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  • New Development Bank | Raichur Miyawaki Forest | Amazon Rainforest | South Zone Council

    New Development Bank

    International

    News 

    • Iran decided to join the New Development Bank to strengthen monetary, financial and banking cooperation with BRICS countries.

    New Development Bank (NDB)

    • Established: 2015 by BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
    • Headquarters: Shanghai, China.
    • Objective: Financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging and developing economies.
    • Membership: Open to UN member countries; both borrowing and non-borrowing members are allowed.
    • Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, Algeria and Uzbekistan.
    • Uzbekistan: 10th member and first Central Asian country to join NDB.

    Raichur Miyawaki Forest

    Environment

    In Context

    • The Miyawaki method has been in the news repeatedly over the past year from Raichur’s Yakalaspura dumpsite-turned-forest in Karnataka, to Rajkot’s Nakrawadi landfill transformation in Gujarat, to urban afforestation drives in Mumbai.

    Miyawaki Method

    • Afforestation technique for creating dense, native, multi-layered forests in a short time, including small urban spaces.
    • Developed in the 1970s by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki.
    • Based on “Potential Natural Vegetation” — vegetation that would naturally occur in an area if left undisturbed.
    • Key principle: Plant diverse native species closely together, creating competition for sunlight and nutrients and enabling rapid forest growth.
    • Benefits: High biodiversity, carbon sequestration, improved soil quality and urban cooling.

    Amazon Rainforest

    Environment

    Context

    • A recent study published in Global Change Biology has found that just 15–25 tree species play a major role in regenerating deforested areas of the Amazon rainforest.

    Amazon Rain Forests

    • Location: The region belongs to nine nations of the South American continent.
    • Surrounded by – It is bounded by the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian central plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
    • Area Covered: The majority of the forest, 60%, is in Brazil, followed by Peru with 13%, Colombia with 10%, and with minor amounts in Bolivia,Ecuador,French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.
    • Climate: Hot and humid climate with temperatures of 26-30°C throughout the year.There are no periodic seasons.The precipitation ranges from 2,000 mm to 10,920 mm annually. 
    • Tribes: Yanomamo,Kayapo,Akuntsu,Matses,Tupi etc.
    • Fauna: Anaconda,Jesus lizard,howler monkey, golden lion tamarin, jaguar,sloth, spider monkey,Amazon River dolphin,toucan and the scarlet macaw,poison dart frog and the glass frog.
    • Flora: Moist broadleaf tropical rainforest like myrtle,laurel,palm, acacia,rosewood,Brazil nut,rubber tree, mahogany and Amazonian cedar. 

    Significance of the Rainforests

    • Lungs of the planet: Rainforests generate about 20% of the world’s oxygen and its trees play a key role in reducing pollutant levels.
    • Fight climate change: They act as a crucial buffer in the global fight against climate change as it holds tremendous capacity to store carbon.
    • Medicinal Properties: Many of these plants contain bioactive compounds capable of treatmenting diseases that are not yet curable, especially cancer.

    Threat to the forests

    • Climate Change: Due to climate change the forests are witnessing various challenges like changes in rainfall patterns,pollution etc.
    • Deforestation: The size of the Amazon forest shrank dramatically as a result of settlers’ clearance of the land to obtain lumber and to create grazing pastures and farmland. 
    • Wildfires: It causes threat to the survival of ecosystems and biodiversity. The 2019 forest fires in the region have led to widespread devastation in the region.

    Additional Information – Amazon River

    • It is the largest river by volume of water and second longest river after the Nile river of Africa in the world.
    • Source:River has its source in the Peruvian Andes, at an elevation of 5,598 m.
    • Length:6400 km.
    • Basin:The basin includes the greater part of Brazil and Peru,some parts of Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia and a small area of Venezuela.
    • Tributaries:Japurá , Juruá, Madeira, Negro, Purus, and Xingu rivers.
    • Mouth:Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil.

    South Zone Council

    Polity

    Context

    • The 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting was held in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

    Zonal Councils — UPSC

    • Statutory bodies established under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 to promote Centre–State and inter-State cooperation.
    • Chairman: Union Home Minister.
    • Vice-Chairman: Chief Minister of one member State, rotationally.
    • Nature: Advisory bodies; Standing Committee of Chief Secretaries examines issues before the Council.
    • Five Zonal Councils: Northern, Central, Eastern, Western and Southern.
    • North Eastern Council (NEC): Established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972 for the special problems of the Northeast.
    • NEC States: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim (added in 2002).
    • Key point: Zonal Councils ≠ Constitutional bodies; they are statutory and advisory.

    Related Articles

  • Tamirabharani River | BRICS calls EU’s Carbon Tax Punitive | Introduction of Blackbucks Into Banni Grassland | India’s Makhana Sector

    Tamirabharani River

    Environment

    Context

    • The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has declared Tamil Nadu’s Tamirabharani river a deity, thereby granting it legal personhood to curb pollution from funeral rites and waste dumping.

    Background- 

      • In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court recognised the Ganga and Yamuna as legal persons. However, the Supreme Court later stayed the order, citing practical and administrative difficulties, particularly since the rivers flow across multiple states.
    • Globally, New Zealand’s Whanganui River became the first river in the world to be recognised as a legal person in 2017.

    Additional Information- Tamirabharani River 

    • Origin: Pothigai Hills (Western Ghats), Tamil Nadu.
    • Course: Flows through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts.
    • Mouth: Drains into the Gulf of Mannar.
    • Type: One of the few perennial rivers of Tamil Nadu.
    • Major tributaries: Manimuthar, Gadananathi, Pachaiyar and Chittar.
    • Importance: Irrigation, drinking water and hydropower.
    • Key feature: Supports agriculture in the Tirunelveli–Thoothukudi region.

    BRICS calls EU’s Carbon Tax Punitive

    International

    Context

    • BRICS environment and climate ministers opposed the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) calling it a discriminatory and protection measure that is not in line with international law.

    Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

    • It is a carbon tariff on carbon intensive products, such as cement and some electricity, imported by the European Union.
    • Significance – As a price on carbon, it discourages emissions. As a trade-related measure, it affects production and exports.

    Introduction of Blackbucks Into Banni Grassland

    Environment

    In News

    • The Gujarat Forest Department, with technical support from Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Vantara, released 20 blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) into the Banni Grassland of Kutch.

    Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)

    • Appearance: Males have striking spiral horns that can reach up to 75 cm (30 inches) in length and their coat is a dark brown to black color. Females are smaller and have a reddish-brown coat without horns.
      • Habitat: They are typically found in grasslands, savannas, and open forests. They prefer areas with short grass for grazing.
      • Threats: Earlier extensively hunted in the princely states of India, Habitat destruction,  Illegal Hunting for economic consumption
    • Conservation Status: IUCN Status: Least Concern
        • CITES: Appendix III
    • Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    • State animal – Declared as state animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Cultural Importance: In Hinduism, the Blackbuck is considered a symbol of purity, with its skin and horns revered as sacred objects. In Buddhism, it represents good luck.

    Banni Grassland

    • Location – The Banni grasslands in Kachchh 
    • Uniqueness – Asia’s largest natural grasslands
    • Pastoral communities – Fakirani Jat.
    • The region contains over 70 species of nutritious grasses and supports grazing of camels, buffaloes, sheep, and goats.
    • Nearby – Chhari Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is a Ramsar site important for migratory birds and local biodiversity.

    Concerns 

      • Local communities fear loss of grazing land, cultural spaces, graveyards, and traditional livelihoods.
    • Conservationists warn that solar infrastructure, light pollution, and human activity may disturb bird habitats and migratory routes.

