Weekly Current Affairs: 31 August to 5 September 2026
A comprehensive compilation of important current affairs from 31 August to 5 September 2026, covering National, International, Economy, Banking & Finance, Defence, Science & Technology, Environment, Sports, Awards, Appointments, Government Schemes, Important Days and other important developments for SSC, Banking, RRB, UPSC and other competitive examinations.
1. National Affairs
The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 31 August to 1 September 2026.
The 2026 SCO Summit marked the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented India at the SCO Summit.
The Bishkek Declaration was adopted at the summit.
Pakistan assumed the SCO Presidency for 2026–27.
Lahore, Pakistan, was designated as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27.
English was recognised as an official and working language of the SCO.
The summit approved several agreements and documents covering areas such as climate change, energy, nuclear safety, drug control and emergency assistance.
India proposed initiatives including the SCO Young Scientists Forum, SCO Young Authors Conference and SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum.
India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
India and Uzbekistan signed 11 agreements and MoUs covering healthcare, education, culture, tourism, digital payments, IT, mining and environment.
India and Uzbekistan set a target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.
India announced a USD 1 million grant for afforestation and environmental rehabilitation in the Aral Sea region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Uzbekistan's Order of Oliy Darajali Do’stlik (Order of Highest Friendship).
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited India from 2 to 4 September 2026.
India and Germany strengthened cooperation in environmental protection through a Joint Declaration on Wetland Conservation.
The Archaeological Survey of India declared Gollala Gudi Temple in Palampet, Mulugu district, Telangana, a Monument of National Importance.
Gollala Gudi Temple is a Trikutalaya, containing three sanctums.
The temple is located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple.
The government constituted a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The JPC comprises 21 Lok Sabha members and 10 Rajya Sabha members.
Sanjay Jaiswal was appointed Chairman of the JPC.
Bihar and Jharkhand signed an agreement resolving their nearly 25-year-old Sone River water-sharing dispute.
Under the agreement, Bihar will receive 5.75 million acre-feet (MAF) and Jharkhand 2 MAF from the 7.75 MAF allocation under the 1973 Bansagar Agreement.
The Sone River agreement became the fourth major inter-state water agreement of 2026.
National Accounts Statistics 2026 was released with 2022–23 as the new base year for national accounts estimates.
The revised statistical framework incorporates new indicators including the Producer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production and Banking Services Price Index.
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2022–23 and 2023–24 editions were released.
The Gender Parity Index in higher education reached 1.08 in 2023–24.
The Gender Parity Index remained above 1 for the seventh consecutive year.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 for the development of India's ornamental fisheries sector.
Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 focuses on scientific management, biosecurity, quality assurance and regulatory compliance in ornamental fisheries.
The government launched the 5th edition of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026.
The campaign focuses on ocean conservation, marine litter management and coastal cleanliness.
The campaign is scheduled to culminate around International Coastal Cleanup Day.
The Central Adoption Resource Authority launched Adoption Awareness 2026.
The campaign theme is “Legal Adoption. Safe Childhood. Secure Future. Say No to Illegal Adoption!”
NABARD and the India Meteorological Department signed an MoU to integrate agro-meteorological data into the Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture (DiCRA) platform.
The International Big Cat Alliance and Asian Development Bank signed an MoU on landscape conservation, sustainable development and nature-positive financing.
2. International Affairs
The 26th SCO Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The SCO completed 25 years in 2026.
Pakistan assumed the SCO Presidency for 2026–27.
Lahore was selected as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27.
The SCO adopted the Bishkek Declaration.
India and Uzbekistan upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
India and Uzbekistan agreed to work towards USD 5 billion bilateral trade by 2030.
India received the Order of Oliy Darajali Do’stlik, Uzbekistan's highest state honour, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India secured Dialogue Partner status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
GCAP is a sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan.
The GCAP programme is associated with the development of the next-generation Tempest fighter aircraft.
