1) 🇮🇳 National

• SAATHI Scheme Launched for Textile Workers: The Ministry of Textiles launched the SAATHI (Supporting Advancement of All Textile and Handloom Industries) scheme to extend comprehensive social security, health insurance, and skill-upgradation support to handloom and textile workers.

• 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation: The Gujarat Forest Department released the latest census data showing India's wild Asiatic lion population increased to 891 (up from 523 in 2015), with their distribution expanding across 35,000 sq km in the Greater Gir Landscape.

• Inauguration of 'Param Pragya' Supercomputer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Param Pragya', an AI-enabled high-performance supercomputing facility at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus, enhancing national deep-tech research capabilities.

2) 🌍 International

• 8th India–US Navy EOD Exercise Commences: The 8th edition of the bilateral Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise commenced in Kochi between the Indian Navy and the US Navy to strengthen maritime safety protocols and counter-explosive interoperability.

• Abu Dhabi Free Visa Framework for Indian Tourists: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism announced a special travel initiative offering free UAE entry visas for Indian citizens booking stays of three nights or more.

3) 💰 Economy

• RBI SPF Upgrades FY27 GDP Growth Forecast: The Reserve Bank of India’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) raised India's real GDP growth projection for FY 2026–27 to 6.6%, citing strong domestic investment and steady urban demand.

• First Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card for Dining: IndusInd Bank partnered with EazyDiner to launch a lifetime-free Platinum RuPay Credit Card, enabling users to link their credit card directly with UPI platforms for seamless digital transactions.

4) 🗓 Date’s importance

• International Youth Day (12 August): Observed globally under the United Nations framework to recognise youth leadership and engage young people in driving sustainable development.

• World Elephant Day (12 August): Celebrated internationally to raise awareness regarding the protection, habitat conservation, and welfare of Asian and African elephants.

5) 👱‍♂👩‍🦳 Person of the day

• Dr Vikram Sarabhai: Honoured on his birth anniversary (12 August 1919) as the legendary 'Father of the Indian Space Programme' whose vision laid the groundwork for the establishment of ISRO and India's satellite communications network.

6) 🏅 Sports

• Direct Qualification for ICC World Cup 2027: Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup based on official ODI rankings, while two-time champions West Indies will enter the global qualifier stage.

• St. Louis Chess Masters Series: Indian Chess Grandmasters maintained top-table positions across the rapid and blitz formats at the prestigious St. Louis Masters series in the United States.

7) 🏆 Awards

• President’s Colours Conferred on Puducherry Police: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police force in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to law enforcement.

8) ⭐️ Other important significance

• IISc Develops Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru developed an advanced Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager using nitrogen-vacancy centres to detect subsurface defects in semiconductor chips without destructive testing.

9) 📚 Word of the day

• INTEROPERABILITY

  
  

  • Meaning: (Noun) The capability of diverse systems, organisations, or military forces to operate in synergy and exchange information effectively.

  • Contextual Usage: Bilateral naval drills focus on enhancing technical interoperability and tactical coordination during international maritime operations.