    India’s Makhana Sector

    Economy

    In News

    • Makhana has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing agri-food sectors, driven by rising health awareness, expanding domestic demand, and strong export potential.

    National Makhana Board

    • Objective – to strengthen and modernize India’s Makhana sector.
    • It is headquartered in Purnea, Bihar.

    Makhana (Euryale ferox) 

      • It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae). 
      • Climatic condition: Requires a temperature range of 20-35°C, and annual rainfall between 100- 250 cm. 
      • It is a fully organic non-cereal food found principally in India but also in Korea, Japan, as well as parts of eastern Russia. 
    • Bihar accounts for ~90% of India’s makhana production. 
    • GI Tag: In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was conferred a GI tag.

    Related Articles

  • Dahi Handi Festival | Communal Award | Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) | MQ-9B Sea Guardian Unmanned Aircraft | Draft SHANTI Rules 2026

    Dahi Handi Festival

    History & Culture

    Context

    • The Maharashtra government is seeking UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition for the Dahi Handi festival.
    • It also plans to send ‘Govindas’, who form human pyramids during the festival, to Spain to showcase this traditional practice. 

    Dahi Handi Festival

    • Dahi Handi, held a day after Janmashtami to mark the birth of Lord Krishna.
    • It combines religious devotion with community participation and sport.
    • Participants, or Govindas, form tall human pyramids to reach and break an earthen pot filled with curd, butter, and milk.

    India-Spain Connection

      • The traditional practice of building human pyramids and towers is the common link between the Dahi Handi festival and Spain, where communities practice building human towers called castells.
    • Spain’s Catalan Castells (human towers)— is already recognized by UNESCO. 
    • Spanish teams regularly visit Mumbai and Thane to participate in the Dahi Handi festival. 

     

    Connect with the basics – Intangible Cultural Heritage

    UNESCO defines “intangible” as “expressions that have:

    1. Passed from one generation to another.
    2. Evolved in response to their environments.
    3. Contributed to giving us a sense of identity and continuity.
      • According to an official document by UNESCO, ‘intangible cultural heritage’ includes “oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.”
    • To date, 16 Indian elements have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List (including Deepavali)
      1. Garba of Gujarat (2023)
      2. Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)
      3. Kumbh Mela (2017)
      4. Navroz (2016)
      5. Yoga (2016)
      6. Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab (2014)
      7. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur (2013)
      8. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir (2012)
      9. Chhau dance (2010)
      10. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan (2010)
      11. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala (2010)
      12. Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas (2009)
      13. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre (2008)
      14. Tradition of Vedic chanting (2008)
      15. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana (2008)
      16. Deepavali (2025) – Recently added

    Communal Award

    History & Culture

    In News 

    • Recently, the anniversary of the Communal Award announcements was observed.

    Communal Award

    • Announced by – Ramsay MacDonald in August 1932.
    • Objective – It Granted separate electorates to the Depressed Classes and 71 reserved seats.
    • Also provided separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians and Europeans.
    • Aim: political representation and protection of minorities.

    Gandhi’s Response

    • Gandhi opposed separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, arguing they would divide Hindu society.
    • He began a fast unto death at Poona on 20 September 1932.
    • M.C. Rajah and B.G. Horniman also opposed separate electorates.

    Ambedkar’s Views

    • Ambedkar strongly supported separate electorates for the Depressed Classes.
    • He believed they needed independent political representation.
    • Initially, he refused to compromise, prioritising their interests.

    Poona Pact

    • Signed on 24 September 1932 after negotiations between Gandhi and Ambedkar.
    • Separate electorates were replaced by joint electorates.
    • Reserved seats increased from 71 to 148 in provincial legislatures.
    • The Pact became a modification of the Communal Award.
    • Political reservation for SCs continued after independence.

    Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

    Economy

    Context

    • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved projects collectively worth ₹7,877 crore for incentives under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).

    Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)

    • Launched: 2025 by the Government of India.
    • Objective: To develop a strong domestic ecosystem for electronic components and reduce import dependence.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
    • Outlay: ₹22,919 crore over 6 years.
    • Focus: Manufacturing of components such as PCBs, camera modules, display modules, connectors, and other electronic sub-assemblies.
    • Benefits: Attracts investment, creates jobs, strengthens supply chains and promotes Make in India.
    • Significance: Supports India’s goal of becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub.

    MQ-9B Sea Guardian Unmanned Aircraft

    Science & technology

    Context

    • The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with the U.S. General Atomics Aeronautical to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy.

    MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft

    • Type: High-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft.
    • Manufacturer: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, USA.
    • Role: Maritime surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
    • Key feature: Can operate for 40+ hours and cover vast maritime areas.
    • India: The Indian Navy is acquiring MQ-9B SeaGuardians to strengthen maritime domain awareness and surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.
    • Significance: Enhances India’s ability to monitor ships, submarines and suspicious maritime activity over long distances.
    • Note: It is an unmanned aircraft, but is remotely controlled by operators rather than being fully autonomous.

    Draft SHANTI Rules 2026

    Polity

    Context

    • Recently, the government has released the draft SHANTI Rules, 2026, 

    Draft SHANTI Rules, 2026

    • Full form – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India
    • Purpose: Operationalise the SHANTI Act, 2025 and expand India’s nuclear energy sector.
    • Private participation: Framework for greater private-sector involvement in nuclear activities.
    • Licensing: Provides for a composite licence covering the nuclear installation lifecycle.
    • Safety: Strengthens requirements for nuclear safety, radiation protection and emergency preparedness.
    • Liability: Operators must maintain insurance/financial security against nuclear damage.
    • Nuclear Liability Fund: Proposed fund supported through operator levies for compensation.
    • Technology: Facilitates use of foreign nuclear technologies, subject to Indian regulatory requirements.
    • Goal: Supports India’s target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 and net-zero by 2070.

    Related Articles

  • Surrogate Advertisements | Saptadhara | Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) | Hara Mangrove Forests

    Surrogate Advertisements

    Polity

    Context

    • Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued show-cause notices to actors alleging that their advertisement for Vimal Elaichi amounts to surrogate advertising for Vimal Pan Masala.

    Surrogate advertising 

      • It is a form of marketing used to promote products banned or limited from advertising under government regulations, such as alcohol, tobacco, and pan masala. 
    • Maharashtra has prohibited gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine since 2012 under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. 

    Misleading Advertisement Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019

    • Legal Definition (Section 2(28)) –  Any advertisement that falsely describes products, gives deceptive guarantees, or deliberately conceals material information.
    • Enforcing Body: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) regulates violations and enforces the 2022 Guidelines to protect consumer rights.Surrogate 
    • Advertising: Strictly banned to stop restricted items (alcohol/tobacco) from using permitted shadow products (soda/cardamom) for branding.
    • Coaching Institute Crackdown: Penalises institutes that hide course details when using toppers’ photos (e.g., claiming a mock-interview student as a full-time student).
    • Greenwashing & Labels: Targets unverified, misleading eco-friendly or health claims like “100% natural” to ensure scientific accuracy.
    • Financial Penalties: Fines up to ₹10 Lakh for a first offence and up to ₹50 Lakh for subsequent violations.
    • Targeted Liability: Punishes manufacturers, publishers, and celebrity endorsers, with endorsers facing a product endorsement ban of up to 3 years.

