Current Affairs - 2 : August 2026
Q1. Boxer Narender Berwal has been selected for which prestigious award?
(A) Dronacharya Award (B) Arjuna Award 2025 (C) Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (D) Dhyan Chand Award
Ans: (B) Arjuna Award 2025
Explanation: Boxer Narender Berwal was selected for the Arjuna Award 2025 in recognition of his achievements and contribution to boxing. The Arjuna Award is one of India's prestigious national sports honours.
Q2. West Bengal hosted its first Kaushal Mahotsav on 18 August 2026 at which place ?
(A) Salt Lake Stadium (B) Balurghat Stadium (C) Eden Gardens (D) Kanchenjunga Stadium
Ans: (B) Balurghat Stadium
Explanation: The first Kaushal Mahotsav in West Bengal was held on 18 August 2026 at Balurghat Stadium, Dakshin Dinajpur, to promote skill development and employment opportunities.
Q3. Who will receive the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 for his contribution to football ?
(A) I. Arumainayagam (B) Bhaichung Bhutia (C) I. M. Vijayan (D) Sunil Chhetri
Ans: (A) I. Arumainayagam
Explanation: I. Arumainayagam, a member of India’s 1962 Asian Games gold-winning football team, was selected for the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 for his contribution to Indian football.
Q4. The 17th meeting of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification was held in which country ?
(A) Mongolia (B) Kazakhstan (C) Uzbekistan (D) Nepal
Ans: (A) Mongolia
Explanation: The 17th session of COP of UNCCD (COP17) was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17–28 August 2026, focusing on desertification, land degradation and drought.
Q5. Where was the 'Aparajita–Parang La 2026' All India Girls High-Altitude Long Trek Mission launched ?
(A) Mumbai (B) New Delhi (C) Leh (D) Dehradun
Ans: (B) New Delhi
Explanation: The NCC’s Aparajita–Parang La 2026 trek was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 18 August 2026. The mission involved 28 NCC girl cadets on a 250-km high-altitude trek.
Q6. Which river has been granted 'legal person' status by the Madras High Court ?
(A) Cauvery River (B) Vaigai River (C) Tamirabarani River (D) Palar River
Ans: (C) Tamirabarani River
Explanation: The Madras High Court granted legal person status to the Tamirabarani River, giving it legal rights and protection similar to those of a person.
Q7. NABARD launched which platform for rural innovation ?
(A) RSVC-AMRIT (B) NAB-RAJ (C) Rural Innovate India (D) AMRIT-Gram
Ans: (A) RSVC-AMRIT
Explanation: NABARD launched the RSVC-AMRIT platform to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Q8. Who has been re-elected as the President of Zambia for a second five-year term ?
(A) Edgar Lungu (B) Brian Mundubile (C) Hakainde Hichilema (D) Kenneth Kaunda
Ans: (C) Hakainde Hichilema
Explanation: Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected as Zambia’s President for a second five-year term.
Q9. Which company launched two Falcon-9 rockets within just 38 minutes ?
(A) NASA (B) Blue Origin (C) ISRO (D) SpaceX
Ans: (D) SpaceX
Explanation: SpaceX launched two Falcon 9 rockets within a gap of just 38 minutes, demonstrating its rapid launch capability.
Q10. India hosted the 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit. In which country was the summit hosted ?
(A) India (B) Brazil (C) China (D) Russia
Ans: (A) India
Explanation: The 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit was hosted by India, bringing together young representatives to discuss energy cooperation and sustainability.
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Q1. Soumendu Bagchi has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to which country ?
(A) Iraq (B) France (C) Switzerland (D) Germany
Ans: (C) Switzerland
Explanation: Soumendu Bagchi has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Switzerland.
Q2. Which environmentalist from Rajasthan was honored with the international 'Rangeland Restoration Award 2026' ?
(A) Sumer Singh Bhati (B) Marimuthu Yoganathan (C) Jadav Payeng (D) Sunderlal Bahuguna
Ans: (A) Sumer Singh Bhati
Explanation: Sumer Singh Bhati, an environmentalist from Rajasthan, received the Rangeland Restoration Award 2026 for his contribution to rangeland restoration and environmental conservation.
Q3. According to the Hunger Hotspots 2026 report, how many countries are facing severe food crises ?
