Daily Current Affairs Digest | 13th Aug 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest | 13th Aug 2026

1. Andhra Pradesh Signs ₹140 Crore Pact for Lithium and Gallium Exploration

The Andhra Pradesh Government and the CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) have signed a ₹140 crore agreement to explore lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin.

Lithium is a crucial input for electric vehicle batteries and energy-storage systems, while gallium is strategically important for the semiconductor and electronics industries.

The initiative complements India’s broader efforts under the Critical Minerals Mission to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic supply chains for strategically important minerals.

Key Focus: Critical Minerals | Energy Security | Semiconductor Ecosystem | EV Batteries

2. Gramin Gyan Setu Launched to Connect Rural Libraries

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Gramin Gyan Setu, an initiative designed to connect 752 rural libraries in Gandhinagar.

The network provides access to approximately 2.8 lakh books through an app-based borrowing system and delivery vans, making educational resources more accessible to people living in rural areas.

The initiative demonstrates how digital technology can be integrated with conventional public-library infrastructure to promote literacy and knowledge accessibility.

Key Focus: Digital India | Rural Education | Digital Inclusion | Public Libraries

3. Former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud Appointed Arbitrator in International Dispute

Russia has appointed former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud as an arbitrator in an investment dispute involving Ukraine’s Oschadbank and assets located in Russian-controlled regions.

The development highlights the increasing recognition of Indian legal professionals in the field of international arbitration and transnational dispute resolution.

Key Focus: International Arbitration | Judiciary | India-Russia Relations | International Law

4. Karnataka Launches ‘Tathyakosh’ Digital Data Platform

Karnataka has launched Tathyakosh, an open digital public good designed to aggregate datasets for research, Artificial Intelligence and evidence-based governance.

The platform brings together around 1.5 million datasets from 458 repositories, creating a large data ecosystem that can support researchers, policymakers and technology developers.

The initiative adds another dimension to India’s expanding Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem.

Key Focus: Digital Public Infrastructure | Artificial Intelligence | Open Data | Data-Driven Governance

5. Centre Introduces Graded Zoning of Ganga Floodplains

The Centre has redefined the regulatory framework for the Ganga floodplains by introducing three categories:

• Active Zone
• Regulatory Zone
• Warning Zone

The classification is based on 5-year, 25-year and 100-year flood frequencies.

The new approach moves away from blanket restrictions on construction and introduces graded regulation based on the degree of flood risk under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

The measure seeks to balance river conservation, disaster-risk reduction and developmental requirements.

Key Focus: Ganga Conservation | Floodplain Zoning | Disaster Management | Environmental Governance

6. Russia Imports Gasoline from India for the First Time

Russia imported 42,000 tonnes of gasoline from India, reportedly marking the first such shipment.

The fuel was supplied from Gujarat’s Vadinar refinery at a time when Ukrainian strikes had affected parts of Russia’s refining infrastructure.

The development represents a significant shift in global energy trade patterns, with India emerging as an increasingly important player in international petroleum markets.

Key Focus: Energy Security | India-Russia Relations | Petroleum Trade | Geopolitics

7. Vande Mataram Receives Enhanced Legal Protection

President Droupadi Murmu assented to the National Honour Amendment Act, 2026, extending the protection provided under Section 3 to Vande Mataram.

The amendment accords enhanced legal sanctity to India’s national song, alongside the protection traditionally associated with national symbols.

Key Focus: National Symbols | Vande Mataram | Constitutional Awareness | National Honour

8. Ladakh Hosts First Black-Necked Crane Festival

Ladakh hosted its first-ever Black-Necked Crane Festival, celebrating one of the region’s most iconic species.

The Changthang region of Ladakh is India’s only breeding region for the Black-Necked Crane, which is also Ladakh’s official state bird.

The festival seeks to create awareness about the conservation of the species and its fragile high-altitude habitat.

The bird receives protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Key Focus: Biodiversity | Ladakh | Wildlife Conservation | Black-Necked Crane