Weekly Current Affairs (August 2026 - Week 4)
Weekly Current Affairs (August 2026 – Week 4) – Exam Revision Notes | ReadingRoomz

Weekly Current Affairs (August 2026 – Week 4) – Exam Revision Notes

Structured for quick revision, MCQs, and exam-oriented clarity (ReadingRoomz).
📖 Reading Time: ~35 minutes 📝 Topics: 40+ 📅 August 2026 Week 4 📆 Published: 30 August 2026

1) International Current Affairs

Flash Flood Strikes Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River Basin

A massive flash flood struck Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River basin on 26 August 2026, severely affecting Rasuwa district near the Nepal–Tibet border. Nepalese authorities reported 157 deaths, while hundreds were missing, including 133 Indian nationals. Nepal’s NDRRMA analysis indicated a rock-and-ice landslide/glacial collapse ~20 km northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border crossing generated a debris-laden flood in the Lhende River (a tributary of the Bhotekoshi), which then moved downstream through the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river system.

River System: The Bhotekoshi River originates in Tibet → flows into Nepal’s Trishuli River → eventually enters India as the Gandak River.

Panama-Flagged MV Ocean Winner Sinks off Odisha Coast

The Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal, about 240 nautical miles off the Paradip coast of Odisha, on 22 August 2026. The vessel was carrying iron ore and had 24 crew members — 20 Chinese nationals, three from Myanmar, and one from Bangladesh. The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy launched a major search-and-rescue operation.

7th Session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission

India and Morocco agreed to double bilateral trade over the next five years during the 7th Session of the India–Morocco Joint Commission held in Morocco in August 2026. Bilateral trade reached around USD 4 billion in 2025. Sectors discussed: fertilisers and chemicals, minerals, machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital technologies. A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2026–2030 was also signed. India and Morocco will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

2) National Current Affairs

Mizoram Adopts ‘Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che’ as Official State Song

The Mizoram Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted the Mizo patriotic and devotional song ‘Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che’ as the official State song of Mizoram on 27 August 2026. Resolution moved by CM Lalduhoma. The song was composed in 1947 by renowned Mizo writer and composer Rokunga. Its title roughly means “Be Thou Our Counsellor”. Although long regarded as an unofficial State anthem, it had no formal recognition until 2026.

NCW Forms Panel to Probe ‘Paro’ or ‘Molki’ Marriages in Haryana’s Mewat Region

The National Commission for Women (NCW) constituted a five-member fact-finding team to examine the practice of ‘Paro’ or ‘Molki’ marriages in the Mewat region, particularly Nuh district of Haryana. ‘Paro’ or ‘Molki’ refers to a practice in which women from economically vulnerable communities in other States are brought through intermediaries and married to local men, allegedly involving monetary transactions. The NCW inquiry will determine the actual extent of the practice and examine allegations of resale, abuse, and inter-State trafficking.

₹472 Crore T-Series Tanks Overhaul Facility

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the T-Series Tanks Overhaul Project at the Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur on 27 August 2026. Project cost: ₹472 crore. Will create facilities for overhauling T-72 and T-90 tanks; capacity of 80 tanks per year. The Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur is a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) — a Mini Ratna Defence PSU. India already has a T-series overhaul facility at Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Tamil Nadu (capacity: ~150 tanks/year).

Hutatma Smruti Smarak Inaugurated at Patradevi, Goa

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the re-developed Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi, Goa on 26 August 2026. The memorial commemorates Satyagrahis who participated in the Goa Liberation Movement against Portuguese rule. On 15 August 1955, thousands of volunteers participated in a peaceful satyagraha at Patradevi demanding Goa’s liberation; Portuguese forces opened fire resulting in several deaths. Goa was eventually liberated through Operation Vijay in December 1961 by the Indian Armed Forces.

3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs

AP Set to Become India’s Third Major Subsea Cable Hub

Andhra Pradesh is set to emerge as a major international subsea cable gateway, adding geographical diversity to India’s existing hubs in Mumbai and Chennai.

