Current affairs — 21 August 2026

Prelims pointers

• USGS reported a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Peru’s southern Andes on August 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. local time.
• The quake was centred 38 kilometres northwest of Upahuacho in Parinacochas province of the Ayacucho region.
• The earthquake had a reported depth of 66.7 kilometres and was felt in southern regions including Ica and Arequipa.
• Peru forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterised by frequent seismic activity.
• A magnitude 7.9 earthquake in a province of Peru’s Ica region in 2007 killed nearly 600 people.

Prelims pointers

• The Gaganyaan crew module is expected to hit the atmosphere at about 7,500–8,000 metres per second during orbital re-entry.
• More than 99% of the re-entering module’s kinetic energy will be dissipated into the atmosphere as heat energy.
• A small portion of re-entry heat directed back toward the module would still be sufficient to melt it without thermal protection.
• Ascending rockets accelerate slowly through the atmosphere in order to keep mechanical loads on the vehicle to a minimum.
• Gaganyaan’s returning crew module requires a robust thermal protection system, and the article identifies an ablative heat shield as its protection concept.

Prelims pointers

• From 2005–2025, over 86% of GWAS participants in the NHGRI-EBI catalogue were of European ancestry, while South Asians were below 1%.
• A 2023 study found that polygenic risk scores for multiple sclerosis were less accurate when applied to South Asian populations.
• GenomeIndia was launched in 2020 and has identified more than 40 million genetic variants unique to the Indian population.
• South Asian resources include GenomeIndia, Phenome India, Longevity India, the Sri Lankan Twin Registry Biobank and Pakistan Genome Resource.
• A study of more than 13,500 samples across three major single-cell resources found European overrepresentation and Asian and Latino underrepresentation.

Prelims pointers

• By 20 August 2026, 29 FDI investments worth a proposed ₹4,895.65 crore had been reported under the revised framework.
• Press Note 2 of 2026 was followed by an amendment to the FEMA Non-debt Instruments Rules, 2019, notified on 1 May 2026.
• The revised framework applies the beneficial-ownership test at the level of the investor entity.
• Non-controlling ownership of up to 10% from land-bordering countries may enter through the automatic route, subject to applicable conditions.
• Press Note 3 of 2020 had required prior approval for investors with beneficial ownership from countries sharing a land border with India.

Prelims pointers

• MeitY notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme with a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore.
• The five-year scheme runs from FY 2026-27 through FY 2030-31 and contains two target segments.
• TS1 offers differentiated incentives from 2.25% to 5% for mobile-phone manufacturing.
• TS2 offers 5% for Indian brands plus 3% for Indian design and R&D, with a possible one-year gestation period.
• Both segments can receive up to 1.5% additional incentive for domestic sourcing of key components or sub-assemblies.

Prelims pointers

• Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 is the third edition and is also identified as TCQ 3.0.
• The Territorial Army launched the national-level hackathon in collaboration with CyberPeace.
• Bug Hunting uses an online Capture-the-Flag qualifier and an in-person live-sandbox finale.
• AI Kavach focuses on predictive threat intelligence, automated defence mechanisms and anomaly detection.
• The Creators Challenge addresses deepfakes, phishing, online scams and misinformation through awareness campaigns.

Prelims pointers

• The India-Brazil telecommunications and ICT MoU was signed on the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track meeting in Pune.
• The signatories were Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Brazilian Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho.
• Covered technologies include AI, 5G, 6G, Open RAN, IoT and direct-to-device connectivity.
• The framework includes low-Earth-orbit satellites, non-terrestrial networks, spectrum and satellite-orbit management.
• The MoU also covers optical fibre, submarine cables, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and consumer protection.

Prelims pointers

• The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune under India's chairship on 21 August 2026.
• India's ICT-track theme was 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform for a Resilient Future'.
• The four pillars included resilient ICT ecosystems, trustworthy ICT, digital skilling, and startups and entrepreneurship.
• The seventh BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs met from 17 to 19 August 2026.
• Associated meetings included the BRICS Institute of Future Networks and a Focus Group on Digital Public Infrastructure.

Prelims pointers

• PM-AASHA was launched in September 2018 as a unified framework for agricultural price-support mechanisms.
• Its four components are PSS, PSF, PDPS and the Market Intervention Scheme.
• PSS mainly procures pulses, oilseeds and copra at MSP through agencies including NAFED and NCCF.
• PDPS pays the MSP-market price gap without physical procurement, capped at 15% of MSP value.
• The Market Intervention Scheme activates for covered perishables when prices fall by at least 10% from normal-season rates.

