Daily Current Affairs 12 August 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This Daily Current Affairs 12 August 2026 article covers major exam-relevant developments including the amended PM E-DRIVE incentives for electric two-wheelers, the PLFS unemployment rate of 5.4%, India's first accreditation scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories, V.O. Chidambaranar Port becoming India's first Scope-2 emission-free major port, and physicist Deepak Dhar winning the 2026 Dirac Medal. It also includes exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Insurance, Defence and State PSC exams.
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Introduction to Current Affairs 12 August 2026
The Current Affairs of 12 August 2026 include major developments in government schemes, employment data, food-testing accreditation, environmental infrastructure, education rankings, science, banking legislation and awards. Key headlines include the revised PM E-DRIVE incentives, the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey, India's first accreditation framework for mobile food testing laboratories and the recognition of V.O. Chidambaranar Port as India's first Scope-2 emission-free major port.
For competitive-exam aspirants, these developments can generate direct questions on ministries, schemes, institutions, rankings, important numbers and first-in-India achievements. This consolidated daily current affairs update is structured for quick understanding and revision for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC examinations.
National Current Affairs
MHI Revises PM E-DRIVE Incentive for Electric Two-Wheelers
Why in News: In August 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries amended the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, reducing the incentive for electric two-wheelers to Rs 2,500 per kWh, subject to a maximum of Rs 5,000 per vehicle, for the applicable period up to March 2028.
Quick Facts
- Full form: Prime Minister's Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement.
- Scheme notified on 29 September 2024.
- Implementation extended up to 31 March 2028.
- Total scheme outlay: Rs 11,900 crore.
- Fund support includes Rs 2,767 crore for registered electric two-wheelers.
Key Highlights
- Revised e-2W incentive is capped at Rs 5,000 per vehicle.
- The scheme promotes faster adoption of electric mobility in India.
- It supports charging infrastructure and the domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem.
- Financial support is envisaged for up to 45,79,120 registered electric two-wheelers.
- The policy supports India's broader transition toward cleaner transport and lower fossil-fuel dependence.
Government e-Marketplace Completes 10 Years
Why in News: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal honoured leading buyers and sellers at the 10th foundation day of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, as the public procurement platform entered its second decade.
Quick Facts
- Platform: Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
- Purpose: Digital procurement by government organisations.
- New nationwide helpdesk short code: 14550.
- Foundation-day venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Key ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Key Highlights
- Top government buyers and leading sellers were recognised for strengthening public procurement.
- A customised commemorative 'My Stamp' was launched to mark GeM's contribution to digital governance.
- The government emphasised making GeM more AI-enabled, user-friendly and competitive.
- The new 14550 number is intended to simplify access to official GeM helpdesk support.
MSME Ministry and DPIIT Launch 'Bharat GI' Initiative
Why in News: The Ministry of MSME and DPIIT signed an MoU at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, to improve commercialisation, quality standardisation and market access for Geographical Indication products and promote them under the 'Bharat GI' banner.
Quick Facts
- Partner bodies: Ministry of MSME and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
- Key branding initiative: Bharat GI.
- GI registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999.
- GI registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
- Darjeeling Tea was India's first registered GI product.
Key Highlights
- GI collectives and authorised users will be facilitated on ONDC and GeM.
- Dedicated GI pavilions will be promoted at national and international trade events.
- The initiative strengthens the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem.
- It seeks to convert local crafts and traditional products into more competitive and export-ready enterprises.
Parliament Passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026
Why in News: The Rajya Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 on 10 August 2026, after the Lok Sabha had approved it on 5 August 2026, to modernise the evidentiary framework for banking records.
Quick Facts
- The existing Bankers' Books Evidence Act dates to 1891.
- The Bill covers both physical and electronic banking records.
- It extends the framework to entities including NBFCs, payment aggregators and fintech firms.
- Clause 4 permits the Central Government to extend coverage to other regulated financial entities.
Key Highlights
- The legislation recognises digital and virtual banking records as admissible evidence.
- It updates a colonial-era law for the modern digital financial system.
- The measure seeks a more uniform legal framework across traditional and emerging financial institutions.
- It is particularly relevant to questions on banking regulation, fintech and legal modernisation.
