Daily GK Update- 11th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New Fern Species Pteris madhusoodananii Discovered: Pteris madhusoodananii is a newly described fern species published on 30 July 2026 in the Nordic Journal of Botany. The species is endemic to the Kolli Hills in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu and has been preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List Category guidelines. The species was described by an Indian research team that included Kalathil Sethumadhavan Abhilash, Alen Alex Philip, Thekkekara Suresh Gayathri, L. Leeja, Sojan Jose, Suresh Veerankutty, and V. K. Sreenivas. The botanists are affiliated with Government Victoria College, Sri Vyasa NSS College, and Government College Chittur.

 

2. MSME Ministry, DPIIT Sign MoU for GI Product Market Access: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 5 August 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, for wider market access for Geographical Indication products. The MoU links the MSME Ministry’s enterprise support systems with the legal and administrative framework of the DPIIT under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. A Geographical Indication is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that place. In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, and the DPIIT functions as the nodal department for GI administration.

 

3. Gujarat Launches ₹2.94 Crore Plastic Waste Management Project at Nalsarovar: The Gujarat Forest Department launched a ₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around the Ramsar-designated Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary on 11 August 2026. The project is linked to the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat and has financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It aims to buy plastic waste from villagers, support local livelihoods, and reduce plastic pollution in the sanctuary area. The project is being implemented by the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Division, Sanand, in coordination with local gram panchayats, Eco-Development Committees, and community members. A dedicated Plastic Waste Collection Centre has been set up at Kayla village in Viramgam taluka of Ahmedabad district. The collection network covers Vekariya, Kayla, Shahpur, Dharji, and Meni in Ahmedabad district, and Nani Kathechi and Ranagadh in Surendranagar district.

 

4. Jammu and Kashmir Approves Rs 10 Crore for Rattan Garh Fort: Jammu and Kashmir approved ₹10 crore on 9 August 2026 for the repair, renovation and restoration of Rattan Garh Fort in Bhaderwah, Doda district. The project covers conservation of the fort’s architectural integrity and its development as a heritage and tourism site in the Chenab Valley. Rattan Garh Fort was built in 1733 by Raja Sampat Pal. It is described as the only surviving fort among the seven original bastions that once stood in the Bhaderwah valley. Historical records also note that the structure later served as a prison. The restoration of Rattan Garh Fort is part of heritage conservation work in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory has several protected monuments, forts, temples and shrines that are linked with archaeology, architecture and tourism.

 

5. National Scholarship Portal for Agriculture Students Launched: The Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched a National Scholarship Portal-based system for agriculture students on 10 August 2026 at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa, New Delhi. At the launch, ₹21.35 crore in scholarship and fellowship funds was transferred to more than 6,000 agricultural students across India through the Direct Benefit Transfer mechanism. The National Scholarship Portal is a centralised digital platform used in India for scholarship application, verification, and disbursement. It is linked with bank accounts for direct transfer of funds and is used by multiple ministries and departments for student welfare schemes.

 

6. DHR-ICMR to Host S.H.I.N.E. School Outreach Programme: The Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will host the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. (Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers) on 11 and 12 August 2026. The nationwide school outreach programme is planned for students of Classes 9 to 12 and will cover 83 locations across India. S.H.I.N.E. is a school outreach initiative linked to science, health and innovation. The 2026 edition is expected to reach about 30,000 students, which is more than twice the participation recorded in the first edition in 2025. The programme includes students from government, government-aided and private schools.

 

7. V.O.C. Port Becomes India’s First Scope-2 Emission-Free Major Port: V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, became India’s first major port to achieve Scope-2 Emission-Free status on 10 August 2026. The port also became the first in India to secure ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System. Scope-2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, or cooling. A port can record zero Scope-2 emissions when its renewable energy generation exceeds its total electricity consumption during a defined period. Independent verification for the fourth quarter of the 2025–26 financial year confirmed that VOC Port’s renewable energy generation was higher than its electricity use. Certification data showed that renewable energy met 93.89% of the port’s total electricity consumption during the full 2025–26 financial year.

 

8. PM Vishwakarma artisans trained in AI and e-commerce in Kodagu: A one-day branding and marketing awareness programme was held in Kushalnagar in Kodagu district on 10 August 2026 for around 150 tailor beneficiaries registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme. The programme covered Artificial Intelligence tools, digital marketing, e-commerce onboarding, QR code generation, and registration on the Udyam Portal. The Branch MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Mangaluru, organised the programme in association with the Kushalnagar Taluk Tailors’ Association. Sundar Sherigar, Assistant Director and Head of Office at the Branch MSME-DFO Mangaluru, presided over the session.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bashar al-Assad Sentenced to Death in Syria: The Fourth Criminal Court in Damascus sentenced ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia on 11 August 2026 for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and premeditated murder. The same court also sentenced Maher al-Assad, Bashar al-Assad’s younger brother, to death in absentia on charges of murder, torture, and incitement to murder. The Damascus court convicted Atef Najib, former political security chief for Daraa province and Bashar al-Assad’s maternal cousin, of systematic mass killings, torture, and violent suppression of peaceful protests. Najib received a death sentence in person, while other former regime and security officials were tried in absentia.

