📰 Current Affairs
📅 13 Aug 2026, 12:00 AM
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Daily Current Affairs - 13 August 2026
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS
13 AUGUST 2026
Comprehensive daily compilation featuring structured analysis of key national, international, defense, science, electronic warfare, green mobility, and state governance developments.
Defence, Electronic Warfare & Security
Bilateral Air Exercise
13 August 2026
Indian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force Commence Joint Air Exercise 'Udarshakti 2026' at Subang Airbase
- Exercise Commencement: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) officially commenced the joint bilateral air exercise 'Udarshakti 2026' at Subang Airbase in Malaysia.
- Participating IAF Assets: The IAF contingent participated with frontline Su-30MKI multi-role fighter aircraft, C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift transport aircraft, and IL-78 mid-air refueling tankers.
- Operational Objectives: Designed to strengthen mutual combat capability, tactical air combat maneuvers, aerial refueling integration, complex defensive counter-air scenarios, and interoperability between both Commonwealth air forces.
- Bilateral Defence Relations: Solidifies the strategic defense partnership between India and Malaysia in the Indo-Pacific maritime region, building upon previous air combat drills.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Exercise 'Udarshakti 2026' at Subang Airbase enhances IAF-RMAF operational integration, fighter combat maneuvering, and bilateral defense ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
Static GK, Country & Service Leadership Details
• Country: Malaysia | Capital: Kuala Lumpur (Administrative: Putrajaya) | Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
• Prime Minister of Malaysia: Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim (In Office since 24 November 2022).
• King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong): Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (Sworn in on 31 January 2024).
• Chief of the Air Staff (India): Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (AP Singh) (In Office since 30 September 2024).
• Subang Airbase: Major military and civil airbase located in Shah Alam / Subang, Selangor, Malaysia.
• Prime Minister of Malaysia: Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim (In Office since 24 November 2022).
• King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong): Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar (Sworn in on 31 January 2024).
• Chief of the Air Staff (India): Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (AP Singh) (In Office since 30 September 2024).
• Subang Airbase: Major military and civil airbase located in Shah Alam / Subang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Defence R&D & Electronic Warfare
13 August 2026
DRDO Organizes Two-Day National Seminar on Electronic Warfare 'NETRA-2026' in Bengaluru
- National Seminar: DRDO organized NETRA-2026, a national seminar focusing on Electronic Warfare, Digital Twin technologies, and Mission-Critical System Design in Bengaluru.
- Seminar Schedule: Held on 11–12 August 2026, followed by an intensive technical workshop on 13 August 2026.
- Collaboration: Brought together defence personnel, DRDO scientists, and industry leaders to promote indigenous EW and mission-critical defence systems.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
DRDO's 'NETRA-2026' seminar in Bengaluru advances indigenous airborne electronic warfare technology, radar spoofing, and electromagnetic spectrum superiority for Indian Armed Forces.
Static GK, Organization & Defence Details
• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): Headquarters: New Delhi | Founded: 1958 | Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamat (In Office since August 2022).
• Union Minister of Defence: Shri Rajnath Singh (In Office since 31 May 2019).
• State: Karnataka | Capital: Bengaluru | Chief Minister: Shri Siddaramaiah (In Office since 20 May 2023) | Governor: Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot (In Office since 11 July 2021).
• NETRA System: Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system developed indigenously by DRDO and integrated on Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
• Union Minister of Defence: Shri Rajnath Singh (In Office since 31 May 2019).
• State: Karnataka | Capital: Bengaluru | Chief Minister: Shri Siddaramaiah (In Office since 20 May 2023) | Governor: Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot (In Office since 11 July 2021).
• NETRA System: Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system developed indigenously by DRDO and integrated on Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
Warship Launch & Aatmanirbhar Bharat
13 August 2026
Indian Navy Launches Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shruti' at GRSE Kolkata
- Warship Launch: The Indian Navy officially launched 'Shruti', the next-generation offshore patrol vessel (NGOPV), built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Indigenous Design & Tech: Features stealth hull geometry, high-speed diesel propulsion, advanced radar/sonar suite, indigenous weapons, automated fire-control systems, and a dedicated helicopter deck.
- Mission Capabilities: Engineered for long-range EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, coastal security enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), and maritime interdiction.