    Saptadhara

    Economy

    News

    • Prime Minister launched a seven-point ‘Saptadhara’ reform framework to fast-track India’s goal of attaining a Viksit Bharat by 2047, 

    Saptadhara 

    1. Manufacturing Power: Scaling up quality and global integration.
    2. Agricultural Power: Boosting processing, storage, and food exports.
    3. Technology & Innovation: Advancing AI, semiconductors, and R&D.
    4. Connectivity: Enhancing multimodal logistics and infrastructure.
    5. Defence Power: Achieving self-reliance in high-tech armaments.
    6. Green & Blue Economy: Expanding renewables and ocean resources.
    7. Soft Power: Promoting culture, tourism, and heritage globally.

    Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA)

    Health & Society

    Context

    • Many Indian communities practice consanguinity.
    • It greatly increases the risk of genetic diseases that are otherwise rare, Friedreich’s ataxia is one such disease.

    Friedreich’s ataxia, or FRDA

    • It is a genetic disorder that progressively damages the nerves and the heart.
    • The affected individuals typically begin to show symptoms between the ages of 5 and 15. 

    Symptoms: 

      • Unsteady and impaired coordination.
      • Speech slows down and slurs, swallowing becomes difficult, Hearing and vision deteriorates. 
      • Fatigued, lost sensation, eventually, most patients die relatively young, of heart disease. 
    • There is no cure.
      • FRDA is more likely when both parents carry the defective gene. 
    • FRDA is caused by mutations in the FXN gene.
    • Consanguineous marriages (marriages between relatives, such as cousins) increase the chance that both parents carry the same rare genetic mutation.

    Hara Mangrove Forests

    Environment

    Context

    • A major oil spill off the southern coast of Iran has emerged as a serious ecological threat to the Hara mangrove forests.

    Hara Mangrove Forests

    • It also known as the Qeshm–Hara mangrove forests
    • Location – It is located around Qeshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran.
    • They are dominated by the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina), a species highly adapted to saline coastal environments.
    • The area has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

    Mangroves  

    • Definition: A mangrove is a woody plant which lives between the sea and the land, in areas which are flooded by tides for part of the time. 
    • Halophytes – Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants, also called halophytes.
    • Climatic conditions – receiving rainfall between 1,000 to 3,000 mm and temperature ranging between 26-35°C. 
    • Ecotone – Since mangroves are located between the land and sea they represent the best example of ecotone.

    Sundarbans Location: 

    • Location – The Sundarbans Forest located on the delta of Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna in South Asia (India & Bangladesh).
    • Global Significance: It is the largest mangrove forest in the world. 
    • It is Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Site.

    Related Articles

  • Karnataka & Group C Current Affairs – August 10th to 14th, 2026

    Appointments

    1. SC Collegium Recommends CJs for Calcutta & Bombay HCs

    Justice R.V. Ghuge and Justice M.C. Tripathi have been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium for elevation as Chief Justices of the Calcutta High Court and Bombay High Court, respectively. Following constitutional procedure under Article 217, Justice Ghuge (previously Acting CJ of Bombay HC) will lead the Calcutta High Court, while Justice Tripathi (from Allahabad HC) is set to become the 50th Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.

     

    2. Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Appointed MoES Secretary

    Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala has officially assumed charge as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). With his extensive expertise in oceanography and disaster early warning systems, he will lead the ministry’s administrative and scientific mandate, overseeing critical advancements in India’s meteorological, climatological, ocean, and seismological research initiatives.

    Awards

    1. Deepak Dhar Wins 2026 Dirac Medal

    Context: Renowned Indian theoretical physicist Prof. Deepak Dhar has been awarded the prestigious Dirac Medal for his seminal contributions to statistical physics.

    Key Highlights:

    • Award: 2026 Dirac Medal (ICTP Dirac Medal)
    • Awardee: Prof. Deepak Dhar (INSA Distinguished Professor at ICTS-TIFR Bengaluru)
    • Issuing Authority: International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP, Trieste, Italy)
    • Key Achievement: Honoured for his foundational contributions to statistical mechanics, particularly his pioneering work on the abelian sandpile model, self-organized criticality, and statistical physics on fractal lattices.

    About the Award:

    • Established in 1985 in honour of Nobel laureate Paul Dirac.
    • Awarded annually by ICTP to scientists who have made significant, original contributions to theoretical physics.

     

    2. Team India Wins 4 Medals at International Linguistics Olympiad 2026

    Context: Indian students secured four medals at the prestigious international linguistics competition held in Romania.

    Key Highlights:

    • Award: 1 Gold, 3 Bronze Medals (and 1 Honourable Mention) at IOL 2026.
    • Awardees: Shrilakshmi Venkatraman (Gold); Aarav Anil Rao, Nishanth Shankar Lakshmanan, and Advay Misra (Bronze).
    • Venue: Bucharest, Romania.
    • Key Achievement: Mentored by IIIT Hyderabad, the team successfully decoded unfamiliar languages using computational logic against competitors from over 40 countries.

    About the Competition:

    • The IOL is a global academic olympiad for secondary school students that tests logical reasoning and pattern recognition rather than prior linguistic knowledge.
    • India has participated since 2009, currently holding a cumulative tally of 37 individual medals.

     

    3. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2024-25

    Context: President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 to 115 eminent artists in New Delhi, recognising their distinguished contributions to India’s performing arts.

    Key Highlights:

    • Award: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar).
    • Awardees: 115 artists from across India, comprising 7 Akademi Fellows and 108 Akademi Awardees.
    • Issuing Authority: Sangeet Natak Akademi.
    • Presenter: President Droupadi Murmu at New Delhi.
    • Key Achievement: Recognises outstanding and sustained individual contributions across classical music, dance, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and puppetry.

    About the Award:

    • Established as India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama, conferring these apex national honours since 1952.
    • Akademi Ratna (Fellowship): The institution’s highest and most exclusive honour. It carries purse money of ₹3,00,000, a Tamrapatra, and an Angavastram.
    • Akademi Puraskar (Awards): Carries purse money of ₹1,00,000, a Tamrapatra, and an Angavastram.

    List of Akademi Ratna (Fellowship) Recipients 2024-25:

    S.No.

    Name of the Akademi Fellow

    Field of Art / Core Contribution

    1

    Ramlal Bareth

    Kathak (Classical Dance)

    2

    A.V. Anand

    Carnatic Music (Instrumental – Mridangam)

    3

    Rita Ganguly

    Hindustani Music & Dance (Vocalist & Dancer)

    4

    Puru Dadheech

    Kathak (Classical Dance)

    5

    Chittaranjan Jyotishi

    Hindustani Music (Classical Vocal)

    6

    Pasumarthi Rattaiah Sarma

    Kuchipudi (Classical Dance)

    7

    Sudharani Raghupathy

    Bharatanatyam (Classical Dance)

     

    4. 2026 Dirac Medal

    Context: Indian theoretical physicist Prof. Deepak Dhar has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal for his groundbreaking contributions to statistical mechanics.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Inception: Instituted in 1985 by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in honour of British physicist Paul A. M. Dirac.
    • Awarding Institution: International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy.
    • Prize Allocation: Medallists receive a combined prize of US$5,000.
    • Nobel Exclusion Rule: By statutory rule, the medal is not awarded to current Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists, or Wolf Foundation Prize winners.
    • Indian Context: Prof. Deepak Dhar (only the second Indian to win this, after Ashoke Sen) is celebrated for his foundational mathematical work on the “sandpile model”, which explains complex, unpredictable behaviours in physical systems.

