Daily Current Affairs тАФ August 14, 2026

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ЁЯУЛ Today's Topics Index (13 Key Affairs)

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1.Palk Strait & Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Marine Conservation Initiative2.National Quantum Mission (NQM) & 1st Quantum Communication Hub at IISc3.Draft Digital Competition Bill 2026 & Ex-Ante Regulation for Big Tech4.Supreme Court Bench Overrules E.V. Chinnaiah Verdict: SC Sub-Categorization Upheld5.Cabinet Approves Expanded Interest Subvention for PM-KISAN & Agri-Infra Fund6.Great Nicobar Island Holistic Development Project & Shompen/Nicobarese Rights7.Ramsar Convention: 5 New Wetlands Added, India's Total Reaches 85 Sites8.India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Finalized9.WHO Certification: India Achieves Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) Elimination Target10.Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve Habitat Restoration11.Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) & Global Gem Processing Trade Hub12.BrahMos Extended Range Supersonic Cruise Missile Test-Fired from INS Chennai13.Uttar Pradesh Renewable Energy Policy 2026 & Bundelkhand Solar Park Grid Integration
#1ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY & INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES
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Palk Strait & Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Marine Conservation Initiative

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department launched a joint cross-border marine conservation initiative covering the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar to protect endangered marine megafauna.

ЁЯФ╣ Ecological Profile & Dugong Habitat

Palk Bay holds India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve (notified in Manamelkudi, Pudukkottai district). Dugongs (Dugong dugon), or sea cows, are herbivorous marine mammals dependent on pristine seagrass beds. The Gulf of Mannar is India's first Marine Biosphere Reserve, spanning 21 islands with rich coral reefs and mangrove estuaries.

ЁЯФ╣ Geographical Alignment and Maritime Boundary

The Palk Strait separates Tamil Nadu state of India and the Mannar district of Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Palk Bay in the southwest, featuring the sacred Adam's Bridge (Ram Setu) chain of limestone shoals.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв IUCN Status of Dugong: Vulnerable (VU); listed under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972. тАв First Marine Biosphere Reserve: Gulf of Mannar (Designated in 1989, UNESCO MAB Site in 2001). тАв First Dugong Reserve: Manamelkudi (Pudukkottai & Thanjavur districts, Tamil Nadu). тАв UP PCS Mapping Focus: Strait identification (Palk Strait - India/Sri Lanka, Malacca - Malaysia/Sumatra, Sunda - Java/Sumatra).
#2SCIENCE, SPACE & ADVANCED TECH
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National Quantum Mission (NQM) & 1st Quantum Communication Hub at IISc

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) operationalized the first Thematic Hub (T-Hub) on Quantum Communication at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

ЁЯФ╣ Mission Architecture & Four Thematic Hubs

Approved with an outlay of тВ╣6,003.65 Crore (2023тАУ31), NQM establishes four T-Hubs: 1. Quantum Computing (IISc/TIFR), 2. Quantum Communication (IISc/IIT Madras), 3. Quantum Sensing & Metrology (IIT Bombay), 4. Quantum Materials & Devices (IIT Delhi).

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

The T-Hub demonstrated satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over 500 km, enabling unhackable cryptographic communication for defense, banking, and critical infrastructure using quantum entanglement principles.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Nodal Department: Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Science & Tech). тАв NQM Budget Outlay: тВ╣6,003.65 Crore (Target: 50тАУ1000 physical qubits in 8 years). тАв Global Standing: India is the 7th country with a dedicated National Quantum Mission. тАв UP PCS Tech Point: QKD principles (Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Quantum Entanglement).
#3INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE & ECONOMY
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Draft Digital Competition Bill 2026 & Ex-Ante Regulation for Big Tech

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs finalized the Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2026, introducing ex-ante regulation for large tech conglomerates designated as Systemically Important Digital Enterprises (SIDEs).

ЁЯФ╣ Shift from Ex-Post to Ex-Ante Framework

Unlike the traditional Competition Act 2002 which acts ex-post (after anti-competitive behavior occurs), the new bill prohibits self-preferencing, anti-steering practices, and data tying beforehand for dominant digital platforms operating in search, e-commerce, and app stores.

