Daily Current Affairs 19 August 2026

Q1 What is the new annual coverage limit under Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme?

• A₹5 lakh
• B₹10 lakh
• C₹15 lakh
• D₹25 lakhCorrect

Explanation The coverage was increased five-fold from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh as announced by CM Vijay.

Q2 Which healthcare infrastructure development did Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announce recently?

• AA new cancer research center in Chennai
• BA multi-super speciality hospital at PeramburCorrect
• CExpansion of primary health centers in rural areas
• DA new medical college in Coimbatore

Explanation CM Vijay announced the establishment of a multi-super speciality hospital at Perambur.

Q3 How much funding has been allocated for the Cancer Care Mission in Tamil Nadu?

• A₹500 crore
• B₹674 croreCorrect
• C₹750 crore
• D₹1,000 crore

Explanation An allocation of ₹674 crore was announced for the Cancer Care Mission.

Q1 Which of the following was a notable feature of the TVK government's first 100 days in Tamil Nadu?

• ACabinet diversity and anti-corruption measuresCorrect
• BComplete fiscal transparency without dissent
• CElimination of all controversies
• DNo focus on welfare measures

Explanation The TVK government's first 100 days were marked by cabinet diversity, punctuality, and anti-corruption measures, alongside welfare initiatives.

Q2 What challenges did the TVK government face during its first 100 days?

• AFiscal prudence and transparency concernsCorrect
• BLack of any administrative reforms
• CNo controversies among lawmakers
• DComplete consensus within party cadres

Explanation Despite reforms, the government faced concerns over fiscal prudence, transparency, and dissent among lawmakers and party cadres.

Q3 What was the primary aim of the TVK government's new style of functioning?

• ADriving progress in Tamil NaduCorrect
• BReducing welfare schemes
• CIncreasing party cadre dissent
• DIgnoring fiscal consolidation

Explanation The new style of functioning aimed at driving progress in Tamil Nadu through reforms and welfare.

Q1 Who took a 10-wicket haul to help India win the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Galle?

• AManav SutharCorrect
• BVirat Kohli
• CJasprit Bumrah
• DRavindra Jadeja

Explanation Manav Suthar took 10 wickets in the match, leading India to victory.

Q2 By how many runs did India win the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Galle?

• A165 runsCorrect
• B206 runs
• C371 runs
• D100 runs

Explanation India won the match by 165 runs as per the match summary.

Q3 What was Sri Lanka's second innings total in the 1st Test against India?

• A206Correct
• B371
• C165
• D150

Explanation Sri Lanka was bowled out for 206 runs in their second innings.

Q1 What was Sri Lanka's total in their first innings on Day 3 of the Galle Test against India?

• A274
• B284Correct
• C462
• D178

Explanation Sri Lanka was all out for 284 in their first innings as per The Hindu report.

Q2 Which Indian bowler took four wickets in the Sri Lankan innings during the Galle Test?

• AJadeja
• BSutharCorrect
• CKuldeep Yadav
• DDevdutt Padikkal

Explanation Suthar claimed a four-for in the Sri Lankan innings, as mentioned in The Hindu.

Q3 What was the lead India had over Sri Lanka at the end of Day 3 in the Galle Test?

• A178 runsCorrect
• B146 runs
• C284 runs
• D462 runs

Explanation India led by 178 runs after Sri Lanka's first innings, according to Indian Express.

Q1 When did India play its 600th Test match?

• AAugust 15, 2026Correct
• BAugust 17, 2026
• CAugust 15, 2025
• DAugust 17, 2025

Explanation India crossed the 600-Test milestone on August 15, 2026, during the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Q2 Against which team did India play its 600th Test match?

• ASri LankaCorrect
• BAustralia
• CEngland
• DPakistan

Explanation India's 600th Test match was played against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Q3 Where was India's 600th Test match held?

• AGalleCorrect
• BMumbai
• CColombo
• DChennai

Explanation The 600th Test match was held in Galle, Sri Lanka.

Q1 What action did Donald Trump take regarding tariffs on Canadian goods in August 2026?

• AImposed 50% tariffs immediately
• BPaused 50% tariffs for three daysCorrect
• CRemoved all tariffs permanently
• DIncreased tariffs to 75%

Explanation Donald Trump announced a three-day pause on the 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.

Q2 When were the 50% tariffs on Canadian imports originally scheduled to take effect?

• A12:01 am on Wednesday (US time)Correct
• BMidnight on Tuesday (US time)
• C12:01 pm on Wednesday (US time)
• DMidnight on Thursday (US time)

Explanation The tariffs were supposed to take effect at 12:01 am on Wednesday (US time).

