Staying updated with current events is important for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations. This Current Affairs August First Week quiz covers important national, international, government, science, sports, awards, appointments, and other significant events reported during the first week of August 2026. The questions are designed to help you revise TNPSC Current Affairs in a simple and exam-oriented way. Try this August First Week Current Affairs – free online test to check your knowledge, identify areas that need more revision, and strengthen your preparation for upcoming competitive examinations.
Note: Take a few minutes to read the explanations after the test. They will help you understand the answers and reinforce important topics.
Current Affairs August First Week Quiz – Topic Insights & Quick Revision
This section provides detailed explanations for the Current Affairs August First Week 2026 questions covered in this quiz. Each explanation highlights the important facts behind the event, helping you understand the topic rather than simply remember the answer. These August First Week Current Affairs explanations are especially useful for TNPSC Current Affairs preparation, as they make it easier to revise important national and international events and strengthen your knowledge for competitive examinations.
1. The “Samudra Manthan” – National Offshore Exploration Scheme highlighted by the Government in August 2026 is primarily focused on which sector?
Answer:
Offshore oil and gas exploration
Explanation:
The Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aimed at accelerating offshore exploration and production of oil and natural gas in India. The scheme gives particular importance to deepwater and ultra-deepwater areas, where exploration activities are technically challenging and require advanced technology and significant investment. It is intended to strengthen India’s domestic hydrocarbon resource base and contribute to the country’s energy security.
Additional Information:
- The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan scheme on 31 July 2026.
- The Government subsequently highlighted the scheme through an official PIB release in August 2026.
- Its major components include offshore seismic data acquisition, exploratory drilling, common offshore infrastructure, and support for the oil and gas manufacturing and services sector.
- The scheme aims to encourage exploration in India’s offshore areas, particularly deepwater and ultra-deepwater basins.
- It is expected to support the addition of more than 600 MMTOE to India’s hydrocarbon resource base, subject to exploration success.
2. What was the financial outlay approved for the “Samudra Manthan” – National Offshore Exploration Scheme?
Answer:
₹84,084 crore
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet approved a total financial outlay of ₹84,084 crore for the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Exploration Scheme. The scheme will be implemented up to FY 2030–31. The large financial allocation is intended to support various activities required to accelerate offshore exploration, including seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, common offshore infrastructure, and development of an oil and gas manufacturing and services ecosystem.
Additional Information:
The approved ₹84,084 crore outlay is divided among major components:
- ₹28,534 crore for offshore seismic data acquisition, processing and interpretation.
- ₹43,200 crore for accelerating offshore exploration, including 60 deepwater exploration wells.
- ₹10,000 crore for common offshore infrastructure.
- ₹2,000 crore for Oil and Gas Manufacturing and Services Zones.
- ₹350 crore for monitoring and support activities.
The Government will also provide support of up to 50% of eligible drilling costs or ₹675 crore per well, whichever is lower, for eligible deepwater exploration wells.
3. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), highlighted in August 2026, is primarily associated with which of the following?
Answer:
Promoting formal employment
Explanation:
The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) is a Government of India employment scheme aimed at promoting formal employment and workforce formalisation. It encourages first-time employees to enter the formal workforce and provides incentives to employers for creating additional formal jobs. The scheme operates through an EPFO-linked framework, helping expand social security coverage and improve financial security for workers.
Additional Information:
- PM-VBRY came into effect on 1 August 2025 and is being implemented for two years, up to 31 July 2027.
- The scheme has a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore.
- It aims to facilitate the creation of more than 3.5 crore jobs, including around 1.92 crore first-time employees.
- Under the scheme, eligible first-time employees can receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000.
- Employers creating additional employment can receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month per additional employee for two years.
- The Government’s 1 August 2026 update marked one year of implementation of PM-VBRY and highlighted its progress in expanding formal employment and social-security coverage.
Genuineness Check:
Verified – Official PIB, 1 August 2026.
