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Daily Current Affairs – 19 August, 2026

    Draft SHANTI Rules 2026

    Context

  • Recently, the government has released the draft SHANTI Rules, 2026, proposing detailed norms on nuclear operator liability, insurance and financial security amid plans to expand nuclear power and private participation.

    • About Draft SHANTI Rules, 2026

  • The draft SHANTI Rules, 2026 seek to operationalise the nuclear liability framework under the SHANTI Act, 2025 and provide greater regulatory clarity for the expansion and diversification of India’s nuclear sector.
  • The rules combine strict operator liability, mandatory financial protection and lifecycle financial planning with provisions for wider applications of nuclear technology.
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    Balancing Religious Sentiments and Constitutional Freedoms

    Context

  • Punjab’s new sacrilege law has reignited debate over the criminalisation of reli­gious offence in a sec­u­lar state.

    • About

  • Recently, the Gov­ernor of Punjab gave his assent to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act.
  • It has introduced stricter punishment against the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. 
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    India’s Trade Agreements

    Context

  • India’s FTA journey is moving from expanding its network of agreements to making fuller use of the market access.

    • What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

  • A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries where they agree to:
  • Reduce or eliminate customs duties on goods;
    • Read More

    Corporate Investment  in India 

    In News

  • Corporate investment, as a share of GDP, has been declining in India. 

    • Corporate investment 

  • It refers to the acquisition of financial assets, business operations, or strategic projects by a company to generate financial returns or add long-term value.
  • Corporate investment as a percentage of India’s GDP has fallen, especially following the 2016 demonetisation. 
    • Read More

    News In Short 19-08-2026

    Context

  • The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has declared Tamil Nadu’s Tamirabharani river a deity, thereby granting it legal personhood to curb pollution from funeral rites and waste dumping.

    • About

  • In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court recognised the Ganga and Yamuna as legal persons. However, the Supreme Court later stayed the order, citing practical and administrative difficulties, particularly since the rivers flow across multiple states.
  • Globally, New Zealand’s Whanganui River became the first river in the world to be recognised as a legal person in 2017.
    • Read More
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