- On 7 August 2026 Punjab claimed the top position in NITI Aayog’s school education assessment, with state Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains highlighting improvements in government-school infrastructure and academic outcomes. According to the state government, Punjab has overtaken traditionally strong performers such as Kerala. Bains also highlighted that 882 students from government schools qualified NEET and that Punjab has introduced Artificial Intelligence as a core subject from Classes 1 to 12, reflecting the state’s focus on technology-oriented school education.
- On 8 August 2026 Bengaluru Police intensified Operation Mukta, a special drive aimed at identifying foreign nationals allegedly staying in India without valid documents. Police carried out verification exercises across areas including Electronics City and Whitefield and detained suspected undocumented immigrants, including Bangladeshi nationals, for further verification and legal action. The operation focuses on checking identity and immigration documents and taking action under applicable immigration laws while coordinating with other authorities for confirmation of nationality and further proceedings.
- On 7 August 2026 President Droupadi Murmu participated in the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. She presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards to recognise outstanding contributions by weavers and other stakeholders. Four commemorative postage stamps showcasing India’s diverse handloom traditions were also released. National Handloom Day highlights the economic and cultural significance of handloom weaving and encourages greater support for artisans, traditional craftsmanship and sustainable textile production.
- On 9-17 August 2026 The Government of India is observing the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign to encourage citizens to hoist the National Flag and strengthen their connection with the Tricolour. The 2026 campaign is dedicated to the spirit of the National Song Vande Mataram as India marks 150 years associated with the song. Citizens can hoist the flag, upload selfies and participate in related activities. A five-step Vande Mataram learning initiative has also been introduced to encourage wider public participation.
- On 8 August 2026 The Maharashtra government began disbursing benefits under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar loan waiver initiative, transferring about ₹5,027 crore to approximately 6.2 lakh farmer loan accounts. The assistance is being provided through Direct Benefit Transfer as part of a broader farm-debt relief programme expected to cover millions of farmers across the state. The scheme seeks to reduce the debt burden on eligible farmers and improve their financial position, particularly those facing difficulties in repaying agricultural loans.
- On 7 August 2026 Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as the 36th President of Colombia, beginning his 2026-2030 term and succeeding Gustavo Petro. In his inaugural policy agenda, De la Espriella emphasised stronger action against organised crime, armed groups and drug trafficking, along with fiscal austerity and measures to revive investment in sectors such as oil and gas. His presidency represents a major political shift in Colombia following the country’s previous left-led administration under Petro.
- On 6 August 2026 Indian Bank organised a Mega MSME Credit Outreach Programme in New Delhi as part of its 120th Foundation Day celebrations and approved nearly ₹500 crore in loans for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The programme was designed to improve the availability of institutional credit for businesses and support entrepreneurship and employment generation. The initiative formed part of the bank’s wider efforts to expand its MSME portfolio and provide easier access to formal financing for eligible enterprises.
- On 5 August 2026, J&K Bank partnered with SBI Life Insurance to offer life insurance products through its branch network. Customers will get access to protection, savings, retirement and child-focused plans. The partnership aims to improve insurance penetration, expand SBI Life’s reach and give J&K Bank customers more insurance choices.
- On 5 August 2026, J&K Bank announced a partnership with SBI Life Insurance to expand life insurance services for its customers. Under the bancassurance arrangement, J&K Bank will distribute SBI Life’s protection, savings, retirement and child-focused insurance products through around 1,000 branches. The partnership aims to improve insurance penetration, financial protection and customer awareness, especially in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It will also strengthen J&K Bank’s insurance portfolio while helping SBI Life expand its distribution network and reach more customers through the bank’s established branch network.
- On 6 August 2026, Standard Chartered received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority to offer retail wealth management products from GIFT City, Gujarat. The bank plans to provide investment and wealth solutions using its global wealth-management platform. Standard Chartered has operated in GIFT City since 2020 and already offers services such as trade finance, lending, cash management and financial-market products. The approval will expand investment choices for clients and strengthen GIFT City’s position as a growing international wealth-management and financial-services hub in India.
- On 6-8 August 2026 The 10th India International Footwear Fair 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organised as a major business-to-business exhibition, the fair showcased footwear, leather products, components, machinery, technology and manufacturing solutions. The event provided a platform for Indian manufacturers, exporters, international buyers and industry stakeholders to explore business partnerships and emerging market trends. It also supported India’s efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and increase the global competitiveness of its footwear and leather industry.