4. According to the Government’s August 2026 update, India’s solar installed capacity had reached approximately what level by 30 June 2026?
Answer:
162.15 GW
Explanation:
According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) backgrounder published on 2 August 2026, India’s installed solar power capacity reached 162.15 GW as of 30 June 2026. This represents a substantial increase from approximately 3 GW in 2014, highlighting the rapid expansion of solar energy as an important part of India’s renewable-energy sector.
Additional Information:
- India’s solar installed capacity stood at 162.15 GW as of 30 June 2026.
- India added 44.61 GW of solar capacity during FY 2025–26, compared with 23.83 GW in FY 2024–25.
- Grid-connected rooftop solar systems contributed an additional 27.88 GW.
- India’s total non-fossil fuel capacity reached 283.46 GW, including 274.68 GW of renewable energy capacity.
- The Government’s long-term target includes achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030.
- Solar energy continues to be an important component of India’s clean-energy transition and efforts to strengthen energy security.
5. What is the primary purpose of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
Answer:
To protect products associated with a specific geographical origin
Explanation:
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag identifies products that originate from a particular geographical area and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics essentially linked to that location. GI protection helps preserve the identity and reputation of such products and prevents unauthorised use of the geographical name by products that do not originate from the designated region. It is particularly important for products made by local artisans, weavers, farmers, and producer groups.
The topic was highlighted by the Government during the first week of August 2026. A PIB backgrounder published on 4 August 2026 explained that GI tags help connect products with their place of origin, preserve traditional knowledge, prevent misuse, and improve consumer confidence.
Additional Information:
- GI stands for Geographical Indication.
- A GI identifies goods associated with a specific geographical territory.
- GI protection can benefit agricultural products, handicrafts, handlooms, food products and manufactured goods.
- GI recognition can help local producer communities obtain better market recognition and access to premium markets.
- During the first week of August 2026, the Government also highlighted the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit, held in New Delhi on 5 August 2026, which focused on GI-tagged handloom and handicraft products.
6. The “Naxal-Free India” initiative highlighted by the Government in August 2026 is primarily related to combating which challenge?
Answer:
Left-Wing Extremism
Explanation:
The “Naxal-Free India” initiative is associated with the Government’s efforts to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), commonly associated with Naxalism or Maoist insurgency. The approach combines security operations with development, infrastructure expansion, welfare measures, rehabilitation of surrendered cadres, and improved governance in areas affected by extremism.
The Government highlighted the progress of Naxal-Free India in an official PIB note published on 1 August 2026. It reported that the number of LWE-affected districts had fallen from 126 in 2014 to zero by March–April 2026, marking a major change in India’s internal security situation.
Additional Information:
- LWE: Left-Wing Extremism
- Naxalism: A term commonly used for the Maoist/Left-Wing Extremist insurgency in India.
- The Government’s approach combines security, development, rehabilitation and welfare measures.
- The PIB update stated that 2,337 Naxalites surrendered in 2025, while 3,927 cadres surrendered between 2024 and March 2026.
- The Government reported that Naxal-related incidents had declined sharply, from 870 in 2014 to 33 in 2026 as of 29 July 2026.
- Rehabilitation measures include financial assistance and other support to surrendered cadres to help them return to mainstream society.
7. What was the theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2026?
Answer:
Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works
Explanation:
World Breastfeeding Week 2026 was observed across India from 1 to 7 August 2026 under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.” The observance was led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under POSHAN Abhiyaan, with awareness activities conducted through Anganwadi Centres, healthcare institutions, community platforms and digital media. The campaign focused on strengthening effective breastfeeding practices and creating a supportive environment for mothers and children.
Additional Information:
- Observance: World Breastfeeding Week 2026
- Dates: 1–7 August 2026
- Theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works”
- Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development
- Programme: POSHAN Abhiyaan
- The campaign highlighted the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, covering pregnancy, the first six months after birth and the period up to 24 months.
- The Government emphasised initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, commonly referred to as the Golden Hour.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months was highlighted, followed by appropriate complementary feeding while continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.
