19 August 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exam.

 

Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, 1946

Why in News?

The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny of 1946 has been revisited for its contribution to the growing crisis of British colonial authority and its role in hastening British withdrawal from India.

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Background

• The RIN was established in 1934 and expanded from fewer than 2,000 personnel to nearly 30,000 during World War II.
• Post-war demobilisation, poor recognition of wartime service and uncertainty generated discontent.
• Rising nationalism, INA trials and anti-British sentiment created a favourable environment for the revolt.

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Course of the Mutiny

• On 18 February 1946, ratings at HMIS Talwar, Bombay, went on strike.
• The revolt spread rapidly, involving nearly 20,000 personnel, 78 ships and 20 shore establishments.
• A Naval Strike Committee was formed.
• Protesters hoisted Congress and Muslim League flags together, symbolising political unity.
• Workers, students and other civilians in Bombay joined the agitation.
• Signs of disaffection were also observed in sections of the Royal Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

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Major Causes

• Racial Discrimination: Indian sailors faced discriminatory treatment and racist behaviour from British officers.
• Poor Service Conditions: Poor food, inadequate living conditions and harsh treatment contributed to dissatisfaction.
• Pay & Facilities Inequality: Sailors demanded parity with British personnel in pay, allowances and facilities.
• Immediate Trigger: The conduct of Commander Arthur King at HMIS Talwar and failure to address sailors’ grievances triggered the strike.
• Nationalist Influence: The movement acquired a broader anti-colonial character through demands for Release of INA prisoners, Withdrawal of British forces from Indonesia

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British Response

• The British authorities responded with force.
• Police firing during the disturbances resulted in significant civilian casualties.
• The naval ratings eventually surrendered, bringing the organised mutiny to an end.

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Significance

• Crisis of Colonial Authority: The mutiny exposed weakening loyalty among Indian personnel in the armed forces, which constituted a crucial coercive foundation of British rule.
• Mass Political Mobilisation: Participation by workers, students and civilians demonstrated the potential for military discontent to merge with wider anti-colonial mobilisation.
• Impact on British Withdrawal: Although the mutiny itself failed, it contributed to British perceptions that sustaining colonial rule was becoming increasingly difficult. Alongside the INA trials and broader nationalist mobilisation, it is regarded as one factor that hastened British withdrawal from India.
   

Sri Aurobindo

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sri Aurobindo on his 154th birth anniversary on 15 August 2026, recalling his contributions as a philosopher, yogi, poet and nationalist.

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About Sri Aurobindo

• Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose, 1872–1950) was an Indian philosopher, yogi, poet and nationalist who pioneered the philosophy of Integral Yoga.
• He was among the prominent early Indian leaders to demand absolute independence (Purna Swaraj) from British rule.
• Through New Lamps for Old, published in Indu Prakash, he criticised the moderate approach of the Indian National Congress.

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Role in the National Movement

• Following the Partition of Bengal (1905), Aurobindo moved from Baroda to Calcutta.
• He became the Principal of Bengal National College.
• He was arrested in the Alipore Bomb Case (1908).
• Chittaranjan Das defended him, and Aurobindo was acquitted after spending about a year in prison.

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Spiritual Transformation

• In 1910, Aurobindo left British India and moved to the French enclave of Pondicherry (now Puducherry).
• He subsequently devoted himself primarily to spiritual work.
• Along with Mirra Alfassa (“The Mother”), he established the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in 1926.

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Integral Philosophy

• Aurobindo's philosophy emphasised the evolution of human consciousness.
• Rather than viewing spiritual liberation solely as escape from worldly existence, Integral Yoga envisages the possibility of a divine life on Earth through the transformation of consciousness.

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Journals & Publications

Bande Mataram – English daily, Karmayogin, Dharma, Jugantar – Bengali weekly.

Major Literary Works
Work	Broad Focus
The Life Divine	Philosophical exposition
The Synthesis of Yoga	Yoga and spiritual development
The Human Cycle	Evolution of human society
The Ideal of Human Unity	Human unity and social evolution
Savitri	Epic poem written in blank verse

 

Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems: India’s First Comprehensive Guide

Why in News?

• India has launched its first-ever guide on Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• The guide has been brought out under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to improve recognition, conservation and management of India’s diverse open natural landscapes.

