11 August 2026 Current Affairs | UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway & Defence Exams

Environment

India Discovers New Fern Species in Tamil Nadu

Why in News

Indian botanists discovered a new fern species, Pteris madhusoodananii, in the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. It is currently known from only two sites covering about 8 sq km and has been classified as Critically Endangered because of its extremely restricted habitat.

Highlights

New fern species Pteris madhusoodananii discovered in Tamil Nadu.

Species was found in the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Currently known from only two sites covering about 8 sq km.

Classified as Critically Endangered.

Important Facts

The new fern species is scientifically named Pteris madhusoodananii.
It was discovered in the Kolli Hills of Tamil Nadu.
Its extremely restricted habitat makes the species highly vulnerable.
The species is currently known from only two locations.

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The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous mountain ranges along India's eastern coast.
Kolli Hills are located in Tamil Nadu.
Critically Endangered is one of the threatened categories used in the IUCN Red List.

Exam Importance

New species discoveries, biodiversity, endangered species and the Eastern Ghats are important topics for UPSC, SSC and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

New Fern = Pteris + Kolli Hills + Critically Endangered.

Important Terms

Pteris madhusoodananii Kolli Hills Eastern Ghats Critically Endangered

Science & Technology

Indian Physicist Deepak Dhar Named Dirac Medal Co-Recipient

Why in News

Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been named a co-recipient of the prestigious Dirac Medal for contributions to theoretical physics. The medal is awarded annually by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and was first awarded in 1985.

Highlights

Indian physicist Deepak Dhar named a co-recipient of the Dirac Medal.

Recognition is for contributions to theoretical physics.

The award is presented by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics.

Dirac Medal was first awarded in 1985.

Important Facts

Deepak Dhar is an Indian theoretical physicist.
The Dirac Medal recognizes outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.
The award is associated with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
The medal was first awarded in 1985.

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ICTP stands for International Centre for Theoretical Physics.
The centre is located in Trieste, Italy.
Paul Dirac was a British theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize winner.

Exam Importance

Major scientific awards, physicists and contributions to theoretical physics are important topics for UPSC, SSC and Science & Technology examinations.

Memory Trick

Deepak Dhar = Indian Physicist + Dirac Medal + Theoretical Physics.

Important Terms

Deepak Dhar Dirac Medal ICTP Theoretical Physics

Defence

India-US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026

Why in News

The Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 is being conducted at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, through 14 August. The eighth edition focuses on specialist diving and EOD skills, interoperability, equipment demonstrations and sharing of operational best practices.

Highlights

India-US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 is being conducted in Kochi.

Exercise is being held at Southern Naval Command.

The eighth edition focuses on EOD and specialist diving skills.

Interoperability and operational best practices are key areas.

Important Facts

EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
The exercise involves Indian Navy and US Navy personnel.
Training includes specialist diving and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities.
Equipment demonstrations and knowledge sharing form part of the exercise.

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The Southern Naval Command is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala.
The Indian Navy is the maritime arm of India's armed forces.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal involves identifying, rendering safe and disposing of explosive hazards.

Exam Importance

India-US defence cooperation, naval exercises, EOD capabilities and military interoperability are important topics for UPSC, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF and Defence examinations.

Memory Trick

India-US EOD = Kochi + Navy + Diving + Explosive Disposal.

Important Terms

India-US Navy EOD Southern Naval Command Interoperability

Economy

DGFT Removes Physical Challan Requirement for Exporters

Why in News

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade removed the requirement to submit physical duty-payment challans while applying for Export Obligation Discharge Certificates under the Advance Authorisation and EPCG schemes. The change aims to reduce paperwork and make India's export-compliance process more digital and efficient.

Highlights

Physical duty-payment challans no longer required for specified applications.

Change applies to Export Obligation Discharge Certificates.

Advance Authorisation and EPCG schemes are covered.

Move aims to reduce paperwork and improve digital compliance.

Important Facts

DGFT stands for Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
The change concerns exporters using Advance Authorisation and EPCG schemes.
Export Obligation Discharge Certificates are related to fulfilment of export obligations.
The reform supports greater digitisation of export procedures.

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DGFT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
EPCG stands for Export Promotion Capital Goods.
Advance Authorisation allows duty-free import of inputs used in export production subject to prescribed conditions.

Exam Importance

Export policy, DGFT reforms, foreign trade and trade facilitation are important topics for UPSC, SSC, Banking and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

DGFT Reform = No Physical Challan + Digital Export Compliance.