India Expands E-Visa Entry Network to 88 International Ports
Why in News: The Ministry of Home Affairs notified 11 additional international ports for entry by e-Visa holders on 10 August 2026, increasing the total number of designated entry points to 88.
Quick Facts
- Total notified entry points: 88.
- Composition: 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
- New additions include airports at Bhopal and Tirupati.
- India introduced its e-Visa facility in 2014.
- e-Visa is available to nationals of 172 countries.
Key Highlights
- Nine new land ports include Agartala, Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh and Attari Road.
- About 95% of e-Visa applications are processed within 72 hours.
- Electronic visas account for roughly 78% of visas issued by India.
- The expansion improves international travel access through a wider network of entry points.
Reports & Indices
PLFS Quarterly Bulletin Reports Unemployment Rate at 5.4%
Why in News: The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey quarterly bulletin for April-June 2026, reporting an unemployment rate of 5.4% among persons aged 15 years and above.
Quick Facts
- Survey: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
- Publisher: NSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- Reference quarter: April-June 2026.
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%.
- Overall Labour Force Participation Rate: 54.6%.
Key Highlights
- The unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percentage point from the previous quarter.
- Overall LFPR declined from 55.5% to 54.6%.
- Rural LFPR declined from 58.2% to 56.9%.
- Urban LFPR remained unchanged at 50.2%.
- PLFS data is important for questions on employment, labour markets and economic indicators.
IIT Delhi Leads India's 52 Institutions in QS World University Rankings 2027
Why in News: India increased its presence in the QS World University Rankings 2027 to 52 institutions, compared with 11 in 2015, with IIT Delhi emerging as the highest-ranked Indian institution.
Quick Facts
- IIT Delhi global rank: 118th.
- IIT Bombay: 134th.
- IIT Madras: 170th.
- IIT Kharagpur: 205th.
- IISc Bengaluru: 221st.
Key Highlights
- India has 52 ranked institutions, up from 11 in 2015.
- 26 Indian institutions improved their position and two entered the rankings for the first time.
- BITS Pilani rose 93 places to 575th.
- VIT improved 94 places to 597th.
- The expansion reflects the growing representation of Indian higher-education institutions in global rankings.
Science & Technology
NABL Launches India's First Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories
Why in News: On 10 August 2026, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) launched India's first accreditation scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories under its Integrated Assessment Programme in New Delhi.
Quick Facts
- NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI).
- Programme: Integrated Assessment Programme.
- Launch event: Gunvatta Samanvaya.
- NABL headquarters: New Delhi.
- NABL was established in 1998.
Key Highlights
- The scheme provides a quality-assurance framework for mobile food-testing laboratories.
- Testing services can be taken closer to communities rather than remaining limited to fixed laboratories.
- It is designed to strengthen food-safety surveillance and faster regulatory intervention.
- The framework promotes mutual recognition and greater regulatory convergence.
- The initiative is expected to improve consumer confidence in food-testing systems.
ICMR Organises S.H.I.N.E. 2026 Science Outreach Programme
Why in News: The Department of Health Research-ICMR organised the second edition of S.H.I.N.E. 2026 on 11-12 August 2026 to connect school students with scientific research, laboratories and public-health innovation.
Quick Facts
- S.H.I.N.E.: Science, Health and Innovation for NextGen Explorers.
- Coverage: 83 locations across India.
- Target: Around 30,000 students.
- Participants: Students of Classes 9-12.
- ICMR headquarters: New Delhi.
Key Highlights
- Students interact directly with scientists and researchers.
- Activities include laboratory tours, demonstrations, exhibitions and poster walks.
- The programme includes ICMR institutes and Model Rural Health Research Units.
- It promotes scientific temper and research awareness among school students.
- The initiative is aligned with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
TDB Supports Indigenous AI-Powered GrivaVision Cervical Cancer Screening
Why in News: The Technology Development Board (TDB) signed an agreement with Griva Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. on 10 August 2026 to support commercialisation of GrivaVision, an indigenous AI-assisted cervical cancer screening device.
Quick Facts
- Product: GrivaVision.
- Type: Portable digital colposcope with AI-assisted screening.
- Commercial production location: Kollam, Kerala.
- More than 50% of product components are indigenous.
- TDB is a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology.
Key Highlights
- The technology targets early detection of cervical pre-cancerous lesions.
- Its software is compliant with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission framework.
