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UPSC•Daily revision•26 Aug 2026

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs – 26 Aug 2026

40 topics 40 questions 20 min
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01
Labour & Social Security

e-Shram Portal completes five years

The e-Shram portal completed five years on 26 August 2026.

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Important for exam

  • 126 Aug 2026
  • 25 years
  • 3Unorganised workers
  • 4Social security
Read full explanation+
The database for unorganised workers reached a five-year milestone in India’s social-security and welfare-linkage efforts.
02
Sports

Khelo India Dialogue scheduled nationwide on 27 August

The nationwide Khelo India Dialogue is scheduled for 27 August 2026.

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Important for exam

  • 127 Aug 2026
  • 2Khelo India Dialogue
  • 3National Sports Day
  • 4Nationwide
Read full explanation+
The programme is connected with National Sports Day celebrations and sports-development outreach.
03
Governance

Prime Minister chairs 53rd PRAGATI meeting

The Prime Minister chaired the 53rd PRAGATI review meeting.

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Important for exam

  • 153rd PRAGATI
  • 2PM review
  • 3Project monitoring
  • 4Governance
Read full explanation+
PRAGATI is the ICT-based platform for monitoring major projects and governance issues across governments.
04
Banking & Finance

UPI completes 10 years

UPI completed a decade of digital-payments transformation.

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Important for exam

  • 110 years
  • 2UPI
  • 3Real-time payments
  • 4Digital public infrastructure
Read full explanation+
The milestone highlights India’s globally recognised real-time payment infrastructure and mass adoption of digital payments.
05
Banking & Finance

Regional Rural Banks post record ₹10,176 crore net profit

RRBs reported record net profit of ₹10,176 crore in FY 2025-26.

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Important for exam

  • 1₹10,176 crore profit
  • 2₹13.5 lakh crore business
  • 3FY 2025-26
  • 4RRBs
Read full explanation+
Their combined business also crossed ₹13.5 lakh crore, highlighting stronger rural banking performance.
06
Agriculture

36th conference of agricultural university Vice Chancellors begins

The 36th annual conference of Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities began in New Delhi.

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Important for exam

  • 136th conference
  • 2New Delhi
  • 3Agricultural universities
  • 4Research
Read full explanation+
The meeting focuses on agricultural education, research, innovation and future farm-sector needs.
07
Defence

Goa Shipyard hands over ICGS Ajit

Goa Shipyard Limited handed over ICGS Ajit to the Indian Coast Guard.

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Important for exam

  • 1ICGS Ajit
  • 2Goa Shipyard
  • 3Indian Coast Guard
  • 4Shipbuilding
Read full explanation+
The delivery strengthens maritime security and indigenous shipbuilding capability.
08
Defence & International Relations

Second India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue held

India and New Zealand held their second Defence Strategic Dialogue in Wellington.

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Important for exam

  • 12nd dialogue
  • 2Wellington
  • 3India-New Zealand
  • 4Defence cooperation
Read full explanation+
The dialogue focused on bilateral defence cooperation and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
09
Defence

Indian Navy to commission indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nipun

The Navy is set to commission Nipun, its second indigenous Diving Support Vessel.

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Important for exam

  • 1Nipun
  • 2Second indigenous DSV
  • 3Indian Navy
  • 4Underwater operations
Read full explanation+
Nipun supports deep-sea diving and specialist underwater operations, strengthening indigenous naval capability.
10
Defence

DRDO missile technologies approved for transfer to industry

The Defence Minister approved transfer of technology of DRDO-developed missile systems to Indian industry.

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Important for exam

  • 1DRDO
  • 2Missile systems
  • 3Technology transfer
  • 4Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Read full explanation+
The step is intended to accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing and industry participation.
11
Economy & Infrastructure

MoSPI releases infrastructure projects flash report

MoSPI released its flash report on Central Sector Infrastructure Projects costing ₹150 crore and above.

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Important for exam

  • 1₹150 crore and above
  • 2MoSPI
  • 3Infrastructure
  • 4Project monitoring
Read full explanation+
The report tracks implementation, delays and cost status of large central projects.
12
Awards & Governance

Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2026 ceremony held

MoSPI conducted the prize distribution for Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2026.

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Important for exam

  • 1Swachhata Pakhwada Awards 2026
  • 2MoSPI
  • 3Cleanliness
  • 4Awards
Read full explanation+
The awards recognise cleanliness initiatives undertaken under the government’s Swachhata campaign.
13
Exams & Appointments

UPSC issues CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2026 update

UPSC released an update for the CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026.

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Important for exam

  • 1UPSC
  • 2CAPF AC
  • 32026 exam
  • 4Central armed police forces
Read full explanation+
The exam recruits Assistant Commandants for India’s central armed police forces.
14
Culture

President issues Onam greetings

President Droupadi Murmu sent greetings on the eve of Onam.

