Current Affairs 31 August 2026

Prime Minister’s visit to Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uzbekistan from 29 to 30 August 2026, during which he held talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. A major outcome was the decision to elevate the existing India–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the visit, 11 MoUs and agreements were made.

India also announced a USD 1 million grant for afforestation in the Aral Sea region, 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarships for Hindi language, and an ICCR Sanskrit Chair at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. The two countries agreed to cooperate in restoring the ancient Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa at Termez.

In digital payments, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre (NIPC) concluded a commercial agreement that will enable Indian UPI apps to scan Uzbekistan’s UZQR national QR codes for merchant payments.

Note: This agreement does not yet make Uzbekistan the 12th country where UPI is operational. As of 24 August 2026, UPI was live in 11 foreign countries

• Capital of Uzbekistan: Tashkent
• Currency:Uzbekistani Soʻm (UZS)

Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, will organise an outreach programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep, on 31 August 2026, where the Vice President of India is scheduled to release the “Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031” Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development.

The Mission aims to provide a uniform national framework for the sustainable development of ornamental fisheries. It will standardise practices relating to broodstock management, breeding, hatcheries, production systems, quarantine, fish health, traceability, aquarium operations, handling, transport and trade.

Lakshadweep has been identified as an important location for marine fisheries development. It has also been notified as a dedicated Seaweed Cluster under the Government’s cluster-based approach.

India Signs Javelin Anti-Tank Missile Procurement Deal with the U.S.A

India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. The agreement was signed on 28 August 2026, making India a customer of the Javelin system.

The Javelin is a medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile designed to destroy armoured vehicles and fortified positions. Its fire-and-forget capability allows the operator to launch the missile and immediately relocate without continuously guiding it to the target.

PM Narendra Modi Conferred Uzbekistan’s Highest Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik” Order, or Order of Highest Friendship, by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 30 August 2026 during his State Visit to Uzbekistan. It is Uzbekistan’s highest honour for foreign leaders.

Q1. The Javelin missile system, recently procured by India from the United States, is primarily designed for which of the following roles?
A. Anti-aircraft warfare
B. Anti-tank warfare
C. Anti-submarine warfare
D. Ballistic missile defence

Q2. Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa, recently in the news, are ancient Buddhist sites located in which country?
A. Kazakhstan
B. Uzbekistan
C. Kyrgyzstan
D. Tajikistan

Q3. The ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ Order, recently conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the highest honour for foreign leaders of which country?
A. Kazakhstan
B. Uzbekistan
C. Tajikistan
D. Kyrgyzstan

Q4. ‘Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031’ scheme, is associated with the development of which sector?
A. Deep-sea tuna fishing
B. Ornamental fisheries
C. Inland shrimp farming
D. Seaweed processing