Latest

Daily Current Affairs — 11 August 2026

📅 Published 11 August 2026 · Current affairs compiled for 11 August 2026

Daily Current Affairs · 11 August 2026

10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains

📚 10 Topics
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Polity: 9 · Economy: 1

▶ Start Here — UPSC-Standard Quiz

UPSC Current Affairs MCQ — 11 August 2026

10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories · 10-sec timer per question

Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.

📰 Today’s Top 5 Current Affairs
#01
Polity

Supreme Court’s New Handbook on Gender Sensitivity

📰 Why in News

The Supreme Court of India released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender: Sensitivity and Compassion in Writing Judgments'.

✅ Quick Facts
  • The 2026 report builds upon the Supreme Court's 2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes
  • Evolution of Gender Jurisprudence in India: The report traces the evolution of gender-sensitive judicial jurisprudence
  • Rule Against Stereotyping: Building on Aparna Bhat v
  • It also recommends inclusive terminology for LGBTQIA+ persons
Show 6 more facts
  • Victim and Witness Protection: Strengthen the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, upheld in Mahender Chawla v
  • In-Camera Trials: Conduct rape and POCSO-related trials in-camera under Section 366(2) of the BNSS, 2023.
  • Child-Sensitive Procedures: Use video-link/screen-based testimony (Sakshi v
  • "Witness as Guest" Approach: Treat witnesses with dignity and respect
  • Pre-Trial Counselling: Provide appropriate counselling to reduce anxiety and prevent secondary victimisation.
  • Constitutional: Advances Article 21 (dignity, fair trial) and Articles 14 & 15 (substantive equality), and aligns with India's obligations under…
🎯 UPSC Relevance

3. What is the significance of the Witness Protection Scheme

📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Supreme Court’s New Handbook on Gender…?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#02
Polity

Need for a Dedicated Witness Protection Law

📰 Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the lack of effective implementation of the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, highlighting the need for a dedicated witness protection law.

✅ Quick Facts
  • The court made its observations while ordering a CBI enquiry in a case
  • About the Scheme: It is a legal framework developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to protect witnesses involved in criminal cases
  • Protection measures include changing the witness's identity
  • Witnesses are crucial for the criminal justice system to function smoothly, and they must provide testimony freely and fairly.
Show 6 more facts
  • The term "witness" is not specifically defined in the Criminal Procedure Code
  • Category 'A': Threat extends to the life of a witness or his family members.
  • Category 'B': Threat extends to safety, reputation, property of witness or his family members.
  • Category 'C': Threat is moderate and extends to harassment or intimidation of the witness or his family member's reputation or property.
  • It aims to promote law enforcement by helping the justice system function without undue interference or threats to witnesses.
  • This committee is responsible for overseeing witness protection measures in its jurisdiction.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtMinistry of Home AffairsCBI
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Need for a Dedicated Witness Protection Law?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#03
Polity

Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment Act, 2013

📰 Why in News

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) (PoSH) Act, 2013.

✅ Quick Facts
  • The court emphasized the serious lapses and uncertainties surrounding the Act, leading to many working women feeling compelled to leave their jobs.
  • Concern: There were serious lapses and uncertainties in the implementation of the PoSH Act
  • If the working environment remains hostile, insensitive, and unresponsive, the Act will remain a mere formality
  • There is a need to undertake a time-bound exercise to verify whether relevant bodies have constituted ICCs
Show 6 more facts
  • About: The POSH Act is a legislation enacted by the Government of India in 2013 to address the issue of sexual harassment faced by women in the…
  • These guidelines formed the basis for the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
  • The SC also drew its strength from several provisions of the Constitution including Article 15 (against discrimination on grounds only of religion
  • Prevention and Prohibition: The Act places a legal obligation on employers to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace.
  • Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Employers are required to constitute an ICC at each workplace with 10 or more employees to receive and address…
  • Domestic workers should be included within the purview of the PoSH Act.
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment…?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#04
Polity

Adultery and Related Intricacies

📰 Why in News

The Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs has suggested that adultery should be re-instituted as a crime in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the proposed law to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.

