Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (6th August, 2026)

National News

Supreme Court Extends Mandatory Third-Party Insurance Period for New Vehicles

• The Supreme Court has extended the mandatory third-party insurance period for newly purchased private vehicles to improve road safety and insurance compliance.
• As per the 4 August 2026 order, new private cars must now have 4 years of compulsory third-party insurance instead of 3 years.
• New two-wheelers will require 6 years of mandatory third-party insurance instead of the earlier 5 years.
• The Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra issued the directions.
• The Court directed the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to implement the revised norms immediately.
• IRDAI has been asked to submit compliance affidavits by 14 August 2026, while the next hearing is scheduled for 18 August 2026.
• The Court also proposed a four-layer insurance framework, a “No Insurance, No Fuel” pilot project, and integration of ANPR cameras, VAHAN, and Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) databases.
• The decision aims to reduce uninsured vehicles, strengthen protection for accident victims, and improve enforcement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
• Key Fact: Third-party motor insurance is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and provides compensation for injuries, death, or property damage caused to third parties.

Massachusetts and Boston Declare August 15 as India Day

• The US State of Massachusetts and the City of Boston have officially declared 15 August as “India Day.”
• The proclamations commemorate India’s 79th Independence Day and honour the contributions of the Indian-American community.
• The announcements were issued by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
• Massachusetts encouraged residents to celebrate India’s Independence Day through community events and cultural programmes.
• Boston highlighted the establishment of the new Indian Consulate and the visit of INS Sudarshini during the SAILBOSTON-250 celebrations.
• The declarations recognized India as the world’s largest democracy and praised the achievements of Indian-Americans.
• Contributions in healthcare, education, science, business, innovation, and public service were specially acknowledged.
• The move reflects the strengthening strategic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between India and the United States.
• Key Fact: More than 36 million people of Indian origin live across the world, making the Indian diaspora one of the largest globally.

Parliament Approves Increase in Supreme Court Judges’ Strength

• Parliament has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026.
• The amendment increases the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
• With this change, the Supreme Court’s total strength rises from 34 to 38 judges, including the CJI.
• The Bill amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
• It replaces the ordinance promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu in May 2026.
• The amendment aims to reduce the growing backlog of cases and improve the speed of justice delivery.
• The increased strength will enable the constitution of more benches for quicker disposal of pending matters.
• Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said the move reflects the government’s commitment to judicial reforms.
• Key Fact: The Supreme Court of India was established on 26 January 1950 under Article 124 of the Constitution.

India Medical Device 2026 to Boost MedTech Innovation

• The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, will organize India Medical Device 2026 on 7–8 August 2026.
• The conference will be held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in collaboration with FICCI.
• It is the 9th edition of India’s flagship medical devices conference.
• The theme is “Towards Viksit Bharat: Advancing India as a Global Hub for Quality Medical Devices.”
• The event supports the visions of Viksit Bharat@2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Anupriya Patel will inaugurate the conference, while Jagat Prakash Nadda will deliver the keynote address.
• Policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, investors, start-ups, and healthcare experts will participate.
• The conference aims to promote innovation, domestic manufacturing, investment, exports, and international collaboration in the MedTech sector.
• Key Fact: India is among the world’s fastest-growing medical device markets and aims to achieve a US$50 billion medical devices industry by 2030.

State News

Gujarat Bans Analogue Dairy Products Over Food Safety

• The Gujarat Government has imposed a statewide ban on unstandardised analogue paneer, cheese, and butter.
• The ban covers the production, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of these products.
• The decision was announced on 5 August 2026 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• The action follows inspections by the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA), which found several analogue dairy products to be substandard and unsafe.
• Analogue dairy products are made using vegetable oils, starches, emulsifiers, and stabilizers instead of milk.
• Such products may mislead consumers and provide lower nutritional value than genuine dairy products.
• Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said strict legal action will be taken against violators.
• The ban also aims to safeguard Gujarat’s dairy farmers and cooperative sector from unfair competition.
• Key Fact: Gujarat is home to Amul, India’s largest dairy cooperative, managed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).

Telangana Launches AI-Driven Dial-112 Emergency Response System

• Telangana Police has launched the NextGen Dial-112 Emergency Response Support System (TG-ERSS).
• The system has been introduced at the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGiCCC) in Hyderabad.
• It integrates 18 emergency services under a single emergency helpline.
• Citizens can access police, ambulance, fire, women and child safety, and disaster response services through one platform.
• AI-powered features include intelligent call filtering, smart call routing, incident prioritisation, and real-time voice-to-text transcription.
• The upgraded platform has reduced average call processing time from 190 seconds to 133 seconds.
• Telangana has become the first Indian state to pilot AI-enabled drones integrated with Dial-112.
• The drones will support faster emergency assessment, surveillance, and response in Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Malkajgiri, and Future City Commissionerates.
• Key Fact: Telangana is the first Indian state to integrate AI-powered drones with the Dial-112 emergency response system.

