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.

 

Daily GK Update- 5th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha Signs ₹3,384.82 Crore BharatNet Pact to Connect All 6,799 Gram Panchayats with Fibre Broadband: The Odisha Government signed a tripartite agreement with Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and BSNL to implement the ₹3,384.82-crore amended BharatNet Programme. The project aims to connect all 6,799 Gram Panchayats in Odisha with a modern fibre-based broadband network over the next 10 years, strengthening rural digital connectivity and digital public infrastructure. BSNL has been designated as the Single Project Management Agency (SPMA), while Creative Newtech Private Limited has been appointed as the Project Implementing Agency (PIA).

 

2. Glaw Lake Becomes India’s 101st Ramsar Site, First for Arunachal Pradesh: Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site, making it the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh. The pristine freshwater lake, located within Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, is a biodiversity hotspot with over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species.

India has increased its Ramsar Sites from 26 in 2014 to 101 in 2026, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, climate security, and sustainable development.

 

3. RBI Appoints Monisha Chakraborty as Executive Director: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Monisha Chakraborty as Executive Director (ED). Before her promotion, she served as Chief General Manager-in-Charge in the Department of Supervision and has over 30 years of experience in supervision, foreign exchange, and government & bank accounts.

 

4. Book Celebrating S.N.N. Sankaralinga Iyer’s Legacy Released: The book “Cementing Legacies: The Life of SNN Sankaralinga Iyer – A Pioneering Polymath” was released, chronicling the life and legacy of S.N.N. Sankaralinga Iyer, founder of Indo Commercial Bank and India Cements. Authored by veteran journalist K. Balakumar, the book highlights Sankaralinga Iyer’s pioneering contributions to India’s banking and cement industries, along with his entrepreneurial vision and legacy.

 

5. Supreme Court Tightens Rules on Digital Arrest Scams: The Supreme Court of India issued nationwide directions on 4 August 2026 to strengthen action against digital arrest scams. The directions were passed in a suo motu case titled In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents, which began in October 2025. The court also directed the Reserve Bank of India to frame a Standard Operating Procedure for mule accounts and accounts linked to cyber-enabled fraud. Digital arrest is a cyber fraud method in which offenders impersonate police, enforcement agencies, or court officials through phone calls, video calls, or messaging platforms. The fraudsters often create fear of arrest, detention, or legal action and then demand money, personal data, or access to bank accounts. Such scams are linked to forged documents, fake warrants, and identity spoofing.

 

6. IARC Classifies Three Medicines as Carcinogenic: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a cancer research agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole and tacrolimus as carcinogenic to humans in Group 1 in Volume 137 of the IARC Monographs. The three medicines are widely prescribed for hypertension, fungal infections and organ transplant rejection, and they are included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. The IARC Monographs programme began in 1970 and assesses whether an agent can cause cancer under some circumstances. The programme classifies agents into groups such as Group 1, which is used for substances with sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans.

 

7. RBI Monetary Policy Keeps Repo at 5.25: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held its bi-monthly meeting from 3 August 2026 to 5 August 2026. On 5 August 2026, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the repo rate would remain unchanged at 5.25%, marking the fourth consecutive meeting at this level since December 2025. The Monetary Policy Committee is a six-member statutory body constituted under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. It is responsible for fixing the policy repo rate, which is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. On 5 August 2026, the MPC retained the Standing Deposit Facility rate at 5% and the Marginal Standing Facility rate and bank rate at 5.5%. The policy stance was kept neutral, which is one of the standard stances used by the RBI in its monetary policy framework.

 

8. Maharashtra Bans Analogue Paneer for One Year: Maharashtra imposed a state-wide one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of analogue paneer, also called non-dairy paneer, from 30 July 2026. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration issued the order through a gazette notification under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the penalty for violations includes imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Analogue paneer is a dairy substitute prepared with vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers and other non-dairy ingredients. Traditional paneer is a milk-based fresh cheese made by coagulating milk with an acid or food-grade coagulant.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IFS Officer Vishwesh Negi Named India’s Ambassador to Iran: Vishwesh Negi, a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Before this appointment, he was serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi, and is expected to assume his diplomatic assignment in Tehran shortly.