- Make in India Achievement: Achieved over 75% indigenous component content, strengthening India's self-reliance in naval defense manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
The launch of NGOPV 'Shruti' at GRSE Kolkata bolsters Indian Navy's coastal surveillance, EEZ protection, and indigenous warship manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Static GK, State & Navy Details
• Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (Assumed office 31 May 2026).
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General N. S. Raja Subramani.
• GRSE: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. | Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
• State: West Bengal | Capital: Kolkata | Chief Minister: Shri Suvendu Adhikari | Governor: Shri R. N. Ravi.
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General N. S. Raja Subramani.
• GRSE: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. | Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
• State: West Bengal | Capital: Kolkata | Chief Minister: Shri Suvendu Adhikari | Governor: Shri R. N. Ravi.
Green Mobility & Infrastructure
EV Infrastructure & Ministry Report
13 August 2026
Karnataka Leads India in Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations under Ministry Data
- National EV Ranking: According to Ministry of Power / PM E-DRIVE data, Karnataka ranks #1 in India with the highest number of operational public EV charging stations.
- State-wise Distribution: Karnataka leads with 6,097 public charging stations, followed by Maharashtra with 4,155, Uttar Pradesh with 2,326, Delhi with 1,967, and Tamil Nadu with 1,781.
- Central Support Scheme: Supported under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme with an allocation of ₹2,000 crore dedicated to public charging infrastructure across highways and urban hubs.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Karnataka ranks first in India in public EV charging stations with 6,097 stations, followed by Maharashtra (4,155) under PM E-DRIVE Scheme data.
Static GK, State & Ministry Details
• State: Karnataka | Capital: Bengaluru.
• Chief Minister of Karnataka: Shri Siddaramaiah.
• Governor of Karnataka: Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot.
• Union Minister of Heavy Industries: Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy.
• Flagship Scheme: PM E-DRIVE Scheme (₹2,000 Crore Allocation).
• Chief Minister of Karnataka: Shri Siddaramaiah.
• Governor of Karnataka: Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot.
• Union Minister of Heavy Industries: Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy.
• Flagship Scheme: PM E-DRIVE Scheme (₹2,000 Crore Allocation).
State Governance, Social Welfare & Taxation
State Fiscal Policy & Social Security
13 August 2026
Himachal Pradesh Government Imposes 60 Paise Per Litre 'Orphan & Widow Cess' on Petrol and Diesel
- Social Security Cess Levy: The State Government of Himachal Pradesh notified a social security cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and diesel retail sales across all districts.
- Dedicated Welfare Fund: The revenue generated from this cess is earmarked exclusively for funding state social welfare schemes targeting orphan children (Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana) and destitute widows (Mukhyamantri Lwali & Vidhwa Awas Yojana).
- State Responsibility: Supports institutional care, monthly living stipends, vocational training, and housing assistance for over 4,000 declared 'Children of the State' (orphans) and destitute widowed women in Himachal Pradesh.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Himachal Pradesh levies a 60 paise/litre social welfare cess on petrol & diesel to fund orphan care (*Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana*) and widow housing.
Static GK, State & Leadership Details
• State: Himachal Pradesh | Capital: Shimla.
• Chief Minister: Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
• Governor of Himachal Pradesh: Shri Kavinder Gupta.
• Welfare Levy: 60 paise per litre social security cess on petrol and high-speed diesel for orphan and widow welfare.
• Chief Minister: Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
• Governor of Himachal Pradesh: Shri Kavinder Gupta.
• Welfare Levy: 60 paise per litre social security cess on petrol and high-speed diesel for orphan and widow welfare.
State Cultural Policy & Mandate
13 August 2026
Tamil Nadu Government Makes State Song 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' Mandatory Before All Events in Educational & Government Institutions
- Mandatory State Anthem Order: The Government of Tamil Nadu mandated the compulsory singing of the official State Anthem 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' (Invocation to Mother Tamil) at the commencement of all official functions in schools, colleges, universities, and government offices across the state.
- State Anthem Protocol: Authored by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai and set to music by M. S. Viswanathan; officially declared as Tamil Nadu's State Anthem in December 2021.
- Protocol Enforcement: Requires all attendees (except differently-abled persons) to stand in solemn respect while the 55-second anthem is sung or played.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Tamil Nadu mandates the singing of State Anthem 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' at the start of all educational and government institution events.
Static GK, State & Cultural Details
• State: Tamil Nadu | Capital: Chennai.
• Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: C. Joseph Vijay (TVK).
