Current Affairs 24 August 2026

Sophie Adenot Creates History with France’s 1st Female Spacewalk.

• Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk.
• She conducted the spacewalk with NASA astronaut Anil Menon.
• The mission involved replacing a communication antenna on the ISS.
• The spacewalk lasted around six and a half hours.
• The antenna installation could not be completed due to limited time.
• A second spacewalk is planned for August 25, 2026.
• Jack Hathaway will assist using the Canadarm2 robotic arm.

Chhattisgarh Steps Up PM GatiShakti Implementation with Two MoUs.

• Chhattisgarh signed two MoUs to strengthen infrastructure planning and logistics.
• The MoUs were signed with BISAG-N and National Logistics Data Services Ltd (NLDSL).
• Over 35 departments have been onboarded onto the PM GatiShakti platform.
• 41 mandatory layers and 600+ additional data layers have been mapped.
• The state has developed 45 use cases and 30 planning tools.
• Chhattisgarh was ranked a high performer among landlocked states in LEADS 2025.
• Gaj Sanket and the GEO Portal are key digital initiatives supporting planning and governance.
• 700 acres have been allocated in Nava Raipur under the Bhavya Scheme.
• 600 mobile towers are planned to improve connectivity at major tourist destinations.
• Cargo aggregation hubs will be developed along the Raipur–Bhilai–Durg industrial corridor.

India Gets Its 1st Soil Texture Map Developed by NBSS&LUP.

• NBSS&LUP developed India’s first soil texture map under ICAR.
• The map uses remote sensing, satellite data, and AI.
• It provides soil information at a one-hectare resolution across India.
• The map will support region-specific agricultural planning and resource allocation.
• It follows India’s first soil depth map, launched in 2025.
• The bureau’s next project will map soil water retention and absorption capacity.
• NBSS&LUP celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2026, marking 50 years of its present status.

MeitY Launches ₹62,500 Crore Mobile Manufacturing Scheme.

• MeitY notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a budget of ₹62,500 crore.
• The scheme will run for five years (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31).
• TS1: General manufacturers and EMS providers can get incentives of 2.25%–5%.
• TS2: Indian-owned brands can receive 5% incentive, plus 3% for Indian design and R&D.
• Eligibility: TS1 requires ₹10,000 crore turnover; TS2 requires ₹1,000 crore turnover and over 51% Indian ownership.
• Up to 1.5% additional incentive is available for sourcing key components domestically.
• The scheme targets ₹39 lakh crore cumulative mobile production.
• It is expected to create around 60,000 direct jobs.

IIT Hyderabad Partners with Jindal Steel to Establish Centre of Excellence.

• IIT Hyderabad and Jindal Steel signed an MoU to establish the Jindal Steel Centre of Excellence (CoE) for advanced steel research.
• The CoE will be located at the IIT Hyderabad campus.
• It will focus on high-strength, value-added, and engineered steel solutions.
• Key applications include infrastructure, defence, power, refineries, and transportation.
• The initiative will support student internships, placements, academic modules, and technical workshops.
• The CoE will collaborate with EPC firms, equipment manufacturers, and government agencies.
• The goal is to promote innovation and wider adoption of advanced steel technologies.