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Current Affairs August 2026
60 important events from August 2026, grouped by topic, each with a one-line exam point.
Top stories
- 80th Independence Day: 100 GW nuclear goal
- Parliament renames Kerala as Keralam
- RBI holds repo rate at 5.25%
- Supreme Court strength raised to 38
- India–Uzbekistan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- Glaw Lake becomes 101st Ramsar site
States in News
PM inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram
1 August 2026PM Modi inaugurated the new greenfield airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, about 45 km from Visakhapatnam. It is named after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju.
- Developed by GMR group's Visakhapatnam airport company
- Single 3,800 m runway; capacity 6 million passengers a year
- Commercial flights began on 17 August 2026
Exam point: Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh named after Alluri Sitarama Raju
Assam launches Orunodoi 3.0 disbursement
1 August 2026Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched disbursement under Orunodoi 3.0, the state's direct cash transfer scheme for women of poor households.
- Scheme: Orunodoi (Assam), now in phase 3.0
- Launched by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Exam point: Orunodoi 3.0 is Assam's cash support scheme for poor households
Assembly by-poll results in Gujarat, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh
3 August 2026Votes were counted for assembly by-elections in three states. The BJP retained Manjalpur, the JSP won Bankipur, and the Congress kept Datia.
- Manjalpur – Gujarat (BJP retained)
- Bankipur – Bihar (JSP won)
- Datia – Madhya Pradesh (Congress retained)
Exam point: BJP kept Manjalpur, JSP won Bankipur, Congress held Datia
Tripura's mustard honey exported to Dubai for first time
10 August 2026APEDA facilitated the first-ever export of mustard honey from Tripura, sent by the Dergang farmer producer organisation to Dubai. It boosts farm exports from the Northeast.
- Exporter: Dergang FPO, Tripura
- Facilitator: APEDA; destination Dubai
Exam point: First mustard honey export from Tripura went to Dubai
International Affairs
India–China border trade resumes via Shipki-La after six years
1 August 2026Cross-border trade between India and China restarted through the Shipki-La pass in Himachal Pradesh after a gap of six years. It is a sign of gradual normalisation of ties.
- Pass: Shipki-La (Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh)
- Trade resumed after six years
Exam point: Shipki-La border trade with China resumed after six years
Iran and Oman agree to reopen Strait of Hormuz for 60 days
6 August 2026Amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, Iran and Oman agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. The strait is a key route for global oil and gas shipments, including India's energy imports.
- Agreement between Iran and Oman
- Reopening period: 60 days
Exam point: Strait of Hormuz to reopen for 60 days under Iran–Oman deal
Russia proposes rail route to India
9 August 2026Russia proposed a railway route to India to reduce dependence on vulnerable sea routes. The idea comes as shipping through West Asian waters faces disruption.
- Proposal by Russia
- Goal: cut reliance on strategic maritime routes
Exam point: Russia proposed an overland rail route to India
India and Uzbekistan upgrade ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
30 August 2026PM Modi visited Tashkent on 29–30 August and held talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The two sides raised ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed on a long-term uranium supply framework.
- Bilateral trade target: $5 billion by 2030
- Long-term uranium supply for India's civil nuclear power
- Joint commission raised to ministerial level
Exam point: India–Uzbekistan ties raised to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Economy
Cabinet approves Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme
1 August 2026The Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, a ₹84,084 crore National Offshore Exploration Scheme up to 2030–31. It aims to raise domestic oil and gas output and cut import dependence.
- Includes drilling of 60 deepwater exploration wells
- Govt to fund up to 50% of deepwater well cost (cap ₹675 crore per well)
- Ministry: Petroleum & Natural Gas
Exam point: Samudra Manthan: ₹84,084 crore offshore exploration scheme
OPEC+ to raise oil output by 188,000 barrels per day
2 August 2026OPEC+ countries agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day from September. Higher supply matters for oil-importing nations like India.
- Increase: 188,000 bpd
- Effective from September 2026
Exam point: OPEC+ to add 188,000 barrels per day from September
Income tax collection crosses ₹8 lakh crore
11 August 2026Income tax collections in the current fiscal crossed ₹8 lakh crore so far, 23.09% higher than in the same period of the previous year.
