Daily Current Affairs 13 August 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This Daily Current Affairs 13 August 2026 article covers the Supreme Court's push to strengthen cancer reporting, NASA's invitation to ISRO for deeper Moon exploration cooperation, India's July retail inflation at 4.45%, SBI Research's 8% Q1FY27 GDP growth projection, and the Indian Navy's launch of NGOPV Shruti. It also includes important national, international, economy, science, defence and environment updates with 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 13 August 2026
The Current Affairs of 13 August 2026 feature several high-value developments for competitive exams, including the Supreme Court's observations on making cancer notifiable, NASA-ISRO lunar cooperation, India's latest retail inflation data, SBI Research's GDP forecast and the launch of the Indian Navy's Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shruti. Important questions can also emerge from new government rules, defence exercises, environmental discoveries and international developments.
This exam-focused compilation merges overlapping reports while retaining distinct factual updates for fast revision. Aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC examinations can follow the daily current affairs section regularly to connect news events with important static GK and conceptual facts.
National Current Affairs
Supreme Court Urges States and UTs to Consider Cancer as a Notifiable Disease
Why in News: The Supreme Court of India urged 19 States and Union Territories to consider declaring cancer a notifiable disease so that diagnosed cases can be systematically reported and used for better surveillance, screening, treatment planning and public-health policy.
Quick Facts
- Institution involved: Supreme Court of India.
- States/UTs concerned: 19.
- Proposal: Cancer to be considered a notifiable disease.
- A notifiable disease requires diagnosed cases to be reported to designated public-health authorities.
- Key objective: Stronger disease surveillance and reliable health data.
Key Highlights
- Systematic reporting can provide better data on cancer incidence, geographical distribution and trends.
- Reliable data can strengthen cancer registries and early-detection programmes.
- It can improve allocation of hospitals, diagnostic facilities, medicines and specialist services.
- The proposal highlights the role of health surveillance in long-term prevention and treatment planning.
GeM Marks 10th Foundation Day and Launches Helpdesk Short Code 14550
Why in News: The Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 10th Foundation Day in New Delhi and introduced the nationwide five-digit helpdesk short code 14550 to improve stakeholder support on India's public-procurement platform.
Quick Facts
- GeM launched: 9 August 2016.
- Administrative ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- New helpdesk short code: 14550.
- Cumulative procurement: More than Rs 20 lakh crore through around 3.78 crore orders.
- Platform connects government buyers with sellers, including MSEs and startups.
Key Highlights
- A customised My Stamp was released to commemorate GeM's role in digital public procurement.
- More than 12 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises participate on the platform.
- Future focus includes AI-enabled price intelligence and stronger marketplace integrity.
- Expansion of GeM Suvidha Kendras and credit linkages aims to improve last-mile participation by sellers.
MSME Ministry and DPIIT Join Hands to Promote Bharat GI Products
Why in News: The Ministry of MSME and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU to improve commercialisation and market access for Indian Geographical Indication products through digital marketplaces and international promotion.
Quick Facts
- Partner institutions: Ministry of MSME and DPIIT.
- Focus: Indian Geographical Indication (GI) products.
- Digital channels include ONDC and GeM.
- The initiative complements the One District One Product (ODOP) ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- A Bharat GI banner will facilitate greater visibility for authentic GI products.
- The initiative seeks to improve market opportunities for artisans, producers and small enterprises.
- GI pavilions are planned at international trade exhibitions to improve global exposure.
- The collaboration connects traditional products with digital commerce and export promotion.
Centre Revises Regulatory Framework for Ganga Floodplains
Why in News: The Ministry of Jal Shakti revised the regulatory approach for the Ganga's active floodplains under a 2026 amendment, redefining floodplain zones using flood-frequency criteria and focusing regulation on preventing river pollution and managing flood risks.
Quick Facts
- Responsible ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- River concerned: Ganga.
- Active floodplain: Areas submerged during approximately a one-in-five-year flood.
- Other regulatory and warning zones may consider flood frequencies extending up to 100 years.
Key Highlights
- The revised framework changes the earlier construction-free-zone formulation.