• Governor of Tamil Nadu: Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
• State Song: Tamil Thaai Vazhthu (Declared State Anthem in 2021).
• Literary Source: *Manonmaniam* by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai.
• Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: C. Joseph Vijay (TVK).
• Governor of Tamil Nadu: Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
• State Song: Tamil Thaai Vazhthu (Declared State Anthem in 2021).
• Literary Source: *Manonmaniam* by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai.
Girls' Education & Welfare Scheme
13 August 2026
Delhi Government Launches 'Vidya Vahini Yojana' to Distribute Free Bicycles to Class 9 Female Students
- Flagship Girl Child Scheme: The Government of NCT of Delhi launched the 'Vidya Vahini Yojana' to distribute free bicycles to Class 9 female students enrolled in government schools.
- Core Educational Goals: Promotes girls' secondary education, reduces dropout rates among adolescent female students transitioning from middle to high school, and ensures safe, eco-friendly local transport to schools.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: Provides direct voucher allocation/DBT funds for purchasing standard bicycles along with road safety orientation across all 12 educational districts of Delhi.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Delhi's 'Vidya Vahini Yojana' provides free bicycles to Class 9 female students in government schools to boost girls' education and reduce dropouts.
Static GK, UT & Education Details
• NCT of Delhi: Capital: New Delhi.
• Chief Minister of Delhi: Smt. Rekha Gupta.
• Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
• Right to Education Act: RTE Act 2009 under Article 21A of Indian Constitution.
• Chief Minister of Delhi: Smt. Rekha Gupta.
• Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
• Right to Education Act: RTE Act 2009 under Article 21A of Indian Constitution.
International Law & Human Rights Tribunals
International Judicial Tribunal
13 August 2026
Syrian Special Court Sentences Former President Bashar al-Assad to Death in Absentia for War Crimes
- Judicial Verdict: A special judicial tribunal court in Damascus, Syria, rendered a landmark death sentence by hanging against former President Bashar al-Assad and senior military commanders in absentia.
- Legal Grounds & Conviction: Convicted on multiple counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, chemical weapons deployment, and state-sponsored civilian atrocities during the Syrian conflict.
- Geopolitical Impact: Represents a watershed legal precedent for global accountability and international criminal law in the Middle East.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Syrian judicial court sentences former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Static GK, Country & Leadership Details
• Country: Syrian Arab Republic | Capital: Damascus | Currency: Syrian Pound.
• Former President: Bashar al-Assad (Sentenced in absentia for premeditated murder, torture, and crimes against humanity).
• Transitional Government: Syria undergoing post-Assad transitional political process.
• International Criminal Law: Rome Statute codifies genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crime of aggression.
• Former President: Bashar al-Assad (Sentenced in absentia for premeditated murder, torture, and crimes against humanity).
• Transitional Government: Syria undergoing post-Assad transitional political process.
• International Criminal Law: Rome Statute codifies genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crime of aggression.
Human Rights & Legal Reform
13 August 2026
Lebanon Creates Landmark History as First Arab Country to Abolish Death Penalty
- Landmark Reform: Lebanese Parliament abolished capital punishment, making Lebanon the first Arab country to abolish the death penalty in law.
- Sentence Replacement: Replaced existing death sentences with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour.
- Human Rights Milestone: Aligns with Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizing the fundamental right to life.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Lebanon sets a historic human rights precedent across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by becoming the first Arab nation to outlaw capital punishment legally.
Static GK, Country & Leadership Details
• Country: Lebanon | Capital: Beirut | Currency: Lebanese Pound.
• President of Lebanon: Joseph Aoun.
• Prime Minister of Lebanon: Nawaf Salam.
• Human Rights Principle: Article 3 of UDHR (Right to Life).
• President of Lebanon: Joseph Aoun.
• Prime Minister of Lebanon: Nawaf Salam.
• Human Rights Principle: Article 3 of UDHR (Right to Life).
Oceanography & Earth Sciences
Polar & Oceanographic Discovery
13 August 2026
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research Maps 'Bengal Fan', World's Largest Submarine Fan
- Scientific Mapping Milestone: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa successfully mapped the high-resolution bathymetry, sediment architecture, and deep-sea channels of the 'Bengal Fan' (Bay of Bengal Submarine Fan)—the largest underwater sediment fan system on Earth.