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What are Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs)?

Open Natural Ecosystems are naturally occurring landscapes that are not dominated by dense tree cover but support distinctive ecological communities.

1. Major Types

• Savanna and grassland ecosystems, Deserts, Shrublands and scrublands, Rocky outcrops and plateaus, Ravines, Coastal open ecosystems

2. Geographical Spread in India

• Himalayan and Terai grasslands, Thar Desert, Banni grasslands, Deccan savannas, Rocky plateaus and outcrops, Ravine landscapes, Scrublands, Coastal ecosystems, Other arid and semi-arid landscapes

3. Spatial Significance

• Open Natural Ecosystems collectively cover more than 10% of India’s geographical area.
• However, less than 5% of these ecosystems are currently represented within the country's protected-area network.
• This highlights a significant conservation gap for ecosystems that often receive less attention than forests and wetlands.

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Ecological and Socio-Economic Importance

1. Biodiversity Conservation

• ONEs provide habitats for a wide range of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and other organisms.
• Many species are specifically adapted to grassland, arid, semi-arid and rocky environments.

2. Soil and Water Regulation

• Healthy grasslands and other open ecosystems contribute to Soil stability; Nutrient cycling; Water infiltration; and Regulation of local hydrological processes.

3. Carbon Storage

• These ecosystems can store considerable quantities of carbon in their soils.
• Their conservation therefore contributes to climate-change mitigation while maintaining ecosystem functions.

4. Livelihood Support

• Grasslands, rangelands and associated landscapes support pastoralism, livestock rearing and other rural livelihoods.
• They also provide grazing resources and other ecosystem services to local communities.

5. Land Degradation Neutrality

• Conservation and restoration of ONEs can contribute directly to India’s efforts to achieve its Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) objectives.
• Protecting naturally functioning ecosystems can also prevent inappropriate land-use conversion and further degradation.

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United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

• The UNCCD was established in 1994.
• It is the only legally binding international framework specifically addressing desertification and the effects of drought.
• It currently has 197 Parties, comprising 196 countries and the European Union.

1. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)

• LDN is a voluntary framework adopted by UNCCD Parties in 2015.
• Its broad objective is to ensure that land degradation is avoided, reduced and, where necessary, offset through restoration.

2. India’s LDN Target

• India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

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UNCCD COP17

• COP: Conference of the Parties
• Role: Principal decision-making body of the UNCCD.
• COP17 Venue: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Theme: “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope”
• The conference is being held during the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026.

CBDC-Based Direct Benefit Transfer: Using Digital Rupee for Food Subsidies

Why in News?

• The Government of India has introduced a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in Chandigarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
• The initiative seeks to use programmable Digital Rupee (e₹) tokens to deliver food-subsidy benefits directly to beneficiaries while ensuring that the transferred value is used only for eligible foodgrain purchases.

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How Does CBDC-Based DBT Work?

1. Under the conventional DBT system:

• Welfare benefits are generally transferred into a beneficiary’s bank account.
• The beneficiary subsequently uses the deposited funds for eligible or other expenses.

2. Under the CBDC-based model:

• The government transfers the food-subsidy value directly into the beneficiary’s Digital Rupee wallet.
• The amount is represented through purpose-specific e₹ tokens.
• The tokens incorporate spending restrictions through the CBDC system.
• Their use is therefore linked to the purchase of eligible foodgrains.

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Key Features

1. Purpose-Bound Digital Rupee

• The transferred e₹ is specifically designated for the intended welfare purpose.
• This creates a distinction between general-purpose money and a digitally programmed welfare benefit.

2. Controlled Spending

• The CBDC-based benefit incorporates programmable conditions.
• The beneficiary can use the designated tokens only for eligible foodgrain purchases through authorised channels.

3. Two-Tier Digital Access

• The system seeks to accommodate beneficiaries with different levels of digital access.
• For smartphone users: Transactions can be undertaken by scanning unified QR codes at participating merchants.
• For feature-phone users: Authentication can be completed through an OTP-based mechanism.
• This expands the potential reach of CBDC-based welfare transfers beyond smartphone users.