 

2. BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting to Be Held in Bhubaneswar: The 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting and the 3rd BRICS Senior Officials’ Meeting are scheduled in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from 5 to 7 August 2026. India is holding the BRICS chairship for 2026 and is hosting the meetings through the Ministry of Education. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of eleven countries as of 2025. Its members are Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The grouping began as BRIC and later expanded to include South Africa and additional members. India’s BRICS chairship for 2026 follows the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi will participate in the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting.

 

3. ICAR Develops First Fully Annotated Pigeonpea T2T Genome: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) developed India’s first fully annotated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome of pigeonpea variety ‘Asha’. The genome assembly, designated NIPB_CcT2T_4, was released on 20 April 2026 and is available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database under accession number GCF_000230855.1. A T2T genome is a complete chromosome-level DNA sequence that extends from one telomere to the other. In pigeonpea, the ‘Asha’ genome contains 752.65 million base pairs, 92 contigs, 11 chromosomes, 11 centromeres, and 22 telomeres.

 

4. Himalayan Serow Sighted in Himachal Pradesh After Two Decades: The Himalayan Serow, scientifically known as Capricornis thar, was video-recorded in the Dalhousie catchment forests of Himachal Pradesh on 4 August 2026 after a gap of two decades. The sighting occurred in a forest landscape adjoining the Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Himalayas. The Himalayan Serow is a medium-sized ungulate found in the Himalayan region and parts of South and South-East Asia. It belongs to the genus Capricornis, which includes serows, a group of goat-antelopes adapted to rugged terrain and forested slopes. The species is known for its dark coat, short horns, and preference for steep, rocky habitats.

 

5. China Develops Xianglong Tunnel Boring Machine: China unveiled Xianglong, a self-developed boring and blasting machine, in Wuhan on 2 August 2026. The machine has a diameter of 4.5 metres and was developed jointly by Tsinghua University and a subsidiary of the state-owned China Railway Group. It is a hybrid tunnelling system that combines mechanical excavation with drilling and blasting for hard rock conditions. A hybrid tunnelling system combines machine excavation with controlled blasting in the same project or machine design. Such systems are used in complex geological formations where pure mechanical cutting faces limits. Xianglong was designed for extremely hard rock formations and is expected to improve tunnelling efficiency through hard rock by 30 per cent compared with traditional methods.

 

6. US Boosts Patriot and THAAD Interceptor Production: The United States Defence Department announced framework agreements on 3 August 2026 with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to expand production of Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles. The plan covers Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors and THAAD interceptors, which are used in missile defence systems. Patriot is a surface-to-air missile system developed in the United States for air and missile defence. THAAD is a U.S. missile defence system designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of flight. PAC-3 MSE is an upgraded interceptor used with the Patriot system and is produced by Lockheed Martin.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Army Launches Indigenous Xtreme Weather Grade Diesel for High-Altitude Operations: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth launched the indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel in New Delhi, developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). XWG Diesel is designed to enhance the mobility, safety, and operational readiness of combat and logistics vehicles in extreme weather and high-altitude conditions, reducing the need for special measures to keep vehicles operational during severe winters.

 

2. Former Army Chief General Vishwa Nath Sharma Passes Away: Former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Vishwa Nath Sharma passed away. He served as the 14th Chief of the Army Staff from 1 May 1988 to 30 June 1990.

 

3. Operation Trishul Brings Back 274 Fugitives: Operation Trishul is an Indian fugitive-tracking and extradition initiative linked to the return of 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019. The fugitives were wanted in cases involving terrorism, organised crime, narco-terrorism, sexual offences, financial fraud, murder, and human trafficking. Operation Trishul uses satellite imagery, surveillance inputs, and digital footprints to locate fugitives who change names or identities abroad. The operation involves coordination among the Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Research and Analysis Wing, state police forces, and Interpol.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Tanvi Sharma Clinches Maiden BWF World Tour Title, Becomes Youngest Taipei Open Champion: India’s 17-year-old Tanvi Sharma won her maiden BWF World Tour title by defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-16 in the Taipei Open Super 300 women’s singles final. Tanvi became the youngest-ever Taipei Open champion, surpassing Tai Tzu Ying, and the first Indian woman since Saina Nehwal (2008) to win the Taipei Open women’s singles title.

