6 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.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Context

With nearly 40 mines producing around 90% of global natural diamonds expected to be exhausted within the next 50 years, lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are emerging as a sustainable and scalable alternative.

What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

• Lab-grown diamonds are artificially produced diamonds that possess the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamonds.
• Both consist of pure carbon atoms arranged in a cubic crystal lattice.
• The only difference lies in their origin:
  - Natural diamonds: Form over billions of years deep inside the Earth.
  - Lab-grown diamonds: Produced within weeks under controlled conditions.

Methods of Production

1. Chemical Vapor Deposition

• A diamond seed is placed inside a vacuum chamber.
• Methane and hydrogen gases are ionised into a superheated plasma.
• Carbon atoms gradually deposit layer by layer, forming a diamond crystal.
• Analogy: Mimics carbon crystallisation in interstellar gas clouds.

2. High Pressure High Temperature

• Carbon is subjected to Temperature: 1,300–1,600°C & Pressure: 5–6 GPa
• Carbon crystallises around a diamond seed.
• Analogy: Replicates conditions found deep within the Earth’s mantle.

Global Diamond Production

• Largest producer by volume: Russia
• Highest value producer: Botswana

India and Diamonds

• Panna Diamond Belt (Madhya Pradesh) is India’s only commercial producer of natural diamonds.
• Gujarat is a major hub for Lab-grown diamond production
• Surat is often regarded as the global centre of diamond processing.

PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi)

Context

The Union Cabinet has extended the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme till 2030–31, with a total outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore.

About PM-KISAN

1. Launched:

• 2018

2. Type:

• Central Sector Scheme

3. Ministry:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

4. Objective:

• To provide income support to farmer families for agricultural inputs and household needs.

5. Financial Assistance

• Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year.
• Amount is transferred in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 every four months.
• Benefits are credited through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

6. Eligibility

• Covers all landholding farmer families possessing cultivable land in their names.
• No landholding limit (the earlier 2-hectare ceiling has been removed).
• For the scheme, a family comprises Husband, Wife, Minor children

7. Exclusions

• Institutional landholders
• Constitutional and political office holders
• Most Central/State Government and PSU employees
• Pensioners (except specified lower categories)
• Income-tax payers
• Registered professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects)

8. Exception

• Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Class IV and Group D employees remain eligible.

9. Beneficiary Identification

• Eligible beneficiaries are identified by the State Governments and Union Territories.

10. Digital Ecosystem

• Aadhaar-based e-KYC for authentication.
• PM-KISAN Portal and Mobile App for beneficiary services.
• Kisan-eMitra, an AI-powered chatbot, provides information and grievance redressal.

11. Key Achievements

• More than 85% of India's small and marginal farmers are enrolled.
• Women constitute over 25% of total beneficiaries.

Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Scheme

Context

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is promoting quality-driven and environmentally responsible manufacturing through the Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme.

About the ZED Scheme

• Launched: 2016
• Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME)
• Nature: Flagship initiative to promote quality manufacturing and sustainable production among MSMEs.
• Objective: To enhance the Product quality, Manufacturing productivity, Environmental sustainability and Global competitiveness of MSMEs through adoption of best manufacturing practices and cleaner technologies.

Principle of ZED

1. Zero Defect (Quality)

• Encourages defect-free, high-quality products.
• Ensures compliance with global quality standards.
• Improves export competitiveness and customer confidence.

2. Zero Effect (Environment)

• Promotes minimal environmental impact during manufacturing.
• Focuses on Resource efficiency, Pollution reduction, Cleaner production technologies, Sustainable manufacturing practices

Certification Levels

MSMEs are certified based on progressively higher standards: Bronze, Silver, Gold

1. Financial Assistance

• 75% assistance for testing/system/product certification, subject to a maximum of ₹50,000.
• Up to ₹2 lakh for handholding and consultancy support.
• Up to ₹3 lakh for adopting Zero Effect solutions, Pollution-control measures, Cleaner technologies

2. Special Incentive

• 100% subsidy on ZED Certification for Women-owned MSMEs, eliminating certification costs and promoting women entrepreneurship.

