RCF Kapurthala rolls out first LHB rake for Bangladesh Railway.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala rolled out its first 19-coach LHB rake for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026. The rake is part of an order for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches placed through RITES in 2024.
Key Highlights:
• The first rake has 19 LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railway.
• It includes 3 AC sleeper cars, 3 AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars and 2 power cars.
• The coaches follow European Standard EN 15227 for crashworthiness.
• The electrical system is designed for 415 V instead of India's usual 750 V system.
• The roof has been strengthened for extra passenger load.
• Passenger facilities include CCTV, Baby Care Room and Prayer Room.
• This is the second RCF supply to Bangladesh after 120 LHB coaches in 2011.
Additional Information:
• RCF is a coach manufacturing unit of Indian Railways in Kapurthala, Punjab.
• RCF was established in 1986.
• RITES is the export arm and consultancy of Indian Railways and is headquartered in Gurugram.
India wins 12 medals at UCI Parasport Denmark Grand Prix.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Indian para-cyclists won 12 medals at the UCI Parasport Denmark Grand Prix in Odense, Denmark, held from 7 to 9 August 2026.
Key Highlights:
• India won 12 medals: 2 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze.
• Arshad Shaikh in MC2 category won six medals.
• His medal tally included 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze.
• Vishwa Vasani, aged 17, won four Bronze medals in WC3 category.
• Anshuman, aged 16, won two Silver medals in MC1 category.
• Chief Coach Aditya Mehta trained the Indian contingent.
Additional Information:
• UCI is the world body for cycling and international cycling competitions.
• UCI was established in 1900 and is headquartered in Aigle, Switzerland.
• Odense is the third-largest city of Denmark.
Nuclear scientist and people's science advocate M.P. Parameswaran passes away.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Nuclear scientist and social activist M.P. Parameswaran passed away in Thrissur, Kerala, on 11 August 2026 at the age of 91. He was known for developing people's science movement in Kerala.
Key Highlights:
• M.P. Parameswaran worked at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre from 1957 to 1975.
• He transformed Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad into a mass people's science movement.
• He served as Secretary and President of All India People's Science Network.
• He helped Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti in national literacy campaigns.
• He developed a Smokeless Stove to reduce household smoke exposure.
• He organised Science Train campaign after the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.
• He wrote around 100 books on nuclear energy, astronomy and political science.
Additional Information:
• He completed PhD in Nuclear Engineering from Moscow Power Institute in 1965.
• He was born on 18 January 1935 in Kiralur, Thrissur.
MoSPI signs research MoUs with ISI Kolkata and IDEAS Foundation.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation signed two MoUs with ISI Kolkata and IDEAS Foundation on 10 August 2026. The agreements are for research in GDP Nowcasting and data harmonisation.
Key Highlights:
• The MoUs aim to build a knowledge-sharing platform for Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
• A desktop-based software tool will be developed for real-time GDP Nowcasting.
• A harmonised indicator framework will link health and nutrition administrative data with NSS data.
• MoSPI will provide financial support and primary data for the research.
• The research will improve links between household-level NSS data and welfare scheme records.
Additional Information:
• MoSPI was formed in 1999 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• MoSPI releases CPI, IIP and GDP estimates.
• ISI was founded by P.C. Mahalanobis on 17 December 1931 and is headquartered in Kolkata.
• IDEAS stands for Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation.
Skyroot Aerospace signs multi-launch pact with HEX20 for Vikram missions.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Skyroot Aerospace and Kerala-based HEX20 signed a multi-launch agreement on 10 August 2026 for three dedicated Vikram-series space missions. The launches are planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Key Highlights:
• The agreement covers three dedicated Vikram-series missions.
• Launches are scheduled to start in Q4 of 2027.
• The missions will support HEX20's Earth-observation satellite constellation.
• They will also support in-orbit payload demonstrations and rideshare for other spacecraft.
• The pact followed Vikram-1 launch on 18 July 2026, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket.
• Skyroot plans to increase its launch capacity to 12 missions every year.
• The agreement was signed by Naga Bharath Daka and M.B. Aravind.
Additional Information:
• Skyroot Aerospace is headquartered in Hyderabad.
• HEX20 is headquartered in Kerala.
• Vikram-1 uses in-house propulsion and composite structures for small satellite launches.
Himachal Pradesh imposes Widow and Orphan Cess on fuel.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Himachal Pradesh government implemented Widow and Orphan Cess on petrol and diesel from 11 August 2026. The cess will be used for welfare of widows and orphaned children.
Key Highlights:
• The cess is 60 paise per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel.
• The notification was issued under Section 6-A of Himachal Pradesh VAT Act, 2005.
• The move follows Himachal Pradesh VAT Amendment Bill, 2026.
• The Act allows the state to impose cess up to ?5 per litre.
• Revenue will be used for welfare of widows and orphaned children.