Prelims pointers

• The Ahmedabad event was NFRA’s sixth outreach programme in a series that commenced in 2025.
• Its theme was ‘Creating a Better Financial Reporting Ecosystem’, with a focus on small and medium auditors.
• It was the second outreach held with ICAI; the first joint programme was in Pune in June 2026.
• Technical sessions covered audit strategy documentation and the risk of material misstatements.
• The outreach initiative has involved representatives of more than 450 small and medium audit firms.

Prelims pointers

• Mission Shakti has two sub-schemes: Sambal for safety and security and Samarthya for empowerment-related components.
• Of 1,033 approved One Stop Centres, 991 are functional and have assisted more than 15.20 lakh women.
• PMMVY provides ₹5,000 for the first child in two instalments and ₹6,000 for a second child if the child is a girl.
• SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women was launched on 1 April 2022 under Samarthya.
• The release reports 36 State Hubs and 765 District Hubs for Empowerment of Women as functional.

Prelims pointers

• The BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communiqué 2026 is also referred to as the Jaipur Declaration.
• Nine BRICS member states participated in the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held under India’s Chairship.
• The Declaration’s four priorities include AI, sustainable tourism, skilling and seamless travel facilitation.
• The communiqué supports responsible, safe and human-centred use of artificial intelligence in tourism.
• India held tourism-related bilateral meetings with Brazil, Iran, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Prelims pointers

• The interaction at Seva Teerth included founders and CEOs of 20 Indian space startups.
• Participating firms covered rockets, reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satellites and advanced propulsion systems.
• Other represented fields included space-debris removal and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence.
• The Prime Minister suggested collaboration between agricultural space-technology firms, agricultural universities and departments.
• Closer collaboration with Atal Tinkering Labs was proposed to build children's curiosity and interest in space.

Prelims pointers

• Retail sugar prices rose from ₹48.18 per kg on 20 July 2026 to ₹55.70 per kg on 20 August 2026.
• Current-season sugar production was expected at about 306 LMT against an initial State estimate of about 343 LMT.
• A 400-tonne stock limit applies to sugar dealers from 1 August to 30 November 2026.
• The Government permitted duty-free import of 10 LMT of raw sugar to augment domestic availability.
• Sugar diversion to ethanol declined from about 12% in 2022-23 to about 9% in 2025-26.

Prelims pointers

• The 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Kumar Singh and UK Permanent Under Secretary Jeremy Pocklington.
• Defence R&D cooperation was reviewed under the India-UK Vision 2035 and a ten-year Defence Industrial Roadmap.
• The two sides agreed to expand joint exercises, training and capacity-building exchanges between their armed forces.
• A Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence is linked to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

Prelims pointers

• The H1N1 review examined Influenza-like Illness and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection trends.
• Preparedness checks included hospital beds, oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, medicines and diagnostics.
• The Union Health Secretary wrote to all States and Union Territories on 10 July 2026 about acute respiratory illness preparedness.
• The Minister emphasised early detection, timely testing, clinical management and use of surveillance and laboratory networks.
• Public precautions highlighted in the release included respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene.

Prelims pointers

• The 14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group meeting was held in Dehradun on 20–21 August 2026.
• Pausumi Basu led the Indian delegation and Ananda Kafle led the Nepali delegation.
• The agenda included trans-border crime, encroachments and maintenance of boundary pillars.
• Border infrastructure discussions covered Integrated Check Posts, roads and railway networks.
• The next Joint Working Group meeting will be held in Nepal on a mutually convenient date.

Prelims pointers

• QBUSE estimated 8.67 crore unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in April-June 2026, up 9.20% year on year.
• Estimated employment was 13.70 crore, representing year-on-year growth of 6.55%.
• Working owners constituted 62.38% of workers, while hired workers accounted for 22.77%.
• Around 82% of establishments used the internet for entrepreneurial purposes and nearly 80% used cashless modes.
• QBUSE covers unincorporated manufacturing, trade and other services but excludes construction.