- It is classified as a Class B non-invasive medical device.
- The product is designed for use in primary and community healthcare settings.
- The initiative supports commercialisation of domestically developed medical technology.
Environment
Nalsarovar Sanctuary Gets JICA-Backed Plastic Waste Management Project
Why in News: The Gujarat Forest Department launched a Rs 2.94-crore plastic-waste management programme at Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary on 11 August 2026 with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Quick Facts
- Project framework: Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat.
- Plastic Waste Collection Centre: Kayla village, Viramgam taluka.
- Nalsarovar became a Ramsar Site in 2012.
- It lies on the Central Asian Flyway.
- JICA headquarters: Tokyo, Japan.
Key Highlights
- Local volunteers called 'Swachhta Praharis' will support collection and segregation.
- The project covers villages in Ahmedabad and Surendranagar districts.
- The 2025-26 bird census recorded 270 species.
- The sanctuary recorded a bird population of 6,42,232.
- The initiative aims to reduce plastic pollution in an internationally important wetland ecosystem.
VOC Port Becomes India's First Scope-2 Emission-Free Major Port
Why in News: On 10 August 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, became the first major port in India recognised as Scope-2 emission-free and secured ISO 50001:2018 certification for its Energy Management System.
Quick Facts
- Location: Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
- Water body: Gulf of Mannar.
- Renewable share in electricity consumption during 2025-26: 93.89%.
- Existing solar capacity: 1.04 MW rooftop + 6 MW ground-mounted.
- Existing wind capacity: 2 MW.
Key Highlights
- An 8 MW wind farm with a 5-MWh battery energy storage system is under development.
- The port is developing green hydrogen production facilities.
- A green methanol bunkering facility with two 750-m³ tanks is also planned.
- The achievement demonstrates the role of renewable electricity in reducing indirect port emissions.
Economy & Banking
RBI Survey Raises FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6%
Why in News: The Reserve Bank of India's 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters revised India's real GDP growth projection for FY27 to 6.6% and the FY28 projection to 7%.
Quick Facts
- FY27 SPF GDP forecast: 6.6%.
- RBI policy projection for FY27: 6.7%.
- FY27 retail inflation projection: 5%.
- FY28 GDP projection: 7%.
- FY28 retail inflation projection: 4.5%.
Key Highlights
- The FY27 growth estimate was raised from 6.5% to 6.6%.
- FY27 current account deficit is projected at 1.4% of GDP.
- Merchandise export growth is projected at 7%.
- Merchandise import growth is projected at 9.9%.
- The survey provides an important market-based view of India's macroeconomic outlook.
Appointments & Resignations
Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Takes Charge as Earth Sciences Secretary
Why in News: Scientist Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 10 August 2026, bringing extensive experience in ocean information services and tsunami-warning systems.
Quick Facts
- Previous position: Director, ESSO-INCOIS, Hyderabad.
- He served as INCOIS Director from August 2020.
- Ministry of Earth Sciences was formed in 2006.
- INCOIS was established in 1999.
- Key national mission: Deep Ocean Mission.
Key Highlights
- His priorities include the Deep Ocean Mission, Blue Economy and polar research.
- He played a role in establishing the Indian Tsunami Early Warning System.
- He has worked on the Tsunami Ready Community Recognition Programme across Indian Ocean states.
- His appointment is important for India's ocean science, climate-modelling and disaster-warning programmes.
Government Announces Major Secretary-Level Bureaucratic Reshuffle
Why in News: On 10 August 2026, the Union Government announced senior bureaucratic appointments including Deepti Gaur Mukerjee as Secretary, Department of Higher Education, along with changes in Corporate Affairs, Inland Waterways, Sports and Water Resources.
Quick Facts
- Higher Education Secretary: Deepti Gaur Mukerjee.
- Corporate Affairs Secretary: Pallavi Jain Govil.
- IWAI Chairman: Sushil Kumar Lohani.
- Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary: Sunil Paliwal.
- Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation Secretary: Archana Verma.
Key Highlights
- Mukerjee is a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre.
- She succeeds Vineet Joshi in the Department of Higher Education.
- Vineet Joshi has been moved to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- The reshuffle affects several departments with direct relevance to education, waterways, sports and water governance.