- Pollution control and scientific flood-risk delineation become central regulatory considerations.
- Flood-frequency mapping will help distinguish active, regulatory and warning zones.
- The topic links river conservation with urban planning and disaster-risk management.
International Current Affairs
Lebanon Becomes First Arab Country to Abolish the Death Penalty
Why in News: On 11 August 2026, the Lebanese Parliament abolished capital punishment, making Lebanon the first Arab country to legally abolish the death penalty. Existing death sentences are to be replaced by life imprisonment under the revised legal framework.
Quick Facts
- Country: Lebanon.
- Capital: Beirut.
- Date of parliamentary action: 11 August 2026.
- Lebanon had maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 2004.
- Former capital offences included serious crimes such as murder and treason.
Key Highlights
- The legislation converts Lebanon's long-standing moratorium into legal abolition.
- Death sentences are replaced by life imprisonment under the new regime.
- The development represents a major human-rights milestone in the Arab world.
- Prison reform and overcrowding remain related issues in the country's criminal-justice debate.
NASA Invites ISRO for Deeper Cooperation in Moon Base Programme
Why in News: During the 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting held in Bengaluru on 5-6 August 2026, NASA invited ISRO to deepen cooperation connected with future lunar exploration and the Artemis Moon programme.
Quick Facts
- Agencies: NASA and ISRO.
- Meeting: 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group.
- Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- India joined the Artemis Accords in 2023.
- Artemis focuses on sustainable human exploration of the Moon.
Key Highlights
- Cooperation may cover lunar science, human spaceflight and technologies supporting long-duration exploration.
- The agencies also reviewed their broader civil-space partnership, including the NISAR mission.
- NASA has been involved in training Indian astronauts for international human-spaceflight cooperation.
- The partnership strengthens the strategic space-technology dimension of India-US relations.
Western Europe Witnesses First Total Solar Eclipse in 27 Years
Why in News: A total solar eclipse was visible across parts of Iceland and Spain on 12 August 2026, marking Western Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
Quick Facts
- Date: 12 August 2026.
- Major European locations: Iceland and northern Spain.
- Previous comparable Western European total eclipse: 1999.
- A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's visible disc for observers in the path of totality.
Key Highlights
- The eclipse path crossed Iceland before reaching parts of northern Spain.
- In some Spanish locations, totality occurred close to sunset.
- The event is useful for exams combining current affairs with basic astronomy.
Economy & Banking
India's Retail Inflation Rises to 4.45% in July 2026
Why in News: India's Consumer Price Index-based retail inflation increased to 4.45% in July 2026, compared with 4.38% in June, while food inflation rose to 5.52%.
Quick Facts
- July 2026 retail inflation: 4.45%.
- June 2026 retail inflation: 4.38%.
- July food inflation: 5.52%.
- RBI medium-term inflation target: 4%.
- RBI tolerance band: 2%-6%.
Key Highlights
- Retail inflation remained within the RBI's statutory tolerance range despite exceeding the central target.
- Food-price pressures contributed significantly to the increase.
- Items such as onion, ginger and garlic were cited among contributors to food inflation.
- CPI inflation is a key variable for monetary-policy and household purchasing-power questions.
SBI Research Projects 8% GDP Growth for Q1FY27
Why in News: SBI Research, in its Ecowrap assessment, projected India's real GDP growth at around 8% for the first quarter of FY2026-27, compared with the RBI's projection of 7%.
Quick Facts
- Forecasting institution: SBI Research.
- Period: Q1FY27, April-June 2026.
- SBI Research forecast: Around 8%.
- RBI projection cited: 7%.
- Nowcasting model uses 54 high-frequency indicators.
Key Highlights
- About 86% of indicators in the model showed acceleration during Q1FY27.
- Consumer demand, industrial activity, services and capital expenditure supported the stronger estimate.
- June 2026 IIP growth was reported at 7.3%.
- Central government capital expenditure increased strongly during the quarter, providing an additional growth impulse.
MoSPI Signs Research MoUs for GDP Nowcasting and Integrated Social Data
Why in News: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed research MoUs with IDEAS and ISI Kolkata for projects covering real-time GDP nowcasting and integration of health, nutrition and household-level statistical data.
