Monday, 10 August 2026 Current Affairs, GK Notes & MCQ Quiz

Daily briefing covering India's post-2026 delimitation debate, Supreme Court gender-sensitive judgment report, landmark 300 GW clean power capacity, and key updates on E-Samudra, PSS Act, EVEREST engine, ED, EOD exercise, and Amboseli National Park.

Topics in this edition

  1. Judgments and Gender: Supreme Court Guidelines on Gender Sensitivity (own page)
  2. India Crosses Landmark 300 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity (own page)
  3. E-Samudra Portal Launched for Digital Maritime Governance (own page)
  4. EVEREST: India's First Privately Built LOX-Methane FFSC Rocket Engine (own page)
  5. India-US Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 (own page)
  6. Amboseli National Park Elephant Fatalities Highlight Agrochemical Risks (own page)
  7. Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007: Statutory Framework & UPI Rules (own page)
  8. Enforcement Directorate (ED): Legal Mandate and Structure (own page)

Current affairs

Judgments and Gender: Supreme Court Guidelines on Gender Sensitivity

The Supreme Court released a comprehensive report prepared by a panel led by former Justice Aniruddha Bose to eliminate gender stereotypes in judicial writing. The report provides practical guidelines to ensure trauma-informed, survivor-centric proceedings in trial courts.

Quick highlights

  • Prepared by an expert panel led by former SC Justice Aniruddha Bose based on empirical analysis of 125 trial court judgments.
  • Replaces the procedural term 'prosecutrix' with survivor, victim, or complainant.
  • Eliminates moralistic frameworks framing assault through terms like 'chastity', 'ruined life', or 'lost honor'.
  • Adopts the international SOGIESC framework for inclusive, respectful language regarding LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Enforces Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) protections banning offensive cross-examination regarding a survivor's past sexual history.

Context

The Supreme Court released 'Judgments and Gender: Sensitivity and Compassion in Writing Judgments', providing updated operational guidelines for trial courts handling sexual offenses and vulnerable witnesses.

Key Facts

The report replaces the 2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes. Survey data in the report reveals that 80.7% of trial court respondents are unaware of the Witness Protection Scheme or statutory victim compensation frameworks.

Significance

Prevents secondary victimization during trial proceedings, dismantles rape myths, encourages crime reporting, and upholds fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and privacy under Article 21.

Challenges / Way Forward

Overcoming deep-seated patriarchal mindsets among legal practitioners requires mandatory judicial empathy training, standardized lower-court glossaries, in-camera proceedings, and strict judicial intervention during cross-examinations.

Exam Angle

Highly useful for GS-II (Judiciary, Vulnerable Sections, Gender Reforms) and GS-IV (Ethics, Empathy, Compassion, Public Service Values).

Remember this

  • Replaces the term 'prosecutrix' with 'victim', 'survivor', or 'complainant'.
  • Adopts the SOGIESC framework (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics).
  • Strictly enforces statutory bans on cross-examination on past sexual history under Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
  • Directs mandatory in-camera trials and identity protection under BNSS 2023.

India Crosses Landmark 300 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity

India achieved 300.50 GW of installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity as of 31 July 2026. This milestone accounts for over 54% of the nation's total installed power capacity, advancing progress toward the 500 GW target by 2030.

Quick highlights

  • Installed non-fossil capacity reached 300.50 GW as of 31 July 2026, comprising >54% of total grid capacity.
  • Solar leads non-fossil energy with 164.59 GW, followed by Wind (58.14 GW), Hydro (57.24 GW), Bio-power (11.75 GW), and Nuclear (8.78 GW).
  • Record annual capacity addition of 55.29 GW achieved during 2025–26 (including 44.6 GW solar and 6 GW wind).
  • Renewable electricity generation surged from 190.96 BU in 2014–15 to 477.79 BU in 2025–26.
  • Domestic solar PV module manufacturing capacity under the ALMM crossed 200 GW under PLI scheme support.

Context

India crossed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity as of 31 July 2026, marking a major milestone in its clean energy transition.

Key Facts

Total non-fossil power capacity stands at 300.50 GW. Solar energy dominates at 164.59 GW, supported by wind, hydro, bio-power, and nuclear power. Non-fossil sources now represent over 54% of total power capacity.

Significance

Brings India closer to its Paris Agreement commitments and Panchamrit target of 500 GW by 2030, enhances energy security by reducing fossil fuel imports, and promotes green industrial growth.

Challenges / Way Forward

Requires accelerated grid integration, large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) deployment, transmission corridor development, and sustained domestic supply chain independence.

Exam Angle

Directly relevant for GS-III (Energy Sector, Climate Change Mitigation, Sustainable Infrastructure) and GS-II (Global Climate Commitments).

