Current Affairs

Current Affairs is one of the most important sections of competitive examinations in India. At GK Now, we provide daily, accurate, and exam-oriented current affairs covering the latest national and international developments that are important for competitive exam preparation.

This category brings together short, easy-to-read current affairs articles designed to help aspirants quickly understand and revise important events, facts, appointments, government decisions, schemes, sports, science and technology, and other exam-relevant developments.

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Putin Arrives in New Delhi for BRICS Summit 2026, Xi Jinping to Visit India

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on 11 September 2026 for the 18th BRICS Summit, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to arrive on 12 September, marking his first visit to India in seven years. Delhi has turned into a security fortress with 30,000 personnel deployed, four-layer cordons, and strict traffic curbs.

🏛 BRICS Summit 2026 – Key Details

  • Dates: 12–13 September 2026
  • Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
  • Chairship: India (Theme: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, Sustainability)
  • Significance: Marks 20 years of BRICS since its establishment in 2006.

👥 Leaders Arriving

  • Russia: President Vladimir Putin (arrived 11 Sept).
  • China: President Xi Jinping (arriving 12 Sept, first India visit since 2019).
  • Iran: President Masoud Pezeshkian (expected soon).
  • Others: Leaders from South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia, and partner countries.

📌 Agenda & Focus Areas

  • Global Security: Ukraine war, West Asia crisis, energy security.
  • Economy: Trade, investment, supply chains, digital cooperation.
  • Sustainability: Food security, climate resilience, renewable energy.
  • India’s Role: Positioning BRICS as a stronger Global South platform.

PMMSY Completes Six Years: Key Highlights

India’s fisheries sector is becoming an important pillar of livelihoods, food security, exports and the Blue Economy, with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) driving modernisation and sustainable growth.

  • PMMSY launched: 2020; completes 6 years on 10 September 2026.
  • Total outlay: ₹20,750 crore.
  • Budget 2026–27 allocation: Record ₹2,500 crore under PMMSY.
  • Approved projects: ₹21,394.88 crore as of 11 August 2026, including a Central share of ₹9,510.89 crore.
  • Fish production: Increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes (2019–20) to a record 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
  • Fisheries exports: Rose from ₹46,663 crore (2019–20) to ₹73,890 crore (2025–26).
  • Employment: PMMSY has created direct and indirect employment for 58 lakh people.

Global Fintech Fest 2026: Agentic AI, Tokenisation and Quantum

Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026, the world’s largest fintech conference, was held from 8–11 September 2026 at Jio World Centre, Mumbai. The 7th edition focused on Agentic AI, Tokenisation and Quantum as transformative technologies for building inclusive and globally connected finance.

  • Theme: Potential to Impact: Agentic AI | Tokenisation | Quantum – Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance
  • Organisers: Payments Council of India (PCI), NPCI and Fintech Convergence Council (FCC).
  • PM Narendra Modi called for greater UPI integration with international payment systems to make cross-border payments as seamless as domestic transactions.
  • PhonePe and Visa announced initiatives including Tap to Pay, Cross Border Scan to Pay and Smart Accept.
  • BharatPe launched the Agentic AI Merchant Suite and Credit Coach for MSMEs.
  • RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted fintech’s role in addressing the MSME credit gap.
  • The event explored Agentic AI for autonomous financial workflows, tokenisation for programmable assets, and quantum computing for security and financial optimisation.
  • Major Indian and international financial leaders participated, including PM Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and senior global central-bank officials.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹20,804 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects Across 9 States

The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multitracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore across nine states, adding 1,196 km of new railway lines by FY 2029–30.

