflix’s first collaboration with a tourism body in South Asia. Similar tourism-linked initiatives have been associated with France, Indonesia, and Korea. The partnership seeks to place Indian travel destinations within original content on the Netflix platform.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Esri India and BEL Sign MoU to Boost Defence Capabilities with GIS and GeoAI: Esri India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Navratna CPSE Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to collaborate on defence projects involving Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Location Intelligence, and GeoAI. The partnership builds on the successful execution of earlier projects for the Indian Armed Forces and aims to strengthen the use of advanced geospatial technologies in defence. According to Esri India Managing Director Agendra Kumar, geospatial intelligence has become a strategic capability that enables defence forces to analyse, plan, and respond with greater speed, accuracy, and precision.

 

2. Pacific Island Nation Nauru Officially Renamed as the Republic of Naoero: The Pacific Island nation of Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, aligning with the spelling and pronunciation in its national language. As part of the change, the country’s international code will change from NRU to NRO, and its citizens will now be known as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruan. Naoero is the world’s third-smallest country by population (around 12,000 people), after Tuvalu and Vatican City, and gained independence from Australia in 1968.

 

3. Willie Walsh Assumes Charge as CEO of IndiGo: Willie Walsh has officially assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo, India’s largest airline. Walsh replaced Pieter Elbers, who resigned from the CEO position on 10 March 2026.

 

4. Pawan Hans signs MoU with Noemi Aerospace on electric seaplanes: Pawan Hans Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Norway-based Noemi Aerospace on 5 August 2026 in New Delhi to explore electric seaplane technology and other sustainable aviation solutions. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha. The MoU covers technical knowledge sharing, workshops, feasibility studies, skill development, and capacity building. Pawan Hans Chairman and Managing Director Sunil Kumar Nagdawne and Noemi Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Eric François Lithun signed the agreement.

 

5. China Harvests First Rice Crop Grown in Space: Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station harvested the first batch of rice grown in orbit on 5 August 2026. The harvest formed part of the Shenzhou-23 mission, which launched on 24 May 2026, and the rice samples were collected for further scientific study. The experiment aims to achieve the first continuous cultivation of two generations of rice in orbit. It is designed to complete two consecutive life cycles and to study how prolonged microgravity affects genetic stability, plant development, and seed reproduction. Two types of japonica rice seeds are used in the experiment. One set consists of ordinary seeds that have never been to space, and the other set consists of “space lineage” seeds descended from rice grown aboard Tiangong in 2022 and bred on Earth for three generations.

 

6. Massachusetts Declares August 15 as India Day: Massachusetts declared August 15, 2026, as India Day across the state, and Boston issued a similar proclamation for the same date. The observance coincides with the 79th anniversary of India’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947. Governor Maura Healey issued the Massachusetts proclamation on August 1, 2026. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also declared August 15 as India Day in the city in 2026. The Indian diaspora in the United States comprises over five million people of Indian origin. Indian-Americans have a presence in medicine, science, technology, education, business, and public service. The 2026 proclamation in Boston welcomed the opening of the new Indian Consulate in Boston. It also referred to the visit of INS Sudarshini at the SAILBOSTON-250 event.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Massachusetts Declares August 15 as India Day: Massachusetts declared August 15, 2026, as India Day across the state, and Boston issued a similar proclamation for the same date. The observance coincides with the 79th anniversary of India’s independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The Indian diaspora in the United States comprises over five million people of Indian origin. Indian-Americans have a presence in medicine, science, technology, education, business, and public service.

 

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Harshita Jakhar Becomes First Indian Woman to Feature at Tour de France Femmes: Harshita Jakhar of Rajasthan became the first Indian woman cyclist to feature at the prestigious Tour de France Femmes, creating a historic milestone for Indian cycling. She participated in the ceremonial start of Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes at Aigle, Switzerland, marking India’s first-ever women’s representation at the event.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ministry of Ayush and IndiaAI Sign MoU to Promote AI-Driven Innovation in Traditional Medicine: The Ministry of Ayush and IndiaAI (MeitY) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven innovation in the Ayush sector. Under the partnership, the Ministry of Ayush will integrate with the AIKosh platform to share eligible health research datasets, AI models, metadata, toolkits, and use cases, fostering AI-based research and collaboration. The MoU will provide the Ayush sector with access to GPU-based high-performance computing infrastructure through the IndiaAI initiative, supporting advanced AI research and healthcare applications in traditional medicine.