Quick Facts
- Lead ministry: MoSPI.
- Partners include IDEAS and Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
- One project focuses on a desktop tool for real-time GDP nowcasting.
- Another seeks to link health and nutrition information with household-level NSS data.
Key Highlights
- The initiative aims to improve timely economic assessment and evidence-based policymaking.
- Integrated datasets can support better analysis of socioeconomic outcomes.
- The work is aligned with data-driven governance and the broader Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision.
Government Schemes
Gujarat Approves Rs 20 Crore for Four Natural Farming Centres of Excellence
Why in News: The Gujarat Government approved Rs 20 crore for FY2026-27 to establish four Centres of Excellence for natural farming in Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Chhota Udepur.
Quick Facts
- State: Gujarat.
- Allocation: Rs 20 crore.
- Number of Centres of Excellence: 4.
- Locations: Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Chhota Udepur.
- Implementing body: Gujarat Prakrutik Krishi Vikas Board.
Key Highlights
- Each centre is designed to train up to 100 farmers at a time.
- Facilities will include soil and quality testing, technology support and post-harvest assistance.
- Training will cover five-layer farming, mixed cropping, intercropping and natural inputs.
- The programme aims to reduce cultivation costs and improve farmer income through productivity and value addition.
Reports & Indices
Ambani Family Tops 2026 Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List
Why in News: The 2026 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List ranked the Ambani family first for the third consecutive year, with a valuation of approximately Rs 25.8 lakh crore.
Quick Facts
- Report edition: 3rd.
- Top family business: Ambani family.
- Valuation: Around Rs 25.8 lakh crore.
- Second: Birla family, approximately Rs 8.14 lakh crore.
- Third: Jindal family, approximately Rs 8.02 lakh crore.
Key Highlights
- The top 300 family businesses were collectively valued at about Rs 138 lakh crore.
- The separate first-generation ranking was led by the Adani family at about Rs 19.6 lakh crore.
- Priya Agarwal Hebbar led the highest-valued women-led business mentioned in the list.
- The ranking provides exam-relevant facts on business families, valuations and entrepreneurship.
Science & Technology
Karnataka Launches Tathyakosh Portal for Public Data Discovery
Why in News: Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge launched the Tathyakosh portal, a public-data discovery platform featuring access to around 1.5 million datasets and designed to help researchers, startups and other users locate authoritative data sources.
Quick Facts
- State: Karnataka.
- Portal: Tathyakosh.
- Launched by: Priyank Kharge.
- Data coverage: Around 1.5 million datasets.
- Developed with participation of ACSEL and the IIT Alumni Centre.
Key Highlights
- The platform helps users discover public datasets across different sources.
- It generally redirects users to original data providers rather than duplicating datasets.
- Startups working on data-intensive applications are expected to benefit from easier discovery.
- The portal supports the broader movement towards open, accessible and data-driven innovation.
IBM Partners with MIT Bengaluru and CHRIST University for AI Centres
Why in News: IBM partnered with Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru and CHRIST University to establish AI-focused facilities aimed at expanding advanced computing, research, enterprise-AI exposure and digital skilling in India.
Quick Facts
- IBM-MIT AI Lab-MAHE has been established at MIT Bengaluru.
- The lab includes high-performance computing and GPU resources.
- CHRIST University collaboration involves an IBM Innovation Center for AI.
- IBM technologies include watsonx.ai and AI development tools.
Key Highlights
- Research areas include machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, cybersecurity and healthcare.
- The CHRIST centre will also cover Agentic AI, LLMs, RAG, intelligent automation and responsible AI.
- The partnerships seek to connect academic research with enterprise technology and employability skills.
Skyroot and HEX20 Sign Agreement for Three Vikram-Series Missions
Why in News: Indian private space companies Skyroot Aerospace and HEX20 signed a multi-launch agreement covering three dedicated Vikram-series missions for Earth observation, in-orbit demonstrations and rideshare payloads.
Quick Facts
- Launch provider: Skyroot Aerospace.
