Current Affairs 07 August 2026
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Environment
Meghalaya Launches Mission Clouded Leopard
The Meghalaya government launched Mission Clouded Leopard on August 4, 2026, coinciding with International Clouded Leopard Day. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma unveiled the programme to protect the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), which is Meghalaya’s State animal.
Schemes
GOBARdhan Scheme
The Union Cabinet has approved GOBARdhan—the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme seeks to convert agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste, and other biomass resources into Compressed Biogas (CBG), organic manure, and rural income.
The scheme will be implemented from 2026–27 to 2035–36 and administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It aims to increase India’s domestic CBG production nearly tenfold, attract private investment, and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. CBG is chemically similar to natural gas and can be supplied through existing City Gas Distribution networks.
Awards and Honours
M.S. Swaminathan Environment Award 2026
Grassroots environmental leaders P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal were honoured with the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 at an event held in Chennai. The award recognised their community-level contributions to marine conservation and sustainable agriculture in Tamil Nadu.
National Handloom Awards 2025
A total of 22 awards will be presented, comprising three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards. The Sant Kabir Handloom Award is India’s highest national recognition for handloom weavers demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and sustained service to weaving traditions.
Among the 2025 National Handloom Award recipients are Murakala Nataraju of Srikakulam for a cotton tussar half-and-half jamdani saree and M/s N. Venkateswara Rao of Venkatagiri in the handloom marketing category, providing notable representation from Andhra Pradesh.
Defence
India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile
India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha on August 6, 2026. The test successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile system. Agni-4 is a two-stage, surface-to-surface ballistic missile powered by solid-fuel rocket motors. It has a strike range of up to 4,000 km and can be operated from a road-mobile launcher, providing greater deployment flexibility.
Miscellaneous
World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is observed from August 1 to 7
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is observing World Breastfeeding Week 2026 across India from August 1 to 7. The 2026 theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” The campaign focuses on expanding proven measures that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
The Ministry has advised that breastfeeding should begin within the first hour after birth, known as the Golden Hour. The first thick milk, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies and nutrients and is often described as the baby’s first natural vaccine. Early skin-to-skin contact also assists the initiation of breastfeeding.
National Handloom Day – August 07
National Handloom Day 2026 is observed on August 7 to celebrate India’s traditional weaving heritage and recognise the economic and cultural contribution of handloom workers. The day commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905, which promoted indigenous products and national self-reliance. National Handloom Day was first observed in 2015.
According to the Fourth All India Handloom Census 2019–20, India has approximately 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and allied workers belonging to 31.45 lakh handloom households. Women constitute more than 72% of the workforce, with 25.46 lakh women engaged in weaving and allied activities. Nearly nine out of every ten handlooms are situated in rural India.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. Who received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 for their grassroots environmental work?
A. P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal
B. Saalumarada Thimmakka and Tulsi Gowda
C. Sunita Narain and Vandana Shiva
D. Jadav Payeng and Jamuna Tudu
Show Answer
Answer: A. P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal
Explanation: P. Pechiyammal was recognised for collecting ghost fishing gear and marine plastic in Ramanathapuram, while Govindhammal was honoured for promoting sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment in Villupuram.
Q2. What is the theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2026?
A. Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems
B. Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works
C. Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet
D. Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All
Show Answer
Answer: B. Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works
Explanation: World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is observed from August 1 to 7 under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” In India, the observance is being carried out under POSHAN Abhiyaan.
Q3. Which State launched “Mission Clouded Leopard” in August 2026 to protect its State animal?
A. Arunachal Pradesh
B. Meghalaya
C. Mizoram
D. Nagaland
Show Answer
Answer: B. Meghalaya
Explanation: Meghalaya launched Mission Clouded Leopard on August 4, 2026, to conserve the mainland clouded leopard, the State animal. The mission covers habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, landscape connectivity, protection measures and community participation.
Q4. National Handloom Day is observed annually on which date?
A. August 5
B. August 6
C. August 7
D. August 8
Show Answer
Answer: C. August 7
Explanation: National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7. It commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on August 7, 1905, which promoted indigenous goods and self-reliance.
Q5. What is the total outlay approved for the GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme?
A. ₹15,500 crore
B. ₹18,731 crore
C. ₹23,731 crore
D. ₹30,000 crore
Show Answer
Answer: C. ₹23,731 crore
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. It will be implemented from 2026–27 to 2035–36 to expand Compressed Biogas production and promote a circular bioeconomy.
Q6. What is the strike range of India’s Agni-4 ballistic missile, which was successfully test-fired in August 2026?
A. Up to 2,000 km
B. Up to 3,000 km
C. Up to 4,000 km
D. Up to 5,000 km
Show Answer
Answer: C. Up to 4,000 km
Explanation: Agni-4 is a two-stage, solid-fuelled, surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a strike range of up to 4,000 km. It was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha on August 6, 2026.
Q7. How many Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards will be presented during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations in 2026?
A. 20
B. 22
C. 24
D. 25
Show Answer
Answer: B. 22
Explanation: President Droupadi Murmu will present 22 awards during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations—three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards for 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which national park is famous for clouded leopards?
The clouded leopard is explicitly the namesake of Clouded Leopard National Park in Tripura, India, and also inhabits several other reserves like Manas National Park in Assam, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, and Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya.
Is the clouded leopard the state animal of Meghalaya?
Yes, the clouded leopard is the state animal of the Indian state of Meghalaya. On August 4, 2026, the Meghalaya government launched Mission Clouded Leopard to protect the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).
Which union ministry is associated with which GOBARdhan scheme?
Key Ministries associated with the GOBARdhan Scheme.
Ministry of Jal Shakti: GOBARdhan is an integral component of solid waste management under SBM(G).
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG): Administers and coordinates national compressed biogas (CBG) scale-ups and industrial framework implementations.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE): Supports biogas development programs and renewable energy generation.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: Assists with organic manure value chains and bio-slurry usage.
What is the difference between a ballistic missile and a supersonic cruise missile?
The fundamental difference between a ballistic missile and a supersonic cruise missile lies in their flight path, propulsion system, and altitude. A ballistic missile is powered by a rocket engine only during its initial launch phase, soaring high into or above the atmosphere before falling along a fixed, predictable arc pulled by gravity. In contrast, a supersonic cruise missile is continuously powered by a jet engine throughout its entire flight, travelling horizontally at low altitudes and speeds up to Mach 3 while retaining the ability to actively maneuver.
Why is World Breastfeeding Week celebrated?
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from August 1 to 7 each year to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, it highlights child survival, maternal health benefits, and community support systems.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.
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