 

2. Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver, Yash Vir Singh Bags Bronze in Commonwealth Games 2026 Javelin Throw: Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games 2026, registering his season’s best throw of 85.83 metres. Yash Vir Singh secured the bronze medal with a personal best throw of 85.41 metres on his final attempt, achieving the feat at the age of 24. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage claimed the gold medal with a record-breaking throw of 89.75 metres, setting a new Commonwealth Games record.

 

3. Ahmedabad Receives Commonwealth Games Flag, Set to Host Centenary Edition in 2030: Ahmedabad officially received the Commonwealth Games Flag and the Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking the handover of hosting responsibilities. Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which will be the centenary edition of the Games, celebrating 100 years since the inaugural event. The first Commonwealth Games were held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930, while the Baton Relay tradition began at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales. Ahmedabad 2030 will become the second Commonwealth Games hosted by India, following the successful hosting of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Heatwaves and Lightning Added to NDRF Protocol: Heatwaves and lightning were added to the list of notified natural calamities under the operational guidelines for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) on 4 August 2026. The Union Home Ministry informed the Lok Sabha about the inclusion, which follows recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission for the award period 2026-31. Heatwaves and lightning were recommended for inclusion by the 16th Finance Commission in its report submitted on 17 November 2025. The recommendation cited the increasing frequency, intensity, and mortality associated with these hazards, including climate-related changes in weather patterns. The new designation permits the use of SDRF and NDRF resources for relief, assistance, and mitigation measures in affected areas.

 

2. Kerala Launches AI-Led Governance Initiative: Kerala launched an AI-led governance initiative on 4 August 2026 to integrate artificial intelligence, digital public service delivery, and integrated planning systems in state administration. The reforms include a central programme management unit, an AI-enabled business process re-engineering cell, a “once-only” document submission framework through DigiLocker, and digital systems for land, litigation, and public asset management. Artificial intelligence in governance refers to the use of machine learning, natural language processing, and automation tools in administrative functions. In Kerala’s reform package, AI is being used for drafting notes, retrieving government orders, summarising documents, and translation. Such applications are part of e-governance systems used by Indian governments for service delivery and internal administration.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Shivalik Small Finance Bank Enters Affordable Housing Finance with ₹109 Crore ManiBhavnam Merger: Shivalik Small Finance Bank has completed the acquisition and merger of ManiBhavnam Home Finance India Pvt. Ltd. in a deal valued at around ₹109 crore. The merger marks Shivalik’s entry into the affordable housing finance segment, which is expected to grow at a 20% CAGR until 2030. The transaction includes 20% cash payment and the remaining amount through a share swap, with the merger receiving approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

 

2. SEBI Imposes ₹1.48 Crore Penalty on ZEEL, Bars Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka for One Year: SEBI imposed penalties totaling ₹1.48 crore on Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) and its promoters for violations of securities laws and corporate governance norms. Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka have been barred from accessing or dealing in the securities market for one year as part of SEBI’s enforcement action.

 

3. HDFC Bank Launches ‘Max for Seniors’ and ‘Max for Her’ Savings Accounts: HDFC Bank has launched two new savings account variants under its Savings Max portfolio — ‘Max for Seniors’ and ‘Max for Her’, designed specifically for senior citizens and women. The new accounts focus on financial security, easy financial management, lifestyle benefits, and enhanced banking convenience, catering to the unique needs of these customer segments. The launch aligns with growing financial inclusion, as India’s senior citizen population is projected to reach 230 million by 2036, while women hold 39.2% of bank accounts and contribute 39.7% of total bank deposits.

 

4. Karnataka Bank Launches ‘KBL Finsurance’ Digital Insurance Portal: Karnataka Bank has launched ‘KBL Finsurance’, a comprehensive digital insurance portal to streamline the creation, tracking, and monitoring of insurance business leads across its branch network. The platform is powered by SprintMoney, a fintech company that provides white-labelled digital solutions to banks and financial institutions.

