Daily Current Affairs 21 August 2026

Q1 What significant milestone did the Indian pair Treesa and Gayatri achieve at the Badminton World Championships?

• AReached the semifinals and assured a medalCorrect
• BWon the gold medal
• CSet a new world record
• DQualified for the Olympics

Explanation Treesa and Gayatri reached the semifinals, assuring India a medal at the Badminton World Championships.

Q2 How long did the match last in which Treesa-Gayatri secured their semifinal win?

• AOne hour and nine minutesCorrect
• BTwo hours
• CForty-five minutes
• DNinety minutes

Explanation The Indian pair toiled for one hour and nine minutes to produce one of the biggest wins of their career.

Q3 What was notable about India's women's doubles medal at the 2026 Badminton World Championships?

• AIt ended a 15-year wait for a medal in women's doublesCorrect
• BIt was the first-ever medal in badminton for India
• CIt was won by a seeded pair
• DIt was the third consecutive medal in women's doubles

Explanation Treesa-Gayatri's medal ended India's 15-year wait for a women's doubles medal at the World Championships.

Q1 What was R. Praggnanandhaa's final standing in the Sinquefield Cup 2026?

• AFirst place after winning the tie-break
• BSecond place after losing the tie-breakCorrect
• CThird place
• DDid not qualify for the finals

Explanation Praggnanandhaa finished joint-top but lost the tie-break to Wesley So, placing second.

Q2 What did Praggnanandhaa secure by finishing joint-top at the Sinquefield Cup 2026?

• AA cash prize only
• BQualification for the Grand Chess Tour finalsCorrect
• CAn automatic world championship spot
• DA coaching position

Explanation By finishing joint-top, Praggnanandhaa secured a berth in the Grand Chess Tour finals.

Q3 Who defeated Praggnanandhaa in the tie-break at the Sinquefield Cup 2026?

• AMagnus Carlsen
• BFabiano Caruana
• CWesley SoCorrect
• DLevon Aronian

Explanation Praggnanandhaa lost the tie-break to Wesley So.

Q1 How did India advance to the next round in the Hockey World Cup against England?

• ABy winning with a large margin
• BBy a goalless draw and finishing second in the poolCorrect
• CBy defeating England in a penalty shootout
• DBy conceding fewer goals than England

Explanation India advanced by holding England to a goalless draw and finishing second in its pool.

Q2 What was a key factor in India holding on for a draw against England in the Hockey World Cup?

• AA last-minute goal by India
• BA crucial final-minute save by goalkeeper BichuCorrect
• CEngland missing several penalty corners
• DIndia scoring early in the match

Explanation Goalkeeper Bichu made a crucial final-minute save that helped India hold on for the draw.

Q3 What concern was noted about India's overall performance in the Hockey World Cup so far?

• AIndia has scored the most goals in the tournament
• BIndia has conceded eight goals and shown a drop in intensityCorrect
• CIndia has defeated all top sides convincingly
• DIndia has maintained strong control while defending leads

Explanation India has conceded eight goals and exhibited a drop in intensity and lack of control while defending leads.

Q1 What was the final score when India played Pakistan in the Men's Hockey World Cup 2026?

• A5-3 in favor of IndiaCorrect
• B3-5 in favor of Pakistan
• C2-2 draw
• D4-4 draw

Explanation India defeated Pakistan with a score of 5-3 in the Men's Hockey World Cup 2026.

Q2 What was India's position in Pool D before the match against Pakistan in the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

• AFirst with six points
• BSecond with three pointsCorrect
• CThird with zero points
• DFourth with one point

Explanation India was placed second in Pool D with three points from two games before the match.

Q3 What did India need from the match against Pakistan to qualify for the next round in the 2026 Hockey World Cup?

• AA win
• BAt least a drawCorrect
• CA loss
• DNo specific result needed

Explanation India needed at least a draw to secure qualification for the next round.

Q1 What percentage of anti-TB prescriptions in non-programmatic settings were found to be faulty according to the systematic review?

• A33.3%
• B53.3%Correct
• C63.3%
• D73.3%

Explanation The systematic review found that 53.3% of anti-TB prescriptions outside the national programme were faulty.

Q2 How many studies were included in the systematic review on TB prescriptions?

• A24
• B30
• C34Correct
• D40

Explanation The systematic review analyzed 34 studies to assess the quality of TB prescriptions.

Q3 What is the estimated annual number of potentially inappropriate TB prescriptions outside the national programme?