The UNCCD COP17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
A new global drought-resilience architecture was launched during COP17.
The International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO) entered its second phase.
The Drought Resilience Index (DRI) uses advanced and AI-based tools to assess drought resilience.
The Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF) aims to mobilise up to USD 400 million for drought resilience.
Egypt was selected to host UNCCD COP18 in 2028 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Ülle Madise was elected President of Estonia.
Ülle Madise received 71 votes in the 101-member Riigikogu.
She will assume office on 12 October 2026.
Ülle Madise will become Estonia's second woman President.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited India from 2–4 September 2026.
3. Economy and Finance
India's real GDP growth reached 7.8% in Q1 FY2026–27.
India's Q1 FY27 GDP growth increased from 6.9% in Q1 FY2025–26.
GDP at constant prices stood at approximately Rs 81.36 lakh crore in Q1 FY2026–27.
GDP at current prices stood at approximately Rs 88.27 lakh crore.
India's GVA growth stood at approximately 8.2% in Q1 FY27.
The manufacturing sector recorded approximately 9.2% growth.
The services sector recorded approximately 10% growth during Q1 FY27.
SBI Research raised India's FY2026–27 GDP growth forecast to 7.3%.
SBI Research earlier estimated India's FY27 growth at around 6.6%.
India's August 2026 gross GST collection stood at approximately Rs 1,99,853 crore.
August GST collection registered approximately 14.8% year-on-year growth.
Net GST collection after refunds stood at around Rs 1,68,057 crore.
Gross GST collection during April–August 2026 crossed approximately Rs 10.43 lakh crore.
India's foreign exchange reserves reached a record USD 740.80 billion for the week ended 28 August 2026.
India's forex reserves increased by approximately USD 11.47 billion in one week.
The forex reserves registered their ninth consecutive weekly increase.
Foreign Currency Assets stood at approximately USD 600.67 billion.
Gold reserves stood at approximately USD 116.41 billion.
SDR holdings stood at approximately USD 18.81 billion.
India's reserve tranche position stood at approximately USD 4.91 billion.
More than USD 136 billion flowed into India through special foreign-exchange schemes designed to attract overseas dollar deposits and other inflows.
The Indian rupee strengthened to around Rs 94.95 per US dollar on 1 September.
India's August 2026 Manufacturing PMI declined to 52.8.
The PMI reading indicated continued manufacturing expansion, although at the weakest pace in around five years.
Manufacturing employment recorded a decline for the first time in approximately two-and-a-half years.
The government continued developing the Index of Services Production (ISP).
The trial ISP covers 19 services sub-sectors.
In June 2026, 18 of the 19 services sub-sectors recorded year-on-year growth.
Real estate recorded the highest growth among the services sub-sectors at approximately 24.7%.
4. Banking and Financial Sector
Suman Ray was appointed as an Executive Director of the Reserve Bank of India with effect from 1 September 2026.
Suman Ray has more than 30 years of experience in banking and financial-sector related areas.
His areas of experience include currency management, financial inclusion, payment systems, consumer protection and human resources.
He will oversee the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) and the RBI Premises Department.
Carol Kripanayana Furtado was approved as interim MD and CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
Her appointment is for three months or until a permanent successor is appointed.
SEBI granted a Category-I Merchant Banking licence to Zerodha Corporate Advisors.
Zerodha became the 249th registered merchant banker in India.
A Category-I merchant banker can undertake activities such as IPO management, FPOs, underwriting and capital-market advisory.
The minimum net worth requirement for a Category-I merchant banker is Rs 50 crore.
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day.
IPPB launched DakPay Sound Box.
IPPB also launched a Digital Insurance Technology Platform.
A Digital Mutual Fund Platform was also introduced by IPPB.
IPPB had approximately 13.25 crore customers as of 31 March 2026.
Around 77% of IPPB customers were from rural areas.
Women accounted for around 49% of IPPB customers.
