Daily Current Affairs 13 August 2026
Daily current affairs for 13 August 2026 — 17 verified news items across Tamil Nadu, International, Science & Tech & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and…
In this digest · 17 items
Tamil Nadu
TVK Government Signs 97 MoUs Worth Over ₹67,500 Crore in Tamil Nadu
The TVK government in Tamil Nadu held its first major investment conclave, resulting in the signing of 97 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹67,500 crore. A notable investment includes ₹1,000 crore from the Phoenix Kothari Group in the Ramanathapuram region, marking the area's first significant investment. This conclave represents the new government's initial major business initiative to boost economic development in the state.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many MoUs were signed at the TVK government's first investment conclave in Tamil Nadu?
- A50
- B75
- C97Correct
- D120
Explanation The TVK government's first investment conclave resulted in the signing of 97 MoUs.
Q2 What is the approximate total worth of the deals signed at the TVK government's investment conclave?
- A₹45,000 crore
- B₹67,500 croreCorrect
- C₹75,000 crore
- D₹1,000 crore
Explanation The total worth of the deals signed was over ₹67,500 crore.
Q3 Which group made a ₹1,000 crore investment in the Ramanathapuram region during the conclave?
- ATata Group
- BReliance Group
- CPhoenix Kothari GroupCorrect
- DAdani Group
Explanation The Phoenix Kothari Group invested ₹1,000 crore in Ramanathapuram, marking the region's first big investment.
International
UNSC Officially Attributes 2025 Red Fort Blast to Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report has officially attributed the 2025 Red Fort blast to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent. The report highlights that the group has evolved from a fragmented entity into a regional terrorist organization with strengthened logistical and financial networks. It operates through decentralized, small, and dispersed cells. Additionally, the report expresses concern over Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent attempting to exploit Bangladesh to establish operational cells.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to the UNSC report, which group was officially attributed to the 2025 Red Fort blast?
- AAl-Qaeda in the Indian SubcontinentCorrect
- BISIS
- CLashkar-e-Taiba
- DJaish-e-Mohammed
Explanation The UNSC report officially attributes the 2025 Red Fort blast to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent.
Q2 What concern did the UNSC report express regarding Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent?
- AExploiting Bangladesh to establish cellsCorrect
- BAttacking the United Nations headquarters
- CForming alliances with European terrorist groups
- DRecruiting members from South America
Explanation The report expressed concern about Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent trying to exploit Bangladesh to establish cells there.
Q3 How has Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent evolved according to the UNSC report?
- AFrom a fragmented group into a regional terrorist organizationCorrect
- BFrom a political party into a militant group
- CFrom a local gang into a global network
- DFrom a religious organization into a charity
Explanation The UNSC report states that Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent has evolved from a fragmented group into a regional terrorist organization.
Science & Tech
Black Hole Star from Early Universe Spotted by James Webb Telescope
A US-led team of astronomers discovered a black hole star dating back to 660 million years after the Big Bang. This discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope and may help solve the mystery of the 'little red dots' observed in the early Universe.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What significant astronomical object was discovered by a US-led team using the James Webb Space Telescope?
- AA black hole star from 660 million years after the Big BangCorrect
- BA new planet in the solar system
- CA supernova in the Milky Way
- DA comet approaching Earth
Explanation The US-led team discovered a black hole star dating from 660 million years after the Big Bang using the James Webb Space Telescope.
Q2 How long after the Big Bang does the discovered black hole star date back to?
- A660 million yearsCorrect
- B1 billion years
- C100 million years
- D10 million years
Explanation The black hole star was dated to 660 million years after the Big Bang.
Q3 Which telescope was used to spot the black hole star?
- AJames Webb Space TelescopeCorrect
- BHubble Space Telescope
- CChandra X-ray Observatory
- DSpitzer Space Telescope
Explanation The black hole star was spotted using the James Webb Space Telescope.
Economy
India's Merchandise Exports Hit Record $44.24 Billion in July 2026
India's merchandise exports reached a record high of $44.24 billion in July 2026, marking a 19.63% increase compared to the previous year. For the April-July period, exports rose 17% to $173.78 billion. However, the trade deficit widened to $31.98 billion in July, as imports increased by 17.52% to $76.22 billion.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the value of India's merchandise exports in July 2026?