• A1-2 million
• B2-3 millionCorrect
• C3-4 million
• D4-5 million

Explanation The review estimated that 2 to 3 million TB prescriptions annually outside the national programme are potentially inappropriate.

Q1 How many Indian nationals were aboard the two commercial vessels hijacked by pirates off Yemen and Somalia in August 2026?

• A16
• B20
• C22Correct
• D26

Explanation A total of 22 Indian nationals were aboard the two hijacked vessels, as reported.

Q2 Which vessel carrying Indian crew members was hijacked near the coast of Yemen?

• AM/V LUTUF
• BM.T. Sibu 1Correct
• CINS Vikrant
• DM.T. Oceanic

Explanation The Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker M.T. Sibu 1 was hijacked near Yemen.

Q3 How many Indians were among the crew members aboard the M/V LUTUF hijacked off Somalia?

• A4
• B6Correct
• C10
• D16

Explanation Six Indians were among the 10 crew members aboard M/V LUTUF hijacked off Somalia.

Q1 What is the main focus of the recent agreement between India and Japan?

• AEconomic trade partnership
• BMaritime security cooperationCorrect
• CCultural exchange program
• DSpace technology collaboration

Explanation The agreement between India and Japan focuses on enhancing cooperation in maritime security.

Q2 What does the Memorandum of Understanding between India and Japan provide?

• AA framework for economic investment
• BA framework for advancing maritime security cooperationCorrect
• CA framework for educational exchange
• DA framework for joint space missions

Explanation The Memorandum provides a framework for further advancing cooperation in maritime security between India and Japan.

Q3 Which region is the focus of the maritime security cooperation between India and Japan?

• AArctic Ocean
• BIndo-PacificCorrect
• CMediterranean Sea
• DSouth Atlantic

Explanation The cooperation aims to ensure security and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime region.

Q1 Who was elected as Bangladesh's 23rd President in 2026?

• AMirza Fakhrul Islam AlamgirCorrect
• BOli Ahmed
• CSheikh Hasina
• DAbdul Hamid

Explanation Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected as Bangladesh's 23rd President in 2026.

Q2 What was significant about the 2026 presidential poll in Bangladesh?

• AIt was the first contested presidential poll since 1991Correct
• BIt was the first presidential election after independence
• CIt was an uncontested election
• DIt was held outside Dhaka

Explanation The 2026 presidential poll was the first contested presidential election in Bangladesh since 1991.

Q3 Where and when is Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir scheduled to take oath as President?

• AAugust 21 evening at Darbar Hall of BangabhabanCorrect
• BAugust 22 morning at National Assembly
• CAugust 20 evening at Prime Minister's Office
• DAugust 23 noon at Supreme Court

Explanation He will take oath on August 21 evening at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban.

Q1 What economic growth rate did RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta suggest India could achieve?

• A6.7%
• B7%Correct
• C7.5%
• D6%

Explanation Poonam Gupta said India's economic growth could near 7%, exceeding the RBI's forecast of 6.7%.

Q2 Which factors contributed to the optimistic economic growth outlook mentioned by Poonam Gupta?

• AStronger economic indicators and rising foreign investmentCorrect
• BDeclining exports and inflation
• CLower foreign investment and weak external accounts
• DHigh unemployment and inflation

Explanation The optimistic outlook is due to stronger-than-expected indicators, favorable external accounts, and rising foreign investment.

Q3 What market expectation is mentioned alongside the improved economic outlook?

• AA rate hike later this yearCorrect
• BA rate cut next year
• CStable interest rates
• DNo change in monetary policy

Explanation Markets are raising bets on a rate hike later this year due to the improved economic outlook.

Q1 What is the duration given to Canada's Fairfax to consolidate its holdings in the IDBI Bank deal?

• AOne year
• BTwo yearsCorrect
• CSix months
• DThree years

Explanation Fairfax is likely to be given up to two years to consolidate its holdings as per the sources.

Q2 What options does Fairfax have to consolidate its holdings in relation to the IDBI Bank deal?

• ASell its stake in CSB Bank or merge it with IDBI BankCorrect
• BBuy more shares in IDBI Bank
• CSell its stake in Life Insurance Corporation of India
• DMerge with the government stake in IDBI Bank

Explanation Fairfax may either sell its stake in CSB Bank or merge it with IDBI Bank to consolidate holdings.

Q3 Who currently holds the majority stake in IDBI Bank that is being sold?

• AGovernment of India and Life Insurance Corporation of IndiaCorrect
• BFairfax and CSB Bank
• CGovernment of Canada and Life Insurance Corporation of India
• DFairfax and Government of India

Explanation The majority stake in IDBI Bank is held by the Government of India and Life Insurance Corporation of India.