 

2. New Horned Dragon Lizard Species Found in Thailand: Acanthosaura syrax, also called the Syrax mountain horned dragon, is a newly described lizard species from Mae Wong National Park in Thailand. The species was formally published in the taxonomy journal ZooKeys on 2 August 2026 and is placed in the genus Acanthosaura, which contains mountain horned dragons. Thai researchers Poramad Trivalairat and Krittiya Trivalairat collected the first three specimens on 23 April 2025 in a high-altitude forest site in Mae Wong National Park. They later collected five more specimens in May 2025, bringing the total sample size used in the species description to eight specimens. The species is the 23rd recognised member of the genus Acanthosaura. The genus belongs to the family Agamidae, which includes many arboreal and semi-arboreal lizards found in South and South-East Asia.

 

3. VinSpace Signs SpaceX Launch Deal for 2027: Vietnamese aerospace company VinSpace signed a contract with SpaceX on 11 August 2026 to launch its first satellites into orbit in 2027. The launch is planned as part of a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission, which carries multiple payloads on the same rocket and shares launch costs among customers. VinSpace was established in November 2025 with an initial capital of 300 billion dong, which is about US$11.4 million. The company operates as a unit of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest privately owned conglomerate, and is majority-owned by Pham Nhat Vuong, the founder of Vingroup. VinSpace has stated a plan to research, develop, and operate its satellites internally. The company had earlier set a roadmap in April 2026 for the manufacturing and launch of its first microsatellite by 2027.

 

4. TDB Supports AI Cervical Cancer Screening Technology: The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) signed an agreement on 10 August 2026 with Visakhapatnam-based M/s Griva Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. for the commercialisation of GrivaVision. GrivaVision is an indigenous, AI-powered cervical cancer screening device developed as a portable digital colposcope for clinical use. GrivaVision integrates proprietary Indian-patented hardware, advanced optics, a high-definition camera, and a built-in display. The device uses AI-assisted software to help gynaecologists identify pre-cancerous abnormalities in cervical lesions during routine check-ups.

5. Scientists Discover Unusual Ozone Layer Above North Bay of Bengal: Scientists detected an unusually thick and highly concentrated ozone layer over the North Bay of Bengal at an altitude of 21 to 23 kilometres. The finding was documented on 10 August 2026 during the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign and was published in the American Geophysical Union journal Earth and Space Science. The ozone layer is a region of the stratosphere with a high concentration of ozone, a triatomic form of oxygen represented as O3. The ozone layer usually has peak concentration at about 25 to 30 kilometres above the Earth’s surface, while the detected layer over the Bay of Bengal was lower than this typical range. Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA was a nationwide scientific programme designed to study atmospheric processes and transport dynamics in India. The campaign used data from satellites, weather balloons, and atmospheric radars to examine ozone distribution and related stratospheric conditions.

 

6. Indian Institutions Rise to 52 in QS Rankings: The QS World University Rankings 2027 listed 52 Indian higher education institutions, up from 11 in the 2015 edition. The rankings were released on 18 June 2026, and the Indian government linked the rise in representation to the National Institutional Ranking Framework, launched in 2015. The QS World University Rankings is an annual global university ranking system published by Quacquarelli Symonds. It uses indicators such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty, and international students. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi ranked 118th globally and became India’s highest-ranked institution in the 2027 edition. It moved up five places and matched the highest-ever global position achieved by an Indian institution. Among the 52 Indian institutions, 26 improved their positions, nine remained unchanged, 15 declined, and two entered the rankings for the first time. Eighteen Indian institutions recorded their best-ever QS positions in this edition.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Important Fighter Aircraft of the Indian Air Force: The Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet combines imported and indigenous aircraft to support air superiority, strike missions, and national air defence. After the retirement of the MiG-21 in September 2025, the force operates 29 active fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. HAL has revived the Su-30MKI production line at Nashik, with 12 new aircraft planned for delivery between 2027–2028 and 2029. To address the squadron shortfall and strengthen defence preparedness, several indigenous and joint development programmes are underway.

