Introduction

Bank and government exam current affairs from August 2026 covered PM Narendra Modi's landmark Central Asia visit and the SCO Summit in Bishkek, India's 80th Independence Day with its "Saptadhara" framework, a wave of new national schemes and infrastructure firsts, and a string of sporting achievements from Praggnanandhaa's chess win to India's 80th Independence Day celebrations. This monthly current affairs Q&A is built specifically for exam preparation: quick, accurate revision instead of another long video to sit through. This roundup covers 70 exam-important questions from August 2026, each followed by four options, the correct answer, and a short explanation with the key facts you need.

National Affairs & Government Schemes

Q1. India's Glow Lake, which recently became the country's 101st Ramsar site, is located in which state?

  • a) Arunachal Pradesh
  • b) Sikkim
  • c) Uttarakhand
  • d) Himachal Pradesh

Answer: a) Arunachal Pradesh

Glow Lake, a high-altitude freshwater lake fed year-round by perennial mountain streams, has been declared India's 101st Ramsar site; it lies within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district. The lake hosts over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species and forms part of the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, making it ecologically significant. Uttar Pradesh's Surha Tal had earlier been named among the 99th Ramsar sites added to India's wetland list.

Q2. The 16th Finance Commission's recommendations led to which two disasters being added to India's list of officially notified natural disasters?

  • a) Heat waves and lightning
  • b) Landslides and cloudbursts
  • c) Cyclones and hailstorms
  • d) Avalanches and drought

Answer: a) Heat waves and lightning

Following the 16th Finance Commission's recommendations, the Central Government has added heat waves and lightning to the list of notified natural disasters, taking the total from 12 to 14. This change will apply from 2026 to 2031 under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, allowing affected states greater financial assistance — previously, heat waves were treated as a local disaster with states capped at using only 10% of their annual SDRF allocation for it.

Q3. What is the primary objective of the PM Surya Sarovar Yojana, approved by the Union Cabinet?

  • a) Setting up floating solar power plants on reservoirs and water bodies
  • b) Installing rooftop solar panels on government buildings
  • c) Building solar-powered irrigation canals
  • d) Establishing solar manufacturing hubs

Answer: a) Setting up floating solar power plants on reservoirs and water bodies

The PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (PMSSY) aims to install floating solar power plants on reservoirs and other water bodies, with a target of developing 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2031 and a budget of ₹570 crore. The scheme will be implemented by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a central public sector enterprise established in 2011 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Q4. The Supreme Court has made a mining buffer zone of how many kilometres mandatory around wetland conservation reserves?

  • a) 10 km
  • b) 5 km
  • c) 15 km
  • d) 20 km

Answer: a) 10 km

The Supreme Court has directed that a 10-km mining buffer zone be made mandatory around all wetland conservation reserves in the country; mining within this zone can only proceed with permission from the National Board for Wildlife and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This move is aimed at strengthening the protection of India's ecologically sensitive wetland areas.

Q5. The proposed Tummidihatti Barrage, at the centre of a dispute between Telangana and Maharashtra, is built on which river?

  • a) Pranhita River
  • b) Godavari River
  • c) Wainganga River
  • d) Wardha River

Answer: a) Pranhita River

The Tummidihatti Barrage is proposed on the Pranhita River — formed by the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers before it merges with the Godavari — with the aim of boosting irrigation in northern Telangana. A dispute persists over the barrage's full reservoir level: Telangana wants a height of 150 metres, while Maharashtra has agreed only up to 148 metres.

Q6. Which state became the first in India to grant women government employees 365 days of paid maternity leave for their third child?

  • a) Tamil Nadu
  • b) Kerala
  • c) Karnataka
  • d) Andhra Pradesh

Answer: a) Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to grant women government employees a full 365 days of paid maternity leave for their third child, up from the earlier 12 weeks (84 days), bringing it in line with the leave given for the first two children. The decision was taken in view of the state's low total fertility rate — under 1.4 — and the fact that roughly 16% of its population is aged 60 or above.

Q7. The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench recently granted "legal personhood" status to which river?

  • a) Tamiraparani River
  • b) Cauvery River
  • c) Vaigai River
  • d) Palar River

Answer: a) Tamiraparani River

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted legal personhood to the Tamiraparani River, meaning the river will now be treated as having legal rights, and action can be taken against anyone who causes it harm. The river originates from the Pothigai Hills and flows through Tamil Nadu.

Q8. Uttar Pradesh's "Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana," launched by CM Yogi Adityanath, offers what benefit?

  • a) Lifetime free bus travel for women aged 60 and above
  • b) Free healthcare for elderly women
  • c) Monthly pension for widows
  • d) Free skill training for women

Answer: a) Lifetime free bus travel for women aged 60 and above

Named after Ahilyabai Holkar and launched by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana offers lifetime free travel on UP Roadways buses — of which the state operates around 14,000 — to women aged 60 or above, with eligibility verified via Aadhaar. The scheme is expected to benefit close to 1 crore women across Uttar Pradesh.