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Important for exam

  • 1President
  • 2Onam
  • 3Kerala
  • 4King Mahabali
Read full explanation+
Onam is Kerala’s major harvest and cultural festival associated with the legend of King Mahabali.
15
Culture

President issues Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi greetings

The President sent greetings on the eve of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi.

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Important for exam

  • 1President
  • 2Eid-e-Milad
  • 3Prophet Muhammad
  • 4Greetings
Read full explanation+
The occasion commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is observed in India and many other countries.
16
Digital India

Prime Minister invites citizens to share UPI experiences

Citizens were invited to share experiences as UPI completed ten years.

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Important for exam

  • 1UPI decade
  • 2Citizen experiences
  • 3Digital payments
  • 4Fintech
Read full explanation+
The outreach highlights how consumers and merchants helped UPI become a mass real-time payment platform.
17
Science & Technology

₹62,500 crore mobile phone manufacturing scheme notified

The government notified a ₹62,500 crore scheme for mobile-phone manufacturing.

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Important for exam

  • 1₹62,500 crore
  • 2Mobile phones
  • 3Domestic value addition
  • 4Electronics
Read full explanation+
It aims to deepen domestic value addition and improve India’s competitiveness in global electronics manufacturing.
18
Digital India

Aadhaar App crosses 5 crore downloads

The Aadhaar App surpassed 5 crore downloads.

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Important for exam

  • 15 crore downloads
  • 2Aadhaar App
  • 3UIDAI
  • 4Digital identity
Read full explanation+
The milestone reflects expanding use of resident-centric digital identity services.
19
Science & Technology

Major semiconductor event scheduled at Yashobhoomi

India’s major semiconductor event is scheduled in New Delhi from 17-19 September 2026.

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Important for exam

  • 117-19 Sept 2026
  • 2Yashobhoomi
  • 3Semiconductor
  • 4New Delhi
Read full explanation+
The event will bring together chip companies, investors, policymakers and technology stakeholders.
20
Digital India

UIDAI completes over 2 crore biometric updates for school children

A UIDAI drive completed more than 2 crore mandatory biometric updates across about 1.6 lakh schools.

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Important for exam

  • 1Over 2 crore updates
  • 2About 1.6 lakh schools
  • 3UIDAI
  • 4Biometric update
Read full explanation+
The campaign updates Aadhaar biometrics for children at prescribed ages and improves identity-data accuracy.
21
World Economy

IMF says global economy weathered Iran-war energy shock better than feared

The global economy has shown more resilience to the energy shock than expected.

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Important for exam

  • 1IMF
  • 2Energy shock
  • 3Resilience
  • 4Downside risks
Read full explanation+
The IMF cited reserve drawdowns, more non-Gulf supply, softer demand and renewable capacity, while warning downside risks remain.
22
World Economy

IMF keeps 2026 global growth outlook at 3.0%

The IMF’s current 2026 world growth forecast stands at 3.0%.

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Important for exam

  • 13.0% growth
  • 22026
  • 3October update
  • 4Bangkok
Read full explanation+
The next forecast update is due in October at the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok.
23
World Economy

IMF warns fiscal pressures are worsening

High debt, persistent inflation and rising yields are increasing fiscal risks.

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Important for exam

  • 1High debt
  • 2Inflation
  • 3Bond yields
  • 4Fiscal plans
Read full explanation+
The IMF urged credible debt and deficit plans and continued central-bank focus on price stability.
24
Energy & Economy

Brent crude drops below $90 per barrel

Oil prices fell sharply, taking Brent back below $90.

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Important for exam

  • 1Brent below $90
  • 2Oil fall
  • 3Inflation
  • 4Markets
Read full explanation+
The move eased some inflation and bond-market pressure despite continued geopolitical uncertainty.
25
Europe Economy

Germany’s August business climate index rises to 88.8

The Ifo index improved more than expected in August.

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Important for exam

  • 1Ifo 88.8
  • 2July 86.7
  • 3Forecast 87.2
  • 4Germany
Read full explanation+
It rose from a revised 86.7 in July and beat the 87.2 Reuters poll forecast.
26
Europe Economy

Germany’s Q2 GDP growth revised to 0.3%

Germany grew 0.3% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026.

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Important for exam

  • 1Q2 +0.3%
  • 2Preliminary +0.2%
  • 3Germany
  • 4Recovery
Read full explanation+
The result was stronger than the preliminary 0.2% estimate and reinforced recovery hopes.
27
Europe Economy

German business expectations index reaches 89.1

Businesses became more optimistic about future conditions.