Important Terms

DGFT Advance Authorisation EPCG Export Obligation Discharge Certificate

Science & Technology

India's First Eco-Educational Hub 'Prakriti Gyan Dham'

Why in News

India's first Eco-Educational Hub, Prakriti Gyan Dham, was dedicated by the Union Minister of State for Science & Technology. Developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, it combines environmental education with experiential learning and biodiversity conservation.

Highlights

Prakriti Gyan Dham developed as an Eco-Educational Hub.

Developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute.

Combines environmental education with experiential learning.

Focuses on biodiversity conservation.

Important Facts

Prakriti Gyan Dham is India's first Eco-Educational Hub.
CSIR-NBRI developed the facility.
The hub promotes environmental awareness through practical and experiential learning.
Biodiversity conservation is a key objective.

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CSIR stands for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
NBRI stands for National Botanical Research Institute.
NBRI is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Exam Importance

Environmental education, biodiversity conservation, CSIR institutions and science initiatives are important topics for UPSC, SSC and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Prakriti Gyan Dham = Eco Education + NBRI + Biodiversity.

Important Terms

Prakriti Gyan Dham CSIR-NBRI Eco-Educational Hub Biodiversity Conservation

Environment

Threatened Plants Garden Developed at Prakriti Gyan Dham

Why in News

The new eco-educational hub includes the Vibhav Enclave, a dedicated garden showcasing rare, endangered and threatened plant species of India. Another feature, Bhairav Enclave, brings together officially designated State Plants of India's States and Union Territories.

Highlights

Vibhav Enclave showcases threatened plant species.

Rare and endangered plants of India are represented.

Bhairav Enclave features officially designated State Plants.

The gardens form part of Prakriti Gyan Dham.

Important Facts

Vibhav Enclave focuses on rare, endangered and threatened plant species.
Bhairav Enclave showcases State Plants of Indian States and Union Territories.
The initiative combines conservation with environmental education.
Both features are part of the Prakriti Gyan Dham eco-educational hub.

Static GK

Plant conservation can involve both in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
Botanical gardens are important centres for plant conservation, research and public education.

Exam Importance

Plant biodiversity, threatened species, botanical gardens and conservation methods are important topics for UPSC, SSC and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Prakriti Gardens = Vibhav for Threatened Plants + Bhairav for State Plants.

Important Terms

Vibhav Enclave Bhairav Enclave Threatened Plants State Plants

Digital Economy

UPI Debate: Digital Payments Framework in Focus

Why in News

India's UPI ecosystem remained in focus following proposed changes that allow banks to levy certain charges on merchant transactions, while ordinary consumer P2P UPI payments remain protected. The issue is important for understanding India's digital-public-infrastructure model and the economics of zero-cost digital payments.

Highlights

UPI payment framework remained under discussion.

Certain merchant transactions may attract charges under the proposed framework.

Ordinary consumer P2P UPI payments remain protected.

The debate highlights India's digital public infrastructure model.

Important Facts

UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface.
UPI enables instant bank-to-bank digital payments.
Person-to-person transactions remain protected from the proposed charges.
Merchant-side payment economics involve issues such as Merchant Discount Rate.

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UPI was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India.
NPCI operates and manages major retail payment systems in India.
MDR stands for Merchant Discount Rate.

Exam Importance

UPI, digital public infrastructure, NPCI and India's digital-payment ecosystem are highly important topics for Banking, RBI, SSC, UPSC and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

UPI Framework = P2P Protected + Merchant Charges Debate + NPCI.

Important Terms

UPI NPCI MDR Digital Public Infrastructure

Polity

Parliament Deadlock Over Student-Protest Issue

Why in News

The Monsoon Session continued to face disruptions over the Opposition's demand for a response from Home Minister Amit Shah concerning the police action against protesting students. The Lok Sabha was adjourned, with the Monsoon Session scheduled to conclude on 13 August 2026.

Highlights

Parliament proceedings faced disruptions.

Opposition demanded a response from the Home Minister.

Issue concerned police action against protesting students.

Monsoon Session is scheduled to conclude on 13 August 2026.

Important Facts

The issue remained a point of political debate during the Monsoon Session.
Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned amid the disruption.
The Opposition sought clarification from the government regarding the police action.

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The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Parliament of India.
The Union Home Minister heads the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Parliamentary disruptions can affect the legislative business scheduled during a session.