- Geographical Extent: Covers an immense ocean floor area of over 3 million square kilometers, stretching more than 3,000 kilometers from the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta down past the Equator into the Southern Indian Ocean.
- Himalayan Erosion Archives: Formed over tens of millions of years by continuous sediment transportation from the uplifting Himalayas via the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems into the deep ocean.
- Resource & Climate Significance: Provides critical geological archives for understanding global paleoclimate shifts, monsoonal evolution, submarine canyon dynamics, and gas hydrate (methane) reserves.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
NCPOR Goa creates the highest-resolution map of the 'Bengal Fan', the world's largest underwater sediment fan system spanning 3 million sq km in the Bay of Bengal.
Static GK, Ministry & Polar Research Details
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): Headquarters: Vasco da Gama, Goa | Established: 1998 | Director: Dr. Thamban Meloth | Autonomous institute under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Union Minister of Earth Sciences: Dr. Jitendra Singh (In Office since 2023).
• India's Polar Stations: Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1989), Bharati (2012) | Arctic: Himadri (Svalbard, Norway, 2008) | Himalayas: Himansh (Spiti Valley, HP).
• Union Minister of Earth Sciences: Dr. Jitendra Singh (In Office since 2023).
• India's Polar Stations: Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1989), Bharati (2012) | Arctic: Himadri (Svalbard, Norway, 2008) | Himalayas: Himansh (Spiti Valley, HP).
Railway Infrastructure & Cross-Border Exports
Rail Exports & Neighbourhood First
13 August 2026
Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala Prepares First Rake of 19 LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railways
- First Export Rake Flagged Off: The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab, manufactured and prepared the first rake of 19 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) stainless steel passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway under a bilateral export agreement.
- Advanced Engineering Features: Fitted with high-speed capability (up to 160 kmph), anti-telescopic safety structures, microprocessor-controlled air conditioning, eco-friendly bio-toilets, and enhanced passenger comfort for broad-gauge train operations.
- Cross-Border Connectivity: Strengthens India-Bangladesh rail connectivity and economic integration under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'Make in India' initiative.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
RCF Kapurthala flags off 19 modern LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railways, boosting cross-border rail infrastructure and bilateral trade under Neighbourhood First.
Static GK, Neighboring Country & Ministry Details
• Country: Bangladesh | Capital: Dhaka | Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).
• Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman.
• President of Bangladesh: Mohammed Shahabuddin.
• Rail Coach Factory: Kapurthala, Punjab | Union Minister of Railways: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• Prime Minister of Bangladesh: Tarique Rahman.
• President of Bangladesh: Mohammed Shahabuddin.
• Rail Coach Factory: Kapurthala, Punjab | Union Minister of Railways: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Science, Technology, Education & Obituaries
Nuclear Science & Obituary
13 August 2026
Renowned Nuclear Scientist and Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad Founder M.P. Parameswaran Passes Away at 91
- Demise of Legendary Scientist: Eminent Indian nuclear scientist, science communicator, and social reformer Dr. M.P. Parameswaran passed away in Kerala at the age of 91.
- Nuclear Research Legacy: Worked at the prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and earned a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from the Moscow Power Engineering Institute (USSR).
- Pioneering People's Science Movement: Founder-leader of the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), a revolutionary mass movement that popularized science in local languages across rural India under the slogan "Science for Social Revolution".
- Architect of Total Literacy Movement: Key architect behind India's historic Total Literacy Campaign, helping Ernakulam become India's first 100% literate district in 1989 and Kerala the first 100% literate state in 1991.
- Global & National Recognition: Accepted the international Right Livelihood Award (Alternative Nobel Prize) on behalf of KSSP in 1996, and received the National Award for Science Popularization.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Dr. M.P. Parameswaran's legacy spans nuclear research at BARC, founding the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), and spearheading India's historic Total Literacy Movement.
Static GK, State & Institution Details
• State: Kerala | Capital: Thiruvananthapuram.
• Chief Minister of Kerala: Shri V. D. Satheesan.
• Governor of Kerala: Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
• BARC: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre | Headquarters: Trombay, Mumbai.
• Chief Minister of Kerala: Shri V. D. Satheesan.
• Governor of Kerala: Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
• BARC: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre | Headquarters: Trombay, Mumbai.