- Collection so far: over ₹8 lakh crore
- Growth: 23.09% year-on-year
Exam point: IT collection up 23.09% over last year, above ₹8 lakh crore
Retail inflation rises to 4.45% in July
12 August 2026India's CPI retail inflation rose to 4.45% in July 2026, with food inflation at 5.52%. It remains within the RBI's 2–6% tolerance band.
- CPI (July 2026): 4.45%
- Food inflation: 5.52%
- Data released by NSO (MoSPI)
Exam point: July 2026 CPI inflation at 4.45%
20 bids received for rare earth magnet manufacturing scheme
13 August 2026The government received 20 bids under its rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing scheme, which aims to build domestic supply for EVs, electronics and defence.
- 20 bids received
- Products: rare earth permanent magnets
Exam point: Rare earth permanent magnet scheme drew 20 bids
Awards & Honours
Ajit Doval receives Lokmanya Tilak National Award
1 August 2026National Security Adviser Ajit Doval received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award from Home Minister Amit Shah on Tilak's death anniversary.
- Recipient: NSA Ajit Doval
- Presented by Amit Shah on 1 August
Exam point: Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 went to Ajit Doval
President presents Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards
13 August 2026President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Awards for 2024 and 2025 to artists in music, dance and theatre.
- Award years: 2024–2025
- Akademi under the Ministry of Culture
Exam point: Sangeet Natak Akademi honours for 2024–25 presented
President approves 78 gallantry awards
14 August 2026On the eve of Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards for armed forces and other personnel, including 13 posthumous awards.
- Total: 78 awards
- Posthumous: 13
Exam point: 78 gallantry awards approved, 13 posthumous
Defence & Security
Indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A24 launched
1 August 2026The Defence Ministry launched the indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A24 for the Navy, supporting diving and underwater operations.
- Vessel: DSC A24
- Launched by the Ministry of Defence on 1 August
Exam point: Diving Support Craft DSC A24 launched for Navy
India test-fires Agni-4 ballistic missile
6 August 2026India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 medium-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha). The launch was conducted under the Strategic Forces Command and validated all parameters.
- Range about 4,000 km; two-stage solid-fuel
- Developed by DRDO
- Launch site: Chandipur, Odisha
Exam point: Agni-4 (about 4,000 km range) tested from Chandipur, Odisha
MoD signs ₹1,577 crore loiter munition contracts
14 August 2026The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems and NIBE for loiter munition systems, boosting indigenous drone-strike capability.
- Value: ₹1,577 crore
- Firms: Tata Advanced Systems and NIBE
Exam point: ₹1,577 crore loiter munition deals with Tata Advanced Systems, NIBE
DRDO missile technology to be transferred to private firms
26 August 2026Defence Minister Rajnath Singh permitted the transfer of DRDO missile technology to private companies, widening private-sector role in missile production.
- Approval by Rajnath Singh
- Beneficiaries: private defence industry
Exam point: Rajnath Singh cleared DRDO missile tech transfer to private firms
Sports
135th Durand Cup begins in Guwahati
1 August 2026The 135th Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, began in Guwahati.
- Edition: 135th
- Venue: Guwahati, Assam
- Started in 1888
Exam point: 135th Durand Cup kicked off in Guwahati
India finishes fourth at Glasgow Commonwealth Games
2 August 2026The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July–2 August) ended with India fourth with 13 gold and 39 medals in all. Australia topped the table.
- Australia: 70 gold, 171 total
- Games had 10 sports, 215 events
- Next host: Ahmedabad (2030)
Exam point: India 4th at Glasgow 2026 with 13 gold, 39 medals
Cabinet approves revamped Khelo India with ₹36,441 crore
3 August 2026The Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India scheme with ₹36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31, nearly eight times the earlier outlay. Support to national sports federations was also raised.
- Outlay: ₹36,441 crore
- Period: 2026–27 to 2030–31
- New: Khelo India Feeder Schools
Exam point: Khelo India revamped with ₹36,441 crore till 2030–31
New Delhi hosts BWF World Badminton Championships
17 August 2026The 30th BWF World Championships were held at the Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi, from 17 to 23 August. India hosted the event for the first time since 2009.
