Daily Current Affairs – 07-08-2026

Important Days

National Handloom Day 2026

India celebrated the 12th National Handloom Day on 7 August 2026. The handloom sector is India's largest cottage industry, providing livelihoods to more than 35 lakh weavers, of whom about 72% are women. The Government has strengthened the sector through the Raw Material Supply Scheme, establishment of 797 Handloom Clusters, and distribution of 1.24 lakh improved looms. Training and market support are provided through 29 Weavers’ Service Centres and 11 Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs). Under the Handloom 4.0 initiative, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are being used to improve productivity and quality. India's major handloom traditions include Bengal Muslin, Banarasi Silk, Kanchipuram Silk, and Pochampally Ikat, which are internationally renowned.

Science and Technology News

AI-Based Digital Crop Survey in Karnataka

The Government of Karnataka has launched the Composite Digital Crop Survey (CDCS) on a pilot basis in five selected hoblis (village clusters). Karnataka has been implementing the Digital Crop Survey since 2018 using a mobile application to collect plot-level crop data. The CDCS integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies into the existing crop survey system to improve the accuracy and scientific validation of crop data for agricultural administration and planning.

India’s Second Scientific Satellite Project

According to an archival report dated 7 August 1976, the engineering model of India’s second satellite, Satellite for Earth Observation (SEO), was under development at Peenya, Bengaluru, by the Indian Scientific Satellite Project (ISSP). The project was led by Dr. U. R. Rao, Director of ISSP. The satellite was designed to conduct Earth observation studies with applications in meteorology, oceanography, and forestry. It was planned for launch from a USSR cosmodrome during 1977–78. The project followed the successful development of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, marking an important milestone in the history of the Indian space programme.

Agni-4 Missile Successfully Test-Fired

The Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The test was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and validated all operational and technical parameters. Agni-4 is an indigenously developed missile capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads. The successful test confirmed the missile's operational readiness and the satisfactory performance of all critical systems.

AI-Based Technology Initiatives in Tamil Nadu Agriculture

The Government of Tamil Nadu has introduced technology-based initiatives to improve agricultural productivity, reduce climate risks, and increase crop yield. An Agriculture Intelligence and Marketing Excellence Centre (AIMEC) will be established by integrating data from 285 regulated markets, 213 National Agriculture Markets (e-NAM), and 194 Uzhavar Sandhais to support data-based agricultural decisions. A sum of ₹227 crore has been allocated for agricultural mechanisation to improve farm efficiency. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning technologies will be used with satellite images and India Meteorological Department (IMD) data to provide weather alerts, soil health information, and disease management advisories. Under the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme, 500 farmers, including 100 women farmers, will be trained in drone operations, and 50 women farmers will receive drones with 50% subsidy through an allocation of ₹2.5 crore. The government has also planned investments in cold storage facilities, export centres, and food processing units to reduce post-harvest losses. A new Organic Farming Institute named after G. Nammazhvar will be established at Sakkottai near Kumbakonam with an allocation of ₹15 crore.

GOBARdhan Scheme approved to boost bioenergy sector

The Union Cabinet approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme (GOBARdhan) with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore to increase domestic Compressed Biogas (CBG) production nearly ten-fold during 2026-27 to 2035-36. The scheme aims to convert agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste and other biomass into clean fuel and organic manure. It integrates the CBG value chain through assured offtake, price stability, capital support, pipeline infrastructure, credit guarantee and innovation support. The scheme builds upon initiatives such as SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation), Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, Biomass Aggregation Machinery (BAM) Scheme, Development of Pipeline Infrastructure (DPI) Scheme and the National Bioenergy Programme. Under the scheme, City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities will procure CBG to meet blending targets of 3% in 2026-27, 4% in 2027-28 and 5% from 2028-29 onwards for CNG (Transport) and PNG (Domestic). The government has provided capital assistance of up to ₹2 crore per tonne per day (TPD) for greenfield projects and credit guarantee support for MSME projects. Separately, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the 135.87 km Guwahati–Tezpur Corridor on NH-15 in Assam at a cost of ₹8,970.20 crore under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model.

