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We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs August 13 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

President Murmu Gives Assent To Bill Criminalising Insult To Vande Mataram
In August 2026, the President of India Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a Bill that criminalises intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, granting the National Song the same legal protection as the national anthem.
Key Amendments
Act amended: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amends Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Protection provided:  It extends the same legal protection to the National Song, Vande Mataram that is currently afforded to the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

IBM, MIT-Bengaluru and Christ University Partner to Establish AI Centres in India
In August 2026, International Business Machines (IBM Corporation) forged collaboration with Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and CHRIST (Deemed to be University) to set up Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused centres in India.

• The strategic partnership aims  to expand access to advanced computing, enterprise AI technologies, research and skilling.

 Key Details of Collaboration:
IBM-MIT AI Lab: IBM and MIT Bengaluru inaugurated the IBM–MIT AI Lab–MAHE at the Bengaluru campus. The centre is equipped with High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure and advanced GPU-based resources to support AI research, innovation and digital skilling.

• Research Focus: The centre will support research in emerging areas such as Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Generative AI, Cybersecurity and Healthcare applications, providing students and researchers access to advanced AI resources

IBM Innovation Center for AI: IBM and CHRIST University announced the establishment of the IBM Innovation Center for AI to promote AI education, research and innovation.

• Key Focus Areas: The centre will focus on technologies including Generative AI, Agentic AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), intelligent automation and responsible AI.
• Technology Access: As part of the collaboration, the eligible participants will get the chance to work with IBM technologies, including watsonx.ai, the company’s AI development studio which is designed to manage and govern AI agents; and IBM Bob, an AI development partner aimed to support different stages of the software development cycle.

About IBM Corporation: IBM Corporation is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, with its headquarters in New York, the United States of America (USA).

BANKING & FINANCE

PMS Bazaar, NDML Accreditation Agency Partner to Expand Access to SEBI Accredited Investor Certification 
In August 2026, PMS Bazaar, leading alternative investments platform in India, announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML Accreditation Agency), one of India’s leading technology-driven companies, at the PMS Bazaar Bazaar Bengaluru Conclave in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

• The collaboration aims to facilitate the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Accredited Investor certification process for eligible investors and entities.

Key Details:
Aim: To make Accredited Investor certification process simpler, faster, and widen the access through end-to-end assistance.
Key Benefits: Under the SEBI’s Accredited Investor framework, eligible investors will get benefits like: lower minimum investment thresholds across Portfolio Management Services (PMS), Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), and other alternative investment products; and access to sophisticated investment opportunities and related regulatory relaxation to accredited investors.
Application Process: After submission, PMS Bazaar processes applications, with NDML certification typically issued on a T+1 basis.
About NSDL Database Management Limited: Established in June 2004, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL).

• It is recognised by SEBI for issuing Accredited Investor Certificates in compliance with the applicable regulatory framework, with its headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

SBI Research Report: Projects India’s GDP growth at 8% for Q1FY27
In August, the Economic Research Department (ERD) of the State Bank of India (SBI Research) released its latest Ecowrap report. The report projected that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to rebound to around 8% in the 1st quarter (Q1: April to June) of Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27), which is 1 percentage points higher that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s projection of 7%.
Key Details:
Source: The projection is based on the findings of the SBI Research’s nowcasting model which uses 54 high-frequency indicators across sectors like: agriculture, industry and services, along with a Dynamic Factor model with time-varying parameters.

• 86% of the indicators/parameters of these models showed acceleration in Q1FY27, against 69% in Q1FY26, which indicates underlying momentum remains broad-based.

Key Drivers: One of the key drivers for India’s higher growth estimate is strong consumer demand across several high-frequency indicators such as: domestic passenger vehicle sales (+24.1% Year-on-Year, Y-o-Y in June 2026); consumer credit (+15.8% in June 2026); electricity demand (11.5%); among others.

• Industry Growth: In addition, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) witnessed a growth of 7.3% (in June 2026); up from 5%  (in May 2026) and 4.9% (in April 2026).
• Service Sector: Services sector contributed significantly for India’s stronger Q1 GDP outlook as service PMI stood at 57.3 (in June 2026); while service exports increased to 13.3%; airport cargo traffic rose 22.3% and port cargo traffic increased 9.3% during the same time period.
• Capex Support: The report noted that capital expenditure by 20 states increased 5.5% Y-o-Y in Q1FY27, while the central government capex increased 23.7%, accounting for 27.8% of Budget Estimates (BE) in Q1FY27.

About SBI Research: SBI Research is the research and economic analysis wing of the SBI. Through its flagship ecowrap reports and policy research publications, it provides analysis and forecasts on India’s macroeconomic trends, banking, inflation, fiscal policy and financial markets.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

2026 Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses: Ambani Tops; Adani Leads Among 1st-generation Families
In August 2026, Hurun India in partnership with Barclays Private Bank India, released the 3rd edition of “2026 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List”. As per the list, Ambani family led by Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL),  has again emerged as India’s richest business family for the 3rd consecutive year with net worth of Rs 25.8 lakh crore, despite witnessing an 8.5% decline in its fortune.