Andhra Pradesh Unveils ₹9.5 Lakh Crore Visakhapatnam Growth Plan

• The Andhra Pradesh Government has unveiled a development plan for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER).
• The initiative targets investments of up to ₹9.5 lakh crore from public and private sectors.
• The project covers eight districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
• It aims to build a US$120 billion regional economy by 2032.
• The plan is expected to generate 20–24 lakh employment opportunities.
• Investments will focus on AI data centres, green hydrogen, clean energy, IT, logistics, ports, healthcare, tourism, steel, agriculture, and food processing.
• The initiative is based on the Bay City Project model for integrated and sustainable urban development.
• The 31st CII Partnership Summit, scheduled for 12–13 November 2026 in Visakhapatnam, is expected to attract global investors.
• Key Fact: The Visakhapatnam Economic Region aims to create a US$120 billion economy and up to 24 lakh jobs by 2032.

International News

Iran, Oman Advance Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route Talks

• Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographic coordinates of a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
• A joint statement is expected after final consultations between the two countries.
• The agreement marks progress in maritime cooperation in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
• The proposed arrangement aims to clearly define navigation routes for commercial shipping.
• Discussions on operational procedures and regional maritime security are still ongoing.
• The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making it vital for international energy trade.
• The route is the primary export corridor for crude oil and LNG from Gulf countries.
• Successful implementation could improve shipping coordination, enhance maritime stability, and reduce disruptions to global trade.
• Key Fact: The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20% of the world’s oil shipments, making it one of the most important maritime chokepoints globally.

Banking News

Proposed UPI MDR Rules May Impact High-Value Digital Payments

• The Government is considering a legal framework to allow the introduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on selected UPI transactions.
• The proposal is part of a proposed amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act.
• The amendment does not impose MDR immediately but empowers the Government to introduce it in the future.
• Reports suggest MDR may apply to UPI transactions above ₹2,000 made to large merchants.
• Person-to-person (P2P) transfers and small-value UPI payments are expected to remain free.
• The Government has not yet finalized the MDR rate, eligible merchants, transaction threshold, or implementation timeline.
• The proposal aims to provide a sustainable revenue model for banks and fintech companies.
• It also seeks to strengthen payment infrastructure, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention without affecting routine consumer transactions.
• Key Fact: UPI (Unified Payments Interface) was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016.

RBI Proposes On-Tap Licensing for Urban Co-operative Banks

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft guidelines for an on-tap licensing framework for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
• Eligible credit co-operative societies can apply for banking licences at any time through the PRAVAAH portal.
• The proposal introduces the first fresh UCB licensing framework in nearly 22 years.
• Applicants must have a minimum deposit base of ₹10,000 crore and a net worth of ₹300 crore.
• Eligible societies should have completed 10 years of operations.
• They must maintain a Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of at least 12%.
• Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) should not exceed 3%.
• The framework also prescribes stronger governance norms, detailed business plans, and a multi-stage RBI evaluation process before approval.
• Key Fact: Urban Co-operative Banks are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, along with applicable co-operative society laws.

Economy News

India Notifies New Rules to Boost Cross-Border E-Commerce Exports

• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified new rules for inventory-based cross-border e-commerce exports.
• The framework became effective from 5 August 2026 under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
• It introduces the Exporter-on-Record (EOR) model for eligible e-commerce companies.
• EORs can maintain inventory only for confirmed export orders and cannot sell the goods in the domestic market.
• Exporters must register with DGFT and maintain digital inventory records for complete traceability.
• The framework requires EORs to manage customs clearance, logistics, certifications, and reverse logistics.
• It also mandates timely payments to sellers and limits administrative charges to 10% of export rebates.
• The initiative aims to simplify exports, improve compliance, expand global market access, and benefit MSMEs, artisans, manufacturers, and digital exporters.
• Key Fact: The new framework has been notified under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 and became effective from 5 August 2026.

India’s Services PMI Stays Above 50 Despite Slower July Growth

• India’s HSBC Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 53.3 in July 2026 from 57.4 in June.
• A PMI reading above 50 indicates continued expansion in business activity.
• Growth moderated due to softer domestic demand, increased competition, and fewer customer enquiries.
• Strong export demand from the UAE, UK, and US helped offset weaker domestic demand.
• Service-sector companies continued hiring, reflecting confidence in future business prospects.
• Input cost inflation eased to a six-month low, improving profit margins.
• The Composite PMI stood at 54.3, indicating continued expansion in India’s private sector.
• The data highlights the resilience of India’s services sector despite global economic uncertainties.
• Key Fact: The services sector contributes more than 50% of India’s GDP, making it the country’s largest economic sector.