Daily digest

Monthly Current Affairs — August 2026

India vows to protect interests after Mecca defence pact

  • MEA said India is fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures.
  • Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7.
  • The pact builds on a bilateral defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
  • The three countries are described as Sunni Muslim nations.

SEBI passes order against certain Investment Advisers

  • SEBI issued an order in the matter of certain Investment Advisers.
  • The order pertains to regulatory action by SEBI.

SEBI issues release order for recovery against Girishkumar Ruparel

  • SEBI issued a compliance release order for Recovery Certificate No. 4473 of 2022.
  • Order names Mr. Girishkumar Prabhudas Ruparel (PAN: AIPPR8860G).
  • Matter relates to Atlanta Infrastructure and Finance Limited.

SEBI amends Municipal Debt Securities Regulations, 2015

  • SEBI amended the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities) Regulations, 2015.
  • The amended regulations are referred to as ILMDS Regulations.
  • The amendment relates to issue and listing of municipal debt securities.

SEBI issues order in Nirman Agri Genetics matter

  • SEBI issued an order in the matter of Nirman Agri Genetics Limited.
  • The order is from the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

SEBI Issues Recovery Certificate No. 9074/2026 to Rati Agarwal

  • SEBI completed Recovery Certificate No. 9074 of 2026 dated March 26, 2026.
  • The certificate was issued to Rati Agarwal, PAN AJMPA4349K, marked as defaulter.
  • The matter is related to ISO at BSE.

SEBI Release Order: Kamlesh Ahuja Defaulter in Illiquid Stock Options

  • SEBI issued a Release Order for Kamlesh Ahuja (PAN: ADFPA4706R).
  • Ahuja is a defaulter in dealings in Illiquid Stock Options at BSE.
  • The order is under Certificate No. 8037 of 2024.

SEBI Streamlines Inspection of Market Intermediaries

  • SEBI has streamlined inspection of market intermediaries.
  • The development is attributed to SEBI.
  • The focus is on market intermediaries.

SEBI issues adjudication order against twenty entities in Ultracab matter

  • SEBI issued an adjudication order in the matter of Ultracab (India) Limited.
  • The order is in respect of twenty entities.
  • The order is titled 'Adjudication Order'.

SEBI Releases Annual Report for FY 2025-26

  • SEBI released its Annual Report for FY 2025-26.
  • The report pertains to the financial year 2025-26.

Houthi Rebels Renew Port City Attacks; Trump Demands Iran Compensation

  • Iranian-backed Houthi rebels renewed attacks on a key port city in West Asia.
  • Donald Trump said he would demand conflict compensation from Iran.
  • The conflict is part of the broader West Asia war.

Madurai Corporation Seals 8 Idol-Making Units Using Banned Plaster of Paris

  • Madurai Corporation sealed eight units.
  • Units were making idols using plaster of paris.
  • Plaster of paris is banned.

A.P. aqua farmers get power at ₹1.50/unit, 10-acre cap removed

  • Andhra Pradesh aqua farmers receive electricity at ₹1.50 per unit.
  • The 10-acre cap on this power tariff benefit has been lifted.

AI main risk is erosion of human judgment: RBI Governor

  • RBI Governor said the main risk of AI is erosion of human judgment.
  • RBI Governor stated responsibility for a bank's decisions rests with the bank, not with its algorithm.

AP Christian leaders urge Centre to withhold FCRA Amendment Bill

  • APCLF leaders urged Centre to withhold proposed FCRA Amendment Bill in entirety.
  • Representatives of FCRA-registered organisations also demanded the withholding.
  • They also demanded a review of the functioning of FCRA Act, 2010.

SHIFT Transport Coalition Launches Transport Analytics Hub

  • SHIFT Transport Coalition launched a Transport Analytics Hub.
  • The hub uses geospatial analytics and interactive visualisation tools.
  • It helps users understand mobility patterns and compare cities.
  • It assesses urban road networks using geospatial metrics.

Kerala HC stays order to PSC on mark details

  • Kerala High Court stayed an information commission order.
  • Order directed PSC to give mark details and personal info.
  • Matter relates to a planning board post.