✅ Quick Facts
  • About Adultery: Adultery is the voluntary act of engaging in sexual relations by a married individual (man or woman) with someone other than their…
  • Before 2018, the Indian Penal Code included Section 497, which classified adultery as a criminal act punishable by imprisonment for up to five years…
  • This ran counter to the broader definition of adultery encompassing both genders engaging in voluntary sexual relations outside marriage.
  • The ruling highlighted discrimination and constitutional violations
Show 6 more facts
  • However, it suggests a crucial change: making it gender-neutral, applicable to both men and women.
  • It argued that Section 497 was struck down on grounds of discrimination, and making it gender-neutral would address this deficiency.
  • The recent Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs proposal appears to challenge the legal standing of the Supreme Court.
  • The Supreme Court's decision holds as the law of the land
  • In the Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India (2021) case
  • Arguments For Criminalizing Adultery: Preserving Marital Sanctity: Proponents argue that criminalizing adultery safeguards the institution of marriage
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtParliament
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Adultery and Related Intricacies?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#05
Polity

Two-Finger Test

📰 Why in News

Recently, the Supreme Court has said that those conducting the 'two-finger test' on alleged rape victims will be held guilty of misconduct.

✅ Quick Facts
  • About: The two-finger test, carried out by a medical practitioner, involves the examination of her vagina to check if she is habituated to sexual…
  • In May 2013, the apex court had held that the two-finger test violates a woman's right to privacy and asked the government to provide better medical…
  • Invoking the International Covenant on Economic
  • In April 2022, the Madras High Court directed the state to ban the two-finger test.
Show 6 more facts
  • In State of Jharkhand Vs. Shailendra Kumar Case
  • After the 2013 Justice Verma Committee report on amendments to criminal law for a faster trial
  • According to the guidelines 'two-finger test', must not be conducted for establishing rape/sexual violence.
  • The guidelines state that a rape victim's consent (or her guardian's, if she is minor/mentally disabled) is necessary for any medical examination
  • However, these are guidelines and are not legally binding.
  • The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should be circulated to private and government hospitals.
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
WHOSupreme CourtHigh Court
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Two-Finger Test?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

📚 💰 Core Subject Drill — Indian Economy

💰 Indian Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था

10 bilingual MCQs · Indian Economy · Members Only on YouTube

Today's rotation: Indian Economy. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.

📖 More Current Affairs Coverage
#07
Polity

Recognition of LGBTQIA+ Rights in India

📰 Why in News

The Supreme Court (SC) recently warned judges against using court-ordered counseling to make LGBTQ+ individuals a way to turn them against their own…

✅ Quick Facts
  • SC noted that while understanding a person's desires is acceptable
  • About: LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual
  • Colonial Era and Stigma (Pre-1990s): 1861: Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code
  • 1981: The first All-India Hijra Conference took place in 1981.
Show 6 more facts
  • 1991: The AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan (ABVA) publishes "Less Than Gay," the first public report on the status of LGBTQIA+ people in India
  • 2001: The Naz Foundation files a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging Section 377.
  • 2009: A landmark Delhi High Court ruling in Naz Foundatuon vs Govt of NCT of Delhi decriminalizes consensual homosexual acts
  • 2013: The Supreme Court, in a setback, overturns the Delhi High Court decision, upholding Section 377.
  • 2014: The Supreme Court recognizes transgender people as a "third gender." (National Legal Services Authority V/s Union of India popularly known as…
  • 2018: In a historic decision, the Supreme Court strikes down Section 377, decriminalizing same-sex relationships. (Navtej Singh Johar v
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtParliament
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Recognition of LGBTQIA+ Rights in India?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#08
Polity

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: UNESCO – reporting

📰 Why in News

Across India, students are bullied because of their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), forcing many to drop out from schools.

