Weekly Current Affairs (August 2026 – Week 1) – Exam Revision Notes
1) International Current Affairs
Nauru Officially Renamed as the Republic of Naoero
The Pacific Island country of Nauru has officially adopted the name Republic of Naoero, reflecting the spelling and pronunciation used in its national language. President David Adeang described the change as an effort to restore the country’s traditional identity and honour its language, heritage, and ancestors.
2) National Current Affairs
Veeragallu (Hero Stone) Found in Karnataka – May Resolve Date of Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana’s Death
A centuries-old veeragallu (hero stone) carrying a Kannada inscription has been discovered at Neeragunda village, Arsikere taluk, Hassan district, Karnataka. The stone commemorates a soldier who died shortly after Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana’s death at Bankapura (present-day Haveri district). The date on the inscription corresponds to December 11, 1141 in the Gregorian calendar — challenging earlier scholarly proposals of 1149 and 1152 for Vishnuvardhana’s death.
3) Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs
PM Modi Inaugurates ₹17,900-Crore Development Projects in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore at Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district on 1 August 2026. Projects cover aviation, semiconductor manufacturing, renewable-energy transmission, and national highways.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Airport Project Cost | More than ₹5,640 crore |
| Development Model | Public-Private Partnership (PPP) |
| Initial Passenger Capacity | 6 million passengers annually |
| Traditional Dance Featured | Dhimsa |
| Other Project Areas | Semiconductor manufacturing | Renewable-energy transmission | National highways |
Andhra Pradesh and Australia Sign Four MoUs – Solar Manufacturing, Mental Health, Skills
AP government and Australian institutions signed four MoUs on 2 August 2026 to strengthen cooperation in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, education, student mental health, and skill development.
| MoU | Partners & Outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 – Solar Manufacturing | AP’s CoEET + IIT Tirupati + UNSW Sydney → Centre of Excellence for Solar Manufacturing at IIT Tirupati |
| 2 – Women’s Education | UNSW + Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam + Samagra Shiksha, AP |
| 3 – Student Mental Health | APSCHE + Australia’s Rebound → Technology-enabled student mental-health pilot |
| 4 – Vocational Skills | APSSDC + Australia’s Dynamic Learning Services → Vocational education, internationally recognised certifications, and overseas employment pathways |
4) Science & Technology
Leptospirosis – Zoonotic Bacterial Disease; Kerala Reports ~50 Deaths in July 2026
Kerala reported approximately 50 leptospirosis-related deaths in July 2026. The disease has remained endemic in Kerala for over three decades, receiving particular attention during the monsoon.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Disease Type | Zoonotic bacterial disease |
| Causative Organism | Pathogenic Leptospira bacteria (genus Leptospira) |
| Major Reservoir Host | Rodents (also cattle, pigs, dogs) |
| Transmission | Contact with water or soil contaminated by urine of infected animals |
| Entry into Body | Broken skin, abrasions, or mucous membranes |
| High-Risk Groups | Farmers, dairy workers, sanitation workers, construction labourers, and gardeners |
| Kerala Risk Factors | Heavy monsoons, floods, waterlogging, high humidity, canals, wetlands, abundant animal reservoirs |
| Early Diagnostic Method | PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) |
| Protective Measures | Gumboots, gloves, sanitation, and rodent control |
ICAR Develops India’s First Indigenous African Swine Fever Vaccine – ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal
Scientists at ICAR–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal developed India’s first indigenous live attenuated vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF). Dedicated to the nation during the ICAR Foundation Day by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
5) Environment
Glaw Lake – Arunachal Pradesh’s First Ramsar Site; India’s 101st Ramsar Wetland
Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh was designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site on 3 August 2026. It is the first wetland from Arunachal Pradesh to receive Ramsar recognition.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Type | Pristine freshwater lake fed by perennial mountain streams; surrounded by rich vegetation |
| Significance | India’s 101st Ramsar Site | First from Arunachal Pradesh |
| About Ramsar Convention | International treaty for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands | Signed in Ramsar, Iran, 1971 | India acceded in 1982 |
Meghalaya Launches Mission Clouded Leopard – State Animal Conservation
The Meghalaya government launched Mission Clouded Leopard on 4 August 2026 — coinciding with International Clouded Leopard Day — under CM Conrad K. Sangma to protect the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Meghalaya’s State animal.