(A) 10 Countries (B) 11 Countries (C) 13 Countries (D) 15 Countries
Ans: (C) 13 Countries
Explanation: The Hunger Hotspots 2026 report identifies 13 countries facing severe food crises, highlighting areas at high risk of worsening hunger and food insecurity.
Q4. Which rocket is ISRO preparing to use for the launch of the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) Earth observation satellite in September 2026 ?
(A) PSLV-C62 (B) GSLV-F17 (C) LVM3-M7 (D) SSLV-D5
Ans: (B) GSLV-F17
Explanation: ISRO is preparing the GSLV-F17 rocket for the launch of the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) Earth observation satellite in September 2026.
Q5. The Union Cabinet recently approved 410-km railway multitracking projects across how many states ?
(A) 2 States (B) 3 States (C) 4 States (D) 5 States
Ans: (C) 4 States
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved 410-km railway multitracking projects covering 4 states, aimed at improving railway capacity and connectivity.
Q6. Who won the Asian Junior Blitz titles for India ?
(A) Vignesh Vermula and Saranya Devi (B) R. Praggnanandhaa and Divya Deshmukh (C) Arjun Erigaisi and Vaishali Rameshbabu (D) Nihal Sarin and Vantika Agrawal
Ans: (A) Vignesh Vermula and Saranya Devi
Explanation: Vignesh Vermula and Saranya Devi won the Asian Junior Blitz titles for India, showcasing strong performances in the junior chess competition.
Q7. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected as the ___ President of Bangladesh ?
(A) 21st President (B) 22nd President (C) 23rd President (D) 24th President
Ans: (C) 23rd President
Explanation: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected as the 23rd President of Bangladesh.
Q8. In which city was West Bengal's first 'Kaushal Mahotsav' held ?
(A) Kolkata (B) Siliguri (C) Balurghat (D) Durgapur
Ans: (C) Balurghat
Explanation: West Bengal's first Kaushal Mahotsav was held at Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur, on 18 August 2026.
Q9. Who became the world's youngest male Chartered Accountant (CA) at 16 years and 141 days ?
(A) Sudip Meiyappan (B) R. Chandrasekhar (C) Lakshmanan Meyyappan (D) Anand Nagarajan
Ans: (C) Lakshmanan Meyyappan
Explanation: Lakshmanan Meyyappan became the world's youngest male Chartered Accountant at 16 years and 141 days in Dubai. The achievement is recognized by Guinness World Records.
Q10. Sadbhavana Diwas is observed in India every year on which date ?
(A) August 15 (B) August 20 (C) August 21 (D) August 25
Answer: (B) August 20
Explanation: Sadbhavana Diwas is observed every year on 20 August to promote peace, harmony and national integration.
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1. Recently, how did the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh describe the state ?
A. A backward state B. A developed state C. Out of the “BIMARU” state category D. An agricultural state
Ans: C. Out of the “BIMARU” state category
Explanation: The Chief Minister stated that Uttar Pradesh had moved out of the “BIMARU” category, referring to the state's progress in development and economic growth.
2. Recently, on which issue did students stage protests in India ?
A. New Education Policy B. Examination Paper Leak C. Fee Hike D. Reservation
Ans: B. Examination Paper Leak
Explanation: Students protested over allegations and concerns related to examination paper leaks, demanding fair examinations and strict action against those responsible.
3. Recently, India planned to join a fighter jet programme with which country ?
A. USA B. Russia C. France D. Japan
Ans: C. France
Explanation: India has initiated efforts to participate in France’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a next-generation sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme. France is leading the programme, and India’s interest builds on the long-standing defence and aviation cooperation between the two countries, including the Rafale fighter-jet partnership.
4. Recently, which woman pilot completed the Fighter Combat Leader Course ?
A. Avani Chaturvedi B. Bhawana Kanth C. Mohana Singh D. Seema Rao
Ans: B. Bhawana Kanth
Explanation: Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot to complete the Fighter Combat Leader Course, marking an important milestone for women in the Indian Air Force.
5. Recently, which rule related to UPI was clarified ?
A. Charges on all transactions B. Limited charges on certain merchant payments C. Cashback discontinued D. UPI will be discontinued
Ans: B. Limited charges on certain merchant payments
Explanation: The clarification concerned the possibility of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on certain merchant transactions. Ordinary users are not charged for regular UPI payments.