    2026 Awardees & Core Field Overview:

    Medallist

    Associated Nation

    Primary Field of Contribution

    Deepak Dhar

    India

    Statistical Mechanics (Sandpile Model)

    Bernard Derrida

    France

    Disordered Systems & Statistical Mechanics

    Marc Mézard

    Italy / France

    Statistical Mechanics & Optimization Problems

    Haim Sompolinsky

    Israel / USA

    Theoretical Neuroscience & Artificial Intelligence

     

    5. Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026

    Context: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was conferred the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at a ceremony held in Pune, Maharashtra.

    Salient Features:

    • Conferred To: NSA Ajit Doval, India’s longest-serving National Security Advisor and founding chairman of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC).
    • Presented By: Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
    • Awarding Body: Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust.
    • Reason for Award: For his exceptional leadership in strengthening India’s internal and external national security apparatus, and his long-standing dedication to national service.
    • Historical Genesis: The award is presented annually on August 1, commemorating the death anniversary of the great nationalist and freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The 2026 ceremony marked his 106th death anniversary.

    Award Overview & Key Facts:

    Parameter

    Key Detail / Exam Fact

    Year of Institution

    1983

    Conferment Date

    August 1 (Death Anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak)

    First Recipient (1983)

    Socialist leader S. M. Joshi

    Notable Recent Recipients

    Nitin Gadkari (2025), Sudha Murty (2024), Narendra Modi (2023)

    Important Days

    1. World Elephant Day 2026

    • Observed Date: August 12
    • Observing Organisation: World Elephant Society & Global Wildlife Conservation Organisations
    • Objective: To raise global awareness about the urgent need for elephant conservation, protection of critical habitats, and the mitigation of existential threats such as poaching, illegal ivory trade, and human-elephant conflict.
    • Theme: “Bringing the World Together to Help Elephants”

     

    2. International Youth Day 2026

    • Observed Date: August 12
    • Observing Organisation: United Nations (UN)
    • Objective: To recognise the vital role of young people in driving social, economic, and sustainable development, and to encourage global cooperation in addressing challenges like unemployment, digital inequality, and climate change.
    • Theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”

    Military Exercises

    Exercise ROTOR CLAP III

    Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully concluded its week-long specialised counter-drone military drill, Exercise ROTOR CLAP III, at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Nature & Edition: It is the 3rd edition of an indigenous, specialised rotary-wing (helicopter) operational exercise conducted exclusively by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
    • Core Theme: Centred entirely around “Counter-UAS” (Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems), focusing on detecting, tracking, and neutralising hostile drones and low-flying aerial threats in modern warfare.
    • Geographic Significance: Conducted in the harsh desert terrain of the Western Desert Sector (Pokhran) to validate live-fire missile and rocket salvos, and refine Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) against cross-border drone surveillance.
    • Comprehensive Operations: Beyond live firing, it integrated comprehensive tactical drills including precision strikes, aerial reconnaissance, battlefield support, troop insertion, and casualty evacuation under contested threat environments.

    Participating Helicopter Fleet Overview:

    Platform Category

    Helicopter Models

    Primary Operational Role

    Attack & Assault

    AH-64 Apache, Mi-25/35

    Anti-armour, close air support, and offensive ground attack missions

    Light Combat

    HAL Prachand (LCH)

    Indigenous combat operations and precision targeting

    Heavy & Medium Lift

    CH-47F(I) Chinook, Mi-17 V5

    Heavy-lift transport, logistics, and troop deployment

    Utility & Multi-Role

    HAL Dhruv (ALH)

    Aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, search-and-rescue, and evacuation

    Ranks & Reports

    Barclays-Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List 2026

    Released By: Barclays Private Clients and Hurun India

    Key Observations:

    • Aggregate Valuation: India’s top 300 family businesses are valued at ₹138 lakh crore ($1.46 trillion), equivalent to the world’s 18th-largest economy.
    • Wealth Concentration: The top three families (Ambani, Birla, Jindal) hold ₹42 lakh crore, accounting for ~9% of India’s total listed market capitalisation.
    • First-Generation Leader: The Adani Family topped first-generation enterprises with a valuation of ₹19.57 lakh crore.

    Performance Metric (Top 10 Legacy Family Businesses):

    Rank

    Business Family

    Core Group

    Valuation (₹ Lakh Crore)

    1st

    Ambani Family

    Reliance Industries

    25.82

    2nd

    Birla Family

    Aditya Birla Group

    8.13

    3rd

    Jindal Family

    JSW Steel

    8.01

    4th

    Bajaj Family

    Bajaj Group

    7.70

    5th

    Mahindra Family

    Mahindra & Mahindra

    5.14

    6th

    Anil Agarwal Family

    Vedanta

    4.45

    7th

    Murugappa Family

    Cholamandalam

    3.06

    8th

    Nadar Family

    HCL Technologies

    2.91

    9th

    Premji Family

    Wipro

    2.72

    10th

    Dani, Choksi & Vakil Families

    Asian Paints

    2.48

    Sports

    India to Host 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games

    Context: India has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games (CWG), which will be held in Ahmedabad. This historic milestone makes India the first Asian nation to host the prestigious multi-sport event twice.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Historical Genesis: The Games were first held in 1930 in Hamilton, Canada, originally known as the “British Empire Games”. The event is held every four years.
    • The 2030 Centenary Edition: The Ahmedabad games will mark exactly 100 years since the inaugural edition.
    • India’s CWG Journey: India made its debut at the 2nd edition in 1934 (London). India previously hosted the event in 2010 in New Delhi.
    • The Commonwealth Origins: The political association traces its roots to the 1926 Balfour Declaration and was formally established by the 1949 London Declaration.

    CWG & Commonwealth Structural Overview:

    Parameter

    Key Details & Exam Facts

    Governing Body

    Commonwealth Sport (formerly Commonwealth Games Federation)

    Headquarters

    London, United Kingdom

    CWG Participation

    74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs), including independent members and territories

    Commonwealth of Nations

    A voluntary political association of 56 independent and equal countries (including India) spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific

    Miscellaneous

    1. Birth Anniversary of Dr. G. S. Dhillon

    Context: The Lok Sabha Speaker paid floral tributes to Dr. G. S. Dhillon, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan to mark his birth anniversary.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Historical Role: Dr. Dhillon was a distinguished parliamentarian, scholar, and freedom fighter who actively participated in the Indian Freedom Movement and the Kisan Movement.
    • Lok Sabha Speaker: He held the prestigious office of the Speaker during the 4th Lok Sabha (1969–71) and the 5th Lok Sabha (1971–75).
    • National Honour: He was awarded the Tamra Patra by the Government of India in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the freedom struggle.

    Political & Literary Profile:

    Domain

    Key Roles & Contributions

    Legislative Career

    Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (1952–67); Elected to the 4th Lok Sabha (1967).

    Journalism

    Chief Editor of the Urdu daily newspaper Sher-e-Bharat.

    Corporate/Publishing

    Managing Director of National Sikh Newspapers Ltd.

    Literary Works

    Co-editor of the Chatrik Abhinandan Granth.

     

    2. Sinking of MSV Faize Noore Oliya

    Context: The Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, tragically sank in the Red Sea after being struck by a projectile off the western coast of Yemen.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Incident Location: The mechanised sailing vessel (MSV) capsized near Yemeni waters (near Hodeidah).
    • Crew & Rescue Operations: The vessel carried a total of 14 seafarers. All crew members, comprising 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni national, were successfully rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard.
    • Safe Haven: The rescued crew was safely transported to the Port of Mokha in Yemen.
    • Geopolitical Significance: This incident underscores the escalating regional tensions and the severe risks posed to international commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea corridor.