Q9. Bihar's newly launched "Vidya Sathi" scheme provides which facility to students?

  • a) 24x7 free teacher support for 3 lakh students
  • b) Free laptops for college students
  • c) Interest-free education loans
  • d) Free hostel accommodation

Answer: a) 24x7 free teacher support for 3 lakh students

Bihar has launched the "Vidya Sathi" scheme, offering round-the-clock free teacher support to around 3 lakh students, allowing them to get their academic doubts resolved at any time of day. The initiative aims to improve access to academic help, particularly for students who cannot afford private tuition.

Q10. PM Narendra Modi introduced the "Saptadhara" framework in his 80th Independence Day address. What does it refer to?

  • a) Seven streams of national strength to advance India's development
  • b) Seven new welfare schemes for farmers
  • c) A seven-point foreign policy doctrine
  • d) Seven new smart cities

Answer: a) Seven streams of national strength to advance India's development

In his 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort on 15 August 2026, PM Modi outlined the "Saptadhara" framework — seven streams of strength including manufacturing, agriculture and food production, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti, defence, the green and blue economy, and India's soft power — aimed at strengthening production, technology, infrastructure, self-reliance and sustainable development for Viksit Bharat 2047. He also announced plans to train 1 crore youth in AI skills and to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Q11. India's 80th Independence Day in 2026 marked 150 years of which patriotic composition?

  • a) Vande Mataram
  • b) Jana Gana Mana
  • c) Sare Jahan Se Achha
  • d) Saraswati Vandana

Answer: a) Vande Mataram

India's 80th Independence Day, celebrated on 15 August 2026, marked "150 Years of Vande Mataram" — composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay — as one of its major themes, alongside "Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat @2047." PM Modi's address that year was his 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort; Jawaharlal Nehru still holds the record for the most flag hoistings there, at 17.

Q12. The Madras High Court has ordered the creation of elephant corridors between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, starting near which forest area?

  • a) Hosur Forest Division
  • b) Nilgiri Forest Division
  • c) Mudumalai Forest Division
  • d) Anamalai Forest Division

Answer: a) Hosur Forest Division

The Madras High Court has ordered a total of 41 elephant corridors between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to reduce human-elephant conflict along Asian elephant migration routes; as a start, three corridors are being built in the Hosur Forest Division area, beginning from the Cauvery Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Asian elephants are listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

Q13. Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari is being developed in which Indian district?

  • a) Banaskantha, Gujarat
  • b) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
  • c) Kutch, Gujarat
  • d) Bikaner, Rajasthan

Answer: a) Banaskantha, Gujarat

Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari is being developed at Juna Deesa in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, approved by the Central Zoo Authority, spread across roughly 103 hectares at a cost of about ₹5,000 crore. Visitors will be able to experience a desert-like environment and view wildlife at night from inside vehicles.

Q14. India's first Virtual Zoo has been set up in which city?

  • a) Indore
  • b) Bhopal
  • c) Lucknow
  • d) Jaipur

Answer: a) Indore

India's first Virtual Zoo has been established at the Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya (Indore Zoo) in Madhya Pradesh, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Built under a Public-Private Partnership model across roughly 8,000 sq ft at a cost of about ₹4.5 crore, it lets visitors use digital technology to learn about animals and their natural habitats instead of only viewing them in cages.

Q15. India's first high-altitude wildlife safari, allowing tourists to spot snow leopards, is being launched in which union territory?

  • a) Ladakh
  • b) Jammu and Kashmir
  • c) Himachal Pradesh
  • d) Sikkim

Answer: a) Ladakh

India's first high-altitude wildlife safari will be launched in Ladakh, letting tourists view snow leopards and various bird species in their natural habitat via guided open-back jeeps across altitudes of roughly 2,750 to 5,000 metres. The safari's potential routes include Hemis National Park, Changthang, the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Dras, and aims to boost eco-tourism, wildlife conservation and local employment.

Q16. India's first dedicated Quantum and AI university campus is being set up in which city?

  • a) Amaravati
  • b) Hyderabad
  • c) Visakhapatnam
  • d) Bengaluru

Answer: a) Amaravati

India's first dedicated Quantum and Artificial Intelligence university campus is being established in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, where dedicated teaching and research in quantum computing and AI will take place. This positions Amaravati as a key emerging hub for advanced technology education in India.

Defence

Q17. The 15th edition of Exercise Maitree, a bilateral military exercise, was held between India and which country in August 2026?

  • a) Thailand
  • b) Vietnam
  • c) Myanmar
  • d) Indonesia

Answer: a) Thailand

The 15th edition of Exercise Maitree, a bilateral military exercise between India and Thailand, was held in Thailand from 8 to 31 August 2026, with troop contingents from both countries taking part. The exercise's main objective is to improve coordination, cooperation and operational understanding between the two armies for tackling combat-like situations.