8. What was the approved financial outlay for the GOBARdhan scheme highlighted by the Union Government in August 2026?
Answer:
₹23,731 crore
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with a total financial outlay of ₹23,731 crore on 6 August 2026. The scheme aims to convert organic resources such as agricultural residues, cattle dung, press mud and other organic waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG), organic fertiliser and other forms of economic value. It is designed to strengthen India’s clean-energy ecosystem while creating opportunities for farmers and rural enterprises.
Additional Information:
- Scheme: GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme
- Approved on: 6 August 2026
- Total outlay: ₹23,731 crore
- Implementation period: FY 2026–27 to 2035–36
- The scheme aims to promote the large-scale production of Compressed Biogas (CBG).
- It seeks to provide a framework involving assured demand, stable pricing, capital support, pipeline connectivity, financing and technology development.
- The Government expects the scheme to help nearly ten-fold domestic CBG production.
9. The GOBARdhan scheme primarily promotes the production of which of the following?
Answer:
Compressed Biogas
Explanation:
The GOBARdhan – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme is primarily aimed at developing India’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) ecosystem. It seeks to convert organic waste and biomass, including agricultural residues, cattle dung, press mud and other organic material, into useful clean energy. By supporting CBG production, the scheme aims to reduce waste, create additional rural economic opportunities and strengthen India’s domestic energy security.
Additional Information:
- CBG: Compressed Biogas
- GOBARdhan stands for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan.
- The scheme promotes the conversion of organic waste into clean energy and useful products.
- CBG can serve as a cleaner alternative fuel and can contribute to reducing dependence on imported natural gas.
- The scheme also supports the development of related infrastructure, including pipeline connectivity and financing mechanisms.
- It links waste management with clean energy, rural development and a circular bioeconomy.
10. From which location was the Agni-4 ballistic missile successfully test-fired on 6 August 2026?
Answer:
Chandipur, Odisha
Explanation:
India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium Range Ballistic Missile on 6 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and the launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile system.
Additional Information:
- Missile: Agni-4
- Type: Medium Range Ballistic Missile
- Test date: 6 August 2026
- Launch site: Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha
- The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
- The successful test demonstrated the operational readiness of the missile system and India’s strategic defence capabilities.
11. The Agni-4 missile test conducted in August 2026 was carried out under the aegis of which organisation?
Answer:
Strategic Forces Command
Explanation:
India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 Medium Range Ballistic Missile on 6 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The launch successfully validated the operational and technical parameters of the missile system. The test was part of India’s efforts to maintain the operational readiness and reliability of its strategic missile capabilities.
Additional Information:
- Missile: Agni-4
- Type: Medium Range Ballistic Missile
- Test date: 6 August 2026
- Launch site: Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha
- Organisation: Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
- The test validated the missile’s operational and technical parameters.
- The Strategic Forces Command is responsible for the management and deployment of India’s strategic nuclear forces.
12. India developed critical equipment for which international mega-science project, as reported in August 2026?
Answer:
FAIR
Explanation:
India developed critical equipment for the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), an international mega-science project being built at Darmstadt, Germany. A PIB release published on 7 August 2026 reported that the first of three Indian-developed beam catcher units had reached the FAIR site. The beam catcher is an important component of the Super-FRS (Superconducting Fragment Separator) beamline and is used to absorb the remnants of high-energy heavy-ion beams involved in producing radioactive beams.
Additional Information:
- FAIR: Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research
- Location: Darmstadt, Germany
- India is a founding member of the FAIR project.
- India joined FAIR by signing the convention on 4 October 2010.
- The Indian contribution is funded jointly by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- The Bose Institute, Kolkata, is the nodal Indian institution for India’s participation in FAIR.
- The CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), Durgapur, designed the beam catchers.
- India is supplying several other components to FAIR, including ultra-high vacuum chambers, power converters, IT and diagnostic cables, and beam catchers.