     

    3. Centenary Commemorative Stamp of Satish Gujral

    Context: To honour the birth centenary of the legendary Indian artist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Satish Gujral, the Department of Posts officially released a ₹5 commemorative postage stamp on August 3, 2026,.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Release Ceremony: The stamp was unveiled by the Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, at Bikaner House, New Delhi.
    • Stamp Design: The stamp features a vibrant self-portrait of Gujral painted in 2010, depicting him in a contemplative pose holding a paintbrush,.
    • Multifaceted Genius: Satish Gujral was a highly celebrated painter, sculptor, muralist, architect, and writer.
    • Architectural Marvel: He is globally renowned for designing the Belgian Embassy in New Delhi, a landmark achievement in modern Indian architecture.

    Key Contributions & Literary Works:

    Domain

    Notable Works / Recognition

    Painting & Visual Arts

    The acclaimed Partition Series

    Architecture

    Designed the Belgian Embassy, New Delhi

    Literature

    A Brush with Life (Autobiography)

    Civilian Honour

    Awarded the Padma Vibhushan

    Related Articles

  • Vaishya Tekri Stupa in Ujjain | India’s Campaign For a UN Security Council (UNSC) Seat in 2028-29 | Sri Aurobindo | Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill-2026

    Vaishya Tekri Stupa in Ujjain

    History & Culture

    Context

    • The Madhya Pradesh government is considering fresh excavation at Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain, where a massive Buddhist stupa probably larger than Sanchi Stupa, was partially excavated in 1938–39.

    Vaishya Tekri

    • Vaishya Tekri is a large archaeological mound located near Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.
    • It is believed to contain the remains of a large Buddhist stupa, popularly associated with the ancient Kanipura/Kanakgiri Buddhist establishment.
    • The site has been tentatively dated to the Mauryan period, around the 3rd century BCE. The monument has traditionally been associated with Emperor Ashoka and his period of governance at Ujjain.
    • The stupa is estimated to have an approximate diameter of 350 ft and a height of 100 ft or more.

    Additional Information – The Great Stupa of Sanchi

      • A stupa is a Buddhist commemorative monument usually containing sacred relics of the Buddha or other saints.
      • Established: The stupa was commissioned in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty.
      • The stupa was subsequently enlarged and embellished during the Shunga and Satavahana periods.
      • Structure: The Great Stupa is a hemispherical dome made of stone and brick, with a central structure that is a large, raised platform containing the relics of the Buddha.
      • It is topped by a ‘harmika’ that holds the triple umbrella, or ‘chhatraveli’, which represents the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. 
      • Above the dome, there is a pillar-like structure called the chatra, which is a symbol of the Buddha’s presence and enlightenment.
    • The Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from around the world.

    India’s Campaign For a UN Security Council (UNSC) Seat in 2028-29

    International Relation

    Context

    • India has launched its campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat for 2028–29, with the election scheduled for June 2027.

    United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

      • It is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations
    • Objective – to maintain international peace and security. 
      • It is the only UN body empowered to issue legally binding resolutions that all UN member states are obligated to comply with under international law.
      • Structure and Composition: The Council has 15 members divided into two categories:
    • Permanent Members (P5)  with Veto Power: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
      • A single veto from any P5 member is sufficient to block any substantive resolution, regardless of how many other members support it.
      • Non-Permanent Members (10 seats): Elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms, distributed geographically.
    • Headquarters: New York, USA

    Sri Aurobindo

    History & Culture

    Context

    • PM Modi paid tribute to Sri Aurobindo (15 August 1872–5 December 1950) on his birth anniversary.

    About – 

    • He received his primary education in England at St. Paul’s School, London, and King’s College, Cambridge. 
    • He returned to India in 1893 and worked for the next thirteen years in the Princely State of Baroda and as a professor in Baroda College. 

    Role in freedom struggle

    • He helped establish a series of youth clubs, including the Anushilan Samiti of Calcutta in 1902.
    • In 1906, Aurobindo was appointed the first principal of the National College in Calcutta (Bengal National College), and started to impart national education to Indian youth.
    • He was the first political leader in India to openly put forward the idea of complete independence for the country in his newspaper Bande Mataram.
    • In 1907 at the Surat session of Congress, he led along with extremists. 
    • He was arrested in 1908 in connection with the Alipore Bomb Case. 

    Yogic Life

      • Sri Aurobindo had begun the practice of Yoga in 1905 in Baroda. 
      • In 1910 he withdrew from politics and went to Pondicherry in order to devote himself entirely to his inner spiritual life and work. 
      • During his forty years in Pondicherry he evolved a new method of spiritual practice, which he called the Integral Yoga. 
    • In 1926, he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

    Literary works

      • The Life Divine, which deals with the philosophical aspect of Integral Yoga.
      • Synthesis of Yoga, which deals with the principles and methods of Integral Yoga.
    • Savitri: A Legend and a Symbol, an epic poem.
    • He also started two weeklies: the Karmayogin in English and the Dharma in Bengali.

    Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill-2026

    Polity

    Context

    • The Rajasthan Cabinet has approved the Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill-2026. 

    About

    • The Bill will regulate the felling of 29 specified tree species on non-forest land. 
    • The list includes the state tree Khejri, Rohida, Banyan, Peepal, Lasoda, Tendu, Mahua, Kair and Chironji.
    • Felling or causing the felling of a specified tree on land owned or occupied by a person will require prior permission from the authorised authority.
    • Offences under the proposed law will be cognisable and bailable. A person convicted of illegal felling may face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.
    • Where a tree is removed with permission, the person will be required to plant a prescribed number of trees in the same area for each tree removed.

    Related Articles

  • Moon Base Programme | Total Solar Eclipse | Black-necked Cranes (BNC)

    Moon Base Programme

    Science & Technology

    In News

    • US space agency NASA has invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme building on partnership under the Artemis Accords.

    Moon Base 

    • It is humanity’s first lunar outpost, a place where astronauts will live, work, and explore near the Moon’s South Pole. 
    • NASA and its partners will build the infrastructure needed to support an enduring human presence on the lunar surface while advancing science, technology, and exploration for the benefit of all.

    Additional Information – Artemis Accord

    • Objective – These are a set of principles and guidelines for international cooperation in space exploration.
    • Status – They are not a legally binding instrument.
    • Launched by – They were announced by NASA in 2020 and named after NASA’s Artemis program which is aimed at returning humans to the Moon by the mid-2020s.
    • Members: Artemis Accords has 39 members including Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America etc.
    • India’s membership – India joined the Artemis Accords in 2023.
    • Note – Russia and China are not part of the Artemis Accords.

    Total Solar Eclipse

    Science & Technology

    Context

    • Recently, a total solar eclipse occurred, providing an important opportunity to understand celestial mechanics, the Earth–Moon system and solar phenomena.

    Solar Eclipse

    • It occurs when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth and the shadow of the Moon is cast on Earth, blocking the Sun’s light from reaching certain parts of the world.

    Solar eclipse

    • Solar eclipses are classified mainly into three types:
    • Total Solar Eclipse (Umbra): The Moon fully blocks the visible disc of the Sun. Those in the line of totality will get to experience a brief darkness in the daylight.
    • Partial Solar Eclipse (Penumbra): The Moon obscures part of the Sun, causing a ‘bite’ to be taken out of the solar disc.
    • Annular Solar Eclipse (Antumbra): When the Moon is approaching the point of its orbit farthest from Earth, its apparent size is smaller than the Sun. It therefore leaves a dazzling outer ring, commonly known as the ‘Ring of Fire’.

    Black-necked Cranes (BNC)

    Environment

    Context

    • The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has sterilised over 2,950 Free Ranging Dogs (FRD) to save Black-necked Cranes (BNC) and wildlife in Ladakh.

    Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)

    • It is one of the 15 crane species found worldwide
    • It is considered the only high-altitude/alpine crane species. 
    • Habitat & Distribution: In India, it is found in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in high-altitude wetlands and marshes.
    • Its global range extends across the Tibetan Plateau and adjoining Himalayan regions, including China, India, Bhutan and Nepal. 
    • Population: Fewer than 100 Black-necked Cranes are estimated to remain in India, out of a global population of around 15,000. 
    • Major Threats: Predation by free-ranging dogs, changing agricultural practices, rapid and unregulated development around high-altitude wetlands.

    Conservation Status: 

      • The species receives the highest legal protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I
    • IUCN Red List – Near Threatened
    • It is also protected under CITES and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
    • Near Threatened under IUCN Red List. 
    • State Bird: It is the State bird of Ladakh and holds special significance in Ladakh’s Buddhist culture. 

    Additional Information – Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

    • BNHS is one of the largest and oldest non-governmental organizations in India dedicated to nature conservation and biodiversity research. 
    • Founded on September 15, 1883, in Mumbai, its mission is to conserve nature through action based on research, education, and public awareness.

    Related Articles

  • Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) | Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) | PM-POSHAN

    Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS)

    Government Schemes

    Context

    • The Union Government has proposed a ₹10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) 

    About – 

    • Launch: Announced in Union Budget 2026–27.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
    • Financial Outlay: ₹10,000 crore over 5 years.
    • Primary Objective: Build a self-reliant domestic shipping container ecosystem.

    Key Targets

    • Production: Scale capacity to 7.5 lakh TEUs annually.
    • Economic Value: Unlock ₹80,000 crore market opportunity.
    • Employment: 3,000 direct and 50,000 indirect jobs.
    • Scope: Supports both Greenfield and Brownfield units.

    Significance

    • Import Substitution: Reduces reliance on 2 million imported containers annually.
    • Supply Chain Resilience: insulates Indian exports from global logistics shocks.
    • Policy Synergy: Aligns with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, PM Gati Shakti, and Make in India.

    Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

    Government Schemes

    Context

    • The Standing Committee on Rural Development has highlighted the gap between skill training and actual employment outcomes under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).

    About

    • Implementation – Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
    • Launched in – 2014. 
    • It is a placement-linked skill development programme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
    • Age Limit: Rural youth between 15 and 35 years of age (age limit is up to 45 years for women, SC/ST, persons with disabilities and minorities).
    • Objective – It aims to skill rural youth and promote sustainable livelihoods for rural youth through placement-linked skilling programs.

    PM-POSHAN

    Government Schemes

    In News

    • Delhi government schools will have a new menu for PM-POSHAN with additions such as idli-sambar.

    Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN)

    • Earlier known as Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) and renamed as PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) in 2021.
    • It operates under the Ministry of Education and is approved for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.
    • It is a centrally sponsored scheme (jointly funded by Centre and States) providing one hot cooked meal to students in government and aided schools up to Class 8.
    • It aims to address hunger (lack of adequate food intake) and educational outcomes (attendance, retention, learning) simultaneously.

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  • 10 Years of Government e-Marketplace | National Youth Parliament Scheme Web Portal | Mahanadi River Water Dispute | Chandrayaan-5 | Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana | Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan | Revamped Khelo India Scheme

    10 Years of Government e-Marketplace

    Polity

    Context

    • The Government e Marketplace (GeM) completed ten years of operations on 9 August 2026.

    Government e-Marketplace

    • It is India’s online public procurement portal launched in 2016 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
    • It is a 100% government-owned, not-for-profit company.

    Core Pillars

    • Inclusivity: Onboards MSMEs, startups, and women artisans.
    • Efficiency: Reduces time via paperless and cashless processes.
    • Transparency: Uses open electronic bidding to eliminate corruption.

    Key Features

    • Flexible Purchasing: Supports direct buying, e-bidding, and reverse auctions.
    • Seamless Integration: Verified via Aadhaar, PAN, GSTIN, and corporate banking.

    Major Sub-Initiatives

    • SWAYATT: Promotes startups, women, and youth-led businesses.
    • Womaniya: Showcases handicrafts made by women Self-Help Groups.
    • Startup Runway: Helps tech startups pitch products to state buyers.
    • SARAS Collection: Markets utility goods produced by rural artisans.

    National Youth Parliament Scheme Web Portal

    Polity

    Context

    • The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has launched an upgraded version of the National Youth Parliament Scheme web portal, known as NYPS 2.0.

    National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 

    • It is an initiative of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
    • Objective- It is aimed at promoting democratic values, parliamentary practices, and constitutional awareness among young people. 
    • Uniqueness – Unlike the previous version, which was limited to students of recognized institutions only, NYPS 2.0 is open to all educational institutions, groups and citizens across the country.

    Web Portal: 

    • The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs launched the web portal of the NYPS in 2019.
    • Aim: To expand the outreach of the Youth Parliament Programme of the Ministry to all the recognized educational institutions of the country.

    Mahanadi River Water Dispute

    Polity

    News – 

    • The long-standing Mahanadi River water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh has once again come into focus.

    Constitutional and Legal Framework 

    Inter-State River Waters

      • Article 262: Empowers Parliament to adjudicate disputes relating to inter-state river waters.
      • Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for the establishment of water dispute tribunals.
      • River Boards Act, 1956: Provides for river basin planning (though no River Board has been established under the Act).
    • Entry 17 (State List): Water is primarily a state subject.
    • Entry 56 (Union List): Parliament can regulate and develop inter-state rivers in the public interest.

    Other Inter-State River Water Disputes

    • Cauvery: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry.
    • Krishna: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.
    • Godavari: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha.
    • Ravi-Beas: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan.
    • Mahadayi (Mandovi): Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra.
    • Vamsadhara: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

    Additional information – Mahanadi River

    • Origin: Sihawa Hills, Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. Length: Approximately 851 km.
    • States Covered: Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and a small part of Jharkhand.
    • Mouth: Empties into the Bay of Bengal near Paradip, forming a fertile delta.
    • Major Tributaries: Left Bank: Seonath, Hasdeo, Mand. Right Bank: Ong, Tel, Jonk, Ib.

    Chandrayaan-5

    Science & technology

    News – 

    • Scientists from ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently reviewed the progress of the Chandrayaan-5.
    • Also known as LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration),

    About – 

    • It is a joint project between ISRO and JAXA.
    • Targeted for launch around 2028.
    • Objective – The mission focuses on exploring the Moon’s South Pole to study surface and subsurface water-ice deposits.
    • The mission will take off on a Japanese rocket, H3, and is planned to carry seven scientific instruments for carrying out different kinds of experiments.

    Additional information – Chandrayaan-3

    • It is India’s third moon mission. 
    • It was made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 
    • On August 23, 2023, it landed near the Moon’s South Pole. This made India the first country to reach the south polar region and the fourth country to land on the Moon. August 23 is now celebrated as National Space Day in India.

    Key Quick Facts

    • Launch Rocket: LVM3-M4 rocket.
    • Landing Site: Named Shiv Shakti Point.
    • Mission Life: 1 Lunar Day (about 14 Earth days).

    The Three Spacecraft Parts

    Propulsion Module: Carried the lander close to the Moon. It has 1 payload

    • SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth):  Studies Earth from orbit.

    Vikram Lander: The main box that made the soft landing.It has 4 payloads

    1. ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) : Measures surface temperature.
    2. ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity): Records moonquakes.
    3. RAMBHA-LP (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere – Langmuir Probe) :Measures plasma density.
    4. LRA (Laser Retroreflector Array) : Measures Moon distance (NASA)

    Pragyan Rover: A small 6-wheeled robot. It has 2 payloads.