Q18. The Sungal Tunnel, built by the Border Roads Organisation, is located in which state/UT and improves connectivity on which route?

  • a) Jammu and Kashmir, connecting Jammu to Rajouri and Poonch
  • b) Himachal Pradesh, connecting Manali to Leh
  • c) Uttarakhand, connecting Rishikesh to Badrinath
  • d) Arunachal Pradesh, connecting Tawang to Bomdila

Answer: a) Jammu and Kashmir, connecting Jammu to Rajouri and Poonch

The Sungal Tunnel, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway (NH-144A) under the Akhnoor-Poonch road, has a total length of 2.79 km and is aimed at improving connectivity between Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch. It is a strategically important road tunnel in a border-sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q19. Exercise Rotor Claw 3, conducted by the Indian Air Force at Pokhran Field Firing Range, focuses on countering which type of threat?

  • a) Enemy drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
  • b) Submarine incursions
  • c) Cyberattacks on defence networks
  • d) Chemical weapon attacks

Answer: a) Enemy drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Exercise Rotor Claw 3, conducted by the Indian Air Force at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, is aimed at strengthening India's Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (Counter-UAS) capability against enemy drone and UAV threats. Through the exercise, the IAF sharpened its ability to identify, engage and neutralise drone threats in real time.

Q20. Exercise Udarshakti 2026, a bilateral air force exercise, was held between India and which country?

  • a) Malaysia
  • b) Singapore
  • c) Indonesia
  • d) Vietnam

Answer: a) Malaysia

Exercise Udarshakti 2026, a bilateral air force exercise between India and Malaysia, was held from 10 to 14 August 2026 in Malaysia, with the Indian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force taking part in joint air combat and operational training. The exercise aims to improve coordination and professional understanding between the two air forces.

Q21. India's first dedicated Department of Military Medicine has been established at which hospital?

  • a) Command Hospital, Central Command, Lucknow
  • b) Army Hospital Research & Referral, Delhi
  • c) Command Hospital, Southern Command, Pune
  • d) Military Hospital, Jalandhar

Answer: a) Command Hospital, Central Command, Lucknow

India's first dedicated Department of Military Medicine has been set up at the Command Hospital, Central Command, in Lucknow, virtually inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Military medicine focuses on soldiers' health, battlefield injuries, and emergency treatment in combat conditions, and the new department will work on military medical research and preparedness for war-like scenarios.

Q22. India is set to receive 100 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles from which country, after 17 years of negotiations?

  • a) USA
  • b) Israel
  • c) France
  • d) Russia

Answer: a) USA

India is set to receive 100 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles from the USA under a Memorandum of Agreement worth $45.7 million, following 17 years of effort by India to acquire the system. The Javelin is a portable, medium-range (about 2.5 km) "fire-and-forget" missile jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, and has previously been used by Ukraine against Russia; 18 countries already possess the system.

Q23. The Indian Army's first Baaz Drone Battalion has been deployed at which location by the 11th Vajra Corps?

  • a) Jalandhar Cantonment
  • b) Amritsar Cantonment
  • c) Pathankot Cantonment
  • d) Ferozepur Cantonment

Answer: a) Jalandhar Cantonment

The Indian Army's 11th Vajra Corps has deployed the country's first Baaz Drone Battalion at Jalandhar Cantonment, a unit that will use drones — including indigenous models alongside advanced systems like Heron and Hermes — for border surveillance and supply operations along the border with Pakistan.

Q24. "Samarthak," India's newly launched multipurpose vessel for the Indian Navy, was built by which company?

  • a) Larsen & Toubro
  • b) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
  • c) Cochin Shipyard
  • d) Garden Reach Shipbuilders

Answer: a) Larsen & Toubro

Samarthak, a multipurpose vessel for the Indian Navy capable of underwater surveys, search operations, launch support and patrolling, has been built by Larsen & Toubro at Kattupalli near Chennai, with the project having started in 2024 and about 75% indigenous content. It follows "Utkarsh," an earlier multipurpose vessel delivered to the Navy in 2025.

Q25. Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was awarded the honorary General rank of which country's army?

  • a) Nepal
  • b) Bhutan
  • c) Bangladesh
  • d) Sri Lanka

Answer: a) Nepal

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has been conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, continuing a special military tradition between India and Nepal dating back to 1950, under which the two countries' army chiefs are made honorary generals of each other's armies as a symbol of their long-standing defence cooperation.

Q26. The India-US Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Exercise 2026, held at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, was which edition?

  • a) 8th edition
  • b) 6th edition
  • c) 10th edition
  • d) 5th edition

Answer: a) 8th edition

The 8th edition of the India-US Navy EOD Exercise was held over five days at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala, concluding on 14 August 2026. EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, referring to the safe detection and neutralisation of bombs, mines and other hazardous explosives, including underwater mines in naval operations.

