Weekly Current Affairs One Liner
India Celebrates 80th Independence Day: PM Modi Delivers 13th Consecutive I-Day Speech
On 15 August 2026, the Government of India celebrated the 80th Independence Day at the Red Fort in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and delivered his 13th consecutive I-Day speech, becoming the 2nd Indian PM after Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, who delivered 17 I-Day addresses in a row. This year's celebrations featured dual themes: commemoration of the 150 years of Vande Mataram and 'Yuva Shakti-Leading the Journey to Viksit Bharat@ 2047'. For the first time in 8 decades, the national song Vande Mataram was played at the Red Fort by the Army band. PM Modi unveiled 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara', a 7-pronged development strategy covering manufacturing, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, defence, green economy, and soft power. Key announcements included: training 1 crore youth in AI skills within a year, a nationwide talent hunt for sporting talent among children aged 5-15, free online coaching for competitive exams, creation of a Civil Defence network, a target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, and 5 new nuclear reactors within this decade.
Over 200 Operatives of ISI-Backed Terror Group Arrested Ahead of Independence Day
Home Minister Amit Shah announced that more than 200 operatives of the ISI-backed terrorist group Shahzad Bhatti Network were arrested ahead of Independence Day across the country. The Modi government destroyed the network and thwarted its plans for subversive attacks.
CCI Hosts BRICS Competition Authorities Meeting in Udaipur, Rajasthan
The Competition Commission of India (CCI), under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, hosted the Meeting of Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The CCI presented a collaborative study titled "Emerging Competition Landscape in the Renewable Energy Sector in BRICS" and a Joint Statement on strengthening cooperation to promote fair competition in RE markets.
NITI Aayog Identifies Four High-Potential Manufacturing Sectors for Global Hub Ambition
NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Ashok Kumar Lahiri released the report "Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub", identifying 12 manufacturing sectors including automobiles, electronics, steel, capital goods, defence and drones, chemicals, solar PV, textiles, pharmaceuticals, telecom equipment, leather, and food processing. Four high-potential sectors were highlighted: chemicals, textiles, telecom equipment, and solar PV manufacturing.
IN-SPACe Approves India's First Fully Commercial Earth Observation Satellite Constellation
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that IN-SPACe approved India's first indigenous, fully commercial Earth Observation constellation under PPP model with Allied Orbits Private Limited consortium (led by PixxelSpace, Dhruva Space, PierSight Space, and Satsure Analytics). The 12-satellite constellation with panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral and SAR capabilities will involve an investment of over Rs 1,200 crore and be operational by 2029.
L&T to Set Up India's Largest NVIDIA B300 AI Factory in Chennai
Larsen & Toubro, through its AI infrastructure arm LTN Compute and Vyoma.AI, secured a Rs 10,000-15,000 crore order to build India's largest single-cluster NVIDIA B300 AI factory at its Chennai data centre campus for US-based Together AI.
Jharkhand Government Cancels JSSC-CGL Exam After 24 Days of Student Protests
Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination and all exams conducted by a tainted outsourced agency since 2014. However, protest leader Ravindra Paswan said the agitation would continue demanding a CBI probe into examination irregularities.
Supreme Court Dismisses Plea to Abolish Execution by Hanging
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking abolition of hanging and replacement with less painful methods like intravenous lethal injection. The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said the verdict would not preclude the Centre from reviewing execution methods through an expert body.
PM CARES Fund Saw 592% Jump in Donations to Rs 480 Crore in 2024-25
The PM CARES Fund saw donations grow by 592% in 2024-25 to nearly Rs 480 crore, as per audited financial statements made available after failing to upload disclosures since 2022-23.
Supreme Court Directs Government Response on Paper Leak Probe Plea
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to respond to a plea for standard questionnaire and special investigation procedure to ensure time-bound investigation and speedy trial of paper leak cases. Petitioner Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay also sought assessment of perpetrators' entire property.
BJP Announces Poll In-Charges for UP, Punjab, and Gujarat Assembly Elections 2027
BJP appointed Vinod Tawde as poll in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, Satish Poonia for Punjab, and Tarun Chug for Gujarat for the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.
Supreme Court Forms High-Powered Committee to Probe Student Protest Violence
The Supreme Court ordered a High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) headed by Justice (Retd.) R. Subhash Reddy to examine police violence during NEET-UG protests. Members include Justice Ravi Shankar Jha, Justice Shalinder Kaur, former CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla, and retired DGP Dr. L.R. Bishnoi.
