Current Affairs Quiz - August 2026

Notes:
The Indian Navy recently inaugurated the shore-based Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test, validate, and maintain critical submarine rescue equipment, including the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), without requiring active sea deployment. Visakhapatnam serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.

Notes:
The UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) is an advanced naval communication mast system developed by Japan. Under the bilateral defense agreements signed between India and Japan, both nations agreed to explore the transfer and implementation of this state-of-the-art technology for Indian naval platforms. The system features a highly integrated, stealthy design that reduces the radar cross-section of warships, thereby enhancing ship survivability. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in defense-industrial synergy under the ‘Make in India’ framework, enhancing secure communication and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Notes:
Hyderabad-based AkinAnalytics, a women-led Indian DeepTech and Defence Technology startup, launched the indigenous NIKA2 Kisan Medium Drone. NIKA2 is a multi-payload agricultural drone with a 16-litre spraying payload and a 12-litre spreading payload. Its payload-change mechanism allows the same drone to perform spraying and spreading operations. The drone features terrain-following, fail-safe and night-operation capabilities, making it suitable for difficult agricultural terrain.

Notes:
India’s first large-scale biopolymer plant is being constructed in Lakhimpur Kheri district, Uttar Pradesh, at an investment of ₹3,080 crore. The plant is expected to become operational in October 2026. It will convert locally grown sugarcane into Polylactic Acid (PLA)-based bioplastic on a single campus. The project aims to promote sustainable and eco-friendly industrial development while creating employment opportunities. The facility features a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system to prevent harmful liquid waste from entering rivers and drains.

Notes:
Google has launched its “Back to School 2026” campaign to support students with AI-powered learning and study tools.
The initiative introduces new features across Google Search, Gemini and other Google products. These tools are designed to help students understand complex concepts, organise studies and prepare for examinations. Google Search is also introducing interactive visuals, practice quizzes and step-by-step learning assistance through Google Lens. The initiative could particularly benefit students preparing for competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET.

Notes:
India has successfully manufactured and test-fired its first 100% indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named ‘Sher’. It was produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at the Korwa Ordnance Facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The rifle uses 100% domestically sourced components and raw materials. It is chambered for 7.62×39 mm ammunition, has a rate of fire of around 700 rounds per minute, and an effective range of up to 800 metres. Indian Army user trials are scheduled for September 2026.

Notes:
The BRICS Youth Alliance organised the BRICS RI Debate 2026 under the theme: “BRICS and the Global South: Reforming Global Governance or Reproducing Existing Inequalities?” The Indian National Rounds were held online on August 22–23, 2026. The debate involved postgraduate students discussing global governance, economic justice and multilateral cooperation. Winners of the national rounds will advance to the Grand Finale in Russia in December 2026. Passang Dolmu Tamang represents Sikkim in the Indian National Round and is the sole participant from Northeast India and the only Nepali student selected from across India.

Notes:
The “Eagles of Civilisation 2026” is a bilateral joint air exercise held between the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China and the Egyptian Air Force. This joint military drill is designed to enhance tactical interoperability, joint combat capabilities, and military-to-military cooperation between the two nations. This engagement underscores Egypt’s diversifying defense relations with global powers beyond Western nations, highlighting strategic security partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Notes:
Recently, the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) officially registered 16 additional native livestock and dog breeds, highlighting its crucial role in documenting India’s unique animal genetic heritage. The bureau maintains a national database and registers newly identified indigenous breeds of livestock and poultry to protect India’s animal biodiversity. The ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) is located in Karnal, Haryana. Established in 1984, it is the premier nodal agency in India responsible for the identification, characterization, registration, and conservation of the country’s diverse animal genetic resources.

Notes:
Lasalgaon, located in Nashik district, Maharashtra, is widely recognized as Asia’s largest wholesale onion market. It plays an important role in onion price discovery, trade and distribution. The region’s substantial onion production has also supported initiatives such as the ‘Kanda Express’ rail service, aimed at transporting onions from surplus-producing areas of Maharashtra to deficit regions and helping stabilize onion prices.