Academic Appointment & Diaspora
13 August 2026
Dr. Bhooma VG Selected as Vice-Chancellor of AIPSI Institute in Mauritius
- Academic Vice-Chancellor Appointment: Renowned academician and researcher Dr. Bhuma VG has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Post Graduate Studies and Research (AIPSI) in Mauritius.
- Institute Significance: AIPSI is a premier postgraduate educational and research institution in Mauritius established to foster bilateral academic excellence, data science research, IT innovation, and higher education partnership between India and Mauritius.
- Bilateral Academic Exchange: Enhances India-Mauritius educational ties, joint research programs, and faculty exchange across the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Dr. Bhuma VG assumes the Vice-Chancellorship of AIPSI Mauritius, strengthening academic exchange and research collaboration between India and Mauritius.
Static GK, Country & Leadership Details
• Country: Mauritius | Capital: Port Louis | Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
• Prime Minister of Mauritius: Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
• President of Mauritius: Dharambeer Gokhool.
• AIPSI: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation.
• Good Governance Day: Observed in India on 25 December (Birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee).
• Prime Minister of Mauritius: Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
• President of Mauritius: Dharambeer Gokhool.
• AIPSI: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation.
• Good Governance Day: Observed in India on 25 December (Birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee).
State Schemes & Agriculture Protection
State Agriculture & Solar Fencing Scheme
13 August 2026
Uttar Pradesh Government Launches 'Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana' to Protect Crops from Stray Cattle and Wild Boars
- Scheme Launch across UP: The Government of Uttar Pradesh launched the 'Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana' across all 75 districts of the state to safeguard agricultural crops from stray cattle, wild boars, and nilgai.
- Financial Subsidy Support: Provides a 60% financial subsidy (up to ₹1.43 lakh per hectare) to small and marginal farmers for installing solar-powered low-voltage electric fences around farm perimeters.
- Human-Animal Harm Mitigation: The solar fence delivers a mild, non-lethal 12-volt pulse shock that deters animals from entering fields without causing physical harm, injury, or mortality.
- Farmer Income Protection: Reduces nighttime field guarding burdens, prevents standing crop destruction, and enhances rural agricultural yields across Uttar Pradesh.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
'Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana' in UP provides 60% solar fencing subsidies to protect crops from stray cattle and wild boars safely.
Static GK, State & Leadership Details
• State: Uttar Pradesh | Capital: Lucknow.
• Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Shri Yogi Adityanath (In Office since 19 March 2017).
• Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Smt. Anandiben Patel (In Office since 29 July 2019).
• UP Agriculture Minister: Shri Surya Pratap Shahi.
• Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Shri Yogi Adityanath (In Office since 19 March 2017).
• Governor of Uttar Pradesh: Smt. Anandiben Patel (In Office since 29 July 2019).
• UP Agriculture Minister: Shri Surya Pratap Shahi.
State Police Welfare Portal
13 August 2026
Telangana Police Launches Digital 'TG-VEER' Portal to Assist Dependent Families of Police Martyrs
- Portal Launch: The Telangana Police Department and Government of Telangana launched the 'TG-VEER' digital web portal.
- Core Purpose: Serves as a single-window transparent digital system for dependent families of police martyrs to apply for and track ex-gratia compensation, compassionate job appointments, medical benefits, and education grants.
- Transparency & Speed: Eliminates red tape, ensuring direct benefit transfer (DBT) and rapid support delivery across all 33 districts of Telangana.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
'TG-VEER' digital portal establishes a single-window welfare tracking system for police martyr families in Telangana to claim ex-gratia payments, jobs, and educational grants.
Static GK, State & Police Details
• State: Telangana | Capital: Hyderabad.
• Chief Minister of Telangana: Shri A. Revanth Reddy.
• Governor of Telangana: Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla.
• Telangana DGP: C. V. Anand.
• National Police Commemoration Day: Observed annually on 21 October.
• Chief Minister of Telangana: Shri A. Revanth Reddy.
• Governor of Telangana: Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla.
• Telangana DGP: C. V. Anand.
• National Police Commemoration Day: Observed annually on 21 October.
Environment, Wildlife & Biodiversity
Species Conservation & UT Festival
13 August 2026
Ladakh Organizes First-Ever 'Black-Necked Crane Festival' in Leh, Tso Kar and Hanle to Promote Species Conservation
- Inaugural Wildlife Festival: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, in partnership with the Department of Wildlife Protection and local Changthang communities, organized the **first-ever 'Black-Necked Crane Festival'** (11–14 August 2026).