Q27. India and Vietnam conducted the second edition of their joint coast guard exercise in Chennai in August 2026. What is this exercise called?

[Exercise name flagged for verification — the source audio is unclear; please confirm the official name before publishing.]

  • a) Sahyog-Kaijin
  • b) Varuna
  • c) Malabar
  • d) Sea Vigil

Answer: a) Sahyog-Kaijin

The second edition of the India-Vietnam joint coast guard exercise was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in August 2026, with the Vietnam Coast Guard ship CSB 8002 and a six-member delegation participating. The exercise aims to improve maritime cooperation and joint operational capability between the two countries' coast guards.

Banking, Finance & Economy

Q28. As of 31 July 2026, India's non-fossil fuel power capacity has reached how much, crossing 60% of its 2030 target?

  • a) 300.50 GW
  • b) 250 GW
  • c) 350 GW
  • d) 400 GW

Answer: a) 300.50 GW

India's non-fossil fuel power capacity reached 300.50 GW as of 31 July 2026, more than 60% of the 500 GW target set for 2030, with non-fossil sources now accounting for over 54% of the country's total electricity capacity. This includes solar power at 164.59 GW, wind power at 58.14 GW, and hydro power at 57.24 GW.

Q29. Which state became India's largest sugar-producing state in 2026, producing around 9.92 million tonnes?

  • a) Maharashtra
  • b) Uttar Pradesh
  • c) Karnataka
  • d) Tamil Nadu

Answer: a) Maharashtra

Maharashtra became India's largest sugar-producing state in 2026, producing approximately 9.92 million tonnes (about 99 lakh metric tonnes), while Uttar Pradesh came in second with 8.92 million tonnes. Maharashtra's sugarcane belt continues to be a dominant contributor to India's overall sugar output.

Q30. In the 2026 Work From Anywhere Index, which is India's only city to feature, ranked 50th globally?

  • a) Mumbai
  • b) Bengaluru
  • c) Delhi
  • d) Hyderabad

Answer: a) Mumbai

Mumbai is India's only city featured in the 2026 Work From Anywhere Index, ranked 50th globally. The index, published by the International Workplace Group, ranks cities on how suitable they are as remote-work destinations, with Bangkok topping the list, followed by Tokyo and Barcelona.

Q31. India's first double-decker long-distance container train, launched on 21 August 2026, runs on which route?

  • a) Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal (Mumbai) to Vadodara
  • b) Mumbai to Delhi
  • c) Chennai to Bengaluru
  • d) Kolkata to Guwahati

Answer: a) Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal (Mumbai) to Vadodara

Indian Railways launched a trial double-decker (double-stack) long-distance container train from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Terminal in Mumbai to Vadodara, Gujarat, on 21 August 2026, covering a distance of about 422 km with a weight-carrying capacity of around 392 tonnes. Stacking two containers on a single wagon allows the railway to move significantly more cargo per trip.

Q32. Which port won the Best Port of the Year award (non-categorised category) at the India Maritime Awards 2026?

  • a) Deendayal Port Authority
  • b) VO Chidambaranar Port
  • c) Jawaharlal Nehru Port
  • d) Paradip Port

Answer: a) Deendayal Port Authority

Deendayal Port Authority, located in Gujarat's Kutch district, was honoured with the Best Port of the Year award (non-categorised category) at the India Maritime Awards 2026 for its operational excellence — the port recently set a national record by handling 783,816 metric tonnes of cargo in a single day. Formerly known as Kandla Port, it was renamed in October 2017 in honour of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.

Q33. Which port has become India's first major port to achieve Scope 2 emission-free status?

  • a) VO Chidambaranar Port
  • b) Deendayal Port Authority
  • c) Cochin Port
  • d) Chennai Port

Answer: a) VO Chidambaranar Port

VO Chidambaranar Port, located in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu, has become India's first major port to achieve Scope 2 emission-free status, having sourced 93% of its total electricity consumption from renewable energy in FY 2025-26 through 7 MW of solar and 2 MW of wind capacity. Scope 2 emissions refer to greenhouse gas emissions from electricity purchased from an outside power grid.

Q34. Asia's largest soap factory, set up by Godrej Consumer Products Limited, is located in which industrial area?

  • a) Malanpur Industrial Area, Madhya Pradesh
  • b) Sanand Industrial Area, Gujarat
  • c) Baddi Industrial Area, Himachal Pradesh
  • d) Pantnagar Industrial Area, Uttarakhand

Answer: a) Malanpur Industrial Area, Madhya Pradesh

Godrej Consumer Products Limited has set up Asia's largest soap factory at the Malanpur Industrial Area in Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh, with an investment of over ₹450 crore. The unit can manufacture approximately 4,000 soaps per minute and is expected to generate significant new employment opportunities in the region.

Appointments

Q35. Whose tenure as Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been extended by one year, from 13 August 2026 to 13 August 2027?