- 30th edition
- Venue: Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi
- India last hosted in 2009 (Hyderabad)
Exam point: BWF World Championships held in New Delhi, first in India since 2009
India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle Test
19 August 2026India won the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle by 165 runs. Devdutt Padikkal scored his maiden Test century under captain Shubman Gill.
- Margin: 165 runs
- Venue: Galle, 15–19 August
- Padikkal's first Test hundred
Exam point: Padikkal's maiden ton set up 165-run win at Galle
Argentina win Women's Hockey World Cup
29 August 2026Argentina defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to win the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, their third title.
- Hosts: Belgium & Netherlands
- Argentina's 3rd title
Exam point: Argentina won third Women's Hockey World Cup title
Germany win Men's Hockey World Cup
30 August 2026Germany beat Spain 1–0 in the final of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup held in Belgium and the Netherlands, winning their fourth world title. Argentina took bronze.
- Hosts: Belgium & Netherlands (15–30 Aug)
- Bronze: Argentina beat Netherlands 2–1
- India finished 8th
Exam point: Germany won their fourth Men's Hockey World Cup
Obituaries
Justice M.S. Liberhan dies at 87
2 August 2026Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, who headed the Liberhan Commission on the Babri Masjid demolition for 17 years, died aged 87.
- Former Chief Justice of Madras and Andhra Pradesh High Courts
- Commission report concluded in 2009
Exam point: Liberhan headed the Babri demolition inquiry commission
Former Governor D.Y. Patil dies at 90
4 August 2026D.Y. Patil, who served as Governor of Tripura, Bihar and West Bengal between 2009 and 2014, died aged 90.
- Governor of Tripura (2009–13), Bihar (2013–14), West Bengal (2014)
Exam point: D.Y. Patil was Governor of Tripura, Bihar and West Bengal
Actor Pradeep Rawat dies at 74
4 August 2026Actor Pradeep Rawat, known for the TV serial Mahabharat (1988) and Telugu films such as Sye, died aged 74.
- Known for Mahabharat (1988)
- Age: 74
Exam point: Pradeep Rawat acted in the 1988 TV serial Mahabharat
Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji dies at 97
12 August 2026Zhu Rongji, China's Premier from 1998 to 2003 and architect of its 1990s economic reforms, died in Beijing aged 97.
- Premier of China 1998–2003
- Led China's 1990s economic reforms
Exam point: Zhu Rongji was China's Premier from 1998 to 2003
West Bengal Deputy Speaker Asish Banerjee dies at 75
16 August 2026Asish Banerjee, Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, died aged 75.
- Post: Deputy Speaker, West Bengal Assembly
- Age: 75
Exam point: Asish Banerjee was West Bengal Assembly Deputy Speaker
Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80
25 August 2026American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, one of the most celebrated country music artists, died in Nashville aged 80.
- Died in Nashville, Tennessee
- Age: 80
Exam point: Dolly Parton, country music icon, died at 80
Environment & Heritage
Glaw Lake becomes India's 101st Ramsar site
3 August 2026Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh was designated India's 101st Ramsar site. It is the first Ramsar site from the state.
- 101st Ramsar site of India
- First from Arunachal Pradesh
- 100th site was Surha Tal (UP), June 2026
Exam point: Glaw Lake: Arunachal's first and India's 101st Ramsar site
Cabinet approves GOBARdhan compressed biogas scheme
6 August 2026The Cabinet approved GOBARdhan, a national unified scheme for compressed biogas (CBG) with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore for FY27 to FY36. It aims to turn crop residue, cattle dung and organic waste into clean fuel.
- Fixed CBG price of ₹2,110 per MMBTU for 10 years
- Capital aid up to ₹2 crore per TPD of capacity
- Goal: nearly ten-fold rise in CBG output
Exam point: GOBARdhan CBG scheme approved with ₹23,731 crore outlay
Unusually thick ozone layer found over North Bay of Bengal
10 August 2026Scientists detected an unusually thick ozone layer over the North Bay of Bengal, a finding relevant to monsoon-season atmospheric chemistry.
