- On 23 August 2026, the Rajasthan government announced a three-year ₹12,500 crore roadmap to strengthen government-school infrastructure across the state. The programme includes construction of new school buildings and classrooms, major repairs, sanitation facilities and other essential infrastructure. It aims to improve learning conditions and upgrade the quality of public-school facilities across Rajasthan.
- On 23 August 2026, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) clarified that no new strain of H1N1 had emerged in India despite an increase in influenza cases. The circulating H1N1 pdm09 virus has been present since 2025 and matches currently recommended vaccine strains. ICMR said most infections remain mild and self-limiting, while high-risk groups should exercise additional caution.
- On 24 August 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced the registration of 16 new indigenous livestock breeds, including four cattle breeds. This increased India's total number of officially recognised indigenous livestock and poultry breeds to 262. The registration supports conservation, documentation and sustainable use of India's animal genetic resources, particularly climate-resilient native breeds.
- On 25 August 2026, the Centre expanded the Kanda Express initiative to move buffer-stock onions quickly from producing regions to major consumption centres. An 800-tonne consignment from Nashik to Delhi was scheduled for 26 August. The programme forms part of government intervention to increase onion availability and control retail prices, alongside subsidised sales at around ₹35 per kg.
- On 23 August 2026, Iran announced the discovery of more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in southern Fars province. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said approximately 5.7 trillion cubic feet is recoverable. The field contains sweet gas and gas condensates, potentially adding tens of billions of dollars to Iran's hydrocarbon wealth and strengthening its long-term energy reserves.During the 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held on 19–20 August 2026 in Singapore, ministers from the two countries discussed deeper cooperation in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, digital public infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and green-economy sectors. The talks sought to strengthen strategic technology supply chains and expand economic and digital cooperation between India and Singapore.
- On 22 August 2026, the Government of India appointed Syed Akbaruddin, Annie George Mathew and Janmejaya Kumar Sinha as part-time non-official directors on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India. Their appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet for a term of four years, bringing experience from diplomacy, government finance and management consulting to RBI's board.
- On 20 August 2026, the Government amended the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to facilitate export invoicing and settlement in Indian rupees. Export proceeds received in rupees can now receive FTP benefits and export-obligation credits comparable to eligible foreign-currency earnings. The reform is intended to simplify trade settlement and promote greater international use of the Indian rupee.
- On 21 August 2026, the Asian Development Bank and Karnataka government signed an agreement for ₹1,750 crore in ADB assistance to develop 500 Karnataka Public Schools by 2029–30. Karnataka will contribute another ₹750 crore, taking the project cost to ₹2,500 crore. It will upgrade school infrastructure, learning facilities, technology and skill-based education.
Science and Technology:
- India is working towards establishing the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) as a fully operational Indian space station by 2035. Plans envisage five modules, with the first BAS-1 module targeted for launch by June 2028, followed by a docking mission by December 2028. The project forms part of India's long-term human-spaceflight programme, alongside the goal of an Indian Moon landing by 2040.
- A study reported on 21–23 August 2026 found that India's rocket-launch costs remain significantly higher on a cost-per-kilogram basis than those of major competitors, particularly the United States. Smaller payload capacity, limited launch frequency and lower economies of scale contribute to the gap. The findings underline the importance of reusable launch technologies and higher launch volumes for India's commercial-space competitiveness.
- In August 2026, India test-fired the fully indigenised AK-203 Sher assault rifle at the Indo-Russian Rifles facility at Korwa, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The milestone represents increasing localisation of the India-Russia AK-203 programme, with domestically sourced components and production capabilities. The programme is aimed at equipping Indian forces while strengthening indigenous small-arms manufacturing under Make in India.
- On 28 July 2026, Indian defence startup D-Propulse successfully demonstrated India's first indigenous 5 kN air-breathing Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) integrated with an aerospike nozzle. The test marked an important step in advanced propulsion technology. RDEs use continuously rotating supersonic detonation waves and could eventually support high-speed missiles, drones, rockets and other aerospace platforms with improved efficiency.
- On 20 August 2026, the Sports Authority of India Governing Body approved establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB), based on recommendations of a task force headed by former badminton champion Pullela Gopichand. The NCAB will standardise coaching qualifications, accreditation, curriculum and professional development across sports and create a structured national coaching ecosystem. The meeting was chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated MALHAR 2026 on 21 August 2026 in New Delhi. Organised by Antar Hriday Connect, it was a youth-centric, monsoon-themed celebration of Indian classical music. The programme focused on connecting young people with India's musical heritage, particularly the Malhar family of ragas associated with the monsoon. The Vice-President described music as an important instrument of cultural unity and India's soft power.
- The International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief was observed on 22 August 2026. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, the observance honours victims of violence and persecution motivated by religion or belief. Its aim is to promote freedom of religion or belief, human rights, tolerance and protection of religious minorities. The UN does not necessarily designate a separate official theme every year.
- National Space Day was observed on 23 August 2026 for the third time in India. It commemorates Chandrayaan-3's historic lunar landing and aims to promote public awareness of India's space programme, inspire students towards science and technology and recognise scientists and engineers contributing to the country's space achievements.
Questions:
Q1. Who were appointed as part-time non-official directors on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India on 22 August 2026?
a) Shaktikanta Das, T. Rabi Sankar and M. Rajeshwar Rao
b) Syed Akbaruddin, Annie George Mathew and Janmejaya Kumar Sinha
c) Sanjay Malhotra, Ajay Seth and Rajiv Gauba
d) Poonam Gupta, Rajesh Kumar and S. Krishnan
Answer: b) The Government of India appointed Syed Akbaruddin, Annie George Mathew and Janmejaya Kumar Sinha as part-time non-official directors on the RBI Central Board for a term of four years.
Q2. What major change was made to the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 on 20 August 2026?
a) Export settlement in rupees was prohibited
b) Only dollar-denominated exports became eligible for benefits
c) Export proceeds received in Indian rupees became eligible for FTP benefits and export-obligation credits
d) All export incentives were withdrawn
Answer: c) The Government amended the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to facilitate export invoicing and settlement in Indian rupees. Export proceeds received in rupees can now receive FTP benefits and export-obligation credits comparable to eligible foreign-currency earnings.
