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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

15 Aug 2026

DAILY G.K. TEST

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Defense pact among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey raises regional security concerns for India

New Delhi is monitoring a defense pact reportedly signed in Mecca on 7 August 2026 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, with the story highlighted by Le Monde on 12 August 2026. Indian officials say they are assessing implications for regional security and India's own strategic calculus. The pact could affect balance in South Asia and influence defence procurement and security cooperation. The government has urged restraint and dialogue to maintain stability along the borders. Analysts caution about potential changes in alliance dynamics and the importance of cyber and counter-terrorism coordination in response. New Delhi emphasised that any external security arrangements will not change India's commitment to regional peace and to strengthening its defence diplomacy.
  • Reported pact signed in Mecca on 7 August 2026 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
  • Le Monde highlighted the pact on 12 August 2026.
  • India says it is assessing implications for regional security and defence ties.
  • Analysts warn of potential shifts in regional alliances.
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ENVIRONMENT

IIT Guwahati develops two-stage microalgae CO₂ capture process

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a two-stage microalgae-based process to enhance carbon dioxide capture and bioenergy production. In the first stage, microalgae cultivate under controlled light, temperature, and nutrient conditions to maximise CO₂ fixation. In the second stage, harvested biomass is converted into bioenergy and value-added products, supporting sustainable carbon management. The study, led by Professor Kaustubha Mohanty of the Department of Chemical Engineering, reports improved fixation efficiency and potential for integration with industrial emissions. Experts say the approach could complement existing carbon capture methods while generating renewable energy, potentially accelerating India's progress toward lower emissions and more sustainable energy systems.
  • Two-stage microalgae process improves CO₂ fixation efficiency.
  • Stage 1 focuses on controlled cultivation for maximum uptake.
  • Stage 2 converts biomass to bioenergy and value-added products.
  • Led by Prof. Kaustubha Mohanty, IIT Guwahati.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IIHT SUTRA 2026 National Conclave on Handloom Innovation held in New Delhi

The first National Conclave of Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHT) — IIHT SUTRA 2026 — was held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The event carried the theme 'IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform.' Organisers highlighted capacity-building, skill development, and technology adoption as keys to modernising traditional textiles. Delegates discussed training curricula, research collaborations, and market links to help rural weavers access new design competencies and supply chains. Government partners emphasised measurable outcomes for employment and export growth, while handloom institutions showcased pilot projects in turbine looms, dye chemistry, and e-commerce platforms. The conclave underlined the sector’s potential to sustain heritage and livelihoods through innovation.
  • Conclave theme focuses on education, innovation, and transformation.
  • Emphasis on skill development and technology in handloom sector.
  • Discussion on curricula, research, and market access for weavers.
  • Aims to boost employment and export growth.

IIT Guwahati develops two-stage microalgae CO₂ capture process

Researchers at IIT Guwahati introduced a two-stage microalgae-based process to enhance carbon dioxide capture and bioenergy production. The approach improves carbon fixation efficiency by optimizing cultivation conditions and nutrient supply, enabling higher biomass yields and downstream energy conversion. In the first stage, microalgae are grown under controlled light and carbon regimes; the second stage concentrates and processes biomass into bioenergy precursors. Led by Professor Kaustubha Mohanty of the Chemical Engineering Department, the work seeks a scalable, lower-cost route for carbon management and renewable energy generation. If validated at pilot scale, the technology could complement emissions-reduction efforts and support India’s climate and energy goals.
  • Two-stage microalgae CO₂ capture process developed
  • Improved carbon fixation and bioenergy potential
  • Stage 1: optimized cultivation; Stage 2: biomass processing
  • Led by Prof. Kaustubha Mohanty, IIT Guwahati
  • Potential for scalable, low-cost carbon management
  • Supports renewable energy and climate objectives

Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026: not visible in India

A total solar eclipse occurred on 12 August 2026, drawing global attention but not visible from India. NASA’s eclipse path included Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic, and parts of Spain and Portugal, with India experiencing nighttime conditions during the event. Indian observers were advised to watch live streams and broadcasts from space agencies for real-time viewing. The occurrence provides an opportunity for public outreach in astronomy and science education, while highlighting the global nature of celestial events and the value of digital channels for learning when direct viewing is unavailable.
  • Total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 not visible in India
  • NASA path: Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Atlantic, Spain, Portugal
  • IST timing places event after sunset in India
  • Live streams available from NASA/ESA
  • Opportunities for astronomy outreach and education
  • Demonstrates value of digital viewing for sky events
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 to run July 20–August 13

Parliament's Monsoon Session 2026 was scheduled to run from 20 July to 13 August 2026. The government outlined a robust legislative agenda, including constitutional reform proposals to expand women's representation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The session featured debates on social welfare, governance, and economic policy, with officials signaling timely progress and accountability. While the timetable allowed for extensive discussion, authorities anticipated a dynamic session with sittings, adjournments, and legislative votes. The session reflected the government's priority to push key reforms while navigating a varied parliamentary landscape.
  • Monsoon Session 2026 scheduled July 20–August 13
  • Agenda included constitutional reform for women’s representation
  • Debates on social welfare, governance, and economy
  • Timetable anticipated robust discussions and votes
  • Signaled focus on timely parliamentary action
  • Reflects ongoing policy priorities in governance
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GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES

Chandigarh and DNH to pilot CBDC-based food subsidy transfers

Digital rupee-based food subsidy transfers are to be piloted in Union Territories, with Chandigarh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH) among the first to adopt programmable e₹ tokens for subsidy delivery. The initiative links the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) with the Public Distribution System (PDS) to improve transparency, reduce leakage, and speed up transfers to eligible beneficiaries. Programmable tokens are designed to allow subsidies to be used only for food purchases, with smart contract controls guiding redemption within defined parameters. Officials say the move is a step toward broader digital reforms in welfare schemes and could inform future rollouts across the country.
  • Chandigarh and DNH are among first UTs to test digital subsidy transfers.
  • CBDC-based PDS aims to improve transparency and efficiency.
  • Programmable tokens restrict subsidies to food purchases.
  • Part of broader digital welfare reform in India.

Digital Rupee-based food subsidies to be piloted in UTs via programmable tokens

Chandigarh and Dadra and Nagar Haveli are set to pilot programmable Digital Rupee (e₹) tokens for food subsidy transfers, marking the first Union Territory-level CBDC subsidy initiative. The plan links the central bank digital currency with the Public Distribution System to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency in welfare delivery. Programmable e₹ subsidies can be restricted to intended purposes, helping prevent leakage and misallocation. Beneficiaries would receive CBDC-backed subsidy credits redeemable at approved shops, subject to embedded conditions. The move forms part of broader digitalisation of welfare schemes and aims to strengthen financial inclusion while preserving subsidy integrity.
  • UT-level pilots for CBDC-based food subsidies announced
  • Programmable e₹ tokens linked to PDS to increase transparency
  • Subsidies restricted to intended purposes to reduce leakage
  • Credits redeemable at approved merchants under conditions
  • Part of broader welfare digitalisation effort
  • Aims to improve efficiency and accountability in subsidies

IIHT SUTRA 2026 National Conclave on Handloom Innovation held in New Delhi

The first National Conclave of Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology, IIHT SUTRA 2026, convened at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The theme, 'IIHTs: Weaving the Future of the Indian Handloom Sector – Educate. Innovate. Transform.', focused on skill development, innovation, and technology adoption within the handloom sector. Delegates discussed curricula, design collaborations, and market access strategies to modernise the traditional textile industry. The conclave aimed to strengthen IIHTs' role in promoting sustainable livelihoods for weavers, expanding export-ready products, and integrating heritage crafts with modern manufacturing through coordinated policy and industry engagement.
  • IIHT SUTRA 2026 held in New Delhi
  • Theme: Educate. Innovate. Transform.
  • Focus on skill development and technology adoption
  • Discussions on curricula, design collaboration, market access
  • Aims to modernise India's handloom sector
  • Emphasis on industry-policy collaboration
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

