Current Affairs : 21st August to 26th August 2026

1. Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Walk in Space

• European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot created history by becoming the first French woman to conduct a spacewalk.
• On 18 August 2026, Adenot and NASA astronaut Anil Menon completed a 6-hour-23-minute EVA outside the International Space Station.
• Their main task was removing the malfunctioning Space-to-Ground Antenna 2 (SGANT-2), which had been unable to track NASA’s communications satellites since November 2025.
• The astronauts successfully removed the defective antenna, although they could not install the replacement because of technical difficulties and time constraints. The mission marked a major milestone for France and ESA’s human-spaceflight programme.

2. Centre Notifies ₹62,500 Crore Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a massive ₹62,500 crore budgetary outlay.
• The five-year scheme will operate from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 and provide incentives ranging from 2.25% to 5% on eligible sales.
• It aims to deepen domestic value addition, strengthen supply chains, improve global competitiveness and promote Indian mobile brands, patents, design and R&D.
• The government expects the scheme to generate around 60,000 direct jobs and support cumulative production of approximately ₹39 lakh crore. India already manufactures 99.2% of the mobile phones used domestically.

3. Tamil Nadu Launches Annapoorani Super Six LPG Scheme

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay announced the Annapoorani Super Six LPG Scheme, aimed at reducing household cooking-fuel expenses.
• The government has announced assistance for LPG cylinders for eligible families, with the scheme expected to begin around Pongal 2027. Reports indicate that the currently announced benefit is three free LPG cylinders annually for families meeting an annual-income criterion of ₹2.5 lakh, despite the earlier election promise of six cylinders.
• The state government estimates the scheme could cost around ₹4,000 crore annually. The initiative is intended to provide financial relief to households, particularly economically weaker families, while increasing access to clean cooking fuel.

4. Mumbai Debuts in IWG 2026 Work From Anywhere Index With 77

• Mumbai has made its debut in the International Workplace Group (IWG) 2026 Work From Anywhere Index, scoring 77 points and becoming the only Indian city included.
• Mumbai performed strongly in transport affordability, flexible workspace availability, climate and accommodation. However, it received comparatively weaker scores for broadband quality, local events and the happiness index.
• Bangkok topped the global ranking with 106.5 points, followed by Tokyo and Barcelona. Mumbai nevertheless ranked ahead of cities such as London and Miami.
• The index evaluates climate, broadband, accommodation, transport, culture, food and flexible workspaces for professionals combining travel with remote work.

5. India Produces First 100% Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle

• India has achieved a major defence-manufacturing milestone with the production and successful test-firing of its first 100% indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named ‘Sher’.
• The rifle was manufactured at the Korwa ordnance facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL).
• Every component and input material used in the prototype was sourced from Indian industry. The project originated from the India-Russia joint venture established in 2019 under the Make in India initiative.
• Army trials are expected to begin in September 2026. The achievement strengthens India’s defence self-reliance and supports efforts to replace older rifles with locally manufactured modern assault weapons.

6. Indian Navy to Commission Second Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun

• The Indian Navy is scheduled to commission Nipun, its second indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class, on 31 August 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• Built and designed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun was delivered to the Navy on 30 July 2026. The specialised vessel supports deep-sea diving, rescue and underwater operations.
• It features advanced diving equipment, deep-sea saturation-diving capability, a side diving stage and remotely operated vehicles.
• Nipun can also serve as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) during submarine emergencies. Nearly 75% indigenous content highlights India’s shipbuilding self-reliance.

7. Dhiraj Seth Gets Nepal’s Honorary General Rank in Kathmandu

• General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Indian Army, has been conferred the prestigious Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army by Nepal.
• The honour was presented by Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel during a special ceremony on 17 August 2026.
• The tradition reflects the exceptionally close military relationship between India and Nepal, under which the chiefs of the two armies are traditionally granted honorary general ranks in each other’s forces.
• Senior Nepalese government and military officials, along with the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, attended the ceremony. The recognition highlights the longstanding defence cooperation, military-to-military ties and historical relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

8. India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026

• The 15th edition of India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV is being conducted from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand.
• Both the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army are participating with 85 personnel each. India’s contingent is primarily drawn from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while Thailand is represented by the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
• The exercise focuses on company-level training for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban environments. Established in 2006, MAITREE promotes interoperability, operational understanding and military cooperation between India and Thailand.