  • a) Rahul Navin
  • b) Sanjay Kumar Mishra
  • c) Rahul Rasgotra
  • d) Yogendra Kumar Gupta

Answer: a) Rahul Navin

The Central Government has extended the tenure of Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director Rahul Navin, a 1993-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, by one year, from 13 August 2026 to 13 August 2027. He was made the ED's full-time director in August 2024; the agency, which functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, primarily investigates money laundering and foreign exchange violation cases.

Q36. Who has become the first woman Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its 176-year history?

[Name flagged for verification — please confirm the exact spelling of "Varsha Ashok Aglawe" before publishing.]

  • a) Varsha Ashok Aglawe
  • b) Renu Sharma
  • c) Sushma Rawat
  • d) Anita Bhatnagar

Answer: a) Varsha Ashok Aglawe

Varsha Ashok Aglawe has taken charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), becoming the first woman to hold the post in the organisation's 176-year history, and succeeds Asit Saha. GSI, established in 1851 and headquartered in Kolkata, functions under the Ministry of Mines and is India's premier institution for mineral exploration and geological research.

International Affairs

Q37. Who has been elected as Bangladesh's 23rd President in August 2026?

[Name flagged for verification — please confirm before publishing given the significance of this claim.]

  • a) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
  • b) Sheikh Hasina
  • c) Muhammad Yunus
  • d) Ziaur Rahman

Answer: a) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been elected as Bangladesh's 23rd President, defeating retired Colonel Oli Ahmed in a parliamentary vote held in Dhaka. He succeeds Mohammed Shahabuddin, the 22nd President, who took office in April 2023 and resigned on 24 July 2026 citing health reasons.

Q38. Andras Baka, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was elected President of which European country in August 2026?

[Name flagged for verification — please confirm before publishing.]

  • a) Hungary
  • b) Poland
  • c) Czech Republic
  • d) Slovakia

Answer: a) Hungary

Andras Baka, a former Chief Justice of the country's Supreme Court, has been elected as the new President of Hungary. Hungary is a landlocked European nation and a member of both the European Union and NATO, with Budapest as its capital.

Q39. Abelardo de la Espriella took office as the 36th President of which South American country on 7 August 2026?

[Name flagged for verification — please confirm before publishing.]

  • a) Colombia
  • b) Ecuador
  • c) Peru
  • d) Venezuela

Answer: a) Colombia

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as the 36th President of Colombia on 7 August 2026, for a term running through 2030, pledging tough action against drug trafficking, an end to ongoing peace talks with armed groups, and a 40% reduction in the size of government. Colombia's capital is Bogota.

Q40. A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck which South American country in August 2026, killing over 100 people?

  • a) Colombia
  • b) Ecuador
  • c) Peru
  • d) Chile

Answer: a) Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia in August 2026, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency after more than 100 deaths, around 100 injuries, and over 1,000 damaged buildings, with more than 100 aftershocks recorded. The quake was caused by movement of the Nazca, South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, as Colombia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Q41. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Flores Island in August 2026 struck which country, killing at least 38 people?

  • a) Indonesia
  • b) Philippines
  • c) Papua New Guinea
  • d) Timor-Leste

Answer: a) Indonesia

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Flores Island struck Indonesia in August 2026, killing at least 38 people and damaging numerous homes and buildings. Indonesia, made up of more than 17,000 islands, lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Q42. Romania's first and only nuclear power plant, both of whose reactors were shut down in August 2026 due to drought, is called what?

  • a) Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant
  • b) Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant
  • c) Paks Nuclear Power Plant
  • d) Krsko Nuclear Power Plant

Answer: a) Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant

Both reactors of Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant — the country's first and only nuclear facility — were shut down in August 2026 after low rainfall and rising temperatures caused water levels in the Danube River to drop, compromising the water needed to cool the reactors. As a safety precaution, both units were taken offline; Romania's capital is Bucharest.

Q43. US President Donald Trump has announced renaming Lake Ontario, one of North America's Great Lakes, to what?

  • a) Lake America
  • b) Lake Liberty
  • c) Lake Patriot
  • d) Lake Freedom

Answer: a) Lake America

US President Donald Trump has announced that Lake Ontario — one of the five Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior) straddling the US-Canada border — will be renamed "Lake America" within the United States, though Canada continues to refer to it as Lake Ontario. This follows Trump's earlier renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America"; the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario into the Atlantic Ocean.

Q44. The US launched a sanctions campaign named "Operation Economic Outcast" against which country on 24 August 2026?

  • a) Iran
  • b) North Korea
  • c) Russia
  • d) Venezuela

Answer: a) Iran

The United States launched "Operation Economic Outcast," a sanctions campaign against Iran, on 24 August 2026, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The campaign targets sectors including cryptocurrency, weapons technology, gold, airlines and shipping, and names 60 individuals, entities and ships as part of the sanctions.

Q45. The 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the UNCCD was held in which country in August 2026?