Kerala name change, co-op bills cleared without debate in Lok Sabha

  • Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 and National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 were moved.
  • Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai moved the Kerala name change bill.
  • Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol moved the NCDC amendment bill.
  • Both bills were cleared without debate as Lok Sabha deadlock continues.

21 Tonnes of Gutkha Incinerated in Krishnagiri for Drug-Free Tamil Nadu

  • 21 tonnes of gutkha were incinerated.
  • The incineration marked the 'drug-free TN' campaign.
  • The event took place in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.

Hundreds rally in Aizawl against FCRA amendment

  • Hundreds rallied in Aizawl against the FCRA amendment.
  • Council of Churches in Mizoram warned the Bill could allow seizure of assets.
  • Assets of churches and NGOs with cancelled or non-renewed FCRA registrations at risk.

Velampeta to serve as blueprint for AP slum redevelopment

  • Velampeta will be a blueprint for other slum redevelopment in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Andhra Pradesh will adopt the Dharavi model for slum redevelopment.

Madurai joins statewide anti-drug pledge after CM Vijay launch

  • Madurai joined a statewide mobilization against drugs.
  • The Collector spearheaded the anti-drug pledge in Madurai.
  • The pledge followed Chief Minister Vijay's launch of the campaign.

Two Tribal Representatives Included in State Wildlife Board for First Time

  • In a first, two tribal representatives were included in the State Wildlife Board.
  • The move aims at ensuring tribal participation in forest management.
  • It seeks to integrate traditional wisdom of tribal communities into forest management.

M.P. Parameswaran, Nuclear Scientist and Marxist Theorist, Dies at 92

  • M.P. Parameswaran was a renowned nuclear scientist and Marxist theorist.
  • He died at the age of 92.
  • He was an early and foremost member of Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad.
  • His 'fourth world' ideas led to his expulsion from CPI(M) in 2004.

Second Phase of Pravasi Insurance Scheme for Expats Begins August 18

  • The second phase of the Pravasi insurance scheme for expats will begin on August 18.
  • The scheme is specifically meant for expats, as stated in the news headline.

ICMR-NIN launches SHINE 2026 for school students

  • ICMR-NIN has kicked off SHINE 2026.
  • The programme is aimed at school students.

Farmers' outfit criticises CWRC directive on Cauvery water release

  • A farmers' outfit criticised a directive from the CWRC.
  • The directive relates to release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

India says will update on Hasina extradition request

  • India's Jaiswal said 'will update when there is one' on Hasina extradition.
  • Dhaka sought expediting Hasina's extradition at a meeting.
  • The meeting was between PM Tarique Rahman and Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi.

Rahul Bansal, trainee IPS, in ₹1-crore bribe case; CBI court seeks report

  • Trainee IPS officer Rahul Bansal is accused in a ₹1-crore bribe case linked to cyber fraud.
  • The matter reached CBI court in Delhi, which sought action-taken reports.
  • The court sought reports from Chhattisgarh DGP and CBI director.

Search Intensifies for BRO Personnel, Scientific Probe Ordered in Chamoli

  • Search continues for BRO personnel swept away in Chamoli flash flood.
  • Government ordered a detailed scientific investigation of the flash flood on Tuesday.
  • The flash flood led to a sudden surge of water.

TN Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking NEET Abolition, Citing Social Justice

  • Tamil Nadu assembly passed CM Vijay government's resolution opposing NEET.
  • Resolution cites concerns over social justice, student welfare, and impact on poor, rural, backward students.
  • State health minister KG Arunraj said NEET diverted students' focus from school curriculum to coaching.
  • Coaching centres boom and charge huge fees, according to the report on NEET.

President Murmu signs Vande Mataram Bill, grants it National Anthem protection

  • President Murmu gave assent to the Vande Mataram Bill.
  • The bill grants Vande Mataram the same legal protection as the National Anthem.
  • The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amends the 1971 Act.
  • Congress MP Shashi Tharoor questioned whether respect and patience can be legislated.