Jharkhand HC Stays Cancellation of Appointments Through 11th-13th JPSC Exams
The Jharkhand High Court stayed notifications cancelling appointments of government staff through 11th to 13th JPSC examinations and food safety officers. The Court asked the State to reply by September 15.
District Collectors in 8 States Empowered to Grant Citizenship Under CAA
The MHA transferred CAA 2019 citizenship application processing from Empowered Committees to District Collectors in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, J&K, and Ladakh.
Supreme Court Scraps 1978 'Industry' Precedent for New Labour Code
A nine-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant held that the expansive 1978 interpretation of 'industry' from Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa will not apply under the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
Unauthorised Structures Outside Pakistan High Commission Demolished in Delhi
Authorities demolished structures outside the Pakistan High Commission found beyond the mission's approved boundary, including queue-management installations near the visa section.
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar Dies at 84
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, serving life sentence in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, died at Safdarjung Hospital at age 84.
Southern Zonal Council: Tamil Nadu CM Seeks Fair Treatment from Centre
At the 31st Southern Zonal Council in Mamallapuram chaired by HM Amit Shah, Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay said southern States seek fair and equitable fiscal treatment, not preferential treatment, as India prepares for the next Finance Commission.
Amit Shah Calls Congress's Vande Mataram Decision 'Anti-National'
HM Amit Shah attacked Congress for rendering only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party functions, terming it "appeasement politics" and "anti-national".
Maharashtra Drafts Law to Regulate Coaching Centres After NEET Leak
Maharashtra became the first state to draft legislation to regulate coaching centres, bringing the unregulated coaching industry under statutory framework post-NEET scandal.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Double Standard in Pune Rally
Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi over remarks about young women protesters, saying "boys can abuse but PM gets cultural shock if girls do it."
NDA Plans Joint Polls for 22 States with Lok Sabha 2029
The NDA is considering advancing One Nation One Election by holding joint polls for 22 states and UTs alongside the 2029 Lok Sabha election, ahead of the 2034 timeline.
NSA Ajit Doval to Visit China for 25th Special Representatives Talks
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will visit Beijing for talks with Wang Yi on the India-China boundary issue. The 25th round comes ahead of the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.
Congress Questions Delay in Proroguing Parliament, Alleges Delimitation Plot
Jairam Ramesh asked whether HM Amit Shah was seeking a two-thirds majority to pass a Constitutional amendment on delimitation in a special session.
Panama-Flagged Ship Sinks Off Odisha Coast with 24 Crew Members
A Panama-flagged ship sank off Odisha coast with 24 crew members; rescue operations are underway.
Professor Arrested for Using Endoscope Camera to Leak Exam Paper in Chhattisgarh
A professor was arrested for using an endoscope camera and needle to photograph and leak an agriculture exam paper. Six people arrested in total.
ED Books J&K Deputy CM's Brother in PMLA Case
The Enforcement Directorate booked the brother of Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister in a money laundering case, adding political pressure to the NC-led government.
RBI Announces Overnight VRRR Auction of Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore
The Reserve Bank of India announced an overnight Variable Rate Reverse Repo auction of up to Rs 1.5 lakh crore to manage liquidity conditions.
Kharif Crops Sown in Over 1000 Lakh Hectares
The Ministry of Agriculture reported Kharif crops sown in over 1000 lakh hectares, with rice covering more than 379 lakh hectares.
31 New Applications Approved Under Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme
The government approved 31 new ECMS applications, expected to generate over 9,000 employment opportunities.
NTA Announces Re-Test for Three UGC-NET June 2026 Papers
The National Testing Agency announced a retest for three UGC-NET June 2026 papers following complaints of errors in question papers.
First-Ever Guide to Grasslands of India Launched at COP17
The first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems of India was launched at COP17 in Mongolia.
15 People Receive National Anubhav Awards
15 people were conferred National Anubhav Awards for contributions to nation-building.
Indian Army Contingent Departs for Thailand for MAITREE-XV Exercise
An Indian Army contingent departed for Thailand for Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV.
India to Host 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi
India is set to host the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers Meeting in New Delhi.
India-Nepal Sign MoUs for 8 Development Projects Worth NPR 803 Million
India and Nepal signed MoUs for 8 High Impact Community Development Projects in Nepal worth NPR 803 million through Indian grant assistance. Projects focus on education, health, and agriculture across 7 districts in 4 provinces.
India-Bangladesh Ties: Envoy Hopeful of PM's Early Visit to India
The Indian envoy expressed hope for Bangladesh PM's "much sooner" visit to India, stating issues can be resolved through talks.
US President Trump Warns Oman Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump warned Oman against deals with Iran over Strait of Hormuz control, threatening to bomb if it interferes.
