NEWS 14-08-2026. News For 15th-Aug (Saturday) Happy Independence Day National 1. The Union Cabinet approved GOBARdhan as India’s National Unified Scheme for Compressed Biogas with an outlay of ?23,731 crore. This scheme will promote clean energy by converting organic waste, cattle dung and agricultural residue into compressed biogas. 2. The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a four-lane highway from Baihata Chariali near Guwahati to Tezpur along NH-15 in Assam, worth ?8,970.20 crore. The project covers a total length of 135.87 km and will improve connectivity in Assam and the North-East. International 1. The 9th India–U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group Meeting was held at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru, on 5–6 August 2026. The meeting strengthened India–U.S. cooperation in civil space, commercial space, human spaceflight and space exploration. NASA also invited ISRO to join its Moon Base Programme, opening a new area of India–U.S. cooperation in lunar exploration. 2. The 4th India–Namibia Joint Trade Committee session was held in New Delhi on 10–11 August 2026. The meeting reviewed bilateral trade relations and explored new areas of economic cooperation between India and Namibia. 3. India and the Southern African Customs Union signed terms of reference on 12 August 2026 to begin talks for a preferential trade agreement. SACU includes South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, and the agreement may improve India’s market access in Africa. Defence 1. GRSE launched the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shruti for the Indian Navy in Kolkata on 11 August 2026. The vessel will strengthen India’s maritime surveillance, coastal defence and anti-piracy capabilities. 2. The Indian Navy and U.S. Navy conducted the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026 at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 10 to 14 August 2026. The exercise focuses on mine clearance, diving operations, bomb disposal and maritime security cooperation. 3. The Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia, which continued till 7 August 2026. The IAF participated with Rafale fighter aircraft, C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft. 4. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began a four-day official visit to Mauritius on 10 August 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation, capacity building and defence ties with Mauritius in the Indian Ocean Region. Sports 1. Ashish Yadav won the silver medal in men’s javelin throw at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships 2026 in Eugene, USA. He became only the second Indian after Neeraj Chopra to win a World U20 javelin medal. 2. India ended its World Athletics Under-20 Championships 2026 campaign with three medals: two silver and one bronze. This performance shows India’s improving depth in junior athletics at the global level. 3. Tanishka Khatri won the gold medal in the senior women’s épée event at the Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria. Indian women fencers performed strongly, with Tanishka winning gold and Khushi Dabhade securing silver in the same event. 4. Odisha won the 16th Hockey India Junior Men National Championship 2026 Division A title in Coimbatore on 8 August 2026. Jai Hind !! < < Back