Cabinet clears ₹3,591 crore NH-22 four-laning project in Bihar

  • Union Cabinet approved ₹3,590.73 crore project to four-lane NH-22 from Muzaffarpur to Sonbarsa in Bihar.
  • Project aims to boost connectivity to Nepal border.
  • Cabinet also cleared four multitracking railway projects covering eight districts in West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Four rail projects will add 410 km to the railway network.

US Envoy Calls J&K Important Part of India, May Ease Travel Advisory

  • US Ambassador Sergio Gor called Jammu and Kashmir an 'important part of India' during his Srinagar visit.
  • Pakistan summoned the US Chargé d'Affaires in Islamabad and protested citing UNSC resolutions.
  • Gor met J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed downgrading the travel advisory for the region.

DoT to use subscriber photos to enforce nine-SIM limit

  • 2012 subscriber verification guidelines set a nine-SIM limit per individual.
  • The limit applies across all telecom operators.

Centre allots full onion buffer for retail as procurement lags

  • Centre allots full onion buffer stock for direct retail intervention.
  • Onion procurement is lagging, resulting in a smaller buffer available.
  • Government conserved stocks for retail rather than releasing in wholesale mandis.

Govt may raise random drug testing of flight crew to 25%

  • Government likely to increase random drug testing from 10% to 25% of flight crew.
  • Air India announced it will screen all its pilots for psychoactive substances.

US Visa Expedited Appointment Pilot: $750 Fee for Faster B1/B2 Interviews

  • NIV Expedited Appointment Pilot Program updated on August 18, 2026.
  • Applicants with urgent travel needs can secure interview within 10 business days.
  • $750 fee for faster B1/B2 interviews, subject to appointment availability.

Texas Governor Proposes Total Ban on H-1B Workers in Public Schools

  • Governor Greg Abbott seeks a total ban on H-1B workers in public schools in Texas.
  • Abbott announced the proposal at a campaign event in Austin.
  • He will ask the Texas Legislature to pass a law for the ban.

Telangana CM seeks faster US visa processing, more slots

  • Telangana CM Reddy met US Ambassador Gor for 30 minutes.
  • Reddy raised concerns of residents traveling to US for work and higher education.
  • He sought faster visa processing and more interview slots to prevent delays.

Israel opens tenders for West Bank settlement east of Jerusalem

  • Israel announced tenders for a settlement project east of Jerusalem.
  • The project would divide the occupied West Bank in two.
  • The plans have long been internationally condemned.

Israel confirms troops fired at car in Hind Rajab death, probes

  • Israel confirmed its soldiers fired at the car in which Hind Rajab was killed.
  • A criminal investigation has been opened by Israel into the incident.
  • Hind Rajab was a five-year-old Gaza girl who initially survived the attack and pleaded for help.
  • Her body was recovered later with those of six of her relatives.

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis can overrule ministers under new 2026 rules

  • Maharashtra government notified the 'Maharashtra Government Rules of Business, 2026'.
  • The new rule gives CM Fadnavis power to overrule any minister's decision.

US expands public charge rule, creates green card hurdles from Sept 18

  • US expands public charge rule from September 18.
  • Green card seekers availing Medicaid, food stamps, or subsistence aid can be denied.
  • Indians are among those affected by the new rule.

Jharkhand students suspend stir, govt given two-month ultimatum

  • Jharkhand students suspended their 26-day stir and gave the government a two-month ultimatum.
  • The move follows cancellation of 22 recruitment exams and probe into 23 others.
  • JSSC-CGL appointees are protesting and fear loss of government jobs.
  • The stir was active for 26 days before suspension.

Protesters in Manipur burn effigies, demand no NRC or census

  • Protesters in Manipur staged rallies and burned effigies of CM and Home Minister.
  • Slogans raised included 'No NRC, No Census'.
  • They demanded census not be conducted until IDPs return to native places.

E20 Ethanol Rollout Hits Two-Wheeler Owners Hardest, Economist Says

  • Economist says hurried E20 rollout has hit two-wheeler owners hardest.
  • Two-wheeler owners rely on their vehicles for daily livelihoods.
  • Economist calls for E10 choice at fuel stations till 2030.