Economy News

Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which replaces the Ordinance issued on 5 June 2026. The Bill aims to promote domestic electronics manufacturing, attract foreign investment, and provide legal backing for changes to the Zero Merchant Discount Rate (Zero-MDR) framework for UPI and RuPay card transactions. It also proposes to remove the linkage between the Payment and Settlement Systems Act and the Income Tax Act. The Bill continues the income tax exemption on interest income and capital gains earned by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from investments in Government Securities (G-Secs) and enables the Government to modify the Zero-MDR framework, including allowing merchant charges on selected UPI transactions.

Environment News

Super El Nino Contingency Measures in Tamil Nadu

The Government of Tamil Nadu has prepared district-level contingency plans to address the possible impact of Super El Nino on agriculture. 12 districts including Ariyalur, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, The Nilgiris, Perambalur, Ramanathapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tirupattur, Vellore, and Virudhunagar have been identified as vulnerable. Due to the expected climatic impact, the State has revised its foodgrain production target to 1.25 crore tonnes for the current financial year. The contingency plans prepared by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) have been sent to district administrations. Farmers have been advised to use drought-resistant and short-duration paddy varieties, and crop protection measures such as potassium chloride, kaolin, and pink-pigmented facultative methylotroph (PPFM) sprays. The Kuruvai paddy cultivation area in Tamil Nadu has reached 8.4 lakh acres, while crop insurance coverage for short-duration crops has increased to 4 lakh acres. The Regional Meteorological Centre has stated that El Nino may reduce rainfall, while a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may reduce its impact.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Kattaikkuttu for Climate Change Awareness

Kattaikkuttu, a traditional Tamil folk theatre form based on stories from Mahabharata and Puranas, is being used for climate change awareness by folk artist Thilagavathi Palani. She founded the Sri Thilagam Kattaikkuttu Kuzhu and presents a programme titled “Veppathin Veriyaatam” focusing on climate-related issues such as global warming, greenhouse effect, tree conservation, and water protection. The artist conducts awareness programmes in schools across Ranipet, Walajapet, and Tiruvannamalai districts. She has also performed at the University of Madras, Guindy campus, and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai. Through the traditional art form, climate awareness messages are communicated to students.

National News

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 (FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026) is likely to be taken up for discussion in Parliament on 12 August 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah met delegations from Christian organisations, including Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, to discuss concerns regarding the proposed legislation. A key provision of the Bill empowers a designated authority to manage or dispose of assets created from foreign contributions when an NGO's FCRA registration is suspended, cancelled, or not renewed. The delegations requested that the Bill be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination. DMK MP P. Wilson also sought a review of the proposed provisions relating to the management of NGO assets.

Centre’s Stand on Creamy Layer for SC/ST Reservation

The Union Government has opposed petitions in the Supreme Court seeking the application of the creamy layer principle to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). In an affidavit, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment stated that existing judicial precedents have held that the creamy layer principle is not applicable to SCs and STs. The government also informed the Court that, except for reservations in educational institutions and government services, most welfare schemes for SCs, STs, and OBCs already apply a means test to ensure benefits reach eligible beneficiaries. The Centre stated that any change in the reservation policy, including introducing income-based criteria within reserved categories, should be based on a comprehensive empirical study and socio-economic data. The matter arises after the 2024 Supreme Court judgment permitting sub-categorisation among SCs and STs.

States’ News

Hero Stone Discovery Related to Hoysala Dynasty

A hero stone (Veeragallu) with a Kannada inscription was discovered at Neeragunda village in Arsikere taluk, Karnataka, during the restoration of the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple. The village also has the Malleshwara Temple, both belonging to the Hoysala period. The Hoysala Dynasty ruled large parts of present-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu between the 11th and 14th centuries. The stone was identified by researcher Shashidhar H.G., who has documented over 600 Hoysala temples. The inscription records a hero stone erected in memory of a warrior who died after the death of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana. The inscription dates the event to 11 December 1141 (Gregorian calendar) and indicates that Vishnuvardhana died at Bankapura, providing important historical evidence regarding the ruler's last days.

