Current Affairs 14 August 2026

VinSpace and SpaceX Collaborate on 2027 Satellite Launch.

• VinSpace has partnered with SpaceX to launch its first satellites in 2027.
• The satellites will be launched through a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission.
• VinSpace will handle satellite development, manufacturing, testing, and operations.
• The mission will demonstrate VinSpace’s locally developed space technologies.
• The company aims to build Vietnam’s domestic space and aerospace capabilities.

Centre Updates Ganga Floodplain and No-Construction Zones.

• Jal Shakti Ministry issued the Second Amendment Order, 2026, effective from August 10, 2026.
• The order revises the classification and management of Ganga floodplains.
• Floodplains are divided into Active Floodplain, Regulatory Zone, and Warning Zone.
• Active Floodplain covers areas with floods occurring once in 5 years.
• Regulatory Zone covers areas with 5–25-year flood frequency.
• Warning Zone covers areas with 25–100-year flood frequency.
• The rules focus on protecting riverbanks, reducing pollution, and preserving groundwater recharge.
• The term construction-free zone has been replaced with new floodplain management provisions.

NCLT Rolls Out Digital Inspection and Certified Copy Services.

• NCLT launched e-Inspection and e-Certified Copy services for faster digital access to judicial records.
• The services are part of the e-Courts 2.0 initiative and revamped NCLT website.
• They aim to provide advocates and litigants quicker access to case documents.
• During April–June 2026, NCLT approved a record 78 resolution plans worth about ₹5,517.66 crore.
• NCLT is using data-driven case management to reduce case pendency.
• Special Benches and workload redistribution have been introduced to improve efficiency.

India Sets 100 GWe Nuclear Energy Target for 2047.

• Government aims to increase India’s nuclear energy capacity to 100 GWe by 2047.
• The Nuclear Energy Mission focuses on building a self-reliant nuclear energy ecosystem with private sector participation.
• India plans to develop and operationalize at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033.
• Indigenous reactor designs include BSMR-200 (220 MWe) and SMR-55 (55 MWe).
• The SHANTI Act, 2025 allows private participation in nuclear manufacturing, engineering, and R&D.
• The AERB has been given statutory status to strengthen nuclear safety regulation.
• India’s three-stage nuclear programme focuses on uranium, fast breeder reactors, and large-scale thorium utilization.
• The government also plans to boost domestic production of medical isotopes through an Isotope Production Reactor.

Defence Ministry Issues ₹1 Lakh Crore Tender to Procure 60 MTA.

• Defence Ministry issued a ₹1 lakh crore tender for 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA).
• The aircraft will have a cargo capacity of 18–30 tonnes to strengthen IAF airlift capabilities.
• The procurement is expected to be completed in FY 2026–27.
• Five Indian firms received the tender: HAL, TASL, Mahindra Group, Adani Defence & Aerospace, and Reliance Defence.
• The government is also pursuing procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets under the MRFA programme.
• The Rafale deal is estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore, with most aircraft planned for manufacturing in India.
• In February 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared military procurements worth ₹3.6 lakh crore.