Daily Current Affairs Digest | 11th Aug 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest | 11th Aug 2026

1. Parliament Passes Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Parliament has passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. During the discussion, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the legislation does not impose any tax on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.

The government reiterated that UPI transactions undertaken by consumers will continue to remain free, addressing concerns regarding possible taxation of digital payments.

Key Takeaway: The amendment does not introduce a UPI tax, and consumer UPI transactions remain free.

2. India Adds 11 International Entry Ports for E-Visa Holders

India has notified 11 additional international entry ports for foreign travellers holding electronic visas or e-visas.

The newly notified entry points include airports such as Bhopal and Tirupati. With the expansion, the total number of ports through which eligible e-visa holders can enter India has increased to 88.

The measure is expected to improve travel accessibility, tourism connectivity and ease of entry for international visitors.

Key Takeaway: India now has 88 eligible entry ports for e-visa holders.

3. 8th India-US Navy EOD Exercise Begins in Kochi

The eighth edition of the India-US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise commenced at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.

The exercise is being conducted from 10 to 14 August 2026 and focuses on strengthening cooperation between the two navies in areas such as:

  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
  • Diving operations
  • Technical expertise
  • Operational interoperability
  • Joint maritime safety capabilities

Such exercises contribute to closer defence cooperation and greater operational coordination between India and the United States.

Key Takeaway: The bilateral exercise strengthens India-US naval interoperability, particularly in EOD and diving operations.

4. Urban Unemployment Rate Rises to 6.7%

India’s urban unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 6.7% during April–June, according to data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

During the same period, the rural unemployment rate increased to 4.8%.

The figures remain important indicators for assessing employment conditions, labour-market participation and the broader performance of the Indian economy.

Key Takeaway:

  • Urban unemployment: 6.7%
  • Rural unemployment: 4.8%
  • Source: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

5. Government e-Marketplace Celebrates 10th Foundation Day

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) marked its 10th Foundation Day, highlighting a decade of digital transformation in public procurement.

Since its establishment, GeM has facilitated procurement transactions worth more than ₹20 lakh crore.

10YearsOfGeM | A DECADE OF EXPONENTIAL POSSIBILITIES On GeM's 10th Foundation Day, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary, Govt. of India, shares his perspective on GeM's journey, its impact and the future roadmap.As part of efforts to strengthen user support, GeM has also introduced a new five-digit helpdesk short code – 14550.

GeM provides an online platform through which government ministries, departments, public-sector entities and other authorised organisations can procure goods and services transparently and efficiently.

Key Takeaway: GeM has crossed ₹20 lakh crore in procurement and introduced helpdesk number 14550.

6. India and Israel Discuss Expansion of MASHAV Cooperation

India and Israel discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation under MASHAV, Israel’s international development cooperation agency.

Mashav - WikipediaThe discussions focused on areas including:

  • Agricultural Centres of Excellence
  • Water management
  • Capacity building
  • Agricultural technology
  • Joint aquaculture initiatives

India-Israel cooperation in agriculture has particularly focused on transferring Israeli agricultural technology and best practices through specialised Centres of Excellence established in different Indian states.

Key Takeaway: Agriculture, water management, capacity building and aquaculture remain major pillars of India-Israel development cooperation.

7. India Wins 17 Medals at U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship

India made a strong start at the U-23 Commonwealth Fencing Championship in Lagos, Nigeria, winning 17 medals on the opening day.

India Bags 17 Medals at U-23 Commonwealth FencingThe medal tally included:

  • 4 Gold medals
  • 4 Silver medals
  • 9 Bronze medals

The medals were secured across six individual fencing events, highlighting India’s growing presence in international fencing competitions.

Key Takeaway: India won 17 medals – 4 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze – on Day 1 of the championship.