Gramin Gyan Setu app launched to connect rural libraries in Gujarat

Gramin Gyan Setu, a rural library connectivity app, was launched in Gujarat to digitally link village libraries in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The platform aims to promote reading habits and improve access to books, learning resources, and digital content for residents in rural areas. Officials say the app will enable real-time catalogues, e-library loans, and collaborative learning with teachers and volunteers. By expanding digital access, the project seeks to strengthen village-level education and literacy, reduce information gaps, and support local school outcomes. The launch aligns with broader government aims to leverage technology for inclusive education across Gujarat and beyond.
  • Gramin Gyan Setu connects rural libraries digitally in Gandhinagar area.
  • Aims to promote reading and access to educational resources.
  • Platform supports digital catalogues, e-library loans, and teacher collaboration.
  • Part of a broader push for rural education through technology.

Gramin Gyan Setu app connects rural libraries in Gujarat

Gujarat launched the Gramin Gyan Setu app to digitally connect rural libraries across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. The platform aims to promote reading habits and improve access to books, e-resources, and educational materials for students and adults in remote areas. By linking libraries through digital connectivity and community hubs, the project seeks to strengthen village-level learning facilities, encourage book sharing, and support literacy initiatives. The initiative demonstrates how technology can expand educational opportunities in rural areas while advancing India's broader goal of digital inclusion and lifelong learning.
  • Gramin Gyan Setu connects rural libraries digitally
  • Aims to promote reading habits in Gandhinagar constituency
  • Provides access to books and e-resources
  • Strengthens village-level learning facilities
  • Showcases use of digital tech for education in rural areas
  • Aligns with broader digital inclusion goals
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TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS

Gujarat to host Asia's first desert-themed night safari

Asia’s first desert-themed night safari project is set to launch in Gujarat, adding a new dimension to the state's tourism portfolio. The project aims to showcase the desert ecosystem, biodiversity, and cultural heritage after dusk, offering visitors a different wildlife experience while reducing daytime pressures on other habitats. Officials say the night safari will integrate illuminated trails, guided tours, and conservation messaging, with careful management of light and noise to protect nocturnal species. Local communities are expected to gain employment opportunities in hospitality, guiding, and crafts, supporting sustainable livelihoods. Gujarat aims to position itself as a leading destination for innovative, nature-centric tourism and experiential travel in India.
  • Asia’s first desert-themed night safari to be hosted in Gujarat.
  • Nighttime experiences highlight desert biodiversity and culture.
  • Project includes guided tours with focus on conservation.
  • Local communities expected to benefit through employment and crafts.

Asia’s first desert-themed night safari to debut in Gujarat

Asia's first desert-themed night safari is planned in Gujarat to showcase the state's desert ecosystem and biodiversity after dusk. The project aims to promote desert tourism and offer visitors a distinctive wildlife experience beneath the night sky. It will integrate conservation messaging with cultural heritage, linking landscape interpretation with local communities through training and employment opportunities. Officials say the night safari will feature guided nocturnal safaris, specialized habitats, mindful lighting, and safe viewing zones to minimize disturbance to wildlife. The initiative complements Gujarat's growing portfolio of innovative tourism experiences and seeks to attract both domestic and international visitors while encouraging sustainable practices among operators and residents. Implementation scope and timelines are being finalised with state and central agencies.
  • Asia's first desert-themed night safari planned in Gujarat
  • Focus on desert ecosystem, biodiversity and cultural heritage
  • Nighttime safaris, mindful lighting and viewing zones planned
  • Local communities to be involved via training and employment
  • Aims to boost desert tourism and sustainable practices
  • Coordination with state and central agencies ongoing
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