Current Affairs 08 June 2026

Current Affairs 08 June 2026

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India-Nepal Sign MoU on AI-Powered Language Technology

The Digital India BHASHINI Division and Kathmandu University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a multilingual, AI-powered digital infrastructure for language translation and digital inclusion in Nepal.

Highlights

  • The partnership aims to create a Voice-First Language Translation Platform for Nepal.
  • It will support the development of Speech-to-Text (STT), Text-to-Speech (TTS), Machine Translation etc.
  • It will promote research, capacity building, and innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

About BHASHINI

  • BHASHINI is India’s national AI-driven language technology platform under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • It supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages, and 35 international languages.
  • The platform powers over 800 government websites and processes more than 15 million inferences daily.
📌 Did You Know?
  • BHASHINI signed an MoU with UNESCO MGIEP to translate social-emotional learning courses into multiple languages for students worldwide.
  • India promotes BHASHINI globally as part of its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem, alongside Aadhaar and UPI.
  • Countries such as Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago, and Armenia have collaborated with India through broader digital transformation agreements.
  • Nepal became the first country to sign a dedicated and standalone Language-AI MoU with BHASHINI.

Maharashtra Approves ₹2,267 Crore for 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela

The Maharashtra Government has approved ₹2,267 crore for acquiring 191.21 acres of land to develop a temporary township known as Sadhu Gram for the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.

  • Event: Kumbh Mela
  • Location: Nashik and Trimbakeshwar
  • Project: Development of Sadhu Gram (temporary township for saints and pilgrims).
  • Land Acquisition: 191.21 acres.
  • Approved Amount: ₹2,267 crore.
  • The state government directed that funds allocated for Kumbh Mela-related projects must not be diverted for any other purpose.

The Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The creation of Sadhu Gram and supporting infrastructure aims to ensure better accommodation, crowd management, and facilities for millions of pilgrims expected to attend the 2027 event.

NAC–Andhra Pradesh Wins Two ISDA Infracon National Awards 2026

The National Academy of Construction, Andhra Pradesh (NAC–A.P.) received two prestigious honours at the ISDA Infracon National Awards (IINA) 2026 held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Awards Received

  1. Gold Award – Best Individual Contribution (Excellence in Government Service)
    • Awarded to G. Ganesh Kumar, Director General of NAC–A.P.
    • Recognised for his leadership in strengthening skill development and workforce capacity in the construction sector.
  2. Platinum Award – Best Skill Development Initiative in the Construction Sector
    • Awarded to NAC–A.P.
    • Received under the Specialised Sector category for its contribution to construction-sector skill development.

Samriddhi Kendra Inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh

Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar inaugurated the Samriddhi Kendra at Narakoduru village in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, on 7 June 2026.

The centre has been established under the Samriddhi Gram Project, a pilot initiative of the Department of Telecommunications under the BharatNet Udyami Scheme. The project aims to transform rural India by integrating physical and digital services using the BharatNet infrastructure.

Key Features of Samriddhi Kendra

  • Provides 11 services under one roof.
  • Includes a Health ATM offering around 60 diagnostic tests.
  • Houses a Jan Aushadhi Kendra providing affordable medicines.
  • Offers FTTH broadband services and Quad Play connectivity.
  • Provides PM-WANI Wi-Fi facilities.
  • Contains a Skill Development Centre.
  • Supports farmers through soil testing, drone spraying services, and agricultural advisory services.
  • Facilitates passport applications, Aadhaar updates, utility bill payments, and mobile recharges.

About Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project

  • Narakoduru (Andhra Pradesh) is one of the three pilot locations selected for the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot.
  • Other pilot locations are Ari & Umri (Madhya Pradesh) and Chaurawala (Uttar Pradesh).
  • During the event, certificates were distributed to 15 students who completed AI training, and 100 farmers received PMDS seeds.

Shishu Maapan Application

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess key health parameters of newborn babies. The AI-based solution, developed by Wadhwani AI, will help measure important health indicators of newborns, including weight, length, head circumference, and shoulder width.

Shishu Maapan Application

The application, named “Shishu Maapan”, has been developed to support the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) programme under the National Health Mission.

Significance

  • ASHA workers currently visit newborns on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and 42nd day after birth.
  • Traditionally, they carry weighing scales and measuring equipment to collect health data.
  • The new AI-powered application can capture measurements without physical contact with the infant.
  • It aims to improve accuracy, reduce workload for ASHA workers, and enable early detection of health issues.

Men’s U18 Asia Cup Hockey 2026

The Indian Men’s U18 Hockey Team won the Men’s U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 title by defeating Japan 4-1 in the final held at Kakamigahara, Japan.

Women’s U18 Asia Cup Hockey 2026

The Indian Women’s U18 Hockey Team secured the Bronze Medal by defeating South Korea 3-0 in the third-place playoff match.

Norway Chess 2026

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 title in Oslo, Norway.

India Wins SAFF Women’s Championship 2026

The India Women’s National Football Team won the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 by defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in the final held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa. This victory marks a successful return to the top of the region after seven years.

