Daily current affairs for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway and all competitive exams
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Topic-wise Current Affairs
August 2026 — 13 Categories
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAY-U) continues with Phase-2 focus on completing sanctioned affordable housing units. The mission provides credit-linked subsidy and direct beneficiary transfer for EWS, LIG, and MIG categories. India targets "Housing for All."
Exam Tip: PMAY-U: Launched June 25, 2015. Phase 1 target: 1.12 crore houses. Phase 2: Expanded target + increased subsidy. EWS: Economically Weaker Section. LIG: Lower Income Group. 3 components: BLC, AHP, CLSS. Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) mobilises rural poor women into Self Help Groups (SHGs). India has 90+ million SHG members, world's largest. SHG-Bank linkage provides credit for income generation activities.
Exam Tip: DAY-NRLM: Launched 2011 (replaced SGSY). 10 crore+ women in SHGs. NABARD SHG-BLP: Self Help Group Bank Linkage Programme. Lakhpati Didi target: 3 crore women earning ₹1 lakh+/year. Ministry of Rural Development.
Khelo India scheme continues developing sports infrastructure, identifying grassroots talent, and running Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), University Games, and Winter Games. India targets Top-10 at 2028 Olympics through systematic talent pipeline.
Exam Tip: Khelo India: Merged Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan + Urban Sports Infrastructure + National Sports Talent Contest. KIYG: Annual multi-sport event for under-18. 1,000 Khelo India athletes get ₹5 lakh/year stipend. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026. The Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort (Lal Qila), Delhi. The speech reviews government achievements and announces new initiatives. National flags are hoisted across the country.
Exam Tip: Independence Day: August 15 (since 1947). First flag unfurled: PM Jawaharlal Nehru at Red Fort. PM's speech: National security, development goals, welfare schemes. 2026 = 80th Independence Day. Tryst with Destiny speech: Nehru at Constituent Assembly.
August 9 marks the Quit India Movement Anniversary (1942). Mahatma Gandhi gave the "Do or Die" call at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Mumbai. The movement demanded immediate end of British rule. August Kranti Diwas is observed as National Remembrance Day.
Exam Tip: Quit India Movement: August 8-9, 1942. AICC Bombay Resolution. Gandhiji's slogan: "Do or Die" / "Karo Ya Maro." August Kranti Maidan: Mumbai. Key leaders: Gandhi, Nehru, Patel arrested immediately. Underground movement: Aruna Asaf Ali, Jayaprakash Narayan.
August 14 is observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (since 2021) to honour the victims of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. An estimated 1-2 million people died and 10-20 million were displaced during the largest mass migration in history.
Exam Tip: Partition Day: August 14, 2021 — Modi announced as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. Partition: 1947 (India-Pakistan). Radcliffe Line: Drawn by Cyril Radcliffe. Boundary Commission Report: August 17, 1947. Punjab + Bengal partitioned.
India-USA Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership covers defence (iCET initiative on critical technology), trade ($200+ billion bilateral trade), immigration (H-1B, student visas), Indo-Pacific security (Quad), and climate cooperation. The partnership is India's most comprehensive bilateral relationship.
Exam Tip: India-USA: Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership (2016, updated 2023). iCET: Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology. GSOMIA, LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA: Defence agreements. Quad: India+USA+Japan+Australia. India is 7th largest trading partner of USA.
India and Japan have a Special Strategic and Global Partnership with $42 billion Japanese investment commitments in India. Japan funds bullet train (Mumbai-Ahmedabad), metro projects, semiconductor investment, and collaborates on defence (Japan-India Maritime Exercise JIMEX).
Exam Tip: India-Japan: Special Strategic and Global Partnership (2014). Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSRC: First bullet train in India. Japanese investment: ₹3.2 lakh crore. JIMEX: Japan-India Maritime Exercise. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: Defence + Foreign Ministers.
India's Neighbourhood First Policy prioritises relations with SAARC neighbours (Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan). India provides development assistance, power connectivity (hydropower from Bhutan, Nepal), and disaster relief.
Exam Tip: Neighbourhood First: PM Modi doctrine. SAARC: 8 members (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan). BBIN: Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal corridor. India-Bhutan: Hydropower (over 1,400 MW). India-Nepal: Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950).
NSO releases Q1 (April-June 2026) GDP growth estimate for FY2026-27. India maintains 7%+ growth trajectory, outpacing all major economies. Manufacturing, services (IT, financial services), and infrastructure spending drive growth.
Exam Tip: India GDP: ~$4.1 trillion nominal (2026 estimate). 5th largest economy. Targeting $5 trillion by FY2028. Growth drivers: Services (55% of GDP), Manufacturing (25%), Agriculture (15-17%). Fastest growing major economy for 3rd consecutive year.