ProjectDetails
Google – America-India ConnectNew international subsea gateway at Visakhapatnam | Connects towards Singapore, Australia, and South Africa, linking with networks to the Americas, Europe and other regions | Makes Visakhapatnam a major alternative to Mumbai and Chennai
India-Southeast Asia (I-2SEA) CableConsortium: Lightstorm, Microsoft, Singtel, Tata Communications | ~3,600 km cable connecting India with Malaysia and Singapore | Indian landing points: Machilipatnam (AP) and South Chennai
Strategic Importance: Provides alternative international internet routes, greater network resilience, and additional capacity for data centres and AI workloads | Terrestrial fibre will connect landing stations with major data-centre hubs: Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

Centre Approves ₹2,447.98 Crore for NHM in Andhra Pradesh for 2026–27

Central Government approved ₹2,447.98 crore for implementation of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Andhra Pradesh for 2026–27. Largest component: ₹1,008.50 crore for human resources and staff salaries. A further ₹411.12 crore earmarked as grants-in-kind for medicines, vaccines and diagnostic reagents (routine immunisation, control of TB, malaria, dengue and viral hepatitis).

Kharif 2026 – AP Faces 51% Rainfall Deficit

The AP Agriculture Department adopted a four-pronged contingency strategy after the State recorded a 51% rainfall deficit between 1 June and 25 August 2026, compared with a 13% deficit at the national level. All 28 districts of Andhra Pradesh were rainfall-deficient, with three classified under the large-deficit category.

7th-Century Inscription – Earliest Epigraphical Reference to Guntur

The earliest known epigraphical reference to Guntur has been identified in the Pune copper plates of Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana II, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The copper plates were issued in the king’s first regnal year in 669 C.E. The inscription records an early form of the name Guntur — epigraphical evidence shows the name evolved through forms such as Kumturu → Gomturu → Gunturu before acquiring its present form. Another important reference occurs in the 10th-century Ederu copper plate inscription, where the place is mentioned as Gomturu.

India’s First Non-GMO High-Expansion Popcorn Maize Hybrid Seed Launched in Eluru District

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched India’s first non-GMO high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed at Musunuru, Eluru district, AP on 24 August 2026. The seed is associated with Gourmet Popcornica, an AP-based enterprise. It supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening domestic agricultural innovation and reducing dependence on imported hybrid technology. More than 17,500 farmers across eight States, cultivating nearly 40,000 acres, are associated with Gourmet Popcornica.

AP Epigraphy – Three Key Discoveries: Hero Stone (Annamayya), Tank Inscription (Annamayya), Chola Inscription (Sri Sathya Sai)

DiscoveryKey Details
9th-Century Hero Stone – Annamayya DistrictFound at Aravidu village, Galiveedu mandal, Annamayya district | Telugu inscription, 9th century C.E. | Records death of warrior Kadega (son of Chandraditya, ruler of Pochhitam) in a battle at Tiruvula between Vaidumba ruler Ganda Trinetra and Bana king Vanaraja | Hero stones (Viragallu) are memorial stones for warriors who died in battle
Tank Inscription of Venkatapatiraya II – Annamayya DistrictFound at Nulividu village, Galiveedu mandal | Telugu inscription | Dated Saka 1527 (Viswavasu, Margasira) = 15 November 1605 C.E. | Records renovation of Merugula tank and installation of a Kalupa (weir) in Marjevada Seema
Rajendra Chola I Inscription – Sri Sathya Sai DistrictFound near Akkammadevata temple, Buchayagaripalli village, Bukkapatnam mandal, Sri Sathya Sai district | Tamil rock inscription | 31st regnal year of Rajendra Chola I = 1042 C.E. | Records excavation of an irrigation tank (“Eri”) named Mudikonda Chola Pereri | Evidence of Chola-period irrigation works and Tamil epigraphic presence in present-day AP

Rare Giraffe and Camel Carvings Found at Srisailam Temple

Rare carvings depicting two giraffes and two camels, each accompanied by attendants, have been identified on the southern side of the prakara wall of the Srisailam temple complex, Nandyal district. Associated with the Vijayanagara period. The depiction of giraffes — not native to India — suggests contacts through maritime trade routes connecting the Indian subcontinent with Africa and West Asia.

Siddhavatam Fort, Kadapa

Siddhavatam Fort (also known as Sidhout Fort) in Kadapa district is under ASI restoration with State government plans for heritage tourism. Located on the left bank of the Penna (Pinakini) River, between the Palakonda (Lankamalla) and Veligonda hill ranges.