  • The projects will increase freight capacity by 74 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and reduce congestion on busy railway routes.
  • Around 6,911 villages, covering a population of about 1.08 crore, will benefit from improved connectivity.
  • Eastern & Central India: ₹10,783 crore for 656 km of tracks across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
  • Southern India: ₹10,021 crore for 540 km across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
  • The projects will improve connectivity to important tourist destinations and industrial areas and facilitate the movement of coal, cement, steel, automobiles, petroleum and food grains.
  • The expansion supports India’s energy-efficient and lower-cost rail freight strategy by shifting more transportation from road to rail.
  • The government is also quadrupling seven high-density railway corridors covering about 11,000 km, of which around 2,000 km has already been completed.

Justice Dipak Misra Conferred Kalinga Ratna Award 2026

On 8 September 2026, former Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra was conferred the Kalinga Ratna Award by Sarala Sahitya Sansad in Cuttack.

  • Award: Kalinga Ratna Award
  • Recipient: Former CJI Justice Dipak Misra
  • Presented by: Sarala Sahitya Sansad
  • Venue: Cuttack, Odisha
  • Award components: Silver idol of Goddess Saraswati and a citation
  • Justice Misra highlighted fraternity in the Constitution’s Preamble as a moral bond beyond caste, creed, language and social status.
  • He stressed that one person’s dignity cannot be protected by diminishing another’s dignity.
  • He also spoke against war, noting that victories in war often leave behind grief, hatred and wounded generations.
  • Sarala Samman: Conferred on eminent litterateur Dr Ramachandra Behera for his contribution to Odia literature spanning over six decades.
  • Chief Guest: Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.

International Literacy Day 2026: Theme, Literacy Rate & Important Facts

International Literacy Day was observed on 8 September 2026 under the UNESCO theme “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.” The day marked its 60th anniversary and highlighted the importance of literacy for individuals, sustainable development, and global prosperity.

  • Established: 1966 by UNESCO; first observed in 1967.
  • Date: 8 September every year.
  • 2026 Theme: Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity.
  • Global adult literacy rate: 88%, up from 65% in 1975.
  • Around 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills.
  • India’s literacy rate: approximately 77.7%–79.7% in 2026.
  • Highest literacy rate: Kerala – 96.2%.
  • Lowest literacy rate: Bihar – 63.8%–74.3%.
  • Sikkim was declared a Fully Literate State in May 2026, achieving 99.82% literacy.
  • India continues to promote literacy through initiatives such as NEP 2020, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the National Literacy Mission.

BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir Inaugurated in Paris, France

The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris was inaugurated on 6 September 2026 in Bussy-Saint-Georges, eastern Paris, becoming the first traditional Hindu stone temple in France.

  • The temple follows ancient Vedic architecture and was completed under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
  • A 13-day Festival of Culture was held from 2–14 September 2026 to mark the inauguration.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration ceremony virtually.
  • The festival featured Jal Yatra, Nagar Yatra, Palkhi Yatra, Vedic Mahayagna, Murti-Pratishtha, and cultural and devotional programmes.
  • The temple is regarded as a symbol of faith, harmony, service and cultural diversity.
  • PM Modi described the Mandir as a new milestone in India–France cultural relations, reflecting the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Bhagwat Prasad Makwana Appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis

The Government of India has appointed a new Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three Members to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) on 7 September 2026. The appointments will remain effective up to 31 March 2028, completing the remaining tenure of the present Commission.

  • Chairperson: Shri Bhagwat Prasad Makwana
  • Vice-Chairperson: Shri Kaishab Bihari
  • Members: Shri Manoj Kumar Balmiki, Smt. Sushma Gaudiyal and Shri Ravi Ramu Kalose
  • The new team brings experience in social welfare, public service, administration and academia.
  • The appointments aim to strengthen the NCSK’s work for the rights, dignity and socio-economic welfare of Safai Karamcharis and other disadvantaged communities.
  • The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment welcomed the appointments and expressed confidence in the new team.

BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi on 12–13 September: Key Facts

The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 under India’s chairship. Hosted at Bharat Mandapam, the summit will mark the 20th anniversary of BRICS, established in 2006. The theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Key Points for Exams

  • 18th BRICS Summit: 12–13 September 2026
  • Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
  • Chair: India
  • Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
  • Significance: 20 years of BRICS
  • Full Members: 11
  • Partner Countries: 10
  • India’s BRICS Chairship: 4th time

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Win China Masters 2026 Badminton Title

Indian badminton pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won their maiden China Masters 2026 title on 6 September in Shenzhen, defeating China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu 11–21, 21–13, 21–17 in a 70-minute final.

  • Event: Li-Ning China Masters 2026 — BWF Super 750
  • Venue: Shenzhen Arena, China
  • Historic achievement: First Indian men’s doubles pair to win the China Masters.
  • Career milestone: Their 10th BWF World Tour title and second Super 750 title of 2026, after the Singapore Open.
  • Comeback: They recovered brilliantly after losing the opening game.
  • Breakthrough: After finishing runners-up in 2023 and 2025, they finally captured the title on their third final appearance.
  • World ranking: Currently World No. 5 in men’s doubles.
  • Significance: The victory provides strong momentum ahead of the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, beginning 19 September.

UN Supports ‘Correct the Map’ Resolution to Show Africa’s True Size

The UN General Assembly on 4 September 2026 supported replacing the traditional Mercator world map with a map that more accurately represents the actual size of continents, particularly Africa.

  • The “Correct the Map” resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by African Union members, received 164 votes in favour.
  • The United States voted against the resolution, while six countries abstained.
  • The resolution is non-binding, but aims to encourage governments and institutions to move away from the traditional Mercator projection.
  • The Mercator map, created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569, significantly enlarges regions near the poles.
  • Africa appears much smaller than its actual size on the Mercator map; in reality, Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland.
  • The Equal Earth projection, developed in 2018, provides a more accurate representation of the relative sizes of continents.
  • The African Union’s 54 member states adopted the Equal Earth projection in February 2026.
  • France supported the change and plans to stop using the Mercator map, while the US criticised the UN vote as a distraction from more serious global issues.
  • Supporters argue that maps influence how people perceive the political, economic and geographical importance of different regions.

Teachers’ Day – 5 September

Teachers’ Day is celebrated in India every year on 5 September, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India and a renowned philosopher, scholar, and educationist.

When Dr. Radhakrishnan became President in 1962, his students and friends wanted to celebrate his birthday. He suggested instead that 5 September be observed as Teachers’ Day, dedicating the occasion to teachers and their contribution to society.

Key Points

  • Date: 5 September
  • Occasion: Birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
  • Dr. Radhakrishnan: Second President of India
  • First observed: 1962
  • National Teachers’ Awards: Presented to outstanding teachers for their contribution to education.
  • Teachers play an important role in developing knowledge, values, curiosity, critical thinking, and character.

Important: India’s Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5 September, while World Teachers’ Day is observed globally on 5 October under UNESCO.

Krishna Janmashtami 2026: Celebration, Significance, History & Rituals

Krishna Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is being observed on 4 September 2026 (Friday), with devotees marking the occasion through fasting, prayers and midnight worship.

  • Birth of Lord Krishna: Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva and was taken to Gokul, where he was raised by Nanda and Yashoda.
  • This auspicious festival falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (Shravan in some regions).
  • Significance: His midnight birth symbolizes the victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma.
  • Bhagavad Gita: Krishna later guided Arjuna on the battlefield of the Mahabharata, delivering the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Major traditions: Jhulan Utsav, bhajans, kirtans, Raslila and Dahi Handi are important parts of Janmashtami celebrations.
  • Midnight Puja: The Nishita Puja Muhurat is 11:56 PM to 12:42 AM.
  • Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast until midnight, when Krishna’s birth is ritually celebrated

ISRO Launches EOS-05: India’s First Geo-Imaging Earth Observation Satellite

ISRO successfully launched EOS-05 aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket on September 4, 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s Earth-observation capabilities with its first geo-imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit.

