Current Affairs – 11 August 2026: Stay updated with today’s most important current affairs for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, ADRE, and other Central & State Government examinations. This daily compilation covers exam-relevant national, international, Assam, economy, polity, governance, environment, science & technology, social issues, and government schemes. Each topic is presented with syllabus connection, key exam points, Prelims facts, and Mains-oriented insights to help you prepare effectively for every stage of the examination.
Table of Contents
GS Paper I: History, Culture & Geography
Vande Mataram to be Sung at Red Fort Independence Day Function
Why in News?
For the first time, the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort, marking a historic tribute to its legacy.
Key Exam Points
- The year 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’.
- The overarching theme of the 80th Independence Day event focuses on ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth power) and its contribution towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
- Invitation cards feature ‘Seva Teerth’ to symbolise duty, compassion, and the ‘nation first’ principle.
- Static Connection: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Anandamath, the Swadeshi Movement (1905), and symbols of India’s national identity.
7.4-Magnitude Earthquake in Colombia
Why in News?
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing significant destruction and forcing evacuations as far as the capital, Bogota.
Key Exam Points
- The epicentre was located in San Jose Del Palmar, within the Choco region.
- Majorly affected cities include Pereira, Manizales, and Cali (located in the Valle del Cauca department).
- Static Connection: Pacific Ring of Fire, tectonic plate boundaries (Nazca and South American plates), and the mechanics of earthquake generation.
Mount Bromo Wildfires in Indonesia
Why in News?
Indonesia has deployed helicopters and firefighters to combat spreading wildfires in the popular Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java during an unusually dry season.
Key Exam Points
- Fires have scorched protected areas of dry grassland, vegetation, and edelweiss flowers near the Penanjakan viewing area.
- Static Connection: Peatland fires, El Niño impact on Southeast Asia’s dry seasons, and active volcanoes of Indonesia.
GS Paper II: Polity & Governance, International Relations
Expansion of E-Visa Entry Points Network
Why in News?
The Central Government has notified an expansion of authorized entry points, adding 11 international ports, 9 land ports, and 2 airports for e-visa holders.
Key Exam Points
- The total number of entry points for e-visa holders has increased to 88 (37 airports, 38 seaports, and 13 land ports).
- The newly added land ports significantly focus on India’s neighborhood, including Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh, and Attari.
- The e-visa facility processes applications across 17 sub-categories for nationals of 172 countries.
- Static Connection: Visa regulations, Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), and cross-border connectivity.
MHA Directive on Adherence to the Flag Code
Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a directive to all States and Union Territories ensuring strict adherence to the Flag Code of India during national events.
Key Exam Points
- Paper flags used by the public during national, cultural, or sports events must not be discarded or thrown on the ground.
- The national flag should be distinctly placed in a position of honour, and damaged or dishevelled flags must never be displayed.
- Following the July 2022 amendment to the Flag Code of India, 2002, the flag may be flown day and night by members of the public in open spaces.
- Static Connection: Flag Code of India 2002, Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A).
NCERT Granted Deemed University Status
Why in News?
The Lok Sabha was informed that the deemed university status granted to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will enhance its capacity to promote educational research and innovation.
Key Exam Points
- The status was granted under the provisions of the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.
- This reinforces NCERT’s role as a national think-tank and resource institution, empowering it to provide technical support to Central and State governments and collaborate globally.
- Static Connection: University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Sheikh Hasina
Why in News?
Bangladesh officially sought the extradition of former Premier Sheikh Hasina from India during the Indian High Commissioner’s first meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka.
Key Exam Points
- The extradition request follows Hasina’s ouster in August 2024 and a death sentence handed down in absentia in November 2025 by a special tribunal over alleged “crimes against humanity”.
- Tensions have risen after Hasina virtually addressed a press event in New Delhi, expressing her intent to return and restore democracy.
- Static Connection: India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, principles of political asylum, and extradition laws.
Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Why in News?
Iran announced it will not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets several geopolitical and economic conditions.
Key Exam Points
- Iran’s conditions include the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, compensation for war damage, lifting of economic sanctions, and the release of frozen assets.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global chokepoint that normally handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies.