6) Schemes
GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme; ₹23,731 Crore (2026–27 to 2035–36)
The Union Cabinet approved GOBARdhan — the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with a total outlay of ₹23,731 crore. Implemented from 2026–27 to 2035–36 and administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Feedstocks | Agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, municipal organic waste, and other biomass |
| Outputs | Compressed Biogas (CBG), organic manure, and rural income |
| CBG vs Natural Gas | Chemically similar to natural gas; can be supplied through existing City Gas Distribution networks |
| Key Aims | Increase domestic CBG production nearly tenfold | Attract private investment | Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels |
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) – 3.12 Crore Houses Completed; PAHAL Typologies
PMAY-G has completed 3.12 crore houses as of 3 August 2026 against an allocation of 4.18 crore. Of the allocation, 3.91 crore have been sanctioned; about 79 lakh sanctioned houses are under construction. Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to eligible rural households.
| Key Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Houses Completed | 3.12 crore (as of 3 Aug 2026) against 4.18 crore allocated | 3.91 crore sanctioned |
| 2025–26 | 32.47 lakh sanctioned | 26.57 lakh completed |
| SC/ST Earmark | Minimum 60% of PMAY-G target nationally |
| Special Projects Quota | Up to 5% for rehabilitation of families affected by natural hazards |
| Housing Typology Compendium | PAHAL — accessible through AwaasApp |
| Convergence Schemes | Water: Jal Jeevan Mission | LPG: PM Ujjwala Yojana | PVTG housing: PM-JANMAN |
7) Defence
India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-4 Ballistic Missile – 4,000 km Range; Chandipur, Odisha
India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha on 6 August 2026. The test validated all operational and technical parameters.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) | Surface-to-surface |
| Stages | Two-stage |
| Propulsion | Solid-fuel rocket motors |
| Strike Range | Up to 4,000 km |
| Launcher | Road-mobile launcher — provides greater deployment flexibility |
8) Awards & Honours
Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 – Presented to NSA Ajit Doval
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 to National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in Pune, Maharashtra on 1 August 2026 — Tilak’s 106th death anniversary. Honoured for contributions to national security, counter-terrorism, strategic intelligence, and border security.
About Ajit Doval: Former Director of the Intelligence Bureau | Appointed NSA in 2014 | India’s longest-serving National Security Adviser.
National Handloom Awards 2025 – AP Weavers Recognised
22 National Handloom Awards will be presented — comprising 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards (India’s highest recognition for handloom weavers) and 19 National Handloom Awards. Andhra Pradesh recipients include:
M/s N. Venkateswara Rao (Venkatagiri) — recognised in the handloom marketing category
M.S. Swaminathan Environment Award 2026 – Marine Conservation, Tamil Nadu
Grassroots environmental leaders P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal were honoured with the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 in Chennai, recognising their contributions to marine conservation and sustainable agriculture in Tamil Nadu.
9) Ranks & Reports
NITI Aayog Report on School Education – 94,000 Govt Schools Closed; Enrolment Falls 2.26 Crore
NITI Aayog’s 2026 report “School Education System in India: Temporal Analysis and Policy Roadmap for Quality Enhancement” highlighted a major contraction in India’s government-school network over a decade.
| Indicator | 2014–15 | 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| Government Schools | 11.07 lakh | 10.13 lakh (−~94,000) |
| Private Unaided Schools | 2.88 lakh | 3.39 lakh (increase) |
| Total Enrolment | 26.95 crore | 24.69 crore (fall: 2.26 crore) |
| Govt-School Enrolment Share | 54.3% (14.66 crore) | 49.25% (12.15 crore) |
Legal Framework: Education is on the Concurrent List | Sections 6 and 8 of the RTE Act, 2009 require the appropriate government to ensure neighbourhood elementary schools for children aged 6–14 | School management primarily handled by State governments.
10) Committees & Conferences
16th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting – Jaipur Consensus; BRICS Invoice Discounting Mechanism
The 16th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting concluded in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 7 August 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship. Chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
| Outcome | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jaipur Consensus | BRICS members agreed to study a BRICS Invoice Discounting Mechanism to improve trade-finance access for MSMEs |
| MSME Credit Assessment | Guiding Principles adopted — assessment based on cash flow rather than assets and collateral |
| Trade Finance Gap | Global gap addressed: approximately $2.5 trillion |
| GVC Action Plan 2026–30 | BRICS Technical Council, BRICS Connect, and BRICS GVC Joint Study proposed |
| Digital Services | Principles adopted to facilitate safe and secure digitally delivered services across borders |
11) Person in News
Varsha Ashok Aglawe – First Woman Director General of Geological Survey of India
Varsha Ashok Aglawe assumed charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), becoming the first woman to head the organisation in its 176-year history. She succeeded Asit Saha, who served as Director General until 31 July 2026.