India's 5G rollout accelerates with 5G coverage in 700+ districts. BharatNet targets optical fibre connectivity to all gram panchayats. India Semiconductor Mission drives chip self-sufficiency. AI adoption in banking, healthcare, and agriculture is incentivised.
Exam Tip: Digital India: Launched July 2015. 5G: India launched October 1, 2022. 5G subscribers: 150+ million (2024). BharatNet: 6 lakh km+ fiber laid. Digital India target: $1 trillion digital economy by 2025-26.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee's August meeting is a critical policy juncture. With monsoon progress, Q1 FY2027 GDP, global oil prices, and Fed rate action as key inputs, the MPC calibrates repo rate for the October-March period.
Exam Tip: MPC: 6-member committee. RBI Governor (Chairperson) + 3 RBI officials + 3 external members (Central Government-appointed). Meetings: 6 times/year minimum. Decision: Majority vote, Governor casts deciding vote in tie.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has opened 53+ crore accounts with ₹2.3+ lakh crore deposits. "Zero balance" stigma eliminated; average deposit has grown. RuPay debit cards, overdraft facility (₹10,000), and micro-insurance bundled with accounts.
Exam Tip: PMJDY: Launched August 28, 2014. World's largest financial inclusion scheme. 53 crore+ accounts. ₹2.3+ lakh crore deposits. RuPay cards: 34+ crore issued. Overdraft: ₹10,000. Insurance: ₹2 lakh accident + ₹30,000 life cover.
The Vice President of India is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament (not State Assemblies, unlike Presidential election). The VP is ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha. Current VP: Jagdeep Dhankhar (elected August 2022).
Exam Tip: VP: Article 63-71. Election: Electoral College = Elected + Nominated members of both Houses (NOT state assemblies). Term: 5 years. Removal: Resolution of RS (14 days notice) agreed by LS. VP becomes Acting President when President unable. Rajya Sabha: Article 89.
The National Sports Day (August 29 — birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, hockey wizard) is when sports awards are conferred by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Khel Ratna (₹25 lakh), Arjuna (₹15 lakh), Dronacharya, and Dhyan Chand Awards are presented.
Exam Tip: National Sports Day: August 29 (Dhyan Chand birth anniversary). Dhyan Chand: "Hockey Wizard." Won 3 Olympic golds (1928, 1932, 1936). Khel Ratna renamed after him (2021). Manu Bhaker first woman shooter with 2 medals in single Olympics (Paris 2024).
Indian films participate in Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Tokyo International Film Festival. Regional cinema (Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali) increasingly receives international recognition. India's Oscar submission from National Film Development Corporation for Best International Feature Film.
Exam Tip: India Oscar submission: Selected by Film Federation of India (FFI). India's Oscar wins: None in competitive categories. Nominations: Lagaan (2001), Mother India (1957), Salaam Bombay (1988). First Indian Oscar: Bhanu Athaiya (Costume Design, Gandhi, 1983).
ISRO progresses on Chandrayaan-4, India's first lunar sample return mission. The mission involves multiple complex maneuvers: lander on Moon, robotic arm sample collection, ascent module, and Earth-return capsule. Target launch: 2027-2028.
Exam Tip: Chandrayaan-4: Lunar sample return. Two launches needed. Mission: Collect 3 kg lunar soil, return to Earth. Chandrayaan-3: Soft-landed August 23, 2023 (Vikram lander + Pragyan rover). India = 4th country to soft-land on Moon (after USSR, USA, China).
Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission, continues operations at the L1 Lagrange point (1.5 million km from Earth). The satellite's VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph) and other payloads study solar corona, solar wind, and space weather.
Exam Tip: Aditya-L1: Launched September 2, 2023. Reached L1: January 6, 2024. L1 = Lagrange Point 1 (uninterrupted sun view, Sun-Earth gravitational equilibrium). 7 payloads. VELC: studies solar corona. Solar wind data helps understand space weather affecting satellites.
IndiaAI Mission (₹10,372 crore) progresses with procurement of 10,000+ GPUs for AI compute infrastructure. AI-ready datasets for agriculture, healthcare, and governance are curated. AI startups receive equity funding through IndiaAI Startup Fund.
Exam Tip: IndiaAI Mission: Approved March 2024. Budget: ₹10,372 crore over 5 years. 10,000+ GPUs compute target. NASSCOM: AI industry body. AI applications: Kisan Sarathi (agriculture), AI health diagnostics, AI courts translation. MeitY leads.
The third batch of Agniveers (under Agnipath scheme) completes 6-month basic military training. Agniveers serve for 4 years; 25% are retained as permanent soldiers. The scheme has trained soldiers for Army, Navy, and Air Force separately.