9. Reliance, Rolls-Royce to Partner on India’s Fighter Jet Engine

• Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce have announced a strategic intent to partner on developing an indigenous combat engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
• The proposed collaboration will cover the design, development, manufacturing and delivery of a sovereign Indian fighter engine.
• The companies also plan to explore establishing a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India as a centre for propulsion technology.
• The partnership combines Rolls-Royce’s expertise in advanced aerospace engines with Reliance’s manufacturing and industrial capabilities. The initiative supports India’s ambition to achieve greater technological sovereignty in fighter-engine production and reduce dependence on imported propulsion systems.

10. Shabnam Sinha to Succeed Sunil Mittal as Airtel Payments Bank Chair

• Shabnam Sinha will succeed Sunil Bharti Mittal as Chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank from 1 October 2026.
• Mittal will step down as non-executive chairman and leave the bank’s board on 30 September 2026, ending his decade-long association with the institution.
• Sinha, currently an independent director, has more than three decades of experience spanning development finance, financial services, public policy and institutional transformation, including experience with the World Bank.
• Her appointment was made by the bank’s board and approved by the Reserve Bank of India. She will serve a three-year term and currently chairs the bank’s fraud-monitoring committee.

11. I4C Signs MoU With RBI Innovation Hub

• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) signed an MoU on 12 May 2026 to strengthen the fight against cyber-enabled financial fraud.
• The partnership focuses particularly on identifying and eliminating mule accounts, which are frequently used to move illegally obtained money.
• Under the agreement, I4C will share intelligence and suspect identifiers from its Suspect Registry with RBIH. The information will support AI-powered systems such as MuleHunter.ai for fraud-risk detection.
• The collaboration aims to improve intelligence sharing, analytical capabilities, early fraud detection and coordination across India’s banking and digital-payment ecosystem.

12. Mitchell Starc Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in WTC History

• Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc became the leading wicket-taker in World Test Championship (WTC) history during Australia’s second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. Starc produced a sensational 6/12 spell as Bangladesh collapsed to just 64 runs in the first innings.
• His performance took his WTC wicket tally to 230, moving him ahead of fellow Australians Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, who were on 225 each according to contemporary reports. Starc also completed a 10-wicket match haul as Australia won by an innings and 51 runs to level the series 1-1. The achievement adds another milestone to his distinguished Test career.

13. Lando Norris Wins Dramatic Dutch Grand Prix 2026

• Lando Norris won the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on 23 August, securing McLaren’s third consecutive victory at the circuit. Starting from pole position, Norris faced intense competition after Kimi Antonelli moved ahead following a restart triggered by Max Verstappen’s early crash.
• Norris eventually reclaimed the lead with 18 laps remaining, helped by fresher tyres and strong race strategy. Antonelli finished second, while George Russell took third for Mercedes.
• Lewis Hamilton finished fourth and Charles Leclerc fifth. Norris collected 25 championship points from the victory. The race was notable as the final scheduled Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort under the current calendar arrangement.

14. CSIR-NAL Unveils Indigenous Micro Gas Turbine Engines

• CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has unveiled indigenous micro/small gas turbine engines, strengthening India’s capabilities in compact propulsion technology.
• One key development is the NJ-100, a next-generation small gas turbine engine delivering approximately 1,000 newtons of thrust. It is positioned between micro-UAV engines and larger turbojets and is designed for compact platforms requiring a high thrust-to-weight ratio, efficiency and endurance.
• CSIR-NAL’s earlier NJ-5 technology demonstrator helped establish expertise in high-speed turbomachinery, miniature compressors and turbines, combustor miniaturisation, bearings and system integration.
• The technology could support unmanned aerial vehicles and other aerospace applications, contributing to indigenous propulsion capability.

15. World’s Oceans Reach Record Sea Surface Temperature

• Global oceans have reached a record daily average sea-surface temperature of 21.1°C, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
• The record was recorded on 22 August 2026 across the extra-polar global oceans between 60°S and 60°N, exceeding the previous record of 21.09°C from March 2024. Scientists attribute the extraordinary warmth to long-term human-caused climate change combined with a developing El Niño event.
• Warmer oceans can intensify storms, disrupt marine ecosystems, reduce oxygen availability and contribute to coral bleaching and fisheries stress. The record highlights the increasing pressure on the global climate and marine environment.

16. India’s Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity Crosses 300 GW

• India’s installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity crossed 300 GW, reaching 300.50 GW as of 31 July 2026, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• This represents more than 60% of India’s target of 500 GW by 2030. Solar energy contributes the largest share at 164.59 GW, followed by wind at 58.14 GW, hydropower at 57.24 GW, bio-power at 11.75 GW and nuclear power at 8.78 GW.
• Non-fossil sources now account for more than 54% of India’s total installed electricity capacity. The milestone demonstrates rapid growth in clean-energy infrastructure and supports India’s long-term energy-transition and climate objectives.