Key Historical Facts: Initial construction: 1303 C.E. under Matli rulers (attributed to Ananta Raja) | A 1605 C.E. Vijayanagara inscription records achievements of Matli Ananta | Later controlled by: Golconda Sultanate → Nawabs of Cuddapah → Hyder Ali → Nizams of Hyderabad → British East India Company | Under British rule, briefly served as administrative headquarters of Cuddapah district (1807–1812) before shifting back to Cuddapah following Penna River floods.

4) Polity & Governance

Smart Glasses – Privacy and Data Protection Concerns

The growing use of AI-powered smart glasses has raised concerns over privacy and non-consensual recording in India. Such wearable devices can contain discreet cameras, microphones and speakers — people nearby may not know they are being recorded.

Key Legal Points: K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) is the landmark privacy judgment — the Supreme Court recognised privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 | Major concerns: non-consensual recording, collection of personal data, protection of women and children, surveillance in public and semi-private spaces.

Definition of ‘Industry’ under Industrial Relations Code 2020

Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Section 2(p) defines “industry” as a systematic activity carried on through cooperation between an employer and workers for producing, supplying or distributing goods or services to satisfy human wants. Profit motive is not required.

AspectDetail
Exclusions (Code 2020)Institutions mainly engaged in charitable, social or philanthropic services | Sovereign functions of the government (including defence research, atomic energy, space) | Domestic service | Any other activity notified by the Central Government
Bangalore Water Supply Case (1978) – Triple TestThe SC evolved the Triple Test: (1) Systematic activity; (2) Cooperation between employer and employee; (3) Production/distribution of goods or services to satisfy human wants | Profit motive not essential | Brought hospitals, educational institutions, municipal activities within “industry” (except core sovereign functions)

5) Economy

Parishrama Adalat – MSME Delayed-Payment Conciliation

A Parishrama Adalat — a conciliation conclave for delayed-payment disputes of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) — was held at FTCCI, Hyderabad. It resolved 65 cases involving ₹8.29 crore, helping enterprises recover working capital.

Legal Framework – MSMED Act, 2006: Payment to an MSE supplier cannot ordinarily be delayed beyond 45 days | Delay liability: compound interest with monthly rests at three times the RBI-notified bank rate | Disputes referred to Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) | The MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) for Delayed Payments is a sub-scheme of the World Bank-supported RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) programme | MSME ODR Portal launched by the President of India on 27 June 2025 (MSME Day).

UPI Completes 10 Years

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completed 10 years in August 2026. UPI was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on 25 August 2016 under the regulatory oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

IndicatorData
Launch Date25 August 2016 by NPCI, under RBI oversight
Transaction Volume (FY16–17)1.78 crore transactions
Transaction Volume (FY25–26)24,162 crore transactions | Value: ~₹314 lakh crore
Best Month (July 2026)2,366 crore transactions | Value: ₹29.88 lakh crore (highest-ever monthly volume)
Banks Live (July 2026)741 banks
Share of India’s Digital Payments~84% in FY 2025–26
Global Real-Time Payments ShareNearly 49% of global real-time payment transaction volume in 2025
Countries Where UPI is Operational11 countries: UAE, France, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, Greece and Maldives

6) Environment

Heatwaves and Lightning Added to India’s List of Notified Natural Calamities

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) included heatwaves and lightning in India’s list of notified natural calamities under the operational guidelines for the SDRF and NDRF for 2026–31. The decision follows the recommendation of the Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC-XVI). Total notified calamities: 12 → 14.

Impact: Earlier, States could use only up to 10% of their annual SDRF for heatwaves as a local disaster. With national notification, this restriction no longer applies — States can use the SDRF for response and relief; heatwave-risk reduction projects can be financed through Disaster Mitigation Funds.

FC-XVI SDRF/SDMF Corpus (2026–27 to 2030–31): Total: ₹2,04,401 crore | SDRF: ₹1,63,521 crore | State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF): ₹40,880 crore | Allocation based on Disaster Risk Index (hazard, exposure, vulnerability).

India Restores 21.76 Million Hectares of Degraded Land (2011–2020)

India restored 21.76 million hectares of degraded and deforested land during 2011–2020, generating around 1.22 billion person-days of employment (India’s Second Progress Report on the Bonn Challenge).

Bonn Challenge: Global restoration initiative launched in 2011 | Global target: 350 million hectares by 2030 | India’s target: 26 million hectares by 2030 | India’s programmes: Green India Mission, CAMPA-supported afforestation, watershed development, agroforestry, community-based restoration | Financing mechanisms highlighted at COP17: Sovereign Green Bonds, Green Credit Programme, compensatory afforestation funds.