- Tehran is concurrently holding separate discussions with Oman regarding a temporary maritime transit corridor.
- Static Connection: Geography of the Persian Gulf, global energy trade routes, and US-Iran geopolitical dynamics.
GS Paper III: Economy
Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed
Why in News?
Parliament passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially affirming that UPI and the RuPay digital payment systems will remain free of transaction charges for consumers.
Key Exam Points
- The Bill provides legal backing for the Central Government to decide, via notification, which electronic payment modes must remain free of the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).
- It removes the linkage between the Payment and Settlement Systems Act and the Income Tax Act.
- It replaces a June ordinance that provided Income Tax exemptions on interest income and capital gains made by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from investments in Government Securities (G-Secs).
- Static Connection: Digital public infrastructure, Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), FPIs, and G-Secs.
Ethanol Blended Diesel Fails Flash-Point Test
Why in News?
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas informed Parliament that ethanol-blended diesel failed necessary safety specifications, effectively ruling out the fuel for wider use without further technical resolution.
Key Exam Points
- Scientific evaluations by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) revealed that the addition of ethanol sharply lowered the flash point of the diesel.
- The flash point is a critical safety parameter indicating the lowest temperature at which a liquid generates enough vapor to ignite.
- Currently, India’s ethanol blending programme is focused predominantly on petrol, aiming for a 20% blending target.
- Static Connection: National Policy on Biofuels (2018), physical properties of fuels, and alternative energy sources.
India’s Russian Crude Imports Hit Record High
Why in News?
India’s imports of Russian crude oil rose to a record level for the second consecutive month in July 2026, solidifying Russia as India’s largest crude supplier.
Key Exam Points
- Data compiled by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows Indian buyers imported Russian crude worth 5.5 billion euros in July.
- Russian crude accounted for roughly 55.5% of India’s total crude imports (approximately 2.8 million barrels per day).
- Indian refineries that process Russian crude remain significant exporters of refined oil products to sanctioning countries (including the EU, Australia, and the US).
- Static Connection: Global crude oil pricing mechanisms (Price Cap Coalition), India’s energy security strategy, and global supply chain shifts.
GS Paper III: Science & Technology, Environment & Internal Security
BrahMos Emerges as India’s Defence Export Star
Why in News?
Following its successful combat debut in evading Chinese-origin air defence systems during ‘Operation Sindoor’, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has seen a surge in international export interest.
Key Exam Points
- The BrahMos project originated in 1997 under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to fill the gap of a terrain-hugging cruise missile within the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
- It is a joint venture (PJ-10) established in 1998 between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, based initially on the Russian Onyx engine technology.
- Major export deals include the Philippines ($375 million), Vietnam ($629 million), and Indonesia ($200-300 million).
- Static Connection: Supersonic vs. Hypersonic cruise missiles, DRDO missile programs, and ‘Make in India’ defense indigenization.
India-US Naval EOD Exercise in Kochi
Why in News?
The eighth edition of the Indian Navy-US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise commenced at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
Key Exam Points
- The exercise aims to strengthen professional cooperation and interoperability between specialist diving and EOD teams of both navies.
- It encompasses Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross-training, equipment demonstrations, and scenario-based practical exercises.
- Static Connection: Joint military exercises (Malabar, Yudh Abhyas), maritime security, and Indo-Pacific defense strategy.
Study Flags Availability of Banned Single-Use Plastics
Why in News?
A study by the environmental research organization Toxics Link found that 84% of surveyed locations across major Indian cities (including Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bhubaneswar) still use or sell banned single-use plastic (SUP) items.
Key Exam Points
- Bhubaneswar recorded the highest availability of banned SUPs (89%), while Guwahati showed slightly better compliance (76%).
- Informal sectors, such as street vendors, juice shops, and weekly markets, showed almost 100% presence of SUPs due to a lack of feasible alternatives.
- Organized sectors like malls showed complete adherence (0% availability) to the ban enacted in July 2022.
- Static Connection: Plastic Waste Management Rules (2021 Amendment), solid waste management, and microplastics pollution.
