Friday, Aug 07

Daily Current Affairs: 7 August 2026

Daily current affairs for 7 August 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 7 August 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. HDFC Bank launches 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts
  2. Andhra Pradesh Government Targets ₹9.3 Lakh Crore Investment in Visakhapatnam Economic Region
  3. Jupiter Wagons and Lucchini RS Partner to Build Railwheel Manufacturing Platform in India
  4. Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) sign codeshare partnership covering Delhi, Mumbai-Baku routes
  5. TRAI Revamps MyCall App to Improve Voice Call Quality via Real-Time User Feedback
  6. Telangana Seeks Higher Tummidihatti Barrage

Headlines by topic

Topic-wise current affairs headlines

All topic pages
Economy, Banking and Finance4 headlines
  1. HDFC Bank launches 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts
  2. Andhra Pradesh Government Targets ₹9.3 Lakh Crore Investment in Visakhapatnam Economic Region
  3. Jupiter Wagons and Lucchini RS Partner to Build Railwheel Manufacturing Platform in India
  4. Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) sign codeshare partnership covering Delhi, Mumbai-Baku routes
Open Economy & Banking topic page
Government Schemes and Policy8 headlines
  1. TRAI Revamps MyCall App to Improve Voice Call Quality via Real-Time User Feedback
  2. Telangana Seeks Higher Tummidihatti Barrage
  3. Kerala Launches AI-Led Governance Overhaul to Streamline Administration
  4. Maharashtra Bans Analogue Paneer for One Year
  5. PM-VBRY Completes 1 Year, 72 Lakh First-Time Workers Formalised
  6. NITI Aayog Releases Caregiving Report for Viksit Bharat@2047
  7. Ministry of Tourism Launches 'As Seen on Netflix' on Incredible India Portal to Boost Screen Tourism
  8. DGFT Notifies Norms for Inventory-Based E-Commerce Exports to Boost Outbound Shipments
Open Schemes & Policy topic page
International, Defence and Summits6 headlines
  1. India brings back 274 fugitives from 36 countries under Operation Trishul since 2019
  2. IAF Conducts Exercise ROTOR CLAP-III in Rajasthan to Enhance Counter-Drone Combat Capability
  3. Visakhapatnam and Moscow Sign MoC for Smart Urban Transport
  4. Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi from 23 to 25 October
  5. Massachusetts Governor Declares August 15 as India Day
  6. India Hosts BRICS National Statistical Offices Meeting in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on August 3, 2026
Open International & Defence topic page
Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment7 headlines
  1. Scientists Validate Darwin’s Theory in Saxifraga candelabrum
  2. China Develops Xianglong Tunnel Boring Machine
  3. IARC Classifies Three Medicines as Carcinogenic
  4. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launches ANUGYAN nuclear training programme
  5. Tata Group's Agratas Energy Storage Solutions develops in-house LFP battery technology
  6. Super Typhoon Dolphin in Pacific threatens to weaken India's monsoon rains
  7. Kerala Researchers Identify New Seahorse Species ‘Hippocampus amandavincentae’
Open Science & Environment topic page
Sports1 headline
  1. Arunachal’s Boleng to Host Asian Rafting Championships 2026
Open Sports topic page
Miscellaneous Current Affairs3 headlines
  1. Prashant Agrawal’s Book ‘Bringing the Cheetah Back to India’ Published on August 2, 2026
  2. Randstad Employer Brand Research 2026: Google tops India's most attractive employer ranking on August 5, 2026
  3. Hiroshima Day 2026 – August 6
Open Miscellaneous topic page
People, Positions and Obituaries2 headlines
  1. Karthikeyan Lanka Selected for National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Award 2026
  2. Tewolde Gebremariam Appointed as CEO and MD of Air India
Open People & Positions topic page
Jump to current affairs headlines
  1. HDFC Bank launches 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts
  2. Andhra Pradesh Government Targets ₹9.3 Lakh Crore Investment in Visakhapatnam Economic Region
  3. Jupiter Wagons and Lucchini RS Partner to Build Railwheel Manufacturing Platform in India
  4. Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) sign codeshare partnership covering Delhi, Mumbai-Baku routes
  5. TRAI Revamps MyCall App to Improve Voice Call Quality via Real-Time User Feedback
  6. Telangana Seeks Higher Tummidihatti Barrage
  7. Kerala Launches AI-Led Governance Overhaul to Streamline Administration
  8. Maharashtra Bans Analogue Paneer for One Year
  9. PM-VBRY Completes 1 Year, 72 Lakh First-Time Workers Formalised
  10. NITI Aayog Releases Caregiving Report for Viksit Bharat@2047
  11. Ministry of Tourism Launches 'As Seen on Netflix' on Incredible India Portal to Boost Screen Tourism
  12. DGFT Notifies Norms for Inventory-Based E-Commerce Exports to Boost Outbound Shipments
  13. India brings back 274 fugitives from 36 countries under Operation Trishul since 2019
  14. IAF Conducts Exercise ROTOR CLAP-III in Rajasthan to Enhance Counter-Drone Combat Capability
  15. Visakhapatnam and Moscow Sign MoC for Smart Urban Transport
  16. Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi from 23 to 25 October
  17. Massachusetts Governor Declares August 15 as India Day
  18. India Hosts BRICS National Statistical Offices Meeting in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on August 3, 2026
  19. Scientists Validate Darwin’s Theory in Saxifraga candelabrum
  20. China Develops Xianglong Tunnel Boring Machine
  21. IARC Classifies Three Medicines as Carcinogenic
  22. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launches ANUGYAN nuclear training programme
  23. Tata Group's Agratas Energy Storage Solutions develops in-house LFP battery technology
  24. Super Typhoon Dolphin in Pacific threatens to weaken India's monsoon rains
  25. Kerala Researchers Identify New Seahorse Species ‘Hippocampus amandavincentae’
  26. Arunachal’s Boleng to Host Asian Rafting Championships 2026
  27. Prashant Agrawal’s Book ‘Bringing the Cheetah Back to India’ Published on August 2, 2026
  28. Randstad Employer Brand Research 2026: Google tops India's most attractive employer ranking on August 5, 2026
  29. Hiroshima Day 2026 – August 6
  30. Karthikeyan Lanka Selected for National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Award 2026
  31. Tewolde Gebremariam Appointed as CEO and MD of Air India