Six Indians Hijacked by Pirates Off Somalia's Puntland Coast
Six Indians among 10 crew members were hijacked by pirates on MV LUTUF off Somalia's Puntland coast. The vessel, carrying Turkish weapons, was last located in East Africa.
SEBI Proposes Mandatory Colour-Coded Credit Risk-o-Meter for Debt Securities
SEBI proposed a mandatory colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter mapping credit ratings (AAA to D) into six visual risk levels to help investors assess credit risk easily.
IFSCA Grants Investment Banking License to Nexent Capital in GIFT City
The International Financial Services Centres Authority granted an Investment Banking license to Nexent Capital IFSC Private Limited to operate from GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
India's Total Exports Grow 13.3% YoY in July 2026
India's total exports (merchandise and services) registered a robust 13.3% year-on-year growth in July 2026.
Forex Reserves Rise by $14.1 Billion to $707 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $14.1 billion to $707 billion during the week ended August 7, 2026.
FM Announces High-Powered Committee on Banking Reforms
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government will soon constitute a high-powered committee on banking reforms.
JSW Neo Energy-DGPC Pact for 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydro Project in Bhutan
JSW Neo Energy and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation signed an agreement for the 920 MW Punatsangchhu-III Hydroelectric Project in Wangdue Phodrang District. The BOOT-based JV has DGPC holding 51% and JSW 49%. This marks JSW's first power venture outside India.
Google Offers Free 1-Year AI Subscription to College Students
Google announced a free one-year Google AI subscription for eligible college students, including 4x higher Gemini usage limits, 5 TB storage, and Google Health. In India, the plan costs Rs 399/month normally.
Union Cabinet Approves Rs 13,041 Crore for Railway and Highway Projects
The Cabinet approved four railway multi-tracking projects (Howrah-Chennai route) for Rs 9,450 crore and the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa Corridor (NH-22) for Rs 3,591 crore.
North Eastern Railway Launches Longest-Ever Freight Train 'Awadh Mahashakti'
The NER launched 'Awadh Mahashakti', its longest-ever freight train, from Gonda to Sitapur covering 160 km in 3 hours 50 minutes at 42 kmph average speed.
Buffalo Meat Exports Rise 66.6% to Nearly $1.5 Billion
India's buffalo meat exports rose 66.6% from $896.8 million (Apr-Jun 2025) to nearly $1.5 billion (Apr-Jun 2026), making India the world's 3rd largest bovine meat exporter.
Flying Wedge Defence Unveils India's First AI Fighter Jet 'FWD Supreme Lite'
Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace unveiled 'FWD Supreme Lite', India's first AI-piloted fighter jet programme with 30-hour endurance and 3,000 km range. The 250 kg demonstrator is progressing through airframe development and ground testing, designed around the "Mobbing Doctrine" for numerical and tactical asymmetry.
Draft SHANTI Rules 2026 Propose No-Fault Liability for Nuclear Operators
The government released draft SHANTI Rules, 2026, proposing strict no-fault liability for nuclear operators with mandatory insurance/financial security. The rules expand nuclear technology scope to quantum tech, HPC, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI beyond electricity generation.
Astronomers Discover 'Mega-Earth' Exoplanet GJ 523b
Astronomers discovered GJ 523b, a 170-million-year-old rocky exoplanet 23 times Earth's weight and 2.5 times larger, informally dubbed "mega-Earth".
Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand Win BWF World Championships 2026
World No. 39 Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand created history by winning the BWF World Championships 2026 women's doubles title, defeating Chinese pair Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian at Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi.
Neeraj Chopra Set for Lausanne Diamond League 2026
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to compete in the Lausanne Diamond League (Athletissima) in Switzerland, his third league of 2026 after winning silver at the Commonwealth Games.
PV Sindhu Advances to Second Round at BWF World Championships
PV Sindhu advanced to the second round of women's singles at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi.
India Defeats Sri Lanka by 165 Runs in First Test at Galle
India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle, taking a 1-0 lead. Manav Suthar's 10-wicket haul inflicted a third successive home series defeat on Sri Lanka.
India to Face England in FIH Hockey World Cup Pool D Clash
India will face England in a crucial Pool D clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup.
Chandrasekaran to Step Down as Tata Sons Chairman in February 2027
Natarajan Chandrasekaran will step down as Executive Chairman of Tata Sons on February 20, 2027, completing his term. Appointed in 2017 and reappointed in 2022, he led Tata Group's expansion into digital businesses, aviation, electronics manufacturing, and semiconductors over nearly 40 years since joining TCS as an intern in 1987.