- On 8 August 2026 Andhra Pradesh announced plans to procure around 1,600 MW of coal-based thermal power to meet rising electricity demand and improve long-term energy security. The proposed procurement is intended to provide firm and dispatchable electricity, particularly during periods when renewable power generation from sources such as solar and wind is lower. Thermal capacity is expected to help maintain grid stability and meet peak demand while the state continues expanding its overall electricity-generation and supply infrastructure.
- On 5 August 2026 Kroll released its Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2025, ranking Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as India’s most valuable celebrity brand with a valuation of USD 177.9 million. Ranveer Singh ranked second at USD 162.9 million, while Virat Kohli stood third at USD 158.4 million. According to Kroll, the combined brand value of India’s top celebrities remains substantial, highlighting the commercial importance of entertainment and sports personalities in advertising, endorsements and consumer-brand marketing.
- On 8 August 2026 Ratusinh Na Muvada, a small village in Gujarat’s Mahisagar district with roughly 100 households, gained attention for producing 16 FIDE-rated chess players and 17 players with international chess exposure. The transformation has largely been driven by a local mathematics teacher who introduced chess training to children from economically weaker families. Around 200 students have been trained, winning numerous trophies, while plans are underway to establish a major government-supported chess training centre in the village.
- On 6 August 2026 Indian squash player Suraj Kumar Chand created history by becoming the first Indian to win the men’s individual gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championships 2026. In the final, Chand defeated Hungary’s Benedek Takács in a five-game contest, winning 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 6-11 and 11-7. The victory marked a major milestone for Indian university squash and improved on Chand’s previous international performances, including his bronze medal at the 2024 edition.
- On 7 August 2026 Indian javelin thrower Ashish Yadav won the silver medal in the men’s event at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA. Yadav recorded a best throw of 74.09 metres in his third attempt. He became only the second Indian to win a World U20 medal in men’s javelin after Neeraj Chopra, who won gold in 2016. The achievement ended India’s decade-long wait for another men’s javelin medal at the World U20 Championships.
- On 7 August 2026 India’s Ariha Pangambam created history by winning the gold medal in the senior women’s individual event at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. She became the first Indian gymnast to win senior individual gold at the continental aerobic gymnastics championships. Pangambam secured the title with an overall score of 19.100, comprising marks for artistry, execution and difficulty. The achievement represents a major breakthrough for India in aerobic gymnastics and strengthens the country’s presence in international gymnastics disciplines beyond traditional artistic events.
- On 7 August 2026 Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won his maiden Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz title in the United States as part of the Grand Chess Tour. The 20-year-old clinched the championship with a round to spare and eventually finished with 23 points out of a possible 35. He secured the title after drawing against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov and finished 1.5 points ahead of the runner-up. The victory also strengthened Praggnanandhaa’s position in the overall Grand Chess Tour standings.
- On 7 August 2026 England fast bowler John Turner announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 25 because of persistent injury problems. The Hampshire pacer had been sidelined for more than a year and was affected by a serious back stress fracture, ultimately forcing him to end his playing career prematurely. Turner had represented England and was regarded as a promising fast-bowling prospect. His retirement highlighted the physical demands faced by fast bowlers and the impact recurring stress injuries can have on professional careers.
- On 7 August 2026 HAL Airport in Bengaluru became the first airport in India to operationalise a Required Navigation Performance Category H, or RNP CAT H, satellite-guided helicopter approach procedure. The system was designed by the Airports Authority of India and validated through flight trials by HAL test pilots before receiving DGCA approval. The technology provides helicopters with more accurate satellite-based navigation during approaches, improving safety, reducing flight time and enabling more reliable operations during challenging weather and visibility conditions.
- On 8 August 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, during IIT Delhi’s 57th Convocation. The facility is intended to strengthen advanced research requiring large-scale computational capacity, particularly in artificial intelligence and other technology-intensive areas. High-performance computing systems such as Param Pragya can support complex simulations, scientific modelling and AI research at much greater speeds than conventional computing infrastructure. The facility is expected to enhance IIT Delhi’s research capabilities and support India’s broader high-performance computing ecosystem.
- On 26 May 1999 The Indian Air Force formally entered the Kargil conflict through Operation Safed Sagar, its air campaign supporting the Indian Army’s Operation Vijay. IAF aircraft attacked Pakistani positions and supply lines at high altitudes while operating under restrictions against crossing the Line of Control. The campaign involved fighters including MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-27s and Mirage 2000 aircraft. Precision strikes by Mirage 2000s proved particularly important in destroying fortified positions and supporting Indian forces in recapturing strategic heights.