6. Recently, which country proposed imposing a 100% tariff on countries purchasing energy from Russia ?
A. China B. USA C. Germany D. Japan
Ans: B. USA
Explanation: The proposal was aimed at putting additional economic pressure on Russia by targeting countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
7. Recently, which countries signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” ?
A. India–China–Pakistan B. USA–UK–France C. Saudi Arabia–Pakistan–Turkey D. Russia–Iran–China
Ans: C. Saudi Arabia–Pakistan–Turkey
Explanation: The agreement was associated with enhanced defence and security cooperation among the participating countries amid changing regional security conditions.
8. Recently, India officially decided the names of 27 places/geographical features in which state ?
A. Jammu & Kashmir B. Arunachal Pradesh C. Assam D. Nagaland
Ans: B. Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: The Government of India approved official names for 27 geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh as part of efforts concerning the state's geographical and administrative nomenclature.
9. Recently, youths in Jharkhand protested over which issue ?
A. Employment B. Examination/Paper Controversy C. Education Policy D. Electricity Crisis
Ans: B. Examination/Paper Controversy
Explanation: The protests were linked to allegations concerning an examination/question-paper controversy, with students and aspirants demanding transparency and a fair examination process.
10. What is the motto of the Police ?
A. Service is the Highest Duty B. Your Safety, Our Commitment C. Service to the Public D. Rule of Law
Ans: B. Your Safety, Our Commitment
Explanation: The motto “Your Safety, Our Commitment” highlights the police force’s commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining public safety.
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Q1. In which state did the National Security Guard (NSG) launch its first all-women commando course ?
Answer: (b) Haryana
Explanation:: The NSG launched its first Mahila Commando Conversion Course (MCCC) at Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana, on 24 August 2026. The course is a 12-week programme for women personnel from State Police Forces and CAPFs.
Exam Point: NSG First All-Women Commando Course → Manesar, Haryana
Q2. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Lokayukta Institution ?
Answer: (a) Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre
Explanation:: Former Bombay High Court judge Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre was sworn in as the new Chairman of the Maharashtra Lokayukta Institution on 25 August 2026.
Exam Point: Maharashtra Lokayukta Chairman → Justice Sunil Balkrishna Shukre
Q3. Mumbai has been ranked at which position in the IWG 2026 Global Work From Anywhere Index ?
Answer: (c) 50th
Explanation: Mumbai was the only Indian city included in IWG's 2026 Global Work From Anywhere Index and ranked 50th globally, with a score of 77.
Q4. Which state will form the 'Arjun Bahini' disaster-response force with Agniveers ?
Answer: (a) West Bengal
Explanation: The West Bengal Government announced “Arjun Bahini”, a disaster-response force to be formed by recruiting Agniveers. It is being modelled on the NDRF and is expected to become operational in September 2026.
Q5. Which two countries began the 'Eagles of Civilisation 2026' joint air exercise ?
Ans: (b) Egypt and China
Explanation: Egypt and China conducted the joint air exercise “Eagles of Civilisation” in Egypt.
Q6. Which country was removed from the United States' 'State Sponsors of Terrorism' list ?
Ans: (c) Syria
Explanation: On 24 August 2026, the United States formally removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after the required congressional review period.
Q7. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through which pass recently concluded ?
Answer: (a) Nathu La
Explanation: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra currently operates through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim and the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand. Shipki La was being proposed as an additional route, but it was not an approved 2026 Yatra route.
Exam Point: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra → Nathu La Pass, Sikkim
Q8. Where was India's first Non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid launched ?
Ans: (b) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: India's first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed was launched at Musunuru, Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, on 24 August 2026.
Q9. The annual Kousarnag Yatra commenced in which Union Territory ?
Ans: (b) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: The Kousarnag Yatra is an annual pilgrimage to Kausar Nag in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q10. In which state is the Onam festival of 2026 being celebrated ?
Ans: (c) Kerala
Explanation: Onam is the major traditional festival of Kerala. In 2026, Thiruvonam was celebrated on 26 August. Kerala Tourism's official festival calendar also lists Thiruvonam on 26 August 2026.
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