Remember this

  • Total non-fossil installed capacity reached 300.50 GW on July 31, 2026.
  • Non-fossil sources account for over 54% of India's total installed power capacity.
  • Solar power is the largest contributor at 164.59 GW.
  • India added a record 55.29 GW non-fossil capacity in 2025–26.
  • Target: 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

E-Samudra Portal Launched for Digital Maritime Governance

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched E-Samudra, an integrated single-window digital platform for India's maritime administration. The portal streamlines workflows for over 3.23 lakh Indian seafarers and maritime businesses.

Quick highlights

  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW); Implemented by Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA).
  • Aligned with the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
  • Introduces Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA) to safeguard contractual rights, wages, and labor standards.
  • Features a Real-Time Seafarer Tracking Dashboard to monitor safety across global vessels regardless of flag.
  • Includes 24×7 e-NAVIK integrated grievance redressal and emergency medical assistance platform.

Context

The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched E-Samudra, an integrated digital portal designed to digitize administrative workflows across India's maritime sector.

Key Facts

E-Samudra consolidates services for seafarers, shipping companies, recruitment agencies (RPSLs), training institutes, and port authorities into a paperless, faceless portal under DGMA.

Significance

Enhances Ease of Living for over 3.23 lakh Indian seafarers and Ease of Doing Business for shipping firms, reducing administrative compliance costs and approval delays.

Challenges / Way Forward

Requires smooth digital onboarding across recruitment agencies and continuous connectivity solutions for active seafarers deployed on high-seas vessels.

Exam Angle

Useful for GS-II (Governance, e-Governance Initiatives) and GS-III (Infrastructure, Maritime Trade).

Remember this

  • E-Samudra is implemented by DGMA under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • Key innovation: Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA).
  • Integrated 24×7 grievance and emergency module: e-NAVIK.
  • Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 & Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

EVEREST: India's First Privately Built LOX-Methane FFSC Rocket Engine

Bengaluru-based space start-up Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled EVEREST, an indigenous 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane engine. Built using 3D metal printing, it is designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles.

Quick highlights

  • 800 kN (80-tonne class) Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) liquid rocket engine.
  • Propellant: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) oxidizer and Liquid Methane fuel (Methalox).
  • Manufactured using advanced metal 3D-printing (additive manufacturing) technology.
  • Developed by Astrobase Space Technologies, founded by former ISRO scientist Devakumar Thammisetty and Neeraj Khandelwal.
  • Engineered for next-generation, reusable medium-lift satellite launch vehicles.

Context

Space startup Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled EVEREST, India's first privately built 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion LOX-Methane rocket engine.

Key Facts

Methalox (LOX + Methane) provides high specific impulse, burns cleanly without soot buildup, and is ideal for reusable launch vehicles. The FFSC cycle maximizes efficiency by running full propellant flow through turbopumps.

Significance

Positions India's private space industry alongside elite global space firms, supporting cost-effective reusable launch infrastructure.

Challenges / Way Forward

Moving from static design presentation to extensive hot-fire ground testing, flight qualification, and commercial payload integration.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-III (Science & Tech - Indigenization of Technology, Space Innovations, Private Sector in Defence & Space).

Remember this

  • Engine Cycle: Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC).
  • Propellants: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Methane (Methalox).
  • Thrust class: 800 kN (~80 tonnes).
  • Developed by: Astrobase Space Technologies (Bengaluru).

India-US Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026

India and the United States conducted a joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise aimed at enhancing tactical cooperation in counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) tactics and naval mine countermeasures.

Quick highlights

  • Bilateral military exercise between Indian and US armed forces specialist teams.
  • Focuses on Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) tactics.
  • Covers land and underwater mine clearance, bomb disposal robotics, and explosive risk mitigation.
  • Promotes defense technology exchange and standardized operational procedures (SOPs).
  • Strengthens defense partnership in tactical security domain.

Context

India and the US held their joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 to deepen operational defense ties.

Key Facts

Specialized teams conducted practical drills involving bomb disposal gear, unexploded ordnance neutralization, underwater mine countermeasures, and intelligence sharing on explosive threat mitigation.

Significance

Boosts specialized defense readiness against modern asymmetric threats and unexploded munitions in land and maritime settings.

Challenges / Way Forward

Sustaining regular joint drills and streamlining specialized equipment interoperability across forces.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-III (Security Challenges & Defense Drills) and GS-II (India-US Relations).

Remember this

  • Bilateral military drill between India and the United States.
  • Core focus: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) & Counter-IED (C-IED).
  • Includes maritime mine countermeasures and bomb disposal techniques.

Amboseli National Park Elephant Fatalities Highlight Agrochemical Risks

Recent elephant deaths around Kenya's Amboseli National Park have raised global biodiversity concerns regarding human-wildlife conflict and agrochemical poisoning along agricultural fringes of wildlife corridors.