 

2. Department of Posts Releases Commemorative Stamp Honouring Satish Gujral’s Birth Centenary: The Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp on 3 August 2026 to mark the birth centenary of Satish Gujral, which was unveiled by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at Bikaner House, New Delhi. Satish Gujral (1925–2020) was a renowned Indian painter, sculptor, muralist, and architect, regarded as one of the leading figures of modern Indian art. The stamp features Satish Gujral’s 2010 acrylic self-portrait, one of only four self-portraits created by him, with the design prepared by Anuj Kumar based on a proposal by his daughter Raseel Gujral Ansal.

 

3. Giriraj Singh Inaugurates Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology at IIT Delhi: Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoE-HT) at IIT Delhi to modernise India’s handloom sector through technology, innovation, and research. The Centre aims to integrate India’s traditional weaving heritage with advanced technologies, promoting digital innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and improved market access for handloom weavers. CoE-HT will serve as a hub for research, skill development, and collaboration among academia, industry, government, startups, designers, and weavers to strengthen the handloom ecosystem.

 

4. Pacific Typhoon Threatens Indian Monsoon: Pacific typhoons and warming in the equatorial Pacific are linked with changes in the Indian southwest monsoon through shifts in atmospheric circulation, rainfall distribution, and cyclone activity over the Bay of Bengal and the North Indian Ocean. In August 2026, Super Typhoon Dolphin was tracked in the Pacific Ocean near Japan, while forecasters monitored its indirect effect on monsoon rainfall over India. Typhoons in the western Pacific can influence the Indian monsoon by altering the monsoon trough, suppressing Bay of Bengal systems, and changing moisture transport over the Indian subcontinent. In July 2026, a strong weather system over the western Pacific was associated with a weak phase of the southwest monsoon and subdued rainfall over central, western, and peninsular India.

 

5. Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves ₹500 Crore AI Mission: The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the Chhattisgarh State Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission on 5 August 2026 with an outlay of ₹500 crore. The mission will run for five years and is linked to governance, skill development, technology adoption, and digital economy expansion in the state. The AI Mission is a state-level policy initiative for the use of artificial intelligence in public administration and digital services. It is aligned with the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission, which is the national framework for AI development and adoption. The approval was given in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan in Nava Raipur. The mission includes the creation of 100 AI data labs and five Centres of Excellence within Chhattisgarh.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI MPC Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%, Retains Neutral Stance: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 5.25%, after a detailed assessment of the evolving macroeconomic and financial developments and the outlook. Consequently, the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate remains at 5%, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate remain at 5.50%. The MPC also decided to continue with the neutral stance.

 

2. Government Notifies Rules for Cross-Border E-Commerce Exports: The Government of India operationalised rules for inventory-based cross-border e-commerce exports on 5 August 2026 through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The framework was notified under Notification No. 27/2026-27 and Public Notice No. 25/2026-27 and is part of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023. The framework permits e-commerce companies with foreign investment to undertake export-only inventory operations through a registered Exporter-on-Record (EOR). An EOR can procure goods from Sellers-on-Record (SORs) only against confirmed export orders, and the rules prohibit speculative inventory build-up. The model applies to cross-border e-commerce exports, which are exports of goods sold through digital platforms and shipped directly to overseas buyers. The arrangement is limited to export activity and does not permit domestic retail inventory operations under this framework.

 

3. RBI to Resume Issuing Fresh Licences for Urban Cooperative Banks: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on 5 August 2026 that it will resume issuing fresh licences for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) after a pause of more than two decades. The decision was announced during the August Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting and is linked to draft guidelines for on-tap licensing of UCBs. The RBI released draft guidelines for on-tap licensing after a discussion paper dated 13 January 2026. Credit cooperative societies applying for a licence must have at least 10 years of operation, minimum deposits of ₹10,000 crore, and a net worth of at least ₹300 crore as of 31 March of the previous financial year. Applicants must maintain a Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of at least 12% and a Net Non-Performing Assets (NPA) ratio below 3%. The RBI will initially give priority to multi-state cooperative societies with operations across several states.