Daily Current Affairs

31 August 2026 Current Affairs

Read the latest 31 August 2026 Current Affairs covering India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership, SCO Summit, uranium supply, IST rules, forex reserves, PM SVANidhi, Cauvery water dispute, freight lines, polymer banknotes and more for competitive exams.

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18 Topics

10 MCQ Questions

International Relations

India–Uzbekistan Relations Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Why in News

India and Uzbekistan upgraded bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Narendra Modi’s Tashkent visit. Both sides set a $5 billion annual bilateral trade target by 2030 and agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, critical minerals, healthcare, agriculture and digital infrastructure.

Highlights

India-Uzbekistan ties upgraded

$5 billion trade target for 2030

cooperation expanded across strategic sectors.

Important Facts

Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s capital; the partnership provides a broad framework for long-term bilateral cooperation.

Static GK

Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s capital; the partnership provides a broad framework for long-term bilateral cooperation.

Exam Importance

India–Uzbekistan Relations Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

India-Uzbekistan = Strategic Partnership + $5 Billion Trade + Critical Minerals.

Important Terms

India–Uzbekistan Relations Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic

International Relations

India and Uzbekistan Move Towards Long-Term Uranium Supply

Why in News

India and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a framework for long-term uranium supply for India’s civil nuclear-energy programme. The move is important for nuclear fuel security and diversification of India’s uranium sources.

Highlights

Long-term uranium framework

supports civil nuclear programme

diversifies nuclear fuel sources.

Important Facts

Uranium is used as nuclear fuel; diversified suppliers strengthen energy security.

Static GK

Uranium is used as nuclear fuel; diversified suppliers strengthen energy security.

Exam Importance

India and Uzbekistan Move Towards Long-Term Uranium Supply is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Uranium Supply = Nuclear Fuel Security + Diversification.

Important Terms

India and Uzbekistan Move Towards Long-Term

International Relations

PM Modi Receives Uzbekistan’s Highest State Honour

Why in News

Uzbekistan conferred the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, its highest state honour for foreign leaders, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The award recognises his contribution to strengthening India-Uzbekistan relations.

Highlights

Modi received Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order

honour presented during Tashkent visit

award recognises bilateral ties.

Important Facts

The honour is associated with Uzbekistan’s recognition of foreign leaders; Tashkent hosted the ceremony.

Static GK

The honour is associated with Uzbekistan’s recognition of foreign leaders; Tashkent hosted the ceremony.

Exam Importance

PM Modi Receives Uzbekistan’s Highest State Honour is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Modi’s Uzbekistan Honour = Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order.

Important Terms

PM Modi Receives Uzbekistan’s Highest State

International Relations

26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Begins in Bishkek

Why in News

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit being held on 31 August–1 September. Leaders discuss regional security, connectivity, trade and cooperation.

Highlights

26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

India participating

security, connectivity and trade are key themes.

Important Facts

SCO was established in 2001; Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyz Republic.

Static GK

SCO was established in 2001; Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyz Republic.

Exam Importance

26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Begins in Bishkek is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

SCO = Security + Connectivity + Cooperation.

Important Terms

26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Begins

International Relations

India–Chile Trade Agreement Talks Accelerated

Why in News

India is aiming to conclude a trade agreement with Chile this year. Talks focus on market access and bilateral trade; India’s exports to Chile were around $1.2 billion against imports of about $5 billion, with minerals a major factor.

Highlights

Trade agreement talks accelerated

market access in focus

minerals contribute to trade imbalance.

Important Facts

Chile is in South America; trade agreements can reduce barriers and expand market access.

Static GK

Chile is in South America; trade agreements can reduce barriers and expand market access.

Exam Importance

India–Chile Trade Agreement Talks Accelerated is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

India-Chile = Trade Talks + Market Access + Minerals.

Important Terms

India–Chile Trade Agreement Talks Accelerated

Governance

Government Makes Indian Standard Time the Common Official Reference

Why in News

The government notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026, making IST the common reference for legal, administrative, commercial and official purposes. The rules take effect after 180 days and support synchronisation of banking, telecom, transport and digital systems.

Highlights

IST made common official reference

rules take effect after 180 days

system synchronisation supported.

Important Facts

IST is based on 82.5°E longitude and is UTC+5:30.

Static GK

IST is based on 82.5°E longitude and is UTC+5:30.

Exam Importance

Government Makes Indian Standard Time the Common Official Reference is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

IST = 82.5°E + UTC 5:30.

Important Terms

Government Makes Indian Standard Time the

Economy

India’s Forex Reserves Reach Record $729.33 Billion

Why in News

India’s foreign-exchange reserves reached a record $729.33 billion for the week ended 21 August 2026. Reserves rose about $12.42 billion in one week, strengthening India’s external-sector buffer.

