26 August 2026 – Most Important Current Affairs

National Affairs

1. Former CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Reveals PM Modi Gave “Complete Freedom of Action” Before Operation Sindoor

Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the military “complete freedom of action” before Operation Sindoor, telling them to decide the timing while ensuring no scope for failure. Speaking in New Delhi on 26 August, Chauhan said the political decision that perpetrators of the terror attack would not be spared was conveyed by PM Modi in his Patna speech on 24 April.

Expected Question: Former CDS Gen Anil Chauhan said PM Modi gave the military what kind of freedom before Operation Sindoor?
Answer: Complete freedom of action

2. Amit Shah: “India Is Not a Dharamshala”; Vows to Make Country Infiltrator-Free

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on 26 August 2026, issued a stern message against illegal infiltration, saying “India is not a Dharamshala” and asserting that the Modi government will make the country “infiltrator-free in a very short time”. He also announced that there will be 100% implementation of the three new criminal laws within the next one year to ensure faster disposal of cases up to the Supreme Court within three years and a 25% rise in conviction rates.

Expected Question: Which Union Minister said “India is not a Dharamshala” and vowed to make the country infiltrator-free?
Answer: Amit Shah (Union Home Minister)

3. India Rejects “Politically Motivated, Malicious” UN CERD Observations on Rights Record

On 26 August 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected observations by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on India’s human rights record, calling them “politically motivated” and “highly malicious”. India had participated in the review in a “spirit of constructive engagement”, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta leading the delegation and rejecting unsubstantiated allegations while highlighting constitutional safeguards.

Expected Question: India rejected “politically motivated” observations on its rights record from which UN committee?
Answer: UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

4. India Signs $45.7 Million Deal to Buy US Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles

The Indian Army signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to procure Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems from the United States under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, in a deal valued at approximately $45.7 million. The Javelin is already in service with the US Army, US Marine Corps and several international customers, and is manufactured by the Javelin Joint Venture (RTX and Lockheed Martin).

Expected Question: India signed a $45.7 million deal to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles from which country?
Answer: United States

5. Delhi Logs 138 Fresh H1N1 Cases; Total Tally Reaches 2,446

Delhi recorded 138 fresh H1N1 (swine flu) cases on 26 August 2026, taking the total tally to 2,446. Health authorities intensified surveillance and awareness campaigns as the city grappled with a seasonal spike in influenza-like illnesses.

Expected Question: On 26 August 2026, Delhi reported how many fresh H1N1 cases in a single day?
Answer: 138

6. FSSAI Issues Notices to JW Marriott and Andaz Over Hygiene Issues

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notices to JW Marriott and Andaz hotels over alleged hygiene lapses. The action came as part of stricter enforcement of food safety norms in high-end hospitality establishments.

Expected Question: Which regulatory body issued notices to JW Marriott and Andaz hotels over hygiene issues?
Answer: FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

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International Affairs and Defence

7. Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Colombia; Some Buildings Evacuated in Bogota

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Colombia just before noon on 26 August 2026, prompting evacuations of some buildings in Bogota. The country’s geological service reported no major damage so far, but the event highlighted seismic risks in the region.

Expected Question: A magnitude 5.1 earthquake on 26 August 2026 struck which South American country?
Answer: Colombia

8. Iran and Oman Still Working on Strait of Hormuz Accord

Iran and Oman continued negotiations on a security and cooperation accord for the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to stabilise the strategically vital waterway amid regional tensions. The talks are being watched closely by global energy markets.

Expected Question: Iran and Oman were negotiating a security accord for which strategic waterway in August 2026?
Answer: Strait of Hormuz

9. Piyush Goyal to Visit US for G20 Trade Ministers’ Meet in September

Union Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit the United States in September 2026 to attend the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting. The visit is part of India’s broader engagement on global trade, investment and economic governance.

Expected Question: Piyush Goyal is scheduled to visit the US in September 2026 for which G20 meeting?
Answer: G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting

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Economy, Science and Technology

10. Adani Energy Solutions Wins ₹4,700 Crore Transmission Project in Maharashtra

Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) won a ₹4,700 crore transmission project on 26 August 2026 for evacuating 4,500 MW of renewable energy generated in Karnataka to major load centres in Maharashtra. The project was secured through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) and will also support pumped storage development in Satara, Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Expected Question: Adani Energy Solutions won a ₹4,700 crore transmission project to evacuate renewable power from which state to Maharashtra?
Answer: Karnataka

11. India–Japan Deepen Startup and Deep-Tech Cooperation

At the India–Japan Startup Roundtable in Tokyo on 26 August 2026, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with nearly 2.5 lakh startups established over the last decade. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in deep-tech, AI, semiconductors and cross-border investment.