Exam Importance

Parliamentary sessions, Lok Sabha, political accountability and functioning of Parliament are important topics for UPSC, SSC and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Student Protest Issue = Parliament Disruption + Home Minister Response + 13 August.

Important Terms

Monsoon Session Lok Sabha Student Protest Parliamentary Proceedings

National Affairs

Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 Campaign Gains Momentum

Why in News

The Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign is encouraging citizens to display the National Flag ahead of Independence Day on 15 August. This year's campaign also highlights the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, adding an important historical and cultural dimension to the celebrations.

Highlights

Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign is being promoted nationwide.

Citizens are encouraged to display the National Flag.

Campaign is linked with Independence Day celebrations.

The campaign highlights the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Important Facts

Independence Day is observed on 15 August.
Har Ghar Tiranga encourages public participation in National Flag celebrations.
Vande Mataram has an important place in India's freedom movement and cultural history.

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India celebrates Independence Day annually on 15 August.
The National Flag of India is known as the Tiranga.
Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Exam Importance

National symbols, Independence Day, Vande Mataram and freedom-movement history are important topics for UPSC, SSC, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Har Ghar Tiranga = 15 August + National Flag + Vande Mataram 150 Years.

Important Terms

Har Ghar Tiranga Independence Day Vande Mataram National Flag

Science & Technology

Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026

Why in News

A total solar eclipse is scheduled for 12 August 2026 and is receiving significant attention from astronomers and skywatchers. The total eclipse will not be visible from India, although the event remains important for astronomy and general-science examinations.

Highlights

A total solar eclipse is scheduled for 12 August 2026.

The total phase will not be visible from India.

The event is significant for astronomy and skywatchers.

It is an important general-science current-affairs topic.

Important Facts

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the visible disk of the Sun from the path of totality.
The 12 August 2026 eclipse will not be visible as a total eclipse from India.

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A solar eclipse occurs during the new moon phase.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon.
The path where a total solar eclipse is visible is called the path of totality.

Exam Importance

Solar eclipses, astronomy, celestial events and basic space science are important topics for UPSC, SSC, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

12 August 2026 = Total Solar Eclipse + Not Visible from India.

Important Terms

Solar Eclipse Total Eclipse Moon Path of Totality

Important Days

Sawan Amavasya / Hariyali Amavasya

Why in News

Sawan Amavasya, also known as Hariyali Amavasya, falls on 12 August 2026, coinciding with the solar eclipse. The occasion is associated with monsoon-season greenery, environmental traditions and religious observances in several parts of India.

Highlights

Sawan Amavasya falls on 12 August 2026.

It is also known as Hariyali Amavasya.

The occasion is associated with monsoon greenery.

It has religious and environmental significance in several parts of India.

Important Facts

Amavasya refers to the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Hariyali Amavasya is associated with greenery and the monsoon season.
Tree planting and environmental traditions are associated with the occasion in several regions.

Static GK

Amavasya is the new moon phase.
The monsoon season is associated with increased vegetation and agricultural activity across India.

Exam Importance

Important cultural observances, Indian traditions and environmental festivals can be relevant for general awareness and competitive examinations.

Memory Trick

Hariyali Amavasya = Sawan + Greenery + New Moon.

Important Terms

Sawan Amavasya Hariyali Amavasya Amavasya Monsoon

Government Schemes

Rural Drinking Water Mission 2.0 Continues

Why in News

The government continued implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, focusing on reliable and sustainable rural tap-water services rather than only infrastructure creation. The mission has a total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore, with greater emphasis on digital monitoring, geo-tagging and community participation.

Highlights

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 focuses on sustainable rural drinking-water services.

Mission has a total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore.

Digital monitoring and geo-tagging are being emphasized.

Community participation is an important component.

Important Facts

The mission aims to provide reliable tap-water services in rural areas.
JJM 2.0 shifts emphasis from infrastructure creation toward long-term service delivery.
Digital monitoring is being used to track water assets and service delivery.
Community ownership is an important part of sustainable rural water management.

Static GK

Jal Jeevan Mission is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The mission focuses on providing functional household tap connections in rural India.
Geo-tagging can help monitor the location and status of public infrastructure.

Exam Importance

Jal Jeevan Mission, rural development, drinking-water security and government schemes are important topics for UPSC, SSC, Banking and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

JJM 2.0 = ₹8.69 Lakh Crore + Tap Water + Digital Monitoring.