  • Launch Date: 4 September 2026 at 2:55 AM IST
  • Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F17
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
  • Satellite: EOS-05 — India’s first geo-imaging Earth observation satellite
  • Payload Mass: Approximately 2,367 kg, the heaviest satellite carried by a GSLV
  • Orbit: Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, targeting geosynchronous orbit at around 36,000 km
  • Key Capability: Continuous/frequent high-resolution imaging of large geographical areas
  • Applications: Agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, border surveillance and maritime security
  • Significance: Strengthens India’s capability for real-time Earth monitoring and strategic applications.

India’s credit rating upgraded to ‘A-‘ by Japan Credit Rating Agency

India’s credit rating has been upgraded by Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) from ‘BBB+’ to ‘A-’, reflecting the country’s strong economic fundamentals and improving financial and fiscal position.

  • Rating upgrade: ‘BBB+’ → ‘A-’
  • Outlook: Stable
  • Country ceiling: Upgraded by one notch to ‘A’
  • Key reasons: Strong economic growth, effective economic policies, improved fiscal quality and a stronger financial system.
  • Growth drivers: Robust private consumption and public investment.
  • Economic reforms: Digital Public Infrastructure and Goods and Services Tax (GST) have strengthened India’s economic foundations.
  • Fiscal improvement: Central Government fiscal deficit declined from 4.7% in FY25 to 4.4% in FY26.
  • Capital expenditure: Remained high, with greater focus on infrastructure investment.

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Appointed First CEO of Ram Janmabhoomi Trust

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on 2 September 2026 appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at a meeting held in Ayodhya.

  • Jeetendra Mishra: Former Indian Air Force officer who headed the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor. He was selected from three shortlisted candidates after 5,585 applications were scrutinised.
  • New General Secretary: Govind Dev Giri, the trust’s former treasurer.
  • New Treasurer: Mahesh Bhagchandka.
  • New Trustees: Madan Mohan Pandey of Ayodhya, Mahesh Bhagchandka of Delhi and Dr Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.
  • Mishra, who hails from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, received several military decorations, including the Yudh Seva Medal.
  • Madan Mohan Pandey is an advocate who represented Ram Lalla Virajman in the Ram Janmabhoomi case.
  • The trust may appoint a Joint CEO or Deputy CEO if required and will prepare an SOP defining the CEO’s duties and responsibilities.

India’s GST Collection Rises 14.8% to ₹1.99 Lakh Crore in August 2026

India’s Gross GST revenue in August 2026 reached ₹1.99 lakh crore, registering a 14.8% year-on-year growth over August 2025. The strong collection reflects robust domestic consumption, improved tax compliance, and continued growth in manufacturing and services.

📊 Key Facts

  • GST Collection: ₹1.99 lakh crore
  • YoY Growth: 14.8%
  • CGST: ~₹35,000 crore
  • SGST: ~₹44,000 crore
  • IGST: ~₹95,000 crore
  • Cess: ~₹25,000 crore
  • GST introduced: 1 July 2017
  • Tagline/Concept: “One Nation, One Tax”

About GST (Goods and Services Tax)

  • Introduced: 1 July 2017
  • Nature: Indirect tax replacing multiple levies like excise duty, service tax, VAT.
  • Structure:
    • CGST: Collected by the Centre on intra-state sales.
    • SGST: Collected by States on intra-state sales.
    • IGST: Collected by Centre on inter-state sales and imports.
  • Objective: “One Nation, One Tax” – to simplify taxation, remove cascading effect, and create a unified national market.

26th SCO Summit 2026 – Bishkek Declaration

The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 31 August to 1 September 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration.