- A$44.24 billionCorrect
- B$31.98 billion
- C$76.22 billion
- D$173.78 billion
Explanation India's merchandise exports reached a record $44.24 billion in July 2026.
Q2 By what percentage did India's imports rise in July 2026?
- A19.63%
- B17.52%Correct
- C17%
- D31.98%
Explanation India's imports rose by 17.52% to $76.22 billion in July 2026.
Q3 What was the trade deficit of India in July 2026?
- A$44.24 billion
- B$31.98 billionCorrect
- C$76.22 billion
- D$173.78 billion
Explanation The trade deficit widened to $31.98 billion in July 2026.
Black Box Q1 net profit rises 18%, revenue up 24%; AvenuesAI targets ₹13,000 crore revenue in FY27
Black Box reported a 24% year-on-year revenue growth to ₹1,719 crore in Q1, with net profit rising 18% to ₹56 crore. Its order book also grew 83% year-on-year to ₹8,986 crore. Meanwhile, fintech firm AvenuesAI saw a 45% increase in net profit and is targeting ₹13,000 crore revenue in FY27. AvenuesAI plans to accelerate growth through Rediff, expansion in US payments, and an AI-led transaction intelligence platform called TISco.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was Black Box's revenue growth in Q1 as reported?
- A18%
- B24%Correct
- C45%
- D83%
Explanation Black Box's revenue grew 24% year-on-year in Q1.
Q2 Which fintech firm is targeting ₹13,000 crore revenue in FY27?
- ABlack Box
- BRediff
- CAvenuesAICorrect
- DTISco
Explanation AvenuesAI is targeting ₹13,000 crore revenue in FY27.
Q3 Which platform is AvenuesAI using to accelerate growth?
- ARediff
- BTISco
- CUS payments expansion
- DAll of the aboveCorrect
Explanation AvenuesAI plans growth through Rediff, US payments expansion, and TISco.
N. Chandrasekaran to Step Down as Tata Sons Chairman in February 2027
N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, announced he will not seek reappointment when his current term ends on February 20, 2027. He cited a lack of unanimous support from the Tata Sons board for extending his term, with dissent coming from Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata. A five-member panel has been formed to select his successor. Following the announcement, Tata Group stocks experienced a decline.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 When will N. Chandrasekaran step down as chairman of Tata Sons?
- AFebruary 20, 2027Correct
- BAugust 13, 2026
- CDecember 31, 2026
- DJanuary 1, 2027
Explanation N. Chandrasekaran will step down when his current term ends on February 20, 2027.
Q2 Who was the dissenting member opposing N. Chandrasekaran's term extension as Tata Sons chairman?
- ARatan Tata
- BNoel TataCorrect
- CMukesh Ambani
- DNatarajan Chandrasekaran
Explanation Noel Tata, chairman of Tata Trusts, was the dissenting member on the board opposing the term extension.
Q3 What was the immediate market reaction to the announcement of N. Chandrasekaran stepping down?
- ATata Group stocks rose sharply
- BTata Group stocks remained stable
- CTata Group stocks plungedCorrect
- DNo impact on Tata Group stocks
Explanation Tata Group stocks plunged following the announcement of N. Chandrasekaran stepping down.
Bank of America to Acquire Up to 49.9% Stake in Jio Credit for $1.9 Billion
Bank of America is set to acquire up to a 49.9% stake in Jio Credit through a preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants. The investment values Jio Credit at approximately $3.8 billion and amounts to around ₹18,268 crore. Jio Credit aims to leverage this fresh capital and digital innovation to transform credit delivery across India.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What percentage stake is Bank of America acquiring in Jio Credit?
- A25%
- B49.9%Correct
- C51%
- D100%
Explanation Bank of America is acquiring up to a 49.9% stake in Jio Credit.
Q2 What is the approximate valuation of Jio Credit based on Bank of America's investment?
- A$1.9 billion
- B$3.8 billionCorrect
- C$5 billion
- D$10 billion
Explanation The investment values Jio Credit at about $3.8 billion.
Q3 How will Bank of America make its investment in Jio Credit?
- AThrough a public offering
- BThrough a preferential allotment of equity shares and warrantsCorrect
- CBy acquiring existing shares
- DThrough a loan agreement
Explanation The investment will be made through a preferential allotment of equity shares and warrants.