Important Terms

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 ₹8.69 Lakh Crore Geo-tagging Rural Drinking Water

Government Schemes

GOBARdhan Scheme Receives Major Financial Push

Why in News

The Union Government's GOBARdhan initiative has received a major policy push with an approved outlay of ₹23,731 crore for 2026–27 to 2035–36. It aims to convert cattle dung and organic waste into biogas and Compressed Bio-Gas while creating rural employment and supporting clean energy.

Highlights

GOBARdhan received an approved outlay of ₹23,731 crore.

Outlay covers 2026–27 to 2035–36.

Scheme promotes conversion of organic waste into biogas and CBG.

Initiative supports rural employment and clean energy.

Important Facts

GOBARdhan stands for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan.
The scheme promotes productive use of cattle dung and organic waste.
Compressed Bio-Gas can be used as a cleaner fuel alternative.
Waste-to-energy initiatives can support both rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

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CBG stands for Compressed Bio-Gas.
Biogas is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic matter.
GOBARdhan is associated with waste management and the rural bio-energy ecosystem.

Exam Importance

GOBARdhan, bioenergy, waste management, rural development and clean-energy initiatives are important topics for UPSC, SSC, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

GOBARdhan = ₹23,731 Crore + Organic Waste + Biogas + Rural Jobs.

Important Terms

GOBARdhan Compressed Bio-Gas Biogas Organic Waste

Defence

Agni-4 Missile Test Strengthens Strategic Capability

Why in News

India recently successfully flight-tested the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command with DRDO support. The two-stage, solid-fuel missile has a range of roughly 4,000 km, making it an important development for India's strategic deterrence.

Highlights

Agni-4 was successfully flight-tested from Chandipur, Odisha.

Test was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command with DRDO support.

Agni-4 is a two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile.

Its range is roughly 4,000 km.

Important Facts

Agni-4 is a medium-range ballistic missile.
The missile uses a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system.
It is designed for a range of approximately 4,000 km.
The test supports India's strategic deterrence capabilities.

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DRDO stands for Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Strategic Forces Command is responsible for India's strategic nuclear assets.
Chandipur is a major missile-testing site in Odisha.

Exam Importance

Agni missiles, DRDO, Strategic Forces Command and India's strategic deterrence are important topics for UPSC, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF and Defence examinations.

Memory Trick

Agni-4 = 2 Stages + Solid Fuel + 4,000 km.

Important Terms

Agni-4 DRDO Strategic Forces Command Ballistic Missile

Defence

Bhawana Kanth Makes History as Fighter Combat Leader

Why in News

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first woman IAF fighter pilot to qualify the demanding Fighter Combat Leader course at TACDE, Gwalior. The achievement represents a significant milestone in the increasing participation of women in India's combat aviation and senior tactical roles.

Highlights

Bhawana Kanth became the first woman IAF fighter pilot to qualify the FCL course.

The course was conducted at TACDE, Gwalior.

The achievement marks a milestone for women in combat aviation.

The qualification relates to advanced tactical and air-combat leadership.

Important Facts

Bhawana Kanth is an Indian Air Force fighter pilot.
FCL stands for Fighter Combat Leader.
TACDE is associated with advanced tactical combat training.
The qualification reflects increasing opportunities for women in combat roles.

Static GK

The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces.
TACDE stands for Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment.
Gwalior is located in Madhya Pradesh.

Exam Importance

Women in armed forces, Indian Air Force training institutions and defence milestones are important topics for UPSC, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF and other Defence examinations.

Memory Trick

Bhawana Kanth = First Woman FCL + IAF Fighter Pilot + TACDE.

Important Terms

Bhawana Kanth Fighter Combat Leader TACDE Indian Air Force

Banking & Finance

RBI's Upper-Layer NBFC List Expanded

Why in News

The RBI's 2026–27 Upper-Layer NBFC framework includes 17 NBFCs, with major additions including REC, PFC, IRFC and HUDCO. NBFCs classified in this layer face enhanced prudential and regulatory requirements because of their size and systemic importance.

Highlights

RBI's 2026–27 Upper-Layer NBFC framework includes 17 NBFCs.

REC, PFC, IRFC and HUDCO are among the major additions.

Upper-Layer NBFCs face enhanced regulatory requirements.

Classification reflects size and systemic importance.