3. Implementing Agency

• Quality Council of India (QCI) serves as the National Monitoring & Implementing Unit for the ZED Scheme.

Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Context

The Union Government introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha to amend the Income-tax Act, 2025, Finance Act, 2026, and the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Objective

• The Bill seeks to reduce global supply-chain risks and attract foreign investment.
• Strengthen India's High-tech manufacturing, Digital infrastructure, Global trade ecosystem
• Support India's "China Plus One" strategy by making the country a preferred manufacturing and investment destination.

Key Highlights

1. Electronics Sector Relief

• Extends tax exemption for specified electronics manufactured by foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Extension Period: 10 years, up to 2041.
• Aim: Encourage long-term investment in India's electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

2. Component Warehousing Incentive

• Grants 15-year tax exemption to foreign companies storing electronic components in customs-bonded warehouses.
• Components are meant for supply to domestic manufacturers.
• Objective: Improve supply-chain efficiency & Promote India as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub.

3. Diamond Trading Incentive

• Provides a 15-year tax exemption to foreign diamond mining companies and global diamond aggregators.
• Applicable for rough-diamond trading conducted within notified special zones.
• Objective: Strengthen India's position as a global diamond trading and processing hub.

4. Data Centre Reforms

• Foreign cloud service providers can use leased data centres without obtaining separate project notifications.
• Benefits Greater investment flexibility, Faster expansion of digital infrastructure, Enhanced growth of India's data centre ecosystem.

Significance

• Supports diversification of global supply chains under the China Plus One strategy.
• Enhances India's attractiveness for foreign manufacturers and technology companies.
• Promotes investment in Electronics manufacturing, Semiconductor and component ecosystems, Diamond trade, Digital infrastructure and cloud computing
• Strengthens India's ambition to become a global manufacturing and logistics hub.

India’s First Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Reference Genome of Pigeonpea

Context

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first fully annotated Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) reference genome of the pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) variety ‘Asha’.

About Pigeonpea

• Commonly known as Arhar or Tur.
• One of India's most important pulse crops.
• A major source of dietary protein, contributing significantly to food and nutritional security.

Key Highlights

1. Historical Milestone

• In 2011, ICAR–National Institute for Plant Biotechnology (ICAR-NIPB) published the world's first draft genome of pigeonpea variety ‘Asha’.
• It was also the first crop genome to be sequenced entirely in India.

2. Latest Achievement

• ICAR has now produced the complete Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) reference genome of the same variety.
• It provides the most comprehensive and accurate genetic blueprint of pigeonpea to date.

Significance

• Developing climate-resilient pigeonpea varieties.
• Breeding high-yielding cultivars.
• Improving nutritional quality.
• Accelerating genomics-assisted crop improvement.
• Enhancing productivity, farmer incomes, and food security.

What are Telomeres?

• Telomeres are protective DNA structures located at the ends of linear chromosomes in eukaryotic organisms.
• Functions: Protect chromosomes from degradation and fusion. Maintain chromosome stability during cell division.
• They shorten with every cell division, acting as the cell's "biological clock", thereby influencing cellular ageing and lifespan.

What is a Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Genome?

• A T2T genome is a complete genome sequence extending from one telomere to the other on every chromosome.
• Characteristics: Complete and gap-free sequence, High accuracy, Greater continuity and integrity
• It captures difficult-to-sequence regions that are often missing from draft genomes, making it a superior reference for genetic research and crop improvement.

Appointment of the UN Secretary-General

Why in News?

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) recently conducted its first straw poll to select the next United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG), whose five-year term will commence on 1 January 2027.

About the UN Secretary-General (UNSG)

The UNSG is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations, heading the United Nations Secretariat.

Acts as the principal representative of the UN and plays a key role in diplomacy, conflict resolution, and implementation of UN programmes.