 

2. HAL Revives Su-30MKI Production at Nashik: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has revived the Su-30MKI production line at its Nashik facility in Maharashtra. The plan covers 12 new Su-30MKI fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with deliveries scheduled up to 2029 and the first aircraft expected in 2027–2028. The agreement for 12 new aircraft was signed in December 2024 for replacement of Su-30MKI aircraft lost in accidents. The contract value has been cited in different reports as ₹11,000 crore and ₹13,500 crore, and the new aircraft are expected to carry 50% to 62.6% indigenous content. A separate ₹60,000-crore modernisation plan is being prepared for the existing Su-30MKI fleet. The upgrade programme is planned in two phases, with the first phase covering new avionics, an indigenous radar and electronic warfare systems, and the second phase covering advanced flight control systems.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India Wins Four Medals at International Linguistics Olympiad 2026: India won one gold medal, three bronze medals, and one Honourable Mention at the 23rd International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) held in Bucharest, Romania, in 2026. The eight-member Indian student contingent competed in the individual contest, where medals were awarded for solving language-analysis problems based on logic, grammar, and pattern recognition. The International Linguistics Olympiad is an annual academic competition for secondary school students. It tests analytical skills through problems in phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and language comparison. The 23rd edition of the IOL was held in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The contest included 255 individual competitors from more than 40 countries.

 

2. India Wins 17 Medals at U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship: The Under-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship began in Lagos, Nigeria, on 9 August 2026 and is scheduled to continue until 14 August 2026. India won 17 medals on the opening day, with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 9 bronze medals across sabre, foil, and epee events. Commonwealth Fencing Championship The Commonwealth Fencing Championship is a fencing competition for athletes from Commonwealth nations. The Under-23 format is an age-group event for fencers below 23 years of age, and it includes the three Olympic fencing weapons: foil, epee, and sabre. Nikhil Wagh won gold in the Men’s Sabre event. Lakshay Badser won silver in the same event, while Ashwini Arya and Laishram Moramba won bronze medals. Tejas Patil won silver in Men’s Foil, and Hemash Sanasam won bronze. Lokesh Vemani won silver in Men’s Epee, while Shaurya Ashwini and Godwin Anbkess won bronze.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Skyroot Signs Multi-Launch Deal After Vikram-1 Success: Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space company, signed a Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) with HEX20, a Thiruvananthapuram-based spacetech startup, for Earth-observation and payload demonstration missions. The agreement covers three dedicated launches on Skyroot’s Vikram series of launch vehicles, with missions scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. A Multi-Launch Agreement is a commercial contract for multiple satellite launches over a defined period. In this case, the agreement was finalised on 6 August 2026 and was signed by Naga Bharath Daka, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Skyroot Aerospace, and M.B. Aravind, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of HEX20.

 

2. NASA Invites ISRO for Moon Base Programme: NASA has invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to join its Moon Base programme under the Artemis Accords. The discussions on lunar cooperation and open scientific data sharing were linked to India’s signature on the Artemis Accords on 21 June 2023. The Artemis Accords are a set of non-binding principles for civil space exploration and use. They were launched by the United States in 2020 and cover transparency, interoperability, emergency assistance, release of scientific data, and the registration of space objects. India became a signatory to the Artemis Accords on 21 June 2023. Other signatories include several spacefaring nations that support cooperation in lunar and deep-space activities.

 

3. China’s Long March 7A Rocket Explodes After Launch: The Long March 7A is a 60-metre-tall Chinese launch vehicle used for satellite missions. On 10 August 2026, it lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island with the ChinaSat-4B communications satellite and suffered an in-flight anomaly about 85 seconds after launch. The Long March 7A belongs to China’s Long March rocket family, which includes multiple orbital launch vehicles developed for space missions. The rocket uses YF-100 engines, a liquid-fuel engine type also associated with other Chinese launch systems. ChinaSat-4B is a communications satellite designed for global radio, television, and telecommunications services. The payload was lost when the launch vehicle broke up at low altitude and low velocity over the South China Sea.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India Notifies 11 More Ports for E-Visa Entry: India notified 11 more international ports for the entry of foreign nationals holding e-visas on 10 August 2026. The Ministry of Home Affairs expanded the designated entry network to 88 ports, which includes 37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports. India launched the e-visa facility in 2014 for nationals of 43 countries. The system has since expanded to citizens of 172 countries across 17 sub-categories, including tourism, business, medical, student, and transit travel. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that India processes about 95% of e-visa applications within 72 hours. Electronic visas now account for roughly 78% of all visas issued by India.

 

2. TRAI Begins Phase-Wise Rollout of 1601-Series: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a direction on 10 August 2026 for the phase-wise implementation of the 1601-series numbering system for service and transactional voice calls. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated the 1601-series for sectors other than Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and Government, which already use the 1600-series. India uses dedicated numbering series for specific categories of calls under the National Numbering Plan. The 1600-series is used by BFSI entities and Government entities, while the 1601-series has been assigned for other eligible service and transactional callers. Under Phase-I, the 1601-series will cover utilities and logistics-related entities. The utilities sector includes electricity distributors, water suppliers, city gas distributors, and LPG distributors, along with courier and logistics firms.