IPPB's total customer deposits stood at approximately Rs 29,104 crore.
LIC launched two new insurance plans: LIC Bima Platinum (Plan 770) and LIC Jeevan Raksha (Plan 894).
The launches coincided with the 70th anniversary of LIC.
NCDEX launched RAINCHNNAI, a rainfall-based weather derivatives contract for Chennai.
RAINCHNNAI covers the September–December rainfall period.
The product is designed to help businesses manage financial risks associated with rainfall variations.
Axis Bank and Scapia launched the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card.
The card is targeted mainly at travel-focused customers.
ICICI Bank acquired an additional 2% stake in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance for approximately Rs 1,470 crore.
The transaction involved around 2.90 crore equity shares.
Government e-Marketplace and the Textiles Committee signed an MoU to promote procurement of recycled and upcycled textile products.
5. Defence and Security
The Indian Army signed a USD 93 million agreement with the United States for nearly 100 FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems.
The procurement package includes missiles, command launch units, training equipment, simulators, spares and lifecycle support.
The Javelin is a medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile.
It can operate in both top-attack and direct-attack modes.
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited signed a strategic agreement with Thales to manufacture 70-mm rocket systems in India.
The proposed production includes both unguided and laser-guided variants.
The first fully assembled Indian-made system is expected in early 2027.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released RAKSHA, a 10-year defence diplomacy framework.
RAKSHA outlines India's long-term approach towards strengthening international defence partnerships.
A Rs 472 crore T-72 and T-90 tank overhaul facility was established at Vehicle Factory Jabalpur.
The facility is planned to overhaul around 80 tanks annually.
The Indian Navy commissioned the second indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) Nipun.
Nipun has approximately 75% indigenous content.
The vessel can support saturation diving operations up to 300 metres.
Its remotely operated vehicles can operate up to 1,000 metres.
Nipun can support Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel operations and submarine rescue missions.
6. Science and Technology
ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, an Earth observation satellite.
EOS-05 was launched using the GSLV-F17.
The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
The Centre for Development of Telematics unveiled 14 indigenous quantum products.
The products focus on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
The technologies are intended to strengthen communication security against future quantum-computing threats.
IISc established the Foundation for Quantum Computing Infrastructure (FQCI).
India's National Quantum Mission has an outlay of approximately Rs 6,003.65 crore.
The National Quantum Mission covers the period 2023–24 to 2030–31.
The mission aims to develop quantum computers in the 50–1,000 qubit range.
NIELIT and Intel India launched programmes focused on Agentic AI skilling.
The programmes include Agentic AI for Everyone and Engineering Agentic AI Systems.
The government launched BIO-NIVESH, aimed at connecting biotechnology startups with investors.
BIO-NIVESH seeks to increase private investment in scalable biotechnology innovations.
Tata Elxsi and Sarla Aviation signed an MoU for the development of Shunya, a six-seater-plus-pilot electric VTOL aircraft platform.
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
The telescope is named after Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first Chief of Astronomy.
Nancy Grace Roman is popularly known as the “Mother of Hubble.”
7. Environment and Climate
A new subterranean fish species, Gangaichthys indonepalicus, was reported from the Indo-Gangetic Basin in Bihar.
It represents the first recorded subterranean fish from the Gangetic Basin and Indo-Gangetic Plain.
The species belongs to the Chaudhuriidae family.
NABARD and IMD strengthened cooperation for climate-resilient agriculture through the DiCRA platform.
The International Big Cat Alliance and Asian Development Bank signed an MoU focusing on nature-positive financing and landscape conservation.
The fifth edition of Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026 was launched.
The campaign focuses on marine litter reduction and coastal conservation.
OIL Green Energy signed agreements with four Haryana municipalities for integrated Compressed Biogas and Waste-to-Energy projects.
The projects cover Gurugram, Faridabad, Hisar and Ambala.