Assam & Northeast
Climate Models Predict Extreme Floods in Assam
Why in News?
An analysis by the climate think tank Climate Trends warns that Assam’s floods are transitioning from a seasonal monsoon phenomenon to increasingly destructive events driven by global warming, shifting river dynamics, and human exposure.
Key Exam Points
- Studies reveal a shift in monsoon peak rainfall from July to August, an increase in post-monsoon precipitation, and a decline in pre-monsoon rainfall.
- The shortening of the wet season combined with intense rainfall limits drainage time and increases flood peaks.
- Hydrological simulations project that average streamflow in the Brahmaputra basin could increase by 13-15% by mid-century, while sediment loads may surge by nearly 40% by the end of the century.
- The Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) 2021-2030 projects a 5-38% increase in extreme rainfall events (>100 mm) and a 25% rise in flood occurrences.
- Static Connection: Hydrology of the Brahmaputra, disaster management in riverine ecosystems, and the impact of glacial melt on early-season runoff.
Firing Incident Near Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Boundary
Why in News?
At least 11 Assamese youths sustained bullet injuries in an unprovoked firing incident in the Mingmang-Badati area along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-state boundary in Dhemaji district.
Key Exam Points
- The incident occurred at Hime village (Kangku circle, Lower Siang district) in Arunachal Pradesh amidst local tensions over alleged land encroachment.
- The Assam Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry and initiated Chief Secretary-level talks with Arunachal Pradesh to defuse the situation.
- Static Connection: Inter-state boundary disputes in Northeast India, internal security, and regional administration.
Biometric Enrolment of Myanmar Refugees in Mizoram
Why in News?
Mizoram officials reported that the biometric enrolment of Myanmar refugees sheltering in the state is nearing completion, with 98.9% of the targeted beneficiaries already covered.
Key Exam Points
- Biometric data has been collected for 29,251 out of the 29,575 identified Myanmar refugees.
- The exercise, initiated to create a verified database amid the political crisis in Myanmar, has been challenged by difficult terrain and remote settlements along the Myanmar and Bangladesh borders.
- The simultaneous Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has briefly slowed the administrative pace of the biometric exercise in remaining districts like Serchhip and Hnahthial.
- Static Connection: Free Movement Regime (FMR), border management, and India’s refugee policy framework.
NTFPs Vital to Northeast Tribal Livelihoods
Why in News?
A study by Nagaland University identified 47 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) across villages in Nagaland and Meghalaya, underscoring their critical role in tribal economies.
Key Exam Points
- The research documented the collection and economic value of plant and animal-based NTFPs used for nourishment, beverages, and therapeutic purposes.
- NTFPs provide an essential supplementary household income and present opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship for marginalized forest-dependent communities.
- Static Connection: Forest Rights Act, 2006, Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP), and biodiversity conservation.
Miscellaneous Prelims
Ashmita Chaliha Wins Maiden BWF Tour Title
Why in News?
Assam shuttler Ashmita Chaliha secured the biggest title of her career by winning the Korea Masters Super 300 badminton tournament in Asan, South Korea.
Key Exam Points
- She became the first Indian in history to win the BWF Super 300 competition in South Korea, defeating China’s Han Qian Xi in the final.
- She trains at the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Guwahati under South Korean coach Park Tae-sang.
PM Meets CWG 2026 Medallists
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted and interacted with the Indian contingent that won medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Key Exam Points
- India finished fourth in the truncated Games with a total of 39 medals, including 13 gold medals.
- Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won gold in the 48kg category with a Games record lift of 190kg.
- Boxer Lovlina Borgohain (who won silver in the 75kg category) was specifically lauded for her vigilance in objecting to a distorted map of India displayed at a restaurant in Glasgow.
Sources
Most of the news and current affairs covered in this article are based on reports published by The Assam Tribune, one of Assam’s leading newspapers. To ensure accuracy and provide additional context, information has also been cross-verified with official notifications, press releases, and publications issued by the Government of India, the Government of Assam, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, and other official government websites wherever applicable. We encourage readers to refer to the original sources for a more comprehensive understanding of the topics and to stay informed about the latest official updates.
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