• Birla family, led by Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Group, secured 2nd spot with total valuation of Rs 8.14 lakh crore in 2026 (marking an 26% increase); followed by  Jindal family led by Sajjan Jindal with a valuation of Rs 8.02 lakh crore, ranked at 3rd spot.

Key Findings:
Other Top 5 Families: The Bajaj family led by Niraj Bajaj, Director of the Bajaj Group,  retained the 4th spot at Rs 7.70 lakh crore, although overall its wealth declined by 3.9%, while Mahindra family led by Anand Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra ranked at 5th spot with valuation of Rs 5.15 lakh crore, down 5.4%.
Combined Value: Cumulatively, India’s top 300 most valuable family businesses are now valued at Rs 138 lakh crore (USD 1.46 trillion), equivalent to an economy that would rank as 18th largest in the world by Gross Domestic Product (GDP),  surpassing the of countries such as Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Poland.
Women Representation: This year’s list featured 18 companies led by women leaders. Priya Agarwal Hebbar who leads the Hindustan Zinc, emerged as the most-valuable women-led business in India, valued at Rs 4.45 lakh crore; followed by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairman of HCL Technologies Limited, leads the Nadar family with a valuation of Rs 2.91 lakh crore.

• And, Falguni Nayar of FSN e-Commerce Ventures is the only woman leading a 1st-generation business on the list.

Key Addition: This year, the report introduced a separate ranking of India’s top 100 1st-generation family businesses. Also, the combined value of these companies is at Rs 77.8 trillion.

• The 1st-generation category is led by the Adani family, headed by Gautam Adani, Chairperson of Adani Group, with a total valuation of Rs 19.6 lakh crore.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Hungary Elects Former Supreme Court Chief András Baka as President 
In August 2026, the Hungarian Parliament elected Andras Baka, former head of the Supreme Court of Hungary, as the country’s new President. He was elected by Parliament with 140 votes in favour and 6 against, with support from members of the governing Tisza Party.
Background:
Presidential Transition:The election followed the removal of former President Tamás Sulyok, whose tenure was ended through a constitutional amendment passed by the government led by Prime Minister (PM) Péter Magyar.
Tenure: He is scheduled to take office on 19 August 2026, with his presidential term lasting up to five years or until a new constitution is adopted.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

IN Launched Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Shruti’ at GRSE Kolkata
In August 2026, the Indian Navy (IN) launched Shruti (Yard 3037), the second of four Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) Project built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata, West Bengal.

• The vessel was launched by Manika Sadhu in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A).
• GRSE launched its first NGOPV, Sanghmitra (Yard 3039), on 20th May 2026 in Kolkata.

About Shruti Offshore Patrol Vessel:
Naming: The vessel is named ‘Shruti’, a Sanskrit term meaning “that which is heard”, symbolising the four Vedas of Indian tradition.
About NGOPV Programme:
Procurement: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed the contract on 30th March 2023 for Rs.9,781 crore, with 7 ships assigned to GSL and 4 ships to GRSE.
Maiden Launch: The first NGOPV Shachi (Yard 1280) was launched by GSL on 31st March 2026.

Skyroot Aerospace Signs Multi-Launch Agreement with HEX20 for Vikram Missions
In August 2026, Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, an Indian private space startup, signed a Multi-Launch Agreement (MLA) with HEX20, an Indian space technology startup, for three dedicated Vikram-series missions to support Earth observation and payload demonstration missions.

• The agreement was signed by Naga Bharath Daka, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer (COO), Skyroot Aerospace, and MB Aravind, Co-founder & COO, HEX20.

Key Highlights of the Agreement:
Objectives: The launches will support HEX20’s Earth Observation constellation, in-orbit payload demonstration missions, and rideshare capacity for third-party spacecraft.
Schedule: Launches are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter(Q4) of 2027, marking Skyroot’s first launch contract after the successful Vikram-1 mission(Mission Aagaman).
Rideshare Opportunity: The missions will offer rideshare capacity for third-party spacecraft and commercial customers.

• Rideshare capacity will enable other spacecraft operators to share launch costs and access orbit.

About Mission Aagaman: Vikram-1 was successfully launched in July 2026, becoming India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket to reach orbit on its maiden mission.

OBITUARY

Hall of Fame Coach and Five-Time NBA Champion Don Nelson Passed Away
In August 2026, Donald Arvid Nelson(Don Nelson), a legendary American basketball coach and former player, passed away at the age of 86 in Frisco, Texas, the United States of America(USA).

• He was born on May 15, 1940 in Muskegon, Michigan, USA.