  • a) Mongolia
  • b) Kazakhstan
  • c) Uzbekistan
  • d) Kyrgyzstan

Answer: a) Mongolia

The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026, under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope." The conference brought together member nations to discuss strategies for combating land degradation and desertification worldwide.

Q46. During PM Modi's visit to Uzbekistan in August 2026, both countries agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding on the supply of which resource for India's nuclear power needs?

  • a) Uranium
  • b) Thorium
  • c) Plutonium
  • d) Natural gas

Answer: a) Uranium

During PM Modi's two-day visit to Uzbekistan, which concluded on 30 August 2026 in the capital Tashkent, India and Uzbekistan agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding under which Uzbekistan will supply uranium to India to support its nuclear power development. The two countries also discussed Uzbekistan's National Yoga Federation, India's GIFT City, and a target of growing bilateral trade to around $1 billion annually.

Q47. The 26th edition of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Summit was held in Bishkek. Where is the SCO's headquarters located?

  • a) Beijing
  • b) Moscow
  • c) Astana
  • d) Tashkent

Answer: a) Beijing

The 26th edition of the SCO Summit was hosted in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital, on 31 August 2026, while the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's headquarters is located in Beijing, China. India, Pakistan and Belarus — the organisation's newest member — are among the current member countries attending SCO summits alongside China, Russia and the Central Asian states.

Q48. A flash flood on 26 August 2026 in Nepal's Rasuwa district, caused by an ice and rock fall, was linked to which river?

  • a) Bhotekoshi River
  • b) Trishuli River
  • c) Marsyangdi River
  • d) Kali Gandaki River

Answer: a) Bhotekoshi River

A devastating flash flood struck Nepal's Rasuwa district on 26 August 2026 on the Bhotekoshi River, caused by ice and rock falling near the Lende River, which temporarily dammed the flow before it burst downstream, killing several hundred people. India sent relief material and medicines to Nepal in response to the disaster.

Sports

Q49. East Bengal FC won the 135th Durand Cup 2026 by defeating which team in the final?

  • a) Mohun Bagan Super Giant
  • b) NorthEast United FC
  • c) Diamond Harbour FC
  • d) Bengaluru FC

Answer: a) Mohun Bagan Super Giant

East Bengal FC won the 135th Durand Cup 2026, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final of the tournament, which ran from 25 July to 23 August 2026 with 24 participating teams. This was East Bengal's 17th Durand Cup title, drawing them level with Mohun Bagan for the most titles in the competition, which was first held in 1888 and is Asia's oldest football tournament.

Q50. Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the Esports World Cup Chess 2026 title for a second consecutive time. Where was the tournament held?

  • a) Paris, France
  • b) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • c) Oslo, Norway
  • d) London, England

Answer: a) Paris, France

Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the Esports World Cup Chess 2026 title for the second year running, this time in Paris, France, defeating Belarus's Denis 2-0 in the final without losing a single game across the tournament. The first edition of this competition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025, also won by Carlsen.

Q51. At the BWF World Championship 2026, held in New Delhi, what was India's rank in the medal tally?

  • a) 6th
  • b) 4th
  • c) 8th
  • d) 10th

Answer: a) 6th

India finished 6th in the medal tally at the BWF World Championship 2026, held from 17 to 23 August 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. India's Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won a bronze medal in women's doubles — the country's only medal of the tournament — while South Korea topped the overall medal tally.

Q52. Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record in which event on 23 August 2026?

  • a) Half marathon
  • b) 10,000m
  • c) Marathon
  • d) 5,000m

Answer: a) Half marathon

Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record in the half marathon on 23 August 2026, completing the roughly 21 km race in 56 minutes and 51 seconds. The achievement marked a significant milestone in long-distance running for the year.

Q53. R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win which prestigious chess title in August 2026?

  • a) Grand Chess Tour
  • b) World Rapid Chess Championship
  • c) Candidates Tournament
  • d) World Cup Chess

Answer: a) Grand Chess Tour

R Praggnanandhaa, a Grandmaster from Chennai, became the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, defeating Fabiano Caruana in the final held at the Saint Louis Chess Club in the USA and earning $200,000 in prize money. The tour is organised by FIDE, whose interim president at the time was Viswanathan Anand — the first Indian to win the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Q54. Indian squash player Velavan Senthil Kumar won the Budapest Open 2026, marking his first title of which level on the PSA Tour?

  • a) PSA Copper level
  • b) PSA Gold level
  • c) PSA Platinum level
  • d) PSA Silver level

Answer: a) PSA Copper level

Velavan Senthil Kumar, an Indian professional squash player, won the Budapest Open 2026 in Hungary, defeating Balazs in the final — his first PSA Copper-level title and his 11th PSA squash tour title overall. Squash is a racket sport played in a four-walled court where players strike the ball against the front wall.

Q55. Brazil will host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 for the first time. Over what dates will it be held?