Expected Question: At the India–Japan Startup Roundtable, Piyush Goyal said India has nearly how many lakh startups?
Answer: 2.5 lakh

12. Stock Markets: Sensex and Nifty Gain on IT Rally; Positive Global Cues

Indian stock markets rebounded on 26 August 2026, with Sensex and Nifty closing higher led by a rally in IT stocks and positive global cues. The recovery came after volatile sessions earlier in the week, with investors tracking global tech earnings and domestic macro data.

Expected Question: On 26 August 2026, Indian stock markets were led higher primarily by which sector?
Answer: IT (Information Technology)

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State and Regional Affairs

13. Punjab Women to Receive Third Instalment of Mavan-Dhiyan Satikar Scheme on Rakhi (28 Aug)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on 26 August that the third instalment of financial assistance under the ‘Mavan-Dhiyan Satikar Scheme’ will be credited to eligible women’s bank accounts on Rakhi, 28 August 2026. Families currently receiving ₹3,000 or ₹4,500 will continue to get the benefit, and newly eligible beneficiaries registered in August will also be covered.

Expected Question: Punjab announced that the third instalment of the Mavan-Dhiyan Satikar Scheme will be credited on which festival?
Answer: Rakhi

14. Punjab Govt Employees’ Strike on 27 Aug: Offices, Sewa Kendras, Buses Likely Affected

Punjab government employees and pensioners called a statewide strike and mass casual leave on 27 August 2026 to press for pending demands, including Dearness Allowance (DA) dues. The strike was expected to affect offices, Sewa Kendras, buses and other services across the state.

Expected Question: Punjab government employees called a statewide strike on 27 August 2026 primarily over pending dues of which allowance?
Answer: Dearness Allowance (DA)

15. Chhattisgarh Launches India’s First Official State Hockey League

Chhattisgarh launched India’s first official state-level franchise hockey league on 26 August 2026, with six teams set to compete. Deputy CM and Sports Minister Arun Sao said each team will have 22 players, including four national/international-level players from outside the state and 18 from Chhattisgarh, to create a platform for local talent.

Expected Question: Which state launched India’s first official state-level franchise hockey league in August 2026?
Answer: Chhattisgarh

16. UNESCO Launches “Kickstart Her Future” for Girls’ Sports in India

On 26 August 2026, UNESCO convened a roundtable in New Delhi on advancing safe and inclusive sport for adolescent girls in India, launching the “Kickstart Her Future” initiative with partner Nike. The programme targets girls aged 11–17 and aims to build a safer, more inclusive sports ecosystem.

Expected Question: UNESCO launched the “Kickstart Her Future” initiative in partnership with which global sportswear brand?
Answer: Nike

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Sports and Important Days

17. Rahul Dravid: Recovering India Can Still Qualify for WTC Final

Former India captain Rahul Dravid, on 26 August 2026, expressed confidence that India can still qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final despite a slow start. After a 165-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, India’s points percentage improved to 53.33%, placing them fifth in the standings with seven Tests remaining, including five at home against Australia.

Expected Question: After the first Test win over Sri Lanka in Galle, India’s WTC points percentage improved to what value?
Answer: 53.33%

18. Devdutt Padikkal Named Player of the Series in India’s 1–0 Win Over Sri Lanka

Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal was named Player of the Series as India secured a 1–0 Test series win over Sri Lanka in August 2026. Padikkal scored 328 runs in two Tests, including two centuries, though the second Test in Colombo ended in a draw after Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha scored an unbeaten 133.

Expected Question: Who was named Player of the Series in India’s 1–0 Test series win over Sri Lanka in August 2026?
Answer: Devdutt Padikkal

19. India U20 Squad Named for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers in Tashkent

India U20 men’s team head coach Mahesh Gawali named a 23-player squad on 26 August 2026 for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, to be played in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 31 August to 6 September. The qualifiers are a key step towards India’s 2027 U20 Asian Cup campaign.

Expected Question: India’s U20 squad for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers will play in which city?
Answer: Tashkent

20. Hockey World Cup: Indian Women’s Team Beats Germany 3–1 for Best Finish Since 1974

At the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, the Indian women’s team defeated Germany 3–1 to secure their best finish since 1974. The victory was hailed as a landmark achievement for women’s hockey in India.

Expected Question: The Indian women’s hockey team beat which team 3–1 to record their best World Cup finish since 1974?
Answer: Germany

21. National Women’s Equality Day (Observed on 26 August in India)

In India, National Women’s Equality Day is observed on 26 August to commemorate the day in 1920 when the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote. The day is used to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in various spheres.

Expected Question: National Women’s Equality Day in India is observed on which date?
Answer: 26 August

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