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Significance of CBDC-Based DBT

• Targeted Welfare Delivery: The mechanism can ensure that public funds reach the intended beneficiary and are used for the specified purpose.
• Reduction in Diversion: Programmable spending restrictions can potentially reduce misuse or diversion of welfare transfers.
• Digital Public Infrastructure: The initiative represents an application of India's growing digital payment and public-service delivery ecosystem to welfare administration.
• Financial Inclusion: Supporting both smartphones and feature phones can help address the digital-access divide among beneficiaries.
• Policy Innovation: The model demonstrates how CBDCs could potentially be used beyond conventional payments for targeted government transfers and programmable welfare delivery.

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Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

• PMGKAY was introduced in 2020 as a food-security response to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The free foodgrain component was subsequently extended for five years, from January 2024 to December 2028.
• From January 2023, the scheme subsumed the regular foodgrain entitlement under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), making the applicable allocation free for beneficiaries.

1. Beneficiary Categories

• Priority Households (PHH): Eligible beneficiaries receive 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Designed for the poorest households. Eligible families receive 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month.

2. Administrative Framework

• The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) is responsible for operational implementation of the food-distribution component.
• The scheme is implemented through the broader food-security and public distribution framework.

3. Scale of the Programme

• PMGKAY covers nearly 81.35 crore beneficiaries, representing roughly 57% of India's population.
• It is widely regarded as the world's largest food-security programme in terms of beneficiary coverage.

Feature	Conventional DBT	CBDC-Based DBT
Transfer mechanism	Bank account	Digital Rupee wallet
Nature of funds	Generally general-purpose money	Purpose-bound e₹ tokens
Spending restrictions	Usually limited at the payment stage	Can be programmed into the digital currency
Food subsidy use	Beneficiary purchases through existing system	Tokens linked to eligible foodgrain purchases
Digital access	Primarily bank/payment infrastructure	Smartphone and feature-phone access mechanisms

 

Sovereign Green Bonds: Financing India’s Climate and Sustainability Goals

Why in News?

• India’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are witnessing sustained investor interest, reflected in the emergence of a persistent “greenium” in the market.
• The trend indicates that investors may be willing to accept slightly lower returns on green bonds in exchange for exposure to environmentally sustainable investments.

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What are Sovereign Green Bonds?

• Sovereign Green Bonds are government-backed debt securities issued to mobilise funds for projects with positive environmental or climate-related outcomes.
• The Government of India announced the issuance of sovereign green bonds in the Union Budget 2022–23.
• Funds raised through these bonds are earmarked for eligible green and sustainable public-sector projects.
• Like other government securities, SGrBs represent a borrowing obligation of the government, but their proceeds are specifically directed towards qualifying green activities.

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Areas Eligible for Green Bond Financing

1. Renewable Energy

• Solar and other renewable-energy projects.
• Development of infrastructure supporting the transition towards cleaner energy.

2, Clean Transportation

• Sustainable and low-carbon transport systems.
• Projects aimed at reducing emissions from the transport sector.

3. Energy Efficiency

• Initiatives designed to reduce energy consumption and improve resource efficiency.
• Adoption of cleaner and more efficient technologies.

4. Climate Adaptation

• Projects that strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change.
• Infrastructure designed to cope with increasing climate-related risks.

5. Biodiversity Conservation

• Initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

6. Sustainable Water and Waste Management

• Efficient water-resource management.
• Sustainable wastewater and solid-waste management systems.
• Projects promoting resource recovery and circularity.

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What is a “Greenium” (Greenium = Green + Premium)?

• A greenium occurs when investors accept a lower yield on a green bond compared with an otherwise similar conventional bond.
• In other words, investors may pay a premium for the environmental credentials of the security, resulting in a slightly lower borrowing cost for the issuer.

1. Simple Example

• Suppose two comparable government securities have Conventional bond – 7.00% yield & Green bond – 6.96% yield
• The 4-basis-point difference represents the greenium.
• Thus: Lower yield on green bond → Higher investor willingness to pay → Greenium

2. Why is Greenium Important?

(a) Signals Investor Preference

• A persistent greenium indicates demand from investors seeking environmentally responsible assets.
• It reflects the growing integration of sustainability considerations into investment decisions.