Gaj Gaurav Award 2026 Honours Jaldapara Forest Staff
The MoEFCC conferred Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026 in Visakhapatnam on World Elephant Day. Seven mahouts and handlers from Jaldapara National Park, West Bengal were honoured for bravery during flash floods, rescuing elephants and guiding 13 rhinoceroses to safety.
15 National Anubhav Awards Conferred
15 people received National Anubhav Awards for contributions to nation-building.
Kirti Chakra Awardee Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan Passes Away
Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan (Retd), Kirti Chakra and VSM awardee, and the Indian Army's first wheelchair-borne General, passed away at age 70 in New Delhi. A 7 PARA SF officer, he led a 1994 counter-terrorist operation in J&K despite severe injuries.
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar Dies at 84
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, died at Safdarjung Hospital at age 84.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas)
Observed annually on August 14 to remember victims of the 1947 Partition. August 14, 2026 marked the 6th annual commemoration, officially designated by PM Modi in 2021.
Karnataka Approves Sandhya Kiran Scheme: Rs 5 Lakh Healthcare Cover for Pensioners
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Sandhya Kiran scheme under Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka for state pensioners below 70 years. It covers 4.93 lakh beneficiaries with Rs 5 lakh annual family health cover. The contributory model includes 1.25% from service pensioners and 0.75% from family pensioners.
AP Govt Signs Pact with CSIR-NGRI for Lithium & Gallium Exploration
The Andhra Pradesh Government signed an agreement with CSIR-NGRI for exploration of lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin. The Rs 140 crore project is 100% funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust. AP also signed with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad-TEXMiN to establish a Centre of Excellence for mining.
Haryana Cuts Infrastructure Assessment Time from 45 Days to 1-2 Days Using GIS
Haryana is using GIS-based technology under PM GatiShakti to cut infrastructure site-feasibility assessments from 40-45 days to just 1-2 days.
Manipur Declares 3-Day Closure of Schools and Colleges
Manipur declared closure of all schools, colleges, and higher education institutes from August 20-22 due to the prevailing law-and-order situation.
Delhi Removes Third Language Barrier for Class 10 Board Eligibility
The Delhi government removed the provision mandating students to qualify in the third language (R3) to be eligible for Class 10 board examinations.
West Bengal Folk Industries to be Promoted Under Skill India
West Bengal's traditional folk industries will be promoted under the Skill India Programme.
India's First Virtual Zoo Opens in Indore
India's first virtual zoo opened in Indore with 14-D cinema and virtual jungle safari facilities.
Odisha Floods Damage Nearly 42,000 Hectares of Cropland
The flood situation in Odisha remains grim with nearly 42,000 hectares of cropland suffering damage.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Shifting Office to Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai
TN CM C. Joseph Vijay is shifting his office to accommodate visiting foreign dignitaries, secretaries, and over 200 officials to "create a new vision for the State."
Karnataka Assures Only 5 TMC Cauvery Water for Drinking, Rest for Tamil Nadu
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar assured HM Amit Shah that only 5 TMC Cauvery water will be used for drinking, with the rest for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
| Category | Key Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| National | 80th Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort | Aug 15 |
| National | 200+ ISI-backed terrorists arrested | Aug 17 |
| National | Supreme Court forms HPEC on student protest violence | Aug 20 |
| Economy | India's exports grow 13.3% YoY in July | Aug 2026 |
| Economy | Forex reserves at $707 billion | Aug 7 |
| Science | India's first AI fighter jet FWD Supreme Lite unveiled | Aug 2026 |
| Space | IN-SPACe approves first commercial EO constellation | Aug 2026 |
| Sports | Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand win BWF World Championships | Aug 22 |
| Sports | India defeats Sri Lanka by 165 runs in 1st Test | Aug 20 |
| State | Karnataka approves Sandhya Kiran healthcare scheme | Aug 2026 |
| State | AP signs pact for lithium exploration in Kadapa Basin | Aug 12 |
| International | India-Nepal sign 8 MoUs worth NPR 803 million | Aug 2026 |
| International | 6 Indians hijacked by pirates off Somalia | Aug 22 |
| Banking | SEBI proposes colour-coded Credit Risk-o-Meter | Aug 2026 |
| Defence | Indian Army contingent departs for Exercise MAITREE-XV | Aug 2026 |
- 1 crore youth to be trained in AI skills in 1 year
- Nationwide talent hunt for sporting talent (ages 5-15)
- Free online coaching network for competitive exams
- Vibrant Civil Defence network for modern security challenges
- Target: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis
- 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047; 5 new reactors this decade
- 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' - 7-pronged development strategy unveiled
COMMENTS