The projects are designed to process approximately 5,000 tonnes of municipal waste per day.
They are expected to generate approximately 70–75 tonnes of CBG per day.
The projects are expected to generate nearly 50 MW of green power.
8. Sports Affairs
Cricket
India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in the Women's Asia Cup 2026.
Pakistan was bowled out for just 55 runs.
Shree Charani and Prema Rawat took three wickets each for India.
Deepti Sharma took two wickets.
India chased the target in just 8.4 overs.
The victory was India's third consecutive win in the tournament.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy.
Hockey
Germany won the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
Germany defeated Spain 1–0 in the final.
Germany's victory gave it a record-equalling fourth Men's Hockey World Cup title.
Argentina won the Women's Hockey World Cup.
Argentina defeated the Netherlands in a shootout in the final.
The 2026 Hockey World Cup was jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
Tennis
The US Open 2026 continued in New York.
Coco Gauff progressed to the fourth round.
Iga Swiatek and Mirra Andreeva also progressed in the tournament.
Several leading players were eliminated during the second week of the competition.
Football
Lallianzuala Chhangte was named Indian Footballer of the Year 2026.
Manisha Kalyan was named Indian Women's Player of the Year 2026.
East Bengal was recognised as the ISL Champions for the 2025–26 season.
Squash
Indian squash player Velavan Senthilkumar won the PSA Budapest Open.
He defeated Hungary's Balazs Farkas in the final.
9. Awards and Honours
The 68th Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2026 were announced.
The three recipients were:
Tommy Koh — Singapore
Runa Khan — Bangladesh
Bo Kyi — Myanmar
Tommy Koh was recognised for promoting international dialogue and cooperation.
Runa Khan was recognised for her work in Bangladesh through Friendship.
Bo Kyi was recognised for his work concerning political prisoners and human-rights documentation in Myanmar.
The Ramon Magsaysay Awards will be formally presented in Manila on 15 November 2026.
Each recipient receives a medallion, certificate and USD 50,000 cash prize.
Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Federer retired in 2022 after winning 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
He won a record eight Wimbledon men's singles titles.
The Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2024 were announced.
The National Teachers Awards 2026 recognised teachers and educators across school education, higher education and skill development.
A total of 82 teachers and educators were selected for the National Teachers Awards 2026.
The awardees included 48 school teachers, 21 higher education/polytechnic faculty members and 13 skill trainers.
10. Important Appointments
Suman Ray — Executive Director, RBI.
Carol Kripanayana Furtado — Interim MD & CEO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
Ülle Madise — President-elect of Estonia.
Jeetendra Mishra, retired Air Marshal — first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Nirmala Yadav — first woman trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Ashish Shelar — President of the Esports Games Federation.
Dr. Vinaya Prakash Singh — re-elected Secretary-General of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) for a second consecutive term.
11. Government Schemes and Initiatives
Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 — development of India's ornamental fisheries sector.
BIO-NIVESH — connects biotechnology startups with investors.
Adoption Awareness 2026 — promotes legal and safe adoption.
RAKSHA — India's 10-year defence diplomacy framework.
Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026 — marine and coastal conservation campaign.
DiCRA Weather Portal — supports climate-resilient agriculture through weather data.
Agentic AI Skilling Programme — develops skills related to AI agents.
Waste-to-Value-to-Market initiative — promotes recycled and upcycled textile procurement.
Creating Intergenerational Bonding initiative — seeks to strengthen relationships between children, parents and grandparents.
The Creating Intergenerational Bonding programme will initially be implemented in 200 pilot schools.
12. Important Days and Themes
31 August — International Day for People of African Descent
Observed annually on 31 August.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly.
First observed in 2021.
2026 Theme: “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent.”
1–7 September — National Nutrition Week
Observed annually in India from 1 to 7 September.
Focuses on nutrition awareness, balanced diets and healthy eating.
2 September — World Coconut Day
Observed annually on 2 September.