Q1 What is the value of the contract won by the L&T-MHI consortium for Al Maktoum International Airport?

• A₹3,000 crore
• B₹5,000 croreCorrect
• C₹7,000 crore
• D₹10,000 crore

Explanation The consortium won a contract worth up to ₹5,000 crore for the airport's APM infrastructure and systems.

Q2 Which entities are responsible for developing and implementing the Al Maktoum International Airport project?

• ADubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai Aviation Engineering ProjectsCorrect
• BDubai Airports and Emirates Group
• CL&T and MHI
• DDubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Airports

Explanation The project is developed by Dubai Aviation City Corporation and implemented by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects.

Q3 What is the scope of L&T's work in the Al Maktoum Airport project?

• AConstruction of runways and terminals
• BDesign, procurement, delivery, and integration of APM infrastructure and systemsCorrect
• CAirport security systems installation
• DAir traffic control systems development

Explanation L&T's scope includes design, procurement, delivery, and integration of key Automated People Mover infrastructure and systems.

Q1 What quantity of raw sugar has India permitted to be imported duty-free to control rising prices?

• A500,000 tonnes
• B1 million tonnesCorrect
• C2 million tonnes
• D5 million tonnes

Explanation India has allowed the import of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar duty-free under a tariff rate quota to address soaring domestic prices.

Q2 What was the domestic sugar price in New Delhi that prompted India's duty-free import decision?

• A₹45.50 per kg
• B₹50.00 per kg
• C₹55.70 per kgCorrect
• D₹60.00 per kg

Explanation Domestic sugar prices in New Delhi reached a record high of ₹55.70 per kg, leading to the government's decision to allow duty-free imports.

Q3 Which of the following measures did the Indian government take before allowing duty-free sugar imports?

• AIncreased export quotas
• BBanned sugar exports and tightened stock holding curbsCorrect
• CReduced sugar production
• DSubsidized sugar prices

Explanation Before permitting duty-free imports, the government banned sugar exports and tightened stock holding curbs to manage supply and prices.

Q1 What was the growth rate of India's core infrastructure sectors in July 2026?

• A5.4%Correct
• B6%
• C4.5%
• D7%

Explanation The core sector growth slowed to 5.4% in July 2026 as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry data.

Q2 Which sectors primarily drove the core sector expansion in July 2026?

• AIron ore, cement, electricityCorrect
• BNatural gas, crude oil, fertilizers
• CSteel, coal, textiles
• DAutomobiles, IT, agriculture

Explanation Iron ore, cement, and electricity sectors were the main drivers of growth in July 2026.

Q3 Which sectors experienced a decline in output in July 2026?

• ANatural gas, crude oil, fertilizersCorrect
• BIron ore, cement, electricity
• CCoal, steel, textiles
• DAutomobiles, IT, agriculture

Explanation Natural gas, crude oil, and fertilizers output dipped in July 2026.

Q1 What recent change did the DGFT make regarding rupee payments for exporters?

• ARupee payments through approved banking channels are now eligible for FTP benefitsCorrect
• BExporters must receive payments only in foreign currency
• CRupee payments are no longer accepted for exports
• DExporters must convert rupee payments to dollars immediately

Explanation DGFT has allowed rupee payments received through approved banking channels to be eligible for FTP benefits.

Q2 What is the main benefit of the eased rupee invoicing rules under the Foreign Trade Policy?

• AIt removes uncertainty over eligible rupee receipts and offers an alternative to foreign-currency settlementsCorrect
• BIt mandates all exporters to invoice only in rupees
• CIt restricts exporters from using approved banking channels
• DIt eliminates the need for exporters to follow any trade policy

Explanation The policy change removes uncertainty over eligible rupee receipts and provides exporters an alternative to conventional foreign-currency settlements.

Q1 What prompted the Vantara Zoo to announce a 'reset' in its operations?

• AConcerns about rapid acquisition of animals and import approval proceduresCorrect
• BFinancial difficulties faced by the zoo
• CExpansion plans to open new branches
• DPublic protests against the zoo

Explanation The zoo announced a reset due to concerns about its rapid acquisition of animals and questions about procedures for approving imports of protected species.

Q2 What is the main focus of the Vantara Zoo's overhaul?

• ARethinking procedures for approving imports of protected speciesCorrect
• BIncreasing the number of animals imported
• CBuilding new enclosures for animals
• DLaunching a new marketing campaign

Explanation The overhaul focuses on rethinking procedures for approving imports of protected species to address concerns.