ЁЯФ╣ Quantitative Thresholds for SIDE Designation

Enterprises with an Indian turnover of тВ╣4,000 Crore or global market capitalization of $75 Billion, serving at least 15 Crore end-users or 10,000 business users in India, will be classified as SIDEs subject to mandatory compliance.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Nodal Authority: Competition Commission of India (CCI - Statutory body under Competition Act 2002). тАв Key Regulatory Term: Ex-Ante Regulation (preemptive obligations modeled on EU Digital Markets Act). тАв Maximum Penalty: Up to 10% of global turnover of the enterprise. тАв UP PCS Focus: Statutory bodies (CCI, SEBI, TRAI, IRDAI) and economic regulatory reforms.
#4INDIAN POLITY & CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
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Supreme Court Bench Overrules E.V. Chinnaiah Verdict: SC Sub-Categorization Upheld

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

A landmark 7-Judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of India held by a 6:1 majority that State Governments have the constitutional authority to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) to grant targeted reservation in public employment and admissions.

ЁЯФ╣ Overruling of 2005 E.V. Chinnaiah Precedent

The judgment explicitly overruled the 2005 5-Judge bench decision in E.V. Chinnaiah v. State of Andhra Pradesh, which held SCs to be a homogenous 'single class'. The Court ruled that SCs are a heterogeneous group facing varied degrees of social backwardness.

ЁЯФ╣ Creamy Layer Principle and Judicial Limits

The Court clarified that sub-classification under Articles 15(4) and 16(4) must be backed by empirical data on inadequate representation. Furthermore, four judges endorsed applying the 'creamy layer' principle to Scheduled Castes.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Constitutional Article: Article 341 (Presidential List of Scheduled Castes). тАв Landmark Case Overruled: E.V. Chinnaiah v. State of AP (2005). тАв Key Test Mandated: Quantifiable empirical data showing intra-group disparity. тАв UP PCS Polity Focus: Constitutional Benches, Reservation Articles (Art 15, 16, 335, 341, 342).
#5INDIAN ECONOMY & AGRICULTURE
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Cabinet Approves Expanded Interest Subvention for PM-KISAN & Agri-Infra Fund

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and enhanced interest subvention provisions for Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders to boost post-harvest storage and cold chain logistics.

ЁЯФ╣ Scheme Coverage and Financial Outlay

Launched in 2020 under Atmanirbhar Bharat, AIF provides a 10-year credit facility of тВ╣1 Lakh Crore. Under expanded guidelines, all loans up to тВ╣2 Crore enjoy an interest subvention of 3% per annum along with CGTMSE credit guarantee coverage.

ЁЯФ╣ Integration with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)

The scheme mandates computerization of 63,000 PACS, transforming them into multi-service centers for custom hiring of farm machinery, solar pumps, and micro-warehousing.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Scheme Tenure: AIF (2020тАУ2032); Financial support active for 10 years. тАв Interest Subvention: 3% per annum for loans up to тВ╣2 Crore (Max 7 years). тАв Nodal Authority: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. тАв UP PCS Agri Focus: Farm schemes, KCC interest subvention rates, PACS modernization in UP.
#6ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY & TRIBAL RIGHTS
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Great Nicobar Island Holistic Development Project & Shompen/Nicobarese Rights

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

Environmental and tribal rights audits were conducted for the тВ╣72,000 Crore Great Nicobar Island Holistic Development Project executed by NITI Aayog and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).

ЁЯФ╣ Project Components & Strategic Galathea Bay Port

The project includes a Transshipment Port at Galathea Bay, a Dual-Use Military-Civil Airport, a Gas/Solar Power Plant, and a Greenfield City near the Malacca Strait, positioning India along major East-West shipping lanes.

ЁЯФ╣ PVTG Protection and Ecological Sensitivity

Great Nicobar is home to two indigenous tribes: the semi-nomadic Shompen (PVTG) and the settled Nicobarese. Galathea National Park is a primary nesting site for the Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв PVTG in A&N Islands: 5 PVTGs (Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Shompen). тАв Key National Park: Galathea National Park & Campbell Bay National Park (Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve). тАв Southernmost Point: Indira Point (6┬░45' N, Great Nicobar Island). тАв UP PCS Mapping Focus: Andaman & Nicobar geography (10 Degree Channel - Andaman/Nicobar, 9 Degree - Minicoy/Lakshadweep).
#7ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
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Ramsar Convention: 5 New Wetlands Added, India's Total Reaches 85 Sites

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

India designated 5 new wetlands as Ramsar Sites (Wetlands of International Importance), bringing India's total tally to 85 Ramsar sites, covering an area of over 1.35 million hectares.