 

3. NABL Launches India’s First Mobile Food Testing Accreditation: The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent of the Quality Council of India (QCI), launched India’s first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories on 10 August 2026. The scheme was unveiled at the “Gunvatta Samanvaya – A Multilateral MoU Exchange Ceremony” held at Hotel Ashoka in New Delhi. NABL is India’s national accreditation body for testing and calibration laboratories, medical laboratories, and proficiency testing providers. It operates under the Quality Council of India, which was set up in 1997 as an autonomous body to promote quality standards in India. The new scheme recognises the competence of mobile laboratories in testing methods, equipment, and personnel. Accreditation in this framework does not provide funding for the physical establishment of mobile laboratories.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NABARD Announces Climate Stack Innovation Challenge Winners: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) announced the final winners of the National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge on 10 August 2026. The challenge was organised with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Dalberg Advisors and used the Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture (DiCRA) framework. The National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge was designed around digital tools for climate risk assessment in agriculture. The solutions used satellite data, artificial intelligence, and climate modelling to build applications for rural decision-making.

 

Daily GK Update- 10th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Crosses 300 GW of Installed Non-Fossil Fuel-Based Power Capacity: India has crossed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity, marking a major milestone in its clean energy journey. India’s renewable energy capacity has surged by 400% over the last 12 years, reflecting rapid growth in the clean energy sector. New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi said the milestone demonstrates India’s clean energy transition and its growing role in setting global benchmarks.

 

2. JP Nadda Chairs CEO Round Table at India Medical Device Conference 2026a: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a CEO Round Table at the India Medical Device Conference 2026 in New Delhi. The round table focused on strengthening innovation, regulatory excellence, domestic manufacturing, value chains, market access and exports to position India as a global hub for quality medical devices. The government reaffirmed its commitment to building a competitive, innovation-driven and globally integrated MedTech ecosystem through closer industry collaboration.

 

3. Amit Shah Inaugurates NUCFDC Office in Mumbai: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new office complex of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) in Mumbai’s Fort area and launched several related services. NUCFDC and the National Forensic Sciences University signed an MoU to strengthen cybersecurity, technological capabilities and institutional capacity in the Urban Cooperative Banking sector. Amit Shah also inaugurated a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to enhance cybersecurity and resilience of Urban Cooperative Banks, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

 

4. West Bengal Announces ₹10,000 Monthly Pension for 325 Emergency-Era Protesters: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a monthly pension of ₹10,000 for 325 people who were jailed for participating in protests during the Emergency (1975–77). The beneficiaries will be honoured under the ‘Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman’ scheme for their sacrifices in defending democracy during the Emergency.

 

5. ED Director Rahul Navin Gets One-Year Extension.: Rahul Navin has been granted a one-year extension as the Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His tenure has been extended beyond August 13, 2026, up to August 13, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Navin, a 1993-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the Income Tax cadre, has been heading the ED since September 2023.

 

6. Government Introduces Bill in Lok Sabha to Rename Kerala as Keralam: The Union government introduced the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on 10 August 2026 for changing the name of the state from Kerala to Keralam. The proposal relates to Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for the formation of new States and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing States. The renaming of a State in India requires a constitutional amendment to the First Schedule, which lists the names of States and Union Territories. The Eighth Schedule contains the official languages of the Constitution, and the Kerala proposal has been linked to the State’s name in the constitutional text. Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name of a State after following the prescribed procedure. The President may refer such a Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views before Parliament takes a final decision.

 

7. DGFT Removes Physical Challans for EODC Applications: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has removed the requirement for physical duty payment challans in applications for Export Obligation Discharge Certificates (EODC) under the Advance Authorisation and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) schemes. The change uses direct electronic integration of license-wise voluntary duty payment data from Customs and ICEGATE into the DGFT online system. An Export Obligation Discharge Certificate is issued after an exporter fulfils the export obligation attached to an authorisation or licence. In India, EODC processing is linked mainly with the Advance Authorisation scheme and the EPCG scheme under the Foreign Trade Policy.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting Held in Bhopal: The 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held in Bhopal under India’s BRICS Chairship and adopted the Bhopal Declaration to strengthen cultural cooperation. Representatives from 14 countries—10 BRICS members and 4 partner countries—discussed cultural and creative industries, opportunities for artists, digital platforms, and protection of cultural heritage. India announced a pilot Voluntary Artist Registry to promote cultural exchanges and professional networks, while the meeting also addressed artists’ rights and copyright in the age of AI.

