NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Amaravati to Get India’s First Quantum & AI University
- Andhra Pradesh Government has approved a dedicated Quantum and Artificial Intelligence University campus in Amaravati to develop advanced skills, research and startups in emerging technologies.
- Campus Established by: NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology), a Deemed-to-be University under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), with 100% Grant-in-Aid from MeitY.
- Key Features: The permanent campus will house a 1.25 lakh sq. ft. Quantum Research, Innovation & Incubation Block (QRIIB) with facilities for quantum computing and communication, quantum photonics, cleanroom nanofabrication, cryogenic testing and startup incubation. It will be a solar-powered Net Zero facility with 500 residential beds and aims to train 8,250 learners over five years.
- National Alignment: The project complements the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, and India Semiconductor Mission.
National Test House (NTH) Celebrates 115th Foundation Day
- National Test House (NTH), under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Cons umer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, celebrated its 115th Foundation Day at its Jakkuru Campus in Bengaluru. Several new testing facilities and initiatives across the NTH network were also inaugurated virtually.
- About NTH: Established in 1912 in Kolkata (then Calcutta) under the Railway Board as the Government Test House, NTH is India’s premier multi-location, multidisciplinary central government testing laboratory. It provides testing, calibration and quality evaluation of raw materials and finished industrial products.
- Key Functions: NTH covers chemical, biological, civil, mechanical, electrical and non-destructive testing. Its network includes laboratories in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Guwahati, Varanasi and Bengaluru. It is also India’s pioneering government body for drone (UAS) testing and certification.
BANKING | ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
RBI Relaxes Weekly Access Rule for FCNR(B) Swap Facility
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed access norms for its concessional dollar-rupee swap facility linked to FCNR(B) deposits. Banks can now approach the RBI for swaps above US$100 million outside their designated weekly window, enabling faster transfer of large foreign-currency inflows.
- Key Highlights: Earlier, banks could access the facility only on their allotted day, generally once a week. The relaxation improves flexibility for banks mobilising large FCNR(B) deposits and supports India’s foreign-exchange liquidity. India’s forex reserves reached a record US$729.33 billion as of August 21, 2026.
- About FCNR(B): These are fixed-term foreign-currency deposits available to NRIs, OCIs and PIOs, unlike NRE/NRO accounts that are rupee-denominated. The RBI manages India’s forex reserves under the RBI Act, 1934 and FEMA, 1999.
INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
Yuko Keicho Appointed World Bank Group Vice President & Auditor General
- Yuko Keicho, a Japanese national, has been appointed Vice President and Auditor General of the World Bank Group (WBG). She will lead the Internal Audit Vice Presidency, strengthening governance, accountability, risk management, and internal controls across the institution.
- About Yuko Keicho: She brings over 30 years of experience in development finance, internal audit, risk management, and governance, and has held senior leadership positions at both the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- About World Bank Group: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the WBG aims to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity by providing financial assistance and policy advice to developing countries. It comprises IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID.
DEFENCE CURRENT AFFAIRS
India’s First Public–Private Defence Avionics Facility Inaugurated in Haryana
- It is India’s first public–private defence avionics manufacturing facility, inaugurated by Samtel HAL Display Systems Limited (SHDS) at Udyog Vihar Phase IV, Gurugram, Haryana. The facility aims to strengthen indigenous defence avionics manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported systems.
- Developed by: SHDS, a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Samtel Avionics, established in 2006.
- Key Features: It will manufacture Multifunction Displays (MFDs) for fighter aircraft, support airborne and ground-based applications, and provide end-to-end capabilities from design and manufacturing to lifecycle support. SHDS displays are already operational on the Su-30MKI. The facility includes advanced testing and quality assurance infrastructure and is licensed by the Ministry of Defence, approved by CEMILAC and DGAQA, and operates under ISO 9001:2008 and AS 9100C quality standards.
DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS)
- It is an indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) successfully tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during a high-altitude trial at the Nyoma-Mudh Drop Zone in south-eastern Ladakh. The trial validated its performance in extreme high-altitude and sub-zero conditions.
- Developed by: Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru, under DRDO.
- Key Features: The jump was conducted from 22,000 feet AMSL, with parachute deployment at 20,000 feet and landing at around 13,700 feet in temperatures as low as –15°C. The trial also validated indigenous para computers, specialised oxygen systems, and jumpsuits. DRDO, established in 1958 under the Ministry of Defence, is India’s premier defence R&D organisation.
Samarthak: Indian Navy’s First Indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel
- Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), was delivered by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on 27 August 2026 at its Kattupalli shipyard, Tamil Nadu. With over 75% indigenous content, it strengthens India’s self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
- Key Features: Primarily designed for testing and evaluation of naval weapons, sensors and systems, Samarthak also supports maritime surveillance, offshore patrolling, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and selected unmanned aerial and surface systems. It was launched in October 2024 and is the first of two MPVs being built by L&T.
- Project Details: Built under a ₹887 crore contract signed with the Ministry of Defence in March 2022 under the Buy (Indian) category. Samarthak means “The Proponent”, reflecting its multi-mission role.
Indian Army Signs US$93 Million Deal for Javelin Missiles
- Indian Army has signed a US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LoA) worth US$93 million with the US to procure nearly 100 FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems. The acquisition follows US State Department approval in November 2025 and will be executed through the emergency procurement route.
- Key Features: The procurement comes under the 6th Emergency Procurement Window (EP-6), which permits contracts up to ₹300 crore, limiting the quantity procured. Deliveries are expected by the end of FY 2026–27, further strengthening the India-US Major Defense Partnership.
- About Javelin: Developed by the Javelin Joint Venture of Lockheed Martin and RTX (Raytheon), it entered US service in 1996. It can destroy tanks, armoured vehicles, bunkers, fortified positions and buildings. The system comprises a disposable missile launch tube and reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) with day and thermal sights.
STATES CURRENT AFFAIRS
Meghalaya Launches CM-IMPACT Read & Rise Programme
- CM-IMPACT Read & Rise Meghalaya has been launched by the Meghalaya Government to strengthen foundational reading and writing skills among schoolchildren and bridge learning gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas. It is part of the broader Meghalaya Universal Reading Readiness Mission.
- Key Features: The programme aims to ensure children can read and write confidently by age seven. For children above seven with foundational learning gaps, it seeks to achieve this improvement within three months. It focuses on reading readiness, foundational education, and improved learning outcomes, with special attention to underserved regions.
- Literacy Status: Meghalaya’s overall literacy rate has reached 94.2%, according to recent government survey data, bringing the state close to the 95% benchmark required for official classification as a fully literate state.
AGRICULTURE CURRENT AFFAIRS
NABARD and NaBFID Sign MoU for Rural Infrastructure Financing
- NABARD and NaBFID signed a MoU to strengthen financing of infrastructure projects with strong rural linkages through long-term funding, knowledge sharing, and innovative financing solutions.
- Key Features: The partnership provides a framework for joint financing, knowledge sharing, and development of innovative funding models. It aims to improve access to long-term, competitively priced finance for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, agri-value chains, and rural infrastructure.
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): established in 1982 and headquartered in Mumbai, is India’s apex rural development financial institution.
- National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID): established in 2021 under the NaBFID Act, 2021, is a specialised Development Finance Institution supporting infrastructure development.