 

5. Government Launches LIC OFS to Sell Up to 6.54% Stake, Aims to Raise Over ₹31,000 Crore: The Government of India has announced the sale of up to 6.54% stake in Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) through the Offer for Sale (OFS) route, expected to raise over ₹31,000 crore, making it the largest OFS proceeds to date. The OFS includes 2.5% equity with an additional 4% green shoe option, while 50 lakh shares (0.04%) have been reserved for eligible LIC employees. The floor price has been fixed at ₹382 per share. The disinvestment will help LIC achieve the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norm, increasing public shareholding from 3.5% to 10%, ahead of the May 16, 2027 deadline.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Aug, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New Delhi hosts GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit: The Ministry of Textiles has organised the GI and Beyond 2.0 Summit in New Delhi to showcase India’s GI-tagged Handloom and Handicraft Products and promote them in domestic and international markets. The event featured displays of more than 100 GI-registered handloom and handicraft products, along with thematic exhibitions and live demonstrations of weaving and handicraft techniques.

 

2. Varsha Ashok Aglawe Becomes First Woman Director General of Geological Survey of India: Varsha Ashok Aglawe has assumed charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), becoming the first woman to lead GSI in its 176-year history. She succeeded Asit Saha. A palaeontologist with over 30 years of experience, Ms Aglawe joined GSI in 1992 and succeeded Asit Saha, who served as the Director General for two years.

 

3. Glaw Lake Becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s First Ramsar Site, India’s 101^st: Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh was designated as India’s 101st Ramsar site on 3 August 2026. It became Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar wetland and is located in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas, in Lohit district. Ramsar sites are wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The convention covers wetlands of international importance, including lakes, marshes, peatlands, mangroves, and artificial wetlands. India joined the Ramsar Convention in 1982. With Glaw Lake, India’s Ramsar site count reached 101, up from 26 in 2014. Wetlands are ecosystems where water covers the land permanently or seasonally. They support groundwater recharge, flood control, fish breeding, and habitat for birds and aquatic species.

 

4. Government Proposes Mandatory Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication from 2028: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a draft notification in August 2026 proposing mandatory Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication systems in new vehicles in India. The proposal covers vehicle categories L, M and N, and it links the rollout to the AIS-230 standard and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft proposal uses a two-stage implementation schedule for vehicles manufactured in India. From 1 October 2027, vehicles in categories L, M and N manufactured with V2V systems are required to comply with AIS-230. From 1 October 2028, all newly manufactured vehicles in these categories are required to be fitted with AIS-230-compliant V2V communication systems.

 

5. Tea Board Launches Professional Tea Tasting Courses: Tea Board India launched National Council of Vocational Education and Training-approved skilled courses on tea tasting at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre in Kurseong, West Bengal, on 3 August 2026. The courses are designed to train tea tasters and tea sommeliers for quality assessment, value addition, and market competitiveness in the Indian tea sector. Two programmes have been introduced under the initiative. The first is a 60-hour certificate course titled Essentials of Tea Sommelier, and the second is a 210-hour course. The inaugural batch began with the 60-hour programme, which includes tea appreciation, professional tasting techniques, blending, and future-oriented practices. The Agriculture Skill Council of India assisted in developing the curriculum. A formulation committee with representatives from the Department of Commerce, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and industry professionals prepared the syllabus.

 

6. 19 Ministers Inducted into Karnataka Cabinet: On 3 August 2026, 19 MLAs were sworn in as ministers in the first expansion of the Karnataka Cabinet led by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. After the expansion, the Karnataka ministry reached 33 members, with one berth remaining vacant against the sanctioned strength of 34, including the Chief Minister. The new ministry includes seven ministers from the Lingayat community, six Vokkaligas, seven Scheduled Caste ministers, three Scheduled Tribe ministers, and four ministers from the Muslim community.

 

7. India Crosses 20,000 Organ Transplants in 2025: India recorded 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, which was the first time the annual total crossed 20,000 in India. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) compiled the annual figures, and the 2025 total was higher than 18,911 transplants in 2024 and 4,990 transplants in 2013. NOTTO functions under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and coordinates organ donation and transplantation activities in India. The national digital pledge portal launched in 2023 has recorded over five lakh Aadhaar-verified organ donation pledges. Delhi-NCR recorded 4,564 transplants in 2025, which was the highest among Indian regions. Tamil Nadu recorded 2,796 transplants, Maharashtra 2,136, Telangana 1,523, and Kerala 1,489.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Australia’s UNSW Sydney Inaugurates First International Campus in India: The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia, has inaugurated its first international campus in India at Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. UNSW Sydney received the Letter of Approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC), enabling it to establish and operate its campus in India under the UGC’s regulations.