(b) Potentially Lower Borrowing Costs

• If investors consistently accept lower yields, governments may be able to raise funds for green projects at a relatively lower cost.

(c) Supports Green Transition

• Sovereign green bonds create a dedicated financing channel for projects supporting Decarbonisation; Renewable energy; Climate resilience; Resource efficiency; and Environmental conservation.

(d) Deepens the Green Finance Market

• Regular sovereign issuance can help establish benchmarks for other green debt instruments.
• This can encourage corporations and financial institutions to raise additional capital for sustainable projects.

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Significance for India

• Mobilise domestic and international capital for green infrastructure.
• Broaden the investor base for government securities.
• Encourage development of India's green-finance ecosystem.
• Improve transparency in financing environmentally beneficial public projects.
• Support India's transition towards a lower-carbon and more climate-resilient economy.

Key Challenges

• Ensuring that bond proceeds are used strictly for eligible green projects.
• Maintaining transparency in allocation and utilisation of funds.
• Preventing greenwashing, where projects are labelled green without delivering meaningful environmental benefits.
• Developing credible systems for measuring and reporting environmental outcomes.
• Ensuring sufficient liquidity and investor participation in the green-bond market.

 

South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA): Trade Preferences and Rules of Origin

Why in News?

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a network involved in importing South-East Asian areca nuts by allegedly misrepresenting them as Bangladeshi-origin products.
• The case highlights the importance of Rules of Origin under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), under which qualifying goods from member countries can receive preferential tariff treatment. Eligible areca-nut imports under SAFTA are fully exempt from customs duty.

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What is SAFTA?

• The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) is a regional trade arrangement among SAARC member countries designed to promote intra-regional trade through the progressive reduction and elimination of customs duties.
• Signed: 2004
• Came into force: 1 January 2006
• Replaced: SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA)
• Primary objective: Promote regional economic integration and expand trade among South Asian countries.
• Secretariat: SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu, Nepal
• SAFTA Member Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

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Areca Nut: Key Facts

• Areca nut, commonly known as betel nut, is the seed of the areca palm.
• Scientific name: Areca catechu
• The species is native to tropical South-East Asia, including areas such as the Philippines.

1. India and Areca Nut Production

• India is the world's largest producer of areca nuts.
• It accounts for roughly 63% of global production.
• Cultivation is concentrated particularly in southern and northeastern India.

2. Major Producing States

Karnataka – largest producer, Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram

Feature	SAPTA	SAFTA
Full form	SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement	South Asian Free Trade Area
Nature	Preferential trading arrangement	Free-trade arrangement
Signed	1993	2004
Came into force	1995	1 January 2006
Objective	Grant tariff preferences	Reduce/eliminate tariffs and promote intra-regional trade
Status	Replaced by SAFTA	Current SAARC regional trade framework

 

Bar Council of India (BCI): Regulatory Powers, Functions and Legal Framework

Why in News?

• The Bar Council of India (BCI) faced scrutiny after it temporarily barred the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University from enrolment following a protest concerning Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, before withdrawing the decision within hours.
• The episode has renewed debate over the scope of BCI’s regulatory authority, particularly its powers relating to advocate enrolment, legal education and directions to State Bar Councils.

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What is the Bar Council of India?

• The Bar Council of India (BCI) is a statutory body established under Section 4 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
• It serves as the apex regulatory body for Legal education; Professional standards of advocates; Professional conduct and ethics; and Regulation of the legal profession in India.

1. Origin

• The proposal for a national regulatory body emerged from the recommendations of the All-India Bar Committee (1953).
• The committee was headed by Justice S.R. Das.
• Its recommendations contributed to the establishment of the BCI under the Advocates Act, 1961.

2. Composition of the BCI

• Each State Bar Council (SBC) elects one member from among its members to represent it on the BCI.
• The elected member remains on the BCI for the duration of their term in the concerned State Bar Council.

3. Ex-Officio Members

• Attorney General of India and Solicitor General of India

4. Important Point

• The Ministry of Law and Justice does not have a direct representative or bureaucratic member on the BCI.
• This structure reflects the professional and statutory character of the regulatory body.

