UPSC Current Affairs — 13 August 2026
दैनिक डाइजेस्ट · 13 अगस्त 2026
President Murmu Assents to Bill Criminalizing Insult to Vande Mataram
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has given her assent to a Bill that criminalizes the intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. This legislation grants 'Vande Mataram' the same legal protection as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amends Section 3 of the 1971 Act.
राष्ट्रपति मुर्मू ने 'वंदे मातरम' के अपमान को अपराध बनाने वाले विधेयक को दी मंजूरी
भारत की राष्ट्रपति, श्रीमती द्रौपदी मुर्मू ने एक विधेयक को अपनी सहमति दे दी है, जो राष्ट्रगीत 'वंदे मातरम' के गायन को जानबूझकर बाधित करने या रोकने को अपराध बनाता है. यह कानून 'वंदे मातरम' को राष्ट्रगान 'जन गण मन' के समान कानूनी संरक्षण प्रदान करता है. अपमान निवारण (संशोधन) विधेयक, 2026, 1971 के अधिनियम की धारा 3 में संशोधन करता है.
Parliament Passes Bill to Rename Kerala as Keralam
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, officially renaming the state of Kerala to 'Keralam'. This bill makes the necessary amendments to the Constitution, including in the First Schedule, aligning the English legal name with its native Malayalam pronunciation and cultural heritage. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution in 2024 urging the Centre to bring this law.
संसद ने केरल का नाम बदलकर 'केरलम' करने वाला विधेयक पारित किया
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, officially renaming the state of Kerala to 'Keralam'. This bill makes the necessary amendments to the Constitution, including in the First Schedule, aligning the English legal name with its native Malayalam pronunciation and cultural heritage. The Kerala Assembly had passed a resolution in 2024 urging the Centre to bring this law.
Supreme Court to Hear Legislative Privilege vs. Free Speech Case
A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will commence hearing from October 6 on petitions questioning whether legislative privileges can override citizens' fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. This case dates back to April 2003, involving an editorial published by The Hindu criticizing then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
सुप्रीम कोर्ट विधायी विशेषाधिकार बनाम अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता मामले की सुनवाई करेगा
A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will commence hearing from October 6 on petitions questioning whether legislative privileges can override citizens' fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. This case dates back to April 2003, involving an editorial published by The Hindu criticizing then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026 Passed by Parliament
Parliament has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill seeks to restrict the powers of states to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on August 12, 2026, and with the Rajya Sabha's approval on August 13, the legislative process is complete, awaiting the President's assent to become law.
संसद द्वारा खान और खनिज संशोधन विधेयक, 2026 पारित
Parliament has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill seeks to restrict the powers of states to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on August 12, 2026, and with the Rajya Sabha's approval on August 13, the legislative process is complete, awaiting the President's assent to become law.
Landslide in Maharashtra Kills at Least Seven
At least seven people have been killed and several others injured following heavy rainfall and a landslide in Maharashtra, western India. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Mumbai, where overnight rainfall caused part of a hill to collapse onto several houses. Rescue operations are underway, with further details on the injured and extent of damage awaited.
महाराष्ट्र में भूस्खलन से कम से कम सात लोगों की मौत
At least seven people have been killed and several others injured following heavy rainfall and a landslide in Maharashtra, western India. The incident occurred on Wednesday in Mumbai, where overnight rainfall caused part of a hill to collapse onto several houses. Rescue operations are underway, with further details on the injured and extent of damage awaited.
Black Sea Maritime War Escalates Amidst Grain Export and Naval Asset Collisions
The Black Sea maritime conflict has escalated significantly with Ukraine's strikes on Novorossiysk grain terminals and a Black Sea naval base. This, coupled with President Putin's explicit threat to seize European vessels, marks a sharp escalation beyond previous refinery strikes. This situation risks global grain price shocks and a direct EU-Russia naval standoff.
काला सागर समुद्री युद्ध अनाज निर्यात और नौसैनिक संपत्ति टकराव के बीच बढ़ा
The Black Sea maritime conflict has escalated significantly with Ukraine's strikes on Novorossiysk grain terminals and a Black Sea naval base. This, coupled with President Putin's explicit threat to seize European vessels, marks a sharp escalation beyond previous refinery strikes. This situation risks global grain price shocks and a direct EU-Russia naval standoff.
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