India's Retail Inflation Hits 19-Month High of 4.45% in July 2026
In July 2026, India's retail inflation rose to 4.45%, marking a 19-month high. The increase was driven primarily by rising prices in food, fuel, restaurant and accommodation services, and transport. Conversely, inflation in sectors like healthcare, recreation, sports, and culture saw a slight decline. The steady inflation rate reflects ongoing pressures on household expenses, particularly due to food price increases such as onions.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the retail inflation rate in India in July 2026?
- A3.25%
- B4.45%Correct
- C5.60%
- D6.10%
Explanation Retail inflation in India in July 2026 was reported at 4.45%, a 19-month high.
Q2 Which of the following sectors saw a rise in inflation in July 2026?
- AHealthcare
- BRecreation
- CFood and fuelCorrect
- DSports and culture
Explanation Food, fuel, restaurant and accommodation services, and transport saw inflation rise, while healthcare, recreation, sports, and culture saw inflation cool marginally.
Q3 Which sector experienced a marginal cooling of inflation in July 2026?
- ATransport
- BHealthcareCorrect
- CFood
- DFuel
Explanation Healthcare, recreation, sports, and culture sectors experienced marginal cooling of inflation in July 2026.
National
Court Allows Withdrawal of Case Against 25 BJP Leaders in 2013 Muzaffarnagar Riots
A court has permitted the withdrawal of a case against 25 BJP leaders and Hindu activists related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The accused were facing trial for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, obstructing public servants in their duties, and inciting communal tension through speeches at a mahapanchayat held at Nagla Mador. This decision marks a significant development in the legal proceedings connected to the communal violence that occurred in Muzaffarnagar in 2013.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the court's recent decision regarding the case against 25 BJP leaders and Hindu activists in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots?
- AAllowed withdrawal of the caseCorrect
- BOrdered a retrial
- CConvicted all accused
- DTransferred the case to another court
Explanation The court allowed the withdrawal of the case against 25 BJP leaders and Hindu activists related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots.
Q2 For what allegations were the 25 BJP leaders and Hindu activists facing trial in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case?
- AViolating prohibitory orders and inciting communal tensionCorrect
- BFinancial fraud and corruption
- CMurder and arson
- DElection rigging
Explanation The accused were facing trial for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, obstructing public servants, and inciting communal tension through speeches.
Q3 Where was the mahapanchayat held, during which the accused allegedly incited communal tension?
- ANagla MadorCorrect
- BMuzaffarnagar city center
- CLucknow
- DNoida
Explanation The mahapanchayat was held at Nagla Mador, where the accused allegedly made speeches inciting communal tension.
Tata Trusts Initiate Process to Find Successor for Chairman N Chandrasekaran
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has accepted the resignation of N Chandrasekaran as chairman of Tata Sons. Respecting his decision not to seek re-appointment, the Trust has passed a resolution to set up a selection committee tasked with recommending a new chairman for Tata Sons. This marks the beginning of the formal process to find Chandrasekaran's successor.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What action did the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust take following N Chandrasekaran's resignation?
- AStarted a process to find a successor for Tata Sons chairmanCorrect
- BAppointed N Chandrasekaran for another term
- CMerged Tata Sons with another company
- DDissolved the selection committee
Explanation The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust passed a resolution to initiate the setting up of a selection committee to recommend a new chairman after accepting Chandrasekaran's resignation.
Q2 What was N Chandrasekaran's decision regarding his position as Tata Sons chairman?
- AHe decided to continue for another term
- BHe resigned and chose not to offer himself for re-appointmentCorrect
- CHe was removed by the Trust
- DHe took a temporary leave
Explanation The Trust respected Chandrasekaran's decision not to offer himself for re-appointment and accepted his resignation.
Q3 Which body is responsible for recommending the new chairman of Tata Sons?
- AThe Board of Tata Sons
- BThe Government of India
- CThe selection committee set up by Sir Dorabji Tata TrustCorrect
- DThe shareholders of Tata Sons
Explanation The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust initiated the setting up of a selection committee to recommend a person for appointment as the new chairman.