  • a) 24 June to 25 July 2027
  • b) 1 June to 15 July 2027
  • c) 10 July to 15 August 2027
  • d) 1 August to 30 August 2027

Answer: a) 24 June to 25 July 2027

Brazil will host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 for the first time, with the tournament scheduled from 24 June to 25 July 2027 and featuring 32 participating teams. This marks a significant milestone for South American football as the region's first hosting of the women's tournament.

Awards, Recognition & Research

Q56. "Trophy of the Indian Republic: My Life My Struggles," an autobiography launched by PM Modi, belongs to which former President?

  • a) Ram Nath Kovind
  • b) Pranab Mukherjee
  • c) Pratibha Patil
  • d) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Answer: a) Ram Nath Kovind

PM Narendra Modi launched former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, "Trophy of the Indian Republic: My Life My Struggles," at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Born in October 1945 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kovind served as Governor of Bihar (2015-2017) and became India's 14th President on 25 July 2017, serving until 25 July 2022; the book traces his journey from an ordinary family background to the country's highest constitutional office.

Q57. A 19-year-old law student from Kerala won the Miss Universe India 2026 title, becoming the first woman from her state to do so.

[Winner's name flagged for verification — the source audio transliteration is unclear; please confirm the exact spelling before publishing.]

  • a) A contestant from Kerala
  • b) A contestant from Tamil Nadu
  • c) A contestant from Karnataka
  • d) A contestant from Maharashtra

Answer: a) A contestant from Kerala

A 19-year-old law student from Kerala won the Miss Universe India 2026 title at the final held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, beating 52 other contestants and becoming the first woman from Kerala to win the crown. She will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition, scheduled to be held in Puerto Rico in November 2026.

Q58. Former Indian footballer I Arumainayagam was honoured with the Lifetime category of the Arjuna Award as part of the National Sports Awards 2025, announced on 18 August 2026. He was part of which historic team?

[Name flagged for verification — please confirm the spelling "I Arumainayagam" before publishing.]

  • a) India's gold-medal-winning football team at the 1962 Asian Games
  • b) India's 1975 Hockey World Cup-winning team
  • c) India's 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning team
  • d) India's 1980 Moscow Olympics hockey team

Answer: a) India's gold-medal-winning football team at the 1962 Asian Games

Former Indian footballer I Arumainayagam, who was part of India's gold-medal-winning football team at the 1962 Asian Games, was honoured with the Lifetime category of the Arjuna Award as part of the National Sports Awards 2025, announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 18 August 2026. The Arjuna Award, which began in 1961, is given for sustained excellent performance and carries a cash prize of ₹15 lakh along with a bronze statuette and certificate.

Q59. Renowned violinist Dr. L Subramaniam, who received India's Padma Vibhushan in 2025, was recently honoured with which country's highest state honour?

  • a) Sri Lanka
  • b) Singapore
  • c) Malaysia
  • d) Indonesia

Answer: a) Sri Lanka

Dr. L Subramaniam, the celebrated Indian violinist awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2025, has been conferred Sri Lanka's highest state honour by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in recognition of his contribution to Indian classical music, global fusion music, and India-Sri Lanka cultural ties. He had earlier received the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2001.

Q60. PM Narendra Modi was conferred the "Order of Oliy Darajali Do'stlik," Uzbekistan's highest state honour, during his August 2026 visit. This marked his how-manyeth honour by a country's highest civilian award?

[Award name flagged for verification — please confirm the exact official English transliteration before publishing.]

  • a) 35th
  • b) 30th
  • c) 40th
  • d) 25th

Answer: a) 35th

PM Narendra Modi was honoured with the "Order of Oliy Darajali Do'stlik," Uzbekistan's highest state award, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit to Tashkent in August 2026 — marking the 35th time he has received a country's highest civilian honour, out of 36 total international awards received overall. Modi remains the only Indian PM to have visited all five Central Asian countries, having done so in 2015.

Q61. Over 13,000 tribal women and girl students set a Guinness World Record for the largest performance of which traditional folk dance?

  • a) Dhimsa
  • b) Bihu
  • c) Garba
  • d) Chhau

Answer: a) Dhimsa

More than 13,000 tribal women and girl students set a Guinness World Record for the largest performance of the Dhimsa folk dance, a traditional dance of Andhra Pradesh's tribal communities — including the Bagata, Valmiki, Kondadora and Gadaba tribes — performed mainly in the Araku Valley and Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The dance involves women forming circles with linked arms while men play traditional instruments like the dhol and mori (flute).

Q62. The Geological Survey of India's first comprehensive catalogue of Lepidoptera, prepared over roughly 12 years, recorded how many species of butterflies and moths in India?

  • a) 13,703
  • b) 10,500
  • c) 15,200
  • d) 8,900

Answer: a) 13,703

The Geological Survey of India has prepared the country's first comprehensive catalogue of Lepidoptera — the insect group comprising butterflies and moths — recording a total of 13,703 species after roughly 12 years of research. This landmark catalogue provides a foundational reference for future biodiversity research in India.