 

2. 1 – 7 August – World Breastfeeding Week: World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from 1 to 7 August to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for infants’ health and development. Theme 2026 : Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works The week promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and highlights its benefits for both mother and child health. It is coordinated globally by organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) to support breastfeeding-friendly environments.

 

3. Boeing 737 MAX 7 Gets FAA Certification: The Boeing 737 MAX 7, also called the 737-7, received an amended type certificate from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 3 August 2026. The aircraft is the smallest and longest-range variant in the Boeing 737 MAX family and is cleared for commercial service after a certification process that lasted nearly a decade. A type certificate is an official approval issued by an aviation regulator for an aircraft design. In the United States, the FAA grants type certification under federal aviation rules after review of design, testing, safety analysis, and compliance with airworthiness standards. An amended type certificate is issued when an existing certified aircraft design receives approved changes. The Boeing 737 MAX 7 certification covered the 737-7 model within the broader 737 MAX programme. The Boeing 737 MAX family is a narrow-body commercial aircraft series developed from the Boeing 737 platform. The 737-7 has a seating capacity of about 135 to 160 passengers and offers around 10% more range potential than its sibling variants. 

 

4. BEL signs MoU with Esri India for defence GIS projects: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Esri India signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 3 August 2026 in New Delhi for collaboration in Geographic Information System, Location Intelligence, and GeoAI solutions for the defence sector. The agreement covers joint work on geospatial capabilities, defence electronics, systems integration, and training support for in-house development using the Indo ArcGIS platform. Geographic Information System is a computer-based framework for capturing, storing, analysing, and displaying spatial data. In defence applications, GIS is used for mapping, terrain analysis, asset tracking, mission planning, and operational coordination.

 

5. India, Uzbekistan Target $3 Billion Bilateral Trade: India and Uzbekistan have set a target to double bilateral trade to about $3 billion within three years. The target was discussed at the India-Uzbekistan Business Forum in New Delhi on 3 August 2026, along with proposals to explore a Free Trade Agreement and expand cooperation in multiple sectors. Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan grew by 30% in the previous year and crossed 1.3 billion for the first time. In 2025, bilateral trade stood at 1.32 billion, with Indian exports to Uzbekistan at 1.15 billion and Uzbekistan’s exports to India at more than 164 million. Uzbekistan is a landlocked Central Asian republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States. India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations in 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

 

6. India Targets 874 GW Power Capacity by 2031-32: India’s installed power generation capacity is projected to reach 874 GW by 2031-32. As of 30 June 2026, the total installed capacity stood at 548,858 MW, or about 548.86 GW. Non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 54.18% of the installed capacity on the same date, above the Nationally Determined Contribution target of 50% for 2030. Installed power capacity is the maximum electrical power that generating stations can supply at a given time. India’s capacity mix includes thermal, hydro, nuclear, solar, wind, and other renewable sources. The expansion plan for 2031-32 covers generation, storage, and transmission assets across these categories. India plans to add at least 80 GW of coal-fired thermal power capacity by 2031-32. Between April 2023 and June 2026, 21,080 MW of coal-based capacity was commissioned, and 47,545 MW remained under construction. Thermal power continues to provide firm baseload supply in the national grid.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal Tejpal Singh Takes Charge as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force: Air Marshal Tejpal Singh has assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He has succeeded Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti as the new Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Tejpal Singh brings extensive experience as a fighter pilot, Experimental Test Pilot, and senior IAF officer with over 3,500 hours of flying experience.

 

2. Indian Air Force Concludes Counter-Drone Exercise ROTOR CLAP III in Rajastha: The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully concluded Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The exercise focused on the theme “Counter-UAS”, aimed at enhancing capabilities to detect, track, and neutralise Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/drones.

 

3. Vice Admiral Manish Chadha Assumes Charge as DGNO: Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on 3 August 2026. The Director General Naval Operations is a senior operational appointment in the Indian Navy linked with maritime security, fleet deployment, and naval operational planning. Vice Admiral Chadha is a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist with more than 35 years of service in the Indian Navy. He was commissioned on 1 July 1991 after graduating from the 78th course of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. His command appointments include Coast Guard Ship CGS-05, INS Veer, INS Kirpan, and the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore. He also served as the Naval Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow and commanded the Maharashtra Naval Area and the Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Cabinet Approves ₹36,441 Crore for Expanded Khelo India Scheme and Sports Development: The Union Cabinet has approved an expanded Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) with a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. The initiative aims to strengthen sports infrastructure and athlete development from the grassroots level to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), providing a clear pathway for talented youth to achieve excellence in sports.