Jump to current affairs

Headlines 07 August 2026
  1. HDFC Bank launches 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts
  2. Andhra Pradesh Government Targets ₹9.3 Lakh Crore Investment in Visakhapatnam Economic Region
  3. Jupiter Wagons and Lucchini RS Partner to Build Railwheel Manufacturing Platform in India
  4. Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) sign codeshare partnership covering Delhi, Mumbai-Baku routes
  5. TRAI Revamps MyCall App to Improve Voice Call Quality via Real-Time User Feedback
  6. Telangana Seeks Higher Tummidihatti Barrage
  7. Kerala Launches AI-Led Governance Overhaul to Streamline Administration
  8. Maharashtra Bans Analogue Paneer for One Year
  9. PM-VBRY Completes 1 Year, 72 Lakh First-Time Workers Formalised
  10. NITI Aayog Releases Caregiving Report for Viksit Bharat@2047
  11. Ministry of Tourism Launches 'As Seen on Netflix' on Incredible India Portal to Boost Screen Tourism
  12. DGFT Notifies Norms for Inventory-Based E-Commerce Exports to Boost Outbound Shipments
  13. India brings back 274 fugitives from 36 countries under Operation Trishul since 2019
  14. IAF Conducts Exercise ROTOR CLAP-III in Rajasthan to Enhance Counter-Drone Combat Capability
  15. Visakhapatnam and Moscow Sign MoC for Smart Urban Transport
  16. Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi from 23 to 25 October
  17. Massachusetts Governor Declares August 15 as India Day
  18. India Hosts BRICS National Statistical Offices Meeting in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on August 3, 2026
  19. Scientists Validate Darwin’s Theory in Saxifraga candelabrum
  20. China Develops Xianglong Tunnel Boring Machine
  21. IARC Classifies Three Medicines as Carcinogenic
  22. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launches ANUGYAN nuclear training programme
  23. Tata Group's Agratas Energy Storage Solutions develops in-house LFP battery technology
  24. Super Typhoon Dolphin in Pacific threatens to weaken India's monsoon rains
  25. Kerala Researchers Identify New Seahorse Species ‘Hippocampus amandavincentae’
  26. Arunachal’s Boleng to Host Asian Rafting Championships 2026
  27. Prashant Agrawal’s Book ‘Bringing the Cheetah Back to India’ Published on August 2, 2026
  28. Randstad Employer Brand Research 2026: Google tops India's most attractive employer ranking on August 5, 2026
  29. Hiroshima Day 2026 – August 6
  30. Karthikeyan Lanka Selected for National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Award 2026
  31. Tewolde Gebremariam Appointed as CEO and MD of Air India
Topic

Economy, Banking and Finance

View all Economy & Banking

HDFC Bank launches 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts

Key Updates:

