Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 24 August 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 24 August 2026
National Current Affairs
1. National Space Day 2026: India observed National Space Day on 23 August, commemorating the successful Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon in 2023.
- India became the fourth country to soft-land on the Moon and the first to reach the Moon’s southern high-latitude region.
- PM Modi urged the private space sector to expand innovation and applications in areas such as agriculture, environment, livestock and education.
2. National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums: Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised a three-day national conclave in Mysuru, Karnataka. It focused on documentation, preservation and revitalisation of tribal languages and museum-based cultural heritage.
3. Cloud & AI Skilling Initiative: NSDC and Cultus Education, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), launched a nationwide initiative for cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence skilling.
4. ICMR Clarifies H1N1 Situation: ICMR stated that no new strain of H1N1 (swine flu) has been identified. Existing vaccines remain effective; the viruses currently circulating have been present since 2025.
5. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La Concludes: The Sikkim route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra concluded with 464 pilgrims completing the pilgrimage in 10 batches. The yatra began on 20 June 2026.
6. Supreme Court on Solid Waste Management: Supreme Court directed local bodies to order water and electricity disconnection for bulk waste generators violating Solid Waste Management Rules.
Defence Update
1. Defence Shipbuilding Expansion: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed self-reliance in warship and offshore-vessel construction. Foundation stones were laid for five expansion projects of GRSE and Yantra India Limited in Kolkata worth approximately ₹3,400 crore.
2. Indigenous AK-203 “Sher”: Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd (IRRPL) manufactured and test-fired India’s first 100% indigenous AK-203, named Sher, at Korwa, Amethi. The milestone represents a shift from licensed assembly towards end-to-end domestic production.
3. Baaz Drone Battalion: The Indian Army raised its first dedicated Baaz drone battalion along the western front. It operates under Vajra Corps based at Jalandhar and enhances surveillance and battlefield awareness.
4. Defence Indigenisation: Ministry of Defence reported the successful indigenisation of more than 15,700 defence items, with estimated import substitution of around ₹9,000 crore.
5. BrahMos and UAE: BrahMos Aerospace presented its missile systems to the UAE and submitted a detailed proposal, opening the possibility of India’s first BrahMos sale in the Gulf region.
6. A400M Withdraws from IAF Competition: Airbus A400M withdrew from India’s Medium Transport Aircraft competition, reportedly citing acquisition cost, lifecycle support concerns and suitability for India’s required 18–30-tonne payload category.
International Current Affairs
1. Jaishankar Visits Russia: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reached Moscow for a two-day visit. He will co-chair the 27th India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Russian First Deputy PM Denis Manturov.
2. California Recognises Diwali: The California State Assembly adopted a resolution recognising 8 November 2026 as Diwali Day, encouraging people across the state to participate in celebrations.
3. India–Maldives Connectivity: Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid highlighted the Greater Malé Connectivity Project as a symbol of India–Maldives friendship and development cooperation.
4. DRC–M23 Peace Process: The Democratic Republic of Congo government and M23 rebel group agreed on a roadmap outlining steps and timelines for future peace negotiations.
5. Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir: More than 70 British MPs urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene over the deteriorating situation in PoJK and called for protection of civilians.
6. Kazakhstan Parliamentary Election: Kazakhstan held parliamentary elections following the adoption of a new constitution that restructures Parliament from a bicameral to a unicameral system.
7. Canada–US Trade Tensions: Canadian PM Mark Carney said Canada would match new US tariffs dollar-for-dollar after trade negotiations broke down.
Science & Technology
Project VEDA
- DRDO is developing Project VEDA, a mobile satellite-launch capability intended to provide operational flexibility in contested space environments.
- It is described as a road-mobile, canister-launched system derived from K-4 missile technology.
Sports Update
1. East Bengal Wins Durand Cup: East Bengal FC defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4–1 to win the Durand Cup. The victory gave East Bengal a record-equalling 17th title; Edmund Lalrindika scored a first-half hat-trick.
2. East Bengal Enters AFC Women’s Champions League: East Bengal qualified for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026–27 main draw after defeating Malaysia’s Sabah FC 2–0.
3. India–Sri Lanka Second Test: India were 300/5 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo. Saransh Jain made his Test debut; India had won the first Test by 165 runs and led the series 1–0.
4. Karn Sharma Retires: Former Indian leg-spinner Karn Sharma retired from all forms of cricket. He won four IPL titles during his career.
5. U20 Wrestling: Indian women wrestlers added three medals at the U20 World Championships:
- Mansi Lather – Silver
- Tanvi Gundesh Magdum – Bronze
- Komal – Bronze
Miscellaneous One-Liner Current Affairs
- MV Ocean Winner: Panama-flagged cargo ship sank in the Bay of Bengal; 24 crew members were aboard, and two had been rescued at the time of the report.
- Delhi Police on Jantar Mantar Protest: Delhi Police clarified that no permission had been granted for a protest/gathering at Jantar Mantar over reservation reforms.
- Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur cancelled its B.Sc. Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology examination held on 7 August after a police investigation confirmed a paper leak.
