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16 August 2026 · Daily Current Affairs

16 August 2026, sources dated 14 to 16 August 2026 research cutoff

2 verified stories · 4 notes pages · 5 original MCQs

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DRI busts areca nut import racket: over Rs 2,500 crore potential revenue loss, nine arrested

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day observed on 14 August 2026

Government Schemes

DRI busts areca nut import racket: over Rs 2,500 crore potential revenue loss, nine arrested

16 August 2026 | Press Information Bureau

PIB said the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a month-long intelligence-led operation, dismantled a network importing South-East Asian areca nuts by falsely declaring Bangladesh as the country of origin to avail concessional duty under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The probe revealed a potential revenue loss of over Rs 2,500 crore and nine persons were arrested.

Areca nut imports attract Basic Customs Duty of 100 per cent, but eligible imports under SAFTA are fully exempt. The licence of the Customs Broker firm that cleared most of the fraudulent imports was suspended.

Key facts
  • Agency: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
  • Potential revenue loss: over Rs 2,500 crore
  • Arrests: nine
  • Basic Customs Duty on areca nut: 100%

Exam takeaway: SAFTA exemptions depend on meeting Rules of Origin criteria.

Quick revision: DRI areca nut SAFTA fraud (PIB, 16 August 2026).

Press Information Bureau original source

Appointments, Awards and Important Days

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day observed on 14 August 2026

14 August 2026 (reported 15 August) | Press Information Bureau

PIB said the Ministry of Culture observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on 14 August 2026 with commemorative programmes in Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata, remembering the victims of Partition.

The main observance in New Delhi was held at Central Park, Connaught Place, attended by Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

Key facts
  • Day observed: 14 August 2026
  • Ministry: Ministry of Culture
  • Cities named: Delhi, Amritsar, Kolkata
  • Main Delhi venue: Central Park, Connaught Place

Exam takeaway: Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed every year on 14 August.

Quick revision: Partition Horrors Remembrance Day observed (PIB, 15 August 2026).

Press Information Bureau original source