    1. LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope): Finds elements (found Sulphur).
    2. APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer):  Studies soil minerals.

    Why the South Pole Matters

    • Water Ice: Deep craters have ice that never melts.
    • Resources: This ice can make drinking water, oxygen, and fuel for future astronauts.
    • History: The cold preserves old solar system clues.

    Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

    Government Schemes

    News- 

    • The Union Government announced that post-harvest losses in Karnataka’s marine fisheries range between 6.21% and 10.13%.

    Fisheries Sector of India

    • Producer – India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture producing nation in the world. 
    • India is the 4th largest exporter of fish and fisheries. 
    • In terms of employment, the sunrise sector supports the livelihood of over 30 Mn people in India. 
    • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)– to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.

    Government Initiatives for the Growth of the Sector

    • National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Established in 2006, NFDB serves as the apex body for the planning and promotion of fisheries development in India.
    • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Launched in 2020, PMMSY is a flagship scheme aimed at boosting fish production and doubling farmers’ income.
    • Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, the Blue Revolution aims to promote sustainable development and management of the fisheries sector.

    Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan

    Polity

    News – 

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan to build a drug-free India through awareness and community engagement.

    About – 

      • It is a 100-week youth campaign launched on August 2, 2026. 
      • Mandate – It aims to eradicate substance abuse to achieve Viksit Bharat @2047.
    • Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
      • Platform: Conducted through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat).
      • Timeline: 100 weeks (active every Sunday).
    • Origin: Inspired by a pilot in Varanasi (Kashi Declaration).
    • Synergy: Complements the Ministry of Social Justice’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

    Key Pillars

    • Mass Mobilisation: Uses 1 crore+ youth, NSS units, and spiritual bodies.
    • Sunday Activities: Promotes sports, yoga, and arts as positive alternatives.
    • Destigmatization: Treats recovering addicts as “warriors” for social reintegration.

    Revamped Khelo India Scheme

    Government Schemes

    News – 

    • The Union Cabinet approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations with an increased budget of ₹36,441 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.

    Core Changes

    • 10x Athlete Pool: Adds “Emerging Khelo India Athletes” (E-KIAs) to scale up talent enrollment
    • School Integration: Creates Khelo India Feeder Schools and Utkrishta Vidyalayas for academics-sports balance.
    • Coaching Standards: Establishes the National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) to unify certifications.
    • Tech-Driven Tracking: Deploys an AI-enabled digital platform for performance monitoring and scouting.

    Comparison

    Feature

    Original Scheme

    Revamped Scheme (2026–31)

    Outlay

    ~₹4,500 crore

    ₹36,441 crore

    Talent Pool

    Localized cohorts

    10x larger pool (E-KIAs)

    Coaching

    Fragmented regional rules

    Unified NCAB standards

    Pathway

    Domestic focus

    Integrated Olympic/CWG pathway

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  • Karnataka & Group C Current Affairs – August 4th to 9th, 2026

    Awards

    1. COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026

    Context: A prominent Indian astrophysicist was globally recognized for her pioneering contributions to space research and stellar astrophysics during the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Award: COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026.
    • Awardee: Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam (Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru).
    • Issuing Authority: Jointly conferred by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
    • Venue: Florence, Italy.
    • Key Milestone: First Indian woman and only the third woman globally to receive this honor (4th Indian overall).
    • Key Achievements: Recognized for research in stellar astrophysics (blue straggler stars, star clusters), serving as calibration scientist for AstroSat’s UVIT, and leadership in the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve and Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) projects.

    About the Award:

    • Instituted in 1990 in memory of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian Space Programme.
    • Conferred biennially to recognize exceptional space research contributions by scientists from developing nations.
    • Previous Indian laureates: U.R. Rao (1996), Gurbax Singh Lakhina (2014), and Anil Bhardwaj (2024).

     

    2. Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak Conferred on 12 Rat Miners

    Context: Twelve rat-hole miners were nationally recognized for their exceptional courage and selfless service during a critical tunnel rescue operation in Uttarakhand.

    Key Highlights:

    • Award: Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (accompanied by a miniature medal, certificate, and a ₹2 lakh monetary award).
    • Awardees: 12 rat-hole miners (Vaqeel Hasan, Munna, Ankur Kumar, Monu Kumar, Devendra, Mohd Rashid, Firoz Qureshi, Jatin Kashyap, Shorabh Kashyap, Mohd Irshad, Nasruddin, and Naseem).
    • Issuing Authority: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
    • Presenter: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.
    • Key Achievement: Showcased exceptional bravery by voluntarily risking their lives to manually clear the final 12 meters of debris within a confined space, successfully rescuing 41 laborers trapped for 17 days in the collapsed, under-construction Silkyara tunnel in November 2023.

    About the Award:

    • Instituted in 1961 as an offshoot of the Ashoka Chakra series of Gallantry awards.
    • Conferred to recognize meritorious acts of human nature in saving the life of a person in incidents like drowning, accidents, or natural calamities.
    • The Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak is the highest of the three categories, awarded for conspicuous courage under circumstances of very great danger to the life of the rescuer.

    Important Days

    1. International Clouded Leopard Day

    • Observed Date: August 4
    • Observing Organisation: Global conservation organisations / Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (India)
    • Objective: To raise global awareness about the elusive clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), highlight the severe threats of deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, and mobilize coordinated conservation efforts to protect the remaining population of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals.

     

    2. Hiroshima Day

    • Observed Date: August 6
      Observing Organisation: Global peace organisations and the City of Hiroshima
    • Objective: To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the 1945 atomic bombing (when the US dropped the “Little Boy” bomb), honour the victims and the survivors known as Hibakusha, and reinforce the global commitment to peace, non-violence, and complete nuclear disarmament.
    • Theme: “Remembrance, Responsibility, and Resilience”

     

    3. National Handloom Day (12th Edition)

    • Observed Date: August 7
    • Observing Organisation: Government of India
    • Objective: To commemorate the launch of the 1905 Swadeshi Movement, celebrate India’s diverse weaving traditions, and recognise the socio-economic and cultural contributions of 35.22 lakh handloom workers (over 72% of whom are women), aiming to converge cultural heritage with sustainable economic growth for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Historical Genesis: The date marks the formal proclamation of the Swadeshi Movement at the Calcutta Town Hall on August 7, 1905.
    • Inception: The observance was officially declared by the Union Government in 2015.
    • Demographic Significance: The sector is a vital source of rural employment, supporting 35.22 lakh workers, of which 25.46 lakh (over 72%) are women.

    Key Government Schemes:

    Scheme / Initiative

    Key Exam Fact

    Weaver MUDRA Scheme

    Credit assistance provided at a concessional 6% interest rate.

    National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)

    Integrated cluster development with financial assistance up to ₹2 crore.

    Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS)

    Offers a 15% price subsidy on specified yarns and reimburses freight charges.

    India Handloom Brand

    Ensures quality certification and product authenticity for premium market positioning.

     

    4. Quit India Movement Day (84th Anniversary)

    • Observed Date: August 8
    • Observing Organisation: Government of India / National Observance
    • Objective: To commemorate the 1942 launch of the historic Bharat Chhodo Andolan, honour the mass civil disobedience and sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters, and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democratic values, patriotism, and unity.