ЁЯФ╣ Newly Designated Ramsar Sites Profile

The newly added sites include high-biodiversity wetlands across Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, reinforcing migratory bird flyways under the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) framework.

ЁЯФ╣ Ramsar Convention Framework

Signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 (came into force 1975; India joined in 1982). India holds the largest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and 3rd globally after UK (175) and Mexico (142). Tamil Nadu has highest Ramsar sites (16) followed by UP (10).

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Ramsar Convention Year: 2 February 1971 (World Wetlands Day theme). тАв India Rank: 1st in Asia, 3rd in World for total Ramsar sites. тАв State Wise Leader: Tamil Nadu (16 sites), Uttar Pradesh (10 sites). тАв Montreux Record: Register of wetland sites facing ecological changes (India sites: Keoladeo Ghana Rajasthan, Loktak Lake Manipur; Chilika removed in 2002). тАв UP Ramsar Sites (10): Upper Ganga River, Nawabganj, Saandi, Samaspur, Saman, Parvati Arga, Sarsai Nawar, Sur Sarovar, Haiderpur, Bakhira.
#8INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DIPLOMACY
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India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Finalized

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

India and the Sultanate of Oman completed text negotiations for the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), making Oman the second GCC nation after UAE to sign a trade pact with India.

ЁЯФ╣ Trade Tariff Elimination & Energy Security

CEPA will eliminate tariffs on over 80% of Indian exports including motor vehicles, textiles, agricultural produce, jewelry, and machinery, while securing crude oil, LNG, and fertilizer imports from Oman.

ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Maritime Access via Duqm Port

Oman occupies a vital strategic position at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. India holds naval access to the Port of Duqm for maritime logistics and anti-piracy operations in the Western Indian Ocean.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Capital & Currency: Muscat / Omani Rial. тАв Key Strategic Port: Duqm Port (Arabian Sea, logistics access for Indian Navy). тАв GCC Trade Alliances: India-UAE CEPA (2022), India-Oman CEPA (2024/2026). тАв Joint Military Exercises: Al Nagah (Army), Eastern Bridge (Air Force), Naseem Al Bahr (Navy).
#9GOVERNMENT SCHEMES, HEALTH & SCIENCE
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WHO Certification: India Achieves Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) Elimination Target

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The World Health Organization (WHO) commended India for meeting the public health elimination target of Kala-Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), reducing incidence to less than 1 case per 10,000 population at the block level.

ЁЯФ╣ Etiology, Transmission & Pathogen Profile

Kala-Azar is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, transmitted to humans through bites of infected female sandflies (Phlebotomus argentipes). It attacks internal organs, primarily spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

ЁЯФ╣ Multi-Pronged Strategy & Single-Dose AmBisome

Elimination was achieved via indoor residual spraying (IRS) with Synthetic Pyrethroid, early diagnosis using rK39 rapid test kits, and single-dose Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome) treatment across endemic blocks in Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, and West Bengal.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Pathogen & Vector: Protozoa Leishmania donovani / Sandfly (Phlebotomus). тАв Elimination Benchmark: < 1 case per 10,000 population annually at block level. тАв Endemic States in India: Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal. тАв UP PCS Disease Focus: Matching Vector-Pathogen (Kala-Azar - Sandfly/Protozoa, Dengue - Aedes/Virus, Malaria - Anopheles/Plasmodium, Japanese Encephalitis - Culex/Virus).
#10ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGY & WILDLIFE
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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve Habitat Restoration

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) commended the voluntary village relocation model executed at Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, as a benchmark for inviolate tiger habitats.

ЁЯФ╣ Geography and River Hydrology

Situated in the Western Ghats, Bhadra Tiger Reserve is surrounded by the Mullayanagiri, Hebbe, and Baba Budangiri hill ranges. The reserve is drained by the Bhadra River, a primary tributary of the Tungabhadra River.