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Important for exam

  • 189.1
  • 2Previous 86.8
  • 3Ifo expectations
  • 4Germany
Read full explanation+
The Ifo expectations index rose to 89.1 from 86.8 in July.
28
World Economy

Deutsche Bank raises Germany 2026 growth forecast to 1.0%

The bank doubled its Germany growth forecast from 0.5% to 1.0%.

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Important for exam

  • 11.0% forecast
  • 2Previous 0.5%
  • 3Germany
  • 4Deutsche Bank
Read full explanation+
The upgrade followed stronger GDP and improving business sentiment and activity data.
29
Currencies

China’s yuan strongest since February 2023

The yuan strengthened to around 6.72 per dollar.

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Important for exam

  • 1Yuan around 6.72
  • 2Strongest since Feb 2023
  • 3PBOC
  • 4China
Read full explanation+
China’s large trade surplus supported the currency while the PBOC sought to slow the pace of appreciation.
30
World Economy

China’s trade surplus remains around $1 trillion

China’s huge trade surplus continues to influence currency and trade debates.

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Important for exam

  • 1Around $1 trillion
  • 2China
  • 3Trade surplus
  • 4Global imbalances
Read full explanation+
The surplus supports yuan strength but intensifies discussion about global imbalances and export-led growth.
31
International Trade

US-Canada tensions rise with 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods

US tariffs at a 50% rate took effect on about $20 billion of Canadian goods.

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Important for exam

  • 150% tariffs
  • 2$20 billion goods
  • 3US-Canada
  • 4USMCA
Read full explanation+
The escalation drew Canadian retaliation and renewed concern over the USMCA trade framework.
32
International Trade

US threatens 50% tariffs on Canadian vehicles and auto parts

Washington threatened additional levies on Canadian-made cars, trucks and parts.

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Important for exam

  • 150% auto tariff threat
  • 2Canada
  • 3Vehicles
  • 4Auto parts
Read full explanation+
The threat deepened uncertainty for integrated North American auto supply chains.
33
International Relations

US signals sanctions pressure on entities financing Iran

The US Treasury signalled measures targeting countries and entities that finance Iran.

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Important for exam

  • 1US Treasury
  • 2Iran
  • 3Sanctions
  • 4Financing
Read full explanation+
The move adds financial pressure to geopolitical tensions linked to the Middle East conflict.
34
Technology & Economy

Alibaba launches about $10 billion share sale for AI plans

Alibaba announced a major share sale to fund artificial-intelligence investment.

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Important for exam

  • 1Alibaba
  • 2$10 billion
  • 3AI
  • 4Share sale
Read full explanation+
The fundraising contributed to volatility in Asian technology shares and highlights the scale of AI capital spending.
35
Technology & Economy

IMF says AI investment boom is supporting global growth

AI investment in the US and elsewhere is providing a growth tailwind.

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Important for exam

  • 1AI investment
  • 2Data centres
  • 3Hardware
  • 4Growth tailwind
Read full explanation+
Data-centre construction and AI hardware spending are partly offsetting trade and energy headwinds.
36
Energy & Geopolitics

Strait of Hormuz disruption remains global energy risk

The IMF says the energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict is not over.

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Important for exam

  • 1Hormuz
  • 2Oil supply
  • 3Inflation
  • 4Monetary policy
Read full explanation+
A renewed oil-price rise could lift inflation and force central banks to keep policy restrictive.
37
World Economy

US 30-year Treasury yield recently hit a 19-year high

Long-term US borrowing costs rose sharply.

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Important for exam

  • 130-year yield
  • 219-year high
  • 3US Treasury
  • 4Bond buybacks
Read full explanation+
The move prompted larger Treasury bond buybacks and increased concern about debt and market credibility.
38
International Relations

Iceland prepares 29 August referendum on EU accession talks

Iceland is set to vote on whether to reopen negotiations to join the EU.

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Important for exam

  • 129 Aug 2026
  • 2Iceland
  • 3EU accession
  • 4Referendum
Read full explanation+
Fisheries, economic policy and security are central issues in the domestic debate.
39
World Economy

Bank of Korea policy watched after July rate increase

Markets are watching South Korea’s next monetary-policy signal.

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Important for exam

  • 1Bank of Korea
  • 2July hike
  • 3Inflation
  • 4AI chips
Read full explanation+
Inflation and strong AI-chip demand are key factors after the central bank increased rates in July.
40
Energy & Economy

Weaker Chinese crude demand offsets part of Gulf supply shock

Lower Chinese crude-import demand has helped limit oil-price pressure.

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Important for exam

  • 1China crude demand
  • 2Lower imports
  • 3Gulf supply shock
  • 4Oil market
Read full explanation+
Softer refining activity and crude demand have acted as a counterweight to Middle East supply constraints.

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