Daily Current Affairs- 31st August 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 31st August 2026

Bihar and Jharkhand Sign Sone River Water Pact

In the News: Bihar and Jharkhand signed a Memorandum of Understanding for sharing the waters of the Sone River, resolving a long-pending inter-State dispute. The agreement was concluded in New Delhi in the presence of senior Union government representatives and is expected to improve irrigation and drinking-water cooperation between the two States. The dispute was nearly 25 years old.

Key Points:

• Agreement and Signatories: Bihar and Jharkhand formally agreed on a framework for sharing Sone River waters. The pact is expected to improve irrigation access, agricultural planning and drinking-water availability in areas dependent on the river system.
• Cooperative Federalism: The settlement is significant from the perspective of Centre-State and inter-State relations. It demonstrates how long-standing water disputes can be addressed through negotiations, administrative coordination and cooperative federalism.
• About the Sone River: The Sone is an important right-bank tributary of the Ganga. It originates near Amarkantak and flows through central and eastern India before joining the Ganga system in Bihar.
• Bansagar Link: Bansagar Dam is an important inter-State multipurpose project on the Sone River. Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are associated with the Bansagar arrangement, making the basin important for questions on river-water sharing and irrigation.

Who is a ‘distinguished jurist’, and why has India never appointed one to the Supreme Court?

In the News: The rarely discussed constitutional provision allowing a “distinguished jurist” to be appointed directly as a judge of the Supreme Court has returned to public debate. Despite being expressly provided for in the Constitution, India has never used this route for appointment to the apex court.

Key Points:

• Constitutional Provision: Article 124(3) lays down qualifications for appointment as a Supreme Court judge. Apart from experience as a High Court judge or advocate, a person may also qualify if the President considers that person to be a distinguished jurist.
• Meaning of Distinguished Jurist: The Constitution does not define the expression in precise terms. It is generally understood to include eminent legal scholars, academics and jurists with exceptional expertise even if they have not followed a conventional judicial career.
• Constituent Assembly Background: The provision was intended to widen the pool of persons eligible for the Supreme Court. Constituent Assembly debates reflected the view that exceptional legal scholars should not be excluded merely because they had not served as judges or practising advocates.
• Why It Remains Unused: The traditional routes of elevation from High Courts and the Bar have continued to dominate judicial appointments. The distinguished-jurist category has never been operationalised through the prevailing appointment process.

India–Uzbekistan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

In the News: India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during high-level talks in Tashkent. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in security, connectivity, energy, technology, trade, education and cultural relations.

Key Points:

• Upgraded Partnership: The new framework broadens bilateral cooperation beyond conventional diplomacy. Priority areas include trade, investment, digital technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, critical minerals, transport connectivity and defence cooperation.
• Energy and Critical Minerals: Uzbekistan is rich in uranium and several strategically important mineral resources. Cooperation in nuclear energy and critical minerals has therefore emerged as an important component of India's engagement with the country.
• Digital Cooperation: India and Uzbekistan are expanding cooperation in digital public infrastructure and payment technologies. Such initiatives fit into India's wider strategy of promoting digital platforms and fintech linkages with partner countries.
• Cultural and Educational Links: Bilateral initiatives include scholarships, academic chairs and cooperation in preserving Buddhist heritage. Uzbekistan has historically been an important centre of cultural interaction between India and Central Asia.

China and Bangladesh Begin 2+2 Dialogue Preparations

In the News: China and Bangladesh have begun preparations for an institutionalised diplomacy-and-defence dialogue mechanism. The proposed framework is intended to deepen strategic consultation between the two countries and expand cooperation beyond economic and infrastructure ties.

Key Points:

• Nature of 2+2 Dialogue: A 2+2 mechanism generally brings together senior officials responsible for foreign affairs and defence. Such formats are used to coordinate diplomatic positions with security and military cooperation.
• Strategic Dialogue: Bangladesh and China are also exploring broader strategic consultations at senior political levels. This reflects the increasing institutionalisation of their bilateral relationship.
• One-China Principle: Bangladesh has reiterated adherence to the One-China Principle in its engagement with Beijing. This remains a central political issue in China's diplomatic relations with partner countries.
• Connectivity and Regional Issues: Discussions have also covered the Teesta River, infrastructure projects, the Rohingya issue, port development and regional connectivity. These show that the relationship extends beyond defence into economic and geopolitical areas.

Himachal Pradesh Gets First Ozone-Based Water Project in Dehra

In the News: Himachal Pradesh announced its first ozone-based drinking-water treatment project at Dehra in Kangra district. The project aims to provide cleaner and safer drinking water and may serve as a model for similar facilities in other parts of the State.

Key Points:

• Location: The project is being established in Dehra, located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Its implementation is significant for questions linking current environmental projects with State geography.
• Ozone Treatment: Ozone has the chemical formula O₃ and is a powerful oxidising agent. In water treatment, it helps destroy microorganisms and oxidise certain contaminants, improving water quality, taste and odour.
• Advantages: Ozone is highly effective against many bacteria, viruses and organic pollutants. It decomposes rapidly after treatment and does not normally leave the same type of chemical residual associated with some conventional disinfectants.
• Operational Limitation: Ozone is unstable and generally needs to be generated at the treatment site. Because it does not provide a long-lasting disinfectant residual, water systems may combine it with filtration or secondary disinfection.