About Donald Arvid Nelson
Profile: He was known for fast-paced basketball, increased three-point shooting, and positionless offensive concepts, reflecting his innovative and unconventional coaching approach.
Career: He played 14 National Basketball Association (NBA) seasons, including 11 with the Boston Celtics, where he won five NBA championships.

• His No. 19 jersey was officially retired by the Boston Celtics in 1978.

Record: He later served as an NBA head coach for 31 years, coaching teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks.

• He recorded 1,335 regular-season coaching wins, ranked second in NBA history.

Awards & Honours: He won the NBA Coach of the Year Award three times (1983, 1985, 1992) and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Renowned Nuclear Scientist and Marxist Theorist M.P. Parameswaran Passed away at 91 
On 11 August 2026, M.P. Parameswaran, renowned Indian nuclear scientist, science communicator, writer and Marxist theorist, passed away at the age of 91 in Thrissur, Kerala.

• He was born on 18 January, 1935, in Kiralur Village, Thrissur, Kerala and widely associated with the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) and played an important role in India’s people’s science and literacy movements.

About M.P. Parameswaram: 
Career: He began his career as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, Maharashtra, from 1957 to 1975, later shifted to science popularisation, grassroots education and people’s movements.
Language Work:  From 1969 to 1973, he served as Assistant Director at the State Institute of Languages, Kerala, and contributed to the development of the Malayalam typewriter keyboard.
Expulsion:  His book Fourth World sparked significant debate within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) due to its advocacy of decentralised democracy, self-reliance, reduced consumerism, and greater community participation, ultimately leading to his expulsion from the party in February 2004.
Award:  He was among the first recipients of the Kerala Sree Award in 2022 for his contributions to science popularisation and environmental protection, and is remembered for integrating nuclear science with science communication, literacy, and people’s movements.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

PM Narendra Modi Releases “Triumph of the Indian Republic”, Autobiography of Ram Nath Kovind
On August 12 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi released the autobiography of former President Ram Nath Kovind, titled “Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles,” at Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi, Delhi.

• The book highlights his life experiences and encourages youth to avoid the shortcut culture influenced by social media.

About Autobiography:
Publisher: The book was published by Rupa Publications.
Insights: The book chronicles Kovind’s life journey, public service, political career and experiences as the 14th President of India (2017–2022).
Features: The autobiography traces Ram Nath Kovind’s life journey, highlighting his struggles, education, legal career, public service and presidency, while inspiring youth to value perseverance, education, democratic ideals and service to the nation.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Youth Day 2026 – August 12
The United Nations (UN’s) International Youth Day (IYD) is observed annually across the globe on 12 August to recognise the contributions of young people, raise awareness of youth-related issues, and promote their active and equal participation in all areas of society.

• 2026 Theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”

Background:
Origin: In 1991, the idea for IYD was proposed at the 1st session of the United Nations System’s World Youth Forum in Vienna, Austria, which also recommended raising funds and promoting activities through the United Nations Youth Fund (UNYF) in collaboration with youth organizations.
Proclamation: In 1998, the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (WCMRY) at its 1st session, hosted by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations in Lisbon, declared 12 August as IYD.
Observance: The first IYD was officially observed on 12 August 2000.

World Elephant Day 2026 – August 12 
World Elephant Day is observed annually across the world on 12 August to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of elephants, often known as the ‘Gentle Giants’ of the world.
Background: 
Concept:  World Elephant Day was conceptualised in 2011 by Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clarke of Canazwest Pictures and Sivaporn Dardarananda, Secretary General of the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand.
First Observance:  The first World Elephant Day was observed on 12 August 2012 by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation.
About Elephant: Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth and are known for their intelligence, social behaviour, and strong family bonds.

• Elephants have a 22-month gestation period and usually give birth to one calf every 4–5 years.

STATE NEWS

Gujarat Govt Approves Rs 20 Crore for Four CoE for Natural Farming
In August 2026, the Gujarat Government approved Rs.20 crore for 2026–27 to establish four Centres of Excellence(CoEs) for Natural Farming to expand natural farming practices in the state.

• The initiative, guided by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, aims to provide farmers with training, technology support and agricultural resources.

About 4 CoEs:
Locations:  Four CoEs for natural farming will be established in Navsari, Morbi, Bhavnagar and Chhota Udepur districts of Gujarat.
Implementing Agency: The Gujarat Prakrutik Krishi Vikas Board has been entrusted with the implementation of the scheme.
Training & Facilities: The centres will train 100 farmers at a time and support both existing and new natural farmers, while serving as model natural farming hubs with soil and quality testing, agricultural technology support, value addition, and post-harvest processing facilities.
Key Focus: Promote natural farming practices through demonstrations on five-layer farming, mixed/intercropping and natural inputs, with the aim of reducing cultivation costs and increasing farmer income through productivity and value addition.

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