Highlights

Record $729.33 billion

weekly rise of $12.42 billion

external-sector resilience strengthened.

Important Facts

RBI publishes weekly reserve data; reserves include foreign-currency assets, gold, SDRs and reserve tranche position.

Static GK

RBI publishes weekly reserve data; reserves include foreign-currency assets, gold, SDRs and reserve tranche position.

Exam Importance

India’s Forex Reserves Reach Record $729.33 Billion is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Forex Reserves = FCA + Gold + SDRs + RTP.

Important Terms

India’s Forex Reserves Reach Record $729.33

Governance

PM Modi Calls for Drug-Free Youth

Why in News

In the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi called on youth to support the “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” campaign. He also highlighted cleanliness, women-led entrepreneurship, innovation and preservation of history.

Highlights

Drug-free youth campaign highlighted

cleanliness and innovation discussed

women entrepreneurship featured.

Important Facts

Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio programme by the Prime Minister.

Static GK

Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio programme by the Prime Minister.

Exam Importance

PM Modi Calls for Drug-Free Youth is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Nasha Mukt Yuva = Drug-Free Youth + Viksit Bharat.

Important Terms

PM Modi Calls for Drug-Free Youth

Government Schemes

PM SVANidhi Highlights Women Street Vendors

Why in News

PM Modi highlighted how PM SVANidhi has helped women street vendors expand businesses and improve family incomes. Around 46% of beneficiaries are women, while the scheme provides collateral-free working-capital support to urban street vendors.

Highlights

46% beneficiaries are women

collateral-free working capital

supports street-vendor entrepreneurship.

Important Facts

PM SVANidhi stands for PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi.

Static GK

PM SVANidhi stands for PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi.

Exam Importance

PM SVANidhi Highlights Women Street Vendors is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

PM SVANidhi = Street Vendors + Working Capital + Women Entrepreneurship.

Important Terms

PM SVANidhi Highlights Women Street Vendors

Polity

Tamil Nadu Approaches Supreme Court Over Cauvery Water

Why in News

Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court seeking release of its pending Cauvery water share. The matter again highlights the inter-state river-water sharing framework involving Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Highlights

Tamil Nadu moved Supreme Court

Cauvery water share sought

inter-state water dispute in focus.

Important Facts

Article 262 concerns adjudication of inter-state river-water disputes; Cauvery is shared by southern states.

Static GK

Article 262 concerns adjudication of inter-state river-water disputes; Cauvery is shared by southern states.

Exam Importance

Tamil Nadu Approaches Supreme Court Over Cauvery Water is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Cauvery = Tamil Nadu + Karnataka + Inter-State Water Dispute.

Important Terms

Tamil Nadu Approaches Supreme Court Over

Railways

Indian Railways Plans Six Freight Lines with Private Participation

Why in News

Indian Railways plans six freight railway lines covering about 647 km with private participation. The projects are proposed under the Hybrid Annuity Model, with 40% of project cost provided by government during construction and 60% financed by private parties.

Highlights

Six freight lines

about 647 km

HAM model with 40:60 government-private construction financing.

Important Facts

Hybrid Annuity Model is a public-private infrastructure financing structure.

Static GK

Hybrid Annuity Model is a public-private infrastructure financing structure.

Exam Importance

Indian Railways Plans Six Freight Lines with Private Participation is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

HAM = 40% Government + 60% Private.

Important Terms

Indian Railways Plans Six Freight Lines

Economy

India Moves Closer to Polymer Banknotes

Why in News

India’s currency-printing system has moved closer to possible polymer banknotes, initially being considered for lower denominations. Bidders for polymer substrate must meet stringent security and supply-chain conditions.

Highlights

Polymer notes considered for lower denominations

strict substrate security conditions

modernisation of currency printing.

Important Facts

Polymer banknotes use a flexible polymer substrate and can offer greater durability.

Static GK

Polymer banknotes use a flexible polymer substrate and can offer greater durability.

Exam Importance

India Moves Closer to Polymer Banknotes is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Polymer Notes = Durability + Security + Modern Currency.

Important Terms

India Moves Closer to Polymer Banknotes

Government Schemes

PM Modi Highlights Women Empowerment Through PM SVANidhi

Why in News

The latest Mann Ki Baat highlighted women street vendors who used PM SVANidhi credit to expand their businesses. The programme aims to improve access to formal credit and strengthen the economic position of street vendors.

Highlights

Women vendors highlighted

formal credit access improved

business expansion supported.

Important Facts

PM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working-capital loans to eligible urban street vendors.

Static GK

PM SVANidhi provides collateral-free working-capital loans to eligible urban street vendors.

Exam Importance

PM Modi Highlights Women Empowerment Through PM SVANidhi is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

PM SVANidhi = Credit + Street Vendors + Women Empowerment.

