Daily Current Affairs- 2nd September 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 2nd September 2026

Gollala Gudi Temple Added to India’s National Monuments List

In the News: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the historic Gollala Gudi Temple at Palampet in Telangana’s Mulugu district a Monument of National Importance. The notification was published in the Gazette of India on August 31, 2026. The Kakatiya-era temple is located close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple.

Key Points:

• Monument of National Importance: Gollala Gudi has been brought under national-level archaeological protection by the Archaeological Survey of India. Such monuments are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Location and Dynasty: The temple is situated at Palampet village in Mulugu district of Telangana and belongs to the Kakatiya period. It lies near the Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, popularly known as the Ramappa Temple.
• Architectural Style: Gollala Gudi is a Trikutalaya, meaning a temple having three sanctums. It consists of an east-facing mandapa surrounded by three garbhagrihas, with a Shiva Lingam placed in the central sanctum.
• Distinctive Features: The temple is known for intricate sculptures, carved hamsas, jali work, dvarapala figures and a decorated high plinth. Sculptures of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini are also found on the temple walls.
• Archaeological Survey of India: The ASI functions under the Ministry of Culture and is responsible for archaeological research, conservation and protection of centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites across India.

5th Edition of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026 Launched

In the News: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the fifth edition of the nationwide Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026, also known as SSSS v.5.0, on September 1, 2026. Led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the campaign focuses on ocean conservation, coastal cleanliness and public participation.

Key Points:

• Implementing Ministry: The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and is linked with the broader Swachh Bharat vision. Citizens, students, youth groups, NGOs and coastal communities are being encouraged to participate.
• Campaign Duration: Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0 is being conducted from September 12 to September 19, 2026. Activities are planned across several coastal locations during the week-long campaign.
• Major Activities: Beach clean-up drives, human chains, cycling rallies, marathons and Ocean Conservation Pledges form part of the campaign. The initiative also seeks to bring behavioural changes towards marine litter management.
• First Ocean Olympiad: The fifth edition features the first-ever national Ocean Olympiad. It aims to increase awareness among students and young people about oceans, marine ecosystems and conservation.
• Digital Initiatives: The government launched the SSSS v.5.0 website, an Ocean Conservation Pledge and campaign videos. The SAGAR PRAHARI App has also been included to strengthen citizen participation and awareness.

India’s first-of-its-kind Green Forge Complex

In the News: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the BRIC-NABI Green Forge Facility for Research on Genome and Trait Engineering at BRIC-NABI, Mohali, Punjab, on August 31, 2026. The first-of-its-kind facility has been described as a major milestone in India’s genetically modified crop research and genome engineering capabilities.

Key Points:

• Location and Institution: The Green Forge facility has been established at the National Agri-Food and Biomanufacturing Institute, or BRIC-NABI, in Mohali, Punjab. Some reports carried a Chandigarh dateline, but the facility itself is located in Mohali.
• Genome and Trait Engineering: The facility is designed to support advanced research in genome editing, trait engineering and genetically modified crops. It will help scientists evaluate crop traits under carefully regulated experimental conditions before wider field-level applications.
• Controlled Simulation Chambers: The complex contains specialised chambers where researchers can regulate factors such as light quality, humidity and temperature. These controlled environments allow genetically engineered crops to be studied under different simulated climatic conditions.
• Artificial Intelligence Integration: Artificial Intelligence will be integrated with crop experimentation and data analysis at the facility. This combination of biotechnology, controlled simulations and AI is expected to strengthen precision research in crop improvement and agricultural biotechnology.
• Growth of India’s Bioeconomy: At the inauguration, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that India’s bioeconomy has expanded from around US$10 billion to US$200 billion. The facility reflects the broader push towards biotechnology-led research, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Named Ram Temple Trust CEO

In the News: Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. The 62-year-old former Indian Air Force officer previously headed the Western Air Command and was in command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

Key Points:

• First CEO of the Trust: Jeetendra Mishra was unanimously selected as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. His appointment is part of changes in the Trust’s administrative structure and leadership.
• Selection Process: Mishra was selected from a shortlist of three candidates prepared from 5,585 applications, according to PTI reports. The search committee was headed by retired Justice Pramod Kohli and included retired Lt Gen Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware.
• Indian Air Force Career: Mishra was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1986 and later became a Fighter Combat Leader and experimental Test Pilot. During his career, he accumulated more than 3,000 hours of flying experience.
• Western Air Command and Operation Sindoor: He assumed command of the IAF’s Western Air Command on January 1, 2025, and remained its chief until retiring on April 30, 2026. He headed the command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 and was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.
• Changes in Ram Temple Trust: The appointment came amid a wider restructuring of the Trust following a donations-related embezzlement controversy and the resignation of Champat Rai as general secretary. Madan Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Bhagchandka and Nirmala Yadav were also named as new trustees.

AVM Shakti Sharma Becomes First Non-Medical Woman Air Vice Marshal

In the News: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first woman officer from a non-medical branch of the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or its equivalent. She assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1, 2026.

Key Points:

• Historic Two-Star Rank: Shakti Sharma is the first non-medical woman officer in the Indian Defence Forces to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal or its equivalent. Air Vice Marshal is a two-star rank in the Indian Air Force.
• Equivalent Ranks: The rank of Air Vice Marshal in the Indian Air Force is equivalent to Major General in the Indian Army and Rear Admiral in the Indian Navy. It is one of the senior flag officer ranks in the armed forces.
• New Appointment: Sharma took charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters. Her responsibilities include matters related to education, training and professional development within the Air Force.
• IAF Career: She was commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994. During her career, she has served at training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.
• Earlier Achievement: Sharma had earlier become the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School when she served as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala. Her elevation to Air Vice Marshal marks another significant milestone in her career.