- Region: North Bay of Bengal
- Observation: thick ozone layer
Exam point: Thick ozone layer detected over North Bay of Bengal
National Affairs
Parliament tightens rules for delayed birth and death registration
4 August 2026Parliament passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, making the process for delayed registration more stringent. The change aims to curb misuse of late-registered birth and death records.
- Amends the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969
- Focus: stricter checks on delayed registrations
Exam point: Registration of Births and Deaths Bill makes delayed registration stricter
274 fugitives brought back from 36 countries since 2019
4 August 2026The Home Ministry said 274 fugitive criminals were returned to India from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026. It credited an intelligence-led, technology-driven model of international cooperation.
- 274 fugitives from 36 countries (2019–2026)
- Announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Exam point: 274 fugitives returned to India from 36 countries, 2019–2026
Parliament raises Supreme Court judge strength to 38
5 August 2026Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, adding four judges to the apex court. Total strength rises from 34 to 38 including the Chief Justice of India, to tackle growing pendency.
- Lok Sabha passed it on 3 August, Rajya Sabha on 5 August
- Judges other than the CJI go up from 33 to 37
- Article 124(1) lets Parliament fix the number of SC judges
- Last increase was in 2019 (30 to 33, excluding CJI)
Exam point: Supreme Court strength raised from 34 to 38 including CJI
BRICS WAVES Bazaar held in Mumbai
6 August 2026The NFDC organised the two-day BRICS WAVES Bazaar in Mumbai on 6–7 August to boost the creative economy. It is part of India's BRICS chairship-year events.
- Organiser: National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)
- Venue: Mumbai, 6–7 August 2026
Exam point: BRICS WAVES Bazaar held in Mumbai, 6–7 August
Parliament clears MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026
7 August 2026Parliament passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to ensure faster payments to small firms. It also simplifies dispute resolution for payment delays.
- Rajya Sabha passed it on 3 August; final passage on 7 August
- Targets delayed payments faced by MSMEs
Exam point: MSME Amendment Bill targets delayed payments to small firms
President assents to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026
11 August 2026President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which amends the law that penalises insults to national symbols. The bill became an Act during the Monsoon Session.
- Amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Assent given by President Droupadi Murmu on 11 August
Exam point: National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent
Parliament passes Tribunals Reforms Bill
11 August 2026Parliament passed a bill to create a uniform tribunal ecosystem, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in India's tribunals. It standardises rules for tribunal functioning across sectors.
- Aim: uniform structure and service conditions for tribunals
- Passed during the Monsoon Session 2026
Exam point: Tribunals Reforms Bill seeks a uniform tribunal system
Parliament passes Bill renaming Kerala as Keralam
12 August 2026Parliament cleared the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, changing the state's name to Keralam in the First Schedule of the Constitution. The change follows a resolution of the Kerala Assembly, as Keralam is the state's name in Malayalam.
- Lok Sabha passed it on 11 August; Rajya Sabha on 12 August 2026
- Name changes of states are made by Parliament under Article 3
- Union Cabinet had approved the proposal in February 2026
Exam point: Kerala renamed Keralam through a Parliament law under Article 3
Parliament amends NCDC Act to boost cooperatives
12 August 2026Parliament passed a bill amending the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Act to strengthen the cooperative sector. On the same day, Lok Sabha also passed a bill amending the mines and minerals development law.
- NCDC works under the Ministry of Cooperation
- Lok Sabha also passed an MMDR Act amendment bill on 12 August
Exam point: NCDC Act amended to strengthen cooperative sector
Revamped India Code portal launched with AI search
13 August 2026Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched a revamped India Code portal, the official online repository of central and state laws. It adds AI-powered search and multilingual access.
- Portal: India Code (all enacted laws)
- New features: AI search, multilingual access
Exam point: India Code portal relaunched with AI-powered search
Census 2027 to ask 40 questions, including caste
14 August 2026The Centre notified 40 questions for the population enumeration of Census 2027. For the first time since Independence, caste will be enumerated in the national census.
- Census 2027 includes caste enumeration
- Assam began a self-enumeration facility for Census 2027 on 2 August
Exam point: Census 2027 will count caste for first time since Independence
PM Modi addresses nation on 80th Independence Day
15 August 2026PM Narendra Modi spoke from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day, setting long-term targets in energy, technology, skills and women's livelihoods. The celebrations also marked 150 years of Vande Mataram.