ЁЯФ╣ Flora and Fauna Diversity

Comprising moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests, Bhadra shelters Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian elephants, gaur, and the endemic Malabar giant squirrel.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Location: Chikkamagaluru & Shivamogga districts, Karnataka (Western Ghats). тАв River Drain: Bhadra River (Tributary of Tungabhadra -> Krishna River system). тАв Highest Peak Nearby: Mullayanagiri (Highest peak in Karnataka, 1,930m). тАв UP PCS Focus: Tiger Reserve Location matching (Bhadra - Karnataka, Bandipur - Karnataka, Similipal - Odisha, Palamau - Jharkhand).
#11INDIAN ECONOMY & INDUSTRY
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Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) & Global Gem Processing Trade Hub

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) achieved full operational capacity, consolidating India's position as the processing capital processing 9 out of every 10 rough diamonds cut and polished globally.

ЁЯФ╣ Infrastructure & World's Largest Office Building

Spanning 35.54 acres with 6.7 million sq ft of floor space, SDB surpassed the US Pentagon as the world's largest single office building. Built inside the DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) City in Surat, Gujarat.

ЁЯФ╣ Economic Contribution to Indian Exports

The gem and jewelry sector accounts for nearly 7% of India's total GDP and 14% of total merchandise exports. SDB integrates rough diamond trading, cutting, polishing, lab-grown diamond manufacturing, and customs clearance under one roof.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв World Record: World's largest office building (Surat Diamond Bourse, 6.7M sq ft). тАв Global Market Share: Surat processes 90% of global rough diamonds. тАв Nodal Promotion Council: Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). тАв UP PCS Economic Point: Major industrial clusters (Surat - Diamonds/Textiles, Moradabad - Brassware, Firozabad - Glassware, Kanpur - Leather).
#12DEFENCE & MISSILE TECH
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BrahMos Extended Range Supersonic Cruise Missile Test-Fired from INS Chennai

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Indian Navy and DRDO successfully flight-tested the Extended Range version of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile (BrahMos-ER) from the stealth guided-missile destroyer INS Chennai.

ЁЯФ╣ Technical Parameters & Range Enhancement

BrahMos-ER features an enhanced strike range of 450 km to 500 km (up from original 290 km following India's entry into MTCR in 2016). It operates on a two-stage propulsion system: solid propellant booster engine (1st stage) and liquid ramjet engine (2nd stage).

ЁЯФ╣ Joint Venture & Tri-Service Capability

Developed as a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya (named after Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers), BrahMos is a fire-and-forget precision missile capable of land, sea, sub-sea, and air launch (Sukhoi Su-30MKI).

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв Missile Type: Supersonic Cruise Missile (Speed: Mach 2.8 to 3.0). тАв Propulsion: Solid Booster (Stage 1) + Liquid Ramjet (Stage 2). тАв MTCR Entry Impact: India joined Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, enabling range extension beyond 300 km. тАв Manufacturing Plant in UP: BrahMos Aerospace Integration Complex established at Lucknow (UP Defence Industrial Corridor).
#13UTTAR PRADESH SPECIAL & RENEWABLE ENERGY
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Uttar Pradesh Renewable Energy Policy 2026 & Bundelkhand Solar Park Grid Integration

ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development

The Cabinet of Uttar Pradesh approved the operational roadmap for the Bundelkhand Solar Park Grid Integration under the UP Solar Energy Policy, targeting 22,000 MW solar power generation.

ЁЯФ╣ Solar Parks Profile in Bundelkhand Region

Ultra-mega solar parks are being developed across six drought-prone districts of Bundelkhand: Jalaun (1,200 MW), Jhansi (600 MW), Lalitpur (600 MW), Chitrakoot (800 MW), and Mahoba (600 MW).

ЁЯФ╣ Green Energy Corridor and State Nodal Agency

The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) is executing the Green Energy Corridor to evacuate solar power to industrial hubs along the Bundelkhand Expressway and Ganga Expressway.

ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION

тАв State Target: 22,000 MW Solar Energy capacity (14,000 MW Solar Parks + 6,000 MW Rooftop + 2,000 MW Agriculture). тАв State Nodal Agency: UPNEDA (UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency). тАв Bundelkhand Districts Covered: Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Banda. тАв UP PCS Special Focus: Bundelkhand Expressway length (296 km), Green Energy Corridors, Renewable parks in UP.
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