 

2. India Makes First-Ever Sea Export of GI-Tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia: India completed its first-ever sea export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana from Bihar to Australia in August 2026. The consignment was flagged off from the Integrated Unit of Irradiation-cum-Packhouse at Bihta near Patna and routed through Kolkata for sea transport. Mithila Makhana is a GI-tagged agricultural product associated with the Mithila region of Bihar. GI registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

 

3. P. Radhakrishnan Launches ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ in Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands by hoisting the National Flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram on August Kranti Diwas. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call of 8 August 1942, which inspired millions of Indians and strengthened the Quit India Movement. Radhakrishnan highlighted the islands’ historical connection with the Tricolour, noting that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag there on 30 December 1943.

 

4. Justice Abha Nayar Patel Becomes First Woman of Indian Origin Appointed to Zambia’s Supreme Court: Justice Abha Nayar Patel has made history as the first woman of Indian origin appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Zambia. She was recently welcomed at the Supreme Court of India by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and other judges, marking a notable judicial and India–Zambia connection. Justice Patel was appointed to Zambia’s Supreme Court on 27 May 2026; she previously served on the Zambian Court of Appeal and holds an LLM from the University of Cambridge.a

 

5. 9 August – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed every year on 9 August. Theme 2026 – Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being The day aims to raise awareness about the rights, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples around the world. It also highlights the need to protect Indigenous communities, their cultural heritage, and their traditional knowledge.

 

6. India’s Asiatic Lion Population Reaches 891: India’s Asiatic lion population increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025, as recorded in the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation. The species is found mainly in Gujarat’s Gir and Greater Gir landscape, and its range has expanded from about 30,000 square kilometres in 2020 to nearly 35,000 square kilometres. The 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation was conducted from 10 to 13 May 2025 across 11 districts in Gujarat. The exercise used the direct beat verification method and involved more than 3,800 forest officials and local volunteers. The published count of 891 lions included 330 adult females and a satellite population of 497 lions outside core protected areas.

 

7. Indian-Origin Bodhana Sivanandan, Shreyas Royal Make British Chess History: Indian-origin chess players Bodhana Sivanandan and Shreyas Royal won major titles at the 2026 British Chess Championships on 9 August 2026. The nine-day event was held at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, and drew more than 2,600 entries across all sections. Bodhana Sivanandan became Britain’s youngest-ever Women’s Chess Champion at the age of 11. She defeated Irish Women Grandmaster Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff after the main rounds ended with tied scores. Sivanandan completed the tournament with only one loss. That defeat came in Round 6 against Shreyas Royal, who later won the overall title. The British Chess Championships is a long-running national chess event in the United Kingdom. The 2026 edition was the 122nd year of the championship series and included multiple title categories, including the overall championship and the women’s championship.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy–US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 Begins in Kochi to Boost Interoperability: The Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 is being conducted, from 10 to 14 August 2026. The five-day exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen professional cooperation between the specialist diving and EOD teams of the Indian and US Navies. The exercise includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross-training, equipment demonstrations, and scenario-based practical exercises. It is the eighth edition of the specialised bilateral training exercise.

 

2. HAL Revives Su-30MKI Production at Nashik: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has revived the Su-30MKI production line at its Nashik facility in Maharashtra. The plan covers 12 new Su-30MKI fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with deliveries scheduled up to 2029 and the first aircraft expected in 2027–2028. HAL’s Nashik division previously manufactured 222 Su-30MKI aircraft under licence from Russia. The production line was later paused while the facility focused on aircraft repair work and Light Combat Aircraft production.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Titli Maji Wins Silver in Women’s 45kg at Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships: Indian weightlifter Titli Maji won the silver medal in the women’s 45 kg category at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She recorded a total lift of 145 kg, including 65 kg in snatch and 80 kg in clean & jerk. Parishmita Gogoi finished fourth in the same event.

 

2. Ashmita Chaliha Becomes First Indian to Win Korea Masters: Indian badminton player Ashmita Chaliha won the women’s singles title at the Korea Masters, becoming the first Indian to win the tournament. Chaliha secured her maiden BWF World Tour Super 300 title in Asan, South Korea, defeating China’s fourth seed Han Qian Xi in the final. She won the final in 53 minutes with a score of 14-21, 21-14, 21-14, after losing the opening game at the Yi Sun-sin Gymnasium.

 

3. Maharajan Arumugapandian Wins Silver in 65kg Category at Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships: Indian weightlifter Maharajan Arumugapandian won the silver medal in the men’s 65 kg category at the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Maharajan recorded a personal best total of 285 kg, lifting 128 kg in the snatch and 157 kg in the clean and jerk. Vietnam’s Hoang Thach won the gold medal with a total lift of 291 kg, finishing 6 kg ahead of Maharajan.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DPIIT Signs Five MoUs to Strengthen India’s Startup Ecosystem and Innovation: DPIIT has signed strategic MoUs with five organisations—Cashfree Payments, Darwin Dynamics, Vultr India, Cars24, and Council for Startup India (CSI)—to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem. The partnerships focus on digital infrastructure, cloud computing, mentorship, entrepreneurship, investment opportunities, skilling, and access to markets for DPIIT-recognised startups. The MoUs aim to promote innovation-led growth, expand Startup India’s reach to Tier-II, Tier-III and rural regions, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian startups.