🔑 Key Points

  • Theme: “25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity”
  • Members: 10 countries, including India, China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Belarus.
  • Counter-terrorism: Members called for action against terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and terrorist safe havens. PM Modi stressed that terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for anyone.
  • Cybersecurity: Adopted the 2026–2028 International Information Security Cooperation Plan.
  • Anti-narcotics: Cooperation programmes against drug addiction and synthetic drugs up to 2030; an SCO Anti-Narcotics Centre was also proposed/established.
  • Green technology: Roadmap for a Green Technology Corridor (2026–2030).
  • Biodiversity: Cooperation initiative for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management during 2026–2031.
  • Connectivity: Action Plan for developing transport and logistics centres (2026–2030).
  • West Asia & Iran: The declaration addressed the conflict in West Asia, including the situation involving Iran and Palestine, and opposition to unilateral sanctions.
  • India’s focus: India highlighted counter-terrorism, stronger connectivity with Central Asia and greater institutional cooperation within the SCO.

India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 (April–June) of FY 2026–27

India’s real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 (April–June) of FY 2026–27, while real GVA increased 8.2%, reflecting strong economic activity despite global uncertainties, oil price shocks and supply-chain disruptions.

Key Points

  • Real GDP growth: 7.8% in Q1 FY27
  • Real GVA growth: 8.2%
  • Real GDP: ₹81.36 lakh crore
  • Nominal GDP: ₹88.27 lakh crore, up 10.3%
  • Manufacturing: Major driver of growth
    • Capital goods output: +15.2%
    • Electrical equipment manufacturing: +27%
    • Computer, electronic & optical products: +12.4%
  • Exports of goods and services: +25.8%
  • Imports: +30.5%
  • Transport goods exports: +52.2%
  • Machinery and equipment exports: +31.9%
  • Commercial vehicle sales: +18.3%
  • Three-wheeler sales: +29.7%
  • The estimates use the new national accounts series with 2022–23 as the base year, introduced by MoSPI in February 2026.
  • Next GDP estimates (Q2 FY27): Scheduled for 30 November 2026.

John Ternus Becomes Apple’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Apple has undergone a major leadership transition. John Ternus became Apple’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective September 1, 2026, while Tim Cook became the company’s Executive Chairman. Apple had announced the leadership transition in April 2026.

Before becoming CEO, John Ternus served as Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, leading hardware engineering for products including the iPhone, iPad, Mac and AirPods.

Key Facts:

  • New CEO: John Ternus
  • Company: Apple
  • Effective From: September 1, 2026
  • Former CEO: Tim Cook
  • Tim Cook’s New Position: Executive Chairman
  • Ternus’s Previous Position: Senior Vice President, Hardware Engineering

About Apple

Apple Inc. is a leading American technology company best known for products such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro. Its major software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS and tvOS, along with services such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple introduced the Macintosh in 1984, marking a major milestone in personal computing.

Current Affairs MCQs : 31 August 2026

Q. NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy on 30 August 2026 to study dark energy, dark matter and exoplanets, is named after whom?
30 अगस्त 2026 को SpaceX Falcon Heavy के माध्यम से प्रक्षेपित NASA के Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope का नाम किसके नाम पर रखा गया है, जो डार्क एनर्जी, डार्क मैटर और एक्सोप्लैनेट्स का अध्ययन करेगा?

A) NASA’s first chief astronomer, known as the “Mother of Hubble” / NASA की पहली Chief Astronomer, जिन्हें “Mother of Hubble” के नाम से जाना जाता है
B) NASA’s first woman astronaut / NASA की पहली महिला अंतरिक्ष यात्री
C) The first woman to walk on the Moon / चंद्रमा पर चलने वाली पहली महिला
D) The scientist who designed the James Webb Space Telescope / James Webb Space Telescope को डिजाइन करने वाली वैज्ञानिक

Q. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, was held in which city?
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026, जो Shanghai Cooperation Organisation की 25वीं वर्षगांठ के अवसर पर आयोजित किया गया, किस शहर में आयोजित हुआ?

A) Tashkent, Uzbekistan / ताशकंद, उज़्बेकिस्तान
B) Astana, Kazakhstan / अस्ताना, कज़ाखस्तान
C) Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan / बिश्केक, किर्गिस्तान
D) Dushanbe, Tajikistan / दुशांबे, ताजिकिस्तान

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026

The SCO Summit 2026 is being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 31 August to 1 September 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The summit brings together leaders of its 10 member states, including India, China, Russia and Iran.

