Current Affairs One- Liner: 5th August 2026

National

On 3 August 2026, India’s Ramsar network increased to 101 wetlands of international importance. The newly recognised site took the total beyond the 100-site milestone achieved in June 2026 with the designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, or Surha Tal, in Uttar Pradesh. Ramsar sites are protected under the Convention on Wetlands for their ecological, hydrological and biodiversity value.

Current Affairs One- Liner: 5th August 2026

On 1 August 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana completed one year. More than 72 lakh first-time employees entered the formal workforce through Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation registration. Nearly 30% of the beneficiaries were women, while over 15 lakh people had received employment-linked incentives. The scheme promotes formal job creation and expands social-security coverage.
On 2 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan through video conferencing. The nationwide public-participation campaign encourages young people to reject substance abuse and act as ambassadors of positive change. More than one crore youth reportedly participated in the drug-free pledge connected with the initiative.
On 31 July 2026, the Zoological Survey of India announced the completion of India’s first comprehensive national catalogue of Lepidoptera after a 12-year project. It recorded 13,703 species of butterflies and moths, covering 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families and 31 superfamilies. The catalogue will support taxonomy, ecological monitoring, biodiversity research and conservation planning.
On 4 August 2026, National Bone and Joint Day was observed in India to promote awareness about musculoskeletal health, accident prevention, arthritis, osteoporosis and timely treatment of bone and joint disorders. The annual observance also encourages exercise, balanced nutrition, safe driving practices and early medical intervention to reduce disability caused by injuries and orthopaedic conditions.
On 4 August 2026, India strengthened clouded leopard conservation through a newly launched conservation action plan. The framework focuses on protecting habitats, restoring connectivity between forests, improving scientific monitoring and involving local communities. The clouded leopard is classified as vulnerable and faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation and illegal wildlife trade.
In July 2026, Guinness World Records recognised Nathan Thomas of the United States as the world’s youngest male professor. He became a professor at 18 years and 346 days and began teaching C programming for engineers at Miami Dade College, Florida, on 21 August 2023. Thomas entered college at 10, earned an associate degree in mathematics at 14, and later completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. He broke the 306-year-old record of Colin Maclaurin and is now pursuing a law degree focused on intellectual-property law.

International

On 26 June 2026, Nauru informed the United Nations that it had officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero. The change restores the country’s traditional indigenous name and reflects its language, heritage and national identity. Its international code is expected to change from NRU to NRO, while its citizens will be known as dei-Naoero.
On 19 June 2026, India and Uzbekistan agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade to approximately US$3 billion within three years. The countries discussed pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, machinery, digital services, critical minerals, logistics and payment connectivity. They also agreed to address non-tariff barriers and encourage closer cooperation between businesses, regulators and trade-promotion institutions.
According to the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Estonia ranked first among 177 countries with a score of 74.79, followed by Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. India ranked 176th, with a score of 22.46, while Laos occupied the last position. The index assesses countries through 47 indicators covering environmental health, ecosystem vitality and climate-change performance.

Banking

The government proposed introducing a merchant discount rate on selected Unified Payments Interface transactions in 2026. The proposal seeks to create a sustainable payment ecosystem by allowing charges in certain commercial transactions while retaining protection for ordinary users and small merchants. The final applicability, transaction thresholds and categories will depend on the rules formally notified by the government and payment regulators.
In August 2026, the Supreme Court called for stronger safeguards against digital-arrest scams in which fraudsters impersonate police, courts or investigative agencies. The measures focus on faster reporting, improved coordination between banks, telecom companies and enforcement agencies, immediate freezing of suspicious transactions and wider public awareness that legitimate authorities do not conduct arrests or demand payments through video calls.