 

2. Important Rocket Engine Types and Propulsion Systems: Rocket propulsion works on Newton’s Third Law: a rocket produces thrust by expelling mass at high speed in the opposite direction. Modern propulsion systems range from solid and liquid engines to electric, nuclear, and advanced reusable cycles, with efficiency commonly measured by specific impulse. Major Emerging Aviation Technologies: The aviation sector is moving rapidly toward cleaner propulsion, smarter operations, and faster air travel through a mix of sustainable fuels, hydrogen, electric systems, AI, and advanced aerodynamics. Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the most immediate way to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel without replacing existing airport infrastructure. SAF is produced from renewable resources such as municipal solid waste, agricultural residues, used cooking oils, and woody biomass. It is a drop-in fuel and can be blended with conventional Jet A-1 fuel for use in existing aircraft engines.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NABL Launches India’s First Mobile Food Testing Accreditation: The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent of the Quality Council of India (QCI), launched India’s first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories on 10 August 2026. The scheme was unveiled at the “Gunvatta Samanvaya – A Multilateral MoU Exchange Ceremony” held at Hotel Ashoka in New Delhi. NABL is India’s national accreditation body for testing and calibration laboratories, medical laboratories, and proficiency testing providers. It operates under the Quality Council of India, which was set up in 1997 as an autonomous body to promote quality standards in India. The new scheme recognises the competence of mobile laboratories in testing methods, equipment, and personnel. Accreditation in this framework does not provide funding for the physical establishment of mobile laboratories.

 

2. TRAI Begins Phase-Wise Rollout of 1601-Series: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a direction on 10 August 2026 for the phase-wise implementation of the 1601-series numbering system for service and transactional voice calls. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated the 1601-series for sectors other than Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and Government, which already use the 1600-series. India uses dedicated numbering series for specific categories of calls under the National Numbering Plan. The 1600-series is used by BFSI entities and Government entities, while the 1601-series has been assigned for other eligible service and transactional callers. Under Phase-I, the 1601-series will cover utilities and logistics-related entities. The utilities sector includes electricity distributors, water suppliers, city gas distributors, and LPG distributors, along with courier and logistics firms.

 

Daily GK Update- 9th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha to Launch India’s First Rail-Tech Park in Khordha: Odisha is set to launch India’s first Rail-Tech Park at the Sahaspur Industrial Estate in Khordha district. The park will create a dedicated ecosystem for manufacturers of railway equipment, components and specialised engineering products. Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has completed a preliminary assessment and land-development work, while the DPR has been prepared.

 

2. A.S. Rajeev Takes Charge as Acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC): S. Rajeev has taken charge as the Acting Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) following the completion of Praveen Kumar Srivastava’s tenure. Rajeev was appointed Vigilance Commissioner on 9 February 2024 and joined the Central Vigilance Commission on 11 March 2024. A Chartered Accountant (CA) with an MBA in Banking & Finance, Rajeev has over 38 years of banking experience across Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank, Indian Bank and Bank of Maharashtra.

 

3. 7 August – National Javelin Day: National Javelin Day is observed in India every year on 7 August to honour the success of Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. The day commemorates Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on 7 August 2021, where he became the first Indian track-and-field athlete to win an Olympic gold. It aims to promote javelin throw and athletics among Indian youth and inspire budding athletes to take up the sport.

 

4. Bengaluru Police Launch Operation Mukta Against Illegal Immigrants: The Bengaluru City Police launched Operation Mukta on 8 August 2026 to identify and track suspected illegal immigrants across the city. The drive focused on suspected Bangladeshi nationals and involved early-morning raids from around 5:00 AM in multiple localities. Operation Mukta was conducted under the direction of the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner. More than 500 police officers and personnel were deployed in the Whitefield division alone, and the operation covered more than 30 locations under six police station limits. Police teams searched migrant sheds and checked identity documents such as Aadhaar cards and Voter ID cards in Whitefield, Kadugodi, Marathahalli, Bellandur, Varthur, Mahadevapura, and Electronic City. The drive also covered 15 to 20 locations in the Electronic City area, including Hebbagodi.

 

5. Major Technical Textiles and Their Applications: Technical textiles are materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics. They are used across sectors such as healthcare, defense, agriculture, construction, transportation, and footwear, where strength, protection, filtration, or durability is required.