5. Leadership Structure

• The BCI elects its own Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Their term is two years.
• Under Rule 15 of the BCI Rules, the Chairman exercises general oversight over the Council's affairs.
• This authority remains subject to resolutions of the Council.

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Major Powers and Functions

1. Regulation of Professional Conduct

• Prescribes professional standards and ethical rules for advocates.
• Frames binding rules concerning professional conduct and etiquette.
• Works towards maintaining standards of integrity within the legal profession.

2. Regulation of Legal Education

• The BCI recognises universities and law institutions whose law degrees qualify graduates for enrolment as advocates.
• It establishes standards relating to legal education and professional training.

3. All-India Bar Examination

• The BCI conducts the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE).
• Successful candidates receive the Certificate of Practice, which is required for practising as an advocate, subject to the applicable legal framework.

4. Disciplinary and Appellate Role

• State Bar Councils have disciplinary committees that deal with professional misconduct.
• The BCI exercises appellate jurisdiction over decisions of State Bar Council disciplinary committees.

5. Directions to State Bar Councils (Section 48B of the Advocates Act, 1961)

• Section 48B gives the BCI the power of general supervision and control over State Bar Councils.
• It can issue directions to State Bar Councils.
• The concerned State Bar Council is required to comply with such directions.

6. Welfare and Legal Aid

• Supports welfare measures for indigent and disabled advocates.
• Facilitates legal-aid initiatives.
• Promotes access to legal assistance for economically vulnerable sections.

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Advocate Enrolment: BCI vs State Bar Councils

1. State Bar Councils

• State Bar Councils are primarily responsible for the direct enrolment of advocates.
• They process applications and maintain the relevant State rolls.

2. Bar Council of India

• The BCI does not ordinarily undertake the initial enrolment of advocates.
• Its role includes revisionary powers and intervention in specified cases, including situations involving refusal of enrolment.

3. Judicial Limitation on BCI Powers

• The Supreme Court has held that the BCI cannot use its rule-making authority to introduce new enrolment disqualifications that go beyond what is authorised by the Advocates Act, 1961.
• This establishes an important principle of statutory limits on delegated rule-making power.

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Senior Advocates: Restrictions on Practice

The BCI prescribes professional restrictions applicable to Senior Advocates.

For example, a Senior Advocate generally:

• Cannot file a vakalatnama directly;
• Cannot draft pleadings in the ordinary manner; and
• Must appear with an instructing advocate.

These restrictions are intended to distinguish the professional role of Senior Advocates from that of advocates responsible for conducting the procedural and instructing aspects of litigation.

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BCI and Foreign Lawyers

• Since March 2023, the BCI has permitted specified foreign lawyers and foreign law firms to practise foreign law and international legal matters in India on a reciprocal basis, subject to prescribed conditions.
• Such foreign lawyers and firms are not permitted to practise before Indian courts and tribunals.
• Their permitted activities are primarily connected with foreign law, international law and related legal work, within the prescribed regulatory framework.

Aspect	State Bar Council	Bar Council of India
Nature	Statutory professional body	Apex statutory regulatory body
Primary role	State-level regulation	National regulation of legal profession
Initial advocate enrolment	Yes	Mainly revisionary/supervisory role
Professional conduct	Implements disciplinary framework	Frames national standards and rules
Legal education	Limited role	Recognises law institutions and sets standards
AIBE	—	Conducts AIBE
Disciplinary appeals	Initial disciplinary proceedings	Appellate jurisdiction
Supervision	—	General supervision and control over State Bar Councils

 

India–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026

Why in News?

The 8th edition of the India–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 concluded at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.

• Participants: Indian Navy and United States Navy.
• Edition: 8th.
• Venue: Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.
• Focus: Strengthening interoperability and professional cooperation in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations.
• Significance: Provides an opportunity for the two navies to exchange operational expertise and enhance preparedness for dealing with explosive threats.

Srijan: Voices from the Loom

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Textiles organised “Srijan: Voices from the Loom” to recognise the contribution, resilience and creative work of women handloom weavers.

• Organiser: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
• Focus: Celebrating the experiences and achievements of women working in the handloom sector.
• An anthology titled “Voices from the Loom” was released during the event.
• Significance: Highlights the role of women artisans in preserving India's handloom traditions, cultural heritage and rural livelihoods.

 

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