7) Science & Technology

Salmonella and Rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India

Salmonella is a group of bacteria causing illnesses from mild gastroenteritis to serious bloodstream infections. Typhoid and paratyphoid (enteric fever) are caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi respectively. A 2026 study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (analysing S. Typhi isolates 1977–2024) found fluoroquinolone resistance peaked at 85% during 2015–19, though it subsequently declined. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and azithromycin remained comparatively low.

India Considers Strategic Fuel Programme

India is considering a decade-long strategic fuel programme to strengthen energy security. Proposal (still under consideration): adding 28 MT crude oil + 9 MT LNG + 4 MT LPG storage.

DetailFact
Proposed Additional Storage28 MT crude oil + 9 MT LNG + 4 MT LPG = 41 MT total
Existing Phase-I Strategic Petroleum ReserveCapacity: 5.33 MT | Actual stored: ~3.37 MT | Locations: Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru and Padur
Phase-II Approved (Crude)6.5 MT at Chandikhol and Padur
Existing LPG CavernsUnderground LPG caverns at Visakhapatnam and Mangaluru — combined capacity: ~0.14 MT
Natural Gas StorageIndia currently has no operational underground natural-gas storage facility
LNG Storage RequirementRequires specialised cryogenic tanks at around –162°C | Proposed 9 MT = ~56 days of projected LNG imports

IN-SPACe Issues India’s First Guidelines for Planned Re-entry of Space Objects

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued India’s first guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects, establishing safety and regulatory requirements for satellites, rocket stages and other objects intentionally brought back to Earth.

Key Points: Indian Space Policy 2023 empowers IN-SPACe to authorise planned re-entry | Maximum acceptable expected casualty risk: less than 1 in 10,000 | Planned re-entry requires IN-SPACe authorisation | Re-entry parameters re-verified ~3 months before operation | Post-launch decision: application at least 6 months in advance | IN-SPACe advisory for warnings to aircraft and marine vessels at least 45 days before re-entry | Strengthens space sustainability, public safety, and accountability of private space operators.

8) Defence

‘Samarthak’ – First Multi-Purpose Vessel Delivered to Indian Navy

Samarthak, the first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Kattupalli, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026. Contains more than 75% indigenous content. Designed as a versatile trial and evaluation platform; can also undertake maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations.

Exercise Udara Shakti 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 at Subang, Malaysia, following its participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia. Udara Shakti is a bilateral air exercise between the IAF and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). IAF aircrew carried out high-intensity combat sorties and joint tactical manoeuvres with the RMAF.

ASW SWC ‘Mangrol’ – Third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

The Indian Navy received ‘Mangrol’, the third ASW Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on 21 August 2026. More than 80% indigenous content. Designed for: underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine warfare. Propelled by waterjets; equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, advanced radars and sonars. Named after Mangrol, a coastal town and minor port in Junagadh district, Gujarat.

9) Awards & Honours

APMDC Wins ‘Best State Linked Issuer’ Award – ASSOCHAM

The Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation Limited (APMDC) received the ‘Best State Linked Issuer’ award from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). Presented at the 9th National Summit & Awards on Corporate Bond Market, held in Mumbai on 20 August 2026.

10) Person in News

Mahatma Ayyankali – 163rd Birth Anniversary

Mahatma Ayyankali’s 163rd birth anniversary was observed on 28 August 2026. Born on 28 August 1863 at Venganoor, present-day Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. A pivotal social reformer who fought against caste discrimination and demanded education, freedom of movement, dignity and better working conditions for oppressed communities.

DetailFact
BirthplaceVenganoor, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala
Villuvandi Yatra (1893)Famous bullock-cart protest in 1893, challenging restrictions that prevented oppressed castes from using public roads
Organisation FoundedSadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS) in 1907 — worked for education, social equality, freedom of movement and better conditions for agricultural labourers

Veteran Actress Sowcar Janaki Passes Away

Veteran South Indian actress Sowcar Janaki (born Sankaramanchi Janaki) passed away in Chennai on 21 August 2026 at the age of 94. Known for versatile performances across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi cinema. Born in Rajahmundry (Rajamahendravaram), Andhra Pradesh. She began her career as a drama artiste with All India Radio (AIR). Made her film debut in the Telugu movie Shavukaru (1950). Received the Padma Shri in 2022 in the field of Art. Also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award of the Tamil Nadu Government.