12) Important Days
International Clouded Leopard Day – 4 August
International Clouded Leopard Day is observed annually on 4 August to raise awareness about clouded leopards, their ecological importance, and threats facing their forest habitats. Meghalaya launched Mission Clouded Leopard on this day in 2026.
World Breastfeeding Week – 1–7 August; Theme 2026: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life”
World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually from 1–7 August. The 2026 theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
National Handloom Day – 7 August; Swadeshi Movement Anniversary 1905
National Handloom Day is observed on 7 August to celebrate India’s traditional weaving heritage. Commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905. First observed in 2015.
13) Sports
2026 Commonwealth Games – Final Medal Table; India 4th with 39 Medals; Next Host: Ahmedabad
The 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded in Glasgow, Scotland on 2 August 2026. India finished fourth in the final medal standings.
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (1st) | 70 | 45 | 56 | 171 |
| England (2nd) | – | – | – | 110 |
| Canada (3rd) | – | – | – | 62 |
| 🇮🇳 India (4th) | 13 | 17 | 9 | 39 |
India’s CWG 2026 Medal Highlights – Boxing Dominance; Historic Javelin Double Podium
| Athlete | Event | Medal / Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Neeraj Chopra | Men’s Javelin Throw | Silver |
| Yash Vir Singh | Men’s Javelin Throw | Bronze — CWG debutant | India’s first double podium in men’s javelin at CWG |
| Yamini Mourya | Judo – Women’s 57 kg | Silver |
| Tejaswin Shankar | Men’s Decathlon | Bronze — 7,976 points | First Indian to win CWG medal in decathlon |
| Ankush Panghal | Boxing – Men’s 80 kg | Gold |
| Sachin Siwach | Boxing – Men’s 60 kg | Gold |
| Sakshi Chaudhary | Boxing – Women’s 51 kg | Gold |
| Preeti Pawar | Boxing – Women’s 54 kg | Gold |
| Jaismine Lamboria | Boxing – Women’s 57 kg | Gold |
| Priya Ghanghas | Boxing – Women’s 60 kg | Gold |
| Arundhati Choudhary | Boxing – Women’s 70 kg | Gold |
14) Miscellaneous
‘Boss Scam’ (CEO Impersonation Fraud) – I4C Warning to Finance Professionals
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs warned companies and finance professionals about the rapidly spreading “Boss Scam” or CEO Impersonation Fraud.
Warning to: Companies, finance professionals, and corporate employees who frequently receive communications related to MCA/RBI compliance.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | One-Line Summary |
|---|---|
| Nauru → Republic of Naoero | Pacific Island nation Nauru officially renamed Republic of Naoero, reflecting its national language’s spelling and pronunciation; President David Adeang cited traditional identity restoration; Region: Micronesia; Currency: Australian dollar. |
| Veeragallu – Karnataka; Hoysala Date | Centuries-old veeragallu (hero stone) found at Neeragunda village, Arsikere taluk, Karnataka; commemorates soldier who died after Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana’s death at Bankapura (Haveri district); inscription date corresponds to December 11, 1141 — challenges earlier proposals of 1149 and 1152; Hoysala temples at Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura inscribed on UNESCO WHL in 2023. |
| AP – Bhogapuram ₹17,900 Crore | PM Modi inaugurated ₹17,900 crore development projects at Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram on 1 August 2026; airport: ₹5,640 crore, PPP model, 6 million passengers/year initial capacity; traditional dance: Dhimsa; other areas: semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy transmission, national highways. |
| AP–Australia 4 MoUs | AP signed 4 MoUs with Australian institutions on 2 August 2026: (1) CoEET + IIT Tirupati + UNSW Sydney → Centre of Excellence for Solar Manufacturing at IIT Tirupati; (2) UNSW + Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam + Samagra Shiksha; (3) APSCHE + Rebound → student mental-health pilot; (4) APSSDC + Dynamic Learning Services → vocational skills and overseas employment. |
| Leptospirosis – Kerala | Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria; major reservoir host: rodents; transmission: urine-contaminated water or soil entering the body via broken skin or mucous membranes; endemic in Kerala 30+ years; ~50 deaths July 2026; high-risk groups: farmers, dairy/sanitation/construction workers; early molecular diagnosis: PCR; protection: gumboots, gloves, rodent control. |
| ASF Vaccine – ICAR-NIHSAD | ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal developed India’s first indigenous live attenuated vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF); uses attenuated ASF Virus Genotype II with specific gene deletions, grown in MA-104 cell line (widely available, enabling large-scale low-cost domestic production); dedicated to nation by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on ICAR Foundation Day. |