Additional Information:
• Himachal Pradesh became India's 18th state on 25 January 1971.
• Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
• State animal is Snow Leopard and state bird is Western Tragopan.
World Elephant Day observed on 12 August.
Dated: 14 August 2026
World Elephant Day was observed on 12 August 2026 to spread awareness about protection of African and Asian elephants. The day highlights threats such as poaching, habitat loss and human-elephant conflict.
Key Highlights:
• World Elephant Day is observed every year on 12 August.
• The first World Elephant Day was observed on 12 August 2012.
• Elephants are known as keystone species because they support entire ecosystems.
• The day focuses on stopping poaching, illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.
• It also highlights the problem of human-elephant conflict.
Additional Information:
• Asian Elephant is India's National Heritage Animal since 2010.
• Scientific name of Asian Elephant is Elephas maximus.
• Asian Elephant is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Project Elephant was launched in February 1992.
VinSpace partners with SpaceX for 2027 satellite launch.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Vietnam-based VinSpace signed a contract with SpaceX on 12 August 2026 to launch its first satellites into orbit in 2027 through a rideshare mission.
Key Highlights:
• VinSpace satellites will launch through a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission in 2027.
• Rideshare mission allows many customers to use one rocket for satellite launch.
• VinSpace will handle satellite research, development, manufacturing, testing and operations.
• The mission will demonstrate VinSpace's in-house technologies.
• VinSpace plans to develop space-data products and services.
• The company aims to become a full-stack aerospace company.
Additional Information:
• SpaceX was founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
• SpaceX is headquartered in Hawthorne, California, USA.
• Falcon 9 is the first orbital-class reusable rocket developed by SpaceX.
Adani Enterprises incorporates AACL Global IFSC Limited.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Adani Enterprises incorporated AACL Global IFSC Limited on 15 July 2026 for global treasury and finance operations. It is a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises through Adani Airport City Limited.
Key Highlights:
• AACL Global IFSC Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Airport City Limited.
• It is a step-down subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited.
• Its initial paid-up capital is ?5 lakh.
• It has 50,000 equity shares of face value ?10 each.
• The company will work as a Global Treasury Centre for Treasury and Finance Operations.
• It was established under IFSCA Finance Company Regulations, 2021.
• Disclosure was made to BSE and NSE under SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
Additional Information:
• IFSCA was established under International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
• IFSCA is headquartered in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• SEBI was established on 12 April 1992 and is headquartered in Mumbai.
Airtel Business partners with ITI Limited for digital transformation.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Airtel Business and ITI Limited entered a strategic collaboration on 12 August 2026 to modernise legacy systems and provide digital solutions for Indian enterprises.
Key Highlights:
• The partnership will provide digital solutions for Indian enterprises.
• It will support LEO satellite services and IoT connectivity.
• It includes sovereign cloud services and AI-powered solutions.
• The collaboration will provide cybersecurity frameworks and data-centre services.
• It combines ITI's engineering capacity with Airtel Business communication infrastructure.
• The partnership supports India's digital growth agenda.
Additional Information:
• ITI Limited was established in 1948 as India's first PSU after Independence.
• ITI works under Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications.
• ITI is headquartered in Bengaluru.
• LEO satellites operate at 160 to 2,000 km above Earth and offer lower latency.
International Youth Day observed on 12 August.
Dated: 14 August 2026
International Youth Day 2026 was observed globally on 12 August. The theme for 2026 was Different Contexts, Common Aspirations, focusing on education, well-being and inclusion of young people.
Key Highlights:
• International Youth Day is observed every year on 12 August.
• The 2026 theme was Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.
• The theme focuses on education, well-being and inclusion.
• It highlights sustainable development, international cooperation and fair access to resources.
• The observance addresses climate change, digital inclusion and mental well-being.
• It recognises youth leadership in digital entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Additional Information:
• International Youth Day was first observed on 12 August 2000.
• The day focuses on role of youth in solving global challenges and shaping the future.
Vice-President flags off Har Ghar Tiranga Bike Rally.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan flagged off Har Ghar Tiranga Bike Rally of Members of Parliament at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 12 August 2026. The rally marked 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Key Highlights:
• The rally was organised by Ministry of Culture under Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign.
• It marked the 150th anniversary of India's National Song, Vande Mataram.
• The rally started from Bharat Mandapam.
• It ended at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
• Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan was first launched by the Prime Minister in 2022.
Additional Information:
• Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• It was included in the novel Anandamath, published in 1882.
• Rabindranath Tagore first sang it at 1896 Indian National Congress session.
Jammu and Kashmir to host Irani Cup after four decades.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar will host Irani Cup 2026 between Ranji Trophy 2025-26 champions Jammu and Kashmir and Rest of India. It will be the first major cricket event in Kashmir after four decades.
Key Highlights:
• Irani Cup is played between Ranji Trophy champions and Rest of India team.
