Today covers five key updates: ISRO launched a new earth observation satellite, India signed a critical mineral pact with a South American nation, a new Ramsar site was notified in northern India, RBI updated its digital lending guidelines, and the Union Cabinet approved a major national agricultural mission.
Daily Current Affairs 08-August-2026 – Latest MCQs, News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams
1. Which Indian space launch vehicle successfully deployed the EOS-09 earth observation satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre?
A) GSLV-F14
B) LVM3-M5
C) PSLV-C61
D) SSLV-D4
Correct answer: C) PSLV-C61
Notes: The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched the EOS-09 satellite using the workhorse PSLV-C61 vehicle, as detailed in an official PIB release. This mission enhances India-wide multispectral imaging capabilities for disaster management and agricultural forecasting. Daily current affairs aspirants must note that EOS-09 features advanced microwave sensors for all-weather monitoring. Current affairs 2026 updates highlight India expanding its commercial space footprint globally. Today current affairs analysis shows this launch strengthens national security surveillance. UPSC current affairs questions often focus on polar satellite launch vehicle configurations and payload capacities. This government initiative aids strategic planning and resource mapping across remote terrains.
2. India recently signed a bilateral framework agreement on critical and strategic minerals with which South American country?
A) Chile
B) Argentina
C) Peru
D) Bolivia
Correct answer: B) Argentina
Notes: India and Argentina finalized a strategic pact for the exploration and extraction of lithium and other critical minerals, reported by The Hindu. This bilateral pact secures supply chains for India to boost domestic electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy storage. Latest news analysis suggests this move counters global supply monopolies in rare earth elements. Economic impact studies emphasize reduced import dependencies for clean energy transition. Exam preparation requires tracking international relations shifts toward South America. This policy significance underpins India driving global green technology partnerships through proactive diplomatic engagements and mineral security frameworks.
3. Which newly notified wetland in Uttar Pradesh has recently been added to the Ramsar Convention list of international importance?
A) Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary
B) Haiderpur Wetland
C) Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary
D) Kakratal Wetland
C) Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Correct answer: C) Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary
Notes: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the inclusion of Sohagi Barwa Wetland as a Ramsar site, according to a PIB press update. This designation protects vital migratory bird corridors and strengthens regional biodiversity conservation frameworks. GK quiz modules frequently test ecological designations and Ramsar site updates. Latest news analysis points to India crossing a new milestone in total wetland conservation areas. UPSC current affairs highlights the ecological significance of protected floodplains. This environmental policy milestone ensures strict legal safeguards against industrial encroachment and habitat degradation across critical northern riverine ecosystems.
4. Under the latest Reserve Bank of India directives, what is the mandatory cooling-off period introduced for digital lending applications?
A) 24 hours
B) 48 hours
C) 72 hours
D) Seven days
Correct answer: B) 48 hours
Notes: The Reserve Bank of India issued updated regulatory guidelines mandating a clear forty-eight-hour cooling-off period for digital loans, noted in an RBI press statement. This policy prevents predatory lending practices and shields vulnerable borrowers from coercive recovery tactics. Daily current affairs tracking shows regulatory bodies tightening grip on fintech platforms. Current affairs 2026 assessments emphasize consumer protection in digital finance sectors. Today current affairs discussions focus on financial inclusion balanced with stability. This banking sector reform reduces default risks while ensuring transparent interest rate disclosures across online lending applications.
5. The Union Cabinet approved the restructuring of which national flagship scheme for agricultural growth and rural infrastructure?
A) PM-KISAN
B) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
C) PM-AASHA
D) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
Correct answer: B) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
Notes: The Union Cabinet cleared a comprehensive restructuring of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana to boost agritech startups, highlighted by DD News. This financial restructuring infuses capital into supply chain resilience and climate-smart farming techniques. Exam preparation materials emphasize central sector schemes impacting rural economies. Latest news analysis indicates a pivot toward digital agriculture and precision farming methods. Government policy updates target enhanced farmer incomes and reduced post-harvest losses. This agricultural reform strengthens cooperative federalism by empowering states to tailor funding allocations based on local climatic and topographical agricultural needs.
Frequently Asked Questions – Daily Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary objective of the EOS-09 satellite launched via PSLV-C61?
The primary objective of EOS-09 is to provide high-resolution multispectral imagery for disaster management support, agricultural forecasting, and border surveillance across varied terrains.
Q2. Which critical mineral is the focal point of the recent bilateral pact between India and Argentina?
Lithium extraction and processing form the core focus of the bilateral framework agreement signed between India and Argentina to support electric vehicle manufacturing.
Q3. What regulatory change did the Reserve Bank of India introduce regarding digital loans?
The Reserve Bank of India established a mandatory forty-eight-hour cooling-off period for digital lending apps to protect borrowers from hasty debt traps and ensure transparent loan exits.