17. US Removes Syria from Terrorism Sponsor List

• The United States officially removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list on 24 August 2026, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979.
• The decision followed a 45-day congressional review after the US administration notified Congress of its intention to remove the designation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move recognised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to distance the country from international terrorism.
• Delisting removes several major restrictions affecting foreign aid, defence exports and financial transactions. The decision could facilitate international investment and Syria’s post-war reconstruction while encouraging greater integration with the global financial system.

18. UPI Completes Ten Years of Operations

• India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completed 10 years of operations in August 2026. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) under RBI oversight, UPI was launched in 2016 and transformed digital payments through instant bank-to-bank transfers using mobile devices and QR codes.
• Annual transaction volume rose dramatically from 1.78 crore in FY2016-17 to more than 24,162 crore in FY2025-26, representing an almost 13,000-fold increase.
• Transaction value reached approximately ₹314 lakh crore in FY2025-26. UPI is now operational in 11 countries, with 703 participating banks, and has emerged as one of the world’s largest real-time payment systems.

19. China Postpones Chang’e-7 Lunar Mission

• China has postponed the launch of its ambitious Chang’e-7 lunar mission, which is designed to investigate the Moon’s south polar region.
• The mission had been expected to launch shortly from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, but China announced that it did not meet the required launch conditions. Officials did not disclose specific technical reasons.
• Chang’e-7 is intended to search for water ice and volatile resources in permanently shadowed lunar craters and study the environment around the south pole. The mission forms part of China’s long-term lunar exploration programme and is an important precursor to its plans for expanded lunar scientific and human activities.

20. Rajasthan Announces ₹12,500 Crore School Overhaul Plan

• The Rajasthan government has announced a ₹12,500 crore three-year plan to overhaul government-school infrastructure. The programme is scheduled to cover FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29 and aims to make schools safer, more modern and digitally equipped.
• The initiative focuses on addressing infrastructure deficiencies and improving facilities across government schools.
• The announcement follows growing public concern over the condition of school buildings and infrastructure, including pressure from the School Thik Karo campaign.
• The government’s roadmap represents a major investment in education infrastructure and is intended to improve learning environments, safety and access to modern facilities for students across Rajasthan.

21. Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Walk in Space

• Same news as No. 1. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to perform a spacewalk on 18 August 2026.
• Accompanied by NASA astronaut Anil Menon, she spent 6 hours and 23 minutes outside the International Space Station.
• The astronauts removed the malfunctioning Space-to-Ground Antenna 2 (SGANT-2), although installation of its replacement had to be postponed because of difficulties involving bolts and connectors.
• Adenot’s achievement represents a historic milestone for French women in human spaceflight and strengthens ESA’s contribution to ISS operations.

22. Ashutosh Parida to Receive 47th Sarala Puraskar

• Renowned Odia poet, essayist and former CSIR-IMMT scientist Dr Ashutosh Parida has been selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar for his poetry collection ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’, published in 2024.
• The prestigious award is presented annually by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) for outstanding literary achievement in Odia. Parida will receive a ₹7 lakh cash prize, citation and copper plaque.
• The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar on 25 October 2026. IMPaCT has also announced the Ila-Bansidhar Panda Kala Samman 2026 for Odissi guru Durga Charan Ranbir and sculptor-educator Damodar Behera.

23. RBI Appoints S Somanath, Reappoints Anand Mahindra to Central Board

• The Central Government has appointed former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath as a part-time, non-official director on the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Board.
• His four-year term became effective on 20 August 2026. The government also reappointed Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, as a part-time, non-official director for another four-year term.
• Somanath’s appointment brings significant expertise in aerospace, technology and large-scale project management to the central bank’s board, while Mahindra provides continuity and business-sector experience.
• The appointments come as the RBI increasingly focuses on technological innovation, digital finance, cybersecurity and the resilience of India’s financial system.

24. Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir Elected Bangladesh’s 23rd President

• Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been elected Bangladesh’s 23rd President.
• In the presidential election held on 20 August 2026, Alamgir secured 255 votes, defeating opposition candidate Colonel (retd.) Oli Ahmad, who received 88 votes.
• The election was particularly significant because it was Bangladesh’s first contested presidential election since 1991, with multiple candidates participating. Alamgir subsequently took oath at Bangabhaban on 21 August, with Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal administering the oath.
• The veteran politician’s elevation marks a major development in Bangladesh’s political landscape and brings a senior BNP leader to the country’s largely ceremonial presidency.

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