 

6. Important Railway Sector Institutions and Bodies: Indian Railways is supported by a wide network of administrative, safety, technical, training, and commercial institutions that handle regulation, research, recruitment, project execution, and operations. The apex administrative body of Indian Railways. It functions under the Ministry of Railways from Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. The Board consists of a Chairperson, a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and functional members overseeing Infrastructure, Traction & Rolling Stock, Operations, Business Development, and Finance. It originated from the recommendations of the Sir Thomas Robertson Committee in 1901.

 

7. Odisha Secures ₹43,437 Crore Food Processing Proposals: Odisha received investment proposals worth ₹43,437 crore in the food processing sector on 7 August 2026 during the launch of Odisha Food Pro-2026 in New Delhi. The event was the first sector-specific investment roadshow organised outside Odisha, and it was held in collaboration with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The Odisha government signed 27 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹41,748 crore on the inaugural day of the summit. These MoUs were projected to generate 35,252 employment opportunities. The state also received 12 Investment Intent Forms (IIFs) worth ₹1,689 crore, with an estimated 8,064 jobs. The combined MoUs and IIFs were estimated to have the potential to generate 43,316 direct and indirect jobs in Odisha. The total investment proposals on the first day were therefore recorded at ₹43,437 crore.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Host First Global South Film Festival Next Year: India will host the first Global South Film Festival next year, as announced on the sidelines of the BRICS WAVES Bazaar in Mumbai. The NFDC and NFAI signed agreements, exchanged Letters of Intent, and held discussions with institutions from Brazil, Russia and Vietnam, including exploring opportunities for film co-production. The two-day WAVES BRICS Bazaar brought together 900+ delegates from 20 BRICS member and partner countries, with around 250 meetings held to promote collaboration in the film and entertainment sector.

 

2. Indonesia Partners with IIT Madras Global to Boost Higher Education, Research & Deep Tech: Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has partnered with the IIT Madras Global Research Foundation (IITM Global) to strengthen collaboration in higher education, research and innovation. The partnership will also focus on deep technology, entrepreneurship and talent development, promoting greater academic and technological cooperation between India and Indonesia.

 

3. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia & Türkiye Sign Mecca Joint Defence Agreement: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in trilateral defence cooperation. The agreement establishes a collective-defence principle, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all three. The pact aims to strengthen joint deterrence, defence cooperation and security coordination among the three countries amid rising regional tensions.

4. India International Footwear Fair 2026 Opens in New Delhi: The 10th India International Footwear Fair (IIFF) 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 6 August to 8 August 2026. The three-day business-to-business exhibition was organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in association with the Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI). Technical textiles are fabrics designed for functional use rather than aesthetics. In footwear manufacturing, technical fabrics form over 90% of the material base. These materials are used in components such as uppers, linings, reinforcements, and performance layers.

 

5. India Gifts Five Peacocks to UN Geneva: India gifted five young peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Switzerland, on 7 August 2026. The handover took place during a ribbon-cutting ceremony between Arindam Bagchi, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, and Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Geneva. The flock includes four blue Indian peafowl and one rare white male peacock. The Indian peafowl is scientifically classified as Pavo cristatus and is the national bird of India. The white plumage in peafowl is a colour variant of the same species and is kept in captivity in some zoological collections.

 

6. Mount Bromo Wildfire Spreads in Indonesia: A wildfire broke out on 3 August 2026 inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia, and affected the Gunung Bromo Watu Gede and Jantur areas. The fire later spread near the volcano’s caldera, and emergency agencies deployed helicopters, fire trucks, and drones for containment. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a protected area in East Java that includes Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s best-known volcanic landscapes. The park lies within the Tengger massif and contains a caldera system formed by volcanic activity. On 8 August 2026, the park chief closed all visitor access gates indefinitely to protect visitors and staff. On 9 August 2026, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency stated that steep cliffside terrain and strong winds were obstructing ground firefighting operations.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. HAL Airport Operationalises Satellite-Guided Helicopter Approach: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka, became the first airport in India to operationalise the Required Navigation Performance – Category H (RNP CAT H) satellite-guided helicopter approach procedure on 7 August 2026. The precision navigation system was designed and developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and was validated through flight trials by HAL test pilots before approval by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Required Navigation Performance is a performance-based navigation system that uses satellite guidance and onboard avionics to maintain a specified flight path. Category H, or CAT H, is the helicopter-specific classification used for approach and landing procedures at heliports and airports handling rotary-wing aircraft.