  • HDFC Bank has launched 'Max for Seniors' and 'Max for Her' savings accounts under its Savings Max portfolio.
  • The accounts are designed for senior citizens and women, focusing on financial security, financial management, lifestyle benefits and banking convenience.
  • According to government data, India's senior-citizen population is expected to reach around 230 million by 2036, about 15% of the country's population.
  • Women currently hold 39.2% of bank accounts and contribute 39.7% of total deposits in India.
  • Both accounts offer cyber protection, Auto Sweep facility for fixed-deposit-like returns, insurance cover, health support and lifestyle privileges.
  • Max for Seniors offers digital fraud insurance cover of up to ₹25,000, doorstep banking, health-related support and wellness privileges, and an additional 0.5% FD interest on Auto Sweep facility.
  • Max for Seniors includes personal accidental death cover on debit card up to ₹3.19 crore and airport lounge access.
  • Max for Her offers complimentary health check-up, lifestyle vouchers, airport lounge access and locker charge discount.
  • Max for Her includes debit card accidental death cover up to ₹3.19 crore and an additional accident cover up to ₹10 lakh.
  • HDFC Bank's 'Premium Speciale Savings' suite for senior citizens and women provides enhanced cyber protection, curated lifestyle benefits and additional privileges.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Andhra Pradesh Government Targets ₹9.3 Lakh Crore Investment in Visakhapatnam Economic Region

Key Updates:

  • The Andhra Pradesh government aims to attract up to ₹9.3 lakh crore investment in the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER).
  • The state government will invest between ₹3.5 lakh crore and ₹4 lakh crore in the VER project.
  • The VER project expects to attract ₹5.3 lakh crore from the private sector.
  • The development plan includes an AI data centre ecosystem, port-related industries, tourism, and hydrogen, clean-tech and energy projects.
  • The VER development will extend from Mulapeta Port to Rajahmundry's Akhanda Godavari project.
  • The 'Bay City' project will serve as the anchor for the VER development.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Jupiter Wagons and Lucchini RS Partner to Build Railwheel Manufacturing Platform in India

Key Updates:

  • Jupiter Wagons Limited and Italy's Lucchini RS Holding S.p.A. have partnered to establish India's first fully integrated private-sector railwheel manufacturing platform.
  • Under the partnership, Lucchini RS and Italian government-backed financial institution SIMEST S.p.A. will acquire a combined 25 per cent stake in Jupiter Tatravagonka Railwheel Factory Pvt Ltd (JTRWF) for approximately €28 million (around ₹307 crore).
  • Lucchini RS will acquire a 15 per cent stake, while SIMEST will acquire a 10 per cent stake in JTRWF under the binding agreements.
  • The investment is backed by the Government of Italy under the Sistema Italia framework.
  • The partnership will create an end-to-end manufacturing platform for railway wheels, axles and wheelsets, covering the complete value chain from raw material processing to finished products.
  • JTRWF currently operates a machining and wheelset assembly facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and is developing a greenfield manufacturing complex in Odisha.
  • Once operational, the Odisha facility will become India's first fully integrated private-sector railwheel manufacturing platform.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Indian Railways unveiled eight new structural reforms under the Reform Express initiative to modernise freight operations. Containerised transportation of fly ash using ISO-standard containers was introduced to enable…


Air India and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) sign codeshare partnership covering Delhi, Mumbai-Baku routes

Key Updates:

  • Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) entered into a codeshare partnership with Air India, building on an existing interline agreement between the two carriers.
  • Air India will place its code on AZAL-operated daily flights between Delhi and Baku and between Mumbai and Baku.
  • AZAL is currently the sole carrier on the Delhi-Baku and Mumbai-Baku routes.
  • Passengers from Delhi, Mumbai, and beyond can travel to Baku on a single Air India ticket.
  • Azerbaijan Airlines' Chief Commercial Officer Jamil Manizade said the partnership supports the airline's expansion of international connectivity through strategic partnerships.
  • In mid-June, AZAL signed a separate codeshare agreement with Uzbekistan Airways covering Baku-Tashkent and Baku-Samarkand routes.
  • In 2025, Air India signed a codeshare agreement with Air Astana for flights from Almaty to Delhi and Mumbai.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage


Topic

Government Schemes and Policy

View all Schemes & Policy

TRAI Revamps MyCall App to Improve Voice Call Quality via Real-Time User Feedback

Key Updates:

  • TRAI launched the revamped MyCall mobile application to enable consumers to assess and report voice-calling experience and quality.
  • The app allows consumers to rate voice calls on a 1-to-5-star scale and report issues such as call drops, echo, audio delay, cross-connection, and voice breaking.
  • Reported issues will be shared with respective service providers for corrective action.
  • TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said the crowdsourced data will help operators identify network deficiencies and take corrective action.
  • TRAI clarified that the MyCall app will not be mandatory and will not be integrated into native phone-calling apps.
  • Data from the app will not be used for direct punitive action; penalties will continue to be based on objective technical parameters from official network monitoring and drive tests.