- On 7 August 2026 Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first woman pilot in the Indian Air Force to successfully complete the prestigious Fighter Combat Leader course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment in Gwalior. The rigorous programme trains experienced fighter pilots to lead complex air-combat missions and develop advanced operational tactics. Kanth was already among the first group of women inducted into the IAF fighter stream. Her achievement marks another major milestone for women serving in operational and leadership roles within the Indian Air Force.
- On 6 August 2026 India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. The launch was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command as part of routine user trials and successfully validated the missile’s operational and technical parameters. Agni-4 has a strike range of around 4,000 kilometres and forms an important component of India’s strategic deterrent capability. The successful test reaffirmed the operational readiness and reliability of the indigenous missile system.
- On 6 August 2026 The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation and Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation and deep technology. The partnership seeks to connect Indian and Indonesian research ecosystems, promote startup incubation, encourage talent development and accelerate the commercialisation of advanced technologies. It also aims to support collaborative higher education and entrepreneurship initiatives and strengthen the broader India-Indonesia South-South Strategic Partnership through science, innovation and knowledge exchange.
- On 4 August 2026 Lohia Aerospace Systems Private Limited and Israel-based Massivit signed an MoU to establish India’s first commercial large-format additive manufacturing facility for composite tooling. The project, planned at Lohia Aerospace’s Kanpur facility, involves an estimated investment of USD 8-10 million over two years and expansion of manufacturing infrastructure. Large-format additive manufacturing enables the production of sizeable industrial components and tooling through advanced 3D-printing technologies. The collaboration is particularly aimed at applications in India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.
- 6 August 2026 The Ministry of External Affairs appointed Anand Prakash as the next High Commissioner of India to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Prakash is a 2009-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service and was serving as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs at the time of his appointment. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly. As High Commissioner, he will represent India in Eswatini and work to strengthen bilateral diplomatic, economic and developmental relations between the two countries.
- On 9 August 2026 The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed to draw attention to the rights, cultures and contributions of indigenous communities around the world. The 2026 theme was Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being, highlighting the role of indigenous midwives in maternal health, community care and preservation of traditional knowledge. The United Nations observes the day annually on 9 August, commemorating the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
- On 8 June 2026 World Brain Tumour Day was observed with the 2026 theme A Closer Look, focusing attention on early detection, timely diagnosis and greater awareness of the warning signs associated with brain tumours. The day is observed annually on 8 June to educate the public, support patients and their families and encourage advances in brain-tumour research and treatment. Awareness of persistent neurological symptoms and timely medical evaluation can contribute to earlier diagnosis and better management of brain tumours.
- 8 June 2026 World Oceans Day was observed globally with the 2026 theme Reimagine, calling for a fundamental change in how humanity views, uses and protects the ocean. The United Nations observes the day annually on 8 June to highlight the ocean’s role in regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, providing livelihoods and sustaining human life. The 2026 observance encouraged governments, communities and individuals to rethink existing practices and develop more sustainable approaches to marine conservation and responsible use of ocean resources.
- On 9 August 2026 Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city during World War II. On 9 August 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, three days after Hiroshima, causing massive destruction and tens of thousands of deaths. During the 2026 memorial ceremony, Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki renewed calls for nuclear disarmament and warned about the risks associated with nuclear deterrence. Nagasaki Day promotes remembrance, peace and global efforts toward eliminating nuclear weapons.
- On 10 August 2026 World Lion Day was observed to raise awareness about the conservation of lions and threats to their survival. Celebrated annually on 10 August, the day highlights problems including habitat loss, poaching, declining prey populations, climate-related pressures and human-wildlife conflict. Lions are apex predators that play an important role in maintaining ecological balance. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, scientific population monitoring and community-based programmes that reduce conflict between humans and lions while supporting long-term survival of wild lion populations.
Questions:
Q1. Indian Bank approved nearly how much in MSME loans during its Mega MSME Credit Outreach Programme?
a) ₹200 crore
b) ₹350 crore
c) ₹500 crore
d) ₹1,000 crore
Answer: c) Indian Bank approved nearly ₹500 crore in loans for MSMEs during the programme organised as part of its 120th Foundation Day celebrations.
Q2. Param Pragya, inaugurated at IIT Delhi, is:
a) A quantum communication satellib) An AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility
te
c) A semiconductor fabrication unit
d) A defence AI laboratory
Answer: b) Param Pragya is an AI-powered high-performance computing facility designed to support advanced AI research, simulations and scientific modelling.