 

2. Ramkumar Ramanathan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth Win Bonn Open 2026 Doubles Title: Ramkumar Ramanathan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth won the doubles title at the Bonn Open 2026 by defeating Scott Duncan (England) and Adam Heinonen (Sweden) in the final. The victory marked Ramkumar Ramanathan’s 13th ATP Challenger title and his second ATP Challenger doubles trophy of 2026 after winning the Texas Spine and Joint Challenger Men’s Championship in June.

 

3. Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh Win India’s First-Ever Judo Gold Medals at Commonwealth Games 2026: Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh created history by winning India’s first-ever judo gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow, Scotland. Asmita Dey won the women’s 48kg judo gold medal by defeating Canada’s Heidi Quach 2-1 in a golden score contest, becoming the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal. Harsh Singh secured the men’s 60kg judo gold medal after defeating Australia’s Joshua Katz 10-0 by waza-ari, becoming the first male Indian judoka to win Commonwealth Games gold. Before these victories, India had won 11 judo medals at the Commonwealth Games (5 silver and 6 bronze) but had never won a gold medal in the sport.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IBM and Sarvam Partner to Advance Sovereign AI Solutions in India: IBM and Indian AI startup Sarvam have partnered to accelerate the development and adoption of Sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for the Government of India and regulated enterprises. The collaboration will integrate IBM Sovereign Core with Sarvam’s India-first AI stack, enabling secure, locally governed, multilingual, and voice-enabled AI solutions. The partnership will focus on citizen services, grievance redressal, document processing, and administrative workflows, aiming to enhance secure and efficient government-to-citizen service delivery.

 

2. Government Launches National Technothon by NIOT: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, launched a National Technothon on 3 August 2026. The initiative seeks technologies for the sustainable collection of deep-sea polymetallic nodules and supports India’s Deep Ocean Mission. NIOT was established in 1993 in Chennai and functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The institute works on ocean technology, marine engineering, and deep-sea systems for Indian conditions. Polymetallic nodules are potato-shaped mineral concretions found on the deep ocean floor. They contain nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, which are used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced batteries.

 

3. India Achieves Near-Universal Banking Coverage of Inhabited Villages: India achieved near-universal banking coverage of inhabited villages by 3 August 2026, with 99.92% of inhabited villages served by a banking outlet within a 5-km radius. The coverage data were uploaded by banks on the Jan Dhan Darshak App and included bank branches, Business Correspondents, and India Post Payments Bank centres. The objective of the banking access framework is to provide a banking outlet within 5 km of every inhabited village. The Reserve Bank of India permits commercial banks, small finance banks, payments banks, local area banks, and regional rural banks to open branches anywhere in India without prior approval, subject to a 25% branch requirement in unbanked rural areas.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GST Collections Rise 15.4% to ₹2.11 Lakh Crore in July 2026: Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached ₹2,11,205 crore in July 2026, registering a 15.4% year-on-year growth from ₹1,83,065 crore in July 2025. Gross domestic GST revenue stood at ₹1,44,695 crore, reflecting a 10.1% increase compared to the corresponding month last year. GST revenue from imports rose sharply by 28.8% to ₹66,511 crore, significantly contributing to the overall GST collections for the month.

 

2. Centre Releases Additional ₹1.09 Lakh Crore as Tax Devolution to States: The Union Government released an additional tax devolution instalment of ₹1,09,019 crore to State Governments, over and above the regular monthly transfer scheduled for 10 August. The additional release aims to provide states with greater fiscal space to accelerate capital expenditure and development projects. Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹19,208 crore, followed by Bihar (₹10,845 crore) and Madhya Pradesh (₹8,010 crore).

 

3. Maldives Launches Real-Time Fund Transfers to India via UPI: The Maldives has launched real-time cross-border fund transfers to India by integrating its Favara instant payment system with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Under the new facility, users can send money in Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which is credited directly in Indian Rupees (INR) to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India. The service is initially available to customers of Bank of Maldives Plc and Maldives Islamic Bank Plc, and was implemented through collaboration between the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).