✅ Quick Facts
  • UNESCO's New Delhi office has teamed up with Sahodaran
  • 60% and 50% were found to be a victim of physical bullying when they were in middle/high school and higher secondary school respectively.
  • 40% were sexually harassed when they were in primary school.
  • 18% of participants reported incidents of SOGI-based bullying to school authorities.
Show 6 more facts
  • 53% of those who reported being bullied said that authorities took some action against the person who bullied them.
  • 73% had reduced social interactions with their peers.
  • About a third (33.2%) said bullying played a key role in discontinuing school i.e increase in the school dropout rate.
  • UGC (University Grant Commission) recognized gender identity and sexual orientation as grounds for ragging in 2016.
  • Bilingual manual, 'A Teacher's Guide To Gender Non-conforming Students', (that gives some insight about what is sexual orientation, gender identity…
  • NGO SAATHII has been studying violence against SOGI in partnership with LGBT community groups such as AMANA and ETA in Manipur
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity:…?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#09
Polity

Legal Aid in India

📰 Why in News

The Chief Justice of India stressed that "legal aid is not charity but a moral duty" and "a crucial aspect of governance, ensuring the rule of law reaches every corner of the country".

✅ Quick Facts
  • The event was held on National Legal Services Day (9th November 2025)
  • Constitutional Responsibility, not Mere Charity: The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 puts into action the constitutional vision of equal justice…
  • It also reflects the spirit of Article 21, where the right to life and personal liberty includes fair legal procedures, and Article 22, which…
  • Together, these provisions reinforce the Act's purpose of making justice accessible for individuals facing poverty, social marginalisation, or other…
Show 6 more facts
  • Eligibility: Free legal services under the Act are available to members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities
  • People with annual income below the notified limit (generally between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh for lower courts)
  • Legal Services Authorities: The Act establishes a three-tier structure of legal aid authorities: National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) (headed by…
  • The State Legal Aid Fund receives central or state contributions.
  • The District Legal Aid Fund is supported by state funding and local donations.
  • From 2022–23 to 2024–25, more than 23.5 crore cases were settled through national, state and permanent Lok Adalats, reflecting their central role in…
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtHigh CourtFinance Commission
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Legal Aid in India?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

#10
Polity

Revisiting Gender Neutrality in POCSO Act, 2012

📰 Why in News

The Supreme Court issued notice in a case where a woman is accused of 'penetrative sexual assault' on a minor boy under Section 3 of the POCSO Act, 2012.

✅ Quick Facts
  • The case has renewed debate on the Act's gender neutrality, especially whether it covers female perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
  • About: POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to address the heinous crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation of…
  • Definition of a Child: It defines a child as any person below 18 years of age.
  • Coverage of Abuse: The Act covers penetrative and non-penetrative assault, sexual harassment, and pornography
Show 6 more facts
  • Use, possession, attempt, and abetment of offences, including child pornography, are also punishable, with fines or imprisonment up to 7 years…
  • Statutory Interpretation: Section 3 of POCSO act defines penetrative sexual assault using gender-neutral terms and does not explicitly limit the…
  • Section 3(d) also criminalises inducing a child to perform a sexual act on another person — expanding applicability.
  • The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the POCSO Amendment Bill, 2019 explicitly confirms that the POCSO Act is gender-neutral.
  • Strengthening the Legal Framework: Resolve definitional gaps in the POCSO Act
  • Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
🏛️ Key Stakeholders
Supreme CourtLok Sabha
📝 Quick Check

Which statement correctly describes Revisiting Gender Neutrality in POCSO Act, 2012?

✅ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.

❌ Not quite — that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.

🗞️ Wrap Up — Simple CA Quiz

Simple Current Affairs MCQ — 11 August 2026

10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics · great for quick revision

End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.

You may also like...