Prelims pointers

• NHAI and the National Road Safety Board met at NHAI headquarters in New Delhi for a comprehensive highway-safety review.
• The review covered road-safety audits, black spots, speed management, emergency response and post-crash care.
• Technology tools cited included Advanced Traffic Management Systems, predictive AI and digital mapping of ambulances.
• The NRSB Chairman called for identification of the country's top ten accident-prone locations.
• First-aid training for toll-plaza personnel was proposed to strengthen immediate response to crash victims.

Prelims pointers

• A total of ₹30.81 crore was released under the four SC and OBC scholarship categories cited for 2025-26.
• The SC post-matric component accounted for ₹20.80 crore of the reported releases in East Godavari.
• Scholarship assistance is transferred directly into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through the DBT mechanism.
• States and Union Territories act as implementing agencies and process and verify scholarship applications.
• Central-share release depends on the State or UT share being disbursed and verified data reaching the National Scholarship Portal.

Prelims pointers

• Capital dredging worth ₹352 crore gives Paradip Port an 18.5-metre draft for fully laden Capesize vessels.
• The Atharbanki bridge is 500 metres long and serves a corridor used by nearly 3,000 trucks each day.
• Paradip plans to increase berth mechanisation from 80% to 100% by the year 2030.
• Three concession agreements worth ₹1,580.36 crore cover projects of 5 MTPA, 8 MTPA and 10 MTPA.
• The new vessel-traffic system can monitor movement up to 20 nautical miles and includes AIS and oil-spill monitoring.

Prelims pointers

• The Chennai meeting was the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting.
• India’s BRICS Presidency theme for 2026 is ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’.
• BRICS STI cooperation includes young-scientist exchanges, research infrastructure and thematic working groups.
• The address identified artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and photonics among emerging fields.
• Indian initiatives cited included the National Quantum Mission, BioE3 Policy and National Geospatial Policy.

Prelims pointers

• The National Campaign on Entrepreneurship-II operates under DAY-NRLM from 21 August to 21 November 2026.
• The campaign targets entrepreneurship and livelihood training for five lakh women belonging to self-help groups.
• CRP-EPs and BDSPs will be recognised as ‘Udyam Sakhis’ to improve the visibility of enterprise-promotion cadres.
• The campaign aims to support formalisation of 50,000 enterprises and orient 50,000 community cadres.
• It seeks to onboard 25,000 SHG members on e-commerce platforms including ONDC and Government e-Marketplace.

Prelims pointers

• AgriStack's three core registries are the Farmers' Registry, Crop Sown Registry and geo-referenced village maps.
• AgriStack uses a federated architecture in which States and Union Territories own and manage their registries.
• The Digital Crop Survey was operational across 31.36 crore plots in 648 districts.
• More than 10 crore unique Farmer IDs and 5.52 lakh geo-referenced village maps had been created.
• e-Jagriti unifies digital dispute resolution across National, State and District Consumer Commissions.

Prelims pointers

• The release describes the new criminal-justice framework as victim-centric rather than punishment-centric.
• Zero FIR and e-FIR are among the procedural features highlighted in the Home Minister's address.
• Forensic visits and reports were stated to be mandatory where the prescribed punishment exceeds seven years.
• Courts were stated to be judicially bound to accept electronic documents under the new framework.
• The address summarised the approach through three Ts: Technology, Transparency and Timeline.

Prelims pointers

• India and ADB signed a $230-million loan for Chennai's climate-resilient water and sewerage project.
• The project will construct more than 170 km of water-supply pipes and sewer pipes.
• Seven water-pumping stations and 38 sewer-pumping stations are to be upgraded.
• Chennai is to become the first Indian city with a comprehensive ring-main water-supply solution.
• The project will use technology to eliminate hazardous manual sewer inspections and improve blockage detection.

Prelims pointers

• E20 targets ethanol equal to 20% of the petrol used in transport vehicles, using ethanol produced in India.
• The government’s ethanol production target for the blending push was 10–11 billion litres.
• India’s distillery capacity has expanded to approximately 18–20 billion litres from around 500 distilleries.
• Oil companies contracted to procure about 10.5 billion litres of ethanol for the ethanol year, which runs from November to October.
• The government told the Lok Sabha that the ethanol blending programme had saved around ₹2 lakh crore in foreign exchange.