Quick highlights

  • Amboseli National Park is located in southern Kenya at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Elephant fatalities linked to pesticide/agrochemical toxicity and retaliatory crop-defense conflicts.
  • Highlights the threat posed by expanding agricultural farms into historical wildlife dispersal corridors.
  • Emphasizes the critical need for wildlife buffer zones, pesticide regulation, and community conservancies.
  • Demonstrates global challenges in balancing agricultural livelihoods with megafauna conservation.

Context

Fatalities among African elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem drew international concern regarding agrochemical threats and land-use conflicts.

Key Facts

Amboseli National Park sits in Kenya near the Tanzanian border. Famous for large elephant herds, it is surrounded by community lands where commercial farming has rapidly expanded.

Significance

Illustrates how chemical exposure and habitat fragmentation threaten keystone species outside formally protected national park boundaries.

Challenges / Way Forward

Implementing eco-friendly land-use zoning, protecting migratory wildlife corridors, providing fair crop-loss compensation, and restricting toxic agricultural chemicals.

Exam Angle

Relevant for GS-III (Environment, Biodiversity Conservation, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Protected Areas in News).

Remember this

  • Amboseli National Park location: Kenya (slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, near Tanzania border).
  • Primary issue: Agrochemical poisoning and human-wildlife land conflict.
  • Keystone species affected: African Elephants.

General knowledge

Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007: Statutory Framework & UPI Rules

The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 is India's principal legislative framework regulating all digital, electronic, and traditional payment systems under the Reserve Bank of India. Government clarifications affirmed that citizen UPI transfers remain free under proposed 2026 amendments.

Quick highlights

  • Assented in December 2007 and enforced on August 12, 2008.
  • Designates Reserve Bank of India (assisted by Payments Regulatory Board) as sole statutory regulator for payment system operators (PSOs).
  • Mandates prior RBI authorization for any entity operating payment systems in India.
  • Provides legal recognition and protection for netting and settlement finality, even during participant insolvency.
  • Section 25 makes dishonour of Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) due to insufficient funds a criminal offence punishable like cheque bounce cases.

Context

The Central Government clarified that everyday consumer UPI transactions remain 100% free following proposed amendments to Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007 via the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2026.

Key Facts

The PSS Act 2007 grants RBI authority over card networks, PPI wallets, UPI, and money transfers. Section 25 aligns electronic fund transfer dishonour with Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.

Significance

Establishes legal certainty, operational security, and dispute resolution mechanisms for India's rapidly growing fintech ecosystem.

Challenges / Way Forward

Balancing payment aggregator system sustainability with enabling statutory provisions for capped merchant fees without burdening ordinary retail users.

Exam Angle

Important for GS-III (Indian Economy, Banking Reforms, Digital Payments Infrastructure, Statutory Powers of RBI).

Remember this

  • Came into force on August 12, 2008 under Reserve Bank of India regulatory oversight.
  • Section 25 criminalizes failed Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) due to insufficient funds.
  • Protects gross and net settlement finality from being unwound during insolvency.
  • Section 10A amendment proposed in 2026 creates an enabling framework for capped MDR on large merchant transactions while keeping P2P UPI transfers free.

Enforcement Directorate (ED): Legal Mandate and Structure

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is India's specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It enforces major economic legislations including PMLA 2002, FEMA 1999, and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act 2018.

Quick highlights

  • Functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
  • Established in 1956 as 'Enforcement Unit' in DEA, renamed Enforcement Directorate in 1957.
  • Enforces Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002; Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999; and Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), 2018.
  • Director of Enforcement is appointed based on recommendations of a committee chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC Act, 2003).
  • Holds powers to attach proceeds of crime and conduct quasi-judicial civil and criminal financial investigations.

Context

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) serves as a key statutory enforcement body investigating financial crimes, cross-border money laundering, and foreign exchange violations.

Key Facts

Headquartered in New Delhi, the ED handles civil adjudications under FEMA 1999 and criminal prosecutions under PMLA 2002. Properties attached under PMLA represent proceeds derived from scheduled offenses.

Significance

Crucial for protecting national economic security, preventing illicit capital flight, and deterrence against high-value economic crimes.

Challenges / Way Forward

Ensuring swift trial completions, enhancing forensic accounting expertise, and preserving institutional credibility through transparent investigative norms.

Exam Angle

High yield for GS-II (Statutory/Regulatory Bodies, Institutional Governance) and GS-III (Money Laundering Prevention, Internal Security).

Remember this

  • Parent Ministry: Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
  • Core Acts enforced: PMLA 2002, FEMA 1999, FEOA 2018.
  • Appointment mechanism of Director: Governed by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003.
  • PMLA offenses are cognizable and non-bailable.

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