Q1 What issue did IndiGo's website face recently?

• ATechnical disruption causing booking difficultiesCorrect
• BData breach compromising passenger information
• CComplete shutdown due to cyberattack
• DScheduled maintenance for website upgrade

Explanation IndiGo's website faced a technical disruption causing passengers to have difficulties booking flights.

Q2 How many times did IndiGo's website face booking problems in the reported week?

• AOnce
• BTwiceCorrect
• CThree times
• DFour times

Explanation The website faced booking problems for the second time in the same week.

Q3 What was known about the cause of IndiGo's website outage?

• AIt was due to a cyberattack
• BIt was caused by server overload
• CThe cause was not immediately clearCorrect
• DIt was due to scheduled maintenance

Explanation The cause of the outage was not immediately clear.

Q1 Who staged a dharna demanding the registration of an FIR over pellet injuries during the July 20 protest?

• ARahul GandhiCorrect
• BSahil Lochab
• CDelhi Police Commissioner
• DCJP leader

Explanation Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna at the Parliament Street police station demanding the FIR registration.

Q2 What was the age of Sahil Lochab, the youth injured by pellet guns during the July 20 protest?

• A17 years
• B18 years
• C19 yearsCorrect
• D20 years

Explanation Sahil Lochab was 19 years old when he suffered pellet injuries during the protest.

Q3 What action did Delhi Police take following Rahul Gandhi's dharna regarding the pellet injuries?

• AThey refused to register an FIR
• BThey registered an FIRCorrect
• CThey arrested Rahul Gandhi
• DThey dispersed the protest

Explanation Delhi Police decided to register an FIR over the pellet injuries after Rahul Gandhi's dharna.

Q1 What action has journalist Tarun Tejpal taken regarding his 2013 rape case conviction?

• AMoved the Supreme Court against his conviction and sentenceCorrect
• BAccepted the 10-year sentence
• CFiled a petition for bail in the lower court
• DSought a presidential pardon

Explanation Tarun Tejpal has moved the Supreme Court challenging his conviction and 10-year sentence in the 2013 rape case.

Q2 What recent petition did the State of Goa file in the Supreme Court related to Tarun Tejpal?

• ATo reduce his sentence to probation
• BTo enhance his punishment to life imprisonmentCorrect
• CTo acquit him of all charges
• DTo transfer the case to another state

Explanation The State of Goa filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking to enhance Tarun Tejpal's punishment to life imprisonment.

Q3 What is the duration of the sentence Tarun Tejpal is appealing against in the Supreme Court?

• A5 years
• B10 yearsCorrect
• CLife imprisonment
• D20 years

Explanation Tarun Tejpal is appealing against a 10-year sentence awarded in the 2013 rape case.

Q1 What was Sajjan Kumar convicted for by the Delhi High Court?

• ARole in the 1984 anti-Sikh riotsCorrect
• BCorruption charges
• CElectoral malpractice
• DTerrorism activities

Explanation Sajjan Kumar was convicted by the Delhi High Court for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Q2 At what age did Sajjan Kumar pass away while serving his sentence?

• A80
• B82
• C84Correct
• D86

Explanation Sajjan Kumar died at the age of 84 while serving a life sentence.

Q3 What specific incidents during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots was Sajjan Kumar linked to?

• AKilling of five Sikhs and burning of a gurdwaraCorrect
• BLooting of government offices
• CDestruction of public transport
• DAttacks on police stations

Explanation He was serving a life sentence related to the killing of five Sikhs and the burning of a gurdwara during the riots.

Q1 Why did IRDAI bar Acko General and Niva Bupa Health from opening new branches?

• AFor exceeding expenses over margin (EoM) limitsCorrect
• BFor violating customer privacy norms
• CFor failing to pay insurance claims on time
• DFor not filing annual reports

Explanation IRDAI barred the companies because they exceeded the prescribed expenses over margin (EoM) limits.

Q2 For how long has IRDAI barred Acko General and Niva Bupa Health from opening new branches?

• AThree months
• BSix monthsCorrect
• COne year
• DIndefinitely

Explanation The ban on opening new branches is for a period of six months.

Q3 What was the excess expenditure incurred by Niva Bupa Health Insurance as per IRDAI?

• A₹334.78 crore
• B₹248.37 croreCorrect
• C₹100 crore
• D₹500 crore

Explanation Niva Bupa incurred excess expenditure of ₹248.37 crore, leading to the regulatory action.