Prelims pointers

• RBI’s consolidated guidelines permit premature redemption of Sovereign Gold Bonds after five years from issue.
• The relevant consolidated procedural guidelines were issued through an RBI circular dated 22 October 2021.
• The calendar covers premature-redemption dates from 1 October 2026 through 31 March 2027.
• Investors may submit requests through receiving offices, NSDL, CDSL or RBI Retail Direct.
• RBI stated that scheduled dates may change if unscheduled holidays affect the calendar.

Prelims pointers

• Press Note 3 of 2020 originally required government approval for FDI from countries that share a land border with India.
• A March 2026 amendment permits the automatic route when ownership by an entity from a land-border country is up to 10%.
• By August 20, 2026, 29 FDI investments worth a proposed ₹4,895.65 crore had been reported under the revised framework.
• The reported investments cover IT, artificial intelligence, information and communication, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centres and transport services.
• The 29 proposals came from entities in jurisdictions including Mauritius, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Luxembourg and the Cayman Islands.

Prelims pointers

• India’s retirement-income replacement rate is about 35–40%, while the globally cited benchmark is roughly 60% of last pay.
• PFRDA aims to cover 30 crore people through NPS and APY over the next four to five years; NPS currently has about 2.2 crore subscribers.
• PFRDA is developing StAR NPS with BSE and NPS Tatkal with NPCI and BHIM, while NPS contributions can also be made through UPI.
• Around 5% of the pension corpus is in alternative assets, including REITs, InvITs and AIFs, as PFRDA seeks more resilient returns.
• NPS Vatsalya has crossed four lakh unique customers, and NPS Swasthya is designed to combine pension savings, a health corpus and top-up health insurance.

Prelims pointers

• PNGRB authorised approximately 1,800 km of LPG pipelines involving about ₹7,000 crore in investment.
• The three authorised projects span Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Goa.
• GAIL (India) Limited will develop all three LPG pipeline projects described in the report.
• The Cherlapally-Nagpur, Jhansi-Sitarganj and Shikrapur-Goa-Hubli routes measure 556 km, 611 km and 633 km respectively.
• The projects are expected to expand the LPG pipeline network from about 7,700 km to about 9,500 km.

Prelims pointers

• The disputed Kuril Islands are known in Japan as the Northern Territories and have long strained Japan-Russia relations.
• The Soviet Union seized the disputed islands in 1945 and subsequently expelled their Japanese population.
• Japan protested Russia’s notification of a planned missile test off the islands on August 21, 2026.
• Russia’s Pacific Fleet said it struck targets simulating enemy ships off the Southern Kuril Islands at a distance exceeding 300 kilometres.
• Japan-Russia ties worsened after the Ukraine conflict began in 2022, with Japan joining other G7 states in sanctioning Moscow and aiding Kyiv.

Prelims pointers

• The 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting was held in Chennai on August 21, 2026.
• India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• BRICS STI cooperation includes research collaboration, innovation partnerships, young-scientist exchanges, research infrastructure and thematic working groups.
• The minister listed advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, geospatial technologies and high-performance computing as emerging technologies.
• India cited the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, BioE3 Policy, National Geospatial Policy and Digital Public Infrastructure ecosystem.

Prelims pointers

• India’s total foreign-exchange reserves were $716.907 billion on August 14, 2026, including foreign-currency assets of $581.851 billion.
• Gold reserves were valued at $111.417 billion, SDR holdings at $18.740 billion and the IMF reserve position at $4.899 billion.
• Scheduled commercial-bank aggregate deposits stood at ₹269.414 lakh crore and bank credit at ₹220.781 lakh crore on July 31, 2026.
• Broad money M3 stood at ₹322.813 lakh crore on July 31, 2026; time deposits with banks accounted for ₹243.873 lakh crore.
• From December 15, 2025, the revised statutory definition of a fortnight uses the 15th and last calendar day of a month instead of alternate Fridays.

Prelims pointers

• The Patna High Court examined noise enforcement in Surendra Prasad vs State of Bihar during a February 2025 hearing.
• Justice Rajiv Roy directed the Bihar State Pollution Control Board to obtain police reports on permissions and action against noise sources.
• Courts have repeatedly held that the right under Article 21 includes protection from unlawful noise.
• The High Court directed DJs, sound-system operators and event halls to register with subdivisional authorities.
• Loudspeakers were directed to stop at 9.55 p.m., five minutes before the law’s 10 p.m. cut-off.