Awards & Honours
Deepak Dhar Wins ICTP Dirac Medal 2026
Why in News: Indian theoretical physicist Professor Deepak Dhar was named a recipient of the 2026 Dirac Medal of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics for contributions to statistical and theoretical physics.
Quick Facts
- Awarding institution: Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
- Dirac Medal instituted in 1985.
- Named after Nobel laureate Paul Dirac.
- Dhar won the Boltzmann Medal in 2022.
- Associated institutions include TIFR, IISER Pune and ICTS Bengaluru.
Key Highlights
- Dhar became the first Indian physicist to receive the ICTP Dirac Medal.
- He shared the 2026 honour with Bernard Derrida, Marc Mézard and Haim Sompolinsky.
- His work spans statistical mechanics, stochastic processes and non-equilibrium phenomena.
- He is among a small group of physicists to have won both the Dirac and Boltzmann medals.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- PM E-DRIVE e-2W incentive → Rs 2,500 per kWh → capped at Rs 5,000 per vehicle.
- PM E-DRIVE outlay → Rs 11,900 crore → implementation extended to March 2028.
- GeM foundation day → 10 years → new helpdesk short code is 14550.
- PLFS April-June 2026 unemployment rate → 5.4% → overall LFPR stood at 54.6%.
- Bharat GI initiative → MSME Ministry and DPIIT → promotes GI products through ONDC, GeM and trade pavilions.
- Agriculture scholarship disbursement → Rs 21.35 crore → transferred to over 6,000 students through DBT.
- Mobile food-testing accreditation → NABL → India's first such accreditation scheme.
- MoSPI statistical research → IDEAS, ISI Kolkata → includes a desktop GDP nowcasting tool.
- India's peacock donation → five birds → donated to UN Office at Geneva for Ariana Park.
- Airtel Business partnership → ITI Limited → enterprise connectivity, cloud, AI, IoT, cybersecurity and satellite services.
- AACL Global IFSC → Adani group entity → incorporated for Global Treasury Centre and finance-related activities.
- VOC Port milestone → India's first Scope-2 emission-free major port → located at Thoothukudi.
- International Linguistics Olympiad 2026 → India won 1 gold and 3 bronze → held in Romania.
- IOL gold medallist → Shrilakshmi Venkatraman → India has 37 individual IOL medals overall.
- S.H.I.N.E. 2026 → ICMR-DHR → reaches about 30,000 students at 83 locations.
- QS World University Rankings 2027 → IIT Delhi → highest-ranked Indian institution at 118th.
- National Climate Stack Challenge → SatSure Analytics → won first prize in NABARD-backed DiCRA challenge.
- India e-Visa entry points → 88 ports → MHA added 11 more international entry points.
- Earth Sciences Secretary → Srinivasa Kumar Tummala → former Director of ESSO-INCOIS.
- Higher Education Secretary → Deepti Gaur Mukerjee → 1993-batch Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer.
- GrivaVision → Griva Healthcare → indigenous AI-assisted portable cervical cancer screening device.
- Rattan Garh Fort restoration → Rs 10 crore → project located at Bhaderwah in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir.
- TRAI transactional number series → 1601 → meant for utility and logistics service calls.
- Ram Nath Kovind autobiography → Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles → released in New Delhi.
- RBI SPF FY27 GDP forecast → 6.6% → FY28 growth forecast raised to 7%.
- EazyDiner credit card → IndusInd Bank → Platinum RuPay card supports UPI-linked payments.
- Indel Remit RBI approval → AD-II licence → permits eligible remittance transactions up to Rs 25 lakh.
- Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships → Ariha Pangambam → India's first Asian gold in the event.
- Dirac Medal 2026 → Deepak Dhar → first Indian physicist to receive the ICTP honour.
- Bankers' Books Evidence Bill 2026 → Parliament → recognises digital banking records as court evidence.
- 80th Independence Day → 15 August 2026 → marks 150 years of Vande Mataram.
- Khudiram Bose martyrdom day → 11 August → revolutionary was executed by the British in 1908.
- Tripura mustard honey export → 1 metric tonne → first international consignment sent to Dubai with APEDA support.
- VinSpace-SpaceX deal → 2027 Transporter mission → Vietnam's VinSpace plans deployment of its first satellites.
- World Steelpan Day → 11 August → celebrates Trinidad and Tobago's national musical instrument.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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