     

    5. World Oceans Day 2026

    • Observed Date: June 8
    • Observing Organisation: United Nations (UN)
    • Objective: To honour, protect, and conserve the ocean, raise global awareness about the impact of human actions such as overfishing and pollution, and mobilize a worldwide movement for the sustainable management of marine resources.
    • Theme: “REIMAGINE: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean”

     

    6. Nagasaki Day (81st Anniversary)

    • Observed Date: August 9
    • Observing Organisation: Global Peace Organisations and the City of Nagasaki
    • Objective: To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the devastating 1945 atomic bombing, honour the victims and survivors (Hibakusha), and advocate for global nuclear disarmament, arms control, and lasting peace.

     

    7. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026

    • Observed Date: August 9
    • Observing Organisation: United Nations (UN)
    • Objective: To protect Indigenous rights, celebrate their resilience, and recognise their vital contributions to environmental conservation and cultural diversity while highlighting the crucial role of traditional Indigenous knowledge in safeguarding community health.
    • Theme: “Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being”

     

    8. World Lion Day 2026

    • Observed Date: August 10
    • Observing Organisation: Global Wildlife Conservation Organisations (Founded by Big Cat Rescue)
    • Objective: To raise global awareness about rapidly declining wild lion populations, highlight their critical role as apex predators in maintaining ecological balance, and mobilize international efforts to mitigate threats such as habitat fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

    Ranks & Reports

    Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List 2026

    Why in News: The 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List was officially unveiled, recognising 117 influential female achievers across 12 diverse sectors.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Top Ranker: Meena Bindra (83 years old), the founder of the popular ethnic wear brand BIBA, secured the overall first position on the list.
    • Youngest in Top 10: Paralympic gold medallist Avani Lekhara (24 years old) secured the 6th position, making her the youngest person in the overall top 10 rankings.
    • Evaluation Criteria: The list utilizes quantitative metrics such as company valuations, annual revenues, sporting achievements, and digital presence.
    • Geographic Hubs: A significant majority of the honourees are based in the corporate and political hubs of Mumbai and New Delhi.
    • Category Leaders:
      • Oldest Leader List: Topped by Rajni Bector (86 years old) of Bectors Food Specialities.
      • Youngest Leader List: Topped by teenage Paralympian Sheetal Devi.

    Key Rankings Overview:

    Rank

    Name

    Organization / Field

    Key Exam Fact

    1st

    Meena Bindra

    BIBA

    Overall top-ranked woman leader

    2nd

    Tushara Shankar

    Lupin

    Ranked second overall

    3rd

    Rajni Bector

    Bectors Food Specialities

    Topped the Oldest Leaders category

    4th

    Vaishali Nigam Sinha

    ReNew Power

    Ranked fourth overall

    6th

    Avani Lekhara

    Paralympic Medallist

    Youngest achiever in the Top 10

    Sports

    1. India at the 23rd Commonwealth Games (2026)

    Context:

    India concluded its campaign at the 23rd Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland, securing the fourth position globally with a total of 39 medals.

    Salient Features

    • Host City & Edition: Glasgow, Scotland (23rd Edition).
    • Overall Medal Tally: India finished 4th with 39 Medals (13 Gold, 17 Silver, 9 Bronze). Australia topped the global standings with 171 medals.
    • Boxing Dominance: Boxing emerged as India’s primary contributor, yielding a record 10 medals (7 Gold, 3 Silver)—the highest-ever gold tally for any nation in boxing at a single CWG edition.
    • Impact of Reduced Roster: The 2026 Games featured a pared-back program that excluded traditional Indian strongholds, notably wrestling, badminton, table tennis, hockey, and shooting.
    • Historic Milestones: Despite the reduced roster, India recorded first-ever CWG gold medals in Judo and secured maiden medals in the Decathlon and Para Shot Put.

    Performance & Key Achievers

    Sport / Discipline

    Athlete Name

    Medal

    Key Exam Fact / Milestone

    Weightlifting

    Mirabai Chanu

    Gold

    Secured her 3rd consecutive CWG Gold medal

    Judo

    Asmita Dey

    Gold

    First Indian to win CWG Judo Gold

    Judo

    Harsh Singh

    Gold

    First Indian man to win CWG Judo Gold

    Para-Athletics (Shot Put)

    Sharmila Dhankar

    Gold

    Secured a historic gold in Para-Athletics

    Weightlifting

    Rishikanta Singh

    Silver

    India’s first Silver medallist at the 2026 Games

    Athletics (Track)

    Gulveer Singh

    Silver

    Dual medallist (Also won Bronze in 5,000m)

    Athletics (High Jump)

    Sarvesh Kushare

    Silver

    Secured podium finish in Men’s High Jump

    Weightlifting

    Lovepreet Singh

    Silver

    Narrowly missed gold by a 1kg deficit

    Weightlifting

    Harjinder Kaur

    Silver

    Continued India’s weightlifting medal rush

    Weightlifting

    Raja Muthupandi

    Silver

    Strengthened the overall weightlifting tally

    Weightlifting

    Ajaya Babu

    Silver

    Debuted on the CWG podium

    Weightlifting

    Gyaneshwari Yadav

    Silver

    Promising debut for the young weightlifter

    Athletics (Decathlon)

    Tejaswin Shankar

    Bronze

    First-ever CWG Decathlon medal for India

    Para-Athletics (Shot Put)

    Shilpa Shyla

    Bronze

    Secured a double podium for India alongside Sharmila

     

    2. Anahat Singh: First Indian World Junior Squash Champion

    Context: 18-year-old Anahat Singh became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship (Girls’ Singles) at the 2026 edition in Canada.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Historic Win: Defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the final, ending Egypt’s 15-year dominance in the girls’ singles category.
    • Venue: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
    • Key Fact: Previously gained prominence in 2022 as the youngest Indian athlete (age 14) at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

     

    3. Ajinkya Rahane Retires from International Cricket

    Context: Former Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has officially retired from all formats of international cricket.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Unbeaten Captaincy: Maintained an undefeated record as India’s Test captain (6 matches), most notably leading India to a historic 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in Australia (2020–21).
    • World Record: Holds the world record for the most catches by a fielder (non-wicketkeeper) in a single Test match (8 catches vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2015).
    • National Award: Conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2016.
    • Domestic Record: Captained Mumbai to its record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2024.

    Career Metrics at a Glance:

    Parameter

    Metric / Exam Fact

    Test Career

    85 Matches | 5,077 Runs (12 Centuries)

    ODI & T20I Career

    90 ODIs (2,962 runs) | 20 T20Is (375 runs)

    Test Captaincy

    6 Matches (Undefeated)

    Fielding Record

    8 Catches in a single Test (World Record)

    National Honour

    Arjuna Award (2016)

     

    4. Praggnanandhaa Wins Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026

    Context: 20-year-old Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won his maiden Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), a major leg of the Grand Chess Tour (GCT).

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Dominant Performance: Showcased exceptional consistency by topping both the rapid and blitz segments of the tournament separately.
    • Final Score & Margin: Finished with 23.5 points (securing a $50,000 prize money award), holding a decisive 1.5-point lead over runner-up Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan.
    • Tour Standings: Following this victory, Praggnanandhaa surged to the 2nd position in the overall 2026 Grand Chess Tour leaderboard.

     

    5. Suraj Kumar Chand Wins FISU World University Squash Title

    Context: Suraj Kumar Chand became the first Indian to win the men’s individual gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championship.

    Salient Features & Key Exam Facts:

    • Historic Win: Defeated Hungary’s Benedek Takács in the final held in Mumbai, India.
    • Track Record: Previously won a bronze medal at the 2024 edition in Johannesburg.
    • Women’s Title: Marta Domínguez (Spain) won the women’s singles event, becoming the first woman to defend her title in the tournament’s history.

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