Important Terms

PM Modi Highlights Women Empowerment Through

Sports

88th Fit India Sundays on Cycle Held

Why in News

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya participated in the 88th Fit India Sundays on Cycle event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The special edition around National Sports Day promoted cycling, fitness and active lifestyles.

Highlights

88th event held in New Delhi

Mansukh Mandaviya participated

cycling and fitness promoted.

Important Facts

Fit India promotes fitness and active lifestyles across India.

Static GK

Fit India promotes fitness and active lifestyles across India.

Exam Importance

88th Fit India Sundays on Cycle Held is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Fit India = Cycling + Fitness + Active Lifestyle.

Important Terms

88th Fit India Sundays on Cycle

Sports

IIT Madras Introduces New Three-Team Sport — Phiball

Why in News

IIT Madras introduced Phiball, a competitive invasion sport involving three teams simultaneously rather than the conventional two. The sport combines elements of existing team sports and is being developed as an innovative sporting format.

Highlights

Phiball introduced

three teams play simultaneously

new invasion-sport format.

Important Facts

Invasion games involve teams attacking or controlling an opponent’s territory to score.

Static GK

Invasion games involve teams attacking or controlling an opponent’s territory to score.

Exam Importance

IIT Madras Introduces New Three-Team Sport — Phiball is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Phiball = Three Teams + Invasion Sport.

Important Terms

IIT Madras Introduces New Three-Team Sport

Sports

Lallianzuala Chhangte Named Best Indian Footballer

Why in News

Indian footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte was recognised as the Best Indian Footballer of 2026 by the Football Players’ Association of India. The award recognises his club and national-team performances.

Highlights

Chhangte named Best Indian Footballer 2026

FPAI gave the recognition

club and national performances cited.

Important Facts

FPAI represents professional football players in India.

Static GK

FPAI represents professional football players in India.

Exam Importance

Lallianzuala Chhangte Named Best Indian Footballer is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Chhangte = Best Indian Footballer 2026.

Important Terms

Lallianzuala Chhangte Named Best Indian Footballer

Education

NIFT Combined Convocation 2026

Why in News

The National Institute of Fashion Technology is holding its Combined Convocation 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together graduates from 18 NIFT campuses. The event highlights India’s fashion, design and creative-education ecosystem.

Highlights

Combined convocation in New Delhi

18 campuses represented

fashion and design education highlighted.

Important Facts

NIFT is under the Ministry of Textiles and is a premier fashion-education institution.

Static GK

NIFT is under the Ministry of Textiles and is a premier fashion-education institution.

Exam Importance

NIFT Combined Convocation 2026 is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

NIFT = Fashion + Design + 18 Campuses.

Important Terms

NIFT Combined Convocation 2026

International Relations

India Continues Humanitarian Assistance to Flood-Hit Nepal

Why in News

India is continuing humanitarian assistance to Nepal following devastating flash floods, including rescue and relief support. Additional relief supplies and technical assistance are being sent, while Indian nationals stranded in affected areas are being evacuated.

Highlights

Humanitarian assistance continues

relief and technical support provided

stranded Indians evacuated.

Important Facts

Nepal is a neighbouring Himalayan country; humanitarian assistance can include relief, rescue and evacuation.

Static GK

Nepal is a neighbouring Himalayan country; humanitarian assistance can include relief, rescue and evacuation.

Exam Importance

India Continues Humanitarian Assistance to Flood-Hit Nepal is important for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway and State PSC examinations.

Memory Trick

Nepal Floods = Relief + Rescue + Evacuation.

Important Terms

India Continues Humanitarian Assistance to Flood-Hit

Type	Daily
Published
Updated	31 Aug 2026
Difficulty	Easy
Author	JobHarGhar Editorial Team

Quick Revision

Revise all important points in a few minutes.

India–Uzbekistan Relations Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

India and Uzbekistan Move Towards Long-Term Uranium Supply

PM Modi Receives Uzbekistan’s Highest State Honour

26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit Begins in Bishkek

India–Chile Trade Agreement Talks Accelerated

Government Makes Indian Standard Time the Common Official Reference

India’s Forex Reserves Reach Record $729.33 Billion

PM Modi Calls for Drug-Free Youth

PM SVANidhi Highlights Women Street Vendors

Tamil Nadu Approaches Supreme Court Over Cauvery Water

Indian Railways Plans Six Freight Lines with Private Participation

India Moves Closer to Polymer Banknotes

PM Modi Highlights Women Empowerment Through PM SVANidhi

88th Fit India Sundays on Cycle Held

IIT Madras Introduces New Three-Team Sport — Phiball

Lallianzuala Chhangte Named Best Indian Footballer

NIFT Combined Convocation 2026

India Continues Humanitarian Assistance to Flood-Hit Nepal