UPSC Current Affairs 8th August 2026

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GS Paper 1: History, Art & Culture

1. Veeragallu Discovery & Hoysala Dynasty

Context: A 12th-century Veeragallu (hero stone) unearthed in Neeragunda, Karnataka, may resolve the historical debate over the death year of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana.

  • Key Discovery: The Old Kannada inscription (dated Dec 11, 1141 CE) was erected by a woman named Maravve for her husband Boppa, a Hoysala soldier who died shortly after King Vishnuvardhana. This challenges previous beliefs that the King died in 1149 CE or 1152 CE.
  • Veeragallu (Hero Stones): Memorial stones honouring individuals who died defending their king, village, or cattle. They often feature three panels depicting the battle, ascent to heaven, and Moksha. It reflects the Hoysala Garuda tradition of extreme elite bodyguard loyalty.
  • King Vishnuvardhana: A great Hoysala ruler who defeated the Cholas at the Battle of Talakad (1116 CE). He built the famous Chennakeshava Temple at Belur (1117 CE). Influenced by Ramanujacharya, he embraced Srivaishnavism.
  • Hoysala Architecture: Known for the Vesara style, featuring stellate (star-shaped) plans, raised platforms (Jagati), tiered friezes, and soapstone carvings. The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura) became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

GS Paper 2: International Relations & Governance

1. India-China Climate Resilience Pathway

Context: With both nations suffering extreme weather (El Niño-delayed monsoons, severe floods), climate cooperation is being viewed as a pragmatic, “low-politics” avenue to build trust amid border tensions.

  • Shared Vulnerabilities:
    • Urban Flooding: Rapid urbanization paving over wetlands leads to massive waterlogging (e.g., Mumbai, Guangxi).
    • Himalayan Ecosystem: Accelerated glacial retreat in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) threatens transboundary rivers (Brahmaputra, Sutlej) and increases Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) risks.
  • Challenges to Cooperation: Post-2020 strategic mistrust, China’s dominance in green tech manufacturing vs. India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, regulatory barriers (India’s Press Note 3 restricting Chinese investments).
  • India’s Global Climate Diplomacy:
    • UK: Green Grids Initiative (OSOWOG).
    • France: International Solar Alliance (ISA).
    • Germany: Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).
  • Way Forward: Bypass national gridlock via “Sister City” knowledge transfers (e.g., China’s “Sponge Cities” model and India’s “Heat Action Plans”). Leverage minilateral platforms like BRICS for neutral engagement.

2. Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Context: The Lok Sabha passed a bill amending the Income-tax Act, Finance Act, and Payment and Settlement Systems Act to attract foreign investment and boost “Make in India.”

  • Key Provisions:
    • Electronics & Data: Extends the tax holiday for foreign companies contract-manufacturing electronics by 10 years (to 2040-41). Eases tax exemption rules for foreign cloud companies using Indian data centers.
    • FIIs & Fund Managers: Exempts Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) from tax on government securities income and simplifies rules for foreign fund managers relocating to India.
    • Investment Trusts: Restores tax-free dividend income for investors in REITs and InvITs.
    • Digital Payments (Crucial Change): Empowers the Central Government to permit charges/Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and other electronic payments, replacing the strict zero-MDR mandate to make the UPI ecosystem financially sustainable.
  • Concerns: Risk of “Round-Tripping” (domestic money routed through foreign tax havens back as FDI), potential drop in digital payment adoption due to UPI charges, and lack of Parliamentary debate.

GS Paper 3: Economy, Environment, & Science and Tech

1. GOBARdhan: National Circular Bioenergy Scheme

Context: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹23,731 crore scheme (FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36) to convert organic waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG) and bio-slurry.

  • 6 Growth Engines of the Scheme:
    1. Assured Offtake: Mandates City Gas Distribution entities to procure 3% CBG in FY27, rising to 5% by FY29.
    2. Stable Pricing: Government-backed price of ₹105/kg CBG (₹2,110 per MMBTU) guaranteed for 10 years.
    3. Capital Assistance: Up to ₹2 crore per tonne per day of installed capacity.
    4. Pipelines: Funding to connect CBG plants with trunk/city gas networks.
    5. Credit Guarantees: Up to 85% coverage for MSME-based CBG projects.
    6. Ecosystem Challenge Fund: For feedstock mapping and tech adoption.
  • Significance: Enhances energy security by reducing natural gas imports, manages municipal/agricultural waste, reduces GHG emissions, and boosts rural farmer income.

2. Agni-4 Ballistic Missile

Context: India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island (ITR, Chandipur).

  • Key Features: Developed by DRDO, it is an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
  • Specifications: Surface-to-surface, range of approximately 4,000 km, capable of carrying a 1,000 kg payload.
  • Significance: Managed by the Strategic Forces Command, it reinforces India’s credible strategic nuclear deterrence.

Miscellaneous / Prelims Facts

1. Tanvi Sharma Wins Taipei Open Super 300

  • Achievement: 17-year-old Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharma became the youngest finalist and winner of the Taipei Open.
  • Significance: She is the first Indian woman to win this specific singles title since Saina Nehwal in 2008, joining an elite group of Indian women (Nehwal, Sindhu, Sihag) to win a BWF World Tour Super 300 title.
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