Q3 Which of the following products would have been affected by the 50% tariffs on Canadian imports?

• AAutomobiles and electronics
• BHockey sticks and tongue depressorsCorrect
• CAgricultural machinery and textiles
• DPharmaceuticals and chemicals

Explanation The tariffs would have impacted products ranging from hockey sticks to tongue depressors.

Q1 What is the total value of the contract Cognizant secured to modernise HMRC systems?

• A£360 millionCorrect
• B$97 million
• C£97 million
• D$360 million

Explanation The contract value is £360 million as stated in the source.

Q2 What is the duration of the contract awarded to Cognizant for HMRC system modernisation?

• AJuly 13, 2026 to July 12, 2031Correct
• BJanuary 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030
• CJuly 13, 2025 to July 12, 2030
• DAugust 1, 2026 to August 1, 2031

Explanation The contract runs from July 13, 2026 to July 12, 2031 as per the source.

Q3 Which of the following services is NOT mentioned as part of Cognizant's contract for HMRC?

• ALow-code development
• BConfiguration
• CDevOps
• DCloud hardware supplyCorrect

Explanation Cloud hardware supply is not mentioned; the contract covers low-code development, configuration, DevOps, and live service management.

Q1 Which country did the UAE accuse of firing ballistic missiles at its territory in August 2026?

• AIranCorrect
• BSaudi Arabia
• CIsrael
• DTurkey

Explanation The UAE Defence Ministry accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at its territory.

Q2 What warning was issued to UAE residents before the missile attack statement?

• AA brief phone alert about a potential missile threatCorrect
• BAn evacuation order
• CA weather warning
• DA curfew announcement

Explanation UAE residents received a brief phone alert warning them of a 'potential missile threat' nearly two hours before the official statement.

Q3 How many ballistic missiles did the UAE Defence Ministry say Iran fired at its territory?

• AOne
• BTwoCorrect
• CThree
• DFour

Explanation The UAE Defence Ministry stated that Iran fired two ballistic missiles at its territory.

Q1 What was the nature of the talks between Iran and Oman in August 2026?

• AFuture maritime navigation arrangements through the Strait of HormuzCorrect
• BA military alliance against Saudi Arabia
• CA trade agreement on oil exports
• DJoint development of nuclear technology

Explanation Iranian and Omani officials were discussing future maritime navigation arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz.

Q2 What threat did Donald Trump make regarding Oman in August 2026?

• AHe threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructed the Iran dealCorrect
• BHe threatened economic sanctions on Oman
• CHe offered military support to Oman
• DHe proposed a peace treaty between Oman and Iran

Explanation Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it got in the way of the Iran deal.

Q3 Which group targeted a Saudi military vessel in the Red Sea in August 2026?

• AYemen's Houthi rebelsCorrect
• BIranian naval forces
• COmani coast guard
• DUS Navy

Explanation Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a Saudi military vessel and four accompanying boats in the Red Sea.

Q1 What did Donald Trump cite to support the SAVE America Act?

• AIndia's voter identification systemCorrect
• BU.S. postal ballot statistics
• CIndia's election commission policies
• DVoter turnout in the U.S. elections

Explanation Trump cited India's voter identification system to make a case for the SAVE America Act.

Q2 According to Trump, what percentage of voters in India's recent general elections voted through postal ballots?

• ALess than 1%Correct
• BAbout 10%
• CAround 5%
• DMore than 20%

Explanation Trump stated that less than 1% of voters in India's recent general elections voted through postal ballots.

Q3 Who asked Donald Trump about holding U.S. elections without valid photo identification cards?

• AGyanesh KumarCorrect
• BAn Indian election official
• CA U.S. senator
• DA journalist from The Hindu

Explanation Trump mentioned that Gyanesh Kumar from India asked how U.S. elections could be held without valid photo identification cards.

Q1 What significant electoral document was published by Telangana for the year 2026?

• AFinal electoral rolls
• BDraft electoral rollsCorrect
• CVoter ID cards
• DPolling booth lists

Explanation Telangana published the draft electoral rolls for the year 2026.

Q2 What challenge was noted regarding the ASDD list published on Telangana CEO’s website?

• AIt was not available online
• BIt was published only in TeluguCorrect
• CIt was incomplete
• DIt was published only in English

Explanation The ASDD list was published only in Telugu, posing a challenge for those who cannot read the script.

Q3 Where was the ASDD list for Telangana SIR 2026 published?

