Daily current affairs
UPSC daily news summary — 19 August 2026
Key legal amendments receive Presidential assent while the Supreme Court issues crucial directives on wildlife corridors and environmental rights.
Prelims + Mains summary
- Presidential Assent to Key Financial Acts: President Droupadi Murmu assents to the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2026, and the Payment and Settlement Systems (Amendment) Act, 2026, backing zero-MDR flexibility.
- Supreme Court Ruling on Elephant Corridors: The Supreme Court rules that no State can construct blockades along traditional elephant corridors, ordering a nationwide survey to ensure free passage.
- Crude Oil Import Outgo Spikes: India's crude import bill jumped 41% year-on-year to $13.7 billion in July 2026 due to West Asian geopolitical tensions, with volumes rising 13.3% to 21.4 MMT.
- Balance of Payments Surplus and Rupee Dynamics: India's BoP surplus is projected to touch $50 billion in FY27 driven by $85 billion in FCNR(B) deposit inflows, though central bank dollar absorption keeps market liquidity neutral.
- India-Bangladesh Extradition Dynamics: Bangladesh formally requests the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 bilateral treaty following political transition in Dhaka.
- ISRO Prepares GISAT-1A Launch: ISRO prepares to launch geostationary imaging satellite GISAT-1A to restore launch rhythm after consecutive PSLV anomalies.
- Census 2027 Enumeration Begins: Population Enumeration phase for Census 2027 initiates in snow-bound regions, sparking debate over detailed parentage and demographic questions.
- BRICS Opposition to EU Carbon Tax: BRICS nations issue a joint stance condemning unilateral carbon border adjustment measures like the EU CBAM, demanding enhanced climate finance.
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