UPSC Current Affairs 09 August 2026

• Mithila Makhana is the edible seed of the aquatic plant Euryale ferox Salisb., commonly known as fox nut or gorgon nut.
• It is cultivated in the ponds, wetlands and shallow water bodies of the Mithila region, particularly in northern Bihar.
• Major production areas include Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Begusarai, Purnea and Katihar.
• Bihar accounts for the dominant share of India’s makhana production, making the crop important for rural livelihoods and the state’s agricultural economy.

• It marks a shift from local and domestic sales towards organised international agricultural exports.
• Sea-based shipment can reduce logistics costs compared with air freight and may make regular exports more commercially viable.
• Higher farm-gate returns can strengthen farmer incomes and encourage value addition, branding and better processing.

• The initiative reflects APEDA’s role in connecting regional agricultural products with global markets.
• It can promote investment in cleaning, grading, roasting, packaging, storage and food-processing facilities in Bihar.
• Global recognition of GI products supports the government’s broader objectives of agricultural export diversification and promotion of district-level products.

• Traditional cultivation and harvesting are labour-intensive.
• Farmers may face inadequate access to credit, modern processing technology, storage and organised markets.
• Benefits of the GI tag may not reach cultivators unless producer organisations, cooperatives and farmer-producer organisations are strengthened.
• International markets require consistent quality, food-safety compliance, packaging standards and reliable supply chains.
• Expansion of cultivation must not damage wetlands or reduce aquatic biodiversity.

• Establish common processing and packaging centres near production clusters.
• Expand FPOs and cooperatives to improve farmers’ bargaining power.
• Develop traceability systems to protect the authenticity of GI-tagged produce.
• Promote sustainable wetland management and water-efficient cultivation.
• Use embassies, trade fairs and e-commerce platforms to build the Mithila Makhana brand globally.

• Single-window platform for maritime services.
• End-to-end digital workflows for applications and approvals.
• Online payments and real-time tracking of applications.
• Digitally issued certificates, reducing dependence on physical paperwork.
• Intended to support services related to seafarer certification, shipping companies, ports, licensing and regulatory compliance.
• The larger system is designed to integrate more than 60 maritime services under one digital interface.

• Ease of doing business: Reduces delays, multiple office visits and compliance burdens for maritime stakeholders.
• Seafarer welfare: Makes access to certificates, documentation and welfare-related services easier, including for personnel working onboard vessels.
• Transparency: Digital records, online payments and real-time tracking can reduce discretion, corruption and administrative uncertainty.
• Maritime competitiveness: Supports India’s ambition to become a leading maritime nation and expand its global seafarer workforce.
• Crisis response: The government has highlighted the importance of seafarer safety and welfare after repatriating 4,048 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region following the West Asia crisis.

• E-Samudra is aligned with the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030, which seeks to modernise India’s ports, strengthen maritime infrastructure, improve logistics efficiency and promote the blue economy.
• It also reflects the broader shift towards faceless, paperless and citizen-centric governance through digital public infrastructure.

• Digital access and digital literacy gaps among small shipping operators and seafarers.
• Cybersecurity risks involving personal, employment and vessel-related data.
• Need for interoperability between E-Samudra, port systems, customs, immigration and other government platforms.
• Digitalisation must not exclude workers who have limited internet connectivity while at sea.
• Effective grievance redressal and data protection mechanisms will be essential.

• A new species of flowering plant, Begonia neelamorum, has been scientifically described from Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh, with the research paper published online on 5 August 2026 in the peer-reviewed journal Taiwania.

• Scientific classification: Begonia neelamorum belongs to the genus Begonia, family Begoniaceae, and is placed under the section Monophyllon.
• Habitat: It was discovered growing on steep, moist rock walls along the Keyi River in Keyi Panyor district at an elevation of approximately 1,000 metres.
• Physical features: The plant is a small perennial herb with a globose tuber, single light-green leaf, double-serrated margins and white male and female flowers.
• Distinctive taxonomy: Although it resembles Begonia prolifera, it differs in characteristics such as glandular-hispid surface, terete stem, ovate leaf, dichasial cyme and shorter styles.
• Community connection: The species was named after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, whose members assisted researchers during the difficult expedition; its Nyishi name is reported as Kobiirhopu Baabrai.
• Conservation status: Researchers have given it a preliminary assessment of Data Deficient, indicating that further surveys are needed to determine its population size, distribution and conservation requirements.