- Target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047
- 1 crore youth to get AI skill training within a year
- Nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged 5–15
- Lakhpati Didi target raised to 6 crore women
Exam point: Nuclear target: 100 GW by 2047; AI training for 1 crore youth
Banking & Finance
Supreme Court asks RBI to frame SOP on mule accounts
4 August 2026The Supreme Court directed the RBI to prepare a standard operating procedure for handling mule accounts and bank accounts linked to cyber fraud.
- Directive to RBI
- Target: mule accounts used in cyber fraud
Exam point: SC directed RBI to draft SOP on mule accounts
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25%
5 August 2026The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (3–5 August) held the repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance. It raised the FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% and projected CPI inflation at 5%.
- SDF 5.00%; MSF and Bank Rate 5.50%
- FY27 CPI inflation projection: 5%
- Governor Sanjay Malhotra; next MPC meet 5–7 October 2026
- Polymer currency notes planned from next financial year, subject to trials
Exam point: Repo rate 5.25%, neutral stance; FY27 GDP forecast 6.7%
Lok Sabha passes Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026
5 August 2026Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which provides for electronic or digital records of bankers' books to be used as evidence.
- Allows digital bank records as evidence
- Passed by Lok Sabha on 5 August
Exam point: Bankers' Books Evidence Bill allows digital bank records
Appointments
Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia's President
7 August 2026Abelardo de la Espriella took office as the 36th President of Colombia at a ceremony in Cali. He succeeded Gustavo Petro after winning the June 2026 run-off.
- 36th President of Colombia
- Vice President: José Manuel Restrepo
- Capital of Colombia: Bogotá
Exam point: De la Espriella became Colombia's 36th President
András Baka elected President of Hungary
11 August 2026András Baka, a former chief of Hungary's Supreme Court, was elected as the new President of Hungary.
- Former Supreme Court chief
- Hungary capital: Budapest
Exam point: Former Supreme Court chief András Baka is Hungary's President
Important Days
August Kranti Diwas (Quit India Movement Day)
8 August 2026The nation marked 84 years of the Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 in Bombay with the call 'Do or Die'.
- Launched 8 August 1942, Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay
- 2026 marks the 84th anniversary
Exam point: Quit India Movement launched on 8 August 1942
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
9 August 2026Observed every year on 9 August under the United Nations to promote the rights and well-being of indigenous communities.
- Date: 9 August
- Declared by the UN General Assembly (1994)
Exam point: Raises awareness of the rights of indigenous peoples
Independence Day (80th)
15 August 2026India celebrated its 80th Independence Day. The 2026 celebrations were themed 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047' and honoured 150 years of Vande Mataram.
- Theme: Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047
- Marks 150 years of Vande Mataram
Exam point: Theme: Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047
Science, Tech & Space
TRAI rolls out 1601-series numbers for service calls
10 August 2026TRAI introduced the 1601-series of numbers for service calls from utilities, couriers and logistics firms, helping users identify genuine calls.
- Series: 1601
- For utility, courier and logistics calls
Exam point: 1601-series numbers for utility, courier and logistics calls
India targets 100 GWe nuclear capacity and five SMRs
12 August 2026Union Minister Jitendra Singh said India targets 100 GWe nuclear power capacity by 2047 and five indigenous small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2033.
- 100 GWe by 2047
- 5 indigenous SMRs by 2033
Exam point: Five indigenous SMRs targeted by 2033
Railways approves Kavach 4.0 in Izzatnagar division
12 August 2026Indian Railways approved a ₹295 crore rollout of the Kavach 4.0 automatic train protection system over 660 route km in the Izzatnagar division.
- Cost: ₹295 crore
- Coverage: 660 route km
- Kavach is an indigenous anti-collision system
Exam point: Kavach 4.0 to cover 660 route km in Izzatnagar division
ISRO to stop making launch vehicles, shift to private sector
21 August 2026ISRO announced a plan to cease production of launch vehicles and hand rocket manufacturing to the private sector, so that it can focus on research and new missions.
- Production to move to private industry
- ISRO HQ: Bengaluru
Exam point: ISRO plans to hand launch vehicle production to private sector