FSSAI cracks down on '100 pc' claims; firms withdraw labels

  • FSSAI took enforcement action against six companies for misleading '100 per cent' claims.
  • Amway, Emami, and Bonn Biscuits withdrew labels following the crackdown.
  • Companies removed misleading claims from products and advertisements.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor calls J&K important part of India

  • US Ambassador Sergio Gor made the statement during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
  • He called Jammu and Kashmir an important part of India.
  • He signaled a possible review of the US travel advisory for the region.

Centre caps sugar stockholding at 15 days for bulk buyers

  • Order issued August 19 restricts bulk consumers using over 10 tonnes sugar monthly to 15-day stock limit.
  • Sugar stocks rallied up to 8% after government tightened inventory limits amid record-high sugar prices.
  • Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar led gains; Balrampur Chini and other stocks also advanced.
  • Concerns over domestic and Brazilian supply, festive demand, and possible import duty cut supported prices.

Unauthorised structures outside Pakistan High Commission demolished in Delhi

  • Visuals showed rubble, broken metal railings, gates, and debris outside the Pakistan High Commission.
  • Authorities in New Delhi removed queue-management barriers outside the Pakistan High Commission.
  • The removal happened days after similar action in Islamabad.
  • No explicit confirmation of who carried out the demolition is in the excerpts.

SC warns Odisha to decide Dara Singh remission or face court action

  • The Supreme Court urged Odisha to decide Dara Singh's remission plea.
  • The court warned it would take its own decision if the state failed to act.
  • The Supreme Court's message was: 'If you don't take a decision, we will.'

SC seeks NTA report on NEET reform implementation steps

  • Supreme Court asked NTA to detail steps and timelines for implementing NEET reforms.
  • Reforms were recommended by the Radhakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani committees.
  • The court is seeking a report from NTA on the status of implementation.

TN hikes milk procurement price by Rs 3 per litre

  • Tamil Nadu increased milk procurement price by Rs 3 per litre.
  • The hike is linked to Aavin, the state milk cooperative.
  • Farmers have faced difficulties as procurement price had not been increased for years.
  • The report questions if the hike is enough to fix Aavin's problems.

South Korea, US shorten military drills after Trump order

  • Drills with US end Aug 21, not Aug 27 as initially planned.
  • Allies agreed to downsize some joint field training exercises.
  • Reduction follows Trump's order to reduce military drills.

TN govt withdraws order preventing students from joining CJP

  • TN government withdrew an order seeking to prevent students from joining CJP.
  • The College Education Department withdrew its August 17 circular.
  • The withdrawal followed SFI's announcement of a statewide protest.
  • The circular involved coordinated monitoring of students.

How India's Private Hospitals Are Expanding in Different Forms

  • Private hospitals in India are expanding.
  • Expansion occurs in different forms.

India's only singing, swinging ape: Western hoolock gibbon

  • Western hoolock gibbon is India's only singing, swinging ape.
  • It is found in the forests of northeast India.
  • Pairs often duet to mark territory, reinforce pair bonds, and communicate.
  • Every morning, whoops and hoots rise through the canopy in a melodious crescendo.

Hidden Greater Hog Badger Population Found in Kaziranga

  • Greater hog badgers (Arctonyx collaris) were spotted on camera traps in Kaziranga.
  • Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve conducted its first scientific assessment of the species.
  • The scientific assessment was published in June, based on camera trap sightings.
  • Earlier, only occasional night patrol sightings of the species were recorded by forest officials.

New vaccine trial extends cancer-free survival time

  • A new jab extended the length of time patients were cancer free in a trial.
  • It is unclear for how long the vaccine's benefit lasts.
  • The vaccine is described as a breakthrough in stopping cancer returning.

UK publishes behaviour guidelines booklet for asylum seekers

  • Nine-page booklet published for asylum seekers in UK.
  • Covers respect in public, sex and consent, and gender equality.
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