11) Important Days

World Water Week 2026

World Water Week 2026 was held in Stockholm, Sweden from 23 to 27 August 2026. Theme: “Water for People and Progress” — focusing on water security, health, resilience and equitable human development. Organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The Ministry of Rural Development represented India.

India’s Digital Water Tools Highlighted: Yuktdhara — geospatial planning platform using GIS and remote sensing | E-Jal Application — supports water budgeting at the Gram Panchayat level | India emphasised the role of Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, and local communities in sustainable rural water management.

12) Miscellaneous

‘Gnani Artha’ Sovereign AI Stack

VP C. P. Radhakrishnan launched ‘Gnani Artha’, a sovereign AI stack developed by GNANI AI, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 28 August 2026. Gnani Artha comprises: Evon 3.3 (a Large Language Model) and Plexus (a platform designed to connect AI capabilities with real-world work and institutions).

DAANVEER – Computer Crowdsourcing for Gram Panchayats

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched DAANVEER — a people-led Computer Crowdsourcing Initiative for Gram Panchayats. Citizens, philanthropic organisations, CSR partners and Indian diaspora can donate desktop computers directly to eligible Gram Panchayats.

How It Works: Donors use the Meri Panchayat App to identify GPs verified by State governments that need computers → “Donate Computer” option → redirected to DigiHaat (an ONDC-enabled marketplace) → standardised computer bundles purchased → delivery digitally tracked → after GP Secretary confirms receipt, donor gets a Certificate of Appreciation | Complements Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) | As of 27 August 2026: 75 donations made.

e-Shram Portal Completes 5 Years

The e-Shram Portal completed five years on 26 August 2026. Launched on 26 August 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create India’s first Aadhaar-authenticated National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

FeatureDetail
Unique ID12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) for every registered worker
Workers CoveredAgricultural labourers, construction workers, domestic workers, street vendors, migrant workers, gig and platform workers
EvolutionBecame e-Shram One-Stop Solution on 21 October 2024; integrates 15 social security and welfare schemes; links with NCS and Skill India Digital Hub
Registrations (August 2026)31.89 crore | Women: 54.28% of registered workers
Multilingual22 languages via Bhashini (introduced 2025)
✍️ Toppers’ Strategy
Selected high-exam-relevance topics only. One complete sentence per row — enough to recall the full topic in revision.

