Current Affairs 13 August 2026

Government Approves Field Trials of ₹10 and ₹20 Polymer Banknotes

The Government of India has approved the Reserve Bank of India’s proposal to introduce polymer banknotes of ₹10 and ₹20 denominations for field trials. The proposal covers one billion pieces each of ₹10 and ₹20 notes, meaning up to two billion polymer notes across the two denominations for the trial programme.

The proposal was submitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with the recommendation of its Central Board under Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934. Section 25 provides that the design, form and material of banknotes are subject to approval by the Central Government after considering recommendations of the RBI Central Board.

Polymer banknotes are made using a synthetic polymer substrate instead of conventional paper-based material. According to the RBI, international studies indicate that polymer notes generally have a significantly longer lifespan than paper banknotes, which is one of the reasons for conducting the trial.

World Elephant Day 2026 – 12 August

World Elephant Day is observed every year on August 12 to raise awareness about the conservation of Asian and African elephants and threats such as habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade and human-elephant conflict. The observance was first launched on August 12, 2012. The World Elephant Day platform carries the message “Bringing the world together to help elephants.”

India has a particularly important role in elephant conservation as it supports nearly 60% of the world’s wild Asian elephant population. The latest Synchronous All India Population Estimation of Elephants (SAIEE) 2021–25, India’s first DNA-based nationwide elephant estimation, places the country’s wild elephant population at 22,446. Karnataka has the highest State-wise population, with about 6,013 elephants, followed by Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

India currently has 33 Elephant Reserves covering about 80,777 sq. km across 14 major elephant States, along with 150 identified elephant corridors. Singhbhum Elephant Reserve in Jharkhand, covering about 13,440 sq. km, is the largest Elephant Reserve in India. West Bengal has the highest number of identified elephant corridors, with 26.

Andhra Pradesh has one notified Elephant Reserve — Rayala Elephant Reserve. It covers approximately 766 sq. km in the Chittoor region and was notified in 2003. It includes the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining forest areas. The elephant population of southern Andhra Pradesh developed largely through the movement of elephants from neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu into the Kuppam–Palamaner landscape.

PRAHAAR

The Ministry of Home Affairs unveiled PRAHAAR, India’s first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, on February 23, 2026. The framework seeks to prevent and respond to terrorism and radicalisation through coordinated “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approaches, while reaffirming India’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

Q1. The Government of India has approved field trials of polymer banknotes in which denominations?
A. ₹10 and ₹20
B. ₹20 and ₹50
C. ₹50 and ₹100
D. ₹100 and ₹200

Q2. Under which Section of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, can the design, form and material of banknotes be approved by the Central Government on the recommendation of the RBI Central Board?
A. Section 22
B. Section 24
C. Section 25
D. Section 26

Q3. Which State has the highest wild elephant population in India according to the latest Synchronous All India Population Estimation of Elephants (SAIEE) 2021–25?
A. Assam
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Tamil Nadu

Q4. World Elephant Day is observed annually on which date?
A. August 10
B. August 11
C. August 12
D. August 13

Q5. ‘PRAHAAR’, unveiled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in February 2026, is related to which of the following?
A. National Cyber Security Strategy
B. National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy
C. National Border Infrastructure Programme
D. National Defence Export Strategy