- India is also involved in scientific experiments at FAIR, including Nuclear Structure and Astrophysics (NuSTAR) and Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM).
13. The Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) is primarily associated with research involving which of the following?
Answer:
Radioactive beams and nuclear research
Explanation:
The Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) is an international mega-science project located in Darmstadt, Germany, dedicated to research using antiprotons and ion beams. The facility is designed to study the fundamental properties of matter and nuclear matter under extreme conditions. One of its major research areas involves producing and studying radioactive ion beams, which help scientists investigate the structure of atomic nuclei, nuclear reactions and the processes involved in the formation of elements. India’s participation in FAIR was highlighted by the Government in August 2026 following the delivery of Indian-developed equipment for the facility.
Additional Information:
- FAIR: Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research
- Location: Darmstadt, Germany
- FAIR is an international collaboration involving several countries, including India.
- India is a founding member of the FAIR project.
- FAIR will use high-energy beams of antiprotons and ions for advanced nuclear and particle-physics research.
- India’s contribution includes important scientific and technical equipment for the facility.
- In August 2026, India delivered its first beam catcher to FAIR. It is part of the Super-FRS (Superconducting Fragment Separator) beamline and is used to handle high-energy heavy-ion beams.
14. What was the combined outlay approved for the revamped Khelo India Scheme and Assistance to National Sports Federations for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31?
Answer:
₹36,441 crore
Explanation:
The Union Cabinet approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme along with enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) with a combined financial outlay of ₹36,441 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. The expanded programme aims to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem by creating a structured pathway for athletes, beginning with grassroots talent identification and training and extending to high-performance training and international competition.
Additional Information:
- Combined outlay: ₹36,441 crore
- Implementation period: 2026–27 to 2030–31
- The approved outlay is nearly eight times the previous Khelo India Scheme’s outlay.
- The revamped programme focuses on talent identification, coaching, sports science, infrastructure, competitions and athlete support.
- The scheme introduces the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category to expand the athlete-development system.
- It strengthens opportunities for women athletes, para-athletes and indigenous sports.
- The enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations supports coaching, sports science, modern equipment, international exposure, training camps and participation in major international competitions.
15. Which government scheme was highlighted in August 2026 as one of the key initiatives strengthening India’s electric vehicle ecosystem?
Answer:
PM E-DRIVE
Explanation:
The PM E-DRIVE Scheme is one of the Government of India’s key initiatives to promote electric mobility and strengthen the electric vehicle ecosystem in the country. The scheme supports the adoption of electric vehicles and also contributes to the development of supporting infrastructure such as public EV charging stations. In an official update published on 4 August 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries stated that ₹2,000 crore had been allocated under PM E-DRIVE for the deployment of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS) across India.
Additional Information:
- Full form: PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)
- Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries
- The scheme supports the adoption of electric vehicles and development of the EV ecosystem.
- It includes support for categories such as electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks and other electric vehicles, subject to the scheme’s eligibility conditions.
- ₹2,000 crore was allocated for pan-India deployment of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations.
- The Government is also supporting electric mobility through initiatives such as PM-eBus Sewa and measures related to EV charging infrastructure.
- The PM E-DRIVE initiative contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting cleaner transportation.
16. National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate which historical movement?
Answer:
Swadeshi Movement
Explanation:
National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched on 7 August 1905. The movement encouraged the use of indigenous goods and promoted self-reliance, giving renewed importance to India’s domestic industries and handloom traditions. National Handloom Day was instituted in 2015 to recognise the contribution of handloom weavers and to promote awareness about India’s rich handloom heritage.
Additional Information:
- National Handloom Day: 7 August
- Historical event commemorated: Swadeshi Movement
- Year of Swadeshi Movement: 1905
- Date of launch: 7 August 1905
- National Handloom Day instituted: 2015
- The day recognises the contribution of India’s handloom weavers and allied workers.
- The handloom sector supports millions of livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, and preserves traditional weaving skills passed down through generations.
- The 12th National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7 August 2026.
17. The 12th National Handloom Day celebrations in 2026 were held at which location in New Delhi?
Answer:
Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre
Explanation:
The 12th National Handloom Day celebrations were held on 7 August 2026 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), New Delhi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Textiles to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage and recognise the contribution of handloom weavers to the country’s cultural and economic development. President Droupadi Murmu attended the celebrations as the Chief Guest and presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025.
Additional Information:
- Event: 12th National Handloom Day
- Date: 7 August 2026
- Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi
- Ministry: Ministry of Textiles
- Chief Guest: President Droupadi Murmu
- The event also included the presentation of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025.
- National Handloom Day is observed every year on 7 August to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905.
18. India and Sri Lanka discussed cooperation in the power sector in August 2026, including a proposed:
Answer:
India–Sri Lanka HVDC interconnection
Explanation:
India and Sri Lanka reviewed their bilateral cooperation in the power sector during a meeting held in New Delhi on 7 August 2026. Among the ongoing initiatives discussed was the proposed India–Sri Lanka High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection. The proposed interconnection is intended to strengthen cross-border electricity cooperation and support greater energy security and regional power connectivity between the two countries.
Additional Information:
- Countries: India and Sri Lanka
- Sector: Power and energy
- Key initiative: India–Sri Lanka HVDC interconnection
- The discussions also covered the Sampur Solar Power Project.
- Both sides discussed cross-border electricity trade, renewable energy, transmission infrastructure and capacity building.
- The cooperation is aimed at strengthening regional energy security and supporting the clean-energy transition.
- The meeting was held in New Delhi on 7 August 2026.
19. In August 2026, Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court concerning the release of Cauvery water at the rate of how many cusecs per day for 15 days?
Answer:
3,500 cusecs
Explanation:
In early August 2026, the Tamil Nadu Government approached the Supreme Court over the release of Cauvery water from Karnataka. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to ensure the release of water at the rate of 3,500 cusecs per day at Biligundlu for 15 days, from 29 July to 12 August 2026. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) subsequently affirmed the decision at its emergency meeting. Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court after alleging that Karnataka had not released the directed quantity of water.
Additional Information:
- Water: Cauvery River water
- Required flow: 3,500 cusecs per day
- Period: 29 July to 12 August 2026
- Duration: 15 days
- Monitoring point: Biligundlu
- The direction originated from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) affirmed the decision.
- Tamil Nadu filed its petition in the Supreme Court on 3 August 2026, seeking directions concerning its Cauvery water share.
- The dispute involved the release of water from the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini reservoirs in Karnataka
20. The e-Courts Mission Mode Project primarily aims to achieve which of the following?
Answer:
Digitisation and modernisation of the judicial system
Explanation:
The e-Courts Mission Mode Project is a Government of India initiative aimed at strengthening the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in India’s judicial system. It seeks to make courts more digital, efficient, accessible and transparent through measures such as digitisation of court records, e-filing, e-payments, video conferencing, virtual courts and digital case-management systems. A PIB update published on 7 August 2026 highlighted the project’s role in transforming India’s traditionally paper-based judicial system into a digitally enabled justice-delivery system.
Additional Information:
- Project: e-Courts Mission Mode Project
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice
- Objective: Technology-enabled modernisation of the judicial system
- The project was launched in 2007.
- Phase I: 2011–2015 – focused mainly on basic computerisation and connectivity.
- Phase II: 2015–2023 – expanded citizen-oriented digital judicial services.
- Phase III: 2023–2027 – focuses on digital, paperless and more intelligent courts.
- Major components include e-filing, e-payments, video conferencing, virtual courts, digitisation of records, National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), e-Sewa Kendras and emerging technologies such as AI and OCR.
Further Reading
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Official Government of India updates, press releases, and announcements related to major national current affairs. Press Information Bureau (PIB)
- ISRO – Official updates on India’s space missions, programmes, and developments. ISRO – Official Website