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Related Current Affairs Coverage


Telangana Seeks Higher Tummidihatti Barrage

Key Updates:

  • Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy requested the Centre to convince Maharashtra to allow increasing the height of the Tummidihatti barrage on the Pranahita river from 148 metres to 150-152 metres.
  • The request was made during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil in New Delhi on August 5, 2026.
  • A study by the Central Water and Power Research Centre indicated no submergence issues even if the height is increased to 152 metres, as over 50% of submergence would be confined to the riverbed.
  • Increasing the barrage height would enable gravity flow of water, saving electricity costs involved in pumping.
  • The project aims to ensure water supply to the backward Adilabad district.
  • The Union Minister stated that a Central Water Commission meeting would be convened soon, followed by official-level and ministerial meetings between Telangana and Maharashtra.

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Related Current Affairs Coverage

The Himayat Sagar reservoir in Telangana recorded inflows of 150 cusecs and released 651 cusecs of water downstream. The water level at Himayat Sagar stood at 1,761.70 ft against its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 1,763.5…

On 1 August 2026, the Godavari river was in spate and the first flood warning was issued at Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage in Dowleswaram. All crest gates of the barrage were lifted to discharge 12.37 lakh cusecs of…

The Telangana government launched the Family Register initiative to issue Family Register Certificates through the MeeSeva platform. The Family Register will contain details such as Family Register Identification Number…


Kerala Launches AI-Led Governance Overhaul to Streamline Administration

Key Updates:

  • The Kerala government launched an AI-assisted governance overhaul to modernise its bureaucracy and improve ease of doing business and ease of living.
  • The reforms include the creation of a Co-ordination and Programme Management Division (CPMD) in the Office of the Chief Secretary to monitor priority projects.
  • A Business Policy and Process Re-engineering (BPPR) Cell has been established to revise the Secretariat Office Manual and Rules of Business using AI-assisted tools.
  • Kerala will implement a 'once-only' data-sharing principle by integrating DigiLocker-based document management for citizen services.
  • The SAMPATH portal will serve as a GIS-based digital register of state-owned land, buildings and other public assets.
  • The VEGAM framework aims to accelerate land acquisition by reducing the pre-notification process from 18-24 months to an estimated three to four months.

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Related Current Affairs Coverage

The Kerala Cabinet approved a five-point administrative reforms programme led by the General Administration Department. A Special Asset Management Platform will be developed as a registry of all government assets…

The Kerala government launched the Digital Square programme on July 25, 2026, to promote digital learning in primary schools. The programme is implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE)…


Maharashtra Bans Analogue Paneer for One Year

Key Updates:

  • Maharashtra enforced a one-year ban on the production, storage, and distribution of analogue or non-dairy paneer across the state.
  • The ban covers manufacturing, processing, packing, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, and distribution of analogue paneer.
  • Violators face up to six months of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
  • The ban is imposed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
  • Selling analogue paneer as genuine paneer constitutes an unfair trade practice under the food safety law.
  • Consumption of unsafe food leading to death can result in life imprisonment and a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.

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PM-VBRY Completes 1 Year, 72 Lakh First-Time Workers Formalised

Key Updates:

  • The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) completed one year of implementation on August 1, 2026.
  • Over 72 lakh first-time employees entered the formal workforce under PM-VBRY in its first year.
  • The scheme has an outlay of Rs 99,446 crore and is implemented from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2027.
  • PM-VBRY aims to generate employment for over 3.5 crore people, including 1.92 crore first-time employees.
  • Nearly 30 per cent of beneficiaries are women, and more than 15 lakh beneficiaries have received employment-linked incentives.
  • First-time employees earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month receive a one-time incentive equal to one month's EPF wage, capped at Rs 15,000, paid in two instalments.
  • Employers receive up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years for each eligible additional employee retained for at least six months.

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NITI Aayog Releases Caregiving Report for Viksit Bharat@2047

Key Updates:

  • The NITI Aayog report titled 'Reimagining Care: Strategies for Empowering Caregivers in Viksit Bharat@2047' presents India's caregiving ecosystem and outlines a roadmap for an organised, professional, accessible and future-ready care system.
  • India's care services market is projected to grow from USD 29.62 billion in 2023 to USD 72.31 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 13.76%.
  • The report highlights a dual care system comprising informal caregivers such as family, friends and communities, and formal caregivers such as trained professionals.
  • The elderly population in India is estimated at 149 million, or 10.5%, in 2022 and is projected to reach 347 million, or 20.8%, by 2050.
  • Urbanisation, migration, nuclear families and higher female workforce participation are reducing informal family caregiving.
  • Institutional initiatives highlighted in the report include the National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE), the SHATAYU Dashboard and the JEEVAN Application.
  • State-level initiatives highlighted include Karnataka's Carers Groups and monthly allowance for unpaid caregivers, and Kerala's Kudumbashree K for Care project.
  • Long-term care models covered in the report include social insurance, residual, local need-tested, private-insurance-based and societal care models.