• Australia has announced the acquisition of the US-made AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), becoming the first country outside the United States to operate the highly classified long-range air-to-air missile. The deal is valued at about A$736 million (US$518 million).

• AIM-260 JATM is a next-generation Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) being developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Air Force and US Navy.
• It is intended to provide longer-range air-combat capability against advanced fighter aircraft and high-value airborne targets and is designed to supplement and eventually succeed the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
• The programme is highly classified, with the missile developed under a Special Access Program, so many details regarding its range, propulsion and seeker remain undisclosed.
• The US government describes the AIM-260 as a GPS-aided air-superiority missile with increased range and effectiveness compared with existing air-to-air weapons, while incorporating anti-tampering measures to protect sensitive software.

• Long-range engagement: The missile is designed for engagements well beyond visual range, allowing fighter aircraft to attack targets without entering traditional dogfight distances.
• Advanced guidance: Its guidance architecture is intended to improve engagement against sophisticated and manoeuvring airborne targets, although precise technical specifications remain classified.
• Network-centric warfare: The missile is intended to operate within modern combat networks, allowing information from aircraft and other sensors to contribute to target engagement.
• Platform integration: The JATM has been associated with aircraft including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, while integration with other advanced US combat aircraft is part of the broader programme. A missile believed to be the AIM-260 was publicly photographed during testing from an F/A-18F at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in May 2026.

• Collective deterrence: The agreement seeks to deter aggression against any of the three countries.
• Mutual defence principle: An attack on one member is to be treated as an attack on all.
• Expanded military cooperation: It provides for cooperation across defence and security domains and aims to improve military readiness and capabilities.
• No formally named adversary: The agreement does not specifically identify Iran, Israel, the United States or any other country as its target.
• Unclear operational details: The public text does not clearly specify automatic military intervention, force commitments, command arrangements or the procedure for responding to an attack.

• The agreement comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, including concerns over Iranian missile and drone attacks, instability around the Gulf and attacks linked to regional conflicts.
• It also reflects growing interest among regional powers in developing security mechanisms that are less dependent on external powers, particularly the United States.
• The pact connects three influential Muslim-majority states with different strategic capabilities: Saudi Arabia’s financial and energy importance, Türkiye’s military-industrial and NATO experience, and Pakistan’s nuclear capability and military expertise.
• However, their differing relations with Iran, the United States, Israel and other regional actors may complicate the functioning of the arrangement.

• West Asian stability: Any escalation involving Saudi Arabia could affect oil prices, energy security and the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf.
• Pakistan factor: Pakistan’s enhanced strategic role in West Asia may create new diplomatic and security calculations for India.
• Türkiye–Pakistan cooperation: The agreement may deepen defence coordination between two countries that have often taken positions contrary to India’s interests on issues relating to Kashmir.
• Diplomatic balancing: India must maintain strong ties with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf while managing relations with Türkiye, Iran, Israel and the United States.
• India has stated that it is closely following developments related to the pact.

• The agreement’s military obligations remain ambiguous.
• It may contribute to bloc formation and intensify sectarian or geopolitical rivalries.
• Divergent national interests could limit collective action during an actual crisis.
• The absence of a clearly defined command structure and response mechanism may weaken its credibility.
• It remains uncertain whether other countries, such as Egypt, may eventually join.

• The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) was in the news on 8 August 2026, when Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated its new office in Mumbai and launched several technology and cybersecurity initiatives for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs).

• NUCFDC is the umbrella organisation for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) established to improve their technological capabilities, operational efficiency, governance and competitiveness.
• It was formally inaugurated in March 2024 and operates under the regulatory framework of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• NUCFDC is designed to provide shared technological and institutional infrastructure so that smaller UCBs can access sophisticated banking systems without bearing the entire cost individually.
• It aims to connect around 1,400 Urban Cooperative Banks through common platforms and services.

• Bank in a Box: NUCFDC launched an integrated package combining core banking, digital payments, cloud infrastructure and regulatory-compliance solutions, particularly benefiting small and single-branch UCBs.
• Security Operations Centre: A dedicated SOC will provide round-the-clock cybersecurity monitoring and support to participating UCBs against increasing digital banking threats.
• Cyber Forensics: NUCFDC signed an MoU with NFSU to strengthen cybersecurity training, digital forensics and research capabilities for cooperative banks.
• MuleHunter.AI: The umbrella framework will facilitate modern tools for identifying suspicious transactions and mule accounts, thereby improving fraud-risk management.
• Membership Expansion: Around 650 of nearly 1,400 UCBs have joined NUCFDC, representing almost half of the sector, while its CEO expects all UCBs to register during FY 2026–27.
• Capitalisation: NUCFDC has mobilised about ₹306 crore, enabling it to establish infrastructure and expand its services.