Parliament Panel Criticizes Justice Yashwant Varma Over Cash Found at Home
A parliamentary probe panel found a substantial quantity of ₹500 notes in the storeroom of Justice Yashwant Varma, who resigned in April 2026. The panel described his explanations regarding the source, ownership, and presence of the cash as evasive, incomplete, and misleading. The findings have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the cash and Justice Varma's conduct.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did the parliamentary panel find in Justice Yashwant Varma's storeroom?
- AA substantial quantity of ₹500 notesCorrect
- BIllegal weapons
- CConfidential government documents
- DForeign currency
Explanation The panel found a substantial quantity of ₹500 notes in Justice Yashwant Varma's storeroom.
Q2 How did the parliamentary panel describe Justice Yashwant Varma's explanation about the cash found?
- AClear and satisfactory
- BEvasive, incomplete, and misleadingCorrect
- CDetailed and transparent
- DUnrelated and irrelevant
Explanation The panel described his explanation as evasive, incomplete, and misleading.
Q3 When did Justice Yashwant Varma resign?
- AApril 2026Correct
- BAugust 2026
- CJanuary 2025
- DDecember 2024
Explanation Justice Yashwant Varma resigned in April 2026.
NIA Arrests First Accused in Manipur IED Attack Killing Two Children
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested S. Palal Thadou, the first accused in the Manipur IED attack case that resulted in the deaths of two children. Thadou is alleged to have handled finances for the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a Kuki insurgent group not engaged in peace talks with the government. The attack took place in Tronglaobi, Manipur, and the arrest marks a significant step in the investigation of this violent incident.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who was arrested by the NIA in connection with the Manipur IED attack that killed two children?
- AS. Palal ThadouCorrect
- BA. R. Singh
- CM. K. Sharma
- DL. T. Meitei
Explanation S. Palal Thadou was arrested by the NIA as the first accused in the Manipur IED attack case.
Q2 Which insurgent group is linked to the accused arrested in the Manipur IED attack case?
- AUnited Kuki National Army (UKNA)Correct
- BNational Socialist Council of Nagaland
- CPeople's Liberation Army
- DUnited Liberation Front of Assam
Explanation The accused handled finances for the UKNA, a Kuki insurgent group not engaged in peace talks.
Q3 What was the role of S. Palal Thadou in the UKNA according to the NIA?
- AHandled financesCorrect
- BPlanned the attack
- CLed peace talks
- DProvided weapons
Explanation S. Palal Thadou allegedly handled finances for the UKNA.
Cochin Shipyard Delivers Second Ice-Class Multi-Purpose Vessel to German Firm
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered its second ice-class multi-purpose vessel to a German firm. The 7,000-tonne vessel, designed by Groot Ship Design of the Netherlands, is capable of carrying diverse cargoes including project and heavy cargo, steel coils, and containers. The ship was constructed at CSL following the Classification Rules of DNV, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which company designed the second ice-class multi-purpose vessel delivered by Cochin Shipyard?
- AGroot Ship Design, NetherlandsCorrect
- BDNV
- CGerman firm
- DCochin Shipyard Limited
Explanation The vessel was designed by Groot Ship Design, Netherlands, as stated in the source.
Q2 What is the approximate tonnage of the vessel delivered by Cochin Shipyard to the German firm?
- A5,000 tonnes
- B7,000 tonnesCorrect
- C10,000 tonnes
- D12,000 tonnes
Explanation The vessel weighs approximately 7,000 tonnes as mentioned in the source.
Q3 Under which classification rules was the vessel constructed at Cochin Shipyard?
- ABureau Veritas
- BLloyd's Register
- CDNVCorrect
- DAmerican Bureau of Shipping
Explanation The vessel was constructed in accordance with the Classification Rules of DNV.
Sports
Sports Ministry Suspends TTFI Over Governance Issues
The Sports Ministry has suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) due to governance issues, specifically citing TTFI's failure to conduct elections on time. This action followed an unsatisfactory response from TTFI to a show cause notice issued earlier. The ministry has also asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to appoint an ad-hoc panel to manage TTFI affairs during the suspension period.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Why did the Sports Ministry suspend the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI)?
- AFailure to conduct elections on timeCorrect
- BFinancial irregularities
- CPoor performance in international tournaments
- DConflict with the Indian Olympic Association
Explanation The Sports Ministry suspended TTFI due to its failure to conduct elections on time, as stated in the official order.
Q2 What action did the Sports Ministry take regarding the management of TTFI after suspension?