Key Facts

  • Founded: 2001 in Shanghai, China
  • Founding members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
  • India & Pakistan: Joined in 2017
  • Iran: Became a full member in 2023
  • Belarus: Joined in 2024
  • Current members: 10 countries
  • 2026 Summit venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Dates: 31 August–1 September 2026
  • 2026 theme: “25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity”

Main Agenda

The summit focuses on regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity, trade, energy cooperation, cybercrime, organised crime and cultural exchanges. Connectivity projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway are also significant.

Significance for India

The SCO provides India with an important platform to engage simultaneously with China, Russia and Central Asian countries. India also highlights the need for a terrorism-free region and seeks stronger connectivity and economic cooperation through initiatives such as Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

NASA Launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

NASA successfully launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on 30 August 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The telescope will study some of the biggest mysteries of the universe, including dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets.

Key Points

  • Launch Date: 30 August 2026
  • Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon Heavy
  • Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center, Florida
  • Destination: Sun–Earth Lagrange Point 2 (L2), about 1 million miles from Earth
  • Journey: Around 3 months to reach its final orbit
  • Field of View: About 100 times wider than Hubble
  • Exoplanets: Expected to help discover around 100,000 new planets
  • Major Instrument: Coronagraph for directly imaging exoplanets and planet-forming disks
  • Main Studies: Dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets and the evolution of galaxies

The telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer, who is often called the “Mother of Hubble” for her important role in establishing NASA’s space-based astronomy programme.

Flash Flood in Nepal (August 2026): Causes, Impact, and Recovery

In August 2026, a catastrophic flash flood hit Nepal’s northern river valleys after a glacial collapse near the Tibet border triggered a sudden surge down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. The disaster swept away major infrastructure and caused widespread loss of life across the region.

  • Trigger: A massive ice and rock slide detached from a glacier near Langtang Lirung, temporarily damming the Lhende Khola river before bursting and creating a surge up to 9 meters high.
  • Human Impact: Hundreds of fatalities were confirmed across Nepal and Tibet, with over 2,000 people reported missing, including local residents, guides, and foreign tourists.
  • Infrastructure Destruction: Over 30 bridges, key mountain highways, and 14 solar and hydropower projects were destroyed or severely damaged, cutting off roughly 10% of Nepal’s power grid capacity.
  • Economic Disruption: Key cross-border trade hubs, including the Gyirong Port complex, were swept away, severing a major trade route between Nepal and China.
  • Regional & Relief Response: Surging river waters caused flooding downstream in northern India, triggering evacuations, while search and rescue operations in Nepal faced major delays due to severed communications and destroyed roads.

World Sanskrit Day – Celebrating India’s Ancient Language

World Sanskrit Day 2026 (विश्व संस्कृत दिवस) was observed on 28 August 2026, coinciding with Shravana Purnima. It celebrates the timeless legacy of Sanskrit, India’s classical language, and promotes awareness of its role in literature, philosophy, science, and spirituality.

📌 Key Facts About World Sanskrit Day 2026

  • Date: 28 August 2026 (Shravana Purnima, full moon of Shravana month).
  • Other Names: Sanskrit Diwas, Vishva Sanskrit Diwas.
  • First Observed: 1969, initiated by India’s Ministry of Education.
  • Purpose: Promote Sanskrit learning, preserve cultural heritage, and highlight its relevance in modern knowledge systems.

🌍 Significance

  • Cultural Heritage: Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, and classical sciences like Ayurveda and Yoga Shastras.
  • Intellectual Legacy: Contributions of scholars like Panini (grammar), Aryabhata (mathematics), and Charaka (medicine) are rooted in Sanskrit texts.
  • Modern Relevance: Though not widely spoken, Sanskrit continues to influence Indian languages, linguistics, philosophy, and traditional knowledge.
  • Educational Importance: Schools, colleges, and universities organize shloka recitations, essay contests, debates, seminars, and Vedic chanting to encourage Sanskrit learning.