Exam Tip: Agnipath: Launched June 2022. 4-year service. 25% retention as Agniveer-Sepoy. SEVA nidhi: ₹11.71 lakh lump-sum at exit. Age: 17.5-21 years (23 for 2022 exception). Three services: Army (Agniveer), Navy (Agniveer), IAF (Agniveer Vayu).
India's defence budget for FY2026-27 is approximately ₹7 lakh crore (5th-6th largest globally, ~2% of GDP). Capital expenditure (new weapons procurement) vs revenue expenditure (salaries, maintenance) balance is monitored. India targets 50%+ capital from domestic procurement.
Exam Tip: India defence budget: ~₹6.2 lakh crore (2024-25). ~2% GDP. Capital expenditure: 27-28%. Domestic procurement policy: 50%+ of capital procurement from domestic. Private sector participation: 25% of defence procurement. Tata, L&T, BEL, HAL lead.
India advances toward its 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030. Solar capacity crosses 100 GW (March 2024), with wind adding 45+ GW. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu lead solar/wind capacity. National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 5 million MT by 2030.
Exam Tip: India RE targets: 500 GW non-fossil by 2030 (NDC). Solar: 100+ GW (March 2024). Wind: 45+ GW. Total installed: ~200 GW RE. International Solar Alliance (ISA): India co-founded. Green Hydrogen: 5 MT/year target. PLI for solar cells: ₹19,500 crore.
India reaffirms its NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) targets: 45% reduction in emission intensity (per unit GDP) by 2030 vs 2005 levels; 50% non-fossil electricity by 2030; Net Zero by 2070. India advocates for "climate justice" for developing nations.
Exam Tip: India NDC: 45% emission intensity reduction (2030 vs 2005); 50% non-fossil capacity. Net Zero: 2070 (not 2050 like EU/USA). Paris Agreement Article 2: 1.5°C target. CBAM: EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affects Indian exports.
India dominates Asian cricket through the Asia Cup and participates in ICC events (Test, ODI World Cups). Indian cricket under BCCI generates 70% of global cricket revenue. T20 cricket expansion and WPL (Women's Premier League) mark new frontiers.
Exam Tip: BCCI: Board of Control for Cricket in India. India ICC titles: T20 World Cup (2007, 2024), ODI World Cup (1983, 2011), Champions Trophy (2002, 2013). WPL: Women's Premier League (started 2023). IPL: Revenue ~₹10,000 crore/year.
India's para-athletes continue excellence following 29 medals at Paris Paralympics 2024 (7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze) — best-ever performance. TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) supports para-athletes. Blind cricket and deaf cricket also progress internationally.
Exam Tip: Paris Paralympics 2024: India 29 medals (7G+9S+13B), 18th overall. Previous best: Tokyo 2020 (19 medals). Javid Ahmad Dar: Gold (shooting). Sumit Antil: Gold (javelin). Nishad Kumar: Silver (high jump). SAI TOPS scheme covers para-athletes.
NITI Aayog releases the India Innovation Index ranking states on innovation capacity, ecosystem, and outcomes. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat consistently rank as Innovation Achievers. The index aligns with Global Innovation Index (GII) framework.
Exam Tip: India Innovation Index: By NITI Aayog. States ranked: Innovation Achievers, Aspiring Leaders, Emerging Innovation Hubs, Aspirants. India GII rank: 40 (2024). DIPP Patent Index tracks patent filings. India patent filings crossing 90,000+ annually.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 (released January 2026) is studied in August as a reference document for mid-year policy corrections. Key themes: Structural transformation, gig economy formalisation, rural income growth, and trade diversification away from China.
Exam Tip: Economic Survey: Released a day before Union Budget. Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) prepares. 2 volumes: Economic Overview + Statistical Appendix. CEA: V. Anantha Nageswaran (2022–). India trade target: $2 trillion by FY2030 (merch + services).
India co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) with Yugoslavia (Tito), Egypt (Nasser), and Ghana (Nkrumah). The 1st NAM Summit was in Belgrade (1961). India hosted the 7th NAM Summit in New Delhi (1983). In a multipolar world, NAM's relevance is debated.
Exam Tip: NAM: Founded 1961 (Belgrade Conference). India: Nehru (co-founder). Principles: Bandung Conference 10 principles + Panchsheel (1954). 120+ member states. 4th NAM Summit: Algiers 1973. India hosted 7th: 1983 New Delhi.
India is among the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, having deployed 260,000+ troops across 50+ missions. India advocates for UNSC reform (G4), UN development agenda alignment with SDGs, and ICT governance through ITU.
Exam Tip: UN Peacekeeping: India largest troops contributor. 6,000+ peacekeepers deployed. India UN contributions: 0.83% of regular budget (2022-24 scale). UN 6 principal organs: GA, SC, ECOSOC, ICJ, Secretariat, Trusteeship (dormant). India in G4 for UNSC reform.