• AIn local newspapers
• BOn the Telangana CEO’s websiteCorrect
• CAt polling stations
• DOn social media platforms

Explanation The ASDD list was published online on the Telangana CEO’s website.

Q1 What action did the Goa government take regarding Tarun Tejpal's 2013 rape case?

• AMoved Supreme Court seeking life imprisonmentCorrect
• BAppealed to Bombay High Court to acquit Tarun Tejpal
• CRequested reopening of the case on merit
• DSought reduction of Tarun Tejpal's sentence

Explanation The Goa government moved the Supreme Court seeking life imprisonment for Tarun Tejpal after his 10-year sentence by the Bombay High Court.

Q2 What was the Bombay High Court's sentence for Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 rape case?

• ALife imprisonment
• B10 years imprisonmentCorrect
• C5 years imprisonment
• DAcquittal

Explanation The Bombay High Court convicted Tarun Tejpal and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment.

Q3 What did the Goa government clarify about its petition to the Supreme Court?

• AIt wants to challenge the merit of the case
• BIt seeks to reopen the findings of the Bombay High Court
• CIt considers the sentence inadequate but does not challenge the findingsCorrect
• DIt wants to withdraw the case

Explanation The Goa government clarified that it considers the sentence inadequate but does not want to challenge or reopen the findings on merit recorded by the Bombay High Court.

Q1 Why was the Tata Sons AGM adjourned for the first time in 2026?

• ADue to absence of a joint representative from the two largest Tata TrustsCorrect
• BBecause of financial irregularities in the company
• CDue to a natural disaster affecting the venue
• DBecause N Chandrasekaran declined reappointment

Explanation The AGM was adjourned because the joint representative of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust was absent, causing a quorum shortfall.

Q2 What key agenda item was expected to be considered at the Tata Sons AGM in 2026?

• AApproval of a merger with another company
• BReappointment of N Chandrasekaran as a directorCorrect
• CAppointment of a new CEO from outside the Tata Group
• DSale of Tata Sons' assets

Explanation The AGM was expected to consider the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as a director.

Q3 Which financial period's statements were to be approved at the Tata Sons AGM before it was adjourned?

• A2024-25
• B2025-26Correct
• C2026-27
• D2023-24

Explanation The financial statements for the year 2025-26 were to be considered at the AGM.

Q1 How much has Investcorp invested in 20Cube 3PL Solutions?

• A₹100 crore
• B₹500 croreCorrect
• C₹1,000 crore
• D₹50 crore

Explanation Investcorp invested ₹500 crore in 20Cube 3PL Solutions as stated in the source.

Q2 What is Investcorp's plan for 20Cube 3PL Solutions after the investment?

• ATo sell the company
• BTo build it as a platform for organic expansion and acquisitionsCorrect
• CTo merge it with a competitor
• DTo exit the logistics sector

Explanation Investcorp aims to build 20Cube 3PL as a platform for organic expansion and acquisitions.

Q3 What is the broader financial target of Investcorp's India logistics push?

• A$500 million
• B$1 billionCorrect
• C$2 billion
• D$100 million

Explanation Investcorp plans a $1 billion push in India's logistics sector.

Q1 What is the valuation of chip designer Velaura AI after its recent funding round?

• AMore than $500 million
• BMore than $1 billionCorrect
• CMore than $2 billion
• DMore than $100 million

Explanation Velaura AI was valued at more than $1 billion in its recent funding round.

Q2 Which industry does Velaura AI operate in?

• APharmaceuticals
• BChip designCorrect
• CAutomobile manufacturing
• DE-commerce

Explanation Velaura AI is a chip designing company.

Q3 What significant milestone did Velaura AI achieve recently?

• ALaunched a new product
• BReached a valuation of over $1 billionCorrect
• CMerged with another company
• DOpened a new manufacturing plant

Explanation The company was valued at more than $1 billion in a funding round.

Q1 By what percentage did the Airports Authority of India's profit fall in FY26?

• A9.8%Correct
• B16%
• C6.5%
• DFlat

Explanation AAI's profit fell by 9.8% to ₹6,522 crore in FY26 as per the source.

Q2 What was ReNew's net profit in Q1 and how much did it increase year-on-year?

• A₹595.3 crore, 16% increaseCorrect
• B₹6,522 crore, 9.8% increase
• C₹4,786.4 crore, 16% increase
• D₹595.3 crore, 9.8% increase

Explanation ReNew's net profit rose 16% to ₹595.3 crore in Q1, with total income also growing by around 16%.