PM Jan Dhan Yojana Completes 12 Years: 59.09 Crore Accounts Opened

PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has completed 12 years, transforming financial inclusion in India by providing millions of people, especially women and rural populations, access to banking, digital payments and direct welfare benefits.

Key Points

  • Launched: 28 August 2014
  • Completed: 12 years in August 2026
  • Total PMJDY Accounts: 59.09 crore (as of 19 August 2026)
  • Women Account Holders: 32.92 crore (55.7%)
  • Rural & Semi-Urban Accounts: 45.95 crore (77.8%)
  • Total Deposits: ₹3.17 lakh crore
  • Average Deposit per Account: ₹5,356
  • RuPay Cards Issued: 41.29 crore

Key Benefits

  • Zero-balance basic bank account with no maintenance charges.
  • Free RuPay debit card with accident insurance cover of up to ₹2 lakh.
  • Overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000, subject to eligibility.
  • Access to insurance, pension and other financial services.
  • The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) enables direct, transparent and diversion-proof transfer of welfare benefits.
  • PMJDY accounts have also helped expand access to digital payments, savings, credit and schemes such as MUDRA loans.

R Praggnanandhaa Becomes First Indian to Win Grand Chess Tour 2026

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour. He defeated defending champion Fabiano Caruana 15–13 in the final at St. Louis, USA, on 27 August 2026.

After trailing by six points, Praggnanandhaa staged a remarkable comeback by winning both rapid games and holding his lead in the blitz games. He won the $200,000 first prize and secured a place in the next year’s Grand Chess Tour.

Synaty Automotive Receives ICAT Certification for India’s First 15-Metre Sleeper Bus

The International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) has issued its first compliance certificate for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus under AIS-119 and AIS-153, in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR).

  • Recipient: Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd.
  • Bus: 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus designed for long-distance travel.
  • Capacity: 42 berths in the fully sleeper version; 21 berths + 42 seats in the hybrid version.
  • Focus: Structural strength, vehicle and fire safety, emergency provisions, passenger movement and comfort.
  • The certification demonstrates ICAT’s capability to test and certify advanced passenger vehicle configurations while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
  • The certificate was formally handed over by Saurabh Dalela, Director, ICAT, to Naresh Kumar Yadav, Managing Director, Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd.

National Sports Day 2026: Three-Day Campaign from 28–30 August

National Sports Day 2026 will be observed from 28–30 August as a three-day nationwide campaign themed “Tribute, Play, and Move,” commemorating Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary on 29 August and promoting sports, fitness, and youth participation.

  • Date: 29 August every year; first observed in 2012.
  • 2026 Campaign: 28–30 August 2026.
  • Themes: Tribute, Play, Move.
  • Major Event: PM Narendra Modi’s “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat, PM Ke Saath” on 27 August.
  • Reach: More than 1,500 locations across India.
  • Focus: Youth participation, grassroots sports, fitness, athlete development, and preparation for the 2036 Olympics.
  • Participants: Schools, colleges, universities and Fit India-registered institutions.
  • Key athletes: P.T. Usha, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu, Saina Nehwal, Baichung Bhutia and others.

Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Assault Rifle Ready for Indian Army

India’s indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named ‘Sher’, is set to be delivered to the Indian Army soon. Manufactured at the Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, the rifle is being produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) under an India-Russia technology-transfer arrangement.

Key Points

  • Rifle: AK-203 ‘Sher’ assault rifle
  • Manufacturing location: Korwa, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Manufacturer: Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL)
  • Target: More than 6 lakh AK-203 rifles to be manufactured in India
  • Delivery: IRRPL plans to complete the contracted supply one year ahead of the 2032 deadline
  • Significance: Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence and reduces dependence on imported small arms.
  • Joint venture: Indian defence PSU with Russian entities Concern Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport.

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