Current Affairs 22 August 2026

Indian Scientists Create Smart Cancer Drug That Precisely Targets Tumour Cells.

• Indian scientists have developed RK-251, a smart cancer drug.
• The drug is designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
• It was developed by researchers from IASST Guwahati and IIT Guwahati.
• RK-251 becomes active in cancer cells with high ROS levels.
• It releases the anticancer compound NBDHEX to kill tumour cells.
• The drug showed promising results against triple-negative breast cancer.
• Preclinical tests on zebrafish embryos showed no toxicity.
• The findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

DoT Plans to Use Subscriber Photos to Curb Multiple SIM Ownership.

• DoT will use subscriber photographs through the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to enforce SIM limits.
• Individuals can hold a maximum of 9 SIM connections across all operators.
• The limit is 6 SIMs in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the North-East.
• From August 24, 2026, telecom operators must use DIP to identify subscribers exceeding the limit.
• SIMs activated beyond the limit will be suspended immediately.
• Operators must use subscriber photos from the DIP database for verification.
• Photo-based identification must be integrated into activation systems by November 30, 2026.
• DIP will track and group SIM connections held by the same individual across operators.

India Records a Drop in Unemployment to 5.1% in July.

• India’s unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in July 2026 from 5.5% in June.
• Rural unemployment declined to 4.5%, while urban unemployment stood at 6.7%.
• Female LFPR increased to 34.4% from 32.7% in June.
• Overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 55.4%.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased to 52.5% from 51.4%.
• Rural female WPR rose sharply to 37.2% from 34.7%.
• The figures are based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach under the monthly PLFS.

Tata Steel Receives CCI Approval to Acquire TM International Logistics Stake.

• CCI approved Tata Steel’s acquisition of a 23% stake in TM International Logistics Ltd (TMILL).
• Tata Steel’s stake will increase from 51% to 74%, making it the majority shareholder.
• NYK Europe will retain 26% in TMILL.
• Existing partner IQ Martrade will exit completely after the deal.
• TMILL was originally a 51:23:26 joint venture between Tata Steel, IQ Martrade and NYK Europe.
• TMILL mainly handles logistics and cargo transportation for Tata Steel.

India Chosen as Host for 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in 2027.

• India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in New Delhi in February 2027.
• The summit will coincide with the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Coast Guard.
• It will be organized by the Indian Coast Guard (Bharatiya Tatrakshak).
• The summit will promote international cooperation and information sharing among coast guard forces.
• It will support Bharat’s MAHASAGAR vision for an inclusive and collaborative maritime order.
• Key discussions will focus on maritime safety, security and the well-being of global maritime commons.