2. India Bans New Renewable Projects Near Borders: India’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued national security guidelines on 8 August 2026 for solar, wind and hybrid renewable energy projects near the International Border, the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control. The rules cover border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where land-border security concerns apply under central government clearance systems. The guidelines impose a blanket ban on new solar, wind and hybrid projects within 1 km of the International Border, the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control. Areas within 50 km of these borders are classified as sensitive areas, and every proposed project in this zone requires security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Projects proposed within 20 km of the International Border require an additional No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Defence. Project clearance between 1 km and 50 km of the border is subject to case-by-case assessment under the new security framework.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Praggnanandhaa Wins Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid & Blitz Title: Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won the Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid & Blitz title in the United States, securing the championship after drawing against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round. This victory adds another major title to Praggnanandhaa’s impressive 2026 season, following his triumph at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament in Oslo in June. Praggnanandhaa’s consecutive international successes highlight his growing stature among the world’s leading chess players.

 

2. Mohammed Ashfaq Breaks India’s U20 National Record in Men’s 400m: India’s Mohammed Ashfaq broke the Under-20 National Record in the men’s 400 metres at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, United States. He clocked 45.81 seconds in the first-round Heat 5. He improved upon his own previous national record of 46.05 seconds. England fast bowler John Turner has announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket at the age of 25, bringing a promising career to an early end. Turner’s decision comes after persistent injury problems, including a career-ending stress fracture. He represented England in two ODIs and two T20Is in 2024.

 

3. India’s Ariha Wins Historic Gold at Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships: Indian gymnast Ariha Pangambam of Imphal, Manipur, won India’s first senior gold medal in the individual women’s category at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships on 7 August 2026. The championship was held in Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 4 August to 7 August 2026 under the sanction of the Asian Gymnastics Union. Aerobic gymnastics is a competitive gymnastics discipline governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique. The sport includes routines performed with high-intensity aerobic movements, flexibility, strength, and coordination, and it is judged on artistry, execution, and difficulty.

 

4. 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. Astrobase Unveils India’s First Private 800 kN Rocket Engine: Bengaluru-based Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled EVEREST on 7 August 2026 as India’s first privately built 80-tonne-class Full-Flow Staged Combustion rocket engine. The engine uses liquid oxygen and liquid methane, produces 800 kilonewtons of thrust, and is designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles. Full-Flow Staged Combustion, or FFSC, is a liquid rocket engine cycle in which both propellants pass through preburners before entering the main combustion chamber. The cycle is used in high-performance engines and is associated with higher efficiency and lower thermal stress than simpler engine cycles. EVEREST has a specific impulse of about 340 seconds and a throttle range from 50% to 110%. The engine is intended for reusable launch systems, where controlled thrust variation is required during ascent, landing, and recovery operations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. HAL Introduces India’s First Satellite-Guided Precision Navigation System for Helicopters: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has introduced India’s first satellite-guided precision navigation system for helicopters at its airport in Bengalur The system, called Required Navigation Performance – Category H (RNP CAT H), enables faster and more precise take-off and landing of helicopters. The RNP CAT H procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

 

2. SBI Records Highest-Ever Quarterly Net Profit of ₹21,121 Crore in Q1 FY27: State Bank of India (SBI) recorded its highest-ever quarterly net profit of ₹21,121 crore in Q1 FY27. SBI’s net profit increased by 10% YoY, from ₹19,160 crore in Q1 FY26 to ₹21,121 crore in Q1 FY27.

 

3. IndusInd Bank Gets RBI Nod to Set Up Wholly Owned Stock Broking Subsidiary: IndusInd Bank has received RBI approval to establish a wholly owned subsidiary for undertaking stock broking business. The approval also permits the bank to infuse equity capital into the proposed subsidiary, subject to RBI’s specified conditions. The move will strengthen IndusInd Bank’s presence in capital market-related financial services and enable it to offer stock broking services through a dedicated subsidiary.

 

4. KDEM, GoodWorks Target ₹5,000 Crore GCC Investment: The Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) and GoodWorks Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 6 August 2026 to accelerate the growth of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Karnataka. The partnership has set a target of more than ₹5,000 crore in fresh GCC investment commitments and aims to establish 50 new GCCs in the state. Global Capability Centres are offshore units set up by multinational corporations to manage functions such as technology, finance, research, analytics, and operations. India has become a major GCC destination because of its skilled workforce, digital infrastructure, and established technology ecosystem in cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and Gurugram.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Annapurni Subramaniam Wins COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026: Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), has been awarded the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 at the 46th COSPAR General Assembly in Florence, Italy. She became the first Indian woman and the fourth Indian to receive this prestigious medal. Previous Indian recipients were U.R. Rao (1996), Gurbax Singh Lakhina (2014), and Anil Bhardwaj (2024). The medal recognises outstanding contributions to space research in developing countries and is awarded jointly by ISRO and COSPAR. The award is presented once every two years in honour of Vikram Sarabhai, known as the Father of the Indian Space Programme.