• Sahkar CBS for common core-banking requirements.
• Shared payment services to reduce technology costs.
• Loan Origination System for more efficient credit processing.
• Sahkar Cloud for shared cloud infrastructure.
• AI-based fraud prevention for detecting suspicious transactions.
• Cyber insurance and Aadhaar-based services for enhanced digital security.
• Automated regulatory compliance to help UCBs meet RBI requirements.

• Economies of Scale: Collective procurement and shared infrastructure can substantially reduce the technology costs of smaller UCBs.
• Digital Transformation: NUCFDC can help UCBs compete with commercial banks by providing modern digital banking infrastructure.
• Cybersecurity: Centralised monitoring can improve protection against cyber fraud and digital financial crimes.
• Financial Inclusion: Stronger UCBs can improve access to credit for MSMEs, small businesses and local communities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Common technological systems can help smaller banks comply more effectively with evolving RBI norms.

• Victims receive malicious .zip files through WhatsApp, SMS or email, disguised as “Statement of Account.zip”, “RBI.zip” or “MCA.zip”.
• When opened on a Windows computer, the file installs malware that can hijack an active WhatsApp Web session.
• The compromised account automatically circulates the malicious file to contacts and groups.
• Fraudsters then impersonate a CEO or senior executive and issue urgent instructions to finance staff to transfer money to fraudulent or “mule” bank accounts.
• The campaign reportedly uses advanced malware and DLL sideloading, a technique that helps malicious code evade detection.

• I4C has shared malware-related technical indicators with CERT-In, Microsoft Defender and cybersecurity firms.
• The Sahyog Portal is being used to block malware linked to the campaign.
• More than 10,000 citizens were reportedly protected, while alerts were sent to over 58,000 potential victims through the SMS header “I4CMHA-G”.
• Victims can report cyber fraud immediately through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

• The scam highlights the growing convergence of social engineering, malware, account takeover and financial fraud.
• It also shows that a familiar profile picture or message from a seemingly genuine WhatsApp account cannot be treated as sufficient authentication for financial transactions.

• Do not download or extract unknown .zip or executable files.
• Verify urgent payment requests through a direct phone call or in-person confirmation.
• Follow a dual-authorisation system for high-value transfers.
• Regularly check WhatsApp Linked Devices and remove unfamiliar sessions.
• Keep operating systems, browsers and anti-malware software updated.
• Remember that regulators such as the RBI do not send software updates, security patches or account statements through WhatsApp attachments.

• Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based Indian space start-up, unveiled “Everest”, an 800 kN-class Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) liquid rocket engine, on 7 August 2026. It is being described by the company as India’s first privately developed FFSC rocket engine.

• Developer: Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based private space company.
• Engine cycle: Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC), one of the most complex and high-performance liquid rocket-engine architectures.
• Propellants: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) + Liquid Methane (CH₄), commonly referred to as a methalox propulsion system.
• Thrust: Approximately 800 kN, placing it in the 80-tonne-class engine category.
• Intended objective: The engine is being developed with reusable launch vehicles in mind, potentially supporting India's emerging private launch ecosystem.

• In an FFSC engine, both the fuel and oxidiser are completely gasified before entering the main combustion chamber, with separate preburner-driven turbopumps handling the two propellant streams.
• This architecture enables very high chamber pressures, efficient propellant utilisation and potentially improved engine reusability, but it involves extremely demanding turbomachinery, thermal-management and materials-engineering challenges.
• The technology is particularly significant because FFSC engines are exceptionally difficult to develop and manufacture, making successful validation an important technological milestone.

• Private-sector propulsion: It represents a major move towards developing sophisticated rocket propulsion outside the traditional government-led space ecosystem.
• Reusable launch vehicles: Methalox FFSC architecture is particularly attractive for future reusable rockets, potentially reducing the cost of access to space.
• Strategic autonomy: Indigenous development of advanced propulsion reduces dependence on foreign technologies and strengthens India's sovereign launch capability.
• Commercial space sector: A successful indigenous high-thrust engine could strengthen India's position in the growing commercial launch market.
• Advanced manufacturing: Development of such an engine requires expertise in turbopumps, combustion, cryogenic systems, high-temperature materials, precision manufacturing and computational fluid dynamics.

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