Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 22 August 2026, Daily Roundup

Current Affairs – 22 August 2026

National Affairs

1. Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) Notified: The government notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with an outlay of ₹62,500 crore for five years, from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.

• It succeeds the PLI-LSEM scheme.
• Two segments:
  • Target Segment 1 (TS1): Large-scale manufacturers and EMS providers.
  • Target Segment 2 (TS2): Indian-owned smartphone brands, with incentives linked to design, intellectual property and domestic value addition.

2. PM Modi Meets Indian Space-Tech Start-ups: PM Modi interacted with founders and CEOs of 20 Indian space-tech start-ups in New Delhi. He urged greater use of space technology in agriculture, environment, livestock and education.

3. India Seen as Global Growth “Bright Spot”: PM Modi, addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, said India is emerging as a bright spot of global growth despite concerns over growth, resources and their increasing weaponisation.

4. Longest Freight Train Operated by NER: North Eastern Railway operated “Awadh Mahashakti”, formed by combining three freight trains. It became the longest train in the history of the zonal railway.

5. India’s First Large-Scale Biopolymer Plant: A large-scale biopolymer plant is under construction at Kumbhi sugar unit, Gola Gokarannath, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. Commissioning is scheduled for October 2026.

6. Supreme Court Grants Relief to 105-Year-Old Convict: The Supreme Court ordered the release of Rasik Mandal, aged 105, considering his advanced age and health.

• He was arrested in 1988 and convicted in 1994.
• Article 21, right to life and dignity; sentencing and premature release.

7. Supreme Court Reduces Judicial Service Practice Requirement: In a 2:1 split verdict, the Supreme Court reduced the required active bar practice for entry-level Civil Judge (Junior Division) candidates from three years to one year. It modified the Court’s earlier decision of 20 May 2025.

8. Interpol Red Corner Notice Against Shariq Sata: Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice against fugitive gangster Shariq Sata.Indian authorities identify him as a key conspirator in the 24 November 2024 Sambhal violence. He is believed to be operating from Dubai.

9. “Detect, Delete and Deport” Policy: Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration. The Detect, Delete and Deport process will continue.

International Current Affairs

1. India–UK AMCA Engine Partnership: Indian industry and Rolls-Royce announced plans to jointly develop a combat-aircraft engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.

2. India–ADB Chennai Climate-Resilient Project: India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $230 million loan agreement for the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project.It targets approximately 4.5 million residents.

3. Bangladesh Political Developments: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took oath as the 23rd President of Bangladesh.

Global Geopolitical Developments

1. Iran–US Tensions: Iran warned that it would give a strong and decisive response to any new threats from the United States.

2. US Sanctions on Cuba: The US administration imposed new sanctions on nine Cuban state-owned companies operating in construction, mining and metals. Restrictions on US citizens conducting business with Cuban state entities were also tightened.

Defence Update

1. DRDO Opens Strategic Systems to Private Industry: DRDO invited Indian private defence companies to participate in development and production of strategic missiles and bomb systems.

2. Kusha Long-Range Air Defence System: India successfully tested the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile programme. To develop an indigenous long-range air-defence capability.

4. Exercise MAITREE-XV: India–Thailand bilateral military exercise MAITREE-XV is being conducted at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand, from 18–31 August 2026.

5. Indian Navy Fleet Expansion: India aims for a naval force of around 200 warships by 2035. More than 50 major vessels are reportedly under construction in Indian shipyards. Important indigenous platforms include Project 17A frigates, survey vessels and Arnala-class shallow-water craft.

Science & Technology

1. Deep-Sea Fishery Resources Assessment: Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE), Kochi released a national assessment of deep-sea and distant-water fishery resources. It covers India’s approximately 2.37 million sq km EEZ.

• Focus: Blue Economy, Deep Ocean Mission, marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries.

2. Space-Tech Applications: PM’s interaction with private space companies highlighted expansion of satellite-based applications beyond traditional space activities into agriculture, environment, livestock and education.

Sports Update

1. Treesa Jolly–Gayatri Gopichand Reach BWF World Championship Semifinals: The Indian women’s doubles pair reached the semifinals of the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi. Their achievement guarantees India a women’s doubles World Championship medal, ending a 15-year wait in this category.

2. Neeraj Chopra Finishes Second in Lausanne Diamond League: Chopra threw 88.05 m and finished second.

3. Kajal Dhochak Wins U20 World Wrestling Gold: Kajal Dhochak won her second consecutive U20 World Wrestling Championship title in women’s 76 kg. She defeated China’s Jingru Sun 7–0 in the final.

4. Shivpal Singh Gets 10-Year Doping Ban: Indian javelin thrower Shivpal Singh, a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, received a 10-year ban after testing positive for methandienone. It follows his earlier doping offence in 2021.

Important Observance

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief – 22 August: Established by the UN General Assembly in 2019.

• Indian Constitutional Link: Articles 25–28 guarantee freedom of religion; Article 51A(e) promotes harmony and common brotherhood.

Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs

• Digital Governance: MeitY–PhonePe PulsePro integration with PM GatiShakti will support data-driven infrastructure and urban logistics planning.
• Agriculture: AgriStack received the Gold Award at the National e-Governance Awards 2026.
• Rural Entrepreneurship: Ministry of Rural Development launched Phase II of the National Campaign on Entrepreneurship under DAY-NRLM and released Sankalp Shakti.
• Odisha Heritage: Odisha plans to develop Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s birthplace in Kandhamal as a protected cultural heritage village.
• H1N1: Health Minister J.P. Nadda reviewed national preparedness for seasonal H1N1 influenza, particularly in Delhi.
• Delhi: The “Reservation Hatao Andolan” continued amid police action after protesters exceeded the permitted time.
• India’s Space Economy: PM emphasised using private-sector space capabilities for direct societal benefits and strengthening India’s position as a global space hub.