Current Affairs Questions with Answers

Merchant Navy Day honors the seafarers who contribute to commercial maritime transport and highlights the role of the Merchant Navy in India's foreign trade, supply chain security, and the Blue Economy. The Sagarmala Programme, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 focus on strengthening India's maritime infrastructure, trade, logistics, and maritime security.

In August 2026, gross GST collections stood at approximately ₹2 trillion, marking an annual growth of 14.8%, while import GST rose by 29% to reach ₹62,604 crore. Net GST collection stood at ₹1.68 trillion after refunds, and gross GST collection reached ₹10.43 trillion during April–August 2026.

During April–July 2026, the Central Government's total receipts stood at ₹13.06 lakh crore and total expenditure at ₹17.61 lakh crore, with tax revenue being the primary source at ₹8.44 lakh crore. Tax transfers to states amounted to ₹3.72 lakh crore, while ₹4.26 lakh crore was spent on interest and ₹1.53 lakh crore on subsidies, highlighting the challenge of fiscal consolidation.

INS Nipun is an indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) that strengthens the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art capabilities for missions such as deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, salvage, and submarine rescue. Along with INS Nistar, it enhances India's submarine rescue capabilities and contributes significantly to *Aatmanirbhar Bharat* (Self-Reliant India), maritime security, and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations.

John Ternus assumed the role of Apple's CEO starting September 1, 2026, while Tim Cook became Executive Chairman after 15 years of leadership. Ternus faces key challenges such as AI competition, product innovation, and supply chain diversification amidst US-China tensions.

Indian users will be able to make P2M (Person-to-Merchant) payments from their Indian bank accounts via UPI apps by scanning UZQR codes in Uzbekistan, thereby reducing reliance on cash and international cards. The NIPL-HUMO partnership will strengthen India's digital-economic ties with Central Asia, alongside advancing UPI's international expansion, Digital Public Infrastructure, and FinTech diplomacy.

Tommy Koh, Runa Khan, and Bo Kyi were honored with the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award for their contributions to international law, social development, human rights, and democracy. Presented since 1958, this award honors outstanding contributions to public service, social justice, democratic values, and human dignity in Asia.

Lionel Messi retired from the Argentine national team after an international career spanning approximately 21 years, having scored 125 goals in 207 matches. With Argentina, he won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and claimed 8 Ballon d'Or awards.

World Coconut Day is observed on September 2nd to commemorate the establishment of the APCC and to highlight the economic, nutritional, social, and environmental significance of the coconut. The coconut is known as the "Tree of Life"; in India, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are the major producing regions, while climate change, sea-level rise, and pests and diseases pose significant challenges.

Ecuador issued a nationwide Red Alert on August 29, 2026, due to the potential impacts of El Niño, raising concerns about drought, forest fires, and water shortages. El Niño can trigger adverse weather conditions globally—such as droughts, heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and floods—which is why emphasis is being placed on early warning systems and disaster management measures.

UNCCD COP17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 17–28, 2026, under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope," focusing on land degradation, desertification, drought management, and sustainable rangeland management. India released its first set of guidelines for grasslands and other open natural ecosystems (ONEs), aiming to strengthen biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the livelihoods of pastoralists.

The state's first ozone-based drinking water purification project was launched in Dehra, Himachal Pradesh, with an allocation of approximately ₹46 crore; the project utilizes the oxidizing properties of ozone to neutralize microorganisms in the water. Alongside this, the state government is emphasizing inclusive and sustainable development through the welfare of poor families, forest conservation, education, veterinary services, and the expansion of drinking water infrastructure.

HDFC Bank MD and CEO Shashidhar Jagadeesan has decided not to extend his tenure and will remain in office till 26 October 2026; During his tenure HDFC Bank – HDFC Ltd. The merger was a major achievement. The bank will now speed up the process of selecting a new CEO, while the internal audit highlighted the importance of corporate governance, transparency, accountability and risk management.

During his visit to Tashkent on 30 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Uzbekistan's highest honor 'Oli Darazli Dostlik' and India-Uzbekistan relations were elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership. Both countries emphasized on enhancing defence, energy, trade, digital and nuclear cooperation and strengthening energy security through long-term uranium supply to India.

Germany defeated Spain 1-0 in the final of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup to win the title for the second consecutive time and equal Pakistan by becoming the World Cup winner for the fourth time. In the final, Michel Struthoff scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute, while Argentina defeated the Netherlands 2–1 in the bronze medal match.

Sri Lanka's bid to host the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 has been withdrawn due to ICC's concerns over government interference and the autonomy of Sri Lankan cricket. According to the ICC, independent, democratic and well-governed governance is essential among national cricket boards, while withdrawing hosting rights could affect Sri Lanka's automatic qualification.

National Small Industry Day is observed in India on 30 August. The day highlights the contribution of small industries to entrepreneurship, employment generation and regional industrialisation. The MSMED Act, 2006 provided a comprehensive statutory framework for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. MSMEs play an important role in manufacturing, services, agriculture-based activities, exports and supply chains. They are also important for local employment and Inclusive Growth, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Measures such as TReDS and Udyam Registration are being promoted to address issues such as Delayed Payments and Working Capital Constraints.

The Indian Army is procuring a limited number of US-made FGM-148 Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM). The procurement is being undertaken through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process and Emergency Procurement Powers. Javelin uses an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker and Fire-and-Forget technology. Its Top-Attack capability allows it to target the relatively vulnerable upper portion of tanks. It is also designed to be effective against armoured vehicles equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). India is simultaneously developing the indigenous MPATGM through DRDO.

The e-Shram Portal is the national database of workers in the unorganised sector and was launched on 26 August 2021. Every registered worker receives a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN). It serves as the worker’s digital identity and facilitates access to government services and social security schemes. The portal covers agricultural workers, construction workers, domestic workers, street vendors, migrants and Gig/Platform Workers. Registration is free and is based primarily on Aadhaar-based e-KYC. The portal aims to connect workers with social security, insurance, employment and skill-development schemes.

The Indian men’s hockey team finished eighth in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. India drew 3-3 with Belgium in regular time and subsequently lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals for India. His late equaliser helped take the match to the shootout. Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek scored for India in the shootout. Belgium won the shootout 4-3 and secured seventh place. The result highlights the need to improve Penalty Conversion, Defensive Stability and Match Management.