Q63. India's first Soil Texture Map was developed by which institution?

  • a) National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP)
  • b) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
  • c) Indian Institute of Soil Science
  • d) National Remote Sensing Centre

Answer: a) National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP)

The National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) has developed India's first Soil Texture Map, using field studies, satellite imagery, remote sensing and artificial intelligence to determine the proportion of sand, silt and clay in soils across the country. The map will help farmers select suitable crops for their soil type and assist the government in agricultural planning.

Q64. Lakshman Meppan set a Guinness World Record for the world's youngest male Chartered Accountant at what age?

  • a) 16 years 170 days
  • b) 15 years 200 days
  • c) 17 years 50 days
  • d) 18 years

Answer: a) 16 years 170 days

Lakshman Meppan achieved a Guinness World Record for the world's youngest male Chartered Accountant at the age of 16 years and 170 days, in Dubai, UAE, after beginning his ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) studies at just 15. He currently works as a Senior Research Analyst at Century Financial in Dubai.

Important Days

Q65. National Handloom Day, observed on 7 August every year, commemorates the anniversary of which movement?

  • a) Swadeshi Movement
  • b) Quit India Movement
  • c) Non-Cooperation Movement
  • d) Salt Satyagraha

Answer: a) Swadeshi Movement

National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August, marking the anniversary of the Swadeshi Movement, which began on 7 August 1905 and aimed to boycott foreign goods in favour of Indian-made products. The observance, started by PM Modi in 2015, promotes India's handloom weaving heritage and the artisans who sustain it.

Q66. Hiroshima Day, observed on 6 August, commemorates the atomic bombing of the Japanese city by which name of bomb?

  • a) Little Boy
  • b) Fat Man
  • c) Trinity
  • d) Ivy Mike

Answer: a) Little Boy

Hiroshima Day is observed on 6 August every year to mark the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by the United States on 6 August 1945 using a bomb named "Little Boy," dropped from the B-29 bomber Enola Gay. Three days later, on 9 August 1945, a second bomb named "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki, after which Japan surrendered; 2026 marks 81 years since the bombings.

Q67. International Youth Day, observed on 12 August, carried which theme in 2026?

  • a) Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
  • b) Transforming Education
  • c) Green Skills for Youth
  • d) Youth Building Peace

Answer: a) Different Contexts, Common Aspirations

International Youth Day is observed globally on 12 August, a day recognised by the United Nations in 1999 and first celebrated in 2000, to raise awareness about issues affecting young people and their role in societal development. The 2026 theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," reflects how youth across different social and geographic settings share similar aspirations for education, employment and opportunity.

Q68. World Sanskrit Day, observed on 28 August 2026, coincided with which Hindu festival?

  • a) Shravan Purnima
  • b) Guru Purnima
  • c) Buddha Purnima
  • d) Kartik Purnima

Answer: a) Shravan Purnima

World Sanskrit Day, observed on 28 August 2026, coincided with Shravan Purnima and is dedicated to promoting the Sanskrit language; it was first celebrated in 1969 by the Ministry of Education. India's first Sanskrit newspaper, "Sudharma," was published in Mysuru, and prominent Sanskrit scholars associated with the day include Panini, Aryabhata and Charaka.

Q69. National Sports Day, celebrated on 29 August, marks the birth anniversary of which hockey legend?

  • a) Major Dhyan Chand
  • b) Balbir Singh Sr.
  • c) Dhanraj Pillay
  • d) K.D. Singh Babu

Answer: a) Major Dhyan Chand

National Sports Day is celebrated on 29 August to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, born in 1905 in present-day Prayagraj and known as the "Wizard of Hockey," who helped India win Olympic hockey gold at the 1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles and 1936 Berlin Games. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and wrote the autobiography "Goal"; the country's highest sporting honour, earlier called the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.

Q70. India's National Space Day, observed on 23 August, commemorates the successful landing of which mission on the Moon?

  • a) Chandrayaan-3
  • b) Chandrayaan-2
  • c) Mangalyaan
  • d) Aditya-L1

Answer: a) Chandrayaan-3

National Space Day is observed on 23 August every year to commemorate Chandrayaan-3's successful soft landing on the Moon on 23 August 2023, with the day first celebrated in 2024 after being announced by PM Modi. The 2026 theme was "Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership."

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Conclusion & Summary

August 2026 was a landmark month for India's diplomatic outreach across Central Asia and the SCO, a wave of infrastructure and conservation firsts from Ladakh's high-altitude safari to Amaravati's Quantum-AI campus, and standout sporting performances from R Praggnanandhaa's historic Grand Chess Tour win to India's medal-winning showing at the BWF World Championships. Bookmark this monthly current affairs page for quick revision before your bank or government exam, and check back for the next monthly roundup.