Quick Revision Table

Topic One-Line Summary
Nepal Bhotekoshi Flash FloodFlash flood struck Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River basin on 26 August 2026; Rasuwa district near Nepal–Tibet border; caused by rock-and-ice landslide/glacial collapse ~20 km northeast of Rasuwagadhi border crossing; flood in Lhende River (Bhotekoshi tributary) moved downstream through Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river system; Bhotekoshi originates in Tibet → Nepal’s Trishuli → enters India as the Gandak River.
Mizoram State SongMizoram Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted ‘Ro Min Rel Sak Ang Che’ as the official State song on 27 August 2026
AP – Subsea Cable Hub (Visakhapatnam + Machilipatnam)AP set to become India’s third major international subsea cable gateway after Mumbai and Chennai; Google’s America-India Connect: new international subsea gateway at Visakhapatnam (connecting towards Singapore, Australia, South Africa)
AP – Guntur Epigraphical Reference (7th Century)Earliest epigraphical reference to Guntur identified in Pune copper plates of Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana II (669 C.E., first regnal year) by ASI; name evolved: Kumturu → Gomturu → Gunturu → Guntur; another reference in 10th-century Ederu copper plate inscription (Gomturu).
AP – Three Epigraphic Discoveries(1) 9th-century hero stone at Aravidu village, Galiveedu mandal, Annamayya district; Telugu script; warrior Kadega (son of Chandraditya); battle at Tiruvula between Vaidumba Ganda Trinetra and Bana king Vanaraja; (2) Tank inscription of Venkatapatiraya II at Nulividu village, Galiveedu mandal, Annamayya; Saka 1527 = 15 November 1605 C.E.; records renovation of Merugula tank and installation of Kalupa weir; (3) Rajendra Chola I Tamil inscription near Akkammadevata temple, Buchayagaripalli, Bukkapatnam mandal, Sri Sathya Sai district; 31st regnal year = 1042 C.E.; records excavation of “Eri” (tank) named Mudikonda Chola Pereri.
AP – Siddhavatam Fort, KadapaSiddhavatam Fort (also Sidhout Fort), Kadapa district; on left bank of Penna (Pinakini) River between Palakonda (Lankamalla) and Veligonda hill ranges; initial construction 1303 C.E. under Matli rulers (attributed to Ananta Raja); 1605 C.E. Vijayanagara inscription records Matli Ananta’s achievements; controlled successively by Golconda Sultanate, Nawabs of Cuddapah, Hyder Ali, Nizams, British East India Company; briefly headquarters of Cuddapah district 1807–1812 (shifted after Penna floods); under ASI restoration.
UPI – 10 Years (2016–2026)UPI launched by NPCI on 25 August 2016 under RBI oversight; completed 10 years in August 2026; annual volume grew from 1.78 crore (FY16–17) to 24,162 crore (FY25–26); 84% of India’s digital payments (FY25–26); ~49% of global real-time payment volume (2025); operational in 11 countries including UAE, France, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, Greece and Maldives.
Heatwaves & Lightning – SDRF Notified CalamitiesMHA included heatwaves and lightning in India’s notified natural calamities list under SDRF/NDRF guidelines 2026–31 (on FC-XVI recommendation); total notified calamities increased from 12 to 14; earlier States could use only up to 10% of SDRF for heatwaves as a local disaster — this restriction now lifted; FC-XVI corpus (2026–31): SDRF ₹1,63,521 crore + SDMF ₹40,880 crore = ₹2,04,401 crore total; allocation based on Disaster Risk Index.
Bonn Challenge – India’s Land RestorationIndia restored 21.76 million hectares of degraded and deforested land during 2011–2020 (India’s Second Progress Report on Bonn Challenge); Bonn Challenge: global initiative launched in 2011; global target: 350 million hectares by 2030; India’s restoration programmes: Green India Mission, CAMPA afforestation, watershed development, agroforestry, community restoration.
IN-SPACe – Re-entry GuidelinesIN-SPACe issued India’s first guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects; Indian Space Policy 2023 empowers IN-SPACe to authorise planned re-entry
Strategic Fuel Programme – SPR (AP Connection)India considering adding 28 MT crude + 9 MT LNG + 4 MT LPG storage (41 MT total; still under consideration)
Samarthak – First MPV; Mangrol – 3rd ASW-SWCSamarthak: first Multi-Purpose Vessel built by L&T at Kattupalli; delivered to Indian Navy on 27 August 2026
Mahatma Ayyankali163rd birth anniversary on 28 August 2026; born 28 August 1863 at Venganoor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; social reformer against caste discrimination; Villuvandi Yatra (1893): famous bullock-cart protest challenging restrictions on use of public roads by oppressed castes; founded Sadhu Jana Paripalana Sangham (SJPS) in 1907 for education, social equality, freedom of movement and better conditions for agricultural labourers.
Sowcar Janaki – Veteran Actress Passes AwayShavukar Janaki (born Sankaramanchi Janaki) passed away in Chennai on 21 August 2026 at age 94; born in Rajahmundry (Rajamahendravaram), Andhra Pradesh; career began with All India Radio (AIR); film debut: Telugu movie Shavukaru (1950); performed in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi films; Padma Shri in 2022 (Art); also received Kalaimamani Award of Tamil Nadu Government.
e-Shram Portal – 5 Yearse-Shram Portal completed 5 years on 26 August 2026; launched 26 August 2021 by Ministry of Labour and Employment; created India’s first Aadhaar-authenticated National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW); developed by NIC; provides 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN) to registered workers; registrations til date: 31.89 crore.
DAANVEER – Computer CrowdsourcingMinistry of Panchayati Raj launched DAANVEER — people-led computer crowdsourcing for Gram Panchayats; citizens.
World Water Week 2026World Water Week 2026 held in Stockholm, Sweden, 23–27 August 2026; theme: “Water for People and Progress”; organised by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI); Ministry of Rural Development represented India; India highlighted Yuktdhara (geospatial planning platform using GIS and remote sensing) and E-Jal Application (water budgeting at Gram Panchayat level).

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Weekly Revision Digest – August 2026 Week 4 • 24–30 August
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