Important Facts

NBFC stands for Non-Banking Financial Company.
The Upper Layer is part of RBI's Scale-Based Regulation framework.
NBFCs in this category are subject to enhanced prudential requirements.
The framework aims to strengthen regulation of systemically important financial institutions.

Static GK

RBI regulates NBFCs in India.
REC stands for Rural Electrification Corporation.
PFC stands for Power Finance Corporation.
IRFC stands for Indian Railway Finance Corporation.
HUDCO stands for Housing and Urban Development Corporation.

Exam Importance

RBI regulations, NBFCs, Scale-Based Regulation and financial stability are important topics for Banking, RBI Grade B, UPSC, SSC and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Upper-Layer NBFC = 17 + RBI + Enhanced Regulation.

Important Terms

NBFC-UL RBI Scale-Based Regulation REC PFC IRFC HUDCO

Defence

India-France FCAS Defence Cooperation

Why in News

India is moving towards possible participation in France's Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a next-generation or sixth-generation combat-aircraft programme. Such cooperation could provide India with access to advanced aerospace technologies and strengthen long-term strategic defence ties with France.

Highlights

India is moving towards possible participation in FCAS.

FCAS is a next-generation combat-aircraft programme.

The programme is associated with sixth-generation combat-air capabilities.

Cooperation could strengthen India-France strategic defence ties.

Important Facts

FCAS stands for Future Combat Air System.
The programme focuses on next-generation combat-air technologies.
Possible participation could provide access to advanced aerospace capabilities.
India and France have a longstanding strategic defence partnership.

Static GK

Sixth-generation fighter programmes emphasize advanced sensors, networking, artificial intelligence and integrated combat systems.
France is an important defence and strategic partner of India.
India-France defence cooperation includes aircraft, naval systems and other advanced military technologies.

Exam Importance

India-France relations, defence technology, sixth-generation fighter programmes and military modernisation are important topics for UPSC, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF and Defence examinations.

Memory Trick

FCAS = France + Future Combat Air + Next Generation.

Important Terms

FCAS Future Combat Air System Sixth-Generation Fighter India-France Defence Cooperation

Science & Technology

Param Pragya AI Supercomputer at IIT Delhi

Why in News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-focused high-performance computing facility at IIT Delhi's Sonipat campus. The facility is intended to support AI, advanced computing, data science and research in areas such as drug discovery, climate modelling and materials science.

Highlights

Param Pragya is an AI-focused high-performance computing facility.

Facility is located at IIT Delhi's Sonipat campus.

It supports AI, advanced computing and data science research.

Applications include drug discovery, climate modelling and materials science.

Important Facts

Param Pragya is designed to support high-performance computing and artificial intelligence research.
The facility can support researchers working on computationally intensive scientific problems.
Potential application areas include drug discovery and climate modelling.
The facility contributes to India's growing advanced-computing ecosystem.

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AI stands for Artificial Intelligence.
High-performance computing uses powerful computing systems to process complex calculations at high speed.
IIT Delhi is one of India's premier technical education and research institutions.

Exam Importance

Artificial intelligence, supercomputing, high-performance computing and India's technology infrastructure are important topics for UPSC, SSC and Science & Technology examinations.

Memory Trick

Param Pragya = IIT Delhi + AI + HPC + Research.

Important Terms

Param Pragya Artificial Intelligence High-Performance Computing IIT Delhi

Sports

Praggnanandhaa Wins St. Louis Rapid & Blitz

Why in News

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa won the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026 title, defeating a strong international field. The victory adds another major international achievement to the young Indian chess player's rapidly growing career.

Highlights

R. Praggnanandhaa won the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026 title.

He defeated a strong international field.

The victory adds another major international title to his career.

The achievement strengthens India's presence in elite international chess.

Important Facts

R. Praggnanandhaa is an Indian Grandmaster.
The Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament is an elite international chess event.
Rapid and blitz are faster formats of chess.
The victory is another major achievement in Praggnanandhaa's career.

Static GK

A chess Grandmaster is a title awarded by FIDE.
FIDE is the international governing body for chess.
Rapid and blitz chess use shorter time controls than classical chess.

Exam Importance

Major sporting achievements, chess tournaments and Indian sportspersons are important topics for SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Praggnanandhaa = Saint Louis + Rapid & Blitz + Title.

Important Terms

R. Praggnanandhaa Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz Grandmaster FIDE

Type	Daily
Published
Updated	11 Aug 2026
Difficulty	Easy
Author	JobHarGhar Editorial Team