Economy

On 27 July 2026, the Finance Ministry imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from US$42.95 to US$128.83 per tonne on low-ash metallurgical coke imported from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia. The measure followed findings that dumped imports had injured domestic producers. The duty will generally remain effective for five years unless withdrawn or amended earlier.
On 3 August 2026, India and Uzbekistan expressed their intention to expand trade cooperation and explore a possible free-trade arrangement. The countries aim to raise bilateral trade to approximately US$3 billion within three years. Uzbekistan also invited Indian investments in mining, rare-earth minerals and other strategic sectors, while India highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture and engineering goods.
In August 2026, Larsen & Toubro secured an approximately ₹15,000-crore contract connected with an offshore project of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The project strengthens L&T’s position in the international energy-engineering market and is expected to involve offshore infrastructure, engineering, procurement, construction and installation activities. The order also reflects expanding India–United Arab Emirates industrial cooperation.

Sports

On 25 July 2026, Anahat Singh became the first Indian to win the women’s title at the World Junior Squash Championships in Ontario, Canada. She defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games, 11–3, 11–7, 11–9, in the final. The victory gave India its first individual gold medal in the tournament’s history and marked a major milestone for Indian squash.
On 2 August 2026, International Cricket Council Chairman Jay Shah inaugurated the Tanzania Cricket Arena in Dar es Salaam. It became Tanzania’s first ICC-approved international cricket venue. The facility, consisting of modern cricket grounds, was developed to strengthen cricket infrastructure in East Africa and was scheduled to host ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B matches from 8 to 18 August 2026.

Science and Technology

On 31 July 2026, the Zoological Survey of India completed a 12-year national documentation project covering butterflies and moths. The resulting catalogue recorded 13,703 Lepidoptera species and brought together taxonomic information that had remained scattered across scientific publications for more than a century. It will serve as an important database for biodiversity assessment, conservation research and environmental policy.
In August 2026, Tata Group’s battery subsidiary Agratas announced progress in developing indigenous lithium-cell technology. The initiative is intended to reduce India’s dependence on imported battery cells, strengthen the domestic electric-vehicle supply chain and support energy-storage manufacturing. Indigenous cell chemistry and production capabilities are important for lowering costs, improving supply security and expanding India’s clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem.
In August 2026, IIT Hyderabad launched the ANUGYAN nuclear training programme to develop specialised knowledge and skills in nuclear science, engineering, safety and associated technologies. The programme is intended to strengthen India’s technical workforce for nuclear-energy applications and support collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, researchers and industry professionals.
In August 2026, Boeing’s 737 MAX 7 received certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration. The certification allows the aircraft model to move towards commercial operations after satisfying regulatory safety requirements. The MAX 7 is the smallest aircraft in Boeing’s 737 MAX family and is designed mainly for airlines operating routes requiring lower seating capacity and longer range.
Chandipura virus is an RNA virus transmitted mainly through sandflies and is associated with acute encephalitis, particularly among children. It can cause sudden fever, seizures, altered consciousness and rapid neurological deterioration. The virus was first identified in Maharashtra’s Chandipura village in 1965. Public-health measures focus on vector control, early diagnosis, surveillance and prompt supportive treatment because no specific antiviral medicine is currently available.

Defence

In August 2026, Russia’s S8000 Banderol cruise missile attracted attention as a compact air-launched weapon intended for precision strikes. Reports described it as a missile designed for deployment from aircraft or unmanned platforms. Its range, guidance system, payload and operational status should be treated cautiously until confirmed through authoritative Russian defence or independent technical sources.
In August 2026, disaster-response authorities included heatwaves and lightning in operational protocols associated with the National Disaster Response Force. The move reflects the rising frequency of extreme-weather emergencies. The revised approach is expected to improve preparedness, early-warning coordination, specialised training, public awareness and deployment of response teams during heat-related and lightning-related disasters.