Q1. ‘Sadhu Gram’, recently seen in the news, is associated with which of the following events?
A. Pushkar Camel Fair
B. Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela 2027
C. International Yoga Festival
D. Jagannath Rath Yatra

Show Answer

Answer: B. Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela 2027
Explanation: Sadhu Gram is a temporary township developed to accommodate saints, seers, and pilgrims during the Kumbh Mela. Recently, the Maharashtra Government approved ₹2,267 crore for land acquisition to develop Sadhu Gram for the 2027 Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela.

Q2. The National Academy of Construction, Andhra Pradesh (NAC–A.P.) received the Platinum Award at the ISDA Infracon National Awards (IINA) 2026 for which category?
A. Best Infrastructure Project
B. Best Urban Development Initiative
C. Best Skill Development Initiative in the Construction Sector
D. Best Green Building Initiative

Show Answer

Answer: C. Best Skill Development Initiative in the Construction Sector
Explanation: The National Academy of Construction, Andhra Pradesh (NAC–A.P.) received the Platinum Award under the Specialised Sector category at the ISDA Infracon National Awards (IINA) 2026. The award recognizes the Academy’s outstanding contribution to skill development and workforce training in the construction sector.

Q3. The Samriddhi Kendra inaugurated at Narakoduru village in Andhra Pradesh has been established under which Central Government scheme?
A. Digital India Mission
B. BharatNet Udyami Scheme
C. PM Gati Shakti Programme
D. National Rural Livelihood Mission

Show Answer

Answer: B. BharatNet Udyami Scheme
Explanation: The Samriddhi Kendra at Narakoduru village was established under the Samriddhi Gram Project, a pilot initiative of the Department of Telecommunications under the BharatNet Udyami Scheme. It aims to provide integrated physical and digital services to rural communities using BharatNet infrastructure.

Q4. What is the name of the AI-based application developed to measure newborn health parameters without physical contact in Andhra Pradesh?
A. Aarogya Mitra
B. Shishu Maapan
C. Bal Suraksha
D. Navajeevan AI

Show Answer

Answer: B. Shishu Maapan
Explanation: ‘Shishu Maapan’ is an AI-based application developed by Wadhwani AI to assess newborn health parameters such as weight, length, head circumference and shoulder width without physical contact. It supports the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) programme under the National Health Mission.

Q5. Which team did India defeat to win the Men’s U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 title?
A. Pakistan
B. South Korea
C. China
D. Japan

Show Answer

Answer: D. Japan
Explanation: The Indian Men’s U18 Hockey Team won the Men’s U18 Hockey Asia Cup 2026 by defeating host Japan 4-1 in the final held at Kakamigahara, Japan.

Q6. The Indian Women’s U18 Hockey Team secured which position at the U18 Asia Cup 2026?
A. Gold Medal
B. Silver Medal
C. Bronze Medal
D. Fourth Place

Show Answer

Answer: C. Bronze Medal
Explanation: The Indian Women’s U18 Hockey Team won the Bronze Medal at the U18 Asia Cup 2026 by defeating South Korea 3-0 in the third-place playoff match held in Kakamigahara, Japan.

Q7. Which Indian sportsperson became the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title in 2026?
A. D. Gukesh
B. Arjun Erigaisi
C. R. Praggnanandhaa
D. None of the above

Show Answer

Answer: C. R. Praggnanandhaa
Explanation: Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian in history to win the Norway Chess title by emerging champion of Norway Chess 2026 held in Oslo, Norway.

Q8. Which of the following countries became the first to sign a dedicated, standalone Language-AI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s BHASHINI platform?
A. Bangladesh
B. Sri Lanka
C. Bhutan
D. Nepal

Show Answer

Answer: D. Nepal
Explanation: Nepal became the first country to sign a dedicated, standalone Language-AI MoU with India’s BHASHINI platform. The agreement was signed between the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and Kathmandu University to develop multilingual AI resources, language technology, and a Voice-First Language Translation Platform for Nepal.

Q9. India won its record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title in 2026 by defeating which country in the final?
A. Nepal
B. Pakistan
C. Bangladesh
D. Sri Lanka

Show Answer

Answer: C. Bangladesh
Explanation: The Indian Women’s Football Team defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in the final at Margao, Goa, to win the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026. The victory gave India its sixth SAFF title and ended a seven-year wait for the championship.

Which is the first country to sign an MoU with the Bhashini Platform?

Nepal became the first country to sign a dedicated and standalone language-AI MoU with BHASHINI.

What is Samriddhi Kendra?

Samriddhi Kendra is a one-stop platform that provides 11 services under one roof. Narakoduru (AP), Ari & Umri (MP), and Chaurawala (UP) are three locations selected as a pilot project.

What is the Shishu Maapan Application?

The Shishu Maapan Application has been developed to support the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) programme under the National Health Mission. It helps ASHA workers to capture newborn baby measurements without physical contact with the infant.

Which country owns the Men’s U18 Asia Cup Hockey 2026?

The Indian Women’s U18 Hockey Team secured the Bronze Medal by defeating South Korea 3-0 in the third-place playoff match.

Which country owns the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026?

India won the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 by defeating Bangladesh.

Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.

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