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Related Current Affairs Coverage


Ministry of Tourism Launches 'As Seen on Netflix' on Incredible India Portal to Boost Screen Tourism

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Tourism partnered with Netflix to launch a dedicated 'As Seen on Netflix' section on the Incredible India portal.
  • The initiative was launched by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi.
  • The feature enables visitors to explore real-life locations, traditions and experiences showcased in Netflix India's productions.
  • It highlights destinations spanning heritage monuments, festivals, wildlife, landscapes and cultural experiences.
  • The launch coincided with an event commemorating ten years of Netflix in India, and a destination film on wildlife tourism was also unveiled.

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DGFT Notifies Norms for Inventory-Based E-Commerce Exports to Boost Outbound Shipments

Key Updates:

  • The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notified norms for inventory-based cross-border e-commerce exports.
  • On July 23, the government permitted FDI in an inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively for exports.
  • E-commerce companies with foreign investment must register as an 'Exporter-on-Record' (EOR) with DGFT to undertake export-only inventory operations.
  • The EOR must hold a valid IEC and GSTIN and be a separate legal entity incorporated for this purpose.
  • EORs can procure made-in-India goods from Indian Sellers-on-Record (SOR) only against confirmed overseas export orders.
  • Speculative stockpiling of inventory for export purposes is not permitted.
  • Export inventory must be distinctly identified, segregated, and maintained through a digital repository for complete traceability.
  • Export inventory cannot be diverted for sale in the domestic market.
  • Payment to Indian sellers must be made within the prescribed timeline and cannot be contingent on receipt of payment from overseas buyers.
  • Returned or rejected consignments must be re-exported, returned to the seller, or disposed of under prescribed procedures.
  • Disputes between the EOR and the seller will be referred to the DGFT's regional authority.
  • The framework aims to facilitate participation of Indian manufacturers, traders, and MSMEs in global e-commerce supply chains.

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Topic

International, Defence and Summits

View all International & Defence

India brings back 274 fugitives from 36 countries under Operation Trishul since 2019

Key Updates:

  • Operation Trishul has brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019.
  • Of these, 17 were wanted in terrorism and narco-terrorism cases, 42 in organised crime, and 53 in sexual offences cases.
  • The highest number of 70 fugitives were brought back in 2025, and 45 have been brought back till July 2026.
  • Fugitives were tracked using satellite imagery, surveillance, and digital footprints with help from IB, CBI, R&AW, and state police.
  • INTERPOL cooperation was used to establish locations of fugitives who had changed identities.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the number contrasts with four per year during the UPA regime.
  • The number is expected to rise further due to the Centre's war on drugs and a three-year roadmap for agencies.

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IAF Conducts Exercise ROTOR CLAP-III in Rajasthan to Enhance Counter-Drone Combat Capability

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Air Force (IAF) is conducting Exercise Rotor Clap-III, a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) drill, in Rajasthan.
  • The exercise brings together IAF helicopter units to validate operational concepts against emerging aerial threats.
  • Participating platforms include AH-64 Apache, Mi-25/35 and indigenous Prachand helicopter gunships, along with Chinook, Mi-17 and Dhruv transport and utility helicopters.
  • The exercise includes live firing of missiles and rockets.
  • Countering hostile drones is a key focus area, and several indigenous projects are under way to develop drones and counter-drone systems.
  • The IAF is reported to be planning to equip some helicopters with AI-embedded radars, jammers and micro-missiles as mobile airborne drone hunters.

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Related Current Affairs Coverage

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived in Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's premier biennial multinational air combat exercise. This marks the first time…


Visakhapatnam and Moscow Sign MoC for Smart Urban Transport

Key Updates:

  • The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and the Moscow government signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) to strengthen collaboration in sustainable urban transport, digital innovation, smart mobility, technology transfer, and industrial development.
  • The MoC was signed by GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg and Moscow deputy mayor Maksim Liksutov during the 5th International Transport Summit in Moscow.
  • The partnership will focus on developing modern and sustainable urban transport systems, intelligent transport systems, digitised ticketing, and integration of artificial intelligence in urban transport management.
  • The cooperation also includes exchange of expertise in autonomous transport, participation in urban transport data projects, and collaboration in automotive and electronics manufacturing, energy storage systems, and vertical transport solutions.
  • GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg said the MoC marks a significant step in Visakhapatnam's journey towards becoming a globally competitive, smart and sustainable city.