Tamil Nadu News

Action on TNHB Redevelopment Issues

The Tamil Nadu Registration Department has directed the District Registrar, Central Chennai, to take action under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022 to address issues related to the redevelopment of a Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) housing project and to safeguard the rights of Low Income Group (LIG) and Middle Income Group (MIG) residents. A section of residents has sought an inquiry under Section 27 of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022, alleging irregularities in the redevelopment tender process of the Golden Jubilee Chennai Flat Owners' Welfare Association. The redevelopment concerns a 11.91-acre TNHB land parcel in Anna Nagar, Chennai, originally earmarked for LIG and MIG housing. Residents have also alleged that the selected developer, established in 2023 with a paid-up capital of ₹10 lakh, was awarded a redevelopment project worth ₹1,000 crore despite allegedly not meeting the prescribed tender conditions. They have requested policy measures to preserve the affordable housing character of TNHB redevelopment projects.

Tamil Nadu Farmer Welfare and Horticulture Initiatives

The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced several initiatives to promote high-value horticulture and strengthen farmer welfare. High-value fruit crops such as Blueberry, Rambutan, Dragon Fruit, Kiwi, and Mangosteen will be cultivated on 930 acres with an allocation of ₹1.87 crore, while Thailand Sweet Tamarind and non-temperate Apple varieties will also be promoted. For 2026–27, the State has allocated ₹648.55 crore to expand Crop Insurance coverage across 37 districts and 14 clusters for all notified crops during the Kuruvai, Samba, and Rabi seasons, covering 36 lakh acres and benefiting 15 lakh farmers. The government has also allocated ₹5 crore for LED Chrysanthemum cultivation and 10 Blue Green solar-powered parks, ₹23 crore for the Farmers’ Income Enhancement Commission and a new Agri-Business Guidance Bureau in Chennai, and ₹56.72 crore for additional subsidies to SC/ST farmers, including 20% extra subsidy for high-value projects and 100% subsidy for borewells and solar pumps. In addition, ₹5,267 crore has been released for the 2026 crop loan waiver, 100% free three-phase electricity will continue for 23.98 lakh agricultural electricity connections, and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has developed a liquid wild boar repellent.

Tamil Nadu Health Budget 2026–27 Initiatives

The Tamil Nadu Government has allocated ₹23,357 crore for the Health and Family Welfare Department in the 2026–27 Budget, which is a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year. The allocation focuses on cancer care, geriatric services, chronic disease management, and high-risk pregnancy care. The State has planned to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for five zonal cancer hospitals with an allocation of ₹10 crore. The number of new cancer cases in Tamil Nadu increased from 69,517 in 2017 to 76,968 in 2021 and is projected to reach 1,03,707 in 2026. To address the needs of the ageing population, ₹33 crore has been allocated for 1,000 mobile geriatric treatment units. A telemedicine network based on the hub-and-spoke model will connect five specialist hubs with 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and government hospitals with an allocation of ₹18.5 crore. The State has also increased the medicine budget by ₹100 crore. For maternal and child health, Tamil Nadu has allocated ₹560 crore for the Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam, which provides a one-gram gold ring to newborns delivered in government hospitals, and ₹23 crore for the Thai Care programme supporting maternity care centres.

Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme for Women in Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget

The Tamil Nadu Government introduced women-centric initiatives in the revised Agriculture Budget 2026-27 following the United Nations declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers. Under the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme, 500 persons including 100 women will receive drone operator training and pilot licences through the Remote Pilot Training Organisation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) at a cost of ₹1.5 crore. Among them, 50 women will be provided agricultural drones with 50% subsidy at an allocation of ₹2.50 crore to support activities such as fertilizer spraying, pesticide application, crop monitoring and precision farming. The scheme aims to promote the participation of women in agriculture and address labour shortages. The government also introduced the Vetri Illatharasi Veetu Thottam Scheme with an allocation of ₹10 crore to promote household gardens in urban and rural areas and the Tamil Nadu Micro Greens Scheme with ₹1.20 crore to encourage micro-green cultivation in cities. The budget proposed setting up 50 small-scale mushroom production units for rural women and youth. Priority will be given to women farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the agricultural mechanisation programme.