- AAppointed a new president for TTFI
- BAsked the Indian Olympic Association to appoint an ad-hoc panelCorrect
- CMerged TTFI with another sports federation
- DDissolved TTFI permanently
Explanation The ministry asked the Indian Olympic Association to appoint an ad-hoc panel to manage TTFI affairs during the suspension.
Q3 What prompted the Sports Ministry to suspend TTFI?
- AUnsatisfactory response to a show cause noticeCorrect
- BPublic protests by players
- CGovernment policy changes
- DInternational sanctions
Explanation The suspension followed an unsatisfactory response from TTFI to a show cause notice issued earlier by the ministry.
Lionel Messi Uncertain About Continuing Career After Father's Death
Lionel Messi expressed uncertainty about how much longer he will continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. His father's final months coincided with the 2026 World Cup. Messi currently has a contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami that runs until the end of the 2028 season. The emotional impact of his father's passing has led Messi to publicly reflect on his future in the sport.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What event caused Lionel Messi to express uncertainty about continuing his football career?
- AHis contract ending with Inter Miami
- BThe death of his father, Jorge MessiCorrect
- CInjury during the 2026 World Cup
- DRetirement announcement by a teammate
Explanation Messi expressed uncertainty about continuing his career after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Q2 Until when does Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami run?
- AEnd of 2026 season
- BEnd of 2027 season
- CEnd of 2028 seasonCorrect
- DEnd of 2029 season
Explanation Messi's contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Q3 Which major football event coincided with the final months of Messi's father's life?
- A2022 FIFA World Cup
- B2024 UEFA European Championship
- C2026 FIFA World CupCorrect
- D2028 Summer Olympics
Explanation The final months of Messi's father's life coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pakistan's Javelin Star Arshad Nadeem Pulls Out of Lausanne Diamond League
Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has withdrawn from the Lausanne Diamond League meet. Currently training in Lahore under his long-time coach Salman Butt, Arshad is set to leave for South Africa soon. There, he will train for a few weeks under coach Terseus Liebenberg and local trainers to prepare for upcoming competitions.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Why did Pakistan's javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem pull out of the Lausanne Diamond League meet?
- AHe is injured and recovering in Lahore
- BHe is training in South Africa under a new coachCorrect
- CHe retired from athletics
- DHe was disqualified from the event
Explanation Arshad Nadeem pulled out of the Lausanne Diamond League meet because he is currently training in Lahore and will soon leave for South Africa to train under coach Terseus Liebenberg.
Q2 Who is Arshad Nadeem's long-time coach mentioned in the reports?
- ATerseus Liebenberg
- BSalman ButtCorrect
- CUsain Bolt
- DNeeraj Chopra
Explanation Salman Butt is mentioned as Arshad Nadeem's long-time coach who is currently training him in Lahore.
Q3 Where will Arshad Nadeem train after leaving Lahore?
- AUnited States
- BSouth AfricaCorrect
- CGermany
- DAustralia
Explanation After training in Lahore, Arshad Nadeem will go to South Africa to train under coach Terseus Liebenberg and local trainers.
Praggnanandhaa Defeats Sindarov in Second Round of Sinquefield Cup
Indian chess grandmaster Praggnanandhaa defeated Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup. The victory came after a strategic endgame that evolved from a queen pawn opening, showcasing Praggnanandhaa's skill and patience. This win marked a significant moment in the tournament, highlighting Praggnanandhaa as the star performer of the day.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who did Praggnanandhaa defeat in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup?
- ANodirbek Abdusattorov
- BSindarovCorrect
- CMagnus Carlsen
- DFabiano Caruana
Explanation Praggnanandhaa defeated Sindarov in the second round of the Sinquefield Cup as reported by both sources.
Q2 What opening led to the endgame in which Praggnanandhaa secured his win?
- AKing's Indian Defense
- BQueen pawn openingCorrect
- CSicilian Defense
- DRuy Lopez
Explanation The endgame arose out of a queen pawn opening, as mentioned in The Hindu's report.
Q3 Which tournament was Praggnanandhaa competing in when he defeated Sindarov?
- ATata Steel Chess Tournament
- BSinquefield CupCorrect
- CCandidates Tournament
- DWorld Chess Championship
Explanation The match took place during the Sinquefield Cup, as stated in both sources.
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