- Festival Venues: Held across high-altitude wetland habitats in **Leh, Tso Kar Basin, and Hanle** in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary region.
- State Bird Protection: The Black-Necked Crane (*Grus nigricollis*) is the **official State Bird of UT Ladakh** (declared in September 2021). It is classified as *Near Threatened* on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Eco-Tourism & Habitat Conservation: Aims to engage local youth, pastoral nomadic communities, and tourists in protecting high-altitude Himalayan wetland breeding grounds against climate threats.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Ladakh's inaugural Black-Necked Crane Festival in Changthang reinforces community conservation of the region's State Bird (*Grus nigricollis*) and high-altitude wetland habitats.
Static GK, UT & Biodiversity Details
• Union Territory: Ladakh | Administrative Centres: Leh and Kargil.
• Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh: Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.
• State Symbols: State Bird: Black-Necked Crane (*Grus nigricollis*) | State Animal: Snow Leopard.
• Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: India's first Dark Sky Reserve established in Ladakh.
• Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh: Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.
• State Symbols: State Bird: Black-Necked Crane (*Grus nigricollis*) | State Animal: Snow Leopard.
• Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: India's first Dark Sky Reserve established in Ladakh.
Global Health Observances & Cultural Diplomacy
Global Health Observance
13 August 2026
World Organ Donation Day 2026 Observed Globally on August 13
- Global Health Day: World Organ Donation Day 2026 was celebrated globally on August 13 to raise awareness about the critical need for organ donation and dispel myths surrounding cadaveric organ pledges.
- Lifesaving Purpose: Encourages individuals to pledge vital organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes, skin, tissues) to save patients facing end-stage organ failure.
- Distinction from National Organ Donation Day: In India, **Indian National Organ Donation Day** is observed annually on **August 3** by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Lifesaving Impact: A single deceased organ donor can save up to 8 lives and improve the health of over 50 people through tissue donation.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
World Organ Donation Day is observed globally on August 13 to encourage voluntary organ pledges and save thousands of lives suffering end-stage organ failure.
Static GK & Health Ministry Details
• Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare: Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda (J.P. Nadda) (In Office since 10 June 2024).
• NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation): Headquarters: New Delhi (Statutory body under Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994).
• Indian National Organ Donation Day: August 3.
• NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation): Headquarters: New Delhi (Statutory body under Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994).
• Indian National Organ Donation Day: August 3.
International Appointment
13 August 2026
Hungarian Parliament Appoints Former Supreme Court Chief Justice András Baka as New President of Hungary
- Parliamentary Election: Hungarian Parliament elected former Supreme Court Chief András Baka as President, receiving 140 of the 146 votes cast.
- Career: Former Head of Hungary's Supreme Court (Curia) and former Judge at European Court of Human Rights.
- Assumption of Office: Elected on 11 August 2026; scheduled to take office on 19 August 2026.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
Former ECHR judge and Supreme Court Chief Justice András Baka assumes the presidency of Hungary, representing legal authority and constitutional continuity in Central Europe.
Static GK, Country & Leadership Details
• Country: Hungary | Capital: Budapest | Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF).
• President-elect: András Baka (Takes office 19 August 2026).
• Prime Minister of Hungary: Péter Magyar.
• Parliament: National Assembly (*Országgyűlés*).
• President-elect: András Baka (Takes office 19 August 2026).
• Prime Minister of Hungary: Péter Magyar.
• Parliament: National Assembly (*Országgyűlés*).
Cultural Diplomacy & Environment
13 August 2026
India Donates Five Indian Peafowls (Peacocks) to United Nations Office in Geneva for Second Time Since 1981
- Diplomatic Gift: India gifted five Indian peafowls, including a rare white-feathered peacock, to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
- Historical Link: Revives a tradition associated with India's earlier 1981 peafowl donation at Palais des Nations premises.
- National Bird: Indian Peafowl (*Pavo cristatus*) declared National Bird in 1963.
Key Highlight & Core Takeaway
India revives a 45-year diplomatic tradition by gifting 5 national peacocks to the UN Office in Geneva's Ariana Park, promoting peace and eco-diplomacy.
Static GK, Country & UN Leadership Details
• UN Office at Geneva (UNOG): Headquarters: Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland | Director-General: Tatiana Valovaya (In Office since 2019).