MoUs Signed

On 3 August 2026, Bharat Electronics Limited and Esri India signed an agreement in New Delhi to jointly develop Geographic Information System, location-intelligence and GeoAI solutions for India’s defence sector. Esri India will provide technology and training through its Indo ArcGIS platform, while BEL will contribute defence electronics, systems-integration and project-execution capabilities.
During the week ending 1 August 2026, ASSOCHAM and the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture signed an MoU to promote trade, investment, industrial collaboration and business partnerships between India and 22 Arab countries. The agreement seeks to connect enterprises, facilitate investment opportunities and strengthen India–Arab commercial relations across multiple sectors.
In August 2026, Visakhapatnam and Moscow signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to exchange expertise in smart urban transport. The partnership is expected to cover intelligent traffic-management systems, public transportation, digital mobility, infrastructure planning and sustainable urban development. The cooperation seeks to help Visakhapatnam adopt international practices for reducing congestion and improving the efficiency and accessibility of public transport.

Appointments and Resignations

With effect from 3 August 2026, Vigilance Commissioner A. S. Rajeev assumed charge as Acting Central Vigilance Commissioner after Praveen Kumar Srivastava completed his tenure. The President authorised Rajeev to perform the CVC’s functions until a regular appointment is made. Rajeev previously served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Maharashtra.
On 3 August 2026, the Reserve Bank of India appointed Monisha Chakraborty as an Executive Director. She was assigned responsibility for the Foreign Exchange Department and the Financial Markets Regulation Department. As Executive Director, she will oversee policy and regulatory matters connected with foreign-exchange management, financial markets and related operations of the central bank.

Awards & Honours

In 2026, Indian astrophysicist Annapurni Subramaniam was selected for the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal. She is known for her work in stellar astronomy, star clusters and ultraviolet space observations, including contributions connected with AstroSat. The award recognises outstanding contributions by scientists from developing countries to space research.
In 2026, BIBA founder Meena Bindra secured the leading position in the Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List. The list recognised 117 women across 12 categories for their contributions to business, social impact, sports and other fields. Bindra was honoured for building BIBA into a major Indian ethnic-wear business and for her contribution to women’s entrepreneurship.

Important Days

International Clouded Leopard Day was observed on 4 August 2026 to raise awareness about the conservation of mainland and Sunda clouded leopards. The animals face habitat destruction, forest fragmentation and illegal hunting. India used the observance to highlight its Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan, which promotes habitat security, forest connectivity, scientific monitoring and community participation. No independently confirmed official global theme was located.
National Bone and Joint Day was observed in India on 4 August 2026. The observance promotes awareness about bone health, joint disorders, road-safety practices, physical activity and early treatment of orthopaedic problems. Medical organisations use the day to educate people about preventing fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis and disability through exercise, nutritious food and timely medical consultation.

Obituaries

On 4 August 2026, former Governor and educationist Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil, popularly known as D. Y. Patil, passed away in Kolhapur after a prolonged illness. He had served as Governor of Bihar and Tripura and held additional charge of West Bengal. A Padma Shri recipient, he was widely known for establishing educational and healthcare institutions. Reports differed regarding whether he was 90, 91 or 92.
On 4 August 2026, former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice M. S. Liberhan passed away at the age of 87. He was best known for heading the Liberhan Commission, which investigated the circumstances surrounding the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on 6 December 1992. The commission submitted its report after conducting an extended inquiry.

Books and Authors:

On 10 July 2026, Bringing the Cheetah Back to India: How Diplomacy Made Conservation’s Biggest Experiment Possible, written by diplomat Prashant Agrawal, became available in print. The book provides an insider’s account of the diplomatic, ecological and administrative efforts behind the reintroduction of cheetahs into India, including negotiations with African countries and the implementation of Project Cheetah.

Questions:

Q1. What is the duration of the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan?

a) 50 weeks

b) 75 weeks

c)100 weeks

d) 125 weeks

Answer: c) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 100-week campaign on 2 August 2026. It aims to encourage young people to reject substance abuse and become ambassadors of positive social change.

Q2. In a digital-arrest scam, fraudsters commonly impersonate:

a) Insurance agents

b) Police, courts and investigative agencies

c) School officials

d) Delivery companies

Answer: b) Digital-arrest fraudsters pretend to represent law-enforcement or judicial authorities. They threaten victims through phone or video calls and demand money. Genuine authorities do not conduct arrests or demand payments through video calls.