Marks the establishment of the organisation now known as the International Coconut Community.
2026 Theme: “Coconuts in Times of Uncertainty: Securing Food, Energy, and Livelihoods.”
India is a member of the International Coconut Community.
4 September — World Sexual Health Day
Observed annually on 4 September.
2026 Theme: “Every Body.”
5 September — Teachers' Day
Observed in India on 5 September.
It marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was India's first Vice President and second President.
National Teachers Awards are presented as part of Teachers' Day celebrations.
13. Important Facts for Competitive Exams
SCO Headquarters: Beijing, China
SCO Established: 2001
2026 SCO Summit: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
SCO Presidency 2026–27: Pakistan
SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital 2026–27: Lahore
RBI Headquarters: Mumbai
RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra
RBI Established: 1 April 1935
NABARD Headquarters: Mumbai
NABARD Established: 12 July 1982
IPPB Established: 2017
IPPB Foundation Day: 1 September
National Quantum Mission Outlay: Rs 6,003.65 crore
National Quantum Mission Period: 2023–24 to 2030–31
Quantum Computer Target: 50–1,000 qubits
Gollala Gudi Temple: Palampet, Mulugu district, Telangana
Architectural Style: Trikutalaya
Nearby UNESCO Site: Ramappa Temple
DiCRA: Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture
RAKSHA: India's 10-year defence diplomacy framework
GCAP: Global Combat Air Programme
GCAP Partners: UK, Italy and Japan
Javelin: FGM-148 anti-tank guided missile
EOS-05 Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F17
EOS-05 Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Ramon Magsaysay Award 2026 Recipients: Tommy Koh, Runa Khan and Bo Kyi
Ramon Magsaysay Award: Named after former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay
World Coconut Day: 2 September
World Sexual Health Day: 4 September
Teachers' Day: 5 September
National Nutrition Week: 1–7 September
14. Top 30 One-Liners for Quick Revision
Where was the 26th SCO Summit held? — Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Which country assumed the SCO Presidency for 2026–27? — Pakistan.
Which city became SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27? — Lahore.
India upgraded its relationship with which country to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership? — Uzbekistan.
India-Uzbekistan bilateral trade target by 2030? — USD 5 billion.
India's Q1 FY2026–27 GDP growth? — 7.8%.
SBI Research's FY2026–27 GDP forecast? — 7.3%.
August 2026 GST collection? — Rs 1,99,853 crore.
India's record forex reserves? — USD 740.80 billion.
Who was appointed RBI Executive Director? — Suman Ray.
Which company received a Category-I Merchant Banking licence from SEBI? — Zerodha Corporate Advisors.
IPPB completed how many years? — 9 years.
Which satellite was launched by GSLV-F17? — EOS-05.
What is the outlay of the National Quantum Mission? — Rs 6,003.65 crore.
What is BIO-NIVESH? — A platform connecting biotechnology startups with investors.
What is RAKSHA? — India's 10-year defence diplomacy framework.
Which temple was declared a Monument of National Importance? — Gollala Gudi Temple.
Which mission focuses on ornamental fisheries? — Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031.
Who was elected President of Estonia? — Ülle Madise.
Which country won the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2026? — Germany.
Which country won the Women's Hockey World Cup 2026? — Argentina.
Who won the Indian Footballer of the Year 2026 award? — Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Who won the Indian Women's Player of the Year award? — Manisha Kalyan.
Who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame? — Roger Federer.
Who were the three Ramon Magsaysay Award 2026 recipients? — Tommy Koh, Runa Khan and Bo Kyi.
When is World Coconut Day observed? — 2 September.
What is the 2026 World Coconut Day theme? — “Coconuts in Times of Uncertainty: Securing Food, Energy, and Livelihoods.”
When is Teachers' Day observed in India? — 5 September.
Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan? — India's first Vice President and second President.
How many National Teachers Award recipients were selected in 2026? — 82.