Q3 What factor contributed to the decline in AAI's profit in FY26?

• ADecline in airport lease incomeCorrect
• BIncrease in operational costs
• CDecrease in passenger traffic
• DRise in fuel prices

Explanation The decline in AAI's profit was partly due to a decline in airport lease income.

Q1 What was the closing value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar on August 17, 2026?

• A95.50
• B95.59
• C95.61Correct
• D95.68

Explanation The rupee closed at 95.61 against the US dollar on August 17, 2026, after depreciating by 19 paise.

Q2 Which factor contributed to the depreciation of the Indian rupee on August 17, 2026?

• ADecrease in crude oil prices
• BEarlier-than-expected closure of the concessional FCN (B) forex-swap facilityCorrect
• CStrengthening of the US-Iran deal
• DIncrease in foreign direct investment inflows

Explanation The Reserve Bank of India's earlier-than-expected closure of the concessional FCN (B) forex-swap facility raised concerns over future dollar inflows, contributing to the rupee's depreciation.

Q3 What was the approximate price of Brent crude oil influencing the rupee's fall on August 17, 2026?

• A$80 per barrel
• B$85 per barrel
• C$91 per barrelCorrect
• D$100 per barrel

Explanation Brent crude oil was near $91 per barrel, increasing oil-related dollar demand and impacting the rupee's value.

Q1 What is the primary goal of NASA’s Moon Base programme?

• ATo establish a permanent human outpost at the Moon’s south poleCorrect
• BTo send a rover to Mars
• CTo build a space station orbiting Earth
• DTo mine asteroids for resources

Explanation NASA aims to establish a lunar outpost at the Moon's south pole where astronauts will live and conduct scientific activities.

Q2 Why is India’s participation in NASA’s Moon Base programme significant?

• AIt allows India to lead the programme
• BIt helps India advance in space technology and scientific researchCorrect
• CIt gives India exclusive rights to Moon resources
• DIt enables India to send the first human to Mars

Explanation India’s involvement will help it gain advancements in space technology and scientific knowledge.

Q3 Where on the Moon does NASA plan to establish the lunar outpost?

• ANear the Moon’s equator
• BAt the Moon’s north pole
• CAt the Moon’s south poleCorrect
• DOn the far side of the Moon

Explanation The lunar outpost is planned specifically at the Moon’s south pole.

Q1 Which company now controls Sammaan Capital after the Supreme Court hearing?

• AInternational Holding Company PJSC (IHC)Correct
• BState Bank of India
• CHDFC Bank
• DICICI Bank

Explanation Sammaan Capital is now controlled by Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company PJSC (IHC) after the Supreme Court hearing.

Q2 How much did IHC invest in Sammaan Capital?

• AUSD 500 million
• BUSD 1 billionCorrect
• CUSD 2 billion
• DUSD 750 million

Explanation IHC invested USD 1 billion in Sammaan Capital.

Q3 How long was the legal overhang on Sammaan Capital before it was resolved?

• A5 years
• B7 yearsCorrect
• C10 years
• D3 years

Explanation Sammaan Capital drew curtain on a 7-year legal overhang after the Supreme Court hearing.

Q1 What percentage of L&T Finance's total loan book is expected to come from the gold loan business in the next five years?

• AOver 10%Correct
• B5%
• C15%
• D20%

Explanation L&T Finance expects the gold loan business to contribute over 10% to its total loan book in the next five years.

Q2 How many new branches does L&T Finance plan to set up each year till 2031 to scale up its gold loan business?

• AAt least 500Correct
• BAt least 100
• CAt least 1000
• DAt least 250

Explanation The NBFC plans to set up at least 500 new branches each year till 2031 to expand its gold loan business.

Q1 What is the expected loan book size of PNB Housing Finance in the current financial year?

• A₹50,000 crore
• B₹1 lakh croreCorrect
• C₹2 lakh crore
• D₹75,000 crore

Explanation PNB Housing Finance's loan book is expected to cross ₹1 lakh crore in the current financial year.

Q2 What is the likely composition ratio of prime and affordable housing to emerging markets in PNB Housing Finance's loan book?

• A60:40
• B55:45Correct
• C50:50
• D45:55

Explanation The composition of prime and affordable housing to emerging markets is likely to shift to 55:45 in the overall loan book.

Q3 Which higher-yielding segment is PNB Housing Finance focusing on?

• ACommercial real estate
• BMicro housing financeCorrect
• CLuxury housing
• DAgricultural loans

Explanation PNB Housing Finance is targeting higher-yielding segments such as micro housing finance.