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Bharat International Rice Conference 2026 to Be Held in New Delhi from 23 to 25 October

Key Updates:

  • The second edition of the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 will be held from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
  • The Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), representing over 8,000 rice exporters, is organising BIRC 2026.
  • BIRC is a trade platform for the rice sector and is linked to international rice commerce, price discovery, and supply-chain discussions.
  • BIRC 2026 is planned as a global forum for rice exporters, buyers, and industry stakeholders from more than 120 countries.
  • India is the world’s largest rice exporter, shipping more than 20 million metric tonnes of rice annually to over 170 countries.
  • Organisers expect more than 30,000 delegates for BIRC 2026, with registrations crossing 19,193 by 3 August 2026, including 2,135 international buyers.
  • The conference will include a coordinated global crop survey and projections of future rice prices based on global demand and supply.
  • The inaugural BIRC 2025 was held on 30 and 31 October 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • BIRC 2025 attracted 10,854 visitors, including 1,083 international buyers from over 90 countries.
  • BIRC 2025 facilitated trade commitments worth ₹33,453 crore, or about USD 3.02 billion, covering about 8.63 million metric tonnes of rice.
  • Rice is a staple cereal grain in Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America and is one of the most traded food grains in the world.

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Massachusetts Governor Declares August 15 as India Day

Key Updates:

  • Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a proclamation on August 1, 2026, declaring August 15 as India Day.
  • The proclamation recognises the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the state and urges residents to participate in the observance.
  • Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also issued a similar proclamation declaring August 15 as India Day.
  • The proclamation notes that August 15, 2026, marks the 79th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule in 1947.
  • India has the largest diaspora in the world, with over 36 million people of Indian origin living abroad.
  • Over five million people of Indian origin reside in the United States, contributing to the nation's social, economic, and civic health.
  • The Indian-American community in Massachusetts has made significant contributions in medicine, science, technology, education, business, and public service.
  • Mayor Wu welcomed the opening of the new Indian Consulate in Boston and celebrated the visit of INS Sudarshini at the SAILBOSTON-250 event.

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India Hosts BRICS National Statistical Offices Meeting in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on August 3, 2026

Key Updates:

  • India hosted the two-day BRICS meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices (NSO) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, beginning on August 3, 2026.
  • The meeting was inaugurated under India's Chairship of the BRICS 2026 Statistics Track.
  • More than 350 participants, including NSO chiefs, policymakers, academics, think-tanks, civil society members and technical experts, attended the meeting.
  • The participating countries were Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE.
  • The draft BRICS Joint Statistical Publication (JPS) 2026 and Snapshot BRICS JSP 2026 were released on the opening day.
  • India chose 'Quality Statistics as Driver of Change' as the theme for the 2026 Statistics Track.
  • Saurabh Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), chaired the BRICS 2026 Statistics Track.
  • Technical sessions covered digital platforms for data accessibility and transformational reforms in statistical systems.

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The 5th BRICS working group meeting on geospatial technology is being held at IIT Tirupati from July 21 to July 23, 2026. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, United Arab…


Topic

Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment

View all Science & Environment

Scientists Validate Darwin’s Theory in Saxifraga candelabrum

Key Updates:

  • Scientists confirmed that Saxifraga candelabrum, a plant native to the Hengduan Mountains in southwest China, is carnivorous.
  • The plant grows at elevations above 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) and traps insects using sticky hairs on its stems and branches.
  • The study demonstrated that the plant digests and absorbs nutrients from insects, fulfilling the two key conditions for carnivory.
  • This is the first demonstrated case of carnivory in the saxifrage plant group (Saxifragaceae).
  • The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications on August 4, 2026.
  • The plant produces the digestive enzyme phosphatase, and genetic analysis revealed genes linked to prey attraction, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
  • Saxifraga candelabrum evolved carnivorous traits to survive in nutrient-poor, dry alpine soils, unlike typical carnivorous plants found in bogs.
  • The study supports a prediction made by Charles Darwin in 1875 about related Saxifraga species being carnivorous.

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China Develops Xianglong Tunnel Boring Machine

Key Updates:

  • The Xianglong tunnel boring machine, jointly developed by Tsinghua University and a subsidiary of China Railway Group, combines mechanical excavation with an integrated drilling and blasting system.
  • The machine has a diameter of 4.5 metres and was produced in Wuhan, Hubei province.
  • The hybrid design is expected to improve tunnelling efficiency through extremely hard rock by 30 percent.
  • The machine will undergo its first real-world trial at a pumped-storage hydropower project in Henan province.
  • China has become the world's leading manufacturer of tunnel boring machines, with exports to 36 countries.

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The Zojila tunnel will be India's longest road tunnel and is expected to be Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel with a total length of 14.15 kilometres. Located at an elevation of 11,578 feet, the tunnel connects…


IARC Classifies Three Medicines as Carcinogenic

Key Updates:

  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have classified hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus as Group 1 carcinogens.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic used for hypertension, was upgraded from Group 2B based on evidence of malignant liver tumours in male mice and adrenal gland pheochromocytomas in female rats.
  • Voriconazole, a broad-spectrum antifungal, is linked to an elevated risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, especially in immunocompromised patients like transplant recipients.
  • Both hydrochlorothiazide and voriconazole are photosensitising drugs that enhance genotoxicity and oxidative stress when combined with UV radiation.
  • Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection, is also classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and is listed as an essential medicine.