| Glaw Lake – India’s 101st Ramsar Site | Glaw Lake (Arunachal Pradesh) designated India’s 101st Ramsar Site on 3 August 2026 — first wetland from Arunachal Pradesh to receive Ramsar recognition; pristine freshwater lake within Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Himalayas; Ramsar Convention signed in Ramsar, Iran, 1971; India acceded 1982. |
| Mission Clouded Leopard – Meghalaya | Meghalaya launched Mission Clouded Leopard on 4 August 2026 (International Clouded Leopard Day) under CM Conrad K. Sangma to protect the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) — Meghalaya’s State animal. |
| GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme | Union Cabinet approved GOBARdhan — National Circular Bioenergy Scheme — with ₹23,731 crore outlay (2026–27 to 2035–36); Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; converts agricultural residue, cattle dung, press mud, and municipal organic waste into CBG (chemically similar to natural gas, usable in City Gas Distribution networks), organic manure, and rural income; aims to increase domestic CBG production nearly tenfold. |
| PMAY-G – Status & Key Facts | 3.12 crore houses completed as of 3 August 2026 (4.18 crore allocated, 3.91 crore sanctioned, 79 lakh under construction); Ministry of Rural Development; min 60% target earmarked for SC/ST; up to 5% for Special Projects (natural hazard rehabilitation); typology compendium: PAHAL (AwaasApp); convergence: Jal Jeevan Mission (water), PM Ujjwala Yojana (LPG), PM-JANMAN (PVTG housing). |
| Agni-4 Missile Test | India successfully test-fired Agni-4 MRBM from ITR Chandipur, Odisha on 6 August 2026; two-stage; solid-fuel; surface-to-surface; strike range: 4,000 km; road-mobile launcher for deployment flexibility. |
| Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 | NSA Ajit Doval received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 on 1 August 2026 (Tilak’s 106th death anniversary) in Pune, presented by Amit Shah; instituted by Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983; presented annually on 1 August; ₹1 lakh cash prize; Doval: former Director of Intelligence Bureau, India’s longest-serving NSA (appointed 2014). |
| NITI Aayog – School Education Report | NITI Aayog 2026 report: government schools fell from 11.07 lakh (2014–15) to 10.13 lakh (2024–25) — reduction of ~94,000; private unaided schools rose from 2.88 lakh to 3.39 lakh; total enrolment fell by 2.26 crore; government school enrolment share fell from 54.3% to 49.25%; school rationalisation most evident in UP, MP, J&K; education on Concurrent List; RTE Act Sections 6 and 8 require neighbourhood schools for children aged 6–14. |
| BRICS Jaipur Consensus | 16th BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting concluded in Jaipur on 7 August 2026 under India’s BRICS Chairship; chaired by Piyush Goyal; Jaipur Consensus: BRICS Invoice Discounting Mechanism to improve MSME trade finance access; credit assessment based on cash flow (not assets); global trade finance gap: $2.5 trillion; GVC Action Plan 2026–30 adopted (BRICS Technical Council, BRICS Connect, BRICS GVC Joint Study). |
| Varsha Ashok Aglawe – GSI First Woman DG | Varsha Ashok Aglawe became the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) — first woman to head the organisation in its 176-year history; succeeded Asit Saha (served until 31 July 2026). |
| National Handloom Day – 7 August | National Handloom Day observed on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement (7 August 1905); first observed in 2015; ~35.22 lakh weavers and allied workers in 31.45 lakh households (4th All India Handloom Census 2019–20); women 72%+ of workforce; 9 in 10 handlooms in rural India. |
| CWG 2026 Final Standings | 2026 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) concluded 2 August 2026; Australia 1st (70G-45S-56B = 171 total); England 2nd (110); Canada 3rd (62); India 4th (13G-17S-9B = 39 medals); Scotland: same 13 gold but fewer silver; first CWG: Hamilton, Canada, 1930; India hosted: New Delhi, 2010; next host: Ahmedabad (Amdavad), Gujarat. |
| CWG 2026 – Key India Medals | Neeraj Chopra: javelin silver; Yash Vir Singh: javelin bronze — India’s first CWG double podium in men’s javelin; Tejaswin Shankar: decathlon bronze (7,976 pts) — first Indian CWG decathlon medal; 5 women’s boxing golds (Sakshi Chaudhary 51kg, Preeti Pawar 54kg, Jaismine Lamboria 57kg, Priya Ghanghas 60kg, Arundhati Choudhary 70kg); 2 men’s boxing golds (Ankush Panghal 80kg, Sachin Siwach 60kg); Yamini Mourya: judo silver. |