1. Constitutional Basis

• The appointment is governed by Article 97 of the UN Charter.
• The UN General Assembly (UNGA) appoints the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

2. Tenure

• Holds office for a five-year term.
• Eligible for one additional five-year term through reappointment.

3. Straw Poll Process

• A straw poll is an informal and secret ballot conducted by the UNSC to assess support for candidates before the formal recommendation.
• Each Security Council member records one of the following Encourage, Discourage, No Opinion (Blank)

4. Selection Criteria

• A candidate generally requires at least 9 "Encourage" votes in the 15-member UNSC, and No veto (i.e., no coloured "Discourage" vote) from any of the five permanent members (P5).

Composition of the UNSC

1. Permanent Members (P5)

• China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States

2. Non-Permanent Members

• 10 members, elected by the UN General Assembly.
• Serve two-year terms on a rotational basis.

Maldives

Why in News?

The Maldives has linked its Favara instant payment system with India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enabling real-time cross-border digital payments. With this integration, UPI-based payment connectivity now extends to 10 countries.

About Maldives

1. Capital

• Malé

2. A South Asian island nation

• Located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka.

3. Comprises

• Around 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls.

4. Geographical Features

• The Eight Degree Channel separates the Maldives from Minicoy Island in India's Lakshadweep.
• It is the world's lowest-lying country, with an average elevation of 1–1.5 metres above mean sea level.
• Consequently, it is among the countries most vulnerable to sea-level rise and climate change.

5. Economic Profile

• Possesses the highest per capita income in South Asia.

6. Strategic Importance

• Located along vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean.
• These maritime routes connect Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz (West Asia) & Strait of Malacca (Southeast Asia)
• Its strategic location makes the Maldives significant for regional maritime security, global trade, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

7. UPI Connectivity

• India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now connected with 10 countries: Cambodia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Maldives

Phoenix Species Project

Why in News?

The Phoenix Species Project was launched by the IUCN as a landmark global initiative to prevent the extinction of the world’s most threatened species through long-term conservation funding and local action.

About the Phoenix Species Project

• Purpose: A global conservation initiative aimed at recovering 100 of the world’s most threatened species by providing sustained financial support and empowering local conservation champions.
• Launch: Initiated in August 2026 with an initial commitment of USD 200 million.
• Major Supporters: Funded by Re:wild, the Bezos Earth Fund, with support from Leonardo DiCaprio, Age of Union, and the Todd Graves Family Foundation.
• Unique Feature: Recognised as the largest philanthropic initiative dedicated exclusively to the recovery of Critically Endangered species across diverse ecosystems, taxonomic groups, and countries.
• Conservation Approach: Focuses on long-term, locally led conservation efforts, habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, and species recovery programmes.
• Global Significance: Supports the implementation of Target 4 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which seeks to halt human-induced extinctions and improve the conservation status of threatened species.

African Swine Fever

Why in News?

The ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal has developed India’s first indigenous vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF) for pigs.

Indigenous ASF Vaccine

• India's first indigenously developed African Swine Fever vaccine.
• A MA-104 cell line-based live-attenuated vaccine.
• Recommended for: Healthy pigs older than eight weeks.
• Dosage: Primary vaccination followed by a booster dose after 14 days.
• Global Context: Vietnam became the first country to commercially produce an ASF vaccine in 2022, in collaboration with the United States.

About African Swine Fever (ASF)

• A highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV).
• Affects both domestic pigs and wild boars/pigs.
• Causes severe economic losses to the pig farming sector due to extremely high mortality.
• The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) classifies ASF as a notifiable disease.

Rwanda

Why in News?

India and Rwanda held their first Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. As of 2025, India is Rwanda’s second-largest foreign investor.

About Rwanda

• Capital: Kigali
• A landlocked country located south of the Equator in East-Central Africa.
• Popularly known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills" due to its rugged and mountainous landscape.
• Highest Peak: Mount Karisimbi (4,507 m), located in the Virunga Mountains along the Rwanda–DRC border.

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