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Indian scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) developed an ultra-sensitive wearable ammonia gas sensor based on vanadium compounds. The sensor detects ammonia concentrations as low as 319 parts…


Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launches ANUGYAN nuclear training programme

Key Updates:

  • Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) launched ANUGYAN – Nuclear Technology Orientation Programme (NTOP) in collaboration with Crimson Energy Experts Private Limited (CEEPL) on August 3, 2026.
  • ANUGYAN is India's first industry-academia programme for the civil nuclear energy sector.
  • The three-month fully residential programme combines academic learning with industrial exposure.
  • The programme aims to meet the demand for trained professionals as India plans to increase nuclear power generation capacity from 8.8 GWe to 100 GWe by 2047.
  • The curriculum includes reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, radiation safety, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), engineering design, quality assurance, AERB regulatory compliance, and simulator-based training.
  • Participants completing the programme receive a joint certification from IITH and Crimson Energy Experts.
  • The launch supports the MoU signed by IITH, Dassault Systèmes, and Crimson Energy Experts to establish the Centre of Design Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (CODENE).

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Tata Group's Agratas Energy Storage Solutions develops in-house LFP battery technology

Key Updates:

  • Tata Group's Agratas Energy Storage Solutions is developing its own lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell technology.
  • A pilot production line for LFP cells is being set up at Agratas' upcoming battery manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
  • The in-house LFP development follows China's tighter controls on battery manufacturing technology exports, which made licensing agreements with Chinese companies unlikely.
  • Agratas' nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery programme is progressing through a technology licensing agreement with Japan's Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC).
  • The Sanand facility will manufacture both NMC and LFP battery cells, with commercial NMC production in India expected to begin in early 2027.
  • Agratas' battery plant in Somerset, England, is scheduled to commence production around the middle of next year.
  • Initially, battery cells from both facilities will be supplied to Jaguar Land Rover for its upcoming Range Rover Electric SUV.
  • LFP batteries are considered suitable for India's battery energy storage systems market due to lower costs, improved thermal stability and longer cycle life compared with NMC batteries.
  • Agratas is investing more than USD 400 million in a research and development centre in Bengaluru focused on LFP and lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery technologies.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) designed India's first indigenous expendable turbojet engine in the 350 kg thrust class. The engine was manufactured…


Super Typhoon Dolphin in Pacific threatens to weaken India's monsoon rains

Key Updates:

  • Super Typhoon Dolphin, an intense tropical cyclone in the western Pacific, has sustained winds exceeding 175 km/h and gusts reaching up to 210 km/h.
  • The typhoon has brought high sea swells, gale-force winds, and rainfall of 100 mm to 350 mm to Japan's Daito, Ogasawara, and Ryukyu Islands.
  • Meteorological models project Typhoon Dolphin to pass Taiwan and make landfall on China's eastern coast in Zhejiang, near Wenzhou or Taizhou, between August 8 and August 10.
  • The typhoon can weaken India's monsoon by siphoning moisture from the Bay of Bengal, suppressing the low-pressure systems and depressions that drive monsoon rains.
  • Typhoon Dolphin may also displace the monsoon trough and disrupt rain-bearing winds, potentially causing dry spells in interior agricultural belts.
  • Coastal western regions such as Kerala may temporarily experience enhanced westerly winds and heavy coastal rain.
  • Experts say the typhoon is unlikely to trigger a prolonged, full-scale break-monsoon period, and the duration of rain suppression depends on how rapidly the typhoon dissipates after landfall.

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Kerala has deployed ANNAM.AI smart weather stations in collaboration with IIT Ropar. The AI-powered stations provide real-time climate data at a 3 km resolution, tracking solar radiation, soil moisture, wind patterns…


Kerala Researchers Identify New Seahorse Species ‘Hippocampus amandavincentae’

Key Updates:

  • Researchers from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) identified a new seahorse species named Hippocampus amandavincentae.
  • The species was previously misclassified as the thorny seahorse Hippocampus histrix, a taxonomic error that persisted for over 150 years.
  • The discovery was published in the journal Zootaxa.
  • Lead author Shalu Kannan collected specimens from fish bycatch at the Tuticorin fisheries harbor.
  • The species is named in honor of marine biologist Amanda Vincent.
  • This is the fifth recognized seahorse species along the Kerala coast.
  • The new species was photographed alive at a depth of approximately 15 meters on rocky reefs off Anchuthengu.
  • Another species, Hippocampus jayakari, was also identified as previously misclassified as Hippocampus histrix.

