Current Affair Category: Defence & Security

Why in News? The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 on 27 August 2026. The Rules will make Indian Standard Time (IST) the common reference for legal, administrative, commercial and official purposes across India. They will come into force after a 180-day transition period. The Times of India+1 What is “One Nation, One Time”? It is an initiative […]

Why in News? August 4, 2026: Heatwaves and lightning were added to India’s list of 14 notified natural calamities. Following 16th Finance Commission (FC-XVI) recommendations, States can now use disaster funds for heatwave response and mitigation. Disaster Finance Framework: Article 280: Finance Commission recommends the framework for disaster-management funds. FC-XVI allocation (2026–31): ₹2.04 lakh crore for State disaster funds. SDRF: ₹1.6 lakh crore […]

Why in News? A severe flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district on 26 August 2026. Preliminary reports indicate that an ice–rock avalanche in the upstream Himalayan region triggered a temporary river blockage, followed by a sudden release of water and debris. What Happened? The event can be understood as a chain: Ice–rock avalanche (a sudden, rapid movement of ice […]

Why in News? Researchers in the U.S. have conducted only the second-ever measurement of the Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum (PFNS) from neutron-induced fission of Pu-240. It is the first such measurement using neutrons above 0.85 MeV. The study found significant differences between experimental results and existing theoretical models. Background — India’s Nuclear Programme: India’s first stage uses Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and uranium fuel to produce energy […]

Why in News? On 18 August 2026, Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Dignity was hit by an unknown projectile while exiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack killed the ship’s chief engineer and damaged the engine room. The incident highlighted the growing importance of United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) in regional maritime security. UKMTO provides verified security information, warnings and coordination support to commercial shipping. […]

Why in News? Puducherry has requested the Central Government and neighboring states, especially Tamil Nadu, to cooperate in developing an integrated surface-water system for reliable water supply throughout the year. Puducherry Water Security — Simple Notes: Main Problem: Limited Surface Sources: Puducherry has very limited surface-water sources and depends heavily on groundwater. Poor Quality: In […]

Why in News? Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based private space company, unveiled EVEREST, India’s first privately developed 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine on 7 August 2026. India has now joined Russia, USA and China in developing FFSC engine technology. What is FFSC? Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) is an advanced liquid rocket-engine architecture in which: Both fuel and oxidiser pass through […]

Why in news?: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca, committing to ‘collective defense’ and ‘collective deterrence’ amidst mounting instability in West Asia. Key Features of the Agreement: Collective Deterrence: Formulates a pledge to treat an armed attack on any single member state as an attack on all […]

Why in News? The government approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) on 31 July 2026. The scheme aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar projects with energy storage. It will help increase clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy security. India’s Solar Growth: India’s solar capacity has increased rapidly: 2014: Around […]

What is the SAMUDRA MANTHAN Initiative?: The Union Cabinet approved ‘Samudra Manthan’ – the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, a central sector program under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with a massive financial outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to FY 2030–31. Inspired by the ancient mythological concept of “churning of the ocean,” the initiative […]