- Partner: HEX20.
- Number of planned missions: 3.
- Launches are scheduled to begin from Q4 2027.
- Launch vehicle family: Vikram series.
Key Highlights
- Missions will support HEX20's Earth-observation constellation.
- They will provide opportunities for in-orbit technology demonstrations.
- Rideshare capacity will allow third-party spacecraft to share launch opportunities.
- The agreement reflects the growing commercial role of India's private space sector.
Environment
Three New Cascade Frog Species Discovered in Northeast India
Why in News: Scientists reported three new cascade frog species from Northeast India — Amolops ammachi, Amolops sendenyu and Amolops bella — while also recording five additional cascade-frog species in India for the first time.
Quick Facts
- Genus: Amolops.
- New species reported: 3.
- Region: Northeast India.
- Five other cascade-frog species were also recorded in India for the first time.
- DNA evidence suggests diversification dating back roughly 32 million years.
Key Highlights
- Amolops ammachi was named in honour of philanthropist Padmini Varkey.
- Cascade frogs are adapted to fast-flowing hill and mountain streams.
- The findings underline Northeast India's high amphibian biodiversity.
- New species discoveries are important for taxonomy, habitat protection and conservation planning.
Defence
Indian Navy Launches Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shruti
Why in News: The Indian Navy launched Shruti (Yard 3037) at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. It is the second of four Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels being built by GRSE under the Navy's NGOPV programme.
Quick Facts
- Vessel: Shruti, Yard 3037.
- Shipbuilder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
- GRSE allocation: 4 NGOPVs.
- Overall MoD NGOPV contract signed on 30 March 2023.
- Contract value: Approximately Rs 9,781 crore for 11 vessels divided between GSL and GRSE.
Key Highlights
- The name Shruti is a Sanskrit term meaning “that which is heard”.
- GRSE's first vessel under its allocation, Sanghmitra, was launched in May 2026.
- Offshore Patrol Vessels support surveillance, maritime-security and patrol requirements.
- The programme contributes to indigenous warship construction and India's maritime capability.
Exercise Udara Shakti Strengthens India-Malaysia Air Force Cooperation
Why in News: Exercise Udara Shakti brought together the Indian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force for bilateral air-force cooperation aimed at improving interoperability and exchanging operational experience.
Quick Facts
- Exercise: Udara Shakti.
- Countries: India and Malaysia.
- Indian participant: Indian Air Force.
- Malaysian participant: Royal Malaysian Air Force.
- Type: Bilateral air exercise.
Key Highlights
- The exercise promotes exchange of operational tactics and best practices.
- Interoperability between the two air forces is a core objective.
- It adds to India's expanding defence partnerships in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
DRDO Organises NETRA-2026 Seminar on Electronic Warfare
Why in News: The DRDO organised NETRA-2026, a national seminar focusing on electronic warfare, digital twins, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for asymmetric combat and future defence systems.
Quick Facts
- Organiser: Defence Research and Development Organisation.
- Seminar: NETRA-2026.
- Participants: More than 200 experts.
- Representation included armed forces, ISRO, research organisations and industry.
Key Highlights
- Discussions covered electronic warfare and use of digital twins for complex defence systems.
- Artificial intelligence was highlighted as an important enabler for future combat technologies.
- Layered defence involving drones and directed-energy technologies was also discussed.
- The seminar encourages coordination between users, developers, researchers and industry.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- Cancer as notifiable disease → Supreme Court urged 19 States/UTs to consider mandatory reporting → aims to strengthen surveillance.
- GeM 10th Foundation Day → new helpdesk short code 14550 → platform launched in August 2016.
- GeM procurement → crossed Rs 20 lakh crore cumulatively → major digital public-procurement platform.
- National Honour law update reported → legal protection extended to Vande Mataram → through amendment to the 1971 framework.
- 150th Vande Mataram Tiranga Bike Rally → flagged off by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan → linked with Har Ghar Tiranga.
- Bharat GI initiative → MSME Ministry and DPIIT MoU → promotes GI products through ONDC, GeM and trade exhibitions.