• Country: Switzerland | Capital: Bern | Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).
• Permanent Representative of India to UN in Geneva: Arindam Bagchi (In Office since 2024).
• India's National Bird: Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) | Declared National Bird in 1963.
• Country: Switzerland | Capital: Bern | Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).
• Permanent Representative of India to UN in Geneva: Arindam Bagchi (In Office since 2024).
• India's National Bird: Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) | Declared National Bird in 1963.
📅 AUGUST 2026 IMPORTANT DAYS & OBSERVANCES
01 Aug: World Lung Cancer Day (विश्व फेफड़े का कैंसर दिवस), World Wide Web Day (वर्ल्ड वाइड वेब डे), National Mountain Climbing Day (राष्ट्रीय पर्वतारोहण दिवस)
02 Aug: World Anglo-Indian Day (विश्व एंग्लो-इंडियन दिवस)
03 Aug: Indian Organ Donation Day (भारतीय अंगदान दिवस)
04 Aug: International Clouded Leopard Day (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय क्लाउडेड लेपर्ड दिवस)
05 Aug: International Traffic Light Day (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय ट्रैफिक लाइट दिवस)
06 Aug: Hiroshima Day (हिरोशिमा दिवस)
07 Aug: National Javelin Throw Day (राष्ट्रीय भाला फेंक दिवस), National Handloom Day (राष्ट्रीय हथकरघा दिवस)
08 Aug: Quit India Movement Day (भारत छोड़ो आंदोलन दिवस)
09 Aug: Nagasaki Day (नागासाकी दिवस), World Indigenous Peoples Day / World Tribal Day (विश्व आदिवासी दिवस)
10 Aug: World Biofuel Day (विश्व जैव ईंधन दिवस), National Deworming Day (राष्ट्रीय कृमि मुक्ति दिवस), World Lion Day (विश्व शेर दिवस)
12 Aug: International Youth Day (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय युवा दिवस), World Elephant Day (विश्व हाथी दिवस)
13 Aug: World Organ Donation Day (विश्व अंगदान दिवस), International Left-Handers Day (अंतर्राष्ट्रीय वामहस्त दिवस)
⚡ ONE-LINER QUICK REVISION POINTERS (13 AUGUST 2026)
- Exercise Udarshakti 2026: IAF and Royal Malaysian Air Force commenced joint bilateral air exercise 'Udarshakti 2026' at Subang Airbase, Malaysia.
- M.P. Parameswaran Passing: Renowned nuclear scientist, BARC researcher, and Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) founder Dr. M.P. Parameswaran passed away in Kerala at 91.
- Hungary New President: Hungarian Parliament appointed former ECHR judge and Supreme Court Chief Justice András Baka as the new President of Hungary.
- Lebanon Death Penalty Abolished: Lebanon became the first Arab country to completely abolish capital punishment (death penalty) for all crimes.
- Peacocks Gifted to UN Geneva: India donated five Indian peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) for Ariana Park, reviving a 1981 diplomatic tradition.
- RCF Kapurthala Bangladesh Rake: RCF Kapurthala prepared and flagged off the first export rake of 19 LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railways.
- Dr. Bhuma VG AIPSI Vice-Chancellor: Dr. Bhuma VG appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute (AIPSI) in Mauritius.
- Black-Necked Crane Festival Ladakh: Ladakh organized its first-ever Black-Necked Crane Festival in Leh, Tso Kar, and Hanle to conserve its State Bird.
- NGOPV Shruti Launched: Indian Navy launched next-generation offshore patrol vessel 'Shruti' built by GRSE in Kolkata.
- TG-VEER Portal Telangana: Telangana Police launched digital 'TG-VEER' portal to support families of police martyrs.
- Bengal Fan Mapping NCPOR: NCPOR Goa mapped the 'Bengal Fan', the world's largest submarine sediment fan spanning 3 million sq km in the Bay of Bengal.
- World Organ Donation Day 2026: Observed globally on August 13 to raise awareness for organ donation (Indian National Organ Donation Day is August 3).
- Mukhyamantri Khet Suraksha Yojana UP: UP government launched scheme offering 60% solar fencing subsidy to protect crops from stray cattle and wild boars.
- Himachal Orphan & Widow Cess: Himachal Pradesh imposed a 60 paise/litre social security cess on petrol and diesel to fund orphan and widow welfare.