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A new species of spreadwing damselfly, Lestes paloti, was discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The discovery is the first new Lestes species from the Western Ghats since 1929 and the first from India since 1987.

A new freshwater shrimp species, Caridina sharmai, was discovered in the Gomti River near Lucknow. The species was identified during surveys conducted between 2023 and 2024 by researchers from BSNV PG College, University…


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Sports

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Arunachal’s Boleng to Host Asian Rafting Championships 2026

Key Updates:

  • Boleng in Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, will host the 2026 Asian Rafting Championships from October 5 to 9.
  • Chief Minister Pema Khandu reviewed preparations for the championship with Asian Rafting Council President Shaukat Sikand.
  • The event aims to showcase Arunachal Pradesh's rivers, adventure sports potential, and hospitality to the international community.

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Miscellaneous Current Affairs

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Prashant Agrawal’s Book ‘Bringing the Cheetah Back to India’ Published on August 2, 2026

Key Updates:

  • The full title of the book is ‘Bringing the Cheetah Back to India: How Diplomacy Made Conservation’s Big Mission Possible’.
  • The book is authored by Prashant Agrawal, India’s former High Commissioner to Namibia.
  • The book was published by Hachette India on August 2, 2026.
  • The book has 224 pages and is priced at ₹599.
  • The book presents an insider’s account of Project Cheetah, the effort to reintroduce cheetahs to India after an absence of seven decades.
  • The cheetah was declared extinct in India in 1952.
  • Eight cheetahs arrived in Kuno on September 17, 2022, after the original target date of August 15, 2022 was missed.
  • During President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Botswana in November 2025, Botswana agreed to send eight additional cheetahs to India, and they arrived in February 2026.
  • By March 2026, India’s cheetah population had risen to 53, including 33 cubs born on Indian soil.

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the Specified Non-Financial Assets (SNFAs) framework for immovable assets acquired from defaulting borrowers by banks, NBFCs, and other regulated entities. The framework…


Randstad Employer Brand Research 2026: Google tops India's most attractive employer ranking on August 5, 2026

Key Updates:

  • Google topped the Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) 2026 rankings for India's most attractive employer brands.
  • Tata Group and Amazon secured the second and third positions, respectively, in the REBR 2026 India rankings.
  • Randstad India released the REBR 2026 report on August 5, 2026, based on a survey of nearly 3,500 respondents in India.
  • The global REBR 2026 study covered more than 1.75 lakh respondents across 34 markets.
  • The top 10 employer brands in India were Google, Tata Group, Amazon, Samsung India, Infosys, Reliance Industries, ITC Group, Hindustan Unilever, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Dell Technologies.
  • Work-life balance was cited by 49% of respondents as the biggest reason for leaving an organisation, followed by lack of career growth opportunities (42%) and low compensation (41%).

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Hiroshima Day 2026 – August 6

Key Updates:

  • Hiroshima Day is observed annually on August 6 to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.
  • The 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing was observed on August 6, 2026.
  • The atomic bombing of Hiroshima killed 140,000 people, and the Nagasaki bombing killed 70,000.
  • Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, ending World War II.
  • The Hiroshima Peace Memorial ceremony was attended by representatives from about 120 countries.
  • Kazumi Matsui, the Mayor of Hiroshima, delivered the peace declaration at the ceremony.

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World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from August 1 to 7. The week is organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.


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People, Positions and Obituaries

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Karthikeyan Lanka Selected for National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Award 2026

Key Updates:

  • Karthikeyan Lanka, Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay's Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering (CSRE) and Centre for Climate Studies, was selected for the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Award 2026 in the Earth Sciences category.
  • The announcement was made on 6 August 2026, and Prof. Lanka is one of the 10 recipients of the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026.
  • The award recognises his contributions to satellite remote sensing, hydrological research, and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and water resource management.
  • The award includes a medal, citation, and cash prize of ₹25,000, and is presented during NASI's Annual General Meeting.
  • His group developed one of India's first operational subseasonal agricultural drought forecasting systems with the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC), providing weekly forecasts across India at 9 km resolution with lead times of up to four weeks.
  • He joined IIT Bombay as Assistant Professor in January 2019 and was promoted to Associate Professor in February 2025.

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Indian-origin theoretical physicist Jainendra K Jain received the Wolf Prize in Physics for his discovery of composite fermions, which provided an explanation for the fractional quantum Hall effect. The award was…


Tewolde Gebremariam Appointed as CEO and MD of Air India

Key Updates:

  • Tewolde Gebremariam was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, succeeding Campbell Wilson.
  • The appointment was announced by Air India's Board of Directors following a global search.
  • Gebremariam previously served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than a decade.
  • Under his leadership at Ethiopian Airlines, revenue grew more than fourfold and the fleet nearly tripled.
  • He also led the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aviation training infrastructure, and international hub operations.

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