- Ganga floodplain rules → active floodplain linked with one-in-five-year flooding → revised by Jal Shakti Ministry.
- NASA-ISRO Moon cooperation → discussed at 9th Civil Space Joint Working Group → India joined Artemis Accords in 2023.
- Lebanon → first Arab country to abolish death penalty → capital punishment replaced under new legal framework.
- Western Europe total solar eclipse → 12 August 2026 → first in 27 years, visible in Iceland and Spain.
- New York and New Jersey → proclaimed 15 August 2026 India Independence Day → recognised Indian-American contributions.
- Russia gasoline imports → imported fuel from India for the first time → amid domestic supply pressures.
- India retail inflation → 4.45% in July 2026 → food inflation increased to 5.52%.
- RBI inflation framework → target 4% → tolerance band remains 2%-6%.
- SBI Research Q1FY27 GDP forecast → around 8% → model uses 54 high-frequency indicators.
- PMS Bazaar-NDML partnership → simplifies SEBI Accredited Investor certification → NDML certificates generally processed on T+1 basis.
- Adani Enterprises → incorporated AACL Global IFSC Limited → designed to operate as a Global Treasury Centre.
- Hurun family-business ranking → Ambani family ranked first → valuation about Rs 25.8 lakh crore.
- First-generation family-business ranking → Adani family led the list → valuation about Rs 19.6 lakh crore.
- Gujarat natural farming → Rs 20 crore approved → four Centres of Excellence in Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Chhota Udepur.
- Tathyakosh → Karnataka public-data discovery portal → provides access to around 1.5 million datasets.
- IBM AI expansion → partnerships with MIT Bengaluru and CHRIST University → focuses on GenAI, LLMs, RAG and responsible AI.
- Skyroot-HEX20 agreement → three Vikram-series missions → launches scheduled to begin from Q4 2027.
- Amgen Innovation Centre → planned at Hyderabad's Genome Valley → expected in 2027 with about 200 skilled jobs.
- Airtel Business-ITI partnership → combines cloud, IoT, AI and satellite capabilities → targets enterprise digital transformation.
- Vietnam's VinSpace → SpaceX launch contract for 2027 → satellites to use Transporter rideshare programme.
- Three new cascade frogs → Amolops ammachi, A. sendenyu and A. bella → discovered in Northeast India.
- World Elephant Day → 12 August → highlights elephant conservation, habitat loss, poaching and human-elephant conflict.
- India's Asian elephants → country supports roughly 60% of world's wild Asian elephant population → Project Elephant launched in 1992.
- International Youth Day → 12 August → 2026 theme: Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.
- Indian Navy NGOPV → Shruti launched at GRSE Kolkata → second of four NGOPVs assigned to GRSE.
- Exercise Udara Shakti → India and Malaysia → bilateral air exercise to strengthen interoperability and operational cooperation.
- NETRA-2026 → organised by DRDO → focused on electronic warfare, digital twins, AI and asymmetric combat.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi honours → fellowships and awards for 2024-25 → 115 artists selected across performing arts.
- Hungary → András Baka elected President → former Supreme Court chief scheduled to assume office in August 2026.
- M. P. Parameswaran → nuclear scientist and science communicator died at 91 → associated with Kerala's people's-science movement.
- Don Nelson → NBA Hall of Fame coach died at 86 → recorded 1,335 regular-season coaching wins.
- Ram Nath Kovind autobiography → Triumph of the Indian Republic → released by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
- Himachal Pradesh fuel cess → 60 paise per litre on petrol and diesel → funds welfare for widows and orphans.
- Irani Cup 2026 → Srinagar to host from 1-5 October → Jammu and Kashmir to face Rest of India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Supreme Court ask States and Union Territories to consider cancer a notifiable disease?
What new service was launched during GeM's 10th Foundation Day?
What was India's retail inflation rate in July 2026?
What GDP growth rate did SBI Research project for Q1FY27?
What is the significance of NASA's invitation to ISRO regarding the Moon programme?
Why is Lebanon's abolition of the death penalty significant?
What is Shruti, launched by the Indian Navy in August 2026?
What is Karnataka's Tathyakosh portal?
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