• Jammu and Kashmir won Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
• The match will be held at Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
• It will be Kashmir's first major cricket event since India vs Australia ODI in 1986.
• Jammu and Kashmir team will be captained by Paras Dogra.
• Auqib Nabi Dar took 60 wickets in Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
• Jammu and Kashmir will start Ranji Trophy title defence against Madhya Pradesh on 11 October 2026.
Additional Information:
• Irani Cup was started to mark 25 years of Ranji Trophy.
• It is named after former BCCI president Z.R. Irani.
• Rest of India has won most Irani Cup titles with 30 wins.
• Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium is in Srinagar and has seating capacity of 5,000.
New York and New Jersey proclaim 15 August as India Independence Day.
Dated: 14 August 2026
US states New York and New Jersey proclaimed 15 August 2026 as India Independence Day to mark India's 80th Independence Day.
Key Highlights:
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued the proclamation.
• New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill issued the proclamation.
• The proclamation marks India's 80th Independence Day in 2026.
• It also highlights 150 years of Vande Mataram.
• It recognises Yuva Shakti and contribution of Indian-American community.
• Indian-American community was recognised for contribution in education, healthcare, technology and business.
• The proclamations also highlight India-US cooperation in commerce, research and cultural exchange.
Additional Information:
• New York is known as the Empire State.
• New York has one of the largest Indian-American communities in the United States.
• Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
DRDO organises NETRA-2026 seminar on Electronic Warfare.
Dated: 14 August 2026
DRDO inaugurated the two-day NETRA-2026 national seminar on Electronic Warfare, digital twins and mission-critical system design on 11 August 2026.
Key Highlights:
• NETRA-2026 was organised by DRDO with Association of Old Crows India Chapter and industry partners.
• The seminar focused on Electronic Warfare and control of electromagnetic spectrum.
• Technical sessions covered AI, Radar, Radio-Frequency systems and FPGA design.
• Digital Twins are virtual models of physical systems used for testing and improvement.
• Layered Defence combines missiles, directed-energy weapons and drones.
Additional Information:
• DRDO was established in 1958 and works under Ministry of Defence.
• DRDO is headquartered in New Delhi.
• BEL is a Navratna PSU established in 1954 and headquartered in Bengaluru.
• Association of Old Crows is a global organisation focused on Electronic Warfare and Information Operations.
Karnataka launches Tathyakosh portal for public data discovery.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Karnataka Government launched Tathyakosh.in, a centralised digital platform that helps users find fragmented public data from government portals and research institutions.
Key Highlights:
• Tathyakosh was developed by ACSEL Technology Forum with IIT Alumni Centre Bengaluru.
• The portal brings together more than 1.5 million datasets.
• It collects information from 458 data sources.
• It does not store datasets directly; it redirects users to original sources.
• This keeps data ownership and source details with the original organisation.
• The portal is useful for startups and researchers in healthcare, agriculture, climate research and financial inclusion.
• Tathya means truth and Kosh means repository in Sanskrit.
Additional Information:
• ACSEL Technology Forum is Karnataka Government's Centre of Excellence in AI.
• Karnataka IT-BT Ministry is headed by Priyank Kharge.
Amgen to open Science and Innovation Centre in Hyderabad.
Dated: 14 August 2026
US biotechnology company Amgen announced on 11 August 2026 that it will open a Science and Innovation Centre at Genome Valley in Hyderabad. The centre is expected to start operations in 2027.
Key Highlights:
• The centre will be located at Genome Valley in Hyderabad.
• It is scheduled to become operational in 2027.
• The centre will work in discovery chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
• It will focus on precision medicine and combining experimental science with data technology.
• The project is expected to create around 200 high-skilled jobs.
• Amgen had opened its Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad in February 2025.
Additional Information:
• Amgen was established in 1980 and is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California, USA.
• Genome Valley is India's first planned life-sciences R&D cluster.
• Genome Valley is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Russia imports gasoline from India for the first time.
Dated: 14 August 2026
Russia started importing gasoline from India for the first time on 5 August 2026 after refinery disruptions affected its domestic market. Nayara Energy supplied the fuel from its Vadinar refinery in Gujarat.
Key Highlights:
• Nayara Energy was the primary supplier of gasoline to Russia.
• The first shipment had around 42,000 tonnes of gasoline.
• Another cargo of nearly 40,000 tonnes was tracked after the first delivery.
• Shipments started from Vadinar refinery on India's west coast.
• Ship-to-ship transfer took place at Damietta Port, Egypt.
• Russia's crude processing fell to 3.6 million barrels per day in July.
• Vadinar refinery has a processing capacity of 400,000 barrels per day.
Additional Information:
• Nayara Energy operates India's second-largest private refinery at Vadinar, Gujarat.
• Nayara Energy was earlier known as Essar Oil Limited.
• Vadinar Port is in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Gujarat.