Daily Current Affairs- 24th August 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 24th August 2026

India Launches First Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrid

In the News: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched India’s first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh. Developed by Gourmet Popcornica, the indigenous hybrid is aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported popcorn-maize seed technology and strengthening agricultural self-reliance.

Key Points:

• Launch and Developer: The hybrid was launched at the Gourmet Popcornica facility at Musunuru, Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh. Gourmet Popcornica developed the indigenous seed after India had relied significantly on imported hybrid technology for premium popcorn maize.
• What Does Non-GMO Mean?: Non-GMO refers to a crop that has not been produced through genetic modification techniques involving deliberate alteration of genetic material. A hybrid, however, can still be produced through conventional breeding by crossing selected parental lines.
• Importance of High-Expansion Maize: “Expansion” refers to the increase in volume when a popcorn kernel is heated and pops. High-expansion varieties are important for commercial popcorn production because they produce larger popped flakes and are preferred by the processing industry.
• Role of ICAR-IIMR: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) is India’s premier national institute for maize research and is headquartered at Ludhiana, Punjab. Its mandate covers maize productivity as well as speciality corn, including popcorn, quality-protein maize and baby corn.
• Self-Reliance in Popcorn Maize: India’s popcorn-maize ecosystem has expanded substantially through domestic breeding, scientific cultivation and processing. ICAR-IIMR and Gourmet Popcornica have also collaborated since 2021 on IIMR-bred popcorn hybrids, supporting import substitution and farmer-oriented value chains.

India Produces First 100% Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle

In the News: India has manufactured and successfully test-fired the first AK-203 ‘Sher’ assault rifle made with 100% Indian components and input materials at the Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The rifle was produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited as part of India’s defence-indigenisation programme.

Key Points:

• Manufacturing Facility: The AK-203 is manufactured at Korwa in Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh, by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited. The latest prototype achieved complete localisation through Indian components and input materials.
• India-Russia Joint Venture: IRRPL was established under a 2019 India-Russia Inter-Governmental Agreement. The Indian side holds 50.5% equity, while Rosoboronexport and Concern Kalashnikov together hold 49.5%.
• Defence Contract: In December 2021, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for 6,01,427 AK-203 assault rifles. These rifles are intended to modernise the Indian Armed Forces’ small-arms inventory and progressively replace older INSAS rifles.
• Indigenisation Milestone: The achievement represents an important step under Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. It demonstrates greater localisation of weapons production and technology transfer within India.
• AK-203 Features: The AK-203 belongs to the Kalashnikov AK-200 series and uses the 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge. It is designed as a modern assault rifle for infantry and other combat units.

Tamil Nadu to Introduce TN-ARIVU Curriculum from 2027-28

In the News: Tamil Nadu has announced the introduction of the TN-ARIVU curriculum from the 2027-28 academic year for Classes I to XII. The framework will focus on analytical thinking, reasoning, innovation, entrepreneurship, upskilling, Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Key Points:

• Meaning of ARIVU: TN-ARIVU stands for Analytical Thinking, Reasoning, Innovation, Venture and Entrepreneurship, and Upskilling. It seeks to promote reasoning, problem-solving, employability and future-oriented skills.
• Three-Level Structure: ARIVU Foundation will cover Classes I-V, ARIVU Discovery Classes VI-VIII, and ARIVU Edge Classes IX-XII. The stages progressively move from foundational skills to advanced employability and life skills.
• TN-PAL Initiative: Tamil Nadu will pilot Personalised Adaptive Learning for Classes VI-VIII in 500 government middle schools. AI-based assessments will be used to identify individual learning gaps and provide personalised practice.
• Mathichudar Scheme: The Mathichudar Scheme will focus on competency-based assessment and Higher-Order Thinking Skills for Classes VI-XII. It aims to strengthen conceptual understanding and analytical abilities among students.

Exercise Udara Shakti 2026

In the News: The Indian Air Force concluded its participation in Exercise Udara Shakti 2026, a bilateral air exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, in August 2026. Conducted at Subang Air Base, Malaysia, the exercise focused on tactical air-combat training, interoperability and operational exchanges.

Key Points:

• Participating Countries: Udara Shakti is a bilateral air exercise between India and Malaysia involving the Indian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force. It strengthens military cooperation and interoperability between the two countries.
• Venue: The 2026 edition was conducted at Subang Air Base in Malaysia. Personnel participated in joint field training, mission-planning exercises and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges.
• Air-Combat Component: Indian Air Force personnel conducted tactical engagements involving Malaysian Su-30MKM and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The exercises helped refine air-combat tactics and operational coordination.
• Previous Edition: Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 was held at Kuantan, Malaysia. India participated with Su-30MKI fighters, while Malaysia operated its Su-30MKM aircraft.
• Link with Pitch Black: Udara Shakti 2026 followed the IAF’s participation in Exercise Pitch Black hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force. Pitch Black is a major multinational air-combat exercise.

US Launches Operation Economic Outcast Against Iran

In the News: The United States launched Operation Economic Outcast, a sanctions campaign targeting Iran and entities supporting its international economic networks. The initiative seeks to increase Iran’s financial isolation and expand the application of secondary sanctions.

Key Points:

• Lead Agency: The campaign is being led by the US Department of the Treasury. Its objective is to disrupt financial and commercial networks through which Iran earns revenue and obtains technology.
• Targeted Sectors: The United States expanded sanctions exposure across sectors such as digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. Foreign entities engaging in specified sanctioned activities can face restrictions.
• OFAC Role: The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is responsible for administering and enforcing major US economic and trade sanctions. OFAC designations can freeze assets under US jurisdiction and restrict transactions.
• Legal Authorities: US sanctions against Iran operate through several executive orders dealing with weapons proliferation, terrorism, cyber activities and specific sectors of the Iranian economy.
• Secondary Sanctions: Secondary sanctions can apply to non-US persons and companies engaging in prohibited transactions with sanctioned entities. This gives US sanctions significant implications for international finance, shipping and energy trade.

Asian Games 2026: Dates, Venues, Sports, Schedule and Everything You Need to Know

In the News: The 20th Asian Games, officially known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026, will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City are the principal co-hosts, with competitions spread across multiple venues.

Key Points:

• Edition and Host: Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will be the 20th edition of the Asian Games. The Olympic Council of Asia awarded the hosting rights to Aichi-Nagoya in 2016.
• Dates and Duration: The Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Athletes from Asian National Olympic Committees will compete across a wide range of Olympic and Asian sports.
• Sports Programme: The official programme includes 43 sports across multiple competition venues. Cricket will be played in the T20 format, while esports will also feature in the programme.
• Notable Sports: Padel and Teqball are among the newer disciplines included in the Games. Teqball combines elements of football with a curved-table format similar to table tennis.
• Mascot and Slogan: The official mascot is HONOHON, inspired by a flame and the cultural identity of Aichi-Nagoya. The official slogan of the Games is “IMAGINE ONE ASIA”.