- Tamil Nadu State Anthem Mandate: Tamil Nadu made singing of State Anthem 'Tamil Thaai Vazhthu' mandatory before all institutional functions.
- Syrian Court Bashar al-Assad Sentence: Syrian special court sentenced former President Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia for war crimes.
- Delhi Vidya Vahini Yojana: Delhi government launched 'Vidya Vahini Yojana' providing free bicycles to Class 9 female students.
- NETRA-2026 EW Seminar DRDO: DRDO organized two-day national seminar on electronic warfare 'NETRA-2026' in Bengaluru.
- Maharashtra #1 in EV Charging: Maharashtra ranked #1 in India for operational public EV charging stations as per Ministry of Heavy Industries.
Appendix: Indian States & UTs Reference Table — Latest 2026
| State / UT Name | Capital | Governor / Lt. Governor / Administrator | Chief Minister |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati | Justice (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer | N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik | Pema Khandu |
| Assam | Dispur | Lakshman Prasad Acharya | Himanta Biswa Sarma |
| Bihar | Patna | Lt. General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain | Nitish Kumar |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur | Ramen Deka | Vishnu Deo Sai |
| Goa | Panaji | P. S. Sreedharan Pillai | Pramod Sawant |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar | Acharya Devvrat | Bhupendra Patel |
| Haryana | Chandigarh | Bandaru Dattatreya | Nayab Singh Saini |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | Kavinder Gupta | Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | Santosh Kumar Gangwar | Hemant Soren |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru | Thaawarchand Gehlot | Siddaramaiah |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar | V. D. Satheesan |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | Mangubhai C. Patel | Dr. Mohan Yadav |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai | Jishnu Dev Varma | Devendra Fadnavis |
| Manipur | Imphal | Ajay Kumar Bhalla | N. Biren Singh |
| Meghalaya | Shillong | Phagu Chauhan | Conrad K. Sangma |
| Mizoram | Aizawl | General (Retd.) Vijay Kumar Singh | Lalduhoma |
| Nagaland | Kohima | Nand Kishore Yadav | Neiphiu Rio |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati | Mohan Charan Majhi |
| Punjab | Chandigarh | Gulab Chand Kataria | Bhagwant Mann |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | Haribhau Bagde | Bhajan Lal Sharma |
| Sikkim | Gangtok | Om Prakash Mathur | Prem Singh Tamang (P. S. Golay) |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar* | C. Joseph Vijay |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | Shiv Pratap Shukla | A. Revanth Reddy |
| Tripura | Agartala | Indrasena Reddy Nallu | Dr. Manik Saha |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | Anandiben Patel | Yogi Adityanath |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun | Lt. General Gurmit Singh | Pushkar Singh Dhami |
| West Bengal | Kolkata | R. N. Ravi | Suvendu Adhikari |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands (UT) | Port Blair | Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (Lt. Governor) | - |
| Chandigarh (UT) | Chandigarh | Gulab Chand Kataria (Administrator)** | - |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (UT) | Daman | Praful Patel (Administrator) | - |
| Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi | Taranjit Singh Sandhu (Lt. Governor) | Rekha Gupta |
| Jammu and Kashmir (UT) | Srinagar / Jammu | Manoj Sinha (Lt. Governor) | - |
| Ladakh (UT) | Leh | Vinai Kumar Saxena (Lt. Governor) | - |
| Lakshadweep (UT) | Kavaratti | Praful Patel (Administrator) | - |
| Puducherry (UT) | Puducherry | K. Kailashnathan (Lt. Governor) | N. Rangasamy |
📌 Important Constitutional Notes & 2026 Governor Reshuffle:
- *Tamil Nadu Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, was directed to discharge the functions of Governor of Tamil Nadu following the March 2026 reshuffle.
- **Chandigarh Administrator: The Governor of Punjab is ex-officio Administrator of Chandigarh. Since Gulab Chand Kataria is Governor of Punjab, he serves as Administrator of Chandigarh.
- Major March 2026 Rashtrapati Bhavan Appointments: Bihar: Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain | Himachal Pradesh: Kavinder Gupta | Telangana: Shiv Pratap Shukla | Maharashtra: Jishnu Dev Varma | Nagaland: Nand Kishore Yadav | West Bengal: R. N. Ravi | Ladakh: Vinai Kumar Saxena | Delhi: Taranjit Singh Sandhu.