Current Affairs Quiz - August 2026

Notes:
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan under India’s BRICS Chairship. It followed the 1st TWG Meeting held virtually on 25 May 2026. Four key priorities were AI and Tourism, Sustainability and Responsible Tourism, Tourism Skilling and Capacity Building, and Tourism Exchanges and Seamless Travel Facilitation. The meeting was held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Notes:
Morocco’s pioneering fog-water harvesting project at Mount Boutmezguida in the Anti-Atlas Mountains is gaining international attention as a climate-adaptation strategy. The project provides stable daily drinking water to over 1,300 residents across 16 rural villages. The Mount Boutmezguida fog-water harvesting project is located in the Anti-Atlas mountain range in southwestern Morocco. This mountain range borders the Sahara Desert and experiences unique climatic conditions where moist Atlantic air is pushed inland. The project leverages these high-altitude conditions to capture liquid water droplets suspended in dense fog.

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Indian scientists have developed a new “smart” cancer drug candidate called RK-251, designed to activate mainly inside cancer cells. RK-251 exploits the higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) commonly found inside cancer cells. ROS activates the drug and releases NBDHEX, an anticancer compound that targets proteins involved in cancer-cell survival and treatment resistance. In preclinical studies, RK-251 showed promising activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells while causing substantially lower effects on healthy cells. Zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) were used to assess toxicity and the drug’s ROS-responsive fluorescence.

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West Bengal’s inaugural ‘Kaushal Mahotsav’ was organized at Balurghat in the Dakshin Dinajpur district. This event functions as a mega recruitment and placement drive designed to connect skilled, certified, and eligible local youth directly with prominent corporate employers. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the initiative supports the broader objectives of the Skill India Mission. The job fair serves as an active bridge between trained job seekers and various industrial sectors requiring specific occupational competencies.

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Researchers at IIT Mandi developed a sea urchin-inspired, antibiotic-free dual-layer coating for 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds. The coating contains microscopic hydroxyapatite needles that mechanically puncture and kill bacteria on contact. Since it does not rely on antibiotics, the approach may help reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The coating also promotes bone-cell attachment and integration, improving the potential performance of implants. It is produced using a 90°C hydrothermal treatment, which helps prevent heat-related deformation of the biodegradable PLA scaffold.

Notes:
The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is observed annually on 21 August. The 2026 theme is “Healing through Memory.” The day honours people who have been killed, injured or traumatised by acts of terrorism. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to promote support and solidarity with victims and survivors. The 2026 theme highlights how collective memory and responsible remembrance can contribute to healing and recovery.

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The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is a 1,856 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project located on the Chenab River in the Udhampur and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is being developed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project is a 1,856 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project located on the Chenab River in the Udhampur and Ramban districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is being developed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The project is planned to generate around 8,000 million units of electricity annually.

Notes:
World Entrepreneurship Day is observed annually on August 21 to recognise entrepreneurs, innovators and business founders. The day highlights the role of innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship in promoting economic growth and development. The 2026 observance focuses on sustainable community development, scaling businesses and transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises. The observance also emphasises financial management, market expansion and sustainable growth of entrepreneurial ventures.

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World Senior Citizens’ Day is observed annually on August 21 to recognise the contributions and experiences of older people. The day highlights issues concerning senior citizens, including healthcare, financial security, social inclusion and dignity. It also promotes healthy ageing and intergenerational respect. The observance was first proclaimed in 1988 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

Notes:
Pranab Patnaik, a legendary Odia playback singer, passed away in Bhubaneswar at the age of 88. He began his playback singing career in 1958 and had a musical career spanning more than five decades. He was a seven-time Odisha State Film Award winner